bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical utility of multidisciplinary team meetings for patients with complex benign upper gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Allaway Matthew G R , Luo Yuchen , Lim Hou Kiat , Bhatia Kiron , Mori Krinal , Craven Alex , Keong Ben , Tog Chek Heng , Sweeney Thomas , Wong Darren , Goodwin Michelle , Leung Christopher , Aly Ahmad , Hall Katheryn , Liu David S
Published: September 2024

Patients with benign upper gastrointestinal (UGI) conditions such as achalasia, gastroparesis and refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease often suffer from debilitating symptoms. These conditions can be complex and challenging to diagnose and treat, making them well suited for discussion within a multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). There is, however, a paucity of data describing the value of a benign UGI MDM. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of our unit’s benign UGI MDM service and its outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for all consecutive patients reviewed in the monthly benign UGI MDM between July 2021 and February 2024. The primary outcome was the incidence that MDM review changed clinical treatment. Secondary outcomes included change in diagnosis, additional investigations and referrals to subspecialists.

A total of 104 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 73 (70.2%) patients had a change in their overall management following MDM review; 25 (24.0%), 31 (29.8%) and 48 (46.2%) patients had changes in pharmacological, endoscopic and surgical interventions respectively. Most changes in pharmacological and endoscopic intervention involved treatment escalation, whereas most changes in surgical intervention involved treatment de-escalation. A total of 84 (80.8%) patients had a documented diagnosis post-MDM with 44 (42.3%) having a change in their pre-MDM diagnosis. 50 (48.1%) patients had additional investigation/s requested and 49 (47.1%) had additional referral pathway/s recommended.

Over two thirds of patients had at least one aspect of their management plan changed following MDM review. These changes occurred across pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical interventions.
Phenome-wide association study of population-differentiating genetic variants around gene ACSL1
Authors: Yang Shuang , Cai Houjian , Ye Kaixiong
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

Demographic dynamics and natural selection during human evolution shaped the present-day patterns of genetic variations, and geographically varying genetic factors contribute to different disease prevalences across human populations. This study aims to evaluate the presence of positive selection on the gene encoding long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) and the phenotypic impacts of population-differentiating genetic variants around this gene.

Methodology

Three types of statistical tests for positive selection, based on site frequency spectrum, extended haplotype homozygosity and population differentiation, were applied to the whole-genome sequencing data from the 1000 Genomes Project. A phenome-wide association study of ACSL1 was performed with published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome-wide association studies, including phenome-wide studies in biobanks.

Results

Genetic variants associated with ACSL1 expression in various tissues exhibit geographically varying allele frequencies. Three types of statistical tests consistently supported the presence of positive selection on the coding and regulatory regions of ACSL1 in African, European, South Asian and East Asian populations. A phenome-wide association study of ACSL1 revealed associations with type 2 diabetes, blood glucose, age at menopause, mean platelet volume and mean reticulocyte volume. The top allele associated with lower diabetes risk has the highest frequency in European populations, whereas the top allele associated with later menopause has the highest frequency in African populations.

Conclusions and implications

Positive selection on ACSL1 resulted in geographically varying genetic variants, which may contribute to differential phenotypes across human populations, including type 2 diabetes and age at menopause.
Relationship between activity and sleep, as measured through a wearable accelerometer, and appropriate cardioverter defibrillator interventions: a prospective SafeHeart substudy
Authors: Frodi Diana M , Kolk Maarten Z H , Diederichsen Søren Z , Langford Joss , Knops Reinoud E , Tan Hanno L , Andersen Tariq O , Jacobsen Peter Karl , Risum Niels , Tjong Fleur V Y , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup
Published: September 2024

Aims

Physical activity has shown association with ventricular arrhythmia, however, the role of specific behavioral patterns over a 24 h cycle remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore associations between physical behavior and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy.

Methods and results

We included patients with an ICD at two European sites, who wore wrist-based accelerometers capturing 24 h movement and sleep behaviours for 28 days. Behavioural measures included activity volume, duration and intensity, sleep duration, and efficiency. Participants were followed for 12 months for the outcome of appropriate ICD therapy. Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used for the analysis. Lastly, the predictive capacity was tested. A total of 253 ICD patients were included (mean age 63.5 (±10.2), 48 (19.0%) female). During follow-up, 40 participants (15.8%) received appropriate ICD therapy; 32 anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) only (12.6%), 5 shock only (2.0%), and 3 combined ATP and shock (1.2%). In the adjusted model, high inactive duration (HR 1.40 (95% 1.10–1.78)), peak walking cadence (HR 1.07 (95% 1.03–1.12)), and total sleep duration (HR 1.50 (1.02–2.22)) were associated with the outcome. The dose–response relationship was U-shaped for inactive duration with a cut-off at 16 h, and linear for peak cadence and sleep. The prediction model reached an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 ± 0.03, with highest accuracy in the first months.

Conclusion

Wearable-derived 24 h movement and sleep behaviours collected over 28 days were associated with later appropriate ICD therapy risk. Testing of the predictive value of digital biomarkers for enhanced risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmia warrants larger prospective studies.

Clinical Trial Registration

National Trial Registration (NL9218, http://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/).
Modelling of 2-D seismic wave propagation in heterogeneous porous media: a frequency-domain finite-element method formulated by variational principles
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Gao Yongxin , Zhou Guanqun , Jiang Yaochang
Published: September 2024

We propose a frequency-domain finite-element (FDFE) method to model the 2-D P–SV waves propagating in porous media. This specific finite-element method (FEM) is based on the framework of variational principles, which differs from previously widely used FEMs that rely on the weak formulations of the governing equations. By applying the calculus of variations, we establish the equivalence between solving the stress–strain relations, equations of motion and boundary conditions that govern the propagation of P–SV waves, and determining the extremum or stationarity of a properly defined functional. The structured rectangular element is utilized to partition the entire computational region. We validate the FDFE method by conducting a comparison with an analytically-based method for models of a horizontal planar contact of two poroelastic half-spaces, and a poroelastic half-space with a free surface. The excellent agreements between the analytically-based solutions and the FDFE solutions indicate the effectiveness of the FDFE method in modelling the poroelastic waves. Modelling results manifest that both propagative and diffusive natures of the Biot slow P wave can be effectively modelled. The proposed FDFE method simulates wavefields in the frequency domain, allowing for easy incorporation of frequency-dependent parameters and enabling parallel computational capabilities at each frequency point (sample). We further employ the developed FDFE method to model two simplified poroelastic reservoirs, one with gas-saturated sandstone and the other with oil-saturated sandstone. The results suggest that changing the fluid phase of the sandstone reservoir from gas to oil can substantially impact the recorded solid and relative fluid–solid displacements. The modelling suggests that the proposed FDFE algorithm is a useful tool for studying the propagation of poroelastic waves.
Effect of Viral Antigen Mismatch on Antiviral T-Cell Response and Immunotherapeutic Efficacy Against Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Sugata Kenji , Takatori Mitsuyoshi , Reda Omnia , Tan Benjy Jek Yang , Tokunaga Masahito , Sato Tomoo , Ueda Mitsuharu , Yamano Yoshihisa , Utsunomiya Atae , Satou Yorifumi
Published: September 2024

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) transforms primary CD4 T cells in vitro within a short time; however, majority of infected individuals maintain an asymptomatic condition, suggesting that there is an equilibrium between the infected cells and the host immunity. In this study, we identified a variation in a major viral antigen epitope, HTLV-1 Tax301–309, in HLA-A24–positive individuals. Mismatch in A24/Tax301–309 multimers impaired detection of anti-Tax cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Notably, more than half of the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of the anti-Tax CTLs did not recognize mismatched Tax301–309 peptides. These findings highlighted the importance of matching the viral antigen epitope type in T-cell–based immunotherapy against adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma by using viral antigen Tax.
Unpredicted Protective Function of Fc-Mediated Inhibitory Antibodies for HIV and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Authors: Lin Li-Yun , Gantner Pierre , Li Shuang , Su Bin , Moog Christiane
Published: September 2024

Developing effective vaccines is necessary in combating new virus pandemics. For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the induction of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) is important for vaccine protection; however, the exact mechanisms underlying protection require further study. Recent data emphasize that even Abs that do not exhibit neutralizing activity may contribute to immune defense by Ab Fc-mediated inhibition. Abs exhibiting this function may counter virus mutations, which are acquired to escape from NAbs, and therefore broaden the protective Ab response induced by vaccination. The steps leading to inhibition are complex. How can these functions be measured in vitro? What inhibitory assay is physiologically relevant at mimicking effective in vivo protection? This review provides a comprehensive update on the current knowledge gaps on the Ab Fc-mediated functions involved in HIV and SARS-CoV-2 protection. Understanding the inhibitory effects of these Abs is vital for designing the next generation of protective HIV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Optimizing warfarin and dual oral anticoagulation practices in an academic clinic during a merger amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a marginalized population
Authors: Bahuva Ronak , Jordan Jacquelyn , Pokharel Yadunath , Reynolds Jessica L , Bakhai Smita
Published: September 2024

Background: The closure of a pharmacy-led anticoagulation clinic, which provided point-of-care (POC) international normalized ratio (INR) testing and face-to-face visits, coupled with the transition to an academic physician-led clinic without POC INR testing and reliance on telephone communication, created significant challenges for warfarin management during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The aim of this quality control project was to increase the percentage of patients on warfarin within the optimal time in therapeutic range (TTR) from 52.30% to 65.00%, sustain baseline quarterly cumulative percentage TTR to 59.00%, and transition 20% of eligible patients from warfarin to dual oral anticoagulation (DOAC) within 12 months.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team employed a Fishbone diagram, stakeholder analysis, process flow map, and a driver diagram. Significant barriers included knowledge gaps, fear of blood draws, lack of POC INR testing, and noninteroperable electronic health records (EHRs). Primary outcome measures included quarterly cumulative percentage TTR, 2-monthly percentage TTR, and the percentage of eligible patients switched to DOAC. Process measures included INR completion rates. Key interventions involved educating patients and the care team, transitioning patients to DOAC, improving EHRs, and optimizing processes. Data analysis utilized run charts.

Results: Monthly INR completion rates rose from 63% to 87% within 12 months and reached 92% during the 6 months post-project period. Among 143 patients, 40.55% (58) were eligible for a DOAC switch, with 51.72% (30/58) successfully transitioning during the project and the 6-month post-project period. Two-monthly TTR rates improved from the baseline of 52.30% to 62.00% during the study period and remained sustainable at 62.80% in the post-project phase. Quarterly cumulative TTR rates remained stable at 59.20% during the study period in 2021. The quarterly cumulative TTR rates continued to increase at 60.50% and 64.40% in 2022 and 2023, respectively, during the post-project period. No bleeding episodes occurred during the 15-month post-project period.

Conclusion: Multi-faceted strategies significantly improved warfarin safety during the project and maintained these improvements for 24 months. Transitioning from warfarin to DOACs was crucial for optimizing anticoagulation management with limited resources. The lead physician and team used various tools to address barriers to effective warfarin management, ensure appropriate DOAC prescribing, and enhance practices for DOAC prescriptions. This project effectively addressed barriers, improved population health, and provided a model for anticoagulation management in primary care settings.
She Said No: Toward a Survivor-Centered History of Vajrayāna Buddhist Sexuality
Authors: Jacoby Sarah H
Published: September 2024

As a contribution toward survivor-centered approaches to the study of religion and sex abuse that centers historical Tibetan Buddhist women, this article focuses on key passages from the autobiography of Sera Khandro Dewai Dorjé (1892–1940), through which a nuanced vision of Vajrayāna technologies of sexuality emerges. Drawing on insights from feminist historiography, this article listens to Sera Khandro’s portrayal of Vajrayāna sexual ethics, including her critiques of the hypocrisy of lust-driven men masquerading as celibate monks and sexual yoga virtuosos, as well as her articulations of sexual yoga as potentially liberatory. Through these passages we will hear the many ways Sera Khandro refused sex, even when it was proffered in the name of salvation, with the aim of making it harder to weaponize the weight of Buddhist tradition to justify sexual predation.
Pharmacokinetics of once-daily darunavir/ritonavir in second-line treatment in African children with HIV
Authors: Tsirizani Lufina , Mohsenian Naghani Shaghayegh , Waalewijn Hylke , Szubert Alexander , Mulenga Veronica , Chabala Chishala , Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa , Chitsamatanga Moses , Rutebarika Diana A , Musiime Victor , Kasozi Mariam , Lugemwa Abbas , Monkiewicz Lara N , McIlleron Helen M , Burger David M , Gibb Diana M , Denti Paolo , Wasmann Roeland E , Colbers Angela
Published: September 2024

Background

Darunavir is a potent HIV protease inhibitor with a high barrier to resistance. We conducted a nested pharmacokinetic sub-study within CHAPAS-4 to evaluate darunavir exposure in African children with HIV, taking once-daily darunavir/ritonavir for second-line treatment.

Methods

We used data from the CHAPAS-4 pharmacokinetic sub-study treating children with once-daily darunavir/ritonavir (600/100 mg if 14–24.9 kg and 800/100 mg if ≥25 kg) with either tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)/emtricitabine (FTC), abacavir/lamivudine or zidovudine/lamivudine. Steady-state pharmacokinetic sampling was done at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after observed darunavir/ritonavir intake. Non-compartmental and population pharmacokinetic analyses were used to describe the data and identify significant covariates. Reference adult pharmacokinetic data were used for comparison. We simulated the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 600/100 mg darunavir/ritonavir dose for the 25–34.9 kg weight band.

Results

Data from 59 children with median age and weight 10.9 (range 3.8–14.7) years and 26.0 (14.5–47.0) kg, respectively, were available. A two-compartment disposition model with transit absorption compartments and weight-based allometric scaling of clearance and volume best described darunavir data. Our population achieved geometric mean (%CV) darunavir AUC0–24h, 94.3(50) mg·h/L and Cmax, 9.1(35) mg/L, above adult reference values and Ctrough, 1.5(111) mg/L, like adult values. The nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor backbone was not found to affect darunavir concentrations. Simulated WHO-recommended darunavir/ritonavir doses showed exposures equivalent to adults. Higher alpha-1-acid glycoprotein increased binding to darunavir and decreased apparent clearance of darunavir.

Conclusions

Darunavir exposures achieved in our trial are within safe range. Darunavir/ritonavir can safely be co-administered with TAF/FTC. Both WHO-recommended 600/100 mg and CHAPAS-4 800/100 mg darunavir/ritonavir doses for the 25–34.9 kg weight band offer favourable exposures. The choice between them can depend on tablet availability.
Speech production skills of bilingual children using cochlear implants
Authors: van der Straten Waillet Pauline , Crowe Kathryn , Charlier Brigitte , Colin Cécile
Published: September 2024

Evidence is lacking on the impact of bilingualism on the speech skills of children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study described the speech production of children with CIs acquiring French and one or more additional spoken languages. Four groups of children aged 4–11 were included: bilinguals (n = 15) and monolinguals (n = 14) with CIs and bilinguals (n = 14) and monolinguals (n = 20) with typical hearing. Data were collected about the percentage of consonant correct (PCC) and vowel correct (PVC) produced in French and intelligibility in all languages they spoke. Bilingual and monolingual children with CIs had comparable speech accuracy in French, but the pattern differed, impacting PCC for bilinguals and PVC for monolinguals. Most children with CIs had accurate and intelligible speech in French, but few bilingual children with CIs were highly intelligible in their home language. Therefore, bilingualism did not impede the speech production outcomes of bilingual children with CIs in the language of the wider community.
In the presence of rivals, males allocate less ejaculate per mating in Japanese pygmy squid with female sperm rejection
Authors: Tanabe Ryohei , Akiyama Nobuhiko , Sato Noriyosi
Published: September 2024

When mating is promiscuous, the ejaculate volume allocated to each female is expected (intuitively) to be linked with the presence and number of rival males. Previous theories have indicated that, in the absence of rival males, males will allocate the minimum ejaculate volume sufficient for fertilization of all available oocytes. However, it is unclear if this ejaculation strategy is still effective where females have a mechanism to remove sperm after copulation (“female sperm rejection”). In the Japanese pygmy squid, Idiosepius paradoxus, female sperm rejection was observed to occur frequently, but males were able to increase the remaining sperm volume available for fertilization, suggesting that there is no significant impact of female sperm rejection on male ejaculation strategy. However, males decreased ejaculate volume in the presence of rival males and increased it in their absence, a pattern counterintuitive to predictions from previous theories. Females reject sperm at every copulation, so after copulation, the amount of a given male’s sperm remaining with the female may decrease after each subsequent rival copulates with the female. Perhaps in this species, the presence of rivals signals the risk of further sperm rejection, so males choose to conserve their resources and move on.
Survival prediction in sigmoid-Colon-cancer patients with liver metastasis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shao Shuai , Tian Dan , Li Mingyang , Wu Shanshan , Zhang Dong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Sigmoid colon cancer (SCC) is a common type of colorectal cancer, frequently leading to liver metastasis. Predicting cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in SCC with liver metastasis (SCCLM) patients is challenging due to the lack of suitable models.

Methods

Data from SCCLM patients (2010-2017) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program were recruited. Patients were split into training and validation groups (7:3). Prognostic factors were identified using competing risk and Cox proportional hazards models, and nomograms for CSS and OS were developed. Model performance was evaluated with the concordance index and calibration curves, with a two-sided p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

4,981 SCCLM patients were included, with a median follow-up of 20 months (IQR: 9-33 months). During follow-up, 72.25% of patients died (68.44% from SCC, 3.81% from other causes). Age, race, grade, T stage, N stage, surgery, chemotherapy, CEA, tumor deposits, lung metastasis, and tumor size were prognostic factors for both CSS and OS. The models demonstrated good discrimination and calibration performance, with C-index values of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.78-0.80) for CSS and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.73-0.75) for OS. A web-based application for real-time CSS predictions was created, accessible at https://shuaishao.shinyapps.io/SCCLM/.

Conclusion

Prognostic factors for SCCLM patients were identified basing on SEER database, and nomograms for CSS and OS showed good performance. A web-based application was developed to predict SCCLM-specific survival, aiding in survival risk stratification.
Intraspecific variation of multi-elements in seeds of Euptelea pleiospermum and its association with soils, climate, and leaf elements
Authors: Wu Hao , Meng Hongjie , Jiang Mingxi , Wei Xinzeng
Published: September 2024

Seed mineral nutrition is essential for early seedling establishment, and varies under different environmental conditions. However, the intraspecific variation of multi-elements in seeds and the relative effects of climate and soil on seed elements remain unclear, even though understanding these factors is crucial for predicting plant reproductive responses to global changes. Here, we sampled seeds from Euptelea pleiospermum across 18 populations in China. We quantified the inter-population variation of 12 elements in the seeds and analysed their relationship with soil characteristics and climatic variables. We also explored the relationship of N and P concentrations between seeds and leaves. Results showed that seed elements were highly variable across different populations, with macroelements exhibiting lower variability than most of the microelements. Along the latitudinal gradient, the concentrations of K, Ca, Fe and Al in seeds increased, while the concentrations of C and Mn decreased. The stoichiometry of seed elements did not significantly correlate with latitude. Seed element concentrations were associated with both soil and climatic variables, and the influence of soil conditions on intraspecific variations is comparable to or even greater than climatic factors. However, seed stoichiometry was less related to environmental factors. Seeds had higher P but lower N than leaves, with no correlation between seed elements and leaf elements. Our findings suggest that mountain tree species respond to different local environments by adjusting seed element concentrations while maintaining relatively stable seed stoichiometry. We emphasize that, in addition to climate change, soil conditions should be considered when predicting the influence of environmental changes on the elemental composition of plant reproductive organs.
A Critical Assessment of Time-to-Antibiotics Recommendations in Pediatric Sepsis
Authors: Chiotos Kathleen , Balamuth Fran , Fitzgerald Julie C
Published: September 2024

The Pediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines recommend delivery of antibiotics within 1 hour for children with septic shock and, for those without shock but with sepsis-related organ dysfunction, as soon as feasible within 3 hours. In this review, we summarize the available adult and pediatric literature supporting these recommendations. We also explore the implications of implementing time-to-antibiotic goals at the point of antibiotic initiation in clinical practice, as well as the potential downstream impacts of these goals on antibiotic de-escalation.
The effect of plerixafor on autologous stem cell mobilization, cell viability, and apheresis challenges
Authors: Puzo Christian J , Li Philippa , Tormey Christopher A , Siddon Alexa J
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of plerixafor for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (aSCT) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and various lymphomas, using an oncologist-guided HSC collection goal and markers of cell viability.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all aSCT patients at Yale New Haven Hospital between 2017 and 2021 who met diagnostic criteria for MM, non-Hodgkin, or Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 382) was undertaken. Logistic regression evaluated plerixafor’s effect on meeting the individual’s HSC goal. The use of t-tests determined plerixafor’s relationship to HSC yield and analysis of variance testing assessed its effect on cell viability.

Results

Mobilization with granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.08; P < .05) relative to G-CSF alone was negatively associated with meeting the individual’s HSC goal. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in patients mobilized with plerixafor yielded fewer HSCs than those without plerixafor (t = –2.78; P = .03). Mobilization regimen (P = .13) had no association with HSC viability. Mobilization failure with plerixafor was rare but occurred in patients with multiple risk factors, including exposure to several rounds of HSC-affecting chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Plerixafor is effective across multiple diagnoses using an oncologist-driven HSC collection endpoint. Its association with mobilization failure is likely attributable to its use in patients predicted to be poor mobilizers.
Antibacterial effect of Cu2O/TiO2 visible-light photocatalytic composite on Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhou Shiyu , Chen Liuhong , Huo Yuning , Huang Guozheng , Cao Jianguo , Dai Xiling
Published: September 2024

In this study, a Cu2O/TiO2 (CuTi) visible-light photocatalytic composite was employed for the treatment of Xanthomonas campestris and X. campestris-infected Brassica napus seedlings. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against X. campestris were determined to be 8 and 32 μg ml–1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated a direct correlation between the extent of bacterial cell damage and the concentration of CuTi. Noteworthily, a bactericidal rate of 100% was achieved at a concentration of 150 μg ml–1 over a treatment duration of 120 min. Moreover, alterations in active oxidants and antioxidants, including reactive oxygen species, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase within the bacterial cells, were examined to elucidate the underlying mechanism of inhibition by the CuTi. The B. napus infected by X. campestris was treated with CuTi, and the efficacy was validated through determination of plant resistance indexes. The combined data confirmed that the CuTi is characterized by a low dose, fast onset, good effect, and higher safety for killing X. campestris, and it is expected to be developed as an antimicrobial agent for vegetables.
Micromorphological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks From Karak, Pakistan
Authors: Ul Uza Noor , Dastagir Ghulam
Published: September 2024

Micromorphological and phytochemical studies play a major role in quality control and standardization of traditional or herbal medications. In the present research, micromorphological assessment of Heliotropium rarifloum stocks was performed through light and scanning electron microscopies (LM & SEM). The anatomy of leaves, stem and root showed salient histological features. Both surfaces of the leaves had setose glandular trichomes measuring 20–38 × 6–15 µm. The lower epidermis had comparatively a maximum anomocytic stomata (16–35) and stomatal index (12–33). The mature pollen grains were small (74 µm) and spheroidal shaped, with psilate exine (2 μm) sculpturing. Vein termination and vein islet number of the upper epidermis were 5–20 and 5–15, respectively. The palisade ratio of the leaf lamina for the upper and lower epidermis was 2–10 and 2–8. LM and SEM of the powdered samples displayed crystals, phloem fibers, xylem, vessels, sieve tube elements, companion cells, and tracheids. Extractive values determination, fluorescence, and phytochemical analysis were employed for quality control according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Phytochemical screening revealed various secondary metabolites. It is suggested that H. rariflorum might be a reliable source of nutrients and secondary metabolites and might be more medically effective. The current findings confirm its standardization and validation.
Taxidermy and the Environment in Cristina García’s The Agüero Sisters
Authors: Varela Fernando
Published: September 2024

Cristina García’s novel The Agüero Sisters (1997) centers on Constancia and Reina Agüero, two sisters whose mother, Blanca Agüero, died in Cuba during their childhood years in the first half of the twentieth century. Their father, Ignacio Agüero, was a renowned ornithologist and taxidermist with an interest in Cuba’s endangered species before suddenly committing suicide after his wife’s death. Constancia moves to the United States soon after the Cuban Revolution while Reina remains on the island. Reunited in South Florida after Reina also leaves Cuba during its Special Period, the sisters once again begin to wonder what happened to their mother. This article examines The Agüero Sisters’ representation of Cuban environmental history in the twentieth century and, more specifically, of taxidermy. Using Giovanni Aloi and Rachel Poliquin’s respective studies on the cultural significance of taxidermy, it argues that Reina and Constancia process their parents’ death by coalescing their past with embalmed specimens from endangered species. In doing so, they generate a conception of the Cuban nation and its diaspora that extends beyond the human. This article also studies the novel’s allusion to naturalist Thomas Barbour and his involvement in the establishment of the Harvard Botanic Station for Tropical Research and Sugarcane Investigation/Atkins Institution in Cuba at the turn of the twentieth century. Ultimately, this article claims, Constancia and Reina reconfigure taxidermy as a literary device that enables them to understand their family tragedy in relation to their homeland’s history of environmental destruction.
Box replication effects in weak lensing light-cone construction
Authors: Chen Zhao , Yu Yu
Published: September 2024

Weak gravitational lensing simulations serve as indispensable tools for obtaining precise cosmological constraints. In particular, it is crucial to address the systematic uncertainties in theoretical predictions, given the rapid increase in galaxy numbers and the reduction in observational noise. Both on-the-fly and post-processing methods for constructing lensing light-cones encounter limitations due to the finite simulated volume, necessitating the replication of the simulation box to encompass the volume to high redshifts. To address this issue, our primary focus lies on investigating and quantifying the impact of box replication on the convergence power spectrum and higher order moments of lensing fields. Subsequently, a univariate model is utilized to estimate the amplitude parameter A by fitting four statistics measured from partial sky light-cones along specific angles, to the averaged result from random directions. The investigation demonstrates that the systematic bias stemming from the box replication phenomenon falls within the bounds of statistical errors for the majority of cases. However, caution should be exercised when considering high-order statistics on a small sky coverage (${\lesssim} 25~\mathrm{deg^2}$). For this case, we have developed a code that facilitates the identification of optimal viewing angles for the light-cone construction. This code has been made publicly accessible at https://github.com/czymh/losf.
Characterising the contribution of dust-obscured star formation at z ≳ 5 using 18 serendipitously identified [C ii] emitters
Authors: van Leeuwen I F , Bouwens R J , van der Werf P P , Hodge J A , Schouws S , Stefanon M , Algera H S B , Aravena M , Boogaard L A , Bowler R A A , da Cunha E , Dayal P , Decarli R , Gonzalez V , Inami H , de Looze I , Sommovigo L , Venemans B P , Walter F , Barrufet L , Ferrara A , Graziani L , Hygate A P S , Oesch P , Palla M , Rowland L , Schneider R
Published: September 2024

We present a new method to determine the star formation rate density (SFRD) of the Universe at $z \gtrsim 5$ that includes the contribution of dust-obscured star formation. For this purpose, we use a [C ii] (158 $\mu$m) selected sample of galaxies serendipitously identified in the fields of known $z\gtrsim 4.5$ objects to characterise the fraction of obscured star formation rate (SFR). The advantage of a [C ii] selection is that our sample is SFR-selected, in contrast to an ultraviolet (UV)-selection that would be biased towards unobscured star formation. We obtain a sample of 23 [C ii] emitters near star-forming (SF) galaxies and quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) – three of which we identify for the first time – using previous literature and archival Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array data. 18 of these serendipitously identified galaxies have sufficiently deep rest-UV data and are used to characterise the obscured fraction of the star formation in galaxies with SFRs $\gtrsim 30\ \text{M}_{\odot } \ \text{yr}^{-1}$. We find that [C ii] emitters identified around SF galaxies have $\approx$63 per cent of their SFR obscured, while [C ii] emitters around QSOs have $\approx$93 per cent of their SFR obscured. By forward modelling existing wide-area UV luminosity function (LF) determinations, we derive the intrinsic UV LF using our characterisation of the obscured SFR. Integrating the intrinsic LF to $M_{\mathrm{ UV}}$ = $-$20, we find that the obscured SFRD contributes to $\gt 3~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $\gt 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the total SFRD at $z \sim 5$ and $z \sim 6$ based on our sample of companions galaxies near SF galaxies and QSOs, respectively. Our results suggest that dust obscuration is not negligible at $z\gtrsim 5$, further underlining the importance of far-infrared observations of the $z\gtrsim 5$ Universe.
Modelling the non-linear power spectrum in low-redshift H i intensity mapping
Authors: Li Zhixing , Wolz Laura , Guo Hong , Cunnington Steven , Mao Yi
Published: September 2024

Neutral hydrogen (H i) serves as a competitive tracer of the large scale structures, especially with the advent of more intensity mapping H i surveys. In this work, we present a simulation-based framework to forecast the H i power spectrum on non-linear scales ($k\gtrsim 1\ {\rm Mpc^{-1}}$), as measured by interferometer arrays like MeerKAT in the low-redshift ($z\le 1.0$) Universe. Building on a galaxy-based H i mock catalogue, we meticulously consider various factors, including the emission line profiles of H i discs and some observational settings, and explore their impacts on the H i power spectrum. We find that the H i power spectrum is relatively insensitive to the profile shape of H i emission line at these scales, while showing a strong correlation with the profile width. We propose an empirical model to simulate the emission line profile width for each H i source. The resulting H i power spectrum is consistent with the results from the IllustrisTNG hydrodynamical simulation and follows the trend of the measurements obtained by MeerKAT at $z\approx 0.44$, though with a significantly lower amplitude. We demonstrate how the H i abundance $\Omega _{\rm HI}$ and the amplitude parameter in our width model can be constrained with the MeerKAT measurements, though a strong degeneracy is uncovered. Our work shows the potential to constrain statistical properties of H i emission line profiles with future H i intensity mapping experiments.
Diversity in Recombination Hotspot Characteristics and Gene Structure Shape Fine-Scale Recombination Patterns in Plant Genomes
Authors: Brazier Thomas , Glémin Sylvain
Published: September 2024

During the meiosis of many eukaryote species, crossovers tend to occur within narrow regions called recombination hotspots. In plants, it is generally thought that gene regulatory sequences, especially promoters and 5′ to 3′ untranslated regions, are enriched in hotspots, but this has been characterized in a handful of species only. We also lack a clear description of fine-scale variation in recombination rates within genic regions and little is known about hotspot position and intensity in plants. To address this question, we constructed fine-scale recombination maps from genetic polymorphism data and inferred recombination hotspots in 11 plant species. We detected gradients of recombination in genic regions in most species, yet gradients varied in intensity and shape depending on specific hotspot locations and gene structure. To further characterize recombination gradients, we decomposed them according to gene structure by rank and number of exons. We generalized the previously observed pattern that recombination hotspots are organized around the boundaries of coding sequences, especially 5′ promoters. However, our results also provided new insight into the relative importance of the 3′ end of genes in some species and the possible location of hotspots away from genic regions in some species. Variation among species seemed driven more by hotspot location among and within genes than by differences in size or intensity among species. Our results shed light on the variation in recombination rates at a very fine scale, revealing the diversity and complexity of genic recombination gradients emerging from the interaction between hotspot location and gene structure.
Five-leaf Generalizations of the D-statistic Reveal the Directionality of Admixture
Authors: Leppälä Kalle , da Silva Coelho Flavio Augusto , Richter Michaela , Albert Victor A , Lindqvist Charlotte
Published: September 2024

Over the past 15 years, the D-statistic, a four-taxon test for organismal admixture (hybridization, or introgression) which incorporates single nucleotide polymorphism data with allelic patterns ABBA and BABA, has seen considerable use. This statistic seeks to discern significant deviation from either a given species tree assumption, or from the balanced incomplete lineage sorting that could otherwise defy this species tree. However, while the D-statistic can successfully discriminate admixture from incomplete lineage sorting, it is not a simple matter to determine the directionality of admixture using only four-leaf tree models. As such, methods have been developed that use five leaves to evaluate admixture. Among these, the DFOIL method (“FOIL”, a mnemonic for “First-Outer-Inner-Last”), which tests allelic patterns on the “symmetric” tree S=(((1,2),(3,4)),5), succeeds in finding admixture direction for many five-taxon examples. However, DFOIL does not make full use of all symmetry, nor can DFOIL function properly when ancient samples are included because of the reliance on singleton patterns (such as BAAAA and ABAAA). Here, we take inspiration from DFOIL to develop a new and completely general family of five-leaf admixture tests, dubbed Δ-statistics, that can either incorporate or exclude the singleton allelic patterns depending on individual taxon and age sampling choices. We describe two new shapes that are also fully testable, namely the “asymmetric” tree A=((((1,2),3),4),5) and the “quasisymmetric” tree Q=(((1,2),3),(4,5)), which can considerably supplement the “symmetric” S=(((1,2),(3,4)),5) model used by DFOIL. We demonstrate the consistency of Δ-statistics under various simulated scenarios, and provide empirical examples using data from black, brown and polar bears, the latter also including two ancient polar bear samples from previous studies. Recently, DFOIL and one of these ancient samples was used to argue for a dominant polar bear → brown bear introgression direction. However, we find, using both this ancient polar bear and our own, that by far the strongest signal using both DFOIL and Δ-statistics on tree S is actually bidirectional gene flow of indistinguishable direction. Further experiments on trees A and Q instead highlight what were likely two phases of admixture: one with stronger brown bear → polar bear introgression in ancient times, and a more recent phase with predominant polar bear → brown bear directionality.
Elderly-onset inflammatory myopathy associated with Sjögren’s syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Komori Yuta , Kobayashi Satomi , Hatano Keiko , Saito Yuko , Arai Tomio , Kubo Kanae
Published: September 2024

As vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has progressed, various autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory myopathies, have been reported to develop after vaccination. Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) sometimes presents as extra-glandular manifestations including inflammatory myopathy. In this report, we describe a case of inflammatory myopathy associated with SS that occurred in an atypically elderly patient after receiving the first dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2). The inflammatory myopathy was pathologically classified into non-specific myositis and characterised by predominant infiltration of the B cell lineage in this case. Combined treatment with glucocorticoid, intravenous immunoglobulin, and immunosuppressant resulted in an improvement in swallowing function and muscle strength. While we recognise the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we also emphasise the importance of recognising that individuals with an immunogenetic predisposition such as positivity of anti SS-A antibody may show disease activity including inflammatory myopathy following vaccination in SS, even at an atypically old age.
The Added Value of Data Protection within the Framework of Digital Constitutionalism in Europe
Authors: De Hert Paul , Cocito Cristina
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses the contribution(s) of data protection law within the framework of digital constitutionalism in the European Union. The rise of the welfare state and of the surveillance state has challenged the focus of modern constitutionalism on limiting and balancing the power of the three branches of states. Because of increasing new power players and their agendas within state governance, the project of constitutionalism has progressively shifted from one primarily focused on setting the constitutional limits of power to one also concerned with guiding and channelling legitimate powers. Rights of a due process nature enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, such as the right to data protection, are emblematic of this development. These legal tools shifted the constitutional attention to procedures of power implementation and decision-making. This chapter examines the added value of the right to data protection and the role of independent data protection authorities within the context of digital constitutionalism in Europe. The due process nature of data protection supports the objectives of constitutionalism in the digital. Moreover, by applying both to public and private actors, data protection contributes to move beyond the public-private divide in line with the precepts of digital constitutionalism. As independent oversight institutions, data protection authorities offer another system of check and balance and layer of accountability in addition to traditional ones.
Implicit commitments of instrumental acceptance: A case study
Authors: Castaldo Luca , Głowacki Maciej
Published: September 2024

When accepting an axiomatic theory S, we are implicitly committed to various statements that are independent of its axioms. Examples of such implicit commitments include consistency statements and reflection principles for S. While foundational acceptance has received considerable attention in this context, the study of implicit commitments triggered by weaker notions remains underdeveloped. This article extends the analysis investigating implicit commitments inherent in instrumental acceptance, comparing them with the implicit commitments involved in foundational acceptance. Concentrating on Reinhardt’s instrumentalism vis-à-vis Kripke–Feferman theory of truth as a case study, we present a number of formal theories of acceptance motivated by Reinhardt’s program and we analyze their properties. We argue that, under reasonable assumptions, instrumental acceptance does entail non-trivial implicit commitments, yet weaker than those associated with foundational acceptance.
The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on crime and its implications for public health: a case study from a small developing country
Authors: Dookeram Navin , Pooransingh Shalini , Mohammed Asad , Dialsingh Isaac
Published: September 2024

Background

Crime has been described as a public health issue in Trinidad and Tobago, a small developing nation. COVID-19 restrictions, aimed at maintaining public health safety by limiting disease spread, may have negatively impacted crime rates due to an alteration of social and economic conditions. This study evaluates the implications of these restrictions on crime dynamics and hence their impacts on overall public health.

Methods

Employing interrupted time series analysis with seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous factor (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables) models, monthly data on murders, sexual offences, and motor vehicle larcenies from January 2013 to June 2023 were analysed.

Results

The study found a decrease in murders and motor vehicle larcenies with the onset of restrictions, followed by an inverse trend correlating with the easing of measures. Sexual offences showed no significant change in response to the restrictions.

Conclusions

While COVID-19 restrictions initially influenced certain crime rates, the effect varied across crime types. Policy interventions based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic must be done to strategically reduce and prevent crime without having the negative side effects of the pandemic.
Neural dynamics underlying the illusion of control during reward processing
Authors: Zheng Ya , Yang Canming , Jiang Huiping , Gao Bo
Published: September 2024

The illusion of control refers to a behavioral bias in which people believe they have greater control over completely stochastic events than they actually do, leading to an inflated estimate of reward probability than objective probability warrants. In this study, we examined how reward system is modulated by the illusion of control through the lens of neural dynamics. Participants in a behavioral task exhibited a classical illusion of control, assigning a higher value to the gambling wheels they picked themselves than to those given randomly. An event-related potential study of the same task revealed that this behavioral bias is associated with reduced reward anticipation, as indexed by the stimulus-preceding negativity, diminished positive prediction error signals, as reflected by the reward positivity, and enhanced motivational salience, as revealed by the P300. Our findings offer a mechanistic understanding of the illusion of control in terms of reward dynamics.