bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mechanism to explain galaxy alignment over a range of scales
Authors: Tiwari Prabhakar , Jain Pankaj
Published: April 2022

The observed large-scale alignment of polarization angles and galaxy axis have been challenging the fundamental assumption of homogeneity and isotropy in standard cosmology since more than two decades. The intergalactic magnetic field, and its correlations in real space, potentially seems as a viable candidate for explaining this phenomenon. It has been shown earlier that the large-scale intergalactic magnetic-field correlations can explain the alignment signal of quasars over Gpc scale, interestingly, they can also explain the radio polarization alignment observed in JVAS/CLASS data over 100 Mpc. Motivated with recent observations of galaxy axis alignment over several tens of Mpc, and Mpc scale, i.e. the cluster scale, we further explore the correlations of background magnetic field to explain these relatively small-scale alignment observations. In particular, we explore two recently claimed signals of alignment in the radio sources in the FIRST catalogue and in the ACO clusters. We find that the FIRST alignment signal is well-explained in terms of the intergalactic magnetic field with a spectral index of −2.62 ± 0.03. Furthermore, the model also partially explains the very small scale alignment (alignment within clusters). Though the elementary model proposed in this work seems to have its limitations at very small scales, the large-scale magnetic-field correlations potentially seem to explain the polarization and galaxy axis alignment from Gpc to Mpc scales.
Clusters in the disperse cosmic web
Authors: Cohn J D
Published: April 2022

Galaxy cluster mass haloes (‘clusters’) in a dark matter simulation are matched to nodes in several different cosmic webs found using the disperse cosmic web finder. The webs have different simulation smoothings and disperse parameter choices; for each, four methods are considered for matching disperse nodes to clusters. For most of the webs, disperse nodes outnumber clusters, but not every cluster has a disperse node match (and sometimes >1 cluster matches to the same disperse node). The clusters frequently lacking a matching disperse node have a different distribution of local shear trends and perhaps merger histories. It might be interesting to see in what other ways, e.g. observational properties, these clusters differ. For the webs with smoothing ≤ 2.5 Mpc h−1, and all but the most restrictive matching criterion, ∼3/4 of the clusters always have a disperse node counterpart. The nearest cluster to a given disperse node and vice versa, within twice the smoothing length, obey a cluster mass-disperse node density relation. Cluster pairs where both clusters match disperse nodes can also be assigned the filaments between those nodes, but as the web and matching methods are varied most such filaments do not remain. There is an enhancement of subhalo counts and halo mass between cluster pairs, averaging over cluster pairs assigned disperse filaments increases the enhancement. The approach here also lends itself to comparing nodes across many cosmic web constructions, using the fixed underlying cluster distribution to make a correspondence.
Estimation of the masses in the local group by gradient boosted decision trees
Authors: Carlesi Edoardo , Hoffman Yehuda , Libeskind Noam I
Published: April 2022

Our goal is to estimate the mass of the Local Group (LG) and the individual masses of its primary galaxies,the M31 and the Milky Way (MW). We do this by means of a supervised machine learning algorithm, the gradient boosted decision trees (GBDT) and using the observed distance and relative velocity of the two as input parameters. The GBDT is applied to a sample of 2148 mock LGs drawn from a set of 5 dark matter (DM)-only simulations, ran withing the standard ΛCDM cosmological model. The selection of the mock LGs is guided by a LG model, which defines such objects. The role of the observational uncertainties of the input parameters is gauged by applying the model to an ensemble of mock LGs pairs whose observables are these input parameters perturbed by their corresponding observational errors. Finally the observational data of the actual LG is used to infer its relevant masses. Our main results are the sum and the individual masses of the MW and M31: $M_{tot} = 3.31 ^{+0.79}_{-0.67}$, $M_{MW}=1.15^{+0.25}_{-0.22}$ and $M_{M31}=2.01^{+0.65}_{-0.39} \ \ \times 10^{12}M_{\odot }$ (corresponding to the median and the 1st and 3rd quartiles). The ratio of the masses is $M_{M31}/M_{MW}=1.75^{+0.54}_{-0.28}$, where by convention the M31 is defined here to be the more massive of the two haloes.
Periodic stellar variability from almost a million NGTS light curves
Authors: Briegal Joshua T , Gillen Edward , Queloz Didier , Hodgkin Simon , Acton Jack S , Anderson David R , Armstrong David J , Battley Matthew P , Bayliss Daniel , Burleigh Matthew R , Bryant Edward M , Casewell Sarah L , Costes Jean C , Eigmüller Philipp , Gill Samuel , Goad Michael R , Günther Maximilian N , Henderson Beth A , Jackman James A G , Jenkins James S , Kreutzer Lars T , Moyano Maximiliano , Lendl Monika , Smith Gareth D , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Watson Christopher A , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J
Published: April 2022

We analyse 829 481 stars from the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) to extract variability periods. We utilize a generalization of the autocorrelation function (the G-ACF), which applies to irregularly sampled time series data. We extract variability periods for 16 880 stars from late-A through to mid-M spectral types and periods between ∼0.1 and 130 d with no assumed variability model. We find variable signals associated with a number of astrophysical phenomena, including stellar rotation, pulsations, and multiple-star systems. The extracted variability periods are compared with stellar parameters taken from Gaia DR2, which allows us to identify distinct regions of variability in the Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram. We explore a sample of rotational main-sequence objects in period-colour space, in which we observe a dearth of rotation periods between 15 and 25 d. This ‘bi-modality’ was previously only seen in space-based data. We demonstrate that stars in sub-samples above and below the period gap appear to arise from a stellar population not significantly contaminated by excess multiple systems. We also observe a small population of long-period variable M-dwarfs, which highlight a departure from the predictions made by rotational evolution models fitted to solar-type main-sequence objects. The NGTS data spans a period and spectral type range that links previous rotation studies such as those using data from Kepler, K2, and MEarth.
Helium-like X-ray line complexes show that the hottest plasma on the O supergiant ζ Puppis is in its wind
Authors: Cohen David H , Overdorff Ariel M , Leutenegger Maurice A , Gagné Marc , Petit Véronique , David-Uraz Alexandre
Published: April 2022

We present an analysis of Chandra grating spectra of key helium-like line complexes to put constraints on the location with respect to the photosphere of the hottest (T ≳ 6 × 106 K) plasma in the wind of the O supergiant ζ Pup and to explore changes in the 18 yr between two sets of observations of this star. We fit two models – one empirical and one wind-shock-based – to the S xv, Si xiii, and Mg xi line complexes and show that an origin in the wind flow, above r ≈ 1.5 R*, is strongly favoured over an origin less than 0.3 R* above the photosphere (r ≲ 1.3 R*), especially in the more recent, very long-exposure data set. There is a modest increase in the line and continuum fluxes, line widths, wind absorption signatures, and of the hot plasma’s distance from the photosphere in the 18 yr since the first Chandra grating observation of ζ Pup. Both modes of modelling include the effects of dielectronic recombination satellite emission line blending on the helium-like complexes – the first time this has been accounted for in the analysis of He-like line ratios in O stars.
Rapidly quenched galaxies in the Simba cosmological simulation and observations
Authors: Zheng Yirui , Dave Romeel , Wild Vivienne , Montero Francisco Rodríguez
Published: April 2022

Galaxies with little star formation are found to have quenched over a variety of time-scales, which provides insights into the physical mechanisms responsible. Here, we examine the population of rapidly quenched galaxies (RQGs) in the Simba cosmological hydrodynamic simulation at 0.5 < z < 2, and compare them directly to observed post-starburst galaxies in the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey (UDS) via their colour distributions and mass functions. We find that the fraction of quiescent galaxies that are rapidly quenched in Simba at z = 1 is 59 ± 3 per cent, contributing 48 ± 5 per cent to the total mass of the red sequence, which is at the upper end of the ∼25–50 per cent derived from the UDS. A similar ‘downsizing’ of RQGs is observed in both Simba and the UDS, with RQGs at higher redshift having a higher average mass. However, Simba produces too many RQGs at 1 < zq < 1.5 and too few low mass RQGs at 0.5 < zq < 1. Comparing colour distributions further suggests discrepancies in star formation and/or chemical enrichment histories, including an absence of short, intense starbursts in Simba. Our results will help inform the next generation of galaxy evolution models, particularly with respect to the quenching mechanisms employed.
Collisional excitation of HD by H
Authors: Desrousseaux Benjamin , Coppola Carla Maria , Lique François
Published: April 2022

The HD molecule plays an important role in many astrophysical environments. Accurate modelling of the gas cooling induced by HD and its abundance in such media requires a proper modelling of its excitation by both radiative and collisional processes. Reliable state-to-state collisional rate coefficients in extended temperature regimes are then essential to allow for the description of different astrophysical environments where deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium regime can occur. Here, we report exact quantum time-independent reactive scattering calculations for the rovibrational excitation of HD by H. Rate coefficients are computed for temperatures up to 5000 K and transitions between all rovibrational states with internal energies up to 14 000 cm−1. Previous results neglecting reactive and exchange channels of the colliding system are compared to the new ones and significant differences are found. The present work represent a big step in the complete description of the HD–H collisional system, in terms of rovibrational states considered, temperature range explored and accuracy. Hence, we recommend the use of the new HD–H collisional data presented here to accurately model the astrophysical environments where HD plays a role.
Different molecular filament widths as tracers of accretion on to filaments
Authors: Gómez Gilberto C , Walsh Catherine , Palau Aina
Published: April 2022

We explore how dense filament widths, when measured using different molecular species, may change as a consequence of gas accretion towards the filament. As a gas parcel falls into the filament, it will experience different density, temperature, and extinction values. The rate at which this environment changes will affect differently the abundance of different molecules. So, a molecule that forms quickly will better reflect the local physical conditions a gas parcel experiences than a slower forming molecule. Since these differences depend on how the respective time-scales compare, the different molecular distributions should reflect how rapidly the environment changes, i.e. the accretion rate towards the filament. We find that the filament widths measured from time-dependent abundances for C2H, CO, CN, CS, and C3H2 are the most sensitive to this effect. This is because these molecules are the ones presenting also the wider filament widths. On the contrary, molecules such as N2H+, NH3, H2CO, HNC, and CH3OH are not so sensitive to accretion and present the narrowest filament widths. We propose that ratios of filament widths for different tracers could be a useful tool to estimate the accretion rate on to the filament.
The secular growth of bars revealed by flat (peak + shoulders) density profiles
Authors: Anderson Stuart Robert , Debattista Victor P , Erwin Peter , Liddicott David J , Deg Nathan , Beraldo e Silva Leandro
Published: April 2022

The major-axis density profiles of bars are known to be either exponential or ‘flat’. We develop an automated non-parametric algorithm to detect flat profiles and apply it to a suite of simulations (with and without gas). We demonstrate that flat profiles are a manifestation of a bar’s secular growth, producing a ‘shoulder’ region (an overdensity above an exponential) in its outskirts. Shoulders are not present when bars form, but develop as the bar grows. If the bar does not grow, shoulders do not form. Shoulders are often accompanied by box/peanut bulges, but develop separately from them and are independent tracers of a bar’s growth. They can be observed at a wide range of viewing orientations with only their slope varying significantly with inclination. We present evidence that shoulders are produced by looped x1 orbits. Since the growth rate of the bar moderately correlates with the growth rate of the shoulder strength, these orbits are probably recently trapped. Shoulders therefore are evidence of bar growth. The properties of the shoulders do not, however, establish the age of a bar, because secondary buckling or strong spirals may destroy shoulders, and also because shoulders do not form if the bar does not grow much. In particular, our results show that an exponential profile is not necessarily an indication of a young bar.
Discoveries and timing of pulsars in NGC 6440
Authors: Vleeschower L , Stappers B W , Bailes M , Barr E D , Kramer M , Ransom S , Ridolfi A , Venkatraman Krishnan V , Possenti A , Keith M J , Burgay M , Freire P C C , Spiewak R , Champion D J , Bezuidenhout M C , Niţu I C , Chen W , Parthasarathy A , DeCesar M E , Buchner S , Stairs I H , Hessels J W T
Published: April 2022

Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, a series of observations have been conducted to time the known pulsars and search for new pulsars in the globular cluster NGC 6440. As a result, two pulsars have been discovered, NGC 6440G and NGC 6440H, one of which is isolated and the other a non-eclipsing (at frequencies above 962 MHz) ‘Black Widow’, with a very low mass companion (Mc > 0.006 M⊙). It joins the other binary pulsars discovered so far in this cluster that all have low companion masses (Mc < 0.30 M⊙). We present the results of long-term timing solutions obtained using data from both Green Bank and MeerKAT telescopes for these two new pulsars and an analysis of the pulsars NGC 6440C and NGC 6440D. For the isolated pulsar NGC 6440C, we searched for planets using a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique. We find evidence for significant unmodelled variations but they cannot be well modelled as planets nor as part of a power-law red-noise process. Studies of the eclipses of the ‘Redback’ pulsar NGC 6440D at two different frequency bands reveal a frequency dependence with longer and asymmetric eclipses at lower frequencies (962–1283 MHz).
Predicting the black hole mass and correlations in X-ray reverberating AGNs using neural networks
Authors: Chainakun P , Fongkaew I , Hancock S , Young A J
Published: April 2022

We develop neural network models to predict the black hole mass using 22 reverberating active galactic nucleus (AGN) samples in the XMM–Newton archive. The model features include the fractional excess variance (Fvar) in 2–10 keV band, Fe-K lag amplitude, 2–10 keV photon counts, and redshift. We find that the prediction accuracy of the neural network model is significantly higher than what is obtained from the traditional linear regression method. Our predicted mass can be confined within ±(2–5) per cent of the true value, suggesting that the neural network technique is a promising and independent way to constrain the black hole mass. We also apply the model to 21 non-reverberating AGNs to rule out their possibility to exhibit the lags (some have too small mass and Fvar, while some have too large mass and Fvar that contradict the Fvar–lag–mass relation in reverberating AGNs). We also simulate 3200 reverberating AGN samples using the multifeature parameter space from the neural network model to investigate the global relations if the number of reverberating AGNs increases. We find that the Fvar–mass anticorrelation is likely stronger with increasing number of newly discovered reverberating AGNs. Contrarily, to maintain the lag–mass scaling relation, the tight anticorrelation between the lag and Fvar must preserve. In an extreme case, the lag–mass correlation coefficient can significantly decrease and, if observed, may suggest the extended corona framework where their observed lags are more driven by the coronal property rather than geometry.
OBIF: an omics-based interaction framework to reveal molecular drivers of synergy
Authors: Pantaleón García Jezreel , Kulkarni Vikram V , Reese Tanner C , Wali Shradha , Wase Saima J , Zhang Jiexin , Singh Ratnakar , Caetano Mauricio S , Kadara Humam , Moghaddam Seyed Javad , Johnson Faye M , Wang Jing , Wang Yongxing , Evans Scott E
Published: April 2022

Bioactive molecule library screening may empirically identify effective combination therapies, but molecular mechanisms underlying favorable drug–drug interactions often remain unclear, precluding further rational design. In the absence of an accepted systems theory to interrogate synergistic responses, we introduce Omics-Based Interaction Framework (OBIF) to reveal molecular drivers of synergy through integration of statistical and biological interactions in synergistic biological responses. OBIF performs full factorial analysis of feature expression data from single versus dual exposures to identify molecular clusters that reveal synergy-mediating pathways, functions and regulators. As a practical demonstration, OBIF analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic data of a dyad of immunostimulatory molecules that induces synergistic protection against influenza A and revealed unanticipated NF-κB/AP-1 cooperation that is required for antiviral protection. To demonstrate generalizability, OBIF analyzed data from a diverse array of Omics platforms and experimental conditions, successfully identifying the molecular clusters driving their synergistic responses. Hence, unlike existing synergy quantification and prediction methods, OBIF is a phenotype-driven systems model that supports multiplatform interrogation of synergy mechanisms.
Hypothetical generalized framework for a new imaging endpoint of therapeutic activity in early phase clinical trials in brain tumors
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M , Gerstner Elizabeth R , Lassman Andrew B , Chung Caroline , Colman Howard , Cole Patricia E , Leung David , Allen Joshua E , Ahluwalia Manmeet S , Boxerman Jerrold , Brown Matthew , Goldin Jonathan , Nduom Edjah , Hassan Islam , Gilbert Mark R , Mellinghoff Ingo K , Weller Michael , Chang Susan , Arons David , Meehan Clair , Selig Wendy , Tanner Kirk , Alfred Yung W K , van den Bent Martin , Wen Patrick Y , Cloughesy Timothy F
Published: April 2022

Imaging response assessment is a cornerstone of patient care and drug development in oncology. Clinicians/clinical researchers rely on tumor imaging to estimate the impact of new treatments and guide decision making for patients and candidate therapies. This is important in brain cancer, where associations between tumor size/growth and emerging neurological deficits are strong. Accurately measuring the impact of a new therapy on tumor growth early in clinical development, where patient numbers are small, would be valuable for decision making regarding late-stage development activation. Current attempts to measure the impact of a new therapy have limited influence on clinical development, as determination of progression, stability or response does not currently account for individual tumor growth kinetics prior to the initiation of experimental therapies. Therefore, we posit that imaging-based response assessment, often used as a tool for estimating clinical effect, is incomplete as it does not adequately account for growth trajectories or biological characteristics of tumors prior to the introduction of an investigational agent. Here, we propose modifications to the existing framework for evaluating imaging assessment in primary brain tumors that will provide a more reliable understanding of treatment effects. Measuring tumor growth trajectories prior to a given intervention may allow us to more confidently conclude whether there is an anti-tumor effect. This updated approach to imaging-based tumor response assessment is intended to improve our ability to select candidate therapies for later-stage development, including those that may not meet currently sought thresholds for “response” and ultimately lead to identification of effective treatments.
N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized metal nanoparticles within porous organic cages for catalytic application
Authors: Liu Tong , Bai Sha , Zhang Le , Hahn F Ekkehardt , Han Ying-Feng
Published: April 2022

Tuning the surface-embellishing ligands of metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a powerful strategy to modulate their morphology and surface electronic and functional features, impacting their catalytic activity and selectivity. In this work, we report the design and synthesis of a polytriazolium organic cage PIC-T, capable of stabilizing PdNPs within its discrete cavity. The obtained material (denoted Pd@PCC-T) is highly durable and monodispersed with narrow particle-size distribution of 2.06 ± 0.02 nm, exhibiting excellent catalytic performance and recyclability in the Sonogashira coupling and tandem reaction to synthesize benzofuran derivatives. Further investigation indicates that the modulation of N-heterocyclic carbene sites embedded in the organic cage has an impact on NPs’ catalytic efficiency, thus providing a novel methodology to design superior NP catalysts.
Inspired, but not mimicking: a conversation between artificial intelligence and human intelligence
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: April 2022

How intelligent is artificial intelligence (AI)? How intelligent will it become in the future? What is the relationship between AI and human intelligence (HI)? These questions have been a hot topic of discussion in recent years, but no consensus has yet been reached. To discuss these issues, we should first understand the concept of intelligence as well as the underlying mechanisms for both HI and AI. In this NSR Forum, experts from both disciplines gathered to discuss these issues; in particular, the similarities and differences between AI and HI, how these two disciplines could benefit from each other, and the emerging social and ethical challenges of AI.

Xiaolan Fu

Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

Yong Gu

Professor at the Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS

Sheng He

Professor at the Institute of Biophysics, CAS

Zhuojun Liu

Professor at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, CAS

Tieniu Tan

Professor at the Institute of Automation, CAS

Zhi-Hua Zhou

Professor at National Key Laboratory for Novel Software Technology, Nanjing University

Huimin Lin (Chair)

Professor at the Institute of Software, CAS
Vaping, Perceptions of Vaping, and Plans to Quit Among E-cigarette Users in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Machado Nathalia Munck , Feldman Keith , Amaral Ligia Menezes do , Ronzani Telmo Mota , Richter Kimber P
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Government and health organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom have taken different stances on e-cigarettes policy. To explore the potential effects of these policies, we describe e-cigarette user characteristics, intentions to quit, and perceived attitudes toward vaping.

Methods

We used the online crowdsourcing platform Prolific to conduct a cross-sectional survey of current vapers in both countries. Measures were drawn from international surveys.

Results

The sample included 1044 vapers (524 United Kingdom; 520 United States) with a mean age of 34. Samples differed by gender (United States: 57% male vs 45% in United Kingdom), race (United States: 79% White vs 90% in United Kingdom) and employment (United States: 73% employed vs 79% in United Kingdom). UK respondents were more likely than US respondents to be ever smokers (89% vs 71%, p < .0001); be daily vapers (69% vs 53%, p < .0001) and to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking (75% vs 65%, p < .0007). Most vapers in the United Kingdom and the United States want to stop vaping (62% vs 61%; p < .9493), but US respondents plan to quit significantly sooner (odds ratio 0.47, p < .0004). Attitudes differed as well. Over half (56%) of UK respondents reported their government-approved e-cigarette use, and 24% felt health care providers had positive views on e-cigarettes versus 29% and 13% from the United States, respectively (p < .0004 for both).

Conclusions

Plans for quitting and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes differ markedly between demographically similar groups of vapers in the two countries. Future research should determine whether e-cigarette cessation for adults should be a public health goal, and if so, identify effective ways to stop.

Implications

The contribution of this study is that it describes differences in behaviors and attitudes of vapers recruited through the same research platform and adjusted to account for minor demographic differences across country samples. For clinicians, these findings suggest that most vapers would welcome assistance in quitting. For researchers and policymakers, findings suggest that government policy regarding nicotine devices might influence behaviors and attitudes related to use and also that future research is needed to determine effective ways to quit.
Pathogen Species Is Associated With Mortality in Nosocomial Bloodstream Infection in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Gago Juan , Filardo Thomas D , Conderino Sarah , Magaziner Samuel J , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Inglima Kenneth , Iturrate Eduardo , Pironti Alejandro , Schluter Jonas , Cadwell Ken , Hochman Sarah , Li Huilin , Torres Victor J , Thorpe Lorna E , Shopsin Bo
Published: April 2022

Background

The epidemiology of nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood, due in part to substantial disease heterogeneity resulting from multiple potential pathogens.

Methods

We identified risk factors for NBSIs and examined the association between NBSIs and mortality in a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2 New York City hospitals during the height of the pandemic. We adjusted for the potential effects of factors likely to confound that association, including age, race, illness severity upon admission, and underlying health status.

Results

Between January 1 and October 1, 2020, 1403 patients had a positive blood culture, and 79 and 101 met the stringent criteria for NBSI among non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, respectively. NBSIs occurred almost exclusively among patients who were severely ill with COVID-19 at hospital admission. NBSIs were associated with elevated mortality, even after adjusting for baseline differences in COVID-19 illness (55% cases vs 45% controls; P = .13). Mortality was concentrated in patients with early-onset pneumonia caused by S. aureus and gram-negative bacteria. Less virulent Candida (49%) and Enterococcus (12%) species were the predominant cause of NBSI in the latter stages of hospitalization, after antibiotic treatment and COVID-19 treatments that attenuate immune response. Most Enterococcus and Candida infections did not have an identifiable source and were not associated with common risk factors for infection by these organisms.

Conclusions

Pathogen species and mortality exhibited temporal differences. Early recognition of risk factors among COVID-19 patients could potentially decrease NBSI-associated mortality through early COVID-19 and antimicrobial treatment.
Rheumatic Symptoms Following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Chronic Post–COVID-19 Condition
Authors: Cui Dan , Wang Yeming , Huang Lixue , Gu Xiaoying , Huang Zhisheng , Mu Shengrui , Wang Chen , Cao Bin
Published: April 2022

Background

Detailed characteristics of rheumatic symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were still unknown. We aim to investigate the proportions, characteristics, and risk factors of this condition.

Methods

In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, discharged patients with COVID-19 were interviewed face-to-face at 12 months after symptom onset. Rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 included newly occurring joint pain and/or joint swelling. The risk factors of developing rheumatic symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 1296 of 2469 discharged patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 160 (12.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 10.6%–14.3%]) suffered from rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 at 12-month follow-up. The most frequently involved joints were the knee joints (38%), followed by hand (25%) and shoulder (19%). Rheumatic symptoms were independent of the severity of illness and corticosteroid treatment during the acute phase, while elderly age (odds ratio [OR], 1.22 [95% CI, 1.06–1.40]) and female sex (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.12–2.23]) were identified as the risk factors for this condition.

Conclusions

Our investigation showed a considerable proportion of rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 in discharged patients, which highlights the need for continuing attention. Notably, rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 were independent of the severity of illness and corticosteroid treatment during the acute phase.
No apparent trade-off between the quality of nest-grown feathers and time spent in the nest in an aerial insectivore, the Tree Swallow
Authors: Taff Conor C , Johnson Brianna A , Anker Allison T , Rodriguez Alyssa M , Houtz Jennifer L , Uehling Jennifer J , Vitousek Maren N
Published: April 2022

Life history theory provides a framework for understanding how trade-offs generate negative trait associations. Among nestling birds, time spent in the nest, risk of predation, and lifespan covary, but some associations are only found within species while others are only observed between species. A recent comparative study suggests that allocation trade-offs may be alleviated by disinvestment in ephemeral traits, such as nest-grown feathers, that are quickly replaced. However, direct resource allocation trade-offs cannot be inferred from interspecific trait associations without complementary intraspecific studies. Here, we asked whether there is evidence for a within-species allocation trade-off between feather quality and time spent in the nest in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Consistent with the idea that ephemeral traits are deprioritized, nest-grown feathers had lower barb density than adult feathers. However, despite substantial variation in fledging age among nestlings, there was no evidence for a negative association between time in the nest and feather quality. Furthermore, accounting for differences in resource availability by considering provisioning rate and a nest predation treatment did not reveal a trade-off that was masked by variation in resources. Our results are most consistent with the idea that the interspecific association between development and feather quality arises from adaptive specialization, rather than from a direct allocation trade-off.
Acupuncture Therapy as an Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategy for Comprehensive Acute Pain Care: The Academic Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper Update
Authors: Nielsen Arya , Dusek Jeffery A , Taylor-Swanson Lisa , Tick Heather
Published: April 2022

Background

A crisis in pain management persists, as does the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, addiction, and diversion. Pain medicine is meeting these challenges by returning to its origins: the Bonica model of multidisciplinary pain care. The 2018 Academic Consortium White Paper detailed the historical context and magnitude of the pain crisis and the evidence base for nonpharmacologic strategies. More than 50% of chronic opioid use begins in the acute pain care setting. Acupuncture may be able to reduce this risk.

Objective

This article updates the evidence base for acupuncture therapy for acute pain with a review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on postsurgical/perioperative pain with opioid sparing and acute nonsurgical/trauma pain, including acute pain in the emergency department.

Methods

To update reviews cited in the 2018 White Paper, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for “acupuncture” and “acupuncture therapy” and “acute pain,” “surgery,” “peri-operative,” “trauma,” “emergency department,” “urgent care,” “review(s) ,” “systematic review,” “meta-analysis,” with additional manual review of titles, links, and reference lists.

Results

There are 22 systematic reviews, 17 with meta-analyses of acupuncture in acute pain settings, and a review for acute pain in the intensive care unit. There are additional studies of acupuncture in acute pain settings.

Conclusion

The majority of reviews found acupuncture therapy to be an efficacious strategy for acute pain, with potential to avoid or reduce opioid reliance. Future multicenter trials are needed to clarify the dosage and generalizability of acupuncture for acute pain in the emergency department. With an extremely low risk profile, acupuncture therapy is an important strategy in comprehensive acute pain care.
Development of circadian rest-activity rhythms during the first year of life in a racially diverse cohort
Authors: Rojo-Wissar Darlynn M , Bai Jiawei , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E , Wolfson Amy R , Spira Adam P
Published: April 2022

Study Objectives

To describe the development of circadian rest-activity rhythms (CRARs) during infancy in a racially diverse cohort.

Methods

We studied 414 infants from the Nurture birth cohort (51.2% female, 65.2% Black) who wore actigraphs on their left ankles for 4 days and nights at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We quantified CRARs using cosinor and non-parametric circadian rhythm analysis, and investigated change in CRARs over time, comparing 6, 9, and 12 months to CRARs at 3 months. We adjusted for baseline and time-varying covariates and used function-on-scalar regression (FOSR) to identify the specific times of day at which activity changes occurred.

Results

Across the first year, daily mean and peak activity levels and day-to-day activity level regularity increased, and activity level fragmentation and nighttime activity decreased. Only at 9 months, compared to at 3 months, did timing of peak activity levels and the most active periods shift later, while timing of least active periods shifted earlier. FOSR analyses showed that mean activity levels decreased during nighttime hours and increased during daytime hours, with the most pronounced changes at 9 months.

Conclusions

Among racially diverse infants, CRARs became more robust, stable, and less fragmented over time. Findings suggest the greatest change from 3-month CRARs occurs at 9 months, which may be a key period of CRAR development. This and future research will contribute to our understanding of normative infant CRAR development in diverse populations and enable us to identify infants who may benefit from intervention.
Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Bacillus siamensis YJ15 and Their Antifungal Activity Against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wang Chunwei , Duan Tiankun , Shi Luxin , Zhang Xiqian , Fan Weixin , Wang Meiqin , Wang Jianming , Ren Lu , Zhao Xiaojun , Wang Yan
Published: April 2022

To develop an effective and environmentally safe strategy to control postharvest gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, Bacillus siamensis strain YJ15 isolated from blueberry was used to test the biocontrol potential. It is interesting to find that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from strain YJ15 exhibited significant antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea as well as 11 other plant-pathogenic fungi, with a percentage of mycelial growth inhibition from 74.96 to 92.81%. Additionally, VOCs from strain YJ15 could reduce significantly the disease incidence and lesion diameter with the increasing of fermentation time, indicating great biocontrol potential for controlling blueberry postharvest gray mold. Furthermore, the VOCs were collected by using headspace solid-phase microextraction fiber, and the composition of VOCs was further revealed by using gas chromatography coupled with quadruple mass spectrometry. In total, 24 kinds of VOCs, including 5 alkanes, 2 aldehydes, 3 ketones, 5 alcohols, 1 alkene, 5 acids and esters, 2 aromatic compounds, and 1 sulfur compound, were emitted at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after inoculation. Among these VOCs, eight antifungal VOCs could inhibit mycelial growth of B. cinerea. It is important to highlight that, although 1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol were the most abundant compounds, 2-ethylhexanol, 1-heptanol, and 1,3-xylene have proved to be more toxic to B. cinerea than 3-methyl-1-butanol, propanethioic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, 2-heptanone, and 1-butanol, which provide new, promising biofumigants for the control of postharvest gray mold caused by B. cinerea.
Detection of Pseudophaeomoniella globosa, an Olive Trunk Pathogen, on Olive Pruning Debris
Authors: Van Dyk Meagan , Spies Christoffel F. J. , Mostert Lizel , Halleen Francois
Published: April 2022

Pseudophaeomoniella globosa has recently been identified as a pathogen contributing to olive trunk diseases in South Africa. Little is known regarding the biology and epidemiology of this pathogen. The aim of this study was to investigate whether olive pruning debris act as an inoculum source of P. globosa in established orchards. A nested species-specific PCR was developed for the detection of this pathogen on 138 samples of pruning debris collected from Paarl (40 wood pieces), Stellenbosch (42 wood pieces), and Worcester (56 pieces) in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Spore washes were made from the samples (5 to 10 cm in length), after which the nested species-specific primers were used to determine the presence of P. globosa on the wood. P. globosa was detected on 37.5% of the pruning debris collected from Paarl, 61.9% from Stellenbosch, and 39.3% from Worcester. The pruning debris that tested positive for P. globosa were evaluated visually by microscopic observations for P. globosa pycnidia. Dark-brown to black pycnidia were found. Conidia from these pycnidia were measured, cultured, and confirmed as P. globosa by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. In this study, the pruning debris in established olive orchards were identified as inoculum sources of P. globosa. This study emphasizes the importance of additional means focused on reducing the inoculum sources of this pathogen in these orchards as an additional management strategy against olive trunk diseases.
Effects of Cultivar Susceptibility, Branch Age, and Temperature on Infection by Botryosphaeriaceae andDiaportheFungi on English Walnut (Juglans regia)
Authors: López-Moral Ana , Lovera María , Antón-Domínguez Begoña I. , Gámiz Antonio M. , Michailides Themis J. , Arquero Octavio , Trapero Antonio , Agustí-Brisach Carlos
Published: April 2022

Botryosphaeriaceae and Diaporthe fungi have been described as the main causal agents of branch dieback and shoot blight of English walnut (Juglans regia L.). To date, the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on disease development on this host are still poorly understood. Thus, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of cultivar, shoot-branch age, and temperature on infection by Botryosphaeriaceae and Diaporthe fungi on English walnut. The susceptibility of eight commercial cultivars was evaluated against three Botryosphaeriaceae and two Diaporthe species. For the remaining experiments, shoots or branches of ‘Chandler’ were used. An initial experiment evaluating two inoculation methods was conducted, with inoculation with a mycelial plug being more consistent and useful than conidial suspension inoculation. Cultivar susceptibility varied depending on the fungal species, with ‘Chandler’ being among the most tolerant cultivars for shoot infection. One-year-old shoots were significantly more sensitive for both Neofusicoccum parvum and Diaporthe neotheicola in comparison with 2- to 4-year-old branches. The effect of temperature on shoot infection was evaluated under 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C. Lesion development was significantly higher for N. parvum isolates than for D. neotheicola isolates at all temperatures evaluated, with optimum temperature of shoot infection being ∼26°C for N. parvum and ∼21°C for D. neotheicola.
Mummy Berry of Blueberry Caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi: A Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Alvarez Osorio Andrea Katherine , Miles Laura A. , Miles Timothy D.
Published: April 2022

Mummy berry is one of the most important fungal diseases of cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) worldwide causing yield losses of up to 70 to 85% and entire lot rejections. This disease is caused by the ascomycete fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi and is controlled primarily using cultural practices and the prophylactic use of fungicides early in the growing season. This pathogen has multiple phases and, depending on the life cycle, varies in its difficulty to diagnose. This diagnostic guide provides details about the current taxonomy, host, geographic range, symptoms, and signs, as well as effective techniques to aid pathogen identification, evaluation, isolation, and storage for M. vaccinii-corymbosi.
Effective Use of Extended Dwell Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Neonatal Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Marchetti Jessica M. , Blaine Tricia , Shelly Colleen E. , Cherkerzian Sara , Hanley Nina , Murphy Lindsey , Gregory Katherine E.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Implementing innovative approaches to vascular access can be challenging in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to describe the implementation of extended dwell peripheral intravenous (EPIV) catheters, a vascular access device not widely used in the NICU. The implementation involved (1) designing clinical criteria for EPIV catheter use, (2) education of vascular access NICU nurses, and (3) comparing clinical outcomes between vascular access devices (ie, PIV and EPIV catheters).

Methods:

We developed evidence-based clinical criteria guiding the use of vascular access devices. We then developed an educational plan for NICU nurses focused on vascular access. Finally, we collected and compared demographic characteristics and clinical data on catheter type and placement attempts, dwell time, and clinical complications associated with each catheter.

Results:

EPIV catheters were implemented according to evidence-based criteria by a vascular access NICU nursing team. Fifteen percent of PIV catheter placements required 3 or more attempts compared with just 1% of EPIV catheter placement attempts. EPIV catheters had a longer median dwell time (3.5 vs 1 day) and fewer complications than PIV catheters (P < .001).

Implications for Practice and Research:

Implementation of an evidence-based approach to vascular access by a team of NICU nurses may improve clinical outcomes. EPIV catheters may be an appropriate alternative device to PIV catheters due to fewer placement attempts, longer dwell times, and overall fewer complications during use. Future vascular access research in the NICU may include a greater focus on innovative placement strategies, optimal maintenance and infection control, and prevention of complications.
Short-Segment Pedicle Fixation of Traumatic Low Lumbar Fractures (L3–L5)
Authors: Moawad Christina M. , Arzi Harel , Naik Anant , Bashir Rashid , Arnold Paul M.
Published: April 2022

Study Design:

Prospective review.

Objective:

The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of short-segment pedicle fixation of low lumbar fractures (L3–L5).

Background:

Low lumbar fractures are relatively uncommon, and limited data exists regarding the management of these injuries. No previous studies have specifically examined the surgical management of L3–L5 fractures exclusively with pedicle fixation.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed prospectively collected data of 36 patients who underwent short-segment pedicle fixation for low lumbar fractures at our institution between 1993 and 2018.

Results:

There was no worsening of neurological status following surgery, and three patients regained motor or sphincter function. Thirty-one (86.1%) patients went on to successful fusion. Three (8%) patients required reoperation. Four (11%) patients had surgical complications.

Conclusions:

This large series provides information regarding the safety and efficacy of surgical management of low lumbar fractures with pedicle fixation. Following surgery, there was no neurological worsening and some patients regained neurological function. Low complication rates, low reoperation rates, and low pain levels at final follow-up provide evidence that the surgical management of low lumbar fractures utilizing short-segment pedicle fixation is safe and efficacious.
“Sonanis Tuning Fork Lines”: A New Radiologic Method to Determine Talar Shift, Diastasis, and Displacement of Lateral Malleolus in Ankle Fractures
Authors: Sonanis Sanjay V. , Mir Taha H. , Kumar Sanjay , Chikate Albert , Saleeb Hany , Bodo Kadosa , Deshmukh Nitin V. , Elabbadi Mostafa H.
Published: April 2022

We introduce new “Sonanis” Tuning fork lines (TFL) to be drawn on ankle anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs to diagnose and assess the percentage of the talar shift, diastasis, and displacement of the lateral malleolus fractures. A 3-dimensional (Auto-CAD) of the ankle joint was reconstructed, and TFL were drawn on ankle AP radiographs. In a normal radiograph, the medial surface of the fibula touched the handle of the TFL, and the superior-lateral dome of the talus lies medial to the handle of TFL. In displaced ankle fractures with diastasis and talar shift, this relation is lost. The Talar shift was graded as per the handle of the TFL cutting talar dome. A cohort radiologic study was done by drawing TFL on 100 radiographs, and the results were observed by a senior clinician. Fourteen patients had normal radiographs, and further 33 patients had an ankle fracture with no talar shift. Ankle diastasis with talar shift was seen in 27 cases and they were further graded as: grade 0 (no shift): 0 patients, grade 1 (<25% shift): 15 patients (4%), grade 2 (25-50% shift): 7 patients (1.89%), grade 3 (50% to 75% shift): 1 patient (0.27%), grade 4 (75% to 100% shift): 0 patients (0%), and grade 5 (100% shift): 4 patients (0.6%). We conclude that in a normal ankle AP radiograph it is possible to diagnose and comment on the ankle fractures even if proper ankle mortise views or computed tomography scans were not available.
Anatomical 3 Ligaments Reconstruction for Symptomatic Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Instability
Authors: Kato Naoki , Nomura Eisuke
Published: April 2022

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint instability is thought to be a debilitating disorder and, if left untreated, develops joint persistent synovitis and osteoarthritis. In this study, we report a novel surgical technique reconstructing the anterior oblique ligament, the dorsoradial ligament, and the intermetacarpal ligament simultaneously using both the transverse carpal ligament, and the palmaris longus tendon. Six patients with a mean age of 44 years showing no osteoarthritic changes by the radiographical examination underwent our anatomical three ligaments reconstruction for persistent painful thumb CMC joint instability. Clinical results with the mean follow-up of 20 months demonstrated that the pain was subjectively improved in all patients, both the grip and the pinch strength were increased significantly and good functional motion of the thumb could be observed after the operation. These findings indicated that our surgical procedure could be one option of treatment of the symptomatic CMC joint instability in early-stage arthritis.