bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first recent case ofCimex hemipterus(Hemiptera: Cimicidae) withsuper-kdrmutations in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Cho Susie , Shin E-hyun , Ju Ho Cheol , Jeong Eui Seok , Lee Si Hyeock , Kim Ju Hyeon
Published: April 2023

With the increase in international travel and trade, in conjunction with the development of insecticide resistance, infestations of Cimex lectularius (L.) and Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) have resurged globally in the last 2 decades. Recently, it was reported that C. hemipterus was also found in temperate regions, indicating the possibility of its expansion outside tropical regions. Cimex hemipterus has not been officially recorded in Korea since its initial description in 1934. Here, we report the first recent case of C. hemipterus in Korea based on morphological and molecular identification. Partial sequencing of the voltage-sensitive sodium channel gene revealed super-kdr mutations (M918I and L1014F) that are associated with pyrethroid resistance. This case report serves as a warning to intensify the bed bug surveillance system in Korea regarding the presence of C. hemipterus and to prepare effective alternative insecticides for pyrethroids.
Metagenomic profile of the bacterial communities associated with Ixodes granulatus (Acari: Ixodidae): a potential vector of tick-borne diseases
Authors: Che Lah Ernieenor Faraliana , Ahamad Mariana , Dmitry Apanaskevich , Md-Zain Badrul Munir , Yaakop Salmah
Published: April 2023

Ixodes granulatus Supino, 1897 (Acari: Ixodida) is one of Malaysia’s most common hard ticks and is a potential vector for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Despite its great public health importance, research on I. granulatus microbial communities remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bacterial communities of on-host I. granulatus collected from three different recreational areas on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia using high throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). A total of 9 females on-host I. granulatus were subjected to metabarcoding analysis targeting V3–V4 regions of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) using the Illumina MiSeq platform. This study identified 15 bacterial phyla corresponding to 19 classes, 54 orders, and 90 families from 435 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), revealing a diverse bacterial community profile. Together with 130 genera assigned, local I. granulatus harbored 4 genera of pathogens, i.e., Rickettsia da Rocha Lima, 1916 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) (58.6%), Borrelia Swellengrebel 1907 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (31.6%), Borreliella Adeolu and Gupta 2015 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (0.6%), and Ehrlichia Cowdria Moshkovski 1947 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae) (39.9%). Some endosymbiont bacteria, such as Coxiella (Philip, 1943) (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), Wolbachia Hertig 1936 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae), and Rickettsiella Philip, 1956 (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), were also detected at very low abundance. Interestingly, this study reported the co-infection of Borrelia and Ehrlichia for the first time, instilling potential health concerns in the context of co-transmission to humans, especially in areas with a high population of I. granulatus. This study successfully characterized the tick microbiome and provided the first baseline data of I. granulatus bacterial communities in Malaysia. These results support the need for way-forward research on tick-associated bacteria using NGS, focusing on medically important species toward TBD prevention.
Misperceptions in sociopolitical context: belief sensitivity’s relationship with battleground state status and partisan segregation
Authors: Li Qin , Bond Robert M , Garrett R Kelly
Published: April 2023

Numerous studies have shown that individuals’ belief sensitivity—their ability to discriminate between true and false political statements—varies according to psychological and demographic characteristics. We argue that sensitivity also varies with the political and social communication contexts in which they live. Both battleground state status of the state in which individuals live and the level of partisan segregation in a state are associated with Americans’ belief sensitivity. We leverage panel data collected from two samples of Americans, one collected in the first half of 2019 and the other during the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign season. Results indicate that the relationship between living in battleground states and belief sensitivity is contingent on political ideology: living in battleground states, versus in Democratic-leaning states, is associated with lower belief sensitivity among conservatives and higher belief sensitivity among liberals. Moreover, living in a less politically segregated state is associated with greater belief sensitivity. These relationships were only in evidence in the election year.
Five accelerated schedules for the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine FSME-Immun® in last-minute travellers: an open-label, single-centre, randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Berens-Riha Nicole , Andries Petra , Aerssens Annelies , Ledure Quentin , Van Der Beken Yolien , Heyndrickx Leo , Genbrugge Els , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Van Herrewege Yven , Ariën Kevin K , Van Innis Martine , Vanbrabant Peter , Soentjens Patrick ,   FASTBEPROTECT Research Team, Spiessens An , Landuyt Hanne , de Viron Emeline , Zaman Kristy , Dooms Eric , Djebara Sarah , Ghoos Katrijn , Michiels Johan , Willems Betty , Buyze Jozefien , Damanet Benjamin , De Koninck Katrien , Hing Mony , De Hondt Annelies
Published: April 2023

Background

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate different accelerated tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine schedules for last-minute travellers.

Methods

In a single-centre, open-label pilot study, 77 TBE-naïve Belgian soldiers were randomized to one of the following five schedules with FSME-Immun®: group 1 (‘classical accelerated’ schedule) received one intramuscular (IM) dose at Day 0 and Day 14, group 2 two IM doses at Day 0, group 3 two intradermal (ID) doses at Day 0, group 4 two ID doses at Day 0 and Day 7 and group 5 two ID doses at Day 0 and Day 14. The last dose(s) of the primary vaccination scheme were given after 1 year: IM (1 dose) or ID (2 doses). TBE virus neutralizing antibodies were measured in a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90 and 50) at Days 0, 14, 21, 28, Months 3, 6, 12 and 12+21 days. Seropositivity was defined as neutralizing antibody titres ≥10.

Results

The median age was 19–19.5 years in each group.

Median time to seropositivity up to Day 28 was shortest for PRNT90 in ID-group 4 and for PRNT50 in all ID groups. Seroconversion until Day 28 peaked highest for PRNT90 in ID-group 4 (79%) and for PRNT50 in ID-groups 4 and 5 (both 100%). Seropositivity after the last vaccination after 12 months was high in all groups. Previous yellow fever vaccination was reported in 16% and associated with lower geometric mean titres of TBE-specific antibodies at all-time points.

The vaccine was generally well tolerated. However, mild to moderate local reactions occurred in 73–100% of ID compared with 0–38% of IM vaccinations, and persistent discolouration was observed in nine ID vaccinated individuals.

Conclusion

The accelerated two-visit ID schedules might offer a better immunological alternative to the recommended classical accelerated IM schedule, but an aluminium-free vaccine would be preferable.
Pre-travel vaccine information needs, attitudes, drivers of uptake and the role for decision aids in travel medicine
Authors: McGuinness Sarah L , Eades Owen , Seale Holly , Cheng Allen C , Leder Karin
Published: April 2023

Background

Many travellers do not receive vaccines pre-travel. Tools such as vaccine decision aids could support informed vaccine decision-making. We aimed to characterise Australians’ pre-travel vaccine attitudes, behaviours and information needs and examine the role for decision aids in travel medicine.

Methods

Online cross-sectional survey of Australian adults in December 2022. We included questions on demographics, pre-travel health-seeking behaviour, and information needs. We measured vaccine confidence (Vaccine Confidence Index Index) and used hypothetical disease scenarios to evaluate behavioural and social drivers of vaccination. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of vaccine uptake and thematically analysed free-text responses.

Results

We received complete survey responses from 1223/1326 Australians (92% response rate). Amongst those reporting previous overseas travel, 67% (778/1161) reported past pre-travel health encounter(s) and 64% (743/1161) reported past pre-travel vaccination. Half (50%) strongly agreed that vaccines were important for their health; fewer strongly agreed that vaccines were safe (37%) and effective (38%). In multivariable analyses, past pre-travel vaccine uptake was associated with increasing age (OR = 1.17 [95% CI 1.08–1.27] p < 0.001 per ten-year increase) and travel to higher-risk destinations (OR = 2.92 [2.17–3.93] p < 0.001); travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) were less likely to have received pre-travel vaccines (OR = 0.74 [0.56–0.97] p = 0.028). Predictors for wanting vaccination against hypothetical diseases included past pre-travel vaccination (Disease X: OR 2.60 [1.91–3.56] p < 0.001) and confidence in vaccine safety (Disease X: OR 7.18 [5.07–10.18], p < 0.001); past VFR travel was predictive of not wanting vaccination (Disease X: OR 0.72 [0.52–1.00], p = 0.049). Most (63%) were interested in using a vaccine decision aid, generally together with a trusted health professional.

Conclusions

Health professionals play an important role in supporting pre-travel vaccine decision-making. However, our findings indicate that reliable, accurate and engaging digital resources, such as decision aids, could support travellers to make informed pre-travel vaccine decisions.
Fundamental effective temperature measurements for eclipsing binary stars – IV. Selection of new benchmark stars and first results for HD 22064
Authors: Maxted Pierre F L
Published: April 2023

I describe the selection and initial characterization of 20 eclipsing binary stars that are suitable for calibration and testing of stellar models and data analysis algorithms used by the PLATO mission and spectroscopic surveys. The binary stars selected are F-/G-type dwarf stars with M-type dwarf companions that contribute less than 2 per cent of the flux at optical wavelengths. The light curves typically show well-defined total eclipses with very little variability between the eclipses. I have used near-infrared spectra obtained by the APOGEE survey to measure the spectroscopic orbit for both stars in HD 22064. Combined with an analysis of the TESS light curve, I derive the following masses and radii: M1 = 1.35 ± 0.03M⊙, M2 = 0.58 ± 0.01M⊙, R1 = 1.554 ± 0.014R⊙, R2 = 0.595 ± 0.008R⊙. Using R1 and the parallax from Gaia EDR3, I find that the primary star’s angular diameter is θ = 0.1035 ± 0.0009 mas. The apparent bolometric flux of the primary star is ${\mathcal {F}}_{{\oplus },0} = (7.51\pm 0.09)\times 10^{-9}$ erg cm−2 s−1. Hence, this F2V star has an effective temperature $T_{\rm eff,1} = 6763{\rm \, K} \pm 39{\rm \, K}$. HD 22064 is an ideal benchmark star that can be used for ‘end-to-end’ tests of the stellar parameters measured by large-scale spectroscopic surveys or stellar parameters derived from asteroseismology with PLATO. The techniques described here for HD 22064 can be applied to the other eclipsing binaries in the sample in order to create an all-sky network of such benchmark stars.
A physically derived eddy parametrization for giant planet atmospheres with application on hot-Jupiters
Authors: Arfaux Anthony , Lavvas Panayotis
Published: April 2023

We present a parametrization for the eddy diffusion profile of gas giant exoplanets based on physical phenomena and we explore how the parametrized eddy profile impacts the chemical composition, the thermal structure, the haze microphysics, and the transit spectra of eight hot-Jupiters. Our eddy parametrization depends on the planetary intrinsic temperature (Tint), we thus evaluate how the increase of this parameter to values higher than those typically used (∼100 K) impacts the atmospheric structure and composition. Our investigation demonstrates that despite the strong impact of Tint on the chemical composition of the deep atmosphere, the upper atmosphere is not affected for Teq > 1300 K owing to high altitude quench levels at these conditions. Below this threshold, however, the larger atmospheric temperatures produced by increasing Tint affect the quenched chemical composition. Our eddy parametrization depends on two parameters, the eddy magnitude at the radiative–convective boundary (K0) and the corresponding magnitude at the homopause (Ktop). We demonstrate that, when using common K0 and Ktop values among most of the different planet cases studied, we derive transit spectra consistent with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations. Moreover, our simulations show that increasing the eddy profile enhances the photochemical production of haze particles and reduces their average radius, thus providing a steeper UV-Visible slope. Finally, we demonstrate for WASP-39b that the James Webb Space Telescope(JWST) observations provide improved constraints for the hazes and clouds and we show that both components seem necessary to interpret the combined transit spectrum from HST and JWST observations.
Mid-infrared dusty torus sizes in active galactic nuclei with Hβ reverberation mapping
Authors: Chen Yong-Jie , Liu Jun-Rong , Zhai Shuo , Yao Zhu-Heng , Li Yan-Rong , Du Pu , Hu Chen , Guo Wei-Jian , Xiao Ming , Songsheng Yu-Yang , Wang Jian-Min
Published: April 2023

We compile optical and mid-infrared light curves from the time-domain surveys (i.e. CRTS, PTF, ZTF, and ASAS-SN) and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) archive for a selected sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with Hβ reverberation mapping (RM) measurements. We measure the time lags (and thus torus sizes) of W1 (∼3.4 $\mu$ m) and W2 (∼4.6 $\mu$ m) band light curves relative to the optical one using the MICA method. Through Hβ RM, the sample has well-measured AGN properties, therefore allowing us to reliably constrain the relations between torus sizes and AGN properties. We perform linear regressions for the relations between torus sizes and 5100 Å luminosities ($R\propto L_{5100}^{\beta }$ ) in two cases: β = 0.5 and β set free. The latter case yields β ≈ 0.37 ± 0.028 for both W1 and W2 bands, shallower than the expected value of 0.5, possibly due to the dependence of torus size on accretion rate. For β = 0.5, by combining with the previous K band RM measurements, we obtain the characteristic broad-line region (BLR) and tours sizes following RBLR:RK :RW1:RW2 = 1.0:6.2:9.2:11.2. We investigate the deviations of the W1 and W2 band observed torus sizes from the corresponding best-fitting relations (with β = 0.5) and find that they both are correlated with accretion rate. As the accretion rate increases, the torus sizes tend to be shortened compared to the anticipated sizes from the best-fitting relations, similar to the behaviour found in BLRs. Such behaviours can be explained by the self-shadowing effect of slim discs. This is further supported by ratios of the W1 and W2 band torus sizes to BLR sizes, which do not show significant correlations with AGN properties.
Revisiting K2-233 spectroscopic time-series with multidimensional Gaussian processes
Authors: Barragán Oscar , Gillen Edward , Aigrain Suzanne , Meech Annabella , Klein Baptiste , Nielsen Louise Dyregaard , Yu Haochuan , O’Sullivan Niamh K , Nicholson Belinda A , Lillo-Box Jorge
Published: April 2023

Detecting planetary signatures in radial velocity time-series of young stars is challenging due to their inherently strong stellar activity. However, it is possible to learn information about the properties of the stellar signal by using activity indicators measured from the same stellar spectra used to extract radial velocities. In this manuscript, we present a reanalysis of spectroscopic High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher data of the young star K2-233, which hosts three transiting planets. We perform a multidimensional Gaussian process regression on the radial velocity and the activity indicators to characterize the planetary Doppler signals. We demonstrate, for the first time on a real data set, that the use of a multidimensional Gaussian process can boost the precision with which we measure the planetary signals compared to a one-dimensional Gaussian process applied to the radial velocities alone. We measure the semi-amplitudes of K2-233 b, c, and d as $1.31_{-0.74}^{+0.81}$ , $1.81_{-0.67}^{+0.71}$ ,  and $2.72_{-0.70}^{+0.66}$${\rm m\, s^{-1}}$ , which translate into planetary masses of $2.4_{-1.3}^{+1.5}$ , $4.6_{-1.7}^{+1.8}$ , and $10.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}$ M⊕, respectively. These new mass measurements make K2-233 d a valuable target for transmission spectroscopy observations with JWST. K2-233 is the only young system with two detected inner planets below the radius valley and a third outer planet above it. This makes it an excellent target to perform comparative studies, to inform our theories of planet evolution, formation, migration, and atmospheric evolution.
Revisiting multiwavelength data on the supersoft X-ray source CAL 83
Authors: Stecchini P E , Perez Diaz M , D’Amico F , Jablonski F
Published: April 2023

In this study, we revisit public data on the supersoft X-ray source CAL 83 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. A significant part of our analysis is focused on XMM–Newton X-ray observations, in which updated data reduction procedures and quality assessment were applied. We report on the capability of publicly available hot atmosphere models in describing the source’s soft X-ray spectrum. By gathering historical flux measurements in multiple wavelengths and comparing them with the fluxes derived from the X-ray analysis, we find that an ∼360 kK phenomenological blackbody model describes the spectral energy distribution of CAL 83 fairly well. We also retrieve data from the XMM–Newton ultraviolet (UV)/optical camera, which is co-aligned with the X-ray instruments and provides strictly simultaneous measurements. These observations demonstrate that the X-ray emission is definitely anti-correlated with emission at longer wavelengths on a time-scale of days to weeks. A closer look at simultaneous X-ray and UV count rates in single light curves reveals that the anti-correlated behaviour is actually present on time-scales as short as minutes, suggesting that the origin of variable emission in the system is not unique.
The largest bright ULX population in a galaxy: X-ray variability and luminosity function in the Cartwheel ring galaxy
Authors: Salvaggio Chiara , Wolter A , Belfiore A , Colpi M
Published: April 2023

We analyse all the available Chandra observations of the Cartwheel galaxy and its compact group, taken between 2001 and 2008, with the main aim of addressing the variability in the X-ray band for this spectacular collisional ring galaxy. We focus on the study of point-like sources, in particular we are interested in ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs; LX ≥ 1039 erg s−1), that we treat as a class. We exploit archival XMM–Newton data to enrich the study of the long-term variability, on time-scales of months to years. We find a total of 44 sources in the group area, of which 37 in total are ULXs positionally linked with the galaxies and of which we can study variability. They are 29 in the Cartwheel itself, seven in G1, and one in G3. About one-third of these 37 sources show long-term variability, while no variability is detected within the single observations. Of those, five ULXs have a transient behaviour with a maximum range of variability (Lmax/Lmin) of about one order of magnitude and are the best candidate neutron stars. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of the point-like sources remains consistent in shape between the Chandra observations both for the Cartwheel galaxy itself and for G1, suggesting that flux variability does not strongly influence the average properties of the population on the observation time-scales.
Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Messenger RNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccines Versus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Among Pregnant Women and Vaccine-Induced Antibody Transfer to Infants
Authors: Dawood Fatimah S , Tita Alan , Stockwell Melissa S , Newes-Adeyi Gabriella , Wielgosz Kristina , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Battarbee Ashley , Reichle Lawrence , Thornburg Natalie , Ellington Sascha , Galang Romeo R , Vorwaller Kelly , Vargas Celibell Y , Morrill Tyler , Parks Mickey , Powers Emily , Gibson Marie , Varner Michael
Published: April 2023

Background

Early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine trials excluded pregnant women, resulting in limited data about immunogenicity and maternal–fetal antibody transfer, particularly by gestational timing of vaccination.

Methods

In this multicenter observational immunogenicity study, pregnant and nonpregnant women receiving COVID-19 vaccines were prospectively enrolled. Participants had sera collected before vaccination, at 14–28 days after each vaccine dose, at delivery (umbilical cord and peripheral), and from their infants at 3 and 6 months. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ID50 neutralizing antibody (nAb) against D614G-like viruses were compared by participant characteristics.

Results

Overall, 23 nonpregnant and 85 pregnant participants (trimester of first vaccine dose: 10 first, 47 second, 28 third) were enrolled. Ninety-three percent (76/82 with blood samples) of pregnant participants had detectable SARS-CoV-2 nAb after 2 vaccine doses, but GMTs (95% confidence intervals) were lower in pregnant participants than nonpregnant participants (1722 [1136–2612] vs 4419 [2012–9703]; P = .04). By 3 and 6 months, 28% and 74% of infants, respectively, of vaccinated participants had no detectable nAb to D614G-like viruses. Among the 71 pregnant participants without detectable nAb before vaccination, cord blood GMTs at delivery were 5-fold higher among participants vaccinated during the third versus first trimester, and cord blood nAb titers appeared inversely correlated with weeks since first vaccine dose (R2 = 0.06, P = .06).

Conclusions

Though most pregnant women develop nAb after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, this analysis suggests that infant protection from maternal vaccination varies by gestational timing of vaccination and wanes. Additional prevention strategies such as caregiver vaccination may warrant consideration to optimize infant protection.
Baricitinib Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Is Associated With a Reduction in Secondary Infections
Authors: Sweeney Daniel A , Tuyishimire Bonifride , Ahuja Neera , Beigel John H , Beresnev Tatiana , Cantos Valeria D , Castro Jose G , Cohen Stuart H , Cross Kaitlyn , Dodd Lori E , Erdmann Nathan , Fung Monica , Ghazaryan Varduhi , George Sarah L , Grimes Kevin A , Hynes Noreen A , Julian Kathleen G , Kandiah Sheetal , Kim Hannah Jang , Levine Corri B , Lindholm David A , Lye David C , Maves Ryan C , Oh Myoung-don , Paules Catharine , Rapaka Rekha R , Short Willam R , Tomashek Kay M , Wolfe Cameron R , Kalil Andre C
Published: April 2023

We performed a secondary analysis of the National Institutes of Health-sponsored Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT-2) randomized controlled trial and found that baricitinib was associated with a 50% reduction in secondary infections after controlling for baseline and postrandomization patient characteristics. This finding provides a novel mechanism of benefit for baricitinib and supports the safety profile of this immunomodulator for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.
Causes and consequences of nest-site fidelity in a tropical lekking bird: Win-stay-lose-shift tactics are unrelated to subsequent success, but site-faithful females nest earlier
Authors: Norton Jenevieve E , DuVal Emily H
Published: April 2023

Nest-site selection influences the survival of care-giving parents and their offspring, but search costs and site availability may limit site choices. Returning to previous nest sites may reduce costs and allow parents to better avoid local predators or access familiar resources. We investigated nest-site fidelity in the Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), in which long-lived females raise offspring without male assistance, and found that site choices are responsive to past success but do not predict future outcomes. We compared georeferenced nest locations for the same females detected in consecutive years (245 comparisons for 138 females) and females nesting repeatedly within a year (137 comparisons for 97 females). Females were faithful to nesting sites in 13.9% of comparisons across years and 10.2% within years, and were more likely to nest again in the same site if their offspring fledged. When switching sites, females moved farther if their previous nest failed. Nest-site fidelity was unrelated to mate fidelity or female age. We then assessed whether site choice related to subsequent female survival, nest timing, or nest survival. Contrary to the hypothesis that win-stay-lose-shift tactics improve subsequent nesting outcomes, we found females were no more likely to fledge chicks or survive to a later year after they reused nest sites. However, across years, site-faithful females nested earlier on average than females that switched sites. Early nests were more likely to fledge chicks, and early-nesting females were more likely to renest when their first nesting effort was complete. Win-stay-lose-shift tactics may allow females to avoid areas where predation is likely, but new nest sites are not safer. Females that reuse nest sites benefit from early nest initiation, which both correlates with immediate success and creates potential for longer-term benefits of fidelity through increased opportunities to renest throughout the breeding season.
Response to LÖhr: Why We Still Need a New Normativism
Authors: Gomez-Lavin Javier , Rachar Matthew
Published: April 2023

Guido Löhr's recent article makes several insightful and productive suggestions about how to proceed with the empirical study of collective action. However, their critique of the conclusions drawn in Gomez-Lavin & Rachar (2022) is undermined by some issues with the interpretation of the debate and paper. This discussion article clears up those issues, presents new findings from experiments developed in response to Löhr's critiques, reflects on the role of experimental research in the development and refinement of philosophical theories, and adds to Löhr's suggestions about the path forward.
The price of quality: Scholarly publishing business is the primary predictor of citation-based indicators of journal performance in ecology and evolutionary biology
Authors: Ruggiero Adriana
Published: April 2023

Citation-based indicators of journals’ performance are often assumed to offer an objective, albeit indirect, way of measuring research quality. However, recent concerns about their applicability for research evaluation suggested these indicators could depend on historical and socioeconomic factors associated with scholarly publishing tradition and business, respectively. The present study addressed this issue quantitatively, using data on h-index and Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) for 566 journals within the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, and applying Partial Least Squared Structural Equation Modelling. The Tradition Model accounted for <50% of the variation in h-index and SJR, showing that journals’ performance increased with an increase in articles’ international collaboration, and decreased for journals published by non-profit organizations. The Business Model accounted for >60% of the variation in h-index and SJR, showing that journals’ performance increased in association with the global50 ranking of publishers and high article processing charges. Countries recognized as world science centres, the use of English, the journal’s, and publisher’s year of origin, and the increase in science investment and scientific production promoted by the richest economies worldwide had no impact on journal performance. Results suggest that the h-index for journals and the SJR reflect multi-dimensional aspects of scholarly publishing, potentially affected by marketing strategies boosted by the biggest commercial publishers. Given the limitations of poor scientific communities in terms of publication costs, uncritical application of these indexes for research evaluation worldwide may reinforce the idea that high quality research is produced only by rich scientific societies.
Presence and activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Scots pine needles in a boreal forest: a nitrogen-addition experiment
Authors: Bizjak Tinkara , Sellstedt Anita , Gratz Regina , Nordin Annika
Published: April 2023

Endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria have been detected and isolated from the needles of conifer trees growing in North American boreal forests. Because boreal forests are nutrient-limited, these bacteria could provide an important source of nitrogen for tree species. This study aimed to determine their presence and activity in a Scandinavian boreal forest, using immunodetection of nitrogenase enzyme subunits and acetylene-reduction assays of native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles. The presence and rate of nitrogen fixation by endophytic bacteria were compared between control plots and fertilized plots in a nitrogen-addition experiment. In contrast to the expectation that nitrogen-fixation rates would decline in fertilized plots, as seen, for instance, with nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with bryophytes, there was no difference in the presence or activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria between the two treatments. The extrapolated calculated rate of nitrogen fixation relevant for the forest stand was 20 g N ha−1 year−1, which is rather low compared with Scots pine annual nitrogen use but could be important for the nitrogen-poor forest in the long term. In addition, of 13 colonies of potential nitrogen-fixing bacteria isolated from the needles on nitrogen-free media, 10 showed in vitro nitrogen fixation. In summary, 16S rRNA sequencing identified the species as belonging to the genera Bacillus, Variovorax, Novosphingobium, Sphingomonas, Microbacterium and Priestia, which was confirmed by Illumina whole-genome sequencing. Our results confirm the presence of endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Scots pine needles and suggest that they could be important for the long-term nitrogen budget of the Scandinavian boreal forest.
Fire intensity impacts on physiological performance and mortality in Pinus monticola and Pseudotsuga menziesii saplings: a dose–response analysis
Authors: Sparks Aaron M , Blanco Alexander S , Wilson David R , Schwilk Dylan W , Johnson Daniel M , Adams Henry D , Bowman David M J S , Hardman Douglas D , Smith Alistair M S
Published: April 2023

Fire is a major cause of tree injury and mortality worldwide, yet our current understanding of fire effects is largely based on ocular estimates of stem charring and foliage discoloration, which are error prone and provide little information on underlying tree function. Accurate quantification of physiological performance is a research and forest management need, given that declining performance could help identify mechanisms of—and serve as an early warning sign for—mortality. Many previous efforts have been hampered by the inability to quantify the heat flux that a tree experiences during a fire, given its highly variable nature in space and time. In this study, we used a dose–response approach to elucidate fire impacts by subjecting Pinus monticola var. minima Lemmon and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco saplings to surface fires of varying intensity doses and measuring short-term post-fire physiological performance in photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence. We also evaluated the ability of spectral reflectance indices to quantify change in physiological performance at the individual tree crown and stand scales. Although physiological performance in both P. monticola and P. menziesii declined with increasing fire intensity, P. monticola maintained a greater photosynthetic rate and higher chlorophyll fluorescence at higher doses, for longer after the fire. Pinus monticola also had complete survival at lower fire intensity doses, whereas P. menziesii had some mortality at all doses, implying higher fire resistance for P. monticola at this life stage. Generally, individual-scale spectral indices were more accurate at quantifying physiological performance than those acquired at the stand-scale. The Photochemical Reflectance Index outperformed other indices at quantifying photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence, highlighting its potential use to quantify crown scale physiological performance. Spectral indices that incorporated near-infrared and shortwave infrared reflectance, such as the Normalized Burn Ratio, were accurate at characterizing stand-scale mortality. The results from this study were included in a conifer cross-comparison using physiology and mortality data from other dose–response studies. The comparison highlights the close evolutionary relationship between fire and species within the Pinus genus, assessed to date, given the high survivorship of Pinus species at lower fire intensities versus other conifers.
Yes‐associated protein promotes the proliferation and differentiation of liver progenitor cells during liver fibrosis
Authors: Shen Zhenyang , Dai Weiming , Guo Yuecheng , Wang Junjun , Shen Bo , Li Binghang , Lu Lungen , Cai Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

Liver fibrosis is closely related to the proliferation and differentiation of liver progenitor cells (LPCs). Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a key effector molecule of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation and liver homeostasis. However, its role in LPCs proliferation and differentiation during liver fibrosis are not well understood. Using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative PCR and Western blotting, we discovered that LPCs expansion and enhanced YAP expression in LPCs in either choline‐deficient, ethionine‐supplemented (CDE) diet or 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet‐induced fibrotic mice, as well as in patients with liver fibrosis. By injecting adeno‐associated virus vectors under the transcriptional control of Lgr5 promoter, we found that targeted knockdown of YAP in LPCs attenuated the CDE/DDC diet‐induced ductular reaction and liver fibrosis. Using EdU incorporation and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays, we demonstrated that YAP can modulate LPCs proliferation. Importantly, spleen transplantation of YAP‐overexpressing LPCs improved their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes and alleviated carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis. Collectively, our findings indicate that LPCs expansion and differentiation during liver fibrosis could be modulated by YAP, further suggesting the possibility of manipulating YAP expression in LPCs as a potential treatment for chronic liver diseases.
Implantable loop recorder detection for atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke in high-risk patients
Authors: Cadet Myriam Jean , Ronca Kathleen
Published: April 2023

Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are cardiac-monitoring devices that detect dangerous dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). This article discusses whether ILRs can prevent strokes in high-risk patients by detecting AF.
Nurse and firefighter
Authors: Beach Patricia Ringos , Armstrong Allison
Published: April 2023

The first female Chief of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department is also an RN. Medical calls exceed firefighting calls to fire and rescue departments nationwide. This article highlights her nursing and firefighting career to inspire other nurses toward this and other nontraditional career paths.
Immunodeficiency
Authors: Pullen Richard L.
Published: April 2023

Immunodeficiency is an immune system defect that increases a person's susceptibility to infection. This article discusses the signs, symptoms, and management of patients with immunodeficiency.
Voices of women veterans
Authors: Capitulo Kathleen , Olender Lynda
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To explore women veterans' experiences by writing short stories of their lives as part of a program, My Life, My Story (MLMS), and qualitatively analyzing the aggregate stories to identify themes, risks, and opportunities for changes in care.

Methods:

We interviewed women veterans receiving care and/or working at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y. Women researchers experienced in the narrative storytelling model, MLMS, wrote participants' short stories. Twenty-two stories were written, aggregated, coded, and reviewed multiple times until saturation; no new themes emerged. The researchers established trustworthiness, consistency, and credibility.

Results:

Themes from data from the stories of women veterans included reasons for choosing a military career, military and postmilitary experiences, psychological and military sexual trauma (MST), access to mental health care and support, antiwomen/misogynistic perceptions, relationships, life after military service, experiences with VA care and services, and future goals.

Conclusion:

Women veterans have very different military and postmilitary experiences from men. Given the increasing number of women veterans who experience homelessness, MST, and posttraumatic stress disorder, providers, the healthcare community, and the public need to hear the voices of women veterans, learn about their military experiences, and redesign women veterans' healthcare to better meet their unique needs by improving supportive mental and physical health care services.
An overview of penicillin allergies for nurses
Authors: Wrynn Alexander F.
Published: April 2023

Antibiotics are frequently reported as allergies by patients, particularly antibiotics from the penicillin family. Most of these reported allergies are benign, and the consequences of alternative therapies can be significant. This article provides background information on penicillin allergies and serves as a guide to penicillin allergy management.

Reprinted with permission from Wrynn, A.F. An overview of penicillin allergies for nurses. Nurse Pract 2022; 47(9): 30–36. Copyright Wolters Kluwer. All rights reserved.
Role of the bone marrow vascular niche in chemotherapy for MLL-AF9-induced acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Xu Chang , Lu Ting , Lv Xue , Cheng Tao , Cheng Hui
Published: April 2023

Leukemia stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can persist within unique bone marrow niches similar to those of healthy hematopoietic stem cells and resist chemotherapy. In the context of AML, endothelial cells (ECs) are crucial components of these niches that appear to promote malignant expansion despite treatment. To better understand these interactions, we developed a real-time cell cycle-tracking mouse model of AML (Fucci-MA9) with an aim of unraveling why quiescent leukemia cells are more resistant to chemotherapy than cycling cells and proliferate during disease relapse. We found that quiescent leukemia cells were more prone to escape chemotherapy than cycling cells, leading to relapse and proliferation. Importantly, post-chemotherapy resting leukemia cells tended to localize closer to blood vessels. Mechanistically, after chemotherapy, resting leukemia cells interacted with ECs, promoting their adhesion and anti-apoptotic capacity. Further, expression analysis of ECs and leukemia cells during AML, after chemotherapy, and after relapse revealed the potential of suppressing the post-chemotherapy inflammatory response to regulate the functions of leukemia cells and ECs. These findings highlight the role of leukemia cells in evading chemotherapy by seeking refuge near blood vessels and provide important insights and directions for future AML research and treatment.
Childhood obesity and hypertension in pregnancy: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Hu Bing , He Xin , Li Fei , Sun Yanxiang , Sun Jie , Feng Li
Published: April 2023

Background:

The causal relationship between childhood obesity and hypertension in pregnancy remains unclear. To examine the causal association between childhood obesity and hypertension in pregnancy, two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was applied.

Methods:

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with childhood obesity were obtained from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 13 848 European individuals. Summary-level data for hypertension in pregnancy were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (11534 cases and 162212 controls). Inverse-variance weighted analysis, weighted-median analysis, and Mendelian randomization-Egger regression were conducted in this Mendelian randomization analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the accuracy and robustness of our results.

Results:

Genetically determined childhood obesity significantly affects hypertension in pregnancy by IVW [odds ratio (OR) = 1.161, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.086–1.039; P = 9.92 × 10−6] and weighted median (OR = 1.123, 95% CI 1.038–1.214; P = 0.004). These results were validated by multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion:

A causal effect between genetically predicted childhood obesity and the risk of hypertension in pregnancy was identified. The prevention of hypertension in pregnancy should be promoted in populations with childhood obesity.
The Effectiveness of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention on Mutuality Between Patients With Heart Failure and Their Caregivers
Authors: Pucciarelli Gianluca , Occhino Giuseppe , Locatelli Giulia , Baricchi Marina , Ausili Davide , Rebora Paola , Cammarano Andrea , Alvaro Rosaria , Vellone Ercole
Published: April 2023

Background

Mutuality, defined as “the positive quality of the relationship between a caregiver and a care receiver”, was found to be associated with self-care and caregiver contribution to self-care in heart failure (HF). However, no studies were conducted to evaluate whether motivational interviewing (MI) can improve mutuality in patients with HF and caregivers.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MI on mutuality in HF patient–caregiver dyads.

Methods

This is a secondary outcome analysis of the MOTIVATE-HF randomized controlled trial, the primary aim of which was to evaluate the effect of MI on improving self-care in patients with HF. Participants were randomized into 3 arms: (1) MI for patients only, (2) MI for both patients and caregivers, and (3) standard care. To assess the HF patients' and caregivers' mutuality, the Mutuality Scale was used in its patient and caregiver versions.

Results

Patients with HF had a median age of 74 years, and there were more men (58%). Most patients were retired (76.2%). Caregivers had a median age of 55 years and were mostly women (75.5%). Most patients were in New York Heart Association class II (61.9%) and had an ischemic HF etiology (33.6%). The motivational interviews did not show any impact on changes in the patient and caregiver mutuality during the follow-up time (3, 6, 9, and 12 months from baseline). The condition of living together between the patient and the caregiver was significantly associated with better mutuality between the patient and the caregiver.

Conclusions

Motivational interviewing performed by nurses was not effective in improving mutuality in patients with HF and caregivers, but the target variable of the intervention was patient self-care. Stronger effects of MI on mutuality were observed in patients with HF and caregivers who live together. Future studies should target mutuality to see whether MI is really effective.
Illness Perceptions and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women and Men With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Holmlund Lena , Hörnsten Carl , Valham Fredrik , Olsson Karin , Hörnsten Åsa , Ängerud Karin Hellström
Published: April 2023

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is worse in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with other populations. Factors affecting HRQoL in patients with AF are not fully clarified. Illness perceptions are important determinants of disease management and may affect HRQoL.

Objective

The aims of this study were to describe illness perceptions and HRQoL in women and men with AF and to explore the relationship between illness perceptions and HRQoL in patients with AF.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 167 patients with AF. Patients completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and HRQoL questionnaires: Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias, the three-level version of the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, and EuroQol visual analog scale. Subscales of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire significant in correlation analysis with the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias HRQoL total scale were included in a multiple linear regression model.

Results

Mean age was 68.7 ± 10.4 years, and 31.1% were women. Women reported lower personal control (P = .039) and worse HRQoL measured with the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias physical subscale (P = .047) and the EuroQol visual analog scale (P = .044) compared with men. Illness identity (P < .001), consequences (P = .031), emotional representation (P = .014), and timeline cyclical (P = .022) were related to and adversely affected HRQoL.

Conclusions

This study found a relationship between illness perceptions and HRQoL. Some subscales of illness perceptions negatively affected HRQoL in patients with AF, which indicates that efforts to change illness perceptions may be helpful in improving HRQoL. Patients should be given the opportunity to talk about the disease, their symptoms, their emotions, and the consequences of the disease to enable increased HRQoL. A challenge for healthcare will be to design support for each patient based on his/her illness perceptions.
Type of Health Care Experience Impact on PA Education Association End of Rotation Exam Scores
Authors: Lolar Sara , Nandwana Bindiya , Maher Sara F.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The physician assistant (PA) profession is based on previous healthcare experience (HCE), yet few studies have examined the influence of HCE on outcomes. This exploratory study examined possible differences between type of HCE and End of Rotation scores as a surrogate for clinical acumen and medical knowledge.

Methods

Participants included consecutive classes of PA students (2017-2020) from a single public institution (N = 196). Self-reported HCE was used to classify students into HCE groups: group 1, lower decision-making professions; and group 2, higher decision-making professions.

Results

Group 1 (n = 124) and group 2 (n = 72) had no significant difference in the 7 individual End of Rotation exam scores and HCE (p =.163 to .907). A correlation was found between average End of Rotation exam score and PANCE scores (r =.80, p ≤ .001).

Discussion

The impact of HCE during the clinical year of education and its influence on noncognitive attributes, such as communication skills and professionalism, is not known. HCE might have a role in hard to measure noncognitive, nonquantifiable qualities.