bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Human–Computer Interaction Empirical Research
Authors: Costagliola Gennaro , De Rosa Mattia , Fuccella Vittorio , Tabari Parinaz
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic caused in the human–computer interaction (HCI) research field. Specifically, we aim to investigate how the HCI empirical research methodology changed due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. For this reason, we analyzed all the papers published in the 2021 edition of The ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2021), which is generally considered the premier international conference for the field of HCI. Through the analysis of CHI papers, we identified four main effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCI research: influence on participants; influence on apparatus; influence on experiment procedure; other influences. These effects are described in detail and broken down into additional subcategories. Moreover, papers on pandemic-related topics were also identified. In addition, we performed some comparisons with the previous and successive edition of the conference, and extended some analysis, e.g categorization, to CHI 2022 papers. The analysis found that 23% of CHI 2021 papers and 36% of CHI 2022 papers reported some influences of the pandemic, the most common being a change in the procedures researchers used to interact with participants in their studies, in most cases based on remote communication technologies.
Intravesical aminoglycoside instillations as prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infection: patient satisfaction, long-term safety and efficacy
Authors: Bilsen Manu P , van Uhm Janneke I M , Stalenhoef Janneke E , van Nieuwkoop Cees , Groenwold Rolf H H , Visser Leo G , Lambregts Merel M C
Published: April 2023

Background

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women. When oral antimicrobial prophylaxis is ineffective or not possible due to allergies or antimicrobial resistance, intravesical aminoglycoside instillations (IAIs) are a non-systemic alternative.

Objectives

To assess treatment satisfaction, long-term safety and efficacy of IAIs for recurrent UTI.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using data collected between January 2013 and June 2022 at the Leiden University Medical Center. Adult patients with recurrent UTI who received prophylactic IAI were eligible for inclusion. Treatment satisfaction was assessed through a survey. Data on serum aminoglycoside concentrations, cystoscopy results and number of recurrences were obtained through chart review. Number of recurrences and UTI characteristics were compared between patients on and off IAI using Poisson and logistic mixed effects models.

Results

Forty-four patients were included (median follow-up time 976 days) and 323 UTIs occurred during follow-up. Overall treatment satisfaction was high (median 79.2/100). All but one patient had undetectable serum aminoglycoside levels and no malignancies were found on follow-up cystoscopy. IAI increased the time to first recurrence (102 days versus 36 days, P = 0.02), reduced the number of recurrences (rate ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–0.99, P = 0.04) and the necessity for systemic antibiotics (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.86, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients with recurrent UTI, IAI was associated with high treatment satisfaction, and was found to be a safe and effective alternative to oral antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Validation of an HPLC–HR-MS Method for the Determination and Quantification of Six Drugs (Morphine, Codeine, Methadone, Alprazolam, Clonazepam and Quetiapine) in Nails
Authors: Buratti Erika , Cippitelli Marta , Mietti Gianmario , Scendoni Roberto , Froldi Rino , Cerioni Alice , Cingolani Mariano
Published: April 2023

Keratinized matrices, including nails, are among the most resistant matrices that can be analyzed in cases where remains are deeply decomposed and relatively non-invasive for living people. In order to exploit these new matrices in the search for exogenous substances, it is necessary to develop analytical technologies capable of achieving high levels of sensitivity. In this technical note, an easy method is presented for the simultaneous extraction and quantification of three narcotic substances (morphine, codeine and methadone), two benzodiazepines (BDZs) (clonazepam and alprazolam) and an antipsychotic (quetiapine) from nail matrix by analysis in ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography at high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method has been validated following the Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology. Nail specimens from eight authentic postmortem (PM) cases and 13 living donor samples were extracted and analyzed. Of the eight PM samples, five resulted positive for at least one of the three substances searched. Ten of the 13 living donor specimens were positive for at least one of the targeted BDZs or quetiapine.
Interaction of FlhF, SRP-like GTPase with FliF, MS ring component assembling the initial structure of flagella in marine Vibrio
Authors: Fukushima Yuria , Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji
Published: April 2023

Vibrio alginolyticus forms a single flagellum at its cell pole. FlhF and FlhG are known to be the main proteins responsible for the polar formation of single flagellum. MS-ring formation in the flagellar basal body appears to be an initiation step for flagellar assembly. The MS-ring is formed by a single protein, FliF, which has two transmembrane (TM) segments and a large periplasmic region. We had shown that FlhF was required for the polar localization of Vibrio FliF, and FlhF facilitated MS-ring formation when FliF was overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. These results suggest that FlhF interacts with FliF to facilitate MS-ring formation. Here, we attempted to detect this interaction using Vibrio FliF fragments fused to a tag of Glutathione S-transferase in E. coli. We found that the N-terminal 108 residues of FliF, including the first TM segment and the periplasmic region, could pull FlhF down. In the first step, signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor are involved in the transport of membrane proteins to target them, which delivers them to the translocon. FlhF may have a similar or enhanced function as SRP, which binds to a region rich in hydrophobic residues.
Bioinformatics-Led Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Inflammatory Infiltrates in Burn Injury
Authors: Niu Zehao , Wei Guoxing , Liang Hao , Wang Xin , Yang Wenjuan , Wei Gang , Guo Jiachang , Chen Yingen , Tao Ran , Niu Jun
Published: April 2023

Burn injury is a life-threatening disease with a poor prognosis. The immune change and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Thus, this study aims to find potential biomarkers and analyze the immune infiltrates after burn injury. Gene expression data of burn patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Key immune-related genes (IRGs) were screened by differential and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Based on key IRGs, patients were divided into two clusters by consensus cluster analysis. Immune infiltration was analyzed by the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) method and the immune score was calculated by the principal component analysis method. A nomogram model was constructed based on the calculated immune score and clinical features. Finally, the expression of screened key genes was validated by an external cohort and quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiment. Fifty-nine IRGs were differently expressed in burn patients. After LASSO regression analysis, 12 key genes remained, namely AZU1, OLR1, RNASE2, FGF13, NR1D2, NR2E1, TLR5, CAMP, DEFA4, PGLYRP1, CTSG, and CCR3. Then, patients were divided into two clusters. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that more immune cells were infiltrated and more pathways were activated in cluster A, in which patients showed high immune scores. Finally, a nomogram model was constructed and showed high accuracy and reliability. The expression pattern of 12 key genes in an external cohort and clinical samples was in accordance with the theoretical analysis results. In conclusion, this research elucidated the key role of immune response in burns and could be used as a guide for burn treatment.
Dominance versus Prestige Hierarchies: How Social Hierarchy Base Shapes Conspicuous Consumption
Authors: Desmichel Perrine , Rucker Derek D
Published: April 2023

Consumers are known to seek out and display conspicuous goods—items that are exclusive and signal wealth and high social standing. Though many factors can drive such conspicuous consumption, the present work looks at an unexplored element: whether consumers find themselves in a dominance versus prestige-based hierarchy. Dominance-based hierarchies encourage consumers to use threatening, assertive, and manipulative behaviors to navigate the hierarchy. In contrast, prestige-based hierarchies encourage consumers to show their talent, skills, and motivation to operate within the hierarchy. The present research reveals how these two main bases of hierarchy shape consumers’ consumption of conspicuous goods. Specifically, dominance, relative to prestige hierarchies, is proposed to foster greater social anxiety, which leads people to seek conspicuous goods as a means of psychological security. Consequently, dominance-based hierarchies are more likely to encourage conspicuous consumption relative to prestige-based hierarchies. Multiple experiments, which utilize real employees’ behaviors, experimental manipulations of hierarchy, as well as incentivize-compatible decisions, reveal that dominance-based hierarchies, relative to prestige-based hierarchies, increase consumers’ preference for conspicuous goods. Moreover, evidence for a psychological mechanism in the form of social anxiety is demonstrated via both mediation and moderation.
Tissue clearing to examine glioma complexity in 3 dimensions
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Ye Zhaoyu , Zhang Minglin , Ouyang Ye , He Dian , Wang Xinyue , Lai Hei Ming , Sun Haitao
Published: April 2023

In recent years, tissue clearing has revolutionized the way we view biological materials. This has resulted in considerable advances in neuropathology and brain imaging. Its application to gliomas has the potential to increase understanding of tumor architecture, reveal mechanisms of tumor invasion, and provide valuable insights into diagnostics and treatments. This review outlines numerous tissue-clearing applications and recent developments in glioma research and delineates the limitations of existing technology and potential applications in experimental and clinical oncology.
DAP3-mediated cell cycle regulation and its association with radioresistance in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Sato Yoshiaki , Yoshino Hironori , Sato Kota , Kashiwakura Ikuo , Tsuruga Eichi
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria play important roles in the cellular response to various types of stress, including that triggered by ionizing radiation. We have previously reported that the mitochondrial ribosomal protein death-associated protein 3 (DAP3) regulates the radioresistance of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines A549 and H1299. However, the underlying mechanism of this regulation remains to be elucidated. To this end, we have herein investigated the role of DAP3 in the cell cycle regulation after irradiation. Notably, the DAP3 knockdown attenuated the radiation-induced increase of the G2/M cell population. Furthermore, western blotting analysis has revealed that the DAP3 knockdown decreased the expression of proteins related to the G2/M arrest, such as those of the phosphorylated cdc2 (Tyr15) and the phosphorylated checkpoint kinase 1 (Ser296), in irradiated A549 cells and H1299 cells. Moreover, by using a chk1 inhibitor, we were able to demonstrate that chk1 is involved in the radiation-induced G2/M arrest in both A549 and H1299 cells. Notably, the chk1 inhibitor was able to enhance the radiosensitivity of H1299 cells, while both chk1 inhibitor-abolished G2 arrest and inhibition of chk2-mediated events such as downregulation of radiation-induced p21 expression were required for enhancing radiosensitivity of A549 cells. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel role of DAP3 to regulate G2/M arrest through pchk1 in irradiated LUAD cells and suggest that chk1-mediated G2/M arrest regulates the radioresistance of H1299 cells, whereas both the chk1-mediated G2/M arrest and the chk2-mediated events contribute to the radioresistance of A549 cells.
Coronary reoperation with a free internal mammary artery connected to the right coronary artery as an inflow site; a coronary-to-coronary bypass
Authors: Ushioda Ryohei , Shirasaka Tomonori , Yoongtong Dit , Sakboon Boonsap , Cheewinmethasiri Jaroen , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Arayawudhikul Nuttapon
Published: April 2023

Second-time coronary artery bypass grafting is sometimes technically challenging due to severe adhesion of the heart, difficulty of identifying target coronary arteries, advanced sclerosis of the ascending aorta and limited availability of graft vessels. Here we report a patient, in whom a coronary-to-coronary bypass grafting from the native right coronary artery to the left anterior descending artery using a free right internal mammary artery was used as a graft conduit.
Sense in sensitivity: difference in the meaning of photoperiod insensitivity between wheat and barley
Authors: Slafer Gustavo A , Casas Ana M , Igartua Ernesto
Published: April 2023

The description of long photoperiod sensitivity in wheat and barley is a cause of confusion for researchers working with these crops, usually accustomed to free exchange of physiological and genetic knowledge of such similar crops. Indeed, wheat and barley scientists customarily quote studies of either crop species when researching one of them. Among their numerous similarities, the main gene controlling the long photoperiod sensitivity is the same in both crops (PPD1; PPD-H1 in barley and PPD-D1 in hexaploid wheat). However, the photoperiod responses are different: (i) the main dominant allele inducing shorter time to anthesis is the insensitive allele in wheat (Ppd-D1a) but the sensitive allele in barley (Ppd-H1) (i.e. sensitivity to photoperiod produces opposite effects on time to heading in wheat and barley); (ii) the main ‘insensitive’ allele in wheat, Ppd-D1a, does confer insensitivity, whilst that of barley reduces the sensitivity but still responds to photoperiod. The different behaviour of PPD1 genes in wheat and barley is put in a common framework based on the similarities and differences of the molecular bases of their mutations, which include polymorphism at gene expression levels, copy number variation, and sequence of coding regions. This common perspective sheds light on a source of confusion for cereal researchers, and prompts us to recommend accounting for the photoperiod sensitivity status of the plant materials when conducting research on genetic control of phenology. Finally, we provide advice to facilitate the management of natural PPD1 diversity in breeding programmes and suggest targets for further modification through gene editing, based on mutual knowledge on the two crops.
The dynamics of H2A.Z on SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs regulate abscisic acid–auxin signaling crosstalk in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yin Chunmei , Sun Aiqing , Zhou Ying , Liu Kunpeng , Wang Pan , Ye Wenjing , Fang Yuda
Published: April 2023

Extreme environmental changes threaten plant survival and worldwide food production. In response to osmotic stress, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) activates stress responses and restricts plant growth. However, the epigenetic regulation of ABA signaling and crosstalk between ABA and auxin are not well known. Here, we report that the histone variant H2A.Z-knockdown mutant in Arabidopsis Col-0, h2a.z-kd, has altered ABA signaling and stress responses. RNA-sequencing data showed that a majority of stress-related genes are activated in h2a.z-kd. In addition, we found that ABA directly promotes the deposition of H2A.Z on SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), and that this is involved in ABA-repression of SAUR expression. Moreover, we found that ABA represses the transcription of H2A.Z genes through suppressing the ARF7/19–HB22/25 module. Our results shed light on a dynamic and reciprocal regulation hub through H2A.Z deposition on SAURs and ARF7/19–HB22/25-mediated H2A.Z transcription to integrate ABA/auxin signaling and regulate stress responses in Arabidopsis.
Delmopinol hydrochloride inhibitsCampylobacter jejunion skinless poultry meat, stainless steel, and high-density polyethylene food contact surfaces
Authors: Waldron Calvin , Eifert Joseph , O'Keefe Sean , Williams Robert , Le Tuan
Published: April 2023

Delmopinol hydrochloride (delmopinol) is a cationic surfactant that is effective for treating and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. This study evaluated the effectiveness of delmopinol for reducing attachment of Campylobacter jejuni to chicken meat, stainless steel, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These test materials were spot-inoculated with a C. jejuni culture. After 10 min, samples were sprayed with 0.5% or 1.0% delmopinol, 0.01% sodium hypochlorite, or distilled water. After a 1, 10, or 20 min contact time, samples were rinsed, which were serially diluted onto Campy-Cefex Agar. For additional samples, solutions were applied before inoculation with C. jejuni. Cultures remained undisturbed for 1, 10, or 20 min. Samples were then rinsed and plated as above. When C. jejuni was inoculated before treatments, 1% delmopinol application led to mean log reductions of 1.26, 3.70, and 3.72 log cfu ml−1, greater than distilled water alone, for chicken, steel and HDPE, respectively. When C. jejuni was inoculated after spray treatments, 1% delmopinol reduced C. jejuni by 2.72, 3.20, and 3.99 mean log cfu ml−1 more than distilled water for chicken, steel and HDPE, respectively. Application of 1% delmopinol, resulted in a significantly (P < .05) greater log reduction than a 0.01% sodium hypochlorite or distilled water application.
A workflow model for holistic data management and semantic interoperability in quantitative archival research
Authors: Fafalios Pavlos , Marketakis Yannis , Axaridou Anastasia , Tzitzikas Yannis , Doerr Martin
Published: April 2023

Archival research is a complicated task that involves several diverse activities for the extraction of evidence and knowledge from a set of archival documents. The involved activities are usually unconnected, in terms of data connection and flow, making difficult their recursive revision and execution, as well as the inspection of provenance information at data element level. This article proposes a workflow model for holistic data management in archival research: from transcribing and documenting a set of archival documents, to curating the transcribed data, integrating it to a rich semantic network (knowledge graph), and then exploring the integrated data quantitatively. The workflow is provenance-aware, highly recursive and focuses on semantic interoperability, aiming at the production of sustainable data of high value and long-term validity. We provide implementation details for each step of the workflow and present its application in maritime history research. We also discuss relevant quality aspects and lessons learned from its application in a real context.
Chemical Warfare in Ancient Greek Ionia: Mass Intoxication With Hecate’s Deleterium
Authors: Tsoucalas Gregory , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K , Michaleas Spyros N , Tzatzarakis Manolis N , Karamanou Marianna
Published: April 2023

The rich land of Erythrae in the coast of Asia Minor attracted the attention of the Ionian king Codrus. An oracle demanded the presence of the murky deity Hecate for him to conquer the city. Priestess Chrysame was sent by Thessalians to set the strategy of the clash. The young sorceress poisoned a sacred bull who turned mad, later to be released toward the camp of Erythraeans. The beast was captured and sacrificed. In the feast that followed, all ate a piece of his flesh and went crazy, stimulated by the poison, an easy prey for the army of Codrus. The deleterium used by Chrysame is unknown, but her strategy shaped the origin of biowarfare.
Detection of millihertz quasi-periodic oscillations in the low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1730–22 with NICER
Authors: Mancuso G C , Altamirano D , Bult P , Chenevez J , Guillot S , Güver T , Jaisawal G K , Malacaria C , Ng M , Sanna A , Strohmayer T E
Published: April 2023

We report the discovery of millihertz quasi-periodic oscillations (mHz QPOs) from the neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1730–22 using the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER). After being inactive for almost 50 years, 4U 1730–22 went into outburst twice between June and August 2021, and between February and July 2022. We analyse all the NICER observations of this source, and detect mHz QPOs with a significance > 4 σ in 35 observations. The QPO frequency of the full data set ranged between ∼ 4.5 and ∼ 8.1 mHz with an average fractional rms amplitude of the order of ∼2 per cent. The X-ray colour analysis strongly suggests that 4U 1730–22 was in a soft spectral state during the QPO detections. Our findings are consistent with those reported for other sources where the mHz QPOs have been interpreted as the result of a special mode of He burning on the NS surface called marginally stable nuclear burning (MSNB). We conclude that the mHz QPOs reported in this work are also associated with the MSNB, making 4U 1730–22 the eighth source that shows this phenomenology. We discuss our findings in the context of the heat flux from the NS crust.
A single-centre retrospective study of factors affecting steroid-free remission of immunoglobulin G4–related disease conducted in South Korea: A notable outcome after complete resection
Authors: Kim Jung Gon , Jang Sunhee , Lee Jennifer , Ju Ji Hyeon , Kim Wan-Uk , Park Sung-Hwan , Kwok Seung-Ki
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Few studies have examined factors affecting steroid-free remission (SFR) in patients with immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD). The aim of this study was to investigate clinical factors affecting SFR in IgG4-RD.

Methods

The medical records of 68 patients who met the 2020 revised comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD were reviewed retrospectively. SFR was defined as remission maintained for at least 6 months without corticosteroids. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between SFR and various clinical factors. The relapse rate after SFR was examined using the log-rank test.

Results

After a median follow-up of 36 months, 30.9% (21/68) of patients with IgG4-RD achieved SFR. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that IgG4-RD diagnosed by complete resection rather than by common diagnostic procedures was the only factor positively associated with SFR (hazard ratio, 7.41; 95% confidence interval, 2.23–24.60; P = .001). Furthermore, relapse after attainment of SFR was significantly less common in the group that underwent complete resection than in the group that did not undergo complete resection (log-rank P = .006).

Conclusions

Patients with IgG4-RD diagnosed by complete resection had a higher likelihood of achieving SFR and a lower rate of relapse after attaining SFR.
Identification of key residues of the DNA glycosylase OGG1 controlling efficient DNA sampling and recruitment to oxidized bases in living cells
Authors: D’Augustin Ostiane , Gaudon Virginie , Siberchicot Capucine , Smith Rebecca , Chapuis Catherine , Depagne Jordane , Veaute Xavier , Busso Didier , Di Guilmi Anne-Marie , Castaing Bertrand , Radicella J Pablo , Campalans Anna , Huet Sébastien
Published: April 2023

The DNA-glycosylase OGG1 oversees the detection and clearance of the 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), which is the most frequent form of oxidized base in the genome. This lesion is deeply buried within the double-helix and its detection requires careful inspection of the bases by OGG1 via a mechanism that remains only partially understood. By analyzing OGG1 dynamics in the nucleus of living human cells, we demonstrate that the glycosylase constantly samples the DNA by rapidly alternating between diffusion within the nucleoplasm and short transits on the DNA. This sampling process, that we find to be tightly regulated by the conserved residue G245, is crucial for the rapid recruitment of OGG1 at oxidative lesions induced by laser micro-irradiation. Furthermore, we show that residues Y203, N149 and N150, while being all involved in early stages of 8-oxoG probing by OGG1 based on previous structural data, differentially regulate the sampling of the DNA and recruitment to oxidative lesions.
Hydrogen-based industry: a prospective transition pathway toward a low-carbon future
Authors: Cheng Yunlv , Zheng Renyang , Liu Zhicheng , Xie Zaiku
Published: April 2023

The hydrogen-based industrial systems are key enablers that can help save fossil energy, reduce pollution, and achieve high-quality development goals for the process industry in the future.
Effect of gut microbiota modulation on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Gil-Hernández Esther , Ruiz-González Cristofer , Rodriguez-Arrastia Miguel , Ropero-Padilla Carmen , Rueda-Ruzafa Lola , Sánchez-Labraca Nuria , Roman Pablo
Published: April 2023

Context

A bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and circadian rhythms has been proposed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of probiotic or prebiotic intervention on sleep quality and quantity.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Only randomized clinical trials written in English or Spanish were considered.

Data Extraction

The initial search resulted in 219 articles. Following the removal of duplicates and consideration of the selection criteria, 25 articles were selected for the systematic review and 18 articles for the meta-analysis.

Data Analysis

Microbiota modulation was not demonstrated to be associated with significant improvement in sleep quality in the present meta-analysis (P = 0.31). In terms of sleep duration, the meta-analysis found no improvement due to GM modulation (P = 0.43).

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis indicate that there is still insufficient evidence to support the relationship between GM modulation and improved sleep quality. While several studies assume that including probiotics in the diet will undoubtedly improve sleep quality, more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021245118.
Assessing Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy With the Modified Dundee Classification for Nonpurulent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in a Community Hospital System
Authors: Ruiz Christian , Gibson Geneen , Crosby Joseph , Adams Nathan , Friend Kimberly
Published: April 2023

Background

The modified Dundee classification has recently been validated in various studies for nonpurulent skin and soft tissue infections. This has yet to be applied in the United States and within community hospital settings to optimize antimicrobial stewardship and ultimately patient care.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive analysis was performed of 120 adult patients admitted to St. Joseph's/Candler Health System for nonpurulent skin and soft tissue infections between January 2020 and September 2021. Patients were classified into their modified Dundee classes, and frequencies of concordance of their empiric antimicrobial regimens with this classification scheme in the emergency department and inpatient settings were compared, along with possible effect modifiers and possible exploratory measures associated with concordance.

Results

Concordance with the modified Dundee classification for the emergency department and inpatient regimens was 10% and 15%, respectively, with broad-spectrum antibiotic use and concordance positively associated with illness severity. Due to substantial broad-spectrum antibiotic use, possible effect modifiers associated with concordance were unable to be validated, and overall no statistically significant differences among exploratory analyses across classification status were observed.

Conclusions

The modified Dundee classification can help identify gaps in antimicrobial stewardship and excessive broad-spectrum antimicrobial usage toward optimizing patient care.
Successful Treatment of Prolonged Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Patients With Immunodeficiency With Extended Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir: Case Series
Authors: Breeden Madison , Aitken Samuel L , Baang Ji Hoon , Gravelin Misty , Kaul Daniel R , Lauring Adam S , Petty Lindsay A , Gregg Kevin S
Published: April 2023

Immunocompromised patients with B-cell deficiencies are at risk for prolonged symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We describe 4 patients treated for B-cell malignancies with B-cell-depleting therapies who developed persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and had resolution of symptoms following an extended course of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.
Phase I Trial of Ipatasertib Plus Carboplatin, Carboplatin/Paclitaxel, or Capecitabine and Atezolizumab in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yost Susan E , Cui Yujie , Ruel Christopher , Murga Mireya , Tang Aileen , Martinez Norma , Schmolze Daniel , Waisman James , Patel Niki , Vora Lalit , Tumyan Lusine , Bozoghlanian Mari , Stewart Daphne , Frankel Paul H
Published: April 2023

Background

This trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of ipatasertib in combination with carboplatin, carboplatin/paclitaxel, or capecitabine/atezolizumab in patients with metastatic triple–negative breast cancer (mTNBC).

Methods

Eligibility criteria were mTNBC, RECIST 1.1 measurable disease, no prior use of platinum for metastatic disease (Arms A and B), and no prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitor (Arm C). Primary endpoints were safety and RP2D. Secondary endpoints were progression–free survival (PFS), response rate, and overall survival.

Results

RP2D for Arm A (n = 10) was ipatasertib 300 mg daily, carboplatin AUC2, and paclitaxel 80 mg m−2 days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. RP2D for Arm B (n = 12) was ipatasertib 400 mg daily and carboplatin AUC2 days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. RP2D for Arm C (n = 6) was likely ipatasertib 300 mg 21 days on 7 days off, capecitabine 750 mg m−2, twice a day, 7 days on 7 days off, and atezolizumab 840 mg days 1 and 15 every 28 days. The most common (≥10%) grade 3-4 AEs at RP2D for Arm A (N = 7 at RP2D) were neutropenia (29%), diarrhea (14%), oral mucositis (14%), and neuropathy (14%); Arm B had diarrhea (17%) and lymphopenia (25%); and Arm C had anemia, fatigue, cognitive disturbance, and maculopapular rash (17% each). Overall responses at RP2D were 29% Arm A, 25% Arm B, and 33% Arm C. PFS was 4.8, 3.9, and 8.2 months for patients on Arms A, B, and C, respectively.

Conclusions

Continuous dosing of ipatasertib with chemotherapy was safe and well-tolerated. Further study is warranted in understanding the role of AKT inhibition in treatment of TNBCs.

Trial registration

NCT03853707.
OsMFT1 Inhibits Seed Germination by Modulating Abscisic Acid Signaling and Gibberellin Biosynthesis under Salt Stress in Rice
Authors: Lu Kunxun , Guo Ziyu , Di Shiyu , Lu Yuyang , Muhammad Ishaq Asif Rehmani , Rong Chenyu , Ding Yanfeng , Li Weiqiang , Ding Chengqiang
Published: April 2023

Seed dormancy and germination are regulated by endogenous gene expression as well as hormonal and environmental conditions, such as salinity, which greatly inhibits seed germination. MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT), which encodes a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein, is a key regulator of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana. There are two orthologous genes of AtMFT in rice (Oryza sativa), namely, OsMFT1 and OsMFT2. However, the functions of these two genes in regulating rice seed germination under salt stress remain unknown. In this study, we found that seeds of loss-of-function osmft1 mutants germinated faster than wild-type (WT) seeds under salt stress, but this was not the case for loss-of-function osmft2 mutants. Overexpression of OsMFT1 (OsMFT1OE) or OsMFT2 increased the sensitivity to salt stress during seed germination. Transcriptome comparisons of osmft1 vs WT in the absence and presence of salt stress yielded several differentially expressed genes, which were associated with salt stress, plant hormone metabolism and signaling pathways, such as B-BOX ZINC FINGER 6, O. sativa bZIP PROTEIN 8 and GIBBERELLIN (GA) 20-oxidase 1. In addition, the sensitivity of OsMFT1OE seeds to GA and osmft1 seeds to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination increased under salt stress. Overall, our results indicate that ABA and GA metabolism and their signaling pathways are regulated by OsMFT1, modulating seed germination in rice under salt stress.
Preservation of thalamocortical circuitry is essential for good recovery after cardiac arrest
Authors: Tewarie Prejaas K B , Tjepkema-Cloostermans Marleen C , Abeysuriya Romesh G , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Putten Michel J A M
Published: April 2023

Continuous electroencephalographam (EEG) monitoring contributes to prediction of neurological outcome in comatose cardiac arrest survivors. While the phenomenology of EEG abnormalities in postanoxic encephalopathy is well known, the pathophysiology, especially the presumed role of selective synaptic failure, is less understood. To further this understanding, we estimate biophysical model parameters from the EEG power spectra from individual patients with a good or poor recovery from a postanoxic encephalopathy. This biophysical model includes intracortical, intrathalamic, and corticothalamic synaptic strengths, as well as synaptic time constants and axonal conduction delays. We used continuous EEG measurements from hundred comatose patients recorded during the first 48 h postcardiac arrest, 50 with a poor neurological outcome [cerebral performance category (CPC=5)] and 50 with a good neurological outcome (CPC=1). We only included patients that developed (dis-)continuous EEG activity within 48 h postcardiac arrest. For patients with a good outcome, we observed an initial relative excitation in the corticothalamic loop and corticothalamic propagation that subsequently evolved towards values observed in healthy controls. For patients with a poor outcome, we observed an initial increase in the cortical excitation-inhibition ratio, increased relative inhibition in the corticothalamic loop, delayed corticothalamic propagation of neuronal activity, and severely prolonged synaptic time constants that did not return to physiological values. We conclude that the abnormal EEG evolution in patients with a poor neurological recovery after cardiac arrest may result from persistent and selective synaptic failure that includes corticothalamic circuitry and also delayed corticothalamic propagation.
Attractive gravity probe surfaces in higher dimensions
Authors: Izumi Keisuke , Tomikawa Yoshimune , Shiromizu Tetsuya , Yoshino Hirotaka
Published: April 2023

A generalization of the Riemannian Penrose inequality in n-dimensional space (3 ≤ n < 8) is done. We introduce a parameter α ($-\frac{1}{n-1}\lt \alpha \lt \infty$) indicating the strength of the gravitational field, and define a refined attractive gravity probe surface (refined AGPS) with α. Then, we show the area inequality for a refined AGPS, $A \le \omega _{n-1} \left[ (n+2(n-1)\alpha )Gm /(1+(n-1)\alpha ) \right]^{\frac{n-1}{n-2}}$, where A is the area of the refined AGPS, ωn − 1 is the area of the standard unit (n − 1)-sphere, G is Newton’s gravitational constant, and m is the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner mass. The obtained inequality is applicable not only to surfaces in strong gravity regions such as a minimal surface (corresponding to the limit α → ∞), but also to those in weak gravity existing near infinity (corresponding to the limit $\alpha \rightarrow -\frac{1}{n-1}$).
Restoring the saturation response of a PMT using pulse shape and artificial neural networks
Authors: Lee Hyun-Gi , Park Jungsic
Published: April 2023

The linear response of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) is a required property for photon counting and reconstruction of the neutrino energy. The linearity valid region and the saturation response of a PMT were investigated using a linear-alkylbenzene (LAB)-based liquid scintillator. A correlation was observed between the two different saturation responses, with pulse-shape distortion and pulse-area decrease. The observed pulse shape provides useful information for the estimation of the linearity region relative to the pulse area. This correlation-based diagnosis allows an in situ estimation of the linearity range, which was previously challenging. The measured correlation between the two saturation responses was employed to train an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the decrease in pulse area from the observed pulse shape. The ANN-predicted pulse-area decrease enables a prediction of the ideal number of photoelectrons regardless of the saturation behavior. This pulse-shape-based machine-learning technique offers a novel method for restoring the saturation response of PMTs.
The impact of forced displacement: trauma, increased levels of inflammation and early presentation of diabetes in women Syrian refugees
Authors: Venkatachalam Thenmozhi , O'Sullivan Siobhán , Platt Daniel E , Ammar Walid , Hamadeh Randa , Riachi Naji , Presley Diane , Khoury Brigitte , Gauguier Dominique , Nader Moni , Qi Lu , Zalloua Pierre
Published: April 2023

Background

Forced displacement and war trauma cause high rates of post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders and depression in refugee populations. We investigated the impact of forced displacement on mental health status, gender, presentation of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated inflammatory markers among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Methods

Mental health status was assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Additional metabolic and inflammatory markers were analyzed.

Results

Although symptomatic stress scores were observed in both men and women, women consistently displayed higher symptomatic anxiety/depression scores with the HSCL-25 (2.13 ± 0.58 versus 1.95 ± 0.63). With the HTQ, however, only women aged 35–55 years displayed symptomatic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores (2.18 ± 0.43). Furthermore, a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, prediabetes and undiagnosed T2D were observed in women participants (23.43, 14.91 and 15.18%, respectively). Significantly high levels of the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A were observed in women (11.90 ± 11.27 versus 9.28 ± 6.93, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Symptomatic PTSD, anxiety/depression coupled with higher levels of inflammatory marker and T2D were found in refugee women aged between 35 and 55 years favoring the strong need for psychosocial therapeutic interventions in moderating stress-related immune dysfunction and development of diabetes in this subset of female Syrian refugees.
Equilibrium Analysis in Behavioural One-Sector Growth Models
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Jensen Martin Kaae
Published: April 2023

Rich behavioural biases, mistakes, and limits on rational decision-making are often thought to make equilibrium analysis much more intractable. We establish that this is not the case in the context of one-sector growth models such as Ramsey–Cass–Koopmans or Bewley–Aiyagari models. We break down the response of the economy to a change in the environment or policy into two parts: the direct response at the given (pre-tax) prices, and the equilibrium response which plays out as prices change. Our main result demonstrates that under weak regularity conditions, regardless of the details of behavioural preferences, mistakes and constraints on decision-making, the long-run equilibrium will involve a greater capital-labour ratio if and only if the direct response (from the corresponding consumption-saving model) involves an increase in aggregate savings. One implication of this result is that, from a qualitative point of view, behavioural biases matter for long-run equilibrium if and only if they change the direction of the direct response. We provide detailed illustrations of how this result can be applied and generate new insights using models of misperceptions, self-control and temptation, and naive and sophisticated quasi-hyperbolic discounting.
Review of Major Social Determinants of Health in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Psychotic Disorders: I. Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Jester Dylan J , Thomas Michael L , Sturm Emily T , Harvey Philip D , Keshavan Matcheri , Davis Beshaun J , Saxena Shekhar , Tampi Rajesh , Leutwyler Heather , Compton Michael T , Palmer Barton W , Jeste Dilip V
Published: April 2023

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoHs) are receiving growing attention and are particularly relevant to persons with schizophrenia-spectrum psychotic disorders (SSPDs), considering their heightened risk of comorbidities, cognitive and functional decline, and early mortality. Yet, we did not find any comprehensive review of multiple SDoHs in SSPD.

Study Design

We conducted a scoping review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews of nine major SDoHs in SSPD.

Study Results

Childhood abuse, parental psychopathology, parental communication problems, bullying, and urban settings with lower socioeconomic status were major risk factors for the greater incidence of SSPD and/or worse health. Social network size was inversely associated with overall psychopathology and negative symptoms. Experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination correlated with the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and experiences. Compared to native populations, the risk of psychosis was higher in immigrants, refugees, and asylees. Social fragmentation was associated with an increased prevalence of schizophrenia. Homeless populations had a 30-fold higher prevalence of schizophrenia than the general population. Seriously mentally ill people were 2.7 times more likely to report food insecurity than controls. The prevalence of non-affective psychosis in prisoners was 2.0%–6.5%, compared to 0.3% in the general population. Certain potentially positive factors like family and community resilience remain poorly studied.

Conclusions

SDoHs are associated with higher rates of and worse outcomes in SSPD. Well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to understand SDoHs’ contribution to health in persons with SSPD, to develop interventions, and to implement changes in clinical care and public health policies that would reduce adverse health impacts of SDoHs. Positive SDoHs deserve greater attention.
Review of Major Social Determinants of Health in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Psychotic Disorders: III. Biology
Authors: Jeste Dilip V , Malaspina Dolores , Bagot Kara , Barch Deanna M , Cole Steve , Dickerson Faith , Dilmore Amanda , Ford Charles L , Karcher Nicole R , Luby Joan , Rajji Tarek , Pinto-Tomas Adrián A , Young Larry J
Published: April 2023

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoHs) are nonmedical factors that significantly impact health and longevity. We found no published reviews on the biology of SDoHs in schizophrenia-spectrum psychotic disorders (SSPD).

Study Design

We present an overview of pathophysiological mechanisms and neurobiological processes plausibly involved in the effects of major SDoHs on clinical outcomes in SSPD.

Study Results

This review of the biology of SDoHs focuses on early-life adversities, poverty, social disconnection, discrimination including racism, migration, disadvantaged neighborhoods, and food insecurity. These factors interact with psychological and biological factors to increase the risk and worsen the course and prognosis of schizophrenia. Published studies on the topic are limited by cross-sectional design, variable clinical and biomarker assessments, heterogeneous methods, and a lack of control for confounding variables. Drawing on preclinical and clinical studies, we propose a biological framework to consider the likely pathogenesis. Putative systemic pathophysiological processes include epigenetics, allostatic load, accelerated aging with inflammation (inflammaging), and the microbiome. These processes affect neural structures, brain function, neurochemistry, and neuroplasticity, impacting the development of psychosis, quality of life, cognitive impairment, physical comorbidities, and premature mortality. Our model provides a framework for research that could lead to developing specific strategies for prevention and treatment of the risk factors and biological processes, thereby improving the quality of life and increasing the longevity of people with SSPD.

Conclusions

Biology of SDoHs in SSPD is an exciting area of research that points to innovative multidisciplinary team science for improving the course and prognosis of these serious psychiatric disorders.
A novel machine learning system for identifying sleep–wake states in mice
Authors: Fraigne Jimmy J , Wang Jeffrey , Lee Hanhee , Luke Russell , Pintwala Sara K , Peever John H
Published: April 2023

Research into sleep–wake behaviors relies on scoring sleep states, normally done by manual inspection of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings. This is a highly time-consuming process prone to inter-rater variability. When studying relationships between sleep and motor function, analyzing arousal states under a four-state system of active wake (AW), quiet wake (QW), nonrapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep provides greater precision in behavioral analysis but is a more complex model for classification than the traditional three-state identification (wake, NREM, and REM sleep) usually used in rodent models. Characteristic features between sleep–wake states provide potential for the use of machine learning to automate classification. Here, we devised SleepEns, which uses a novel ensemble architecture, the time-series ensemble. SleepEns achieved 90% accuracy to the source expert, which was statistically similar to the performance of two other human experts. Considering the capacity for classification disagreements that are still physiologically reasonable, SleepEns had an acceptable performance of 99% accuracy, as determined blindly by the source expert. Classifications given by SleepEns also maintained similar sleep–wake characteristics compared to expert classifications, some of which were essential for sleep–wake identification. Hence, our approach achieves results comparable to human ability in a fraction of the time. This new machine-learning ensemble will significantly impact the ability of sleep researcher to detect and study sleep–wake behaviors in mice and potentially in humans.
“I Thought This Was a Ghost Neighborhood”: How Youth Respond to Neighborhood Change
Authors: Rhodes Anna , Young Allison , Darrah-Okike Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Relatively little scholarship centers the experiences of Black youth to understand how young people interact with their neighborhood contexts, evaluate the differences between neighborhoods, and adapt to new neighborhoods. Using interviews with 120 Black youth whose families moved from high-poverty central city neighborhoods into lower-poverty, more racially diverse suburban neighborhoods with the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program, we find that Black youth describe tradeoffs that come with living in both city and suburban neighborhoods. While youth viewed their suburban neighborhoods as safer, the young people encountered new repertoires of socializing and space use after moving to the suburbs, with fewer opportunities to spontaneously hang out with peers. This made it challenging to establish new social ties. In response, youth adopted varied strategies, some aligned with new patterns of socializing, others stayed inside, and some returned to the city to reconnect with friends, even if this involved returning to neighborhoods they perceived as less safe. Our work underscores the idea that neighborhoods do not impose culture on youth in enduring or inflexible ways; rather they offer strategies of action that youth can decide to take up. How youth perceive the qualities of their neighborhoods shapes where and how they choose to spend their time.