bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exciting spiral arms in protoplanetary discs from flybys
Authors: Smallwood Jeremy L , Yang Chao-Chin , Zhu Zhaohuan , Martin Rebecca G , Dong Ruobing , Cuello Nicolás , Isella Andrea
Published: March 2023

Spiral arms are observed in numerous protoplanetary discs. These spiral arms can be excited by companions, either on bound or unbound orbits. We simulate a scenario where an unbound perturber, i.e. a flyby, excites spiral arms during a periastron passage. We run three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of a parabolic flyby encountering a gaseous protoplanetary disc. The perturber mass ranges from $10\, \rm M_J$ to $1\, \rm {\rm M}_{\odot }$. The perturber excites a two-armed spiral structure, with a more prominent spiral feature for higher mass perturbers. The two arms evolve over time, eventually winding up, consistent with previous works. We focus on analysing the pattern speed and pitch angle of these spirals during the whole process. The initial pattern speed of the two arms are close to the angular velocity of the perturber at periastron, and then it decreases over time. The pitch angle also decreases over time as the spiral winds up. The spirals disappear after several local orbital times. An inclined prograde orbit flyby induces similar disc substructures as a coplanar flyby. A solar-mass flyby event causes increased eccentricity growth in the protoplanetary disc, leading to an eccentric disc structure which dampens over time. The spirals’ morphology and the disc eccentricity can be used to search for potential unbound stars or planets around discs where a flyby is suspected. Future disc observations at high resolution and dedicated surveys will help to constrain the frequency of such stellar encounters in nearby star-forming regions.
Estimating dust temperature and Far-IR luminosity of high-redshift galaxies using ALMA single-band continuum observations
Authors: Fudamoto Y , Inoue A K , Sugahara Y
Published: March 2023

We present a method that derives the dust temperatures and infrared (IR) luminosities of high-redshift galaxies assuming radiation equilibrium in a simple dust and stellar distribution geometry. Using public data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) archive, we studied dust temperatures assuming a clumpy interstellar medium (ISM) model for high-redshift galaxies, then tested the consistency of our results with those obtained using other methods. We find that a dust distribution model assuming a clumpiness of ${\rm log}\, \xi _{\rm clp}=-1.02\pm 0.41$ may accurately represent the ISM of high-redshift star-forming galaxies. By assuming a value of ξclp, our method enables the derivation of dust temperatures and IR luminosities of high-redshift galaxies from dust continuum fluxes and emission sizes obtained from single-band ALMA observations. To demonstrate the method proposed herein, we determined the dust temperature ($T_{\rm d}=95^{+13}_{-17}\, \rm {K}$) of a z ∼ 8.3 star-forming galaxy, MACS0416-Y1. Because the method only requires a single-band dust observation to derive a dust temperature, it is more easily accessible than multiband observations or high-redshift emission line searches and can be applied to large samples of galaxies in future studies using high-resolution interferometers such as ALMA.
Evolution of brightness and magnetic features of young solar-type stars – II. The young F8 star HIP 71933
Authors: Hughes J E , Marsden S C , Carter B D , Waite I A , Burton D M , Perugini G M , Hébrard E M
Published: March 2023

The early, active history of our Sun is still not fully understood. Observations of the magnetic fields on active young solar-type stars allow us an insight into the early evolution of our Sun. Here we present Doppler and Zeeman–Doppler images of the young late-F star HIP 71933 (HD 129181) at multiple epochs to add to the growing data about the evolution of magnetic cycles in solar-type stars. Spectroscopic data were obtained over seven epochs spanning 10 yr of observations, with two epochs including spectropolarimetric data. The brightness maps at all epochs show a consistent spot activity in a non-uniform ring at a latitude of approximately +60° with no polar spot present in any epoch. The two magnetic field maps taken ∼2 yr apart show a strong poloidal field configuration with most of the poloidal field energy in the dipolar configuration. The magnetic maps show no evidence of a polarity reversal. We were able to measure the differential rotation from one of the seven epochs using the brightness data finding a dΩ of 0.325 ± 0.01 rad d−1. The values for the rotational period and differential rotation found for HIP 71933 are consistent with values found for other late-F or early-G stars. The dominant poloidal features and the limited spots at the pole are unusual for a rapidly rotating star but not unique.
Andromeda XXV – a dwarf galaxy with a low central dark matter density
Authors: Charles Emily J E , Collins Michelle L M , Rich R Michael , Read Justin I , Kim Stacy Y , Ibata Rodrigo A , Martin Nicolas F , Chapman Scott C , Balbinot Eduardo , Weisz Daniel R
Published: March 2023

Andromeda (And) XXV has previously been reported as a dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph) with little-to-no dark matter. However, the uncertainties on this result were significant. In this study, we nearly double the number of member stars and re-derive the kinematics and mass of And XXV. We find that And XXV has a systemic velocity of νr = −107.7 ± 1.0 kms−1 and a velocity dispersion of $\sigma _{\rm \nu }=3.7^{+1.2}_{-1.1}$ kms−1. With this updated velocity dispersion and a new literature measurement of the radial surface brightness profile, we derive a mass contained within the half-light radius of $M(r\lt r_{\rm h})=4.7^{+3.0}_{-2.9}\times 10^6$ M⊙. This mass corresponds to a mass-to-light ratio of $\text{[M/L]}_{\rm r_{h}}=25^{+17}_{-16}$ M⊙/L⊙, demonstrating that And XXV is most-likely dark matter dominated. We also measure the metallicity of And XXV to be $\rm [Fe/H]=-1.9\pm 0.1$ dex, which is in agreement with previous results. Finally, we extend the analysis of And XXV to include mass modelling using GravSphere. We find that And XXV has a low central dark matter density, ρDM(150 pc) = $2.3^{+1.4}_{-1.1}\times 10^7$ M⊙ kpc−3, which makes And XXV a clear outlier when compared to other local group dSphs of the similar stellar mass. In a companion paper, we will explore whether some combination of dark matter cusp-core transformations and/or tides can explain And XXV’s low density.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of NF2-Mutated Kidney Tumors Reveals Potential Targets for Therapy
Authors: Hacking Sean M , Pavlick Dean , Wang Yihong , Carneiro Benedito A , Mullally Matthew , Lu Shaolei , Canepa Mariana , Bratslavsky Gennady , Jacob Joseph , Necchi Andrea , Spiess Philippe E , Wang Li , Yakirevich Evgeny , Ross Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Genomic alterations (GA) in NF2 tumor-suppressor gene have been associated with aggressive behavior in kidney tumors. We used comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to evaluate the frequencies of NF2 GA in histologic subtypes of kidney tumors and co-occurring GA in other genes and biomarkers. Advanced kidney tumors included 1875 clear cell (ccRCC), 405 papillary (pRCC), 108 chromophobe (chRCC), 171 sarcomatoid (sRCC), 61 collecting duct (cdRCC), 49 medullary (mRCC), 134 unclassified (uRCC), 906 urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis (UC), and 147 Wilms tumors underwent hybrid-capture based CGP to evaluate all classes of GA. 192 (4.9%) of kidney tumors featured NF2 GA which were predominantly structural variant mutations (89%), followed by copy number alterations (9%). Gender and age were similar between NF2-mutant (NF2mut) and NF2-wild type (NF2wt) cohorts with male preponderance. NF2 GA frequency was highest in cdRCC (30%), sRCC (21%), uRCC (15%), and pRCC (12%) while lowest in ccRCC (3%), UC (3%) Wilms tumor (1%), and chRCC (0%). NF2 mutational status was associated with loss of Ch 22 (P < .001). NF2mut RCC harbored co-occurring GA including CDKN2A, CDKN2B, SETD2, and BAP1. VHL, PBRM1, PTEN, and FGFR3 GA were significantly more frequent in NF2wt than in NF2mut tumors. MTOR pathway GAs were uncommon in NF2mut tumors. No NF2 mutated RCC featured MSI-high or high TMB. sRCC was associated with high PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 SP142 tumoral (P = .04) and immune cells (P = .013) were more frequent in NF2mut as compared to NF2wt group. Among histologic subtypes of RCC, cdRCC, sRCC, pRCC, and uRCC are enriched in NF2 GA. Co-occurrent GA in CDKN2A/B, SETD2, and BAP1 may represent potential therapeutic targets. Higher level of PD-L1 expression in NF2mut cohort suggests that these tumors might be sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
An all ambient, room temperature–processed solar cell from a bare silicon wafer
Authors: Okamoto Kazuya , Fujita Yutaka , Nishigaya Kosuke , Tanabe Katsuaki
Published: March 2023

Solar cells are a promising optoelectronic device for the simultaneous solution of energy resource and environmental problems. However, their high cost and slow, laborious production process so far severely hinder a sufficient widespread of clean, renewable photovoltaic energy as a major alternative electricity generator. This undesirable situation is mainly attributed to the fact that photovoltaic devices have been manufactured through a series of vacuum and high-temperature processes. Here we realize a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/Si heterojunction solar cell fabricated only in ambient and room temperature conditions from a plain Si wafer, with an over 10% energy conversion efficiency. Our production scheme is based on our finding that PEDOT:PSS photovoltaic layers actively operate even on highly doped Si substrates, which substantially mitigates the condition requirements for electrode implementation. Our approach may pave the way for facile, low-cost, high-throughput solar cell fabrication, useful in various fields even including developing countries and educational sites.
On Bitcoin: A Study in Applied Metaphysics
Authors: Lipman Martin A
Published: March 2023

This essay is dedicated to the memory of Katherine Hawley.1

Bitcoin was invented to serve as a digital currency that demands no trust in financial institutions, such as commercial and central banks. This paper discusses metaphysical aspects of bitcoin, in particular the view that bitcoin is socially constructed, non-concrete, and genuinely exists. If bitcoin is socially constructed, then one may worry that this reintroduces trust in the communities responsible for the social construction. Although we may have to rely on certain communities, I argue that social construction doesn’t imply a demand for trust because the relevant communities don’t take on any relevant commitments. Bitcoin is indeed trust-free.
EFFECT OF ABDOMINAL IRRADIATION IN MICE MODEL OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Kang Sohi , Son Yeonghoon , Shin In-Sik , Moon Changjong , Lee Min Y , Lim Kyung S , Park Su-Jin , Lee Chang-Geun , Jo Wol S , Lee Hae-June , Kim Joong S
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases could be diagnosed in major measure by diagnostic imaging; however, radiation exposure in the intestine may also contribute to the progression of these pathologies. To better understand the impact of radiation in the presence of bowel disease, we administered dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to C57BL/6 mice to induce colitis and exposed to radiation at abdominal area. We observed that abdominal irradiation (13 Gy) aggravates the DSS-induced decrease in survival rate (0%), body weight (74.54 ± 3.59%) and colon length (4.98 ± 0.14 cm). Additionally, abdominal irradiation markedly increased in colonic inflammation levels (3.16 ± 0.16) compared with that of DSS-induced sham mice. Furthermore, abdominal irradiation also increased the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (13.10 folds), interleukin-6 (48.83 folds) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (42.97 folds). We conclude that abdominal irradiation aggravates the detrimental effects of DSS-induced colitis in mice, which might be a useful guideline for inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Changing face-to-face to online radiation protection training: experiences of trainers and trainees
Authors: Clarijs Tom , Belmans Niels , Van Puyvelde Lisanne , Coeck Michèle
Published: March 2023

The SCK CEN Academy for Nuclear Science and Technology functions as the umbrella structure coordinating the education and training activities of the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN). One of the main activities of the SCK CEN Academy is to provide customised training to professionals working in the nuclear industry, healthcare, research or governmental institutions. The courses and practical sessions are usually given in a face-to-face (FTF) format. This has drastically changed in the last 2 y because of the COVID-19 pandemic when it was necessary to switch course delivery from FTF to an online format. Feedback was collected from trainees and trainers in different training courses in radiation protection provided in FTF and online format. The analysis of this feedback allows training providers to make better-informed decisions on the best-suited training format depending on the content, target audience and the duration of the learning activity.
Association of Complement and Coagulation Pathway Proteins With Treatment Response in First-Episode Psychosis: A Longitudinal Analysis of the OPTiMiSE Clinical Trial
Authors: Susai Subash Raj , Föcking Melanie , Mongan David , Heurich Meike , Coutts Fiona , Egerton Alice , Whetton Tony , Winter-van Rossum Inge , Unwin Richard D , Pollak Thomas A , Weiser Mark , Leboyer Marion , Rujescu Dan , Byrne Jonah F , Gifford George W , Dazzan Paola , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Kahn René S , Cotter David R , McGuire Philip
Published: March 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Treatment response to specific antipsychotic medications is difficult to predict on clinical grounds alone. The current study hypothesizes that the baseline complement pathway activity predicts the treatment response and investigates the relationship between baseline plasma biomarkers with treatment response to antipsychotic medications.

Study Design

Baseline plasma samples were collected from first episode of psychosis patients (n = 243) from a multi-center clinical trial. The participants were treated with amisulpride for 4 weeks. Levels of complement and coagulation proteins at baseline were measured using both data-dependent and data-independent mass spectrometry approaches. The primary outcome was remission status at 4 weeks and the secondary outcomes included change in psychotic and functional symptoms over the period of treatment. In addition, immunoassays were performed at baseline for complement C1R, as well as for activation markers C4a and sC5b-9.

Study Results

The plasma level of complement variant C4A was significantly associated with remission at 4 weeks. Moreover, higher levels of several complement and coagulation pathway proteins were associated with a reduction in psychotic symptoms and an improvement in functioning. Immunoassays showed an association of baseline levels of C1R and C4a as well as complement activation marker sC5b-9 levels with treatment response.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the response to antipsychotic treatment might be related to pre-treatment levels of plasma complement and coagulation pathway proteins. This is consistent with independent evidence associating immune dysfunction with the pathophysiology of psychosis. Moreover, these results inform the development of novel therapeutic approaches that target the complement system for psychosis.
Urban Crisis and Epidemic Typhus in Madrid at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century
Authors: de Miguel Salanova Santiago
Published: March 2023

During the nineteenth century, epidemic typhus was one of the main public health problems resulting from industrialisation and urbanisation processes in Europe. It became an illness intricately linked to poverty, famine, the labour crisis and residential overcrowding. In Spain, it reached a significant peak in the first decade of the twentieth century, and Madrid was its uncontested epicentre. Between 1903 and 1910, the Spanish capital was hit by two waves of epidemic typhus. Their causes were associated with the fault lines drawn in the city’s structure during the previous decades. The origins of both epidemics, the resources deployed to control them and their socio-spatial spread can be linked to the gaps in urban policies in Madrid in comparison with the transformations that the city underwent after the middle of the nineteenth century.
Occurrence and Pathogenicity of Hop Stunt Viroid Infecting Mulberry (Morus alba) Plants in China
Authors: Ma Yu , Han Tao-Tao , Zhang Peng , Tang Jia-Xuan , Smith William Kojo , Zhong Kui , Yu Jing , Cheng Yong-Yuan , Zhao Weiguo , Lu Quan-You
Published: March 2023

To investigate the presence of hop stunt viroid (HSVd) in mulberry (Morus alba) plants in China, HSVd was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using dsRNAs extracted from symptomatic or asymptomatic mulberry leaf samples collected from a mulberry field located in Zhenjiang, China, as a template and the primer pairs for HSVd detection. The primer pairs were designed based on the conserved sequence of 25 HSVd variants deposited in the GenBank database. Four out of a total of 53 samples were HSVd-positive, confirming that HSVd is present in mulberry plants in China. The consensus full-length nucleotide (nt) sequence of two HSVd variants determined by sequencing the HSVd variants in these four HSVd-positive samples consisted of 296 nt and shared the highest nt identity of 96.8% with that from plum in Turkey but relatively low identity with those from mulberry in Iran (87.3 to 90.8%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that these HSVd variants clustered together with those of the HSVd-hop group. Analysis of the infectivity and pathogenicity to hosts by the constructed Agrobacterium-mediated dimeric head-to-tail HSVd cDNA infectious clones demonstrated that one of the HSVd variants identified in this study infects the natural host, mulberry plants, and also infects experimental plants, cucumber, and tomato. It probably induces stunting symptoms in HSVd-infected tomatoes but does not induce symptoms on mulberry leaves or in cucumbers. Although HSVd infecting mulberry has been found in Iran, Italy, and Lebanon, this is the first study to report this viroid in naturally infected mulberry plants in China.
A Modified Reverse Right-angled Triangle Osteotomy Using the Lateral Approach for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Cubitus Varus Deformity in Children
Authors: Liu Xiping , Liu Kun , Yang Jun
Published: March 2023

Background:

Cubitus varus deformity is a complex 3-dimensional deformity. Various osteotomies have been introduced to correct this deformity, however, there is no consensus on the best procedure to correct the deformity while avoiding complications. In this retrospective study, we used a modified inverse right-angled triangle osteotomy to treat 22 children with posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. The primary objective was to evaluate this technique by presenting its clinical and radiologic results.

Methods:

Twenty-two consecutive patients with a cubitus varus deformity underwent a modified reverse right-angled triangle osteotomy between October 2017 and May 2020 and were then followed for a minimum of 24 months. We evaluated its clinical and radiologic results. Functional outcomes were assessed using Oppenheim criteria.

Results:

The average follow-up period was 34.6 months (range, 24.0 to 58.1 months). The mean range of motion was 4.32 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 15 degrees)/122.73 degrees (range, 115 degrees to 130 degrees) (hyperextension/flexion) before surgery and 2.05 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 10 degrees)/127.27 degrees (range, 120 degrees to 145 degrees) at the final follow-up. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences between the flexion and hyperextension angles before surgery and at the final follow-up. Based on Oppenheim criteria, results were excellent for 20, good for 2, and none of the patients had poor results. The mean humerus-elbow-wrist angle improved from 18.23 degrees (range, 10 degrees to 25 degrees) varus preoperatively to 8.45 degrees (range, 5 degrees to 15 degrees) valgus postoperatively (P < 0.05). The mean of the preoperative lateral condylar prominence index was 3.52 (range, 2.5 to 5.2) and the average postoperative lateral condylar prominence index was −3.28 (range, −1.3 to −6.0). All patients were pleased with the overall appearance of their elbows.

Conclusions:

The modified reverse right-angled triangle osteotomy can precisely and stably correct the deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes, we recommend this technique as a simple, safe, and reliable correction of cubitus varus deformity.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV; case series; therapeutic studies—investigating the results of treatment.
Impact of baseline blood pressure on all-cause death in patients with atrial fibrillation: results from a multicenter registry study
Authors: Xu Wei , Song Qirui , Zhang Han , Wang Juan , Shao Xinghui , Wu Shuang , Zhu Jun , Cai Jun , Yang Yanmin
Published: March 2023

Background:

The ideal blood pressure (BP) target for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unclear. The present study aimed to assess the effect of the baseline BP on all-cause death in patients with AF.

Methods:

This registry study included 20 emergency centers across China and consecutively enrolled patients with AF from 2008 to 2011. All participants were followed for 1 year ± 1 month. The primary endpoint was all-cause death.

Results:

During the follow-up, 276 (13.9%) all-cause deaths occurred. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤110 mmHg or >160 mmHg was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death (log-rank test, P = 0.014), and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <70 mmHg was associated with the highest risk of all-cause death (log-rank test, P = 0.002). After adjusting for confounders, the multivariable Cox regression model suggested that the risk of all-cause death was statistically increased in the group with SBP ≤110 mmHg (hazard ratio [HR], 1.963; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.306–2.951), and DBP <70 mmHg (HR, 1.628; 95% CI, 1.163–2.281). In the restricted cubic splines, relations between baseline SBP or DBP and all-cause death showed J-shaped associations (non-linear P <0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). The risk of all-cause death notably increased at a lower baseline SBP and DBP. The subgroup analyses were consistent with the main findings.

Conclusions:

Having a baseline SBP ≤110 mmHg or DBP <70 mmHg was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause death in patients with AF. An excessively low BP may not be an optimal target for patients with AF.
Health Care Avoidance Among Canadian Pilots Due to Fear of Medical Certificate Loss
Authors: Patel Parth K. , Hoffman William R. , Aden James , Acker Jason P.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Canadian pilots may avoid health care and report inaccurate medical information due to fear of medical invalidation. We sought to determine if health care avoidance due to fear of certificate loss exists.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous 24-item Internet survey of 1405 Canadian pilots between March and May 2021. Responses were collected using REDCap, and the survey was advertised through aviation magazines and social media groups.

Results

Seventy-two percent of respondents (n = 1007) have felt worried about seeking medical care because it may impact their career or hobby. Respondents participated in various health care avoidance behaviors with the most common being having actually avoided or delayed medical care for a symptom (46%, n = 647).

Conclusion

Canadian pilots fear medical invalidation and consequently, avoid health care. This may be severely impacting aeromedical screening effectiveness.
Impact of the COVID pandemic on major abdominal cancer resections in Germany: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Uttinger Konstantin L. , Diers Johannes , Baum Philip , Hankir Mohammed , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Wiegering Armin
Published: March 2023

Background:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is estimated to have claimed more than 6 million lives globally since it started in 2019. Germany was exposed to two waves of coronavirus disease 2019 in 2020, one starting in April and the other in October. To ensure sufficient capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 patients in intensive care units, elective medical procedures were postponed. The fraction of major abdominal cancer resections affected by these measures remains unknown, and the most affected patient cohort has yet to be identified.

Methods:

This is a register-based, retrospective, nationwide cohort study of anonymized ‘diagnosis-related group’ billing data provided by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany. Cases were identified using diagnostic and procedural codes for major cancer resections. Population-adjusted cancer resection rates as the primary endpoint were compared at baseline (2012–2019) to those in 2020.

Results:

A change in resection rates for all analyzed entities (esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectum, and lung cancer) was observed from baseline to 2020. Total monthly oncological resections dropped by 7.4% (8.7% normalized to the annual German population, P=0.011). Changes ranged from +3.7% for pancreatic resections (P=0.277) to −19.4% for rectal resections (P<0.001). Reductions were higher during lockdown periods. During the first lockdown period (April–June), the overall drop was 14.3% (8.58 per 100 000 vs. 7.35 per 100 000, P<0.001). There was no catch-up effect during the summer months except for pancreatic cancer resections. In the second lockdown period, there was an overall drop of 17.3%. In subgroup analyses, the elderly were most affected by the reduction in resection rates. There was a significant negative correlation between regional SARS-CoV-2 incidences and resections rates. This correlation was strongest for rectal cancer resections (Spearman’s r: −0.425, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The pandemic lockdowns had a major impact on the oncological surgical caseload in Germany in 2020. The elderly were most affected by the reduction. There was a clear correlation between SARS-CoV-2 incidences regionally and the reduction of surgical resection rates. In future pandemic circumstances, oncological surgery has to be prioritized with an extra focus on the most vulnerable patients.
Association between hospital surgical case volume and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ning Fei-Long , Gu Wan-Jie , Zhao Zhe-Ming , Du Wan-Ying , Sun Min , Cao Shi-Yi , Zeng Yong-Ji , Abe Masanobu , Zhang Chun-Dong
Published: March 2023

Background:

Postoperative mortality is an important indicator for evaluating surgical safety. Postoperative mortality is influenced by hospital volume; however, this association is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the volume–outcome association between the hospital surgical case volume for gastrectomies per year (hospital volume) and the risk of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing a gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods:

Studies assessing the association between hospital volume and the postoperative mortality in patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were searched for eligibility. Odds ratios were pooled for the highest versus lowest categories of hospital volume using a random-effects model. The volume–outcome association between hospital volume and the risk of postoperative mortality was analyzed. The study protocol was registered with Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Results:

Thirty studies including 586 993 participants were included. The risk of postgastrectomy mortality in patients with gastric cancer was 35% lower in hospitals with higher surgical case volumes than in their lower-volume counterparts (odds ratio: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.56–0.76; P<0.001). This relationship was consistent and robust in most subgroup analyses. Volume–outcome analysis found that the postgastrectomy mortality rate remained stable or was reduced after the hospital volume reached a plateau of 100 gastrectomy cases per year.

Conclusions:

The current findings suggest that a higher-volume hospital can reduce the risk of postgastrectomy mortality in patients with gastric cancer, and that greater than or equal to 100 gastrectomies for gastric cancer per year may be defined as a high hospital surgical case volume.
Measurement Approaches to Estimating Methadone Continuity in Opioid Use Disorder Care
Authors: Busch Alisa B. , Kennedy-Hendricks Alene , Schilling Cameron , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Hollander Mara , Meiselbach Mark K. , Barry Colleen L. , Huskamp Haiden A. , Eisenberg Matthew D.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Long-term treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), including methadone, is lifesaving. There has been little examination of how to measure methadone continuity in claims data.

Objectives:

To develop an approach for measuring methadone continuity in claims data, and compare estimates of methadone versus buprenorphine continuity.

Research Design:

Observational cohort study using de-identified commercial claims from OptumLabs Data Warehouse (January 1, 2017–June 30, 2021).

Subjects:

Individuals diagnosed with OUD, ≥1 methadone or buprenorphine claim and ≥180 days continuous enrollment (N=29,633).

Measures:

OUD medication continuity: months with any use, days of continuous use, and proportion of days covered.

Results:

5.4% (N=1607) of the study cohort had any methadone use. Ninety-seven percent of methadone claims (N=160,537) were from procedure codes specifically used in opioid treatment programs. Place of service and primary diagnosis codes indicated that several methadone procedure codes were not used in outpatient OUD care. Methadone billing patterns indicated that estimating days-supply based solely on dates of service and/or procedure codes would yield inaccurate continuity results and that an approach incorporating the time between service dates was more appropriate. Among those using methadone, mean [s.d.] months with any use, days of continuous use, and proportion of days covered were 4.8 [1.8] months, 79.7 [73.4] days, and 0.64 [0.36]. For buprenorphine, the corresponding continuity estimates were 4.6 [1.9], 80.7 [70.0], and 0.73 [0.35].

Conclusions:

Estimating methadone continuity in claims data requires a different approach than that for medications largely delivered by prescription fills, highlighting the importance of consistency and transparency in measuring methadone continuity across studies.
Nursing Students' Self-rated Nurse Professional Competence at the End of an International Collaborative Education Program and Follow-up 1 Year Later
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Lou Yan , Willmer Mikaela , Engström Maria
Published: March 2023

Background:

International collaborative programs and student active learning are encouraged; yet, little is known about them.

Purpose:

To compare nursing students' self-rated nurse professional competence (NPC) and general self-efficacy between those enrolled in an international collaborative program, which focused on student active learning, and those enrolled in a traditional lecture-based program at the end of graduation and 1 year later.

Methods:

This prospective comparative study distributed a questionnaire to 137 nursing students enrolled in the 2 bachelor-level programs at a university in southeastern China.

Results:

At the end of graduation, students enrolled in the international collaborative program reported higher scores for NPC factors, medical and technical care and general self-efficacy, than those enrolled in the traditional lecture-based program. One year later, they reported higher scores for total NPC, value-based nursing care, medical and technical care, care pedagogics, documentation and administration of nursing care, and general self-efficacy than others.

Conclusion:

This study found that the nursing students enrolled in the international collaborative program reported higher self-rated competence.
Progressive Dysphagia and Chronic Abdominal Pain From Vascular Anomalies: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Agarwal Pallavi , Sheridan Thompson Mikah , Barr Lori , Mcclain Amber
Published: March 2023

Median arcuate ligament syndrome and symptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery are uncommon in the pediatric population and are rarely found in the same individual. We present the case of a teenager with 2 rare vascular anomalies leading to chronic postprandial abdominal pain, dysphagia, and weight loss. The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness about these rare anomalies and their presentations in the pediatric population.
Handrim wheelchair propulsion technique in individuals with spinal cord injury with and without shoulder pain – a cross-sectional comparison
Authors: Braaksma Jelmer , Vegter Riemer J.K. , Leving Marika T. , van der Scheer Jan W. , Tepper Marga , Woldring Ferry A.B. , van der Woude Lucas H.V. , Houdijk Han , de Groot Sonja
Published: March 2023

Objective

To compare handrim wheelchair propulsion technique between individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with and without shoulder pain.

Design

A cross-sectional study including 38 experienced handrim wheelchair users with SCI. Participants were divided in a ‘shoulder pain’ (n = 15) and ‘no-shoulder pain’ (n = 23) group using the Local Musculoskeletal Discomfort scale. Kinetic and spatiotemporal aspects of handrim wheelchair propulsion during submaximal exercise on a motor-driven treadmill were analyzed. Data were collected using a measurement wheel instrumented with 3D force sensors.

Results

After correction for confounders (time since injury and body height), linear regression analyses showed the pain group had a 0.30 s (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.1) shorter cycle time, 0.22 s (95% CI, -0.4 to -0.1) shorter recovery time, 15.6° (95% CI, -27.4 to -3.8) smaller contact angle and 8% (95% CI, -15 to 0) lower variability in the work per push compared to the no-pain group. Other parameters did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

This study indicates that individuals with SCI who experience shoulder pain propel their handrim wheelchair kinematically different from individuals with SCI without shoulder pain. This difference in propulsion technique might be a pain-avoiding mechanism aimed at decreasing shoulder range of motion.
All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Parents After the Death of a Child in Taiwan: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ying-Yeh , Gunnell David , Wu Chia-Kai , Hu Ya-Hui , Lee Pei-Chen
Published: March 2023

Objective

Research from Western countries suggests that there is an increase in mortality in parents bereaved by the death of a child. Few studies have investigated this issue in a non-Western context. We explored the impact of the death of a child on parental mortality in Taiwan.

Method

By linking population-based national registers, we followed the 2004–2014 birth cohort (N = 2,083,972) up until 2016. A total of 11,755 child deaths were identified. For each deceased child, four living children matched on age and sex were randomly selected; their parents were the comparison group. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to compare the mortality risk of bereaved parents with the comparison group up until 2017.

Results

Overall mortality risk was increased in parents who experienced the death of a child; the risk was higher in bereaved mothers (adjusted hazard ratio = 4.91, 95% confidence interval = 3.96–6.09) than fathers (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.55–2.13). The risk did not differ according to the sex of the child, but parents whose children died of unexpected causes (i.e., suicide/accidents/violence) were at greater risk than those dying of other causes. Risk was higher when the child was older than 1 year at the time of death than for deaths before age 1 year.

Conclusions

Parents who lost a child were at increased mortality risk in this East Asian population. Special attention should be paid to the health of bereaved parents and explore the pathways leading to their risk.
A Gene-Acculturation Study of Obesity Among US Hispanic/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Fernández-Rhodes Lindsay , McArdle Cristin E. , Rao Hridya , Wang Yujie , Martinez-Miller Erline E. , Ward Julia B. , Cai Jianwen , Sofer Tamar , Isasi Carmen R. , North Kari E.
Published: March 2023

Objective

In the United States, Hispanic/Latino adults face a high burden of obesity; yet, not all individuals are equally affected, partly due in part to this ethnic group’s marked sociocultural diversity. We sought to analyze the modification of body mass index (BMI) genetic effects in Hispanic/Latino adults by their level of acculturation, a complex biosocial phenomenon that remains understudied.

Methods

Among 11,747 Hispanic/Latinos adults in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos aged 18 to 76 years from four urban communities (2008–2011), we a) tested our hypothesis that the effect of a genetic risk score (GRS) for increased BMI may be exacerbated by higher levels of acculturation and b) examined if GRS acculturation interactions varied by gender or Hispanic/Latino background group. All genetic modeling controlled for relatedness, age, gender, principal components of ancestry, center, and complex study design within a generalized estimated equation framework.

Results

We observed a GRS increase of 0.34 kg/m2 per risk allele in weighted mean BMI. The estimated main effect of GRS on BMI varied both across acculturation level and across gender. The difference between high and low acculturation ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 kg/m2 per risk allele, but varied across acculturation measure and gender.

Conclusions

These results suggest the presence of effect modification by acculturation, with stronger effects on BMI among highly acculturated individuals and female immigrants. Future studies of obesity in the Hispanic/Latino community should account for sociocultural environments and consider their intersection with gender to better target obesity interventions.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Intranasal Fluorescein for Localizing CSF Rhinorrhea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Romeo Dominic , Ng Jinggang Jenny , Fritz Christian , De Ravin Emma , Suresh Neeraj , Harris Jacob , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To assess existing literature on topical intranasal fluorescein (TINF) for the diagnosis and localization of nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A 6-database literature search was conducted to identify articles providing insight into TINF for the diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal CSF leak. Demographic characteristics, technical details, efficacy, and safety data were extracted and analyzed. Methodological quality was assessed using Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

Results:

All studies reported a diagnostic accuracy rate ≥96%. There were no major complications reported for any patient (n=99) with either 5% or 10% fluorescein use. The MINORS instrument of methodological quality indicated that the assessed studies were of moderate quality (7.29 out of a maximum score of 24).

Conclusion:

This systematic review indicates that TINF is an easy, safe, inexpensive, and sensitive approach for the diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal CSF leakage. For these reasons, it may be especially well suited for resource-limited clinical scenarios.
Practice and effect evaluation of early restrictive fluid resuscitation strategy in the nursing care of patients with sepsis in the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Xiaqing , Zhang Jie , Wang Peipei , Dai Xin
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To explore the practice and effect evaluation of the early restrictive fluid resuscitation strategy in the nursing care of patients with sepsis in the emergency department.

Methods:

A total of 239 sepsis patients, who were treated in the emergency department of our hospital from January to September 2020, were selected as the participants of this study, and a retrospective analysis was performed. According to different methods of fluid resuscitation, they were divided into an improved group and a control group. One hundred and twelve patients who received restrictive fluid resuscitation were in the improved group; another 127 patients who received adequate fluid resuscitation were in the control group. The ICU stay time, ventilator use time, and 28-day mortality rate of the two groups were observed. The hemodynamic indices, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and complications of the two groups before and after treatment were compared.

Results:

After treatment, in the improved group, the APACHE II and SOFA scores were lower than in the control group, fluid replacement decreased, lactate clearance increased, ICU admission time shortened and the proportion of ventilator time to ICU admission time decreased. The incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cTn I and brain natriuretic peptic in the improved group were significantly lower than those in the control group. From the dimension within the group, the APACHE II score, SOFA score, heart rate and shock index were lower after treatment than before treatment in both the improved and control groups.

Conclusion:

Restricted fluid resuscitation can effectively alleviate the condition of emergency sepsis patients, improve hemodynamics, reduce the incidence of ARDS, and prevent patient deaths. It is worthy of clinical application.
BQsupports: systematic assessment of the support and novelty of new biomedical associations
Authors: Fernandez Adria , Locatelli Martina , Bertoni Martino , Aloy Patrick
Published: March 2023

Living a Big Data era in Biomedicine, there is an unmet need to systematically assess experimental observations in the context of available information. This assessment would offer a means for an unbiased validation of the results and provide an initial estimate of the potential novelty of the findings. Here we present BQsupports, a web-based tool built upon the Bioteque biomedical descriptors that systematically analyzes and quantifies the current support to a given set of observations. The tool relies on over 1,000 distinct types of biomedical descriptors, covering over 11 different biological and chemical entities, including genes, cell lines, diseases and small molecules. By exploring hundreds of descriptors, BQsupports provide support scores for each observation across a wide variety of biomedical contexts. These scores are then aggregated to summarize the biomedical support of the assessed dataset as a whole. Finally, the BQsupports also suggests predictive features of the given dataset, which can be exploited in downstream machine learning applications.
Self-reported Xylazine Experiences: A Mixed Methods Study of Reddit Subscribers
Authors: Spadaro Anthony , O’Connor Karen , Lakamana Sahithi , Sarker Abeed , Wightman Rachel , Love Jennifer S , Perrone Jeanmarie
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Xylazine is an alpha-2 agonist increasingly prevalent in the illicit drug supply. Our objectives were to curate information about xylazine through social media from People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs). Specifically, we sought to answer the following: 1) what are the demographics of Reddit subscribers reporting exposure to xylazine? 2) is xylazine a desired additive? and 3) what adverse effects of xylazine are PWUDs experiencing?

Methods

Natural Language Processing (NLP) was used to identify mentions of “xylazine” from posts by Reddit subscribers who also posted on drug-related subreddits. Posts were qualitatively evaluated for xylazine-related themes. A survey was developed to gather additional information about the Reddit subscribers. This survey was posted on subreddits that were identified by NLP to contain xylazine-related discussions from March 2022 to October 2022.

Results

76 posts mentioning xylazine were extracted via NLP from 765,616 posts by 16,131 Reddit subscribers (January 2018 to August 2021). People on Reddit described xylazine as an unwanted adulterant in their opioid supply. 61 participants completed the survey. Of those that disclosed their location, 25/50 (50%) participants reported locations in the Northeastern United States. The most common eoute of xylazine use was intranasal use (57%). 31/59 (53%) reported experiencing xylazine withdrawal. Frequent adverse events reported were prolonged sedation (81%) and increased skin wounds (43%).

Conclusions

Among respondents on these Reddit forums, xylazine appears to be an unwanted adulterant. PWUDs may be experiencing adverse effects such as prolonged sedation and xylazine withdrawal. This appeared to be more common in the Northeast.
Ubiquitous, B12-dependent virioplankton utilizing ribonucleotide triphosphate reductase demonstrate interseasonal dynamics and associate with a diverse range of bacterial hosts in the pelagic ocean
Authors: Wu Ling-Yi , Piedade Gonçalo J. , Moore Ryan M. , Harrison Amelia O. , Martins Ana M. , Bidle Kay D. , Polson Shawn W. , Sakowski Eric , Nissimov Jozef I. , Dums Jacob T. , Ferrell Barbra D. , Wommack K. Eric
Published: March 2023

Through infection and lysis of their coexisting bacterial hosts, viruses impact the biogeochemical cycles sustaining globally significant pelagic oceanic ecosystems. Currently, little is known of the ecological interactions between lytic viruses and their bacterial hosts underlying these biogeochemical impacts at ecosystem scales. This study focused on populations of lytic viruses carrying the B12- dependent Class II monomeric ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) gene, ribonucleotide triphosphate reductase (RTPR), documenting seasonal changes in pelagic virioplankton and bacterioplankton using amplicon sequences of RTPR and the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. Amplicon sequence libraries were analyzed using compositional data analysis tools that account for the compositional nature of these data. Both virio- and bacterioplankton communities responded to environmental changes typically seen across seasonal cycles as well as shorter term upwelling–downwelling events. Defining RTPR-carrying viral populations according to major phylogenetic clades proved a more robust means of exploring virioplankton ecology than operational taxonomic units defined by percent sequence homology. Virioplankton RTPR populations showed positive associations with a broad phylogenetic diversity of bacterioplankton including dominant taxa within pelagic oceanic ecosystems such asProchlorococcusand SAR11. Temporal changes in RTPR-virioplankton, occurring as both free viruses and within infected cells, indicated possible viral–host pairs undergoing sustained infection and lysis cycles throughout the seasonal study. Phylogenetic relationships inferred from RTPR sequences mirrored ecological patterns in virio- and bacterioplankton populations demonstrating possible genome to phenome associations for an essential viral replication gene.