bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Chandra survey of milky way globular clusters – III. Searching for X-ray signature of intermediate-mass black holes
Authors: Su Zhao , Li Zhiyuan , Hou Meicun , Zhang Mengfei , Cheng Zhongqun 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
Globular clusters (GCs) are thought to harbor the long-sought population of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs). We present a systematic search for a putative IMBH in 81 Milky Way GCs, based on archival Chandra X-ray observations. We find in only six GCs a significant X-ray source positionally coincident with the cluster centre, which have 0.5–8 keV luminosities between ∼1 × 1030 erg s−1 and ∼4 × 1033 erg s−1. However, the spectral and temporal properties of these six sources can also be explained in terms of binary stars. The remaining 75 GCs do not have a detectable central source, most with 3σ upper limits ranging between 1029–32 erg s−1 over 0.5–8 keV, which are significantly lower than predicted for canonical Bondi accretion. To help understand the feeble X-ray signature, we perform hydrodynamic simulations of stellar wind accretion on to a 1000 M⊙ IMBH from the most-bound orbiting star, for stellar wind properties consistent with either a main-sequence (MS) star or an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We find that the synthetic X-ray luminosity for the MS case ($\sim 10^{19}\rm ~erg \, s^{-1}$) is far below the current X-ray limits. The predicted X-ray luminosity for the AGB case ($\sim 10^{34}\rm ~erg \, s^{-1}$), on the other hand, is compatible with the detected central X-ray sources, in particular the ones in Terzan 5 and NGC 6652. However, the probability of having an AGB star as the most-bound star around the putative IMBH is very low. Our study strongly suggests that it is very challenging to detect the accretion-induced X-ray emission from IMBHs, even if they were prevalent in present-day GCs.
The integrated radio spectrum of G2.4+1.4
Authors: Green D A 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
The Galactic source G2.4+1.4 is an optical and radio nebula containing an extreme Wolf–Rayet star. At one time, this source was regarded as a supernova remnant, because of its apparent non-thermal radio spectrum, although this was based on limited observations. Subsequent observations instead supported a flat, optically thin thermal radio spectrum for G2.4+1.4, and it was identified as a photoionized, mass-loss bubble, not a supernova remnant. Recently, however, it has been claimed that this source has a non-thermal integrated radio spectrum. I discuss the integrated radio flux densities available for G2.4+1.4 from a variety of surveys, and show that it has a flat spectrum at gigahertz frequencies (with a spectral index α of 0.02 ± 0.08, where flux density S scales with frequency ν as S ∝ ν−α).
Candidate and confirmed ultrashort period main-sequence binary stars
Authors: Koen C 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
The lower tail of the period distribution of main-sequence binary stars is poorly constrained due to the small number of such systems known. This paper deals with candidate binary stars with periods shorter than 0.2 d and colour indices consistent with them being M dwarfs. Three sources of candidates are considered – a catalogue of TESS eclipsing binaries, the ATLAS catalogue of variable stars, and binary stars from the ‘International Variable Star Index’ (VSX) website. The TESS eclipsing binary catalogue contains five new candidates satisfying the period and colour criteria. New photometry confirms one as a bona fide main-sequence system, and another as a white dwarf/red dwarf pair. New multicolour light curves of 10 ATLAS stars are presented: 7 of these are main sequence binaries with confirmed ultrashort periods (P &lt; 0.2 d). There are 328 red VSX binary candidates with short periods. Literature searches for 77 of these with P &lt; 0.17 d were performed: only 6 are previously studied main sequence systems, and another 14 are known red dwarf/white dwarf systems.
A computational approach to rapidly design peptides that detect SARS-CoV-2 surface protein S
Authors: Hajikarimlou Maryam , Hooshyar Mohsen , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Aly Khaled A , Azad Taha , Takallou Sarah , Jagadeesan Sasi , Phanse Sadhna , Said Kamaledin B , Samanfar Bahram , Bell John C , Dehne Frank , Babu Mohan , Golshani Ashkan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prompted the development of diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks for timely containment of this pandemic. Here, we utilized our non-conventional computational algorithm, InSiPS, to rapidly design and experimentally validate peptides that bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) surface protein. We previously showed that this method can be used to develop peptides against yeast proteins, however, the applicability of this method to design peptides against other proteins has not been investigated. In the current study, we demonstrate that two sets of peptides developed using InSiPS method can detect purified SARS-CoV-2 S protein via ELISA and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) approaches, suggesting the utility of our strategy in real time COVID-19 diagnostics. Mass spectrometry-based salivary peptidomics shortlist top SARS-CoV-2 peptides detected in COVID-19 patients’ saliva, rendering them attractive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic targets that, when subjected to our computational platform, can streamline the development of potent peptide diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Our approach can be rapidly implicated in diagnosing other communicable diseases of immediate threat.
Efficacy of Approved Versus Unapproved Vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Randomized Blinded Clinical Trials
Authors: Perez Navarro Andrea , Pilkington Victoria , Pepperrell Toby , Mirchandani Manya , Levi Jacob , Hill Andrew 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Five severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines are approved in North America and/or Europe: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen, Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Novavax. Other vaccines have been developed, including Sinopharm, SinoVac, QazVac, Covaxin, Soberana, Zifivax, Medicago, Clover, and Cansino, but they are not approved in high-income countries. This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved and -unapproved vaccines in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods
A systematic review of trial registries identified RCTs of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool (RoB 2). In the meta-analysis, relative risks of symptomatic infection and severe disease were compared for each vaccine versus placebo, using Cochrane-Mantel Haenszel Tests (random effects method).

Results
Twenty-two RCTs were identified and 1 was excluded for high-risk of bias. Ten RCTs evaluated 5 approved vaccines and 11 RCTs evaluated 9 unapproved vaccines. In the meta-analysis, prevention of symptomatic infection was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68%–92%) for approved vaccines versus 72% (95% CI, 66%–77%) for unapproved vaccines, with no significant difference between vaccine types (P = .12). Prevention of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94% (95% CI, 75%–98%) for approved vaccines versus 86% (95% CI, 76%–92%) for unapproved vaccines (P = .33). The risk of serious adverse events was similar between vaccine types (P = .12).

Conclusions
This meta-analysis of 21 RCTs in 390 459 participants showed no significant difference in efficacy between the FDA/EMA-approved and -unapproved vaccines for symptomatic or severe infection. Differences in study design, endpoint definitions, variants, and infection prevalence may have influenced results. New patent-free vaccines could lower costs of worldwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns significantly.
The statistical properties of 28 IR-bright dust-obscured galaxies and SED modelling using CIGALE
Authors: Suleiman Nofoz , Noboriguchi Akatoki , Toba Yoshiki , Balázs Lajos G , Burgarella Denis , Kovács Timea , Marton Gábor , Talafha Mohammed , Frey Sándor , Tóth L Viktor 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study is to characterize the physical and statistical properties of a sample of infrared-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) by fitting their spectral energy distributions (SEDs). We examined 28 DOGs at redshifts 0.47 ≤ z ≤ 1.63 discovered by combining images of the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) survey, the VISTA Kilo-degree Infrared Galaxy (VIKING) survey, and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey, and detected at Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) bands. We have detected a significant active galactic nucleus (AGN) contribution to the mid-infrared luminosity for $71\%$ of DOGs. Our DOGs contain several types of AGNs; the majority of AGN emission originates from Type 2 AGNs. Our DOG sample shows very high values of stellar mass [log (M*/M${}_\odot $) = 11.49 ± 1.61] compared with other samples of DOGs selected at infrared wavelengths. Our study is promising to identify a new type of DOGs called “overweight” DOGs (ODOGs). ODOGs may indicate the end of the DOG phase, and then they become visible quasars. Principal component (PC) analysis is applied to reduce the number of dimensions of our sample, removing the dependency on the observed variables. There are two significant PCs describing $72.7\%$ of the total variance. The first PC strongly correlates with redshift, dust luminosity, dust mass, and stellar mass, while far-ultraviolet (FUV) attenuation strongly correlates with the second PC, which is orthogonal to the first one. The partial correlation between the resulted physical parameters is tested, supporting the reliability of the correlations.
The impact of polymyalgia rheumatica on intimate sexual relationships: findings from the PMR Cohort Study
Authors: Muller Sara , Hider Samantha L , Ranasinghe Prabath , Helliwell Toby , Lawton Sarah A , Protheroe William , Mallen Christian D 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to determine the impact of PMR on intimate and sexual relationships over time.

Methods
The PMR Cohort study is a longitudinal study of patients with incident PMR in English primary care. Participants were sent questionnaires about their PMR symptoms, treatments and overall health, including an item about how their PMR symptoms affected intimate and sexual relationships. The proportions reporting the relevance of intimate and sexual relationships, the effect of PMR on these relationships and the associations with PMR symptoms and general health were explored.

Results
The baseline survey was completed by 652 of 739 patients (response 90.1%), with 446 of 576 (78.0%) responding at 2 years. The mean age of respondents was 72.4 years, and 62.2% were female. At baseline, 363 of 640 (56.7%) respondents reported that intimate and sexual relationships were not relevant to them. One hundred and thirteen of 277 (40.8%) respondents reported that PMR had a large effect on intimate relationships. This proportion decreased over time in those responding to 12- and 24-month surveys, but continued to be associated with younger age, male gender, worse PMR symptoms, poorer physical function and worse mental health.

Conclusion
Intimate and sexual relationships are increasingly recognized as important for healthy ageing, and health professionals should consider this as part of a holistic approach to the management of PMR.

Study registration
UKCRN ID16477.
Bioinspired laminated bioceramics with high toughness for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Huang Jinzhou , Zhai Dong , Xue Jianmin , Li Tian , Ren Dudi , Wu Chengtie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
For the research of biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, it is still a challenge to fabricate bioceramics that overcome brittleness while maintaining the great biological performance. Here, inspired by the toughness of natural materials with hierarchical laminated structure, we presented a directional assembly-sintering approach to fabricate laminated MXene/calcium silicate-based (L-M/CS) bioceramics. Benefiting from the orderly laminated structure, the L-M/CS bioceramics exhibited significantly enhanced toughness (2.23 MPa·m1/2) and high flexural strength (145 MPa), which were close to the mechanical properties of cortical bone. Furthermore, the L-M/CS bioceramics possessed more suitable degradability than traditional CaSiO3 bioceramics due to the newly formed CaTiSiO5 after sintering. Moreover, the L-M/CS bioceramics showed good biocompatibility and could stimulate the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. The mechanism of promoting osteogenic differentiation had been shown to be related to the Wnt signaling pathway. This work not only fabricated calcium silicate-based bioceramics with excellent mechanical and biological properties for bone tissue engineering but also provided a strategy for the combination of bionics and bioceramics.
A universal approach to gene expression engineering
Authors: Lale Rahmi , Tietze Lisa , Fages-Lartaud Maxime , Nesje Jenny , Onsager Ingerid , Engelhardt Kerstin , Wong Che Fai Alex , Akan Madina , Hummel Niklas , Kalinowski Jörn , Rückert Christian , Hohmann-Marriott Martin Frank 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this study, we provide a universal approach to Gene Expression Engineering (GeneEE) for creating artificial expression systems. GeneEE leads to the generation of artificial 5ʹ regulatory sequences (ARES) consisting of promoters and 5ʹ untranslated regions. The ARES lead to the successful recruitment of RNA polymerase, related sigma factors and ribosomal proteins that result in a wide range of expression levels. We also demonstrate that by engaging native transcription regulators, GeneEE can be used to generate inducible promoters. To showcase the universality of the approach, we demonstrate that 200-nucleotide (nt)-long DNA with random composition can be used to generate functional expression systems in six bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Thermus thermophilus, Streptomyces albus and Streptomyces lividans, and the eukaryote yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopaedic Trauma: Indications & Outcomes
Authors: Phillips Rachel , Stannard James P. , Crist Brett D. 
Published: August 2022

Summary:
The treatment of surgical incisions has evolved. This article aims to discuss the indications and outcomes associated with the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) for the management of surgical incisions. Multiple factors play a role in the benefits seen with iNPWT. The primary indication for iNPWT is to help manage the closed surgical incision environment and remove fluid from the incision via application of continuous negative pressure at −125 mm Hg. Pertinent literature will be reviewed.
How Can Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Pay for Itself?—Reducing Complications Is Important
Authors: Zelle Boris A. , Kore Lydia 
Published: August 2022

Introduction:Orthopaedic trauma demonstrates a relatively high rate of surgical site infections (SSI) as compared with other surgical specialties. SSIs provide significant clinical challenges and create significant health care costs. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has reduced the risk of SSI in orthopaedic surgery and other surgical specialties.Purpose:The purpose of this study is to investigate potential cost savings with the use of iNPWT (3M Prevena Therapy, 3M, St. Paul, MN) in high-risk orthopaedic trauma patients with closed OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study performed at a single, level-1 trauma center using data from a lower extremity fracture registry. Using the results from the registry and baseline infection rates derived from the literature, a health economic model was developed to evaluate the potential cost savings.Results:A total of 79 patients included in the registry underwent open reduction and internal fixation of OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures. A total of 10.1% developed a SSI. For those who received iNPWT, the rate of SSI was 7.4%. A health economic model suggests that the use of iNPWT may reduce the costs per patient by approximately $1381 to $4436 per patient.Conclusions:This health economic assessment and model suggests that judicious use of iNPWT may reduce health care costs in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures.Level of Evidence:Economic Level IV.
Determining Incidence and Risk Factors of Pressure Injury After Orthopaedic Surgery in Children and Adolescents With Neuromuscular Complex Chronic Conditions
Authors: Samineni Aneesh V. , Miller Patricia E. , Hopkinson Christopher , DiFazio Rachel , Quigley Sandy , Watkins Colyn J. , Shore Benjamin J. 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Pressure injuries are serious yet often preventable alterations in skin integrity prevalent in orthopaedics, especially in pediatric patients with neuromuscular complex chronic conditions (NCCC). The aims of this study were to (1) estimate incidence of pressure injury in children with NCCC after orthopaedic surgery; (2) determine risk factors for pressure injury development; and (3) describe severity and location of pressure injuries.

Methods:
Children and adolescents (<22 y old) with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery at a single tertiary-care children’s hospital between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. A matched case-control design was used to match patients who developed a pressure injury within 1.5 months after surgery to subjects who did not develop a pressure injury using a 1:1 matching based on neuromuscular diagnosis, age, sex, and type of surgery. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, pressure injury characteristics, and a pressure injury risk assessment score utilizing the Braden QD scale were compared across pressure injury groups.

Results:
Of 564 children with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery, 43 (7.6%) developed a postoperative pressure injury. Pressure injuries were primarily located on the heel, followed by sacral/groin/buttocks, then knee. The most common diagnosis was cerebral palsy with associated neuromuscular scoliosis, and hip reconstruction was the most common surgical procedure. The pressure injury cohort had significantly more patients who were non-ambulatory (GMFCS IV/V), with a seizure disorder, g-tube, nonverbal status, wheelchair usage, and had additional medical devices. Median Braden QD risk score was higher in the injury cohort and a cutoff ≥12 was optimal for predicting pressure injury development.

Conclusions:
Pressure injuries after orthopaedic surgery are not uncommon in children with NCCC. The entire care team should be aware of additional risk factors associated with pressure injury development, including the diagnosis of cerebral palsy with neuromuscular scoliosis, seizure disorder, nonverbal status, g-tube, and the presence of multiple medical devices. Implementation of evidence-based pressure injury prevention guidelines on identified high-risk children with NCCC may reduce pressure injury risk and improve the postoperative course.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Scoliosis in RETT Syndrome
Authors: Menachem Shay , Hershkovich Oded , Ackshota Nissim , Friedlander Alon , Givon Uri , Ben-Zeev Bruria , Caspi Israel 
Published: August 2022

Study Design:
This was a retrospective case series.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to discuss the treatment challenges in scoliosis patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) in a national referral centre for RTT. We describe structural characteristics of curves, age of onset, genetic mutation, ambulation status, and treatment through RTT progression. Based on this unique experience, we aimed to suggest guidelines for scoliosis treatment in RTT patients.

Summary of Background Data:
RTT is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, primarily in females with significant features of growth failure, gastrointestinal and pulmonary dysfunction, ataxia, seizures, and intellectual disability. Scoliosis is the most common orthopedic manifestation of RTT and is present in 64%–75% of patients. No clear guidelines for scoliosis treatment in RTT are available, and typically patients are treated according to guidelines of another neuromuscular scoliosis.

Methods:
Clinical and radiographic data were gathered, including MECP2 mutation type, scoliosis characteristics, preoperative treatment, surgical treatment, functional status, and postoperative follow-up.

Results:
Our cohort included 102 patients with RTT. They were 36 who presented with scoliosis; 18 were treated surgically. C-curve was found in 17 patients and S-type in 19. Scoliosis treatment onset was 8.76 years in the C-type group and 13.88 years in the S-type group. The average curve at the time of surgery was 52.42 degrees. The average time until surgery was 2.44 years. Seventeen patients underwent posterior spinal fusion, and 1 patient underwent posterior spinal fusion+anterior spinal fusion with an average correction of 40 degrees. The most common mutation was R255X nucleotide (30% of cases). The most severe curves had mutations R168X and R270X nucleotides.

Conclusions:
We advise early monitoring for patients with RTT and scoliosis due to early and rapid progression. Common mutations found were R255X, R168X, R270X, and T158M. We recommend surgical treatment in every curve above 45 degrees, independently of age.
Racial Disparities in Spine Surgery
Authors: Mo Kevin , Ikwuezunma Ijezie , Mun Frederick , Ortiz-Babilonia Carlos , Wang Kevin Y. , Suresh Krishna V. , Uppal Arman , Sethi Ishaan , Mesfin Addisu , Jain Amit 
Published: August 2022

Study Design:
Systematic Review.

Objectives:
To synthesize previous studies evaluating racial disparities in spine surgery.

Methods:
We queried PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for literature on racial disparities in spine surgery. Our review was constructed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items and Meta-analyses guidelines and protocol. The main outcome measures were the occurrence of racial disparities in postoperative outcomes, mortality, surgical management, readmissions, and length of stay.

Results:
A total of 1753 publications were assessed. Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies compared Whites (Ws) and African Americans (AAs) groups; 14 studies reported adverse outcomes for AAs. When compared with Ws, AA patients had higher odds of postoperative complications including mortality, cerebrospinal fluid leak, nervous system complications, bleeding, infection, in-hospital complications, adverse discharge disposition, and delay in diagnosis. Further, AAs were found to have increased odds of readmission and longer length of stay. Finally, AAs were found to have higher odds of nonoperative treatment for spinal cord injury, were more likely to undergo posterior approach in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and were less likely to receive cervical disk arthroplasty compared with Ws for similar indications.

Conclusions:
This systematic review of spine literature found that when compared with W patients, AA patients had worse health outcomes. Further investigation of root causes of these racial disparities in spine surgery is warranted.