bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inference on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae data through SMC2
Authors: Rimella L , Alderton S , Sammarro M , Rowlingson B , Cocker D , Feasey N , Fearnhead P , Jewell C
Published: July 2023

We propose a novel stochastic model for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in a population, together with an efficient algorithm for fitting such a model to sample data. We introduce an individual-based model for the epidemic, with the state of the model determining which individuals are colonised by the bacteria. The transmission rate of the epidemic takes into account both individuals’ locations, individuals’ covariates, seasonality, and environmental effects. The state of our model is only partially observed, with data consisting of test results from individuals from a sample of households. Fitting our model to data is challenging due to the large state space of our model. We develop an efficient SMC2 algorithm to estimate parameters and compare models for the transmission rate. We implement this algorithm in a computationally efficient manner by using the scale invariance properties of the underlying epidemic model. Our motivating application focuses on the dynamics of community-acquired extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, using data collected as part of the Drivers of Resistance in Uganda and Malawi project. We infer the parameters of the model and learn key epidemic quantities such as the effective reproduction number, spatial distribution of prevalence, household cluster dynamics, and seasonality.
Severe pulmonary valve insufficiency caused by transjugular cannulation of pulmonary artery for right ventricular assist device: diagnosis and surgical solution—a case report
Authors: Wert Leonhard , Lanmüller Pia , Ott Sascha , Mulzer Johanna , Starck Christoph T , Falk Volkmar , Potapov Evgenij V
Published: July 2023

Implantation of a temporary percutaneous right ventricular assist device (RVAD) in patients with right heart failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is an established technique that may cause complications. We present a 60-year-old male patient who underwent urgent LVAD implantation. On the second postoperative day the patient developed acute right heart failure. We implanted a temporary percutaneous RVAD with two cannulas via the right internal jugular vein and the right femoral vein. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary insufficiency. After performing re-sternotomy we anastomosed a prosthetic graft to the pulmonary trunk (PT), performed subxiphoid tunneling of the graft and replaced the transjugular outflow cannula. The pulmonary regurgitation caused by the percutaneous transvalvular cannula disappeared. In such case a direct anastomosis to the PT is the solution.
Unveiling the mystery of sigmoid volvulus with multiple adhesions—an unusual case report
Authors: Jatoth Surendar , Suvvari Tarun K , J Shashank , Afsar Aiman P , Ravipati Shivani , Mukkamala Lakshmi S , Thomas Vimal
Published: July 2023

Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention. We present a case report of a 30-year-old male with recurrent intestinal obstruction due to sigmoid volvulus. Our case highlights the challenges associated with managing recurrent intestinal obstructions caused by adhesions following surgical interventions for sigmoid volvulus. It emphasizes the need for careful evaluation and meticulous surgical techniques to minimize the risk of adhesion formation and subsequent complications.
There’s Something Bad in the Packs: A Vernacular Aramaic Phrase in al-Ṭabarī’s and al-Masʿūdī’s Histories?
Authors: Leube Georg , Häberl Charles G
Published: July 2023

Although Aramaic was spoken throughout the Middle East before the Muslim Conquest and continues to be spoken by communities across the region and beyond, evidence for its spoken forms is scarce before the early modern period. One rare such witness is a stray Aramaic phrase, transcribed and translated into Arabic, which appears within the Taʾrīx of al-Ṭabarī (d. 923 ce) and the Murūj al-ḏahab of al-Masʿūdī (d. 956 ce). Its immediate context is a narrative concerning the conflict between Tadmur/Palmyra and al-Ḥīra contemporary with the rise of the Sasanians. Based upon its attested versions and the morpho-syntactic evidence of the phrase itself, we nonetheless conclude that it likely represents a vernacular form of ʿIrāqī Aramaic which must have been transparent within Arabic-Islamic scholarly milieus of the second and third century AH/eighth and ninth century ce, rather than an authentically transmitted Aramaic proverb from the third century ce.
Injuries and medical emergencies among international travellers
Authors: Potin Mathieu , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Genton Blaise
Published: July 2023

Background

Tropical infectious diseases and vaccine-preventable emergencies are the mainstay of pre-travel consultations. However, non-communicable diseases, injuries and accidents that occur during travel are not emphasized enough in these settings.

Methods

We performed a narrative review based on a literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, UpToDate, DynaMed and LiSSa and on reference textbooks and medical journals dedicated to travel, emergency and wilderness medicine. Relevant secondary references were extracted. We also aimed to discuss newer or neglected issues, such as medical tourism, Coronavirus Disease 2019, exacerbations of co-morbidities associated with international travel, insurance coverage, health care seeking abroad, medical evacuation or repatriation and tips for different types of travellers’ emergency medical kits (personal, group, physician handled).

Results

All sources reviewed led to the selection of >170 references. Among epidemiological data on morbidity and deaths while abroad, only retrospective data are available. Deaths are estimated to occur in 1 in 100 000 travellers, with 40% caused by trauma and 60% by diseases, and <3% linked to infectious diseases. Trauma and other injuries acquired during travel, such as traffic accidents and drowning, can be reduced by up to 85% with simple preventive recommendations such as avoiding simultaneous alcohol intake. In-flight emergencies occur on 1 in 604 flights on average. Thrombosis risk is two to three times greater for travellers than for non-travellers. Fever during or after travel can occur in 2–4% of travellers, but in up to 25–30% in tertiary centres. Traveller’s diarrhoea, although rarely severe, is the most common disease associated with travel. Autochthonous emergencies (acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, dental abscess) can also occur.

Conclusions

Pre-travel medicine encounters must include the topic of injuries and medical emergencies, such as the risk-taking behaviours and foster better planning in a comprehensive approach along with vaccines and infectious diseases advices.
The inhibitory effect of copper, zinc, and manganese on Legionella longbeachae and other Legionella spp. in vitro
Authors: Jun Hyunwoo , Scott-Thomas Amy , Slow Sandy , Williman Jonathan , Murdoch David R , Chambers Stephen T
Published: July 2023

Legionella longbeachae is an important cause of Legionnaires’ disease in Australasia and is associated with exposure to potting soils. Our aim was to identify ways to reduce the load of L. longbeachae in potting soils. Inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) of an all-purpose potting mix showed copper (Cu) concentrations (mg/kg) range from 15.8 to 23.6. Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were significantly higher than Cu ranging from 88.6–106 to 171–203, respectively. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 10 salts used in the horticultural industry were determined for Legionella species in buffered yeast extract (BYE) broth. For L. longbeachae (n = 9) the median (range) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (mg/L) of copper sulfate was 31.25 (15.6–31.25), zinc sulfate 31.25 (7.81–31.25), and manganese sulfate 31.25 (7.81–62.5). The MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were within one dilution of each other. Susceptibility to Cu and Zn salts increased as the concentration of pyrophosphate iron in the media decreased. The MIC values for these three metals against Legionella pneumophila (n = 3) and Legionella micdadei (n = 4) were similar. Combinations of Cu, Zn, and Mn were additive. Legionella longbeachae has similar susceptibility to Cu and other metal ions in comparison to L. pneumophila.
Vitamin D Abuse in Pursuit of “Gains” Resulting in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Mason Nicholas , Sweet Lauren M , Wills Zachary , Schall Sarah
Published: July 2023

Vitamin toxicity represents an increasingly frequent clinical diagnosis and can be difficult to initially recognize given the plethora of over-the-counter supplements available. The young, active, and heavily male population of the military is especially susceptible to such supplementation pitfalls. Here we present the case of acute renal failure with hypercalcemia that was found to be secondary to unrecognized high-dose over-the-counter vitamin supplementation and subsequent vitamin D hypervitaminosis initiated by the patient in the hope of boosting testosterone production. This clinical scenario demonstrates the dangers of easily accessible, often seemingly benign supplements and the need for greater education and awareness of supplementation use.
Designing a Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Study at the U.S. Air Force Academy: Using Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 to Test a Sentinel System for Early Disease Outbreak Detection
Authors: Goodwin Jordan M , Golder Philip M , LeClair Amy R , Jun Samuel C , Huckstep Odaro J , Steel J Jordan , Balboni Armand L
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) in wastewater has been proposed as a sentinel surveillance epidemiological tool for detection of infectious disease at a community level and as a complementary approach to syndromic surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks. We have designed a study to test the presence and quantity of SARS-CoV2, the virus responsible for COVID19, in the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Materials and Methods

Wastewater samples were tested in the laboratory to quantify the amount of SARS-CoV2 RNA using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Raw SARS-CoV2 viral titer in wastewater was normalized to the viral titer of a fecal marker, pepper mild mottle virus, to correct for dilutions. Temporal and spatial trends of COVID19 were analyzed. Furthermore, we compared wastewater analysis results against clinical data to assist public health decisions.

Results

Preliminary data suggest that wastewater analysis can provide temporal and spatial trends of COVID19. The geographically discrete WWTF at the U.S. Air Force suggests that wastewater testing is a useful approach to developing a comprehensive sentinel surveillance system.

Conclusions

Together with ongoing syndromic surveillance data, this proof-of-concept study seeks to determine whether early detection of SARS-CoV2 in a closed system WWTF correlates to changes in community and clinically reported COVID19. The well-documented population served by the geographically discrete WWTF at the U.S. Air Force Academy may serve to better elucidate the adjunctive role of wastewater testing in a comprehensive surveillance system. These results may be of particular interest to the DoD and local commanders given the WWTFs under their immediate control and the information that these studies may provide in support of operational readiness through early detection of disease outbreaks.
JWST observations of dust reservoirs in type IIP supernovae 2004et and 2017eaw
Authors: Shahbandeh Melissa , Sarangi Arkaprabha , Temim Tea , Szalai Tamás , Fox Ori D , Tinyanont Samaporn , Dwek Eli , Dessart Luc , Filippenko Alexei V , Brink Thomas G , Foley Ryan J , Jencson Jacob , Pierel Justin , Zsíros Szanna , Rest Armin , Zheng WeiKang , Andrews Jennifer , Clayton Geoffrey C , De Kishalay , Engesser Michael , Gezari Suvi , Gomez Sebastian , Gonzaga Shireen , Johansson Joel , Kasliwal Mansi , Lau Ryan , De Looze Ilse , Marston Anthony , Milisavljevic Dan , O’Steen Richard , Siebert Matthew , Skrutskie Michael , Smith Nathan , Strolger Lou , Van Dyk Schuyler D , Wang Qinan , Williams Brian , Williams Robert , Xiao Lin , Yang Yi
Published: July 2023

Supernova (SN) explosions have been sought for decades as a possible source of dust in the Universe, providing the seeds of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. SN 1987A offers one of the most promising examples of significant SN dust formation, but until the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), instruments have traditionally lacked the sensitivity at both late times (>1 yr post-explosion) and longer wavelengths (i.e. >10 μm) to detect analogous dust reservoirs. Here we present JWST/MIRI observations of two historic Type IIP SNe, 2004et and SN 2017eaw, at nearly 18 and 5 yr post-explosion, respectively. We fit the spectral energy distributions as functions of dust mass and temperature, from which we are able to constrain the dust geometry, origin, and heating mechanism. We place a 90 per cent confidence lower limit on the dust masses for SNe 2004et and 2017eaw of >0.014 and >4 × 10−4 M⊙, respectively. More dust may exist at even colder temperatures or may be obscured by high optical depths. We conclude dust formation in the ejecta to be the most plausible and consistent scenario. The observed dust is radiatively heated to ∼100–150 K by ongoing shock interaction with the circumstellar medium. Regardless of the best fit or heating mechanism adopted, the inferred dust mass for SN 2004et is the second highest (next to SN 1987A) mid-infrared inferred dust mass in extragalactic SNe thus far, promoting the prospect of SNe as potential significant sources of dust in the Universe.
Peculiarities of radial velocity variability of lines in the spectrum of α Cyg supergiant
Authors: Rzaev Abid Kh
Published: July 2023

We use about 430 CCD spectra obtained in 1998–2001 and in 2007 to study temporal radial velocity variations of the ion, He i, and H β lines in the spectrum of the α Cyg. We found that these variations are caused by pulsation-type motions. In case of the ion and He i lines, fluctuations occur in the fundamental radial mode with the period of about 12.5 ± 1.0 d and the amplitude of 5.0 ± 0.5 km s−1. The oscillation lasts about ∼34 ± 1 d. In the case of the H β line the radial velocity variability was studied separately for the blue and red halves of the line profile. Such a methodical approach allowed to discover three characteristic cases of radial velocity variability for the blue and red halves of the H β line profile. In 1999 and 2001, the period P and amplitude A variability parameters are the same for the blue and red halves, and hence for the line bisector too. In 1998, P and A are the same for the blue and red halves of the profile, however, there is a phase shift between the fluctuations of their radial velocity by 0.6P. In 2000, P and A are different for the two halves of the line profile. Relative to the center of the star’s mass, the average expansion rate for the atmospheric layers, where the H β line is formed, is about −10.0 km s−1. It varies over time with a semi-amplitude of around ±3.3 km s−1.
Beyond the ultradeep frontier fields and legacy observations (BUFFALO): a high-resolution strong+weak-lensing view of Abell 370
Authors: Niemiec A , Jauzac M , Eckert D , Lagattuta D , Sharon K , Koekemoer A M , Umetsu K , Acebron A , Diego J M , Harvey D , Jullo E , Kokorev V , Limousin M , Mahler G , Natarajan P , Nonino M , Steinhardt C , Tam S-I , Zitrin A
Published: July 2023

The HST treasury programme BUFFALO provides extended wide-field imaging of the six Hubble Frontier Fields galaxy clusters. Here we present the combined strong and weak-lensing analysis of Abell 370, a massive cluster at z = 0.375. From the reconstructed total projected mass distribution in the 6 arcmin × 6 arcmin BUFFALO field-of-view, we obtain the distribution of massive substructures outside the cluster core and report the presence of a total of seven candidates, each with mass ∼5 × 1013 M⊙. Combining the total mass distribution derived from lensing with multiwavelength data, we evaluate the physical significance of each candidate substructure, and conclude that five out of the seven substructure candidates seem reliable, and that the mass distribution in Abell 370 is extended along the north-west and south-east directions. While this finding is in general agreement with previous studies, our detailed spatial reconstruction provides new insights into the complex mass distribution at large cluster-centric radius. We explore the impact of the extended mass reconstruction on the model of the cluster core and in particular, we attempt to physically explain the presence of an important external shear component, necessary to obtain a low root-mean-square separation between the model-predicted and observed positions of the multiple images in the cluster core. The substructures can only account for up to half the amplitude of the external shear, suggesting that more effort is needed to fully replace it by more physically motivated mass components. We provide public access to all the lensing data used as well as the different lens models.
Benchmarks and explanations for deep learning estimates of X-ray galaxy cluster masses
Authors: Ho Matthew , Soltis John , Farahi Arya , Nagai Daisuke , Evrard August , Ntampaka Michelle
Published: July 2023

We evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning (DL) models for reconstructing the masses of galaxy clusters using X-ray photometry data from next-generation surveys. We establish these constraints using a catalogue of realistic mock eROSITA X-ray observations which use hydrodynamical simulations to model realistic cluster morphology, background emission, telescope response, and active galactic nucleus (AGN) sources. Using bolometric X-ray photon maps as input, DL models achieve a predictive mass scatter of $\sigma _{\ln M_\mathrm{500c}} = 17.8~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, a factor of two improvements on scalar observables such as richness Ngal, 1D velocity dispersion σv,1D, and photon count Nphot as well as a 32  per cent improvement upon idealized, volume-integrated measurements of the bolometric X-ray luminosity LX. We then show that extending this model to handle multichannel X-ray photon maps, separated in low, medium, and high energy bands, further reduces the mass scatter to 16.2  per cent. We also tested a multimodal DL model incorporating both dynamical and X-ray cluster probes and achieved marginal gains at a mass scatter of 15.9  per cent. Finally, we conduct a quantitative interpretability study of our DL models and find that they greatly down-weight the importance of pixels in the centres of clusters and at the location of AGN sources, validating previous claims of DL modelling improvements and suggesting practical and theoretical benefits for using DL in X-ray mass inference.
Dynamical mass of the white dwarf in XY Ari: a test for intermediate polar X-ray spectral models
Authors: Álvarez-Hernández A , Torres M A P , Rodríguez-Gil P , Shahbaz T , Sánchez-Sierras J , Acosta-Pulido J A , Jonker P G , Gazeas K D , Hakala P , Corral-Santana J M
Published: July 2023

We present a dynamical study of the eclipsing intermediate polar XY Ari based on time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy obtained with the EMIR spectrograph on the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias. Using main sequence template spectra taken with the same instrument setup as the target spectra, we measure a radial velocity amplitude of the late K- type donor star K2 = 256 ± 2 km s−1. We also obtain the rotational broadening of its photospheric lines vrot sin i = 141 ± 3 km s−1. From these and the eclipse geometry, we derive a donor-to-white dwarf mass ratio q = M2/M1 = 0.62 ± 0.02, an orbital inclination i = 80.8° ± 0.5° and dynamical masses $M_{1} = 1.21 \pm 0.04 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and $M_2 = 0.75 \pm 0.04 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ (1σ). This result places the white dwarf in XY Ari as one of the three most massive known in a cataclysmic variable. Comparison with white dwarf mass estimates from X-ray spectral studies could indicate the necessity of an improvement of the X-ray models and/or analysis techniques, as a number of X-ray white dwarf masses are in disagreement with the dynamical mass value.
BU Canis Minoris – the most compact known flat doubly eclipsing quadruple system
Authors: Pribulla Theodor , Borkovits Tamás , Jayaraman Rahul , Rappaport Saul , Mitnyan Tibor , Zasche Petr , Komžík Richard , Pál András , Uhlař Robert , Mašek Martin , Henzl Zbyněk , Bíró Imre Barna , Csányi István , Stuik Remko , Kristiansen Martti H , Schwengeler Hans M , Gagliano Robert , Jacobs Thomas L , Omohundro Mark , Kostov Veselin , Powell Brian P , Terentev Ivan A , Vanderburg Andrew , LaCourse Daryll , Rodriguez Joseph E , Bakos Gáspár , Csubry Zoltán , Hartman Joel
Published: July 2023

We have found that the 2+2 quadruple star system BU CMi is currently the most compact quadruple system known, with an extremely short outer period of only 121 d. The previous record holder was TIC 219006972 (Kostov et al.), with a period of 168 d. The quadruple nature of BU CMi was established by Volkov, Kravtsova & Chochol, but they misidentified the outer period as 6.6 yr. BU CMi contains two eclipsing binaries (EBs), each with a period near 3 d, and a substantial eccentricity of ≃0.22. All four stars are within ∼0.1 M⊙ of 2.4 M⊙. Both binaries exhibit dynamically driven apsidal motion with fairly short apsidal periods of ≃30 yr, due to the short outer orbital period. The outer period of 121 d is found both from the dynamical perturbations, with this period imprinted on the eclipse timing variations curve of each EB by the other binary, and by modelling the complex line profiles in a collection of spectra. We find that the three orbital planes are all mutually aligned to within 1 deg, but the overall system has an inclination angle near 83.5°. We utilize a complex spectro-photodynamical analysis to compute and tabulate all the interesting stellar and orbital parameters of the system. Finally, we also find an unexpected dynamical perturbation on a time-scale of several years whose origin we explore. This latter effect was misinterpreted by Volkov et al. and led them to conclude that the outer period was 6.6 yr rather than the 121 d that we establish here.
A catalogue of cataclysmic variables from 20 yr of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with new classifications, periods, trends, and oddities
Authors: Inight Keith , Gänsicke Boris T , Breedt Elmé , Israel Henry T , Littlefair Stuart P , Manser Christopher J , Marsh Tom R , Mulvany Tim , Pala Anna Francesca , Thorstensen John R
Published: July 2023

We present a catalogue of 507 cataclysmic variables (CVs) observed in SDSS I to IV including 70 new classifications collated from multiple archival data sets. This represents the largest sample of CVs with high-quality and homogeneous optical spectroscopy. We have used this sample to derive unbiased space densities and period distributions for the major sub-types of CVs. We also report on some peculiar CVs, period bouncers and also CVs exhibiting large changes in accretion rates. We report 70 new CVs, 59 new periods, 178 unpublished spectra, and 262 new or updated classifications. From the SDSS spectroscopy, we also identified 18 systems incorrectly identified as CVs in the literature. We discuss the observed properties of 13 peculiar CVS, and we identify a small set of eight CVs that defy the standard classification scheme. We use this sample to investigate the distribution of different CV sub-types, and we estimate their individual space densities, as well as that of the entire CV population. The SDSS I to IV sample includes 14 period bounce CVs or candidates. We discuss the variability of CVs across the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, highlighting selection biases of variability-based CV detection. Finally, we searched for, and found eight tertiary companions to the SDSS CVs. We anticipate that this catalogue and the extensive material included in the Supplementary Data will be useful for a range of observational population studies of CVs.
JWST early Universe observations and ΛCDM cosmology
Authors: Gupta Rajendra P
Published: July 2023

Deep space observations of the JWST have revealed that the structure and masses of very early Universe galaxies at high redshifts ($z\sim15$), existing at $\sim$0.3 Gyr after the Big Bang, may be as evolved as the galaxies in existence for $\sim10$ Gyr. The JWST findings are thus in strong tension with the ${\rm{\Lambda}}$CDM cosmological model. While tired light (TL) models have been shown to comply with the JWST angular galaxy size data, they cannot satisfactorily explain isotropy of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations or fit the supernovae distance modulus versus redshift data well. We have developed hybrid models that include the tired light concept in the expanding universe. The hybrid ${\rm{\Lambda}}$CDM model fits the supernovae type 1a data well but not the JWST observations. We present a model with covarying coupling constants (CCC), starting from the modified FLRW metric and resulting Einstein and Friedmann equations, and a CCC + TL hybrid model. They fit the Pantheon + data admirably, and the CCC + TL model is compliant with the JWST observations. It stretches the age of the Universe to 26.7 Gyr with 5.8 Gyr at $z = 10$ and 3.5 Gyr at $z = 20$, giving enough time to form massive galaxies. It thus resolves the ‘impossible early galaxy’ problem without requiring the existence of primordial black hole seeds or modified power spectrum, rapid formation of massive population III stars, and super Eddington accretion rates. One could infer the CCC model as an extension of the ${\rm{\Lambda}}$CDM model with a dynamic cosmological constant.
Intra-system uniformity: a natural outcome of dynamical sculpting
Authors: Lammers Caleb , Hadden Sam , Murray Norman
Published: July 2023

There is evidence that exoplanet systems display intra-system uniformity in mass, radius, and orbital spacing (like ‘peas in a pod’) when compared with the system-to-system variations of planetary systems. This has been interpreted as the outcome of the early stages of planet formation, indicative of a picture in which planets form at characteristic mass scales with uniform separations. In this paper, we argue instead that intra-system uniformity in planet sizes and orbital spacings likely arose from the dynamical sculpting of initially overly packed planetary systems (in other words, the giant impact phase). With a suite of N-body simulations, we demonstrate that systems with random initial masses and compact planet spacings naturally develop intra-system uniformity, in quantitative agreement with observations, due to collisions between planets. Our results suggest that the pre-giant impact planet mass distribution is fairly wide and provide evidence for the prevalence of dynamical sculpting in shaping the observed population of exoplanets.
Impact of mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields on DNA damage caused by occupationally relevant exposures: results of ex vivo experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from different demographic groups
Authors: Mišík Miroslav , Kundi Michael , Worel Nadine , Ferk Franziska , Hutter Hans-Peter , Grusch Michael , Nersesyan Armen , Herrera Morales Denise , Knasmueller Siegfried
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate if age and body mass of humans have an impact on the DNA-damaging properties of high-frequency mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF, 1950 MHz, universal mobile telecommunications system, UMTS signal) and if this form of radiation has an impact on the genotoxic effects of occupationally relevant exposures. Pooled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from three groups [young normal weight, young obese (YO), and older age normal weight individuals] were exposed to different doses of HF-EMF (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 W/kg specific absorption rate—SAR) and simultaneously or sequentially to different chemicals which cause DNA damage (CrO3, NiCl2, benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide—BPDE, and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide—4NQO) via different molecular mechanisms. We found no difference in regard to the background values in the three groups but a significant increase of DNA damage (81% without and 36% with serum) in cells from old participants after radiation with 1.0 W/kg SAR 16 h. In combined treatment experiments we found no impact of the UMTS signal on chemically induced DNA damage in the different groups in general. However, a moderate decrease of DNA damage was seen in simultaneous treatment experiments with BPDE and 1.0 W/kg SAR in the YO group (decline 18%). Taken together our findings indicate that HF-EMF cause DNA damage in PBMC from older subjects (69.1 years). Furthermore, they show that the radiation does not increase induction of DNA damage by occupationally relevant chemicals.
RNA polymerase common subunit ZmRPABC5b is transcriptionally activated by Opaque2 and essential for endosperm development in maize
Authors: Chen Quanquan , Guo Yingmei , Zhang Jie , Zheng Nannan , Wang Jie , Liu Yan , Lu Jiawen , Zhen Sihan , Du Xuemei , Li Li , Fu Junjie , Wang Guoying , Gu Riliang , Wang Jianhua , Liu Yunjun
Published: July 2023

Maize (Zea mays) kernel size is an important factor determining grain yield; although numerous genes regulate kernel development, the roles of RNA polymerases in this process are largely unclear. Here, we characterized the defective kernel 701 (dek701) mutant that displays delayed endosperm development but normal vegetative growth and flowering transition, compared to its wild type. We cloned Dek701, which encoded ZmRPABC5b, a common subunit to RNA polymerases I, II and III. Loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 impaired the function of all three RNA polymerases and altered the transcription of genes related to RNA biosynthesis, phytohormone response and starch accumulation. Consistent with this observation, loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 affected cell proliferation and phytohormone homeostasis in maize endosperm. Dek701 was transcriptionally regulated in the endosperm by the transcription factor Opaque2 through binding to the GCN4 motif within the Dek701 promoter, which was subjected to strong artificial selection during maize domestication. Further investigation revealed that DEK701 interacts with the other common RNA polymerase subunit ZmRPABC2. The results of this study provide substantial insight into the Opaque2–ZmRPABC5b transcriptional regulatory network as a central hub for regulating endosperm development in maize.
Spectral flow cytometry identifies distinct nonneoplastic plasma extracellular vesicle phenotype in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Aibaidula Abudumijiti (Zack) , Fain Cori E , Garcia Luz Cumba , Wier Annelise , Bouchal Samantha M , Bauman Megan M , Jung Mi-Yeon , Sarkaria Jann N , Johnson Aaron J , Parney Ian F
Published: July 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor and has a poor prognosis. Imaging findings at diagnosis and in response to treatment are nonspecific. Developing noninvasive assays to augment imaging would be helpful. Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker source for this. Here, we develop spectral flow cytometry techniques that demonstrate differences in bulk plasma EV phenotype between GBM patients and normal donors that could serve as the basis of a liquid biopsy.

Methods

Plasma EVs were stained for EV-associated tetraspanins (CD9/CD63/CD81), markers indicating cell of origin (CD11b/CD31/CD41a/CD45), and actin/phalloidin (to exclude cell debris). EVs were analyzed using spectral flow cytometry. Multiparametric analysis using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and self-organizing maps on flow cytometry data (FlowSOM) was performed comparing GBM and normal donor (ND) plasma EVs.

Results

Size exclusion chromatography plus spectral-based flow cytometer threshold settings enriched plasma EVs while minimizing background noise. GBM patients had increased CD9+, CD63+, CD81+, and myeloid-derived (CD11b+) EVs. Multiparametric analysis demonstrated distinct surface marker expression profiles in GBM plasma EVs compared to ND EVs. Fifteen plasma EV sub-populations differing in size and surface marker expression were identified, six enriched in GBM patients and two in normal donors.

Conclusions

Multiparametric analysis demonstrates that GBM patients have a distinct nonneoplastic plasma EV phenotype compared to ND. This simple rapid analysis can be performed without purifying tumor EVs and may serve as the basis of a liquid biopsy.
Estimating the Cost of Delivering Tobacco Cessation Intervention Package at Noncommunicable Disease Clinics in Two Districts of North India
Authors: Bhatt Garima , Goel Sonu , Kiran Tanvi , Grover Sandeep , Medhi Bikash , Singh Gurmandeep , Singh Gill Sandeep
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Integrated care is likely to improve outcomes in strained healthcare systems while limiting costs. NCD clinics were introduced under the “National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke” (NPCDCS) in India; however, there is limited literature on the costs of delivering tobacco cessation interventions within NPCDCS. One of the study’s objectives was to estimate the cost of delivering a culturally specific patient-centric behavioral intervention package in two district-level NCD clinics in Punjab, India.

Methods

Costing was undertaken using the health systems perspective. A top-down or financial costing approach and a bottom-up or activity-based approach were employed at each step of development and implementation. The opportunity cost was used to include the cost of human resources, infrastructure, and capital resources used. All infrastructure and capital costs were annualized using a 3% annual discount rate. Four additional scenarios were built up concerning three major components to reduce costs further when rolled out on a large scale.

Results

The cost of intervention package development, human resource training, and unit cost of implementation were estimated to be INR 6,47,827 (USD 8,874); INR 134,002 (USD 1810); and INR 272 (USD 3.67), respectively. Based on our sensitivity analysis results, the service delivery cost varied from INR 184 (USD 2.48) to INR 326 (USD 4.40) per patient.

Conclusion

The development costs of the intervention package accounted for the majority proportion of the total cost. Of the total unit cost of implementation, the telephonic follow-up, human resources, and capital resources were the major contributory components.

Implications

The current study aims to fill gaps by estimating the unit-level health systems cost of a culturally sensitive, disease-specific, and patient-centric tobacco cessation intervention package delivered at the outpatient settings of NCD clinics at the secondary level hospital, which represents a major link in the health care system of India. Findings from this study could be used to provide supportive evidence to policymakers and program managers for rolling out such interventions in established NCD clinics through the NPCDCS program of the Indian Government.
Acceptability, Feasibility, and Appropriateness of Implementation of Long-acting Injectable Antiretrovirals: A National Survey of Ryan White Clinics in the United States
Authors: Tarfa Adati , Sayles Harlan , Bares Sara H , Havens Joshua P , Fadul Nada
Published: July 2023

Background

The approval of long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LAI CAB/RPV) heightened the urgency of ensuring effective implementation. Our study assesses readiness and barriers to implement LAI CAB/RPV across Ryan White–funded clinics in the United States.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey between December 2020 and January 2021 using validated 4-item measures: acceptability of intervention measure (AIM), intervention appropriateness measure (IAM), and feasibility of intervention measure (FIM). Associations between measures and clinic characteristics were evaluated via Spearman rank correlations. A 5-point Likert scale ranked potential barriers of implementation responses. Open-ended questions were analyzed through a thematic approach.

Results

Of 270 clinics, 44 (16%) completed the survey: 38% federally qualified health centers, 36% academic, 20% community-based organizations, 14% hospital outpatient, and 9% nonprofit. Means (SD; range) were as follows: AIM, 17.6 (2.4; 12–20); IAM, 17.6 (2.4; 13–20); and FIM, 16.8 (2.9; 7–20). Twenty percent were not at all ready to implement LAI CAB/RPV, and 52% were slightly or somewhat ready. There was a significant association between AIM and the proportion of Medicaid patients (AIM, rho = 0.312, P = .050). Community-based organizations scored the highest readiness measures (mean [SD]: AIM, 19.50 [1.41]; IAM, 19.25 [1.49]; FIM, 19.13 [1.36]) as compared with other clinics. Implementation barriers were cost and patients’ nonadherence to visits.

Conclusions

There is variability of readiness yet high levels of perceived acceptability and appropriateness of implementing LAI CAB/RPV among Ryan White clinics, necessitating tailored interventions for successful implementation. A special focus on addressing the barriers of adherence and the cost of implementation is needed.
Responding to parental concern about children’s reading
Authors: Bryant Katelyn J , Joanisse Marc F , Archibald Lisa M D
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study explored if parents are accurate in their reading concerns, with implications for paediatric practice.

Methods

Parents of school-aged children in 34 schools in Ontario, Canada responded to a questionnaire about their children’s academic development (27% response), and their children participated in standardized, norm-referenced tests of word reading and an oral sentence recall task. Parental concern status was retrospectively cross-referenced with reading difficulty status (<25th percentile on the word reading tests) for grade 2 children with complete data (n = 294); diagnostic accuracy was evaluated. Demographic and reading-related characteristics of children whose parents’ concern did not match their reading difficulty status were explored.

Results

Approximately 22% of parents endorsed concern, while 18.5% of children had word reading difficulty. Parental concern status accurately corresponded with reading difficulty status in 81% of cases (95% CI: 76% to 85%). Specificity was 85% (95% CI: 80% to 90%), while sensitivity was 59% (95% CI: 44% to 73%). Children of unconcerned parents rarely had word reading problems (NPV 91%; 95% CI: 88% to 94%), while children with concerned parents had word reading difficulty in 45% of cases (PPV; 95% CI: 36% to 54%). Apparent inaccuracy (i.e., mismatch between parental concern and reading difficulty status) was related to children’s word reading, oral sentence recall skills, and English language learner (ELL) status, but not child age, sex, or parent education.

Conclusions

Many parents of grade 2 children endorse reading concerns. Parental concern is an overall accurate screener for word reading difficulty, although some children will be missed. Evidence-informed recommendations for responding to parental concern are provided.
The CALCINEURIN B-LIKE 4/CBL-INTERACTING PROTEIN 3 module degrades repressor JAZ5 during rose petal senescence
Authors: Chen Changxi , Ma Yanxing , Zuo Lanxin , Xiao Yue , Jiang Yunhe , Gao Junping
Published: July 2023

Flower senescence is genetically regulated and developmentally controlled. The phytohormone ethylene induces flower senescence in rose (Rosa hybrida), but the underlying signaling network is not well understood. Given that calcium regulates senescence in animals and plants, we explored the role of calcium in petal senescence. Here, we report that the expression of calcineurin B-like protein 4 (RhCBL4), which encodes a calcium receptor, is induced by senescence and ethylene signaling in rose petals. RhCBL4 interacts with CBL-interacting protein kinase 3 (RhCIPK3), and both positively regulate petal senescence. Furthermore, we determined that RhCIPK3 interacts with the jasmonic acid response repressor jasmonate ZIM-domain 5 (RhJAZ5). RhCIPK3 phosphorylates RhJAZ5 and promotes its degradation in the presence of ethylene. Our results reveal that the RhCBL4-RhCIPK3-RhJAZ5 module mediates ethylene-regulated petal senescence. These findings provide insights into flower senescence, which may facilitate innovations in postharvest technology for extending rose flower longevity.
Evolution of the spinach sex-linked region within a rarely recombining pericentromeric region
Authors: She Hongbing , Liu Zhiyuan , Li Shufen , Xu Zhaosheng , Zhang Helong , Cheng Feng , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu , Deng Chuanliang , Charlesworth Deborah , Gao Wujun , Qian Wei
Published: July 2023

Sex chromosomes have evolved independently in many different plant lineages. Here, we describe reference genomes for spinach (Spinacia oleracea) X and Y haplotypes by sequencing homozygous XX females and YY males. The long arm of 185-Mb chromosome 4 carries a 13-Mb X-linked region (XLR) and 24.1-Mb Y-linked region (YLR), of which 10 Mb is Y specific. We describe evidence that this reflects insertions of autosomal sequences creating a “Y duplication region” or “YDR” whose presence probably directly reduces genetic recombination in the immediately flanking regions, although both the X and Y sex-linked regions are within a large pericentromeric region of chromosome 4 that recombines rarely in meiosis of both sexes. Sequence divergence estimates using synonymous sites indicate that YDR genes started diverging from their likely autosomal progenitors about 3 MYA, around the time when the flanking YLR stopped recombining with the XLR. These flanking regions have a higher density of repetitive sequences in the YY than the XX assembly and include slightly more pseudogenes compared with the XLR, and the YLR has lost about 11% of the ancestral genes, suggesting some degeneration. Insertion of a male-determining factor would have caused Y linkage across the entire pericentromeric region, creating physically small, highly recombining, terminal pseudoautosomal regions. These findings provide a broader understanding of the origin of sex chromosomes in spinach.
Visualization of synthetic retroelement integration reveals determinants of permissivity to retrotransposition
Authors: Chu Jie , Zhang Xiaorui , Cho Jungnam
Published: July 2023

Real-time visualization of retrotransposon mobilization in Arabidopsis reveals that the DNA damage response pathways are involved in the retrotranspositional process.
LncRNA ZNNT1 induces p53 degradation by interfering with the interaction between p53 and the SART3-USP15 complex
Authors: Taniue Kenzui , Oda Takeaki , Hayashi Tomoatsu , Kamoshida Yuki , Takeda Yasuko , Sugawara Anzu , Shimoura Yuki , Negishi Lumi , Nagashima Takeshi , Okada-Hatakeyama Mariko , Kawamura Yoshifumi , Goshima Naoki , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi , Akiyama Tetsu
Published: July 2023

Mammalian genomes encode large number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play key roles in various biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and stem cell pluripotency. Recent studies have addressed that some lncRNAs are dysregulated in human cancers and may play crucial roles in tumor development and progression. Here, we show that the lncRNA ZNNT1 is required for the proliferation and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells with wild-type p53. ZNNT1 knockdown leads to decreased ubiquitination and stabilization of p53 protein. Moreover, we demonstrate that ZNNT1 needs to interact with SART3 to destabilize p53 and to promote the proliferation and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells. We further show that SART3 is associated with the ubiquitin-specific peptidase USP15 and that ZNNT1 may induce p53 destabilization by inhibiting this interaction. These results suggest that ZNNT1 interferes with the SART3-USP15 complex-mediated stabilization of p53 protein and thereby plays important roles in the proliferation and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells. Our findings suggest that ZNNT1 may be a promising molecular target for the therapy of colon cancer.
Electron wave functions in beta-decay formulas revisited (II): Completion including recoil-order and induced currents
Authors: Horiuchi Wataru , Sato Toru , Uesaka Yuichi , Yoshida Kenichi
Published: July 2023

We present complete formulas of the allowed and first-forbidden transitions of nuclear beta decay taking into account the recoil-order and induced currents up to the next-to-leading order (NLO). The longitudinal part of the vector current is cleared away by the use of the conservation of the vector current for the multipole operators of the natural-parity transitions, which makes the effect of the meson exchange current for the vector current as small as possible. The formula is transparent enough to be applied to various beta-decay processes. As a numerical demonstration, we apply our formulas to the beta decay of a neutron-rich nucleus 160Sn. We find that the NLO corrections amount to 10–20 percent of the total decay rate, whereas the induced currents alter the rate at most by 5 percent.
Derivation of transition density from the observed 4He(e, e′)4He(02+) form factor raising the α-particle monopole puzzle
Authors: Kamimura Masayasu
Published: July 2023

Recently, the monopole transition form factor of the electron-scattering excitation of the $0^+_2$ state (Ex = 20.21 MeV) of the 4He nucleus was observed over a broad momentum transfer range ($0.5 \le q^2 \le 5.0 \, {\rm fm}^{-2}$) with dramatically improved precision compared with older sets of data; modern nuclear forces, including those derived from the chiral effective field theory, failed to reproduce the form factor, which is called the α-particle monopole puzzle. To resolve this puzzle by improving the study of the spatial structure of the $0^+_2$ state, we derive in this letter a possible $0^+_1\!\rightarrow \! 0^+_2$ transition density ρtr(r) for r ≳ 1 fm from the observed form factor. The shape of the transition density is significantly different from that obtained theoretically in the literature.
New insights into kidney disease after COVID-19 infection and vaccination: histopathological and clinical findings
Authors: Li Yebei , Gong Yan , Xu Gaosi
Published: July 2023

In addition to its pulmonary effects, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also been found to cause acute kidney injury (AKI), which has been linked to high mortality rates. In this review, we collected data from 20 clinical studies on post-COVID-19-related AKI and 97 cases of AKI associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Acute tubular injury was by far the most common finding in the kidneys of patients with COVID-19-related AKI. Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 34.0% developed AKI, of which 59.0%, 19.1% and 21.9% were Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Though kidney disease and other adverse effects after COVID-19 vaccination overall appear rare, case reports have accumulated suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with a risk of subsequent kidney disease. Among the patients with post-vaccination AKI, the most common pathologic findings include crescentic glomerulonephritis (29.9%), acute tubular injury (23.7%), IgA nephropathy (18.6%), antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (17.5%), minimal change disease (17.5%) and thrombotic microangiopathy (10.3%). It is important to note that crescentic glomerulonephritis appears to be more prevalent in patients who have newly diagnosed renal involvement. The proportions of patients with AKI Stages 1, 2 and 3 after COVID-19 vaccination in case reports were 30.9%, 22.7% and 46.4%, respectively. In general, clinical cases of new-onset and recurrent nephropathy with AKI after COVID-19 vaccination have a positive prognosis. In this article, we also explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AKI associated with COVID-19 infection and its vaccination by describing key renal morphological and clinical features and prognostic findings.