bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the accretion of a new group of galaxies onto Virgo – III. The stellar population radial gradients of dEs
Authors: Bidaran Bahar , La Barbera Francesco , Pasquali Anna , van de Ven Glenn , Peletier Reynier , Falcón-Barroso Jesus , Gadotti Dimitri A , Sybilska Agnieszka , Grebel Eva K
Published: September 2023

Using MUSE data, we investigate the radial gradients of stellar population properties (namely age, [M/H], and the abundance ratio of α elements [α/Fe]) for a sample of nine dwarf early-type (dE) galaxies with log(M⋆/M⊙) ∼ 9.0 and an infall time onto the Virgo cluster of 2–3 Gyr ago. We followed a similar approach as in Bidaran et al. to derive their stellar population properties and star formation histories (SFHs) through fitting observed spectral indices and full spectral fitting, respectively. We find that these nine dE galaxies have truncated [Mg/Fe] versus [Fe/H] profiles than equally massive Virgo dE galaxies with longer past infall times. Short profiles of three dE galaxies are the result of their intense star formation which has been quenched long before their accretion onto the Virgo cluster, possibly as a result of their group environment. In the remaining six dE galaxies, profiles mainly trace a recent episode of star burst within 0.4Re which results in higher light-weighted [α/Fe] values. The latter SFH peak can be due to ram pressure exerted by the Virgo cluster at the time of the accretion of the dE galaxies. Also, we show that younger, more metal-rich, and less α-enhanced stellar populations dominate their inner regions (i.e. < 0.4Re) resulting in mainly flat ∇age, negative ∇[M/H], and positive ∇[α/Fe]. We find that with increasing log(σRe) of dE galaxies, ∇age and ∇[α/Fe] flatten, and the latter correlation persists even after including early-type galaxies up to log(σRe ∼ 2.5), possibly due to the more extended star formation activity in the inner regions of dEs, as opposed to more massive early-type galaxies.
The Pandora project – I. The impact of radiation, magnetic fields, and cosmic rays on the baryonic and dark matter properties of dwarf galaxies
Authors: Martin-Alvarez Sergio , Sijacki Debora , Haehnelt Martin G , Farcy Marion , Dubois Yohan , Belokurov Vasily , Rosdahl Joakim , Lopez-Rodriguez Enrique
Published: September 2023

Enshrouded in several well-known controversies, dwarf galaxies have been extensively studied to learn about the underlying cosmology, notwithstanding that physical processes regulating their properties are poorly understood. To shed light on these processes, we introduce the Pandora suite of 17 high-resolution (3.5 parsec half-cell side) dwarf galaxy formation cosmological simulations. Commencing with magneto-thermo-turbulent star formation and mechanical supernova (SN) feedback, we gradually increase the complexity of physics incorporated, ultimately leading to our full-physics models combining magnetism, on-the-fly radiative transfer and the corresponding stellar photoheating, and SN-accelerated cosmic rays. We investigate multiple combinations of these processes, comparing them with observations to constrain what are the main mechanisms determining dwarf galaxy properties. We find hydrodynamical ‘SN feedback-only’ simulations struggle to produce realistic dwarf galaxies, leading either to overquenched or too centrally concentrated, dispersion-dominated systems when compared to observed field dwarfs. Accounting for radiation with cosmic rays results in extended and rotationally supported systems. Spatially ‘distributed’ feedback leads to realistic stellar and H i masses, galaxy sizes, and integrated kinematics. Furthermore, resolved kinematic maps of our full-physics models predict kinematically distinct clumps and kinematic misalignments of stars, H i, and H ii after star formation events. Episodic star formation combined with its associated feedback induces more core-like dark matter central profiles, which our ‘SN feedback-only’ models struggle to achieve. Our results demonstrate the complexity of physical processes required to capture realistic dwarf galaxy properties, making tangible predictions for integral field unit surveys, radio synchrotron emission, and for galaxy and multiphase interstellar medium properties that JWST will probe.
Exploring the polarization of axially symmetric supernovae with unsupervised deep learning
Authors: Maund Justyn R
Published: September 2023

The measurement of non-zero polarization can be used to infer the presence of departures from spherical symmetry in supernovae (SNe). The origin of the majority of the intrinsic polarization observed in SNe is in electron scattering, which induces a wavelength-independent continuum polarization that is generally observed to be low ($\lesssim\!\! 1{{\ \rm per\, cent}}$) for all SN types. The key indicator of asymmetry in SNe is the polarization observed across spectral lines, in particular the characteristic ‘inverse P Cygni’ profile. The results of a suite of 900 Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations are presented here. These simulations cover a range of possible axisymmetric structures (including unipolar, bipolar, and equatorial enhancements) for the line-forming region of the Ca ii infrared triplet. Using a variational auto-encoder, seven key latent parameters are learned that describe the relationship between Stokes I and q, under the assumption of an axially symmetric line-forming region and resonant scattering. Likelihood-free inference techniques are used to invert the Stokes I and q line profiles, in the latent space, to derive the underlying geometries. For axially symmetric structures that yield an observable ‘dominant axis’ on the Stokes q–u plane, we propose the existence of a geometry ‘conjugate’ (which is indistinguishable under a rotation of π/2). Using this machine learning infrastructure, we attempt to identify possible geometries associated with spectropolarimetric observations of the Type Ib SN 2017gax.
The convective kissing instability in low-mass M-dwarf models: convective overshooting, semi-convection, luminosity functions, surface abundances, and star cluster age dating
Authors: Mansfield Santana , Kroupa Pavel
Published: September 2023

Low-mass models of M-dwarfs that undergo the convective kissing instability fluctuate in luminosity and temperature resulting in a gap in the main sequence that is observed in the Gaia data. During this instability, the models have repeated periods of full convection where the material is mixed throughout the model. Stellar evolution models are performed using mesa with varying amounts of convective overshooting and semi-convection. We find that the amplitude and intensity of the instability is reduced with increasing amounts of overshooting but sustained when semi-convection is present. This is reflected in the loops in the evolutionary tracks in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. The surface abundances of 1H, 3He, 4He, 12C, 14N, and 16O increase or decrease over time due to the convective boundary, however the relative abundance changes are very small and not likely observable. The mass and magnitude values from the models are assigned to a synthetic population of stars from the mass–magnitude relation to create colour–magnitude diagrams, which reproduce the M-dwarf gap as a large indent into the blueward edge of the main sequence (MS). This is featured in the luminosity function as a small peak and dip. The width of the MS decreases over time along with the difference in width between the MS at masses higher and lower than the instability. The parallel offset and relative angle between the upper and lower parts of the MS also change with time along with the mass–magnitude relation. Potential age-dating methods for single stars and stellar populations are described.
Detector induced anisotropies on the angular distribution of gravitational wave sources and opportunities of constraining horizon scale anisotropies
Authors: Li Mingzheng , Zhang Pengjie , Zhao Wen
Published: September 2023

The cosmological principle has been verified using electromagnetic observations. However its verification with high accuracy is challenging due to various foregrounds and selection effects, and possible violation of the cosmological principle has been reported in the literature. In contrast, gravitational wave (GW) observations are free of these foregrounds and related selection biases. This may enable future GW experiments to test the cosmological principle robustly with full sky distribution of millions of standard bright/dark sirens. However, the sensitivities of GW detectors are highly anisotropic, resulting in significant instrument induced anisotropies in the observed GW catalogue. We investigate these instrumental effects for 3rd generation detector networks in term of multipoles aℓm of the observed GW source distribution, using Monte Carlo simulations. (1) We find that the instrument induced anisotropy primarily exists at the m = 0 modes on large scales (ℓ ≲ 10), with amplitude 〈|aℓ0|2〉 ∼ 10−3 for two detectors (ET-CE) and ∼10−4 for three detectors (ET-2CE). This anisotropy is correlated with the sky distribution of signal-to-noise ratio and localization accuracy. Such anisotropy sets a lower limit on the detectable cosmological aℓ0. (2) However, we find that the instrument induced anisotropy is efficiently cancelled by rotation of the Earth in m ≠ 0 components of aℓm. Therefore aℓm (m ≠ 0) are clean windows to detect cosmological anisotropies. (3) We investigate the capability of 3rd generation GW experiments to measure the cosmic dipole. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we find that cosmic dipole with an amplitude of ∼10−2 reported in the literature can be detected/ruled out by ET-CE and ET-2CE robustly, through the measurement of a11.
Progenitors and explosion properties of supernova remnants hosting central compact objects: II. A global systematic study with a comparison to nucleosynthesis models
Authors: Braun C , Safi-Harb S , Fryer C L , Zhou P
Published: September 2023

Core-collapse explosions of massive stars leave behind neutron stars, with a known diversity that includes the ‘Central Compact Objects’ (CCOs). Typified by the neutron star discovered near the centre of the Cas A supernova remnant (SNR), CCOs have been observed to shine only in X-rays. To address their supernova progenitors, we perform a systematic study of SNRs that contain a CCO and display X-ray emission from their shock-heated ejecta. We make use of X-ray data primarily using the Chandra X-ray observatory, complemented with XMM–Newton. This study uses a systematic approach to the analysis of each SNR aimed at addressing the supernova progenitor as well as the explosion properties (energy and ambient density). After fitting for the ejecta abundances estimated from a spatially resolved spectroscopic study, we compare the data to six nucleosynthesis models making predictions on supernova ejecta yields in core-collapse explosions. We find that the explosion models commonly used by the astrophysics community do not match the ejecta yields for any of the SNRs, suggesting additional physics, for example multidimensional explosion models or updated progenitor structures, are required. Overall we find low-mass (≤25 solar masses) progenitors among the massive stars population and low-energy explosions (<1051 ergs). We discuss degeneracies in our model fitting, particularly how altering the explosion energy affects the estimate of the progenitor mass. Our systematic study highlights the need for improving on the theoretical models for nucleosynthesis predictions as well as for sensitive, high-resolution spectroscopy observations to be acquired with next generation X-ray missions.
Full spectrum fitting with photometry in ppxf: stellar population versus dynamical masses, non-parametric star formation history and metallicity for 3200 LEGA-C galaxies at redshift z ≈ 0.8
Authors: Cappellari Michele
Published: September 2023

I introduce some improvements to the ppxf method, which measures the stellar and gas kinematics, star formation history (SFH) and chemical composition of galaxies. I describe the new optimization algorithm that ppxf uses and the changes I made to fit both spectra and photometry simultaneously. I apply the updated ppxf method to a sample of 3200 galaxies at redshift 0.6 < z < 1 (median z = 0.76, stellar mass $M_\ast \gtrsim 3\times 10^{10}$ M⊙), using spectroscopy from the LEGA-C survey (DR3) and 28-bands photometry from two different sources. I compare the masses from new JAM dynamical models with the ppxf stellar population M* and show the latter are more reliable than previous estimates. I use three different stellar population synthesis (SPS) models in ppxf and both photometric sources. I confirm the main trend of the galaxies’ global ages and metallicity [M/H] with stellar velocity dispersion σ* (or central density), but I also find that [M/H] depends on age at fixed σ*. The SFHs reveal a sharp transition from star formation to quenching for galaxies with $\lg (\sigma _\ast /\mathrm{km}\, s^{-1})\gtrsim 2.3$ ($\sigma _\ast \gtrsim 200$$\mathrm{km}\, s^{-1}$), or average mass density within 1 kpc $\lg (\Sigma _1^{\rm JAM}/\mathrm{\mathrm{M}_{\odot }kpc^{-2}})\gtrsim 9.9$ ($\Sigma _1^{\rm JAM}\gtrsim 7.9\times 10^9\, \mathrm{\mathrm{M}_{\odot }\ kpc^{-2}}$), or with $[M/H]\gtrsim -0.1$, or with Sersic index $\lg n_{\rm Ser}\gtrsim 0.5$ ($n_{\rm Ser}\gtrsim 3.2$). However, the transition is smoother as a function of M*. These results are consistent for two SPS models and both photometric sources, but they differ significantly from the third SPS model, which demonstrates the importance of comparing model assumptions.
Tracing dense gas in six resolved GMCs of the Andromeda Galaxy
Authors: Forbrich Jan , Lada Charles J , Pety Jérôme , Petitpas Glen
Published: September 2023

We present dense-gas-tracing molecular observations of six resolved Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Using the NOEMA interferometer, we observed the transitions of HCN(1–0), HCO+(1–0), and HNC(1–0), as well as 13CO(1–0) and 100 GHz continuum emission. This complements our earlier work with the Submillimetre Array, including resolved dust continuum detections of these clouds at 230 GHz. In this work, we first compare different continuum measurements to conclude that the average free–free contamination of the observed flux is 71 per cent at 3 mm but only 13 per cent at 1 mm, confirming that emission at 3 mm is less reliable than that at 1 mm for calculating dust masses of star-forming clouds. While the 13CO emission is more extended than both HCN and HCO+ emission, which in turn is more extended than HNC emission, we find that both HCN and HCO+ are spatially coincident with, and similarly extended as, the 230 GHz dust emission. This suggests that both the 230 GHz dust continuum and most importantly the HCN emission traces the dense gas component of these GMCs. From comparison of the molecular emission with dust masses derived from the 230 GHz continuum emission, we obtain the first direct measurements of the dust-mass-to-light ratios ($\alpha ^\prime _{\rm HCN}$ and $\alpha ^\prime _{\rm HCO^+}$) in GMCs of an external galaxy. For HCN, the result is broadly similar to a measurement in the local Perseus cloud suggesting that these are indeed dense gas conversion factors. A larger cloud sample will be required to assess whether HCN is tracing comparable cloud-scale density regimes across the environments of M31.
Dear Magellanic Clouds, welcome back!
Authors: Vasiliev Eugene
Published: September 2023

We propose a scenario in which the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is on its second passage around the Milky Way. Using a series of tailored N-body simulations, we demonstrate that such orbits are consistent with current observational constraints on the mass distribution and relative velocity of both galaxies. The previous pericentre passage of the LMC could have occurred 5–10 Gyr ago at a distance ≳ 100 kpc, large enough to retain its current population of satellites. The perturbations of the Milky Way halo induced by the LMC look nearly identical to the first-passage scenario, however, the distribution of LMC debris is considerably broader in the second-passage model. We examine the likelihood of current and past association with the Magellanic system for dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, and find that in addition to 10–11 current LMC satellites, it could have brought a further four to six galaxies that have been lost after the first pericentre passage. In particular, four of the classical dwarfs – Carina, Draco, Fornax, and Ursa Minor – each have an ∼50 per cent probability of once belonging to the Magellanic system, thus providing a possible explanation for the ‘plane of satellites’ conundrum.
Treatment with cholesterol just after thawing maintains the fertility of bull sperm
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Umehara Takashi , Tsujita Natsumi , Koyago Masanori , Shimada Masayuki
Published: September 2023

Freezing and thawing diminish sperm motility and fertility by disrupting the cholesterol balance in sperm plasma and organelle membranes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms through which exogeneous cholesterol treatment enhances the quality of frozen-thawed bull sperm. The incorporation of cholesterol was investigated using boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-cholesterol, and BODIPY signals were detected not only in the plasma membrane but also in the midpiece region immediately after thawing. The positive signal of cholesterol in the midpiece region was inhibited by a scavenger receptor class B Type I (SR-BI) inhibitor, block lipid transport 1 (BLT-1). To comprehend the role of exogenous cholesterol in the functions of the plasma membrane, propidium iodide (PI)/Annexin V and peanut agglutinin lectin (PNA) staining were performed. The results showed that treatment with exogenous cholesterol increased the number of acrosome-intact sperm and decreased the number of sperm with damage to the plasma membrane. Moreover, since BODIPY signals were also observed in the midpiece region, mitochondrial function was evaluated using a flux analyzer and a flow cytometer with 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining, revealing an increase in the number of sperm with high-mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption. Finally, to assess sperm fertility, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and IVF were carried out. Sperm velocities and fertilization rates in IVF were significantly enhanced by the addition of cholesterol just after thawing. Thus, the treatment with cholesterol after thawing protected the plasma membrane from the stress of thawing and maintained mitochondrial function, thereby preserving the fertilization ability of frozen-thawed bull sperm for conventional IVF and artificial insemination (AI). Therefore, the application of cholesterol just after thawing is a promising option for improving the fertility of frozen-thawed sperm.
Lipid kinase PIP5K1A regulates let-7 microRNA biogenesis through interacting with nuclear export protein XPO5
Authors: Li Chun , Yoon Bohyung , Stefani Giovanni , Slack Frank J
Published: September 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs first discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans. The let-7 miRNA is highly conserved in sequence, biogenesis and function from C. elegans to humans. During miRNA biogenesis, XPO5-mediated nuclear export of pre-miRNAs is a rate-limiting step and, therefore, might be critical for the quantitative control of miRNA levels, yet little is known about how this is regulated. Here we show a novel role for lipid kinase PPK-1/PIP5K1A (phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase) in regulating miRNA levels. We found that C. elegans PPK-1 functions in the lin-28/let-7 heterochronic pathway, which regulates the strict developmental timing of seam cells. In C. elegans and human cells, PPK-1/PIP5K1A regulates let-7 miRNA levels. We investigated the mechanism further in human cells and show that PIP5K1A interacts with nuclear export protein XPO5 in the nucleus to regulate mature miRNA levels by blocking the binding of XPO5 to pre-let-7 miRNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this role for PIP5K1A is kinase-independent. Our study uncovers the novel finding of a direct connection between PIP5K1A and miRNA biogenesis. Given that miRNAs are implicated in multiple diseases, including cancer, this new finding might lead to a novel therapeutic opportunity.
Stray radiation dose reduction using a backscatter shield and a rectangular collimator for a handheld intraoral X-ray unit
Authors: Otaka Yusei , Harata Yasuo , Izawa Maki , Shiba Noriyoshi , Iwawaki Atsushi , Ishii Takeru , Ochiai Akihiro , Takahashi Nobutoshi , Saka Hideki , Kito Shinji
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to study the dose reduction effect on occupational exposure of operators and public exposure other than operators when a backscatter shield and a rectangular collimator are used in conjunction with a handheld intraoral X-ray unit. The occupational exposure was reduced to 40% when the backscatter shield was attached to the cone-tip, to 13% when the rectangular collimator was attached and to 7.7% when the backscatter shield and rectangular collimator were used together. On the other hand, the public exposure was reduced to 20% when the rectangular collimator was attached, but the backscatter shield was not effective in reducing the public exposure. Attaching a backscatter shield is effective in reducing the occupational exposure, and a rectangular aperture is effective in reducing the occupational exposure, as well as the public exposure.
Perspectives on Sedation Among Interdisciplinary Team Members in ICU: A Survey Study
Authors: Fuchita Mikita , Blaine Caitlin , Keyworth Alexis , Morfin Kathryn , Primi Blake , Ridgeway Kyle , Stake Nikki , Watson Helen , Matlock Dan , Mehta Anuj B.
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the interdisciplinary team members’ beliefs and attitudes about sedation when caring for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING:

A 17-bed cardiothoracic ICU at a tertiary care academic hospital in Colorado.

SUBJECTS:

All nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), respiratory therapists, physical therapists (PTs), and occupational therapists (OTs) who work in the cardiothoracic ICU.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We modified a validated survey instrument to evaluate perspectives on sedation across members of the interdisciplinary ICU team. Survey responses were collected anonymously from 111 members (81% response rate). Respondents were predominantly female (70 [63%]). Most respondents across disciplines (94%) believed that their sedation practice made a difference in patients’ outcomes. More nurses (48%), APPs (62%), and respiratory therapists (50%) believed that sedation could help alleviate the psychologic stress that patients experience on the ventilator than physicians (19%) and PTs/OTs (0%) (p = 0.008). The proportion of respondents who preferred to be sedated if they were mechanically ventilated themselves varied widely by discipline: respiratory therapists (88%), nurses (83%), APPs (54%), PTs/OTs (38%), and physicians (19%) (p < 0.001). In our exploratory analysis, listeners of an educational podcast had beliefs and attitudes more aligned with best evidence-based practices than nonlisteners.

CONCLUSIONS:

We discovered significant interdisciplinary differences in the beliefs and attitudes regarding sedation use in the ICU. Since all ICU team members are involved in managing mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, aligning the mental models of sedation may be essential to enhance interprofessional collaboration and promote sedation best practices.
Utility of Dermoscopy Training in Improving Diagnostic Accuracy of Skin Lesions Among Physician Assistant Students
Authors: Middleton Hayden T. , Swanson David L. , Sartori-Valinotti Julio C. , O'Laughlin Danielle J. , Pham Van , Boswell Christopher L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Patients often first present to their primary care provider for skin lesion concerns, and dermoscopy is a tool that enhances diagnostic acumen of both malignant and benign skin lesions. Physician assistants (PAs) frequently serve as primary care and dermatology providers, but to our knowledge, no current research on dermoscopy expertise with PAs exists. We hypothesize that PA students could be taught dermoscopy based on the triage amalgamated dermoscopic algorithm (TADA) to increase their diagnostic skill, as previously shown with medical students.

Methods

Dermoscopy was taught to first-year PA students at all 5 PA programs in the state of Minnesota. The training was 50 minutes in length and focused on the fundamentals of the TADA method. Physician assistant students participated in a pretraining and post-training test, consisting of 30 dermoscopic images.

Results

A total of 139/151 (92%) PA students completed both the pretraining and post-training tests. Overall, mean scores for all students increased significantly (P < .0001) after dermoscopy training was given (18.5 ± 7.1 vs. 23.8 ± 6.7).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that after TADA training, PA students improved their ability to assess dermoscopy images of both skin cancer and benign lesions accurately, suggesting that PAs can be trained as novice dermoscopists and provide better dermatologic care to patients. We strongly encourage integration of dermoscopy into didactic education across PA programs. Implementing a dermoscopy curriculum in established PA programs will enable future PAs to provide better clinical care when evaluating skin lesions.
Metastatic Clear Cell-Renal Cell Carcinoma in Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome
Authors: Cohen Ariel T. , Hamouda Danae M. , Jerew Katherine S. , Blomquist Thomas M. , Petros Firas G.
Published: September 2023

The Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis harboring a mutated gene encoding for a protein known as folliculin. BHD is associated with increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially chromophobe/oncocytic hybrid tumors. The mutations driving clear cell RCC (ccRCC) in BHD remain investigational. We describe a case of BHD syndrome with a metachronous metastatic ccRCC and genomic alterations.
Orbital adenoid cystic carcinoma treated by radiotherapy combined with anlotinib in a 13-year-old girl: A case report
Authors: Wu Xue , Qiao Lili , Tian Tiantian , Shu Yang , Zhang Yingying
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of orbit is a very rare epithelial tumor, often originating from the lacrimal glands. At the same time, treatment options are currently limited, such as radiation, chemotherapy. We report a case of a patient treated with antirotinib combined with radiotherapy.

Patient concerns:

A 13-year-old girl was initially admitted with “left eye swelling for over half a year, 12 days after surgery for left orbital adenoid cystic carcinoma”. Initial swelling of the lateral upper eyelid of the left eye, with gradual enlargement and occasional pain.

Diagnoses:

Left orbital adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Interventions:

After diagnosis of orbital ACC, she underwent resection of the left orbital mass, and received 33 times of adjuvant radiotherapy, but brain metastases appeared later. She refused further treatment, and received 25 times of radiotherapy and anlotinib therapy after the disease progressed again.

Outcomes:

Now the patient has been followed up for 8 months, but no progress was found.

Lessons:

Based on this, we hypothesized that radiation therapy in combination with anlotinib is effective for ACC or ACC metastases.
Analysis of risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia and its correlation with blood glucose control of gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study
Authors: Cao Yu , Yang Yun , Liu Lei , Ma Juan
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and its correlation with blood glucose control in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was a retrospective study. 880 pregnant women with GDM and their newborns were hospitalized from January 2018 to December 2022 in our hospital. The clinical information of GDM pregnant women and their newborns were reviewed and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values measured within 1 week before delivery were collected. According to the occurrence of neonatal hypoglycemia, which was divided into the control and observation groups. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the potential factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. The association between HbA1c of pregnant women before delivery and abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns was examined using spearman correlation analysis. A total of 104 cases of hypoglycemia occurred in neonates delivered by 880 GDM women and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was 11.82%. There were significant differences in pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, delivery mode, maternal blood sugar control effect and neonatal feeding standard between the 2 groups of GDM women (P < .05). Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, poor blood sugar control in GDM women, and improper neonatal feeding were risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal glucose metabolism in newborn (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–4.73) and neonatal hypoglycemia (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.33–5.79) were a risk factor. We also conducted the logistic analysis to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c before delivery and abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns of pregnant women with GDM through adjusting some potential factors. The results were still significant in the abnormal glucose metabolism in newborn (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.23–6.63) and neonatal hypoglycemia (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.46–8.18). Overweight or obesity of GDM parturient before pregnancy, poor blood glucose control of GDM parturient and improper feeding of newborns are all risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. HbA1c before delivery has a certain predictive value for abnormal glucose metabolism in newborns.
Identification of an optimized glycolytic-related risk signature for predicting the prognosis in breast cancer using integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Jiang Di , Zhang Ling-Yu , Wang Dan-Hua , Liu Yan-rong
Published: September 2023

Aberrant metabolic disorders and significant glycolytic alterations in tumor tissues and cells are hallmarks of breast cancer (BC) progression. This study aims to elucidate the key biomarkers and pathways mediating abnormal glycolysis in breast cancer using bioinformatics analysis. Differential genes expression analysis, gene ontology analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis, gene set enrichment analyses, and correlation analysis were performed to explore the expression and prognostic implications of glycolysis-related genes. We effectively integrated 4 genes to construct a prognostic model of shorter survival in the high-risk versus low-risk group. The prognostic model showed promising predictive value and may be an integral part of the prognosis of BC. The survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that the signature showed a good predictive performance in both the The Cancer Genome Atlas training set and 2 gene expression omnibus validation sets. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the 4-gene signature had an independent prognostic value. Furthermore, all calibration curves exhibited robust validity in prognostic prediction. We established an optimized 4-gene signature to clarify the connection between glycolysis and BC, and offered an attractive platform for risk stratification and prognosis predication of BC patients.
Ultrasonographic assessment of rectus abdominis muscle adaptation after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery: Single institution retrospective study
Authors: Kim Haneul , Lee Hyung Chul , Chung Jae-Ho , Jung Seung Pil , Yoon Eul-Sik
Published: September 2023

The impact of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap on abdominal wall integrity has been the topic of an ongoing debate with previous studies having reported conflicting results using various imaging modalities. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, cost-effective, and readily available method for evaluating the changes to the rectus muscle after DIEP flap surgery. In the present study, we aimed to compare rectus abdominis muscle thickness between the operated and non-operated sides using ultrasound imaging. The muscle thickness was measured at the cross point of the midclavicular line and the level of the umbilicus and anterior superior iliac spine using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The muscle anteroposterior diameters of the pedicle-dissected side and the control side were compared using paired t test. In total 31 patients with a mean follow-up of 70.18 weeks were included. The mean diameters at the level of the umbilicus of the operated and non-operated sides were 8.16 ± 1.83 and 8.14 ± 1.43 mm, respectively (P = .94). The mean thicknesses at the anterior superior iliac spine level were 7.74 ± 1.85 on the flap harvested side and 8.04 ± 1.84 mm on the control side (P = .35). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Ultrasonography can be a reliable, inexpensive, and easily usable modality for evaluating donor site complication following DIEP flap. DIEP flap seems to have minimal impact on the abdominal donor site, and it may be safe and versatile to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy.
Intraoperative nociception and postoperative inflammation associated with the suppression of major complications due to thoracic epidural block after pleurectomy/decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma under general anesthesia: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Hamanaka Yuka , Ueda Wakana , Taki Kanako , Onoe Ken , Matsuki Yuka , Okutani Hiroai , Ueki Ryusuke , Hirose Munetaka
Published: September 2023

A recent study showed that thoracic epidural block (TEB) suppressed the occurrence of major complications after pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) under general anesthesia. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the correlation, both acute inflammatory status and intraoperative nociception were evaluated in the present study. In a single-institutional observational study, consecutive adult patients undergoing P/D were enrolled from March 2019 to April 2022. Perioperative acute inflammatory status was evaluated using differential White blood cell (WBC) counts and serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) both before and after the surgery on postoperative day (POD) 1. The averaged value of nociceptive response index during surgery (mean NR) was obtained to evaluate the level of intraoperative nociception. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between perioperative variables and major complications Postoperative major postoperative complication was defined as Clavien-Dindo grades ≥ III. We conducted this study with 97 patients. After logistic regression analysis showed that general anesthesia without TEB was a sole risk factor for major complications, patients were divided into 2 groups: general anesthesia with and without TEB. The incidence of major complications was significantly lower in patients with TEB (33.3%, n = 33) than in those without TEB (64.1%, n = 64, P < .01). Although there was no significant difference in the CRP level between 2 groups, the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) on POD 1 in patients with TEB was significantly higher than that in patients without TEB (P = .04). The mean NR was significantly lower in patients with TEB than that in those without TEB (P = .02). Both lower mean NR during surgery and higher LMR on POD 1 are likely associated the suppression of major complications due to TEB after P/D under general anesthesia. Decreases in the postoperative acute inflammatory response, caused by the reduction of intraoperative nociception due to TEB, may help suppress major complications after P/D.
Workplace bullying and violence in health sector in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhassan Aseel Khaled , AlSaqat Reem Tarik , AlSweleh Fahad Saleh
Published: September 2023

Workplace bullying violence (BV), with psychological and physical impacts, is increasing globally. However, studies from Saudi Arabia investigating which specialties are most exposed, and linking them with other factors, such as sociodemographic conditions, are scarce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of workplace BV over a 12-month period and determine the circumstances related to the event, consequences for the attacker, and targeted personnel among all healthcare providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This analytical cross-sectional study included all health providers registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties who worked for more than 1 year in the healthcare sector (governmental or private) in the KSA until May 2019. In total, 7398 healthcare workers were electively enrolled in the study; 51.3% were men, and 48.7% were women, with a mean age of 40 ± 8.62 years. They were mostly (60%) non-Saudi. Overall, 26.6% encountered BV. Those who worked in the private sector, in shifts, especially evening shifts, were significantly more exposed. Furthermore, pharmacists had the highest prevalence of workplace violence. The prevalence of BV is moderately high; however, it is a serious issue faced by healthcare workers, especially those working night shifts. Pharmacists were more likely to experience bullying. This demonstrates that more support, specific strategies, and policies are required to reduce the occurrence of workplace BV, protect healthcare providers, and prevent attacks. Underreporting these situations may give an incorrect indication of the magnitude of the problem; thus, more education and further studies in the KSA are needed.
Bioinformatics led discovery of biomarkers related to immune infiltration in diabetes nephropathy
Authors: Wang Shuo , Chen Shengwu , Gao Yixuan , Zhou Hongli
Published: September 2023

Background:

The leading cause of end-stage renal disease is diabetic nephropathy (DN). A key factor in DN is immune cell infiltration (ICI). It has been shown that immune-related genes play a significant role in inflammation and immune cell recruitment. However, neither the underlying mechanisms nor immune-related biomarkers have been identified in DNs. Using bioinformatics, this study investigated biomarkers associated with immunity in DN.

Methods:

Using bioinformatic methods, this study aimed to identify biomarkers and immune infiltration associated with DN. Gene expression profiles (GSE30528, GSE47183, and GSE104948) were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, we identified 23 differentially expressed immune-related genes and 7 signature genes, LYZ, CCL5, ALB, IGF1, CXCL2, NR4A2, and RBP4. Subsequently, protein–protein interaction networks were created, and functional enrichment analysis and genome enrichment analysis were performed using the gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome databases. In the R software, the ConsensusClusterPlus package identified 2 different immune modes (cluster A and cluster B) following the consistent clustering method. The infiltration of immune cells between the 2 clusters was analyzed by applying the CIBERSORT method. And preliminarily verified the characteristic genes through in vitro experiments.

Results:

In this study, the samples of diabetes nephropathy were classified based on immune related genes, and the Hub genes LYZ, CCL5, ALB, IGF1, CXCL2, NR4A2 and RBP4 related to immune infiltration of diabetes nephropathy were obtained through the analysis of gene expression differences between different subtypes.

Conclusions:

This study was based on bioinformatics technology to analyze the biomarkers of immune related genes in diabetes nephropathy. To analyze the pathogenesis of diabetes nephropathy at the RNA level, and ultimately provide guidance for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Analyzing the epidemic situation and influencing factors of childhood pneumonia during the COVID-19 epidemic period in Laiwu, China
Authors: Yang Jimei , Li Junqing , Lv Ruiliang , Wang Xiang , Zheng Chunfeng , Gu Yan , Zhang Mingzhu
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to analyze the trends of childhood pneumonia before and after the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Laiwu, China, and explore the associated risk factors to provide a reference for the prevention, control, and treatment of childhood pneumonia. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 11,716 children aged 3 to 12 years who underwent chest radiography/computed tomography from January 2018 to December 2021 in Laiwu, China. The generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the time trend of the pneumonia detection rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for pneumonia in children. The overall pneumonia detection rate was 40.3% (4721/11,716). The pneumonia detection rate was 41.5% and 39.5% in 2018 and 2019, respectively, before the COVID-19 pandemic, which decreased to 38.1% in 2020 during the pandemic and increased to 40.7% in 2021 after the pandemic. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68), frequent exposure to secondhand smoke (OR = 1.79), hospitalization ≥ 1 time in half a year (OR = 2.13), and history of allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.14) were risk factors for pneumonia in children. Wearing masks when outdoors (OR = 0.89) and engaging in regular physical activity (OR = 0.65) were protective factors. The pneumonia detection rate in children showed a decreasing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but an increasing trend after the pandemic in 2021. Premature birth, exposure to secondhand smoke, frequent hospitalization, and allergic rhinitis were risk factors for pneumonia in children. Wearing masks when outdoors and exercising may reduce the risk of pneumonia in children.
Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast: a case report
Authors: Rhoul Chafik , Kharkhach Ayoub , Aabdi Houssam , Atmani Abderrahman , Mhand Mohammed , Seghrouchni Noura , Amal Bennani , Bouhout Tarik , Serji Badr , El Harroudi Tijani
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Breast angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive tumour affecting adult women. It can occur in two forms, primary form and secondary forms or radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma affecting patients with history of breast or chest radiotherapy.

Case presentation:

The authors report a new case of breast angiosarcoma in 52-year-old women, with history of invasive ductal carcinoma, and reporting a discoloration of her breast skin. The patient did undergo a mastectomy of right breast and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion/discussion:

Surgery with total excision associated or not to adjuvant chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice in breast angiosarcoma.
Infected calcium oxalate stone leading to pyogenic spondylodiscitis and bilateral lower limb weakness: a case report
Authors: Wu Cheng-Yang , Tseng Chi-Shin , Lee Yuan-Ju
Published: September 2023

Introduction and importance:

It is rare for calcium oxalate renal stone, presented mainly in sterile urine, to result in urinary tract infection. The stone-related infection could develop spondylodiscitis, causing neurological deficits. To date, there are no reports about calcium oxalate partial staghorn stone and spondylodiscitis.

Case presentation:

A 62-year-old male suffered from haematuria, fever, and flank pain. He came to the urology outpatient department, where acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed, and a left partial staghorn stone was seen on computed tomography. Oral antibiotics were prescribed with improvement. Two weeks after antibiotics treatment, he developed bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness under the nipple level. He was brought to the emergency department, where the spine MRI revealed T2–T3 spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess and spinal cord compression. He underwent T2–T3 spine operation with improvement in muscle power and hypesthesia. The culture of the surgical lesion yielded Citrobacter koseri, the same as the urine culture obtained at his first visit. Left-side percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed 1 month after with successful stone removal and resolution of pyuria. Stone analyses reported calcium oxalate. Follow-up MRI showed marked improvement with resolution of spondylodiscitis.

Clinical discussion:

Urinary tract infection resulting from partial staghorn stone, with additional hematogenous spread causing spondylodiscitis, is scarcely discussed. The authors illustrated a case with calcium oxalate stone, belonging to sterile Jensen’s classification type 1. However, a urinary tract infection could be seen in urine stasis or obstruction.

Conclusion:

With accurate diagnosis and essential interventions, the patient had immediate neurological improvement and reached disease-free status.
Tranexamic acid in rhytidectomy: a scoping review
Authors: Soltany Amjad , Alhallak Naji , Al Aissami Maen
Published: September 2023

Background:

Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding is considered one of the most common risks in rhytidectomy. Recently, the use of antifibrinolytic agents in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries has been evaluated, but their use in rhytidectomy remains a topic of ongoing discussion. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that prevents enzymatic degradation of the fibrin clot by blocking the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, improves platelet function, and has a direct anti-inflammatory effect. This review covers pertinent literature to elucidate whether the use of TXA in rhytidectomy confers intraoperative and postoperative benefits.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in online databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science for all articles on the topic of TXA in facelift published up to and including June, 2023 using the following terms: “TXA,” “tranexamic acid,” “plastic surgery,” “aesthetic surgery,” “facelift,” “rhytidectomy”. They were either searched individually or in combination. All relevant original research articles, of any study design were included and narratively discussed in this review. Studies not carried out in humans and studies centred on the use of TXA in other specialties were excluded. English Language was included.

Results:

Eight articles were reviewed in this paper. Through these articles, the authors provided in detail the possible beneficial effects of TXA in facelift patients in evaluating several clinical outcomes: intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain output, postoperative oedema, ecchymosis, operative time, and surgical field quality.

Conclusion:

Although there is still a lack of information on TXA in facelift patients, we are not able to deny the beneficial effects of TXA on this topic. Therefore, further investigations including prospective, case-controlled multi-institutional studies comparing routes of delivery should be performed until reaching, at the end, an evidence-based guideline providing a clear protocol in terms of the administration and dosage of TXA in facelift.