bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction of supernova 2018evt with a substantial amount of circumstellar matter – An SN 1997cy-like event
Authors: Yang Yi , Baade Dietrich , Hoeflich Peter , Wang Lifan , Cikota Aleksandar , Chen Ting-Wan , Burke Jamison , Hiramatsu Daichi , Pellegrino Craig , Howell D Andrew , McCully Curtis , Valenti Stefano , Schulze Steve , Gal-Yam Avishay , Wang Lingzhi , Filippenko Alexei V , Maeda Keiichi , Bulla Mattia , Yao Yuhan , Maund Justyn R , Patat Ferdinando , Spyromilio Jason , Wheeler J Craig , Rau Arne , Hu Lei , Li Wenxiong , Andrews Jennifer E , Galbany Llúis , Sand David J , Shahbandeh Melissa , Hsiao Eric Y , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

A rare class of supernovae (SNe) is characterized by strong interaction between the ejecta and several solar masses of circumstellar matter (CSM) as evidenced by strong Balmer-line emission. Within the first few weeks after the explosion, they may display spectral features similar to overluminous Type Ia SNe, while at later phase their observation properties exhibit remarkable similarities with some extreme case of Type IIn SNe that show strong Balmer lines years after the explosion. We present polarimetric observations of SN 2018evt obtained by the ESO Very Large Telescope from 172 to 219 d after the estimated time of peak luminosity to study the geometry of the CSM. The non-zero continuum polarization decreases over time, suggesting that the mass-loss of the progenitor star is aspherical. The prominent H α emission can be decomposed into a broad, time-evolving component and an intermediate-width, static component. The former shows polarized signals, and it is likely to arise from a cold dense shell (CDS) within the region between the forward and reverse shocks. The latter is significantly unpolarized, and it is likely to arise from shocked, fragmented gas clouds in the H-rich CSM. We infer that SN 2018evt exploded inside a massive and aspherical circumstellar cloud. The symmetry axes of the CSM and the SN appear to be similar. SN 2018evt shows observational properties common to events that display strong interaction between the ejecta and CSM, implying that they share similar circumstellar configurations. Our preliminary estimate also suggests that the circumstellar environment of SN 2018evt has been significantly enriched at a rate of ∼0.1 M⊙ yr−1 over a period of >100 yr.
The SPHERE view of three interacting twin disc systems in polarized light
Authors: Weber Philipp , Pérez Sebastián , Guidi Greta , Kurtovic Nicolás T , Zurlo Alice , Garufi Antonio , Pinilla Paola , Mayama Satoshi , van Holstein Rob G , Dullemond Cornelis P , Cuello Nicolás , Principe David , Cieza Lucas , González-Ruilova Camilo , Girard Julien
Published: November 2022

Dense stellar environments as hosts of ongoing star formation increase the probability of gravitational encounters among stellar systems during the early stages of evolution. Stellar interaction may occur through non-recurring, hyperbolic, or parabolic passages (a so-called ‘fly-by’), through secular binary evolution, or through binary capture. In all three scenarios, the strong gravitational perturbation is expected to manifest itself in the disc structures around the individual stars. Here, we present near-infrared polarized light observations that were taken with the SPHERE/IRDIS instrument of three known interacting twin-disc systems: AS 205, EM* SR 24, and FU Orionis. The scattered light exposes spirals likely caused by the gravitational interaction. On a larger scale, we observe connecting filaments between the stars. We analyse their very complex polarized intensity and put particular attention to the presence of multiple light sources in these systems. The local angle of linear polarization indicates the source whose light dominates the scattering process from the bridging region between the two stars. Further, we show that the polarized intensity from scattering with multiple relevant light sources results from an incoherent summation of the individuals’ contribution. This can produce nulls of polarized intensity in an image, as potentially observed in AS 205. We discuss the geometry and content of the systems by comparing the polarized light observations with other data at similar resolution, namely with ALMA continuum and gas emission. Collective observational data can constrain the systems’ geometry and stellar trajectories, with the important potential to differentiate between dynamical scenarios of stellar interaction.
Limiting the accretion disc light in two mass transferring hot subdwarf binaries
Authors: Deshmukh Kunal , Kupfer Thomas , Hakala Pasi , Bauer Evan B , Berdyugin Andrei , Bildsten Lars , Marsh Thomas R , Mereghetti Sandro , Piirola Vilppu
Published: November 2022

We report the results from follow-up observations of two Roche-lobe filling hot subdwarf binaries with white dwarf companions predicted to have accretion discs. ZTF J213056.71+442046.5 (ZTF J2130) with a 39-min period and ZTF J205515.98+465106.5 (ZTF J2055) with a 56-min period were both discovered as subdwarf binaries with light curves that could only be explained well by including an accretion disc in their models. We performed a detailed high-resolution spectral analysis, using Keck/ESI to search for possible accretion features for both objects. We also employed polarimetric analysis using the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) for ZTF J2130. We did not find any signatures of an accretion disc in either object, and placed upper limits on the flux contribution and variation in degree of polarization due to the disc. Owing to the short 39-min period and availability of photometric data over 6 yr for ZTF J2130, we conducted an extensive O − C timing analysis in an attempt to look for orbital decay due to gravitational wave radiation. No such decay was detected conclusively, and a few more years of data paired with precise and consistent timing measurements were deemed necessary to constrain $\dot{P}$ observationally.
TESS light curves of cataclysmic variables – II – Superhumps in old novae and novalike variables
Authors: Bruch Albert
Published: November 2022

Superhumps are among the abundant variable phenomena observed in the light curves of cataclysmic variables (CVs). They come in two flavours as positive and negative superhumps, distinguished by periods slightly longer or shorter, respectively, than the orbital periods of these interacting binary systems. Positive superhumps are ubiquitous in superoutbursting short-period dwarf novae of the SU UMa type but are less common in longer period systems with accretion discs in a permanent bright state, such as novalike variables and most old novae. Negative superhumps do not seem to have a preference for a particular type of CV. Here, I take advantage of the long high-cadence light curves provided by TESS for huge number of stars, selecting all old novae and novalike variables with past reported superhumps for which TESSlight curves are available and have not yet been analysed in previous publications in order to study their superhump behaviour. In combination with information taken from the literature, the results enable to compile the most complete census of superhumps in these stars so far. As a corollary, for the eclipsing systems in the present sample of objects, eclipse epochs derived from the TESS light curves and in some cases from archival light curves are listed and used to update orbital ephemeris and to discuss period changes.
Dark matter halo cores and the tidal survival of Milky Way satellites
Authors: Errani Raphaël , Navarro Julio F , Peñarrubia Jorge , Famaey Benoit , Ibata Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

The cuspy central density profiles of cold dark matter (CDM) haloes make them highly resilient to disruption by tides. Self-interactions between dark matter particles, or the cycling of baryons, may result in the formation of a constant-density core that would make haloes more susceptible to tidal disruption. We use N-body simulations to study the evolution of Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW)-like ‘cored’ subhaloes in the tidal field of a massive host, and identify the criteria and time-scales for full disruption. Our results imply that the survival of Milky Way satellites places constraints on the sizes of dark matter cores. We find that no subhaloes with cores larger than 1 per cent of their initial NFW scale radius can survive for a Hubble time on orbits with pericentres ${\lesssim} 10\, \mathrm{kpc}$. A satellite like Tucana 3, with pericentre ${\sim} 3.5\, \mathrm{kpc}$, must have a core size smaller than ${\sim} 2\, \mathrm{pc}$ to survive just three orbital periods on its current orbit. The core sizes expected in self-interacting dark matter models with a velocity-independent cross-section of $1\, \mathrm{cm^2}\,\mathrm{g}^{-1}$ seem incompatible with ultrafaint satellites with small pericentric radii, such as Tuc 3, Seg 1, Seg 2, Ret 2, Tri 2, and Wil 1, as these should have fully disrupted if accreted on to the Milky Way ${\gtrsim} 10\, \mathrm{Gyr}$ ago. These results suggest that many satellites have vanishingly small core sizes, consistent with CDM cusps. The discovery of further Milky Way satellites on orbits with small pericentric radii would strengthen these conclusions and allow for stricter upper limits on the core sizes.
Assemblage
Authors: Wang June
Published: November 2022

Assemblage describes the dynamic process of a constellation in which a composition of heterogeneous elements forms a provisional socio-spatial relation but is always subject to change. Initially introduced by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, the idea of assemblage thinking has brought about the relational turn to urban studies to reflect on the structure–agency relationship. The idea has subsequently been deployed in a variety of areas from spatiality of power and political apparatus, mobility of human and non-human things to nature-culture configurations, among others. A number of new concepts have been introduced to redefine socio-spatial relations through the lens of assemblage, such as actor-network theory, “new materialist” geographies, politics of knowledge, affect and bodily encounter in (geo)politics. In addition, the utility of assemblage thinking has been widely recognized in many disciplines. Debates and contestations carry on between the two schools of political economy and post-structuralism on how to capture the relational and territorial socio-spatial dynamics.
Music and Asian America
Authors: Ouyang Lei , Tooker Leigh , Liao Lesia
Published: November 2022

Studying and researching music in Asian America requires simultaneous attention to people, process, sound, and place. The term “Asian American music” is embraced by some and rejected by others because of the limitations of the term and the questions that can arise from such labels. How can a term be utilized and understood if it speaks at different times and instances to the people making the music, the place where music making occurs, and the musical sounds invoked, and yet other times because of the processes involved in the music making? (See Deborah Wong, Speak It Louder: Asian Americans Making Music [London: Profile, 2004] and Joseph S. C. Lam, “Embracing ‘Asian American Music’ as an Heuristic Device,” Journal of Asian American Studies 2, no. 1 [1999]: 29–50.) The first four sections (Theorizing Music and Asian America, Edited Volumes, Reference Works and Online Resources) are presented as one proposed entry point into the scholarship on music of and in Asian America and include a variety of content, theoretical approaches, and questions. The remaining sections are presented as merely one possible categorization of sources through the paths of landmarks, sounds, and communities. Landmarks in Asian America includes three examples of critical issues facing Asian American communities such as the incarceration of Japanese Americans, centrality of Chinatowns across North America as historical sites of cultural production, and diaspora as historical and contemporary sites across Asia and Asian America. Sounds of Asian America take specific musical genres into focus, and additionally, Communities of Asian America forefronts distinct ethnic groups within Asian American communities. These sections appear as such to facilitate access and inquiry but should be understood as fluid categorizations that can be moved around in endless configurations depending on one’s lens (and purpose) of inquiry. Sources are not intended to be comprehensive but representative and selected for this particular collection. Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and West Asians are historically marginalized or rendered invisible in many comprehensive works on Asian America; they each maintain distinct historical and contemporary positioning that merit independent entries and thus the current article is deliberately limited in scope with a focus on processes of East, South, and Southeast Asian Americans making music. The vast majority of sources are specific to the United States though discussions of Asian Canadian musics may also be found in numerous sources.
High Co-circulation of Influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Kubale John T , Frutos Aaron M , Balmaseda Angel , Cerpas Cristhiam , Saborio Saira , Ojeda Sergio , Barilla Carlos , Sanchez Nery , Vasquez Gerald , Moreira Hanny , Shotwell Abigail , Meyers Alyssa , Lopez Roger , Plazaola Miguel , Kuan Guillermina , Gordon Aubree
Published: November 2022

In the first 2 years of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, influenza transmission decreased substantially worldwide, meaning that health systems were not faced with simultaneous respiratory epidemics. In 2022, however, substantial influenza transmission returned to Nicaragua where it co-circulated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, causing substantial disease burden.
First Report of Smoketree Rust Caused by Pileolaria cotini-coggygriae in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Kaishian Patricia , Creswell Tom , Bonkowski John , Aime Mary Catherine
Published: November 2022

Smoketrees (or smoke bush, Cotinus spp.) are large deciduous trees or bushes in the Anacardiaceae. European smoketrees ( Cotinus coggygria Scop.) are valued as an ornamental for their unusual flowers and striking autumn color. In June 2020, leaves of C. coggygria from a single tree in a home landscape in Franklin, Indiana, were found to be infected. Leaves with evidence of rust disease—plant tissue distortion with visible fungal growth—were submitted to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory. Morphological identification was supported by extracting DNA from the specimen, sequencing the 28S region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA repeat, and comparing this to another accessioned P. cotini-coggygriae specimen (PUR018082; GenBank accession #MZ188974) from the Arthur Fungarium (PUR), resulting in 100% identity shared. This is the first vouchered record of P. cotini-coggygriae in the Midwestern United States.
Kernel Smut and False Smut: The Old-Emerging Diseases of Rice—A Review
Authors: Khanal Sabin , Gaire Shankar Prasad , Zhou Xin-Gen
Published: November 2022

Kernel smut, caused by Tilletia horrida, is a disease characterized by the replacement of rice grains with black sooty masses of teliospores or chlamydospores. Kernel smut differs from rice false smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, in the color of chlamydospores. False smut is characterized by globose, velvety spore balls ranging from orangish yellow to greenish black in color. Both kernel smut and false smut have been persistent but are considered minor diseases in many countries since they were discovered in the late 1870s to the 1980s due to their sporadic outbreaks and limited economic impacts. In recent years, however, kernel smut and false smut have emerged as two of the most economically important diseases in rice, including organic rice, in many countries, especially in the United States. The increased use of susceptible rice cultivars, especially hybrids, excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer, and short crop rotations have resulted in an increase in kernel smut and false smut, causing significant losses in grain yield and quality. In this article, we provide a review of the distribution and economic importance of kernel smut; our current understanding of the taxonomy, biology, and epidemiology of kernel smut; and the genomics of the kernel smut fungus as compared with false smut and its causal agent. We also provide an update on the current management strategies of pathogen exclusion, cultivar resistance, fungicides, biological control, and cultural practices for kernel smut and false smut of rice.
Insights into the Diversity of Transcription Activator-Like Effectors in Indian Pathotype Strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Rana Rekha , Bansal Kanika , Patel Hitendra Kumar , Sonti Ramesh V. , Patil Prabhu B.
Published: November 2022

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo) is a major rice pathogen, and its genome harbors extensive inter-strain and inter-lineage variations. The emergence of highly virulent pathotypes of Xoo that can overcome major resistance ( R) genes deployed in rice breeding programs is a grave threat to rice cultivation. The present study reports on a long-read Oxford nanopore-based complete genomic investigation of Xoo isolates from 11 pathotypes that are reported based on their reaction toward 10 R genes. The investigation revealed remarkable variation in the genome structure in the strains belonging to different pathotypes. Furthermore, transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins secreted by the type III secretion system display marked variation in content, genomic location, classes, and DNA-binding domain. We also found the association of tal genes in the vicinity of regions with genome structural variations. Furthermore, in silico analysis of the genome-wide rice targets of TALEs allowed us to understand the emergence of pathotypes compatible with major R genes. Long-read, cost-effective sequencing technologies such as nanopore can be a game changer in the surveillance of major and emerging pathotypes. The resource and findings will be invaluable in the management of Xoo and in appropriate deployment of R genes in rice breeding programs.
Transgene Silencing, RNA Interference, and the Antiviral Defense Mechanism Directed by Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Ding Shou-Wei
Published: November 2022

One important discovery in plant pathology over recent decades is the natural antiviral defense mechanism mediated by RNA interference (RNAi). In antiviral RNAi, virus infection triggers Dicer processing of virus-specific double-stranded RNA into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Frequently, further amplified by host enzyme and cofactors, these virus-derived siRNAs direct specific virus clearance in an Argonaute protein-containing effector complex. The siRNAs derived from viruses and viroids accumulate to very high levels during infection. Because they overlap extensively in nucleotide sequence, this allows for deep sequencing and bioinformatics assembly of total small RNAs for rapid discovery and identification of viruses and viroids. Antiviral RNAi acts as the primary defense mechanism against both RNA and DNA viruses in plants, yet viruses still successfully infect plants. They do so because all currently recognized plant viruses combat the RNAi response by encoding at least one protein as a viral suppressor of RNAi (VSR) required for infection, even though plant viruses have small genome sizes with a limited coding capacity. This review article will recapitulate the key findings that have revealed the genetic pathway for the biogenesis and antiviral activity of viral siRNAs and the specific role of VSRs in infection by antiviral RNAi suppression. Moreover, early pioneering studies on transgene silencing, RNAi, and virus−plant/virus−virus interactions paved the road to the discovery of antiviral RNAi.
Dose-risk relationships between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Malevolti Maria Chiara , Lugo Alessandra , Scala Marco , Gallus Silvano , Gorini Giuseppe , Lachi Alessio , Carreras Giulia
Published: November 2022

Objective

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most frequent cancer worldwide. Cigarette smoking has been shown to influence CC risk in conjunction with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The aim of this study is to provide the most accurate and updated estimate of this association and its dose-response relationship.

Methods

Using an innovative approach for the identification of original publications, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to January 2021. Random effects models were used to provide pooled relative risks (RRs) of CC for smoking status. Dose-response relationships were evaluated using one-stage random effects models with linear or restricted cubic splines models.

Results

We included 109 studies providing a pooled RR of invasive CC and preinvasive lesions, respectively, of 1.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.53–1.88] and 2.11 (95% CI, 1.85–2.39) for current versus never smokers, and, respectively, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02–1.24) and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.15–1.46) for former versus never smokers. Considering HPV does not alter the positive association or its magnitude. Risks of CC sharply increased with few cigarettes (for 10 cigarettes/day, RR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.34–2.20 for invasive CC and RR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.86–2.44 for precancerous lesions). The risk of CC increased with pack-years and smoking duration and decreased linearly with time since quitting, reaching that of never smokers about 15 years after quitting.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review and meta-analysis confirmed the association of smoking with CC, independently from HPV infection. Such association rose sharply with smoking intensity and decreased after smoking cessation.
All Aortic Valve Diseases Taken Together Are Not Associated With Obesity
Authors: Haseefa Fathima , Movahed Mohammad Reza , Dahak Sabrina , Hashemzadeh Mehrtash , Hashemzadeh Mehrnoosh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between aortic valve disease and obesity using a very large database.

Methods:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was utilized for statistical analysis using ICD-9 codes for aortic valve disease and obesity in the United States from 2003 to 2007. A 25% random sample of nonobese patients was used for comparison of aortic valve disease prevalence during the same 5-year period.

Results:

A total of 1,971,812 patients with obesity were identified from 2003 to 2007. Comparing this population with a random sample of nonobese patients during the same years, there was no significant difference between obese and nonobese patients in regards to the prevalence of aortic valve disease (1.1–1.2% in 2003 and 2004, 1.2% in 2005–2007, P = NS). After adjusting for age, gender, and race, obesity was associated with lower prevalence of aortic valve disease in 2003–2007 (odds ratio 0.81–0.86, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Using a very large database, we found a decrease in the prevalence of aortic valve disease in the obese population. This suggests that obesity alone does not pathologically affect the aortic valve.
Clinical Validation of a Smartphone-based Handheld ECG Device: A Validation Study
Authors: Ahmadi-Renani Sajjad , Gharebaghi Milad , Kamalian Erfan , Hajghassem Hassan , Ghanbari Abolfazl , Karimi Alireza , Mansoury Bahman , Dayari Mohammad Saeed , Khatmi Nemati Mahdi , Karimi Armin , Zarghami Mohammad Hosein , Vasheghani-Farahani Ali
Published: November 2022

Background:

Remote cardiac monitoring and screening have already become an integral telemedicine component. The wide usage of several different wireless electrocardiography (ECG) devices warrants a validation study on their accuracy and reliability.

Methods:

Totally, 300 inpatients with the Nabz Hooshmand-1 handheld ECG device and the GE MAC 1200 ECG system (as the reference) were studied to check the accuracy of the devices in 1 and 6-limb lead performance. Simultaneous 10-second resting ECGs were assessed for the most common ECG parameters in lead I. Afterward, 6-lead ECGs (limb leads), were performed immediately and studied for their morphologies.

Results:

Of the 300 patients, 297 had acceptable ECG quality in both devices for simultaneous lead I ECGs. The ECGs were inspected on-screen by a cardiologist for their rhythms, rates, axes, numbers, morphologies of premature atrial and ventricular beats, morphologies and amplitudes of PQRST waves, P-wave durations, QRS-wave durations, P-R intervals, and QT intervals. No significant differences were detected between the devices, and no major abnormalities were missed. Six-limb lead ECGs were obtained in 284 patients, of whom 281 had acceptable quality in ECGs by both devices. The morphology matching evaluation of the ECGs demonstrated an overall 98% compatibility rate, with the highest compatibility in lead I and the lowest in lead augmented vector foot.

Conclusions:

The diagnosis of critical pathological rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and high-grade atrioventricular node block, was not missed by the Nabz Hooshmand-1 and GE MAC 1200 ECG devices. Accordingly, rhythm detection as the primary purpose of handheld ECG devices was highly accurate. Both devices had acceptable sensitivity to diagnose long P-R and long and short QT intervals. Although the modern technology of smartphones and the physical inability for the 6-limb mode might cause old patients difficulty in utilizing such devices, their use for screening and follow-up is safe.
Addressing sex-based disparities in liver transplantation
Authors: Hundt Melanie A. , Tien Christine , Kahn Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Disparities in access to liver transplantation by sex have been well described, disadvantaging women. Understanding the multifactorial causes of these disparities as well as the variety of proposed solutions is critical to improving access to this life-saving intervention for women. This review aims to summarize the current body of evidence on observed sex disparities in liver transplantation and highlight actionable, evidence-based mechanisms by which these disparities can be addressed.

Recent findings

Strategies for addressing sex disparities in liver transplantation include increasing organ utilization, changing allocation policy, and leveraging public policies to reduce the incidence of end-stage liver disease. Several other promising interventions are currently being explored.

In the United States, women face additional barriers to liver transplantation on the basis of sex. Immediate action is necessary to systematically address these inequities.
Assessment of “Spin” in Published Plastic Surgery Randomized Controlled Trials with Statistically Non-significant Primary Outcomes – A Systematic Review
Authors: Yuan Morgan , Wu Jeremy , Li Allen , Gallo Lucas , Chin Brian , Murphy Jessica , Coroneos Christopher J. , Voineskos Sophocles , Thoma Achilleas
Published: November 2022

Background:

“Spin” refers to a manipulation of language that implies benefit for an intervention when none may exist. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in other fields have been demonstrated to employ spin, which can mislead clinicians to use ineffective or unsafe interventions. This study’s objective was to determine the strategies, severity, and extent of spin in plastic surgery RCTs with non-significant primary outcomes.

Methods:

A literature search of the top 15 plastic surgery journals using MEDLINE was performed (2000-2020). Parallel 1:1 RCTs with a clearly identified primary outcome showing statistically non-significant results (p ≥ .05) were included. Screening, data extraction, and spin analysis were performed by two independent reviewers. The spin analysis was then independently assessed in duplicate by two plastic surgery residents with graduate level training in clinical epidemiology.

Results:

From 3,497 studies identified, 92 RCTs were included in this study. Spin strategies were identified in 78 RCTs (85%), including 64 Abstracts (70%) and 77 Main Texts (84%). Severity of spin was rated moderate or high in 43 Abstract Conclusions (47%) and 42 Main Text Conclusions (46%). The most identified spin strategy in the Abstract was claiming equivalence for statistically non-significant results (26%), and in the Main Text was focusing on another objective (24%).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that 85% of statistically non-significant RCTs in plastic surgery employ spin. Readers of plastic surgery research should be aware of strategies, whether intentional or unintentional, used to manipulate language in reports of statistically non-significant RCTs when applying research findings to clinical practice.
Anti PD-1 Checkpoint Inhibitor As a First-Line Treatment for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bopota Katerina , Donnelly Oliver , Borumandi Farzad
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become an essential part of cancer treatment. Anti-programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) is a monoclonal antibody that targets PD-1. For patients with inoperable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, anti-PD-1 ICI treatment has been approved as monotherapy or in adjunct with other treatment modalities. A patient primarily treated with PD-1 inhibition for local advanced moderately differentiated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid and the neck is presented. Surgical therapy would be extensive including pinnectomy, radical parotidectomy, neck dissection, resection of the temporal and mastoid bones, and free flap reconstruction. Anti-PD-1 ICI was started as a first-line treatment and a complete clinical response was observed after 5 cycles of treatment. The patient is disease-free within the follow-up period of 17 months. Although a complete response to anti-PD-1 receptor antibodies was observed, off-target toxicities are a risk and not all patients will benefit from a response.
How COVID-19 pandemic impacted the students and staff physical activity? A study in a Southern Brazilian University
Authors: Martins Rafaela Costa , Ricardo Luiza Isnardi Cardoso , Crochemore-Silva Inácio , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Munhoz Tiago N , Levandowski Mateus L , Cademartori Mariana Gonzalez , Schuch Helena Silveira , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: November 2022

Physical activity and its positive effects on coronavirus have been extensively discussed in the literature. However, there is still lack of evidence on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the health-related behaviors of the Brazilian university community. The aim of the present study is to describe physical activity practice during the coronavirus pandemic among students and staff of a southern Brazilian university, as well as its association with sociodemographic characteristics. This was a self-administered web-based cross-sectional study, carried out among a southern Brazilian community. The main outcome for this study was leisure time physical activity during the coronavirus pandemic. Considering only leisure-time, 21.0% and 24.0% of the students and staff, respectively, reported achieving physical activity recommendations (≥150 minutes per week). There was a decline of more than 15 percentage points in physical activity practice comparing pre- and during the pandemic, and those following the protocols of staying at home presented lower levels of leisure-time physical activity. Physical activity practice was mainly performed at home and without any professional help. Leisure-time physical activity prevalence during the pandemic was relatively low among students and staff, and participants that followed staying at home protocols presented lower levels of physical activity.
Diurnal changes and topographical distribution of ocular surface epithelial dendritic cells in humans, and repeatability of density and morphology assessment
Authors: Tajbakhsh Zahra , Jalbert Isabelle , Stapleton Fiona , Briggs Nancy , Golebiowski Blanka
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in ocular surface defence. DC can be visualisedin vivoby confocal microscopy but have not yet been fully characterised in humans. This study investigated the diurnal variation, topographical distribution, and repeatability of DC density and morphology measurement.

Methods

In vivoconfocal microscopy was conducted on 20 healthy participants (mean age 32.7±6.4 years, 50% F) at baseline and repeated after 30 minutes, 2, 6, and 24 hours. Images were captured at the corneal centre, inferior whorl, corneal periphery, limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva. DC density was counted manually, and morphology of DC was assessed for the largest cell body size, presence of dendrites, presence of long dendrites, and presence of thick dendrites. Mixed model analysis, non-parametric analyses, Bland & Altman plots, the Coefficient of Repeatability (CoR), and kappa were used.

Results

There were no significant changes in DC density (p≥0.74) or morphology (p>0.07) at any location over the 24-hour period. Highest DC density was observed at the corneal limbus followed by the peripheral cornea (p<0.001), with lowest density at the corneal centre, inferior whorl, and bulbar conjunctiva. Most DC at the corneal periphery, limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva had larger cell bodies compared to the corneal centre (p≤0.01), and presence of long dendrites was observed mostly at non-central locations. DC with thick dendrites were mostly observed at the limbus. Day-to-day CoR for DC density ranged from ±28.1 cells/mm2at the corneal centre to ±56.4 cells/mm2at the limbus. Day-to-day agreement of DC morphology determined by kappa ranged from 0.5 to 0.95 for cell body size, 0.60 to 0.95 for presence of dendrites, and 0.55 to 0.80 for presence of long dendrites, at various locations.

Conclusions

No diurnal changes are apparent in corneal or conjunctival DC. Substantial topographical differences exist in DC density and morphology.In vivoconfocal microscopy provides good repeatability of DC density and acceptable agreement of DC morphology.

Key points

There was no diurnal variation in dendritic cell density, morphology, or topographical distribution at the ocular surface in healthy individuals.

A gradient from high density of dendritic cells at the limbus to low density at the corneal centre was observed inin vivoconfocal microscope images of healthy corneas. Density was lowest in the bulbar conjunctiva.

The morphology of dendritic cells at the corneal periphery, limbus and bulbar conjunctiva suggests a greater antigen capture capacity compared to dendritic cells at the corneal centre.
Top-Down Genomic Surveillance Approach to Investigate the Genomic Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns ofEnterococcus faeciumDetected in Cancer Patients in Arkansas
Authors: Udaondo Zulema , Abram Kaleb , Kothari Atul , Jun Se-Ran
Published: November 2022

Control of hospital-associatedEnterococcus faeciuminfection is a strenuous task due to the difficulty of identifying transmission routes and the persistence of this nosocomial pathogen despite the implementation of infection control measures that have been successful with other important nosocomial pathogens. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of over one hundredE. faeciumisolates collected from 66 cancer patients at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) between June, 2018 and May, 2019. In the top-down approach used in this study we employed, in addition to the 106E. faeciumUAMS isolates, a filtered set of 2167E. faeciumstrains from the GenBank database to assess the current population structure ofE. faeciumspecies and, consequently, to identify the lineages associated with our clinical isolates. We then evaluated the antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of hospital-associated strains from the species pool, focusing on antibiotics of last resort, in order to establish an updated classification of high-risk and multidrug-resistant nosocomial clones. Further investigation of the clinical isolates collected from UAMS patients using whole genome sequencing analytical methodologies (cgMLST, coreSNP and phylogenomics), with the addition of patient epidemiological data, revealed a polyclonal outbreak of three sequences types occurring simultaneously in different patient wards. The integration of genomic and epidemiological data collected from the patients increased our understanding of the relationships and transmission dynamics of theE. faeciumisolates. Our study provides new insights into genomic surveillance ofE. faeciumto assist in monitoring and further limiting the spread of multidrug-resistantE. faecium.
Monkeypox in the New York metropolitan area, Summer 2022
Authors: Gnanaprakasam Rachel , Keller Marina , Glassman Rebecca , El Khoury Marc Y , Chen Donald , Feola Nicholas , Feldman Jared , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: November 2022

Early in the 2022 Monkeypox global outbreak, caseloads in the New York metropolitan area climbed rapidly before other US urban areas. We summarize our monkeypox clinical experience detecting, treating, and vaccinating during a quickly evolving emerging infection.

Statements

Ethical statement

Institutional Review Board exemption was granted for this study.

Funding statement

No funding was obtained

Conflict of interest

None

Authors’ contributions

Each author actively participated in data collection, analysis and editing of the manuscript.

Collaborators

None
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF SPANISH PATIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS ON HOW A DIALYSIS UNIT SHOULD BE DESIGNED
Authors: Arenas Jiménez Maria Dolores , Manso Paula , Dapena Fabiola , Hernán David , Portillo Jesús , Balseiro Ana , Sánchez Mónica , López Raul , Pereira Concepción , Gallego Daniel , Julián Juan Carlos , Arellano Manuel , Tombas Antonio , Martin- Crespo Iluminada , Sanz Cristina ,   renal foundation’s Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo work team
Published: November 2022

People with kidney disease on hemodialysis spend 4 hours of their lives three times a week in hemodialysis units. Although the new concept of 21st century medicine gives special prominence to the opinion of patients and family members, the reality is that this is rarely considered when establishing the requirements that a dialysis center should meet.

Objective

To know and compare the opinion and preferences of patients, family members and professionals regarding the design of a dialysis unit and the potential activities they believe should be carried out during the session in order to provide architects with real information for the construction of a dialysis center.

Methods

Anonymous and voluntary survey in electronic format addressed to patients, relatives and professionals belonging to the 18 hemodialysis centers of the renal foundation and to ALCER and its different delegations, in relation to leisure activities to be carried out in the dialysis center and preferred design of the treatment room. The results obtained between the patient-family group and the professionals were compared.

Results

We received 331 responses, of which 215 were from patients and family members (65%) and 116 (35%) from professionals. The most represented category among professionals was nursing (53%), followed by assistants (24%) and physicians (12.9%). A higher proportion of patients (66%) preferred rooms in groups of 10-12 patients as opposed to professionals who preferred open-plan rooms (p<0.001). The options that showed the most differences between patients and professionals were chatting with colleagues and intimacy (options most voted by patients/families), versus performing group activities and visibility (professionals).

Conclusions

The professionals’ view of patients’ needs does not always coincide with the patients’ perception. The inclusion of the perspective of people with kidney disease continues to be a pending issue in which we must improve both patient organizations and professionals, and the opinion of professionals and patients must be included in the design of a dialysis unit and the activities to be developed in it.
Two human brain systems micro-structurally associated with obesity
Authors: Kitzbichler Manfred G , Martins Daniel , Bethlehem Richard AI , Dear Richard , Romero-Garcia Rafael , Warrier Varun , Seidlitz Jakob , Dipasquale Ottavia , Turkheimer Federico , Cercignani Mara , Bullmore Edward T , Harrison Neil A
Published: November 2022

The relationship between obesity and brain structure is incompletely understood. Using diffusion-weighted MRI from ∼30,000 UK Biobank participants we test the hypothesis that obesity (waist-to-hip ratio, WHR) is associated with regional differences in two micro-structural MRI metrics: isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF), an index of free water, and intra-cellular volume fraction (ICVF), an index of neurite density. We observed significant associations with obesity in two coupled but distinct brain systems: a prefrontal-temporal-striatal system associated with ISOVF and a medial temporal-occipital-striatal system associated with ICVF. The ISOVF∼WHR system colocated with expression of genes enriched for innate immune functions, decreased glial density, and high mu opioid (MOR) and other neurotransmitter receptor density. Conversely, the ICVF∼WHR system co-located with expression of genes enriched for G-protein coupled receptors and decreased density of MOR and other receptors. To test whether these distinct brain phenotypes might differ in terms of their underlying shared genetics or relationship to maps of the inflammatory marker C-reactive Protein (CRP), we estimated the genetic correlations between WHR and ISOVF (rg= 0.026,P= 0.36) and ICVF (rg= 0.112,P <9 × 10−4) as well as comparing correlations between WHR maps and equivalent CRP maps for ISOVF and ICVF (p<0.05). These correlational results are consistent with a two-way mechanistic model whereby genetically determined differences in neurite density in the medial temporal system may contribute to obesity, whereas water content in the prefrontal system could reflect a consequence of obesity mediated by innate immune system activation.
SLIDE: Significant Latent Factor Interaction Discovery and Exploration across biological domains
Authors: Rahimikollu Javad , Xiao Hanxi , Rosengart Anna E. , Tabib Tracy , Zdinak Paul , He Kun , Bing Xin , Bunea Florentina , Wegkamp Marten , Poholek Amanda C. , Joglekar Alok V , Lafyatis Robert A , Das Jishnu
Published: November 2022

Modern multi-omic technologies can generate deep multi-scale profiles. However, differences in data modalities, multicollinearity of the data, and large numbers of irrelevant features make the analyses and integration of high-dimensional omic datasets challenging. Here, we present Significant Latent factor Interaction Discovery and Exploration (SLIDE), a first-in-class interpretable machine learning technique for identifying significant interacting latent factors underlying outcomes of interest from high-dimensional omic datasets. SLIDE makes no assumptions regarding data-generating mechanisms, comes with theoretical guarantees regarding identifiability of the latent factors/corresponding inference, outperforms/performs at least as well as state-of-the-art approaches in terms of prediction, and provides inference beyond prediction. Using SLIDE on scRNA-seq data from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, we first uncovered significant interacting latent factors underlying SSc pathogenesis. In addition to accurately predicting SSc severity and outperforming existing benchmarks, SLIDE uncovered significant factors that included well-elucidated altered transcriptomic states in myeloid cells and fibroblasts, an intriguing keratinocyte-centric signature validated by protein staining, and a novel mechanism involving altered HLA signaling in myeloid cells, that has support in genetic data. SLIDE also worked well on spatial transcriptomic data and was able to accurately identify significant interacting latent factors underlying immune cell partitioning by 3D location within lymph nodes. Finally, SLIDE leveraged paired scRNA-seq and TCR-seq data to elucidate latent factors underlying extents of clonal expansion of CD4 T cells in a nonobese diabetic model of T1D. The latent factors uncovered by SLIDE included well-known activation markers, inhibitory receptors and intracellular regulators of receptor signaling, but also honed in on several novel naïve and memory states that standard analyses missed. Overall, SLIDE is a versatile engine for biological discovery from modern multi-omic datasets.
Predicting disordered regions driving phase separation of proteins under variable salt concentration
Authors: Meca Esteban , Fritsch Anatol W. , Iglesias-Artola Juan M. , Reber Simone , Wagner Barbara
Published: November 2022

We investigate intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of phase separating proteins regarding their impact on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the full protein. Our theoretical approach uses a mean-field theory that accounts for sequence-dependent electrostatic interactions via a random-phase approximation (RPA) and in addition allows for variable salt concentration for the condensed and dilute protein phases. The numerical solution of the complete phase diagrams together with the tie lines that we derive for this model system leaves two parameters to be determined by fitting experimental data on concentrations of all species involved in the system. For our comparisons, we focus on two proteins, PGL-3 and FUS, known to undergo LLPS. For PGL-3 we predict that its long IDR near the C-terminus promotes LLPS, which we validate through direct comparison within vitroexperimental results under the same physiological conditions. For the structurally more complex protein FUS the role of the low complexity (LC) domain in LLPS has been intensively studied. Apart from the LC domain we here investigate theoretically two IDRs, one near the N-terminus and another near the C-terminus. Our theoretical analysis of these domains predict that the IDR at the N-terminus (aa 1-285) is the main driver of LLPS of FUS by comparison toin vitroexperiments of the full length protein under the same physiological temperature and salt conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE

Intrinsically disordered proteins are drivers of cellular liquid-liquid phase separation. However, it remains a challenge to directly predict the phase behaviour of a protein based on its primary sequence, and under physiological conditions. We present a random-phase approximation that allows for variable salt concentration and thus accounts for salt partitioning. We use this to link the sequence of the disordered regions with the behaviour of the complete protein through direct comparisons toin vitrophase-separation assays. In particular, for FUS we determine the exact region responsible for LLPS, weighting in a long-standing debate.