bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the performance and mechanism of modified mica for improving polypropylene composites
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Taozhong , Sun Pengliang , Yu Fujia , Li Bin , Dun Linan
Published: January 2022

Polypropylene (PP) has the most extensive plastics of plastics because of the advantages of simplicity, easy processing, high mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance and electrical insulation. The application of PP has limitations in many fields because it is lack of formation shrinkage, low modulus, poor thermal stability, strong gap and low temperature and cracking. The addition of mineral fillers can not only improve their performance, not just the PP/mineral filler composite materials required, but also reduce the cost of the material. Therefore, in this paper, lamellar mica was selected as mineral filler to modify the surface of PP. The effects of titanate coupling agent and silane coupling agent modified mica, and their addition on the properties of PP were systematically studied. KH-570 modification increases the tensile strength, bending strength and modulus of the composites, while JN-114 and KH-570 can effectively improve the toughness and processability of PP composites. The interaction between modifier and mica was analyzed comprehensively by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the effect mechanism of mica on the properties of PP was discussed by scanning electron microscope. The results show that different modified mica as mineral filler and PP can produce synergistic effect.
A Voices-Centered Approach to Transitional Justice: Youth-led Activism and Artistic Initiatives Open Spaces for Broad Community Engagement
Authors: Jmal Nadia , Ladisch Virginie
Published: January 2022

In response to a global movement demanding justice for historically oppressed communities, there are increased calls for transitional justice approaches to help unravel legacies of colonization, slavery and marginalization. Applying transitional justice approaches to contexts of structural injustice raises new questions that push the boundaries of the field. In the face of these challenges, this article explores ways to conceptualize transitional justice as a dynamic, ongoing relational process that centers victims and involves bystanders, beneficiaries and the general public in meaningful and appropriate ways. Across different socio-political contexts, we look to new voices, in particular youth voices and creative approaches, for inspiration on how to bring more people into the conversation to address emerging dilemmas in consolidated democracies. Much can be learned from the dynamic spaces created by young people to encourage a more transformational process of reckoning with past legacies to advance a more just future.
From ESPRIT to ESPIRA: estimation of signal parameters by iterative rational approximation
Authors: Derevianko Nadiia , Plonka Gerlind , Petz Markus
Published: January 2022

We introduce a new method for Estimation of Signal Parameters based on Iterative Rational Approximation (ESPIRA) for sparse exponential sums. Our algorithm uses the AAA algorithm for rational approximation of the discrete Fourier transform of the given equidistant signal values. We show that ESPIRA can be interpreted as a matrix pencil method (MPM) applied to Loewner matrices. These Loewner matrices are closely connected with the Hankel matrices that are usually employed for signal recovery. Due to the construction of the Loewner matrices via an adaptive selection of index sets, the MPM is stabilized. ESPIRA achieves similar recovery results for exact data as ESPRIT and the MPM, but with less computational effort. Moreover, ESPIRA strongly outperforms ESPRIT and the MPM for noisy data and for signal approximation by short exponential sums.
Risk factors for the abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes aph(3′)-III, erm(B), sul2 and tet(W) in pig and broiler faeces in nine European countries
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Heederik Dick J. J. , Mevius Dik J. , Scherpenisse Peter , Luiken Roosmarijn E. C. , Van Gompel Liese , Skarżyńska Magdalena , Wadepohl Katharina , Chauvin Claire , Van Heijnsbergen Eri , Wouters Inge M. , Greve Gerdit D. , Jongerius-Gortemaker Betty G. M. , Tersteeg-Zijderveld Monique , Zając Magdalena , Wasyl Dariusz , Juraschek Katharina , Fischer Jennie , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Smit Lidwien A. M. , Schmitt Heike ,   EFFORT consortium
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The occurrence and zoonotic potential of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pigs and broilers has been studied intensively in past decades. Here, we describe AMR levels of European pig and broiler farms and determine the potential risk factors.

Methods

We collected faeces from 181 pig farms and 181 broiler farms in nine European countries. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify the relative abundance of four antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) [aph(3′)-III, erm(B), sul2 and tet(W)] in these faeces samples. Information on antimicrobial use (AMU) and other farm characteristics was collected through a questionnaire. A mixed model using country and farm as random effects was performed to evaluate the relationship of AMR with AMU and other farm characteristics. The correlation between individual qPCR data and previously published pooled metagenomic data was evaluated. Variance component analysis was conducted to assess the variance contribution of all factors.

Results

The highest abundance of ARG was for tet(W) in pig faeces and erm(B) in broiler faeces. In addition to the significant positive association between corresponding ARG and AMU levels, we also found on-farm biosecurity measures were associated with relative ARG abundance in both pigs and broilers. Between-country and between-farm variation can partially be explained by AMU. Different ARG targets may have different sample size requirements to represent the overall farm level precisely.

Conclusions

qPCR is an efficient tool for targeted assessment of AMR in livestock-related samples. The AMR variation between samples was mainly contributed to by between-country, between-farm and within-farm differences, and then by on-farm AMU.
Arthropod and Disease Management in Fraser Fir (Pinales: Pinaceae) Christmas Trees in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Darr Molly N , Coyle David R , Jetton Robert M
Published: January 2022

Fraser fir, Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir., is one of the most desired Christmas tree species owing to its fragrance, physical appearance, and durability. This species represents a major component of the Christmas tree industry in the southeastern United States, with production occurring in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Fraser fir production is a multi-million dollar annual industry despite growing in a limited elevational and latitudinal range. Pest management for Christmas trees is notoriously difficult owing to the near zero-tolerance of most pests, even those causing aesthetic damage. Christmas trees are produced in monocultural environments which make them highly susceptible to several arthropod and fungal pests. We review the major pests affecting Fraser fir Christmas tree production, including their biology, symptoms, and scouting procedures, and current management strategies. In general, pest management in Christmas tree production systems has not changed significantly in the last several decades, and still relies heavily on pesticide usage. We propose several areas in need of research that could help Fraser fir Christmas tree producers mitigate the impacts of climate change and potential new pest species, as well as suggest changes to current or potentially novel integrated pest management strategies which have a chance to provide economic and ecological benefits for this industry.
The Life Span and Levels of Oxidative Stress in Foragers Between Feral and Managed Honey Bee Colonies
Authors: Ward Kilea , Cleare Xaryn , Li-Byarlay Hongmei
Published: January 2022

Molecular damage caused by oxidative stress may lead to organismal aging and result in acute mortality to organisms. Thus, oxidative stress resistance and longevity are closely linked. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the most important managed pollinator in agriculture, but the long-term survival of honey bees is seriously threatened. Feral honey bee colonies can be used as natural resources to improve honey bee health. One question we ask here is whether feral honey bees are stress resistant or survive longer than managed bee populations. More work is needed to determine the impact of oxidative stress on honey bee health and survival. In this study, we used paired colony designs to compare the life span of worker bees (foragers) between feral and managed colonies and their levels of oxidative stress. Each pair of colonies shared similar foraging resources. The results indicated that foragers in feral colonies had longer survival times and life spans than those in managed colonies. The levels of oxidative stress from lipid damage content in feral colonies were higher than those in managed colonies, indicating that they used a tolerance mechanism rather than a repair mechanism to survive. Our study provides new insights into a colony difference in the physiology and oxidative stress resistance of feral honey bees compared with managed colony stocks.
A case of liver injury and pneumo-haemoperitoneum during pericardiocentesis
Authors: Whiley Phillip J , Rodrigues Nicole , Balasooriya Janaka
Published: January 2022

Pericardiocentesis is a generally safe procedure that provides effective resolution of cardiac tamponade. Emergency pericardiocentesis may be a life-saving intervention. Encountering an intra-abdominal organ in the path of the needle is predicted to be a potential complication in emergency subxiphoid approaches. Despite predictions of intraabdominal injuries, only few instances are recorded. In this case study, a patient recovering from percutaneous cardiac intervention required an emergency pericardiocentesis that was complicated by a liver injury, diaphragmatic penetration and pneumo-haemoperitoneum requiring surgical intervention to remove the drain. The case discusses options for performing the procedure, patient factors that can complicate the procedure and radiological and surgical diagnosis and treatment of this rare event.
Abundance discrepancy factors in high-density planetary nebulae
Authors: Ruiz-Escobedo Francisco , Peña Miriam
Published: January 2022

From high-resolution spectra, chemical abundances from collisionally excited lines (CELs) and optical recombination lines (ORLs) have been determined for planetary nebulae (PNe) Cn 3-1, Vy 2-2, Hu 2-1, Vy 1-2 and IC 4997, which are young and dense objects. The main aim of this work is to derive their O+2/H+ abundance discrepancy factors (ADFs) between CELs and ORLs. He, O, N, Ne, Ar, S, and Cl abundances were obtained and our values are in agreement with those previously reported. We found that Cn 3-1, Hu 2-1, and Vy 1-2 have O abundances typical of disc PNe, while Vy 2-2 and IC 4997 are low O abundance objects ($\rm {12+log(O/H) \sim 8.2}$), which can be attributed to possible O depletion into dust grains. ADFs(O+2) of $4.30^{+1.00}_{-1.16}$, 1.85 ± 1.05, $5.34^{+1.27}_{-1.08}$ and $4.87^{+4.34}_{-2.71}$ were determined for Vy 2-2, Hu 2-1, Vy 1-2, and IC 4997, respectively. The kinematics of CELs and ORLs was analysed for each case to study the possibility that different coexisting plasmas in the nebula emit them. Expansion velocities of [O iii] and O ii are equal within uncertainties in three PNe, providing no evidence for these lines being emitted in different zones. Exceptions are Hu 2-1 and Vy 2-2, where ORLs might be emitted in different zones than CELs. For Vy 2-2 and IC 4997, we found that nebular and auroral lines of the same ion (S+, N+, Ar+2, Ar+3, O+2) might present different expansion velocities. Auroral lines show lower $\rm {V_{exp}}$, which might indicate that they are emitted in a denser and inner zone than the nebular ones.
Rapidly oscillating TESS A–F main-sequence stars: are the roAp stars a distinct class?
Authors: Balona L A
Published: January 2022

From sector 1–44 TESS observations, 19 new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, 103 ostensibly non-peculiar stars with roAp-like frequencies, and 617 δ Scuti stars with independent frequencies typical of roAp stars were found. Examination of all chemically peculiar stars observed by TESS resulted in the discovery of 199 Ap stars that pulsate as δ Sct or γ Dor variables. The fraction of pulsating Ap stars is the same as the fraction of pulsating chemically normal stars. There is no distinct separation in frequency or radial order between chemically peculiar δ Sct stars and roAp stars. In fact, all the features that originally distinguished roAp from δ Sct stars in the past have disappeared. There is no reason to assume that the high frequencies in roAp stars are driven by a different mechanism from the high frequencies in chemically normal stars. However, chemically peculiar stars are far more likely to pulsate with high frequencies. The term ‘roAp’ should be dropped: all roAp stars are normal δ Scuti stars.
Echoes of the past: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays accelerated by radio galaxies, scattered by starburst galaxies
Authors: Bell A R , Matthews J H
Published: January 2022

We explore the possibility that the hotspot of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) detected by the Telescope Array from the approximate direction of M82 and the M81 group of galaxies might be the echo of UHECRs emitted by Centaurus A in an earlier more powerful phase. Echoes from other starburst galaxies or groups of galaxies may contribute to the UHECR flux at the Earth. We use an illustrative Monte Carlo model of monoenergetic UHECR transport by small-angle scattering to generate synthetic sky maps. The model informs a discussion of overall energetics and time- and distance scales. We find a viable echo model for the observed UHECR hotspots if the UHECR luminosity of Centaurus A 20 Myr ago was 200 times its present luminosity and if the ordered magnetic field exceeds 10–20 nG out to a distance of 400–800 kpc in the circumgalactic medium of M82 and other starburst galaxies.
Is the hemispheric asymmetry of sunspot cycle caused by an irregular process with long-term memory?
Authors: Das Ratul , Ghosh Aparup , Karak Bidya Binay
Published: January 2022

The hemispheric asymmetry of the sunspot cycle is a real feature of the Sun. However, its origin is still not well understood. Here, we perform nonlinear time series analysis of the sunspot area and number asymmetry to explore its dynamics. By measuring the correlation dimension of the sunspot asymmetry, we conclude that there is no strange attractor in the data. Further computing Higuchi’s dimension, we conclude that the hemispheric asymmetry is largely governed by stochastic noise. However, the behaviour of Hurst exponent reveals that the time series is not completely determined by a memory-less stochastic noise, rather there is a long-term persistence, which can go beyond two solar cycles. Therefore, our study suggests that the hemispheric asymmetry of the sunspot cycle is predominantly originated due to some irregular process in the solar dynamo. The long-term persistence in the solar cycle asymmetry suggests that the solar magnetic field has some memory in the convection zone.
Variational autoencoding of gene landscapes during mouse CNS development uncovers layered roles of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2
Authors: Mora Ariane , Rakar Jonathan , Cobeta Ignacio Monedero , Salmani Behzad Yaghmaeian , Starkenberg Annika , Thor Stefan , Bodén Mikael
Published: January 2022

A prominent aspect of most, if not all, central nervous systems (CNSs) is that anterior regions (brain) are larger than posterior ones (spinal cord). Studies in Drosophila and mouse have revealed that Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2), a protein complex responsible for applying key repressive histone modifications, acts by several mechanisms to promote anterior CNS expansion. However, it is unclear what the full spectrum of PRC2 action is during embryonic CNS development and how PRC2 intersects with the epigenetic landscape. We removed PRC2 function from the developing mouse CNS, by mutating the key gene Eed, and generated spatio-temporal transcriptomic data. To decode the role of PRC2, we developed a method that incorporates standard statistical analyses with probabilistic deep learning to integrate the transcriptomic response to PRC2 inactivation with epigenetic data. This multi-variate analysis corroborates the central involvement of PRC2 in anterior CNS expansion, and also identifies several unanticipated cohorts of genes, such as proliferation and immune response genes. Furthermore, the analysis reveals specific profiles of regulation via PRC2 upon these gene cohorts. These findings uncover a differential logic for the role of PRC2 upon functionally distinct gene cohorts that drive CNS anterior expansion. To support the analysis of emerging multi-modal datasets, we provide a novel bioinformatics package that integrates transcriptomic and epigenetic datasets to identify regulatory underpinnings of heterogeneous biological processes.
Did Pastafarians Lose in Strasbourg, After All?
Authors: Brzozowski Wojciech
Published: January 2022

In the late 2021, the European Court of Human Rights rejected as inadmissible the application lodged by a person affiliated with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The Court argued that ‘Pastafarianism’, due to its purely satirical character, cannot be considered to be a religion or belief within the sense of Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights. This ruling appears to be convincingly justified. However, some aspects of the reasoning offered in the body of the decision might raise concerns as to the Court’s willingness to adhere to its earlier standards, since the conclusion was reached at the price of overstretching the well-established view on the incompatibility of the state’s duty of neutrality with any power to assess the legitimacy of religious beliefs or the ways in which they are expressed.
Unfinished Business in Classifying HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Identifying the Bad Apples in a Good Staging Barrel
Authors: Huang Shao Hui , Koyfman Shlomo , O’Sullivan Brian
Published: January 2022

This commentary highlights three important findings in the study by Vijayvargiya et al, published in this journal, involving 9554 oropharyngeal cancer patients from the SEER database. Firstly, there is improved performance in outcome prediction with TNM-8 in HPV+ OPC. However, heterogeneity exists, especially in TNM-8 stage I disease, and there is need for ongoing improvement in risk stratification. Several anatomical and non-anatomical prognostic factors have been proposed. Among them, radiologic extranodal extension has emerged as one of the promising parameters to be considered for future staging. These baseline prognostic factors should address sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy to serve different clinical needs. Secondly, cure is possible for some patients presenting with M1 disease. Optimal management of such patients remains to be explored, and clinical trials targeting de novo M1 disease should be encouraged to optimize outcomes for this subset. Finally, methodologies to address missing tumor HPV status in historical cohorts have been discussed, including using baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, as well as statistical procedures such as multiple imputation.
Impact of Iron-Deficiency Management on Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study (CAMARA Study)
Authors: Gluszak Cassandre , de Vries-Brilland Manon , Seegers Valérie , Baroin Céline , Kieffer Helene , Delva Remy , Cornuault-Foubert Delphine
Published: January 2022

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is very common in patients with solid tumors and may cause symptoms such as fatigue. However, its impact on clinical outcomes is poorly described. The aim of this prospective monocentric cohort study was to evaluate the evolution of quality of life (QoL) of these patients after iron supplementation.

Methods

We included patients treated for a solid tumor, which were diagnosed with a functional (ferritin <800 ng/mL) or absolute (ferritin <300 ng/mL) ID (transferrin saturation coefficient <20%). The primary endpoint was patients’ QoL evolution between baseline and intermediate visit, 15-30 days after initial intravenous iron supplementation, assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) scale. Secondary endpoints were the same assessment between baseline, intermediate, and final visit at 6 months and the evolution of functional capacities.

Results

From 02/2014 to 12/2016, 248 patients were enrolled, of whom 186 were included in the analyses, including 140/186 (75.3%) with absolute ID. Anemia was detected in 141/174 (81.0%) patients at baseline. The FACT-An scores improved significantly between inclusion and intermediate visit (P = .001) and also between the 3 times of evaluation (P < .001). The most improved dimensions were those assessing physical, emotional well-being, and fatigue. Patients who performed the functional tests in all 3 phases had a significant improvement in performance on the majority of tests.

Conclusion

The supplementation of ID was associated with an improvement of the QoL and functional capacities in patients with cancer. A randomized control trial is necessary to confirm our results. Our findings underline the importance of supportive care, including screening for ID, in oncology.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT03625661.
Oil, Money and Decolonization in South Asia
Authors: Shutzer Matthew
Published: January 2022

Why did oil become a privileged object for debating economic sovereignty during the Cold War? Recent scholarship has attempted to answer this question by drawing attention to decolonizing struggles for oil nationalization across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. At the core of these inquiries is the presumption that a global proliferation of oil production after 1945 — now referred to as ‘the great acceleration’ — reflected a growth in global demand for fossil fuels, and that oil’s economic significance thus motivated new political claims over national oil reserves. This article takes a different position by turning to one of the earliest projects to build a post-colonial national oil programme, India’s Oil and Natural Gas Commission, under the socialist politician K. D. Malaviya. Using Malaviya’s project to trace the international politicization of oil in the 1950s and 1960s, it demonstrates how sovereignty over oil was used to contest the structures of unequal currency valuation and foreign debt enforced by the Bretton Woods institutions and the Western bloc. Rather than a source of fuel, Indian politicians understood the struggle over oil as a struggle about money, and the power of global financial interdependence in demarcating the political horizons of post-colonial sovereignty.
Diminished Auxin Signaling Triggers Cellular Reprogramming by Inducing a Regeneration Factor in the LiverwortMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Ishida Sakiko , Suzuki Hidemasa , Iwaki Aya , Kawamura Shogo , Yamaoka Shohei , Kojima Mikiko , Takebayashi Yumiko , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kohchi Takayuki , Nishihama Ryuichi
Published: January 2022

Regeneration in land plants is accompanied by the establishment of new stem cells, which often involves reactivation of the cell division potential in differentiated cells. The phytohormone auxin plays pivotal roles in this process. In bryophytes, regeneration is enhanced by the removal of the apex and repressed by exogenously applied auxin, which has long been proposed as a form of apical dominance. However, the molecular basis behind these observations remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, the level of endogenous auxin is transiently decreased in the cut surface of decapitated explants, and identify by transcriptome analysis a key transcription factor gene, LOW-AUXIN RESPONSIVE (MpLAXR), which is induced upon auxin reduction. Loss of MpLAXR function resulted in delayed cell cycle reactivation, and transient expression of MpLAXR was sufficient to overcome the inhibition of regeneration by exogenously applied auxin. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MpLAXR caused cell proliferation in normally quiescent tissues. Together, these data indicate that decapitation causes a reduction of auxin level at the cut surface, where, in response, MpLAXR is up-regulated to trigger cellular reprogramming. MpLAXR is an ortholog of Arabidopsis ENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION 1/DORNRÖSCHEN, which has dual functions as a shoot regeneration factor and a regulator of axillary meristem initiation, the latter of which requires a low auxin level. Thus, our findings provide insights into stem cell regulation as well as apical dominance establishment in land plants.
Low-energy phenomena of the lepton sector in an A4 symmetry model with heavy inverse seesaw neutrinos
Authors: Nguyen T Phong , Thuc T T , Si D T , Hong T T , Hue L T
Published: January 2022

An extension of the two Higgs doublet model including inverse seesaw neutrinos and neutral Higgs bosons was constructed based on the A4 symmetry in order to explain the recent neutrino oscillation data. This model can distinguish two well-known normal and inverted order schemes of neutrino data once both the effective masses mβ in tritium beta decays and 〈m〉 in the neutrinoless double beta decay are observed. The lepton flavor violating decays of the charged leptons eb → eaγ, μ → 3e, the Standard Model-like Higgs boson decays h → ebea, and the μ–e conversions in some nuclei are generated from loop corrections. The experimental data on the branching ratio Br(μ → eγ, 3e) predict that the upper bounds of Br(τ → μγ, eγ) and Br(h → eaeb) are much smaller than the planned experimental sensitivities. In contrast, the μ–e conversions are promising signals for experiments.
Manifestly gauge invariant exact renormalization group for quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Miyakawa Yuki , Sonoda Hidenori , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

We formulate quantum electrodynamics on the basis of gauge (or BRST) covariant diffusion equations of fields. This is a particular example of the gradient flow exact renormalization group (GFERG). The resulting Wilson action fulfills a simple gauge Ward–Takahashi identity. We solve the GFERG equation around the Gaussian fixed point to the second order in gauge coupling and obtain the 1-loop beta function and anomalous dimensions. The anomalous dimension of the electron field coincides with that of the fermion field diffused by a gauge covariant flow equation of Lüscher.
Performance of the systemic lupus erythematosus risk probability index in a cohort of undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Authors: Erden Abdulsamet , Apaydın Hakan , Fanouriakis Antonis , Güven Serdar Can , Armagan Berkan , Akyüz Dağlı Pınar , Konak Hatice Ecem , Polat Bünyamin , Atalar Ebru , Esmer Serdar , Karakaş Özlem , Özdemir Bahar , Eksin Mehmet Akif , Omma Ahmet , Kücüksahin Orhan , Bertsias George K , Boumpas Dimitrios T
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the performance of the SLE Risk Probability Index (SLERPI) for identification of SLE in a large cohort of patients with UCTD.

Methods

The SLERPI was applied in a cohort of patients who met classification criteria for UCTD and did not fulfil any classification criteria for other defined CTD including SLE. Patients with a SLERPI score of >7 were ‘diagnosed’ as SLE. Patients diagnosed with SLE and those not were compared in terms of disease characteristics and index parameters.

Results

A total of 422 patients with UCTD were included in the study. Median (interquartile range) SLERPI was 4.25 (2.5) points, while 39 (9.2%) patients had a SLERPI score >7 and were diagnosed as SLE. Patients with younger age (P = 0.026) and presence of malar rash (P < 0.0001), mucosal ulcer (P < 0.0001), alopecia (P < 0.0001), ANA positivity (P < 0.0001), low C3 and C4 (P = 0.002), proteinuria >500 mg/24 h (P = 0.001), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.009) or autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (P < 0.0001) were more likely to fulfil criteria for SLE by the SLERPI.

Conclusion

SLERPI enabled a significant proportion of patients to be identified as SLE in our UCTD cohort. This new probability index may be useful for early identification of SLE among patients with signs of CTD without fulfilling any definite criteria set.
TRITIUM IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Momoshima Noriyuki
Published: January 2022

Environmental tritium are natural and anthropogenic origins, the distribution has spread in atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere as a variety of chemical forms. The natural tritium is produced by nuclear reactions of neutron with N and O in the upper atmosphere, the production rate changes with 11-year cycle of the solar activity. The production and radioactive decay of natural tritium is balanced on the whole earth, results in the inventory of about 1 EBq. Anthropogenic tritium by nuclear weapons testing had been released in 1950s–1960s, at highest intensity just before the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963, and the total release would be 186 EBq. In accordance with a peaceful use of nuclear energy, tritium has been releasing to the environment as airborne and liquid effluents from nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. The release from the nuclear power plants depends on the reactor type. Other sources are the tritium production facility of military purpose and the consumer products that use tritium as luminescent energy and disposed to landfill site. Internal dose is only concerned on tritium due to low decay energy, suggesting tritium concentrations in drinking water and food are critical for dose evaluation.
The Diagnostic Value of Presepsin in Acute Appendicitis and Reference Ranges for Healthy Children
Authors: Seçilmiş Yilmaz , Sağiroğlu Pinar , Doğan Ahmet Burak , Gümüştekin Seda , Öztürk Mehmet Adnan
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of presepsin, a new inflammatory marker for paediatric appendicitis, and to determine a reference range of presepsin for children.

Methods

This single-center prospective study was conducted in our paediatric emergency department between 1 February 2021 and 1 July 2021. Patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with acute appendicitis, which was pathologically confirmed, and healthy volunteers in the same age group were included in the study. Serum presepsin levels were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. In addition to presepsin, other acute-phase reactants, paediatric appendicitis scores and imaging methods were evaluated.

Results

There were 94 patients in the acute appendicitis group and 102 healthy volunteers in the control group. Median values were compared between the two groups, and no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.544). In addition, no statistically signivficant differences in presepsin levels were found between the acute and perforated appendicitis groups (p = 0.344). The median (IQ1–IQ3) reference range for presepsin in healthy children was 0.9950 (0.7575–1.610) ng/mL.

Conclusion

Presepsin is not a suitable marker for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We observed that serum presepsin levels were not elevated in paediatric appendicitis, which is a local infection, in contrast to previous studies.
Exogenous Melatonin Improves Pear Resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidea by Increasing Autophagic Activity and Sugar/Organic Acid Levels
Authors: Wang Yun , Wang Guoming , Xu Wenyu , Zhang Zhenwu , Sun Xun , Zhang Shaoling
Published: January 2022

Pear is an important fruit tree worldwide, but it is often infected by the pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea, which causes pear ring rot disease. To explore the effect of exogenous melatonin on the disease resistance of pear, we treated inoculated pear fruits with different concentrations of melatonin. The results showed that 100 μΜ of melatonin had the most significant effect with resistance to B. dothidea. In addition, melatonin treatment significantly reduced the diameter of disease lesions and enhanced the endogenous melatonin content in pears inoculated with B. dothidea. Compared with the control treatment, melatonin treatment suppressed increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated ROS-scavenging enzymes. Treatment with exogenous melatonin maintained ascorbic acid–glutathione at more reductive status. The expression levels of core autophagic genes and autophagosome formation were elevated by melatonin treatment in pear fruits. Silencing of PbrATG5 in Pyrus pyrifolia conferred sensitivity to inoculation that was only slightly attenuated by melatonin treatment. After inoculation with B. dothidea, exogenous melatonin treatment led to higher levels of soluble sugars and organic acids in pear fruits than H2O treatment. Overall, our results demonstrate that melatonin enhances resistance to B. dothidea by increasing autophagic activity and soluble sugar/organic acid accumulation.
Pharmacologic Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Goulding Alison N. , Metz Torri D. , Middleton Jennifer Cook , Hoffman M. Camille , Miller Emily S. , Moore Simas Tiffany A. , Stuebe Alison , Viswanathan Meera , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: January 2022

A central question for patients and clinicians is whether potential benefits of pharmacologic treatments for perinatal mental health disorders outweigh potential harms. Given lack of consensus on best practices, we completed a robust systematic review of pharmacologic interventions for perinatal mental health disorders; full results have been published previously and will be summarized here. Unfortunately, many important clinical questions remain unanswered. This commentary aims to summarize and interpret the current state of evidence and provide expert guidance when data are lacking. The review found sparse evidence on benefits of pharmacotherapy and voluminous, low-quality evidence on harms. Confounding by indication was a notable limitation for most studies. We suggest several key points to share with clinicians and patients: 1) untreated perinatal mental health disorders have maternal and child risks; 2) research in nonpregnant populations shows that pharmacotherapy effectively treats many mental health disorders; 3) few high-quality studies in perinatal individuals have been conducted; 4) limited evidence suggests some benefit of pharmacologic treatment; and 5) some studies, primarily of low quality, indicate potential risks of pharmacologic treatment, although the absolute risk is often low. Given the complexities surrounding treatment of perinatal mental health disorders, shared decision making is important, and consultation with a mental health professional may be warranted in certain clinical scenarios.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO, CRD42019124057.
Insurance-Mediated Disparities in Gynecologic Oncology Care
Authors: Bodurtha Smith Anna Jo , Pena Daniella , Ko Emily
Published: January 2022

With 102,000 new cases of gynecologic cancer, 30,000 associated deaths annually, and increasing rates of endometrial cancer, gynecologic cancer is a growing problem. Although gynecologic cancer care has advanced significantly in the past decade owing to new therapeutics and specialized training in radical surgery, even insured women face major barriers to accessing and affording quality gynecologic cancer care. This commentary reviews current literature on insurance-mediated disparities in gynecologic cancer and provides education to clinicians on barriers to care. One third of women with a gynecologic cancer never see a gynecologic oncologist. Up to 40% of Medicare Advantage plans lack an in-network gynecologic oncologist, and 33% of private insurance plans do not include an in-network National Cancer Institute-accredited cancer center, limiting access to surgical advances and clinical trials. Women with Medicaid insurance and gynecologic cancer are 25% less likely to receive guideline-concordant care. Among insured women, 50% experience financial toxicity during gynecologic cancer treatment, and costs may be even higher for certain Medicare enrollees. Addressing these insurance-mediated disparities will be important to help our patients fully benefit from the scientific advances in our field and thrive after a gynecologic cancer diagnosis.
Medically Assisted Reproduction Treatment Types and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Pelikh Alina , Smith Ken R. , Myrskylä Mikko , Goisis Alice
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To compare risks of adverse birth outcomes among pregnancies conceived with and without medically assisted reproduction treatments.

METHODS:

Birth certificates were used to study birth outcomes of all neonates born in Utah from 2009 through 2017. Of the 469,919 deliveries, 52.8% (N=248,013) were included in the sample, with 5.2% of the neonates conceived through medically assisted reproduction. The outcome measures included birth weight, gestational age, low birth weight (LBW, less than 2,500 g), preterm birth (less than 37 weeks of gestation), and small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight less than the 10th percentile). Linear models were estimated for the continuous outcomes (birth weight, gestational age), and linear probability models were used for the binary outcomes (LBW, preterm birth, SGA). First, we compared the birth outcomes of neonates born after medically assisted reproduction and natural conception in the overall sample (between-family analyses), before and after adjustment for parental background and neonatal characteristics. Second, we employed family fixed effect models to investigate whether the birth outcomes of neonates conceived through medically assisted reproduction differed from those of their naturally conceived siblings (within-family comparisons).

RESULTS:

Neonates conceived through medically assisted reproduction weighed less, were born earlier, and were more likely to be LBW, preterm, and SGA than neonates conceived naturally. More invasive treatments (assisted reproductive technology [ART] and artificial insemination [AI] or intrauterine insemination) were associated with worse birth outcomes; for example, the proportion of LBW and preterm birth was 6.1% and 7.9% among neonates conceived naturally and 25.5% and 29.8% among neonates conceived through ART, respectively. After adjustments for various neonatal and parental characteristics, the differences in birth outcomes between neonates conceived through medically assisted reproduction and naturally were attenuated yet remained statistically significant; for example, neonates conceived through ART were at 3.2 percentage points higher risk for LBW (95% CI 2.4–4.1) and 4.8 percentage points higher risk for preterm birth (95% CI 3.9–5.7). Among siblings, the differences in the frequency of adverse outcomes between neonates conceived through medically assisted reproduction and neonates conceived naturally were small and statistically insignificant for all types of treatments.

CONCLUSION:

Medically assisted reproduction treatments are associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, those risks are unlikely to be associated with the infertility treatments itself.
Patterns of Care in Maintenance Therapy in US Patients Undergoing Definitive Chemoradiation for Stage 3 Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Liu Jason , Bratton Emily , Yu Xinyan , Ladbury Colton , Wagner Joseph , West Howard , Massarelli Erminia , Salgia Ravi , Pathak Ranjan , Villaflor Victoria , Villalona-Calero Miguel , Amini Arya
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The recommended treatment for patients with unresectable stage 3 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is definitive chemoradiation followed by 1 year of maintenance durvalumab. Our objective was to assess the rate of maintenance durvalumab use after chemoradiation.

Methods:

Analyses were conducted in both open claims (IQVIA pharmacy and medical claims data) and adjudicated closed claims (IQVIA PharMetrics Plus Health Plan Claims Database). Patients with a lung cancer diagnosis between November 2017 and November 2020 who received definitive chemoradiation were included.

Results:

Of the 5802 NSCLC patients included in the open claims source, 1794 (31%) received durvalumab, 1403 (24%) received maintenance chemotherapy, and 2605 (45%) did not receive any maintenance therapy. Of the 239 NSCLC patients included in the closed claims source, 127 (53%) received durvalumab, 40 (17%) received maintenance chemotherapy, and 72 (30%) did not receive any maintenance therapy. The most common maintenance chemotherapy agents patients received were carboplatin, pemetrexed, and paclitaxel.

Conclusions:

The rate of durvalumab utilization was overall low in both the open and closed claims data sources (31% and 53%, respectively). It remains unknown what percent of eligible patients end up receiving durvalumab, as our analysis was unable to filter out patients who were unfit for durvalumab or if they had progression after chemoradiation. Future efforts are needed to increase maintenance durvalumab utilization and to determine how best to manage patients who are unfit for durvalumab.
Plasma and Platelet Transfusions Strategies in Neonates and Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass or Neonates and Children Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Authors: Cholette Jill M. , Muszynski Jennifer A. , Ibla Juan C. , Emani Sitaram , Steiner Marie E. , Vogel Adam M. , Parker Robert I. , Nellis Marianne E. , Bembea Melania M. ,   for the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB), in collaboration with the Pediatric Critical Care Blood Research Network (BloodNet), and the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

To present the recommendations and consensus statements with supporting literature for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill neonates and children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass or supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding.

Design:

Systematic review and consensus conference of international, multidisciplinary experts in platelet and plasma transfusion management of critically ill children.

Setting:

Not applicable.

Patients:

Critically ill neonates and children following cardiopulmonary bypass or supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

A panel of nine experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill neonates and children following cardiopulmonary bypass or supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These statements were reviewed and ratified by the 29 Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding experts. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception to December 2020. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed one good practice statement, two recommendations, and three expert consensus statements.

Conclusions:

Whereas viscoelastic testing and transfusion algorithms may be considered, in general, evidence informing indications for plasma and platelet transfusions in neonatal and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass or those requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is lacking.
Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Strategies in Critically Ill Children With Malignancy, Acute Liver Failure and/or Liver Transplantation, or Sepsis: From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Authors: Lieberman Lani , Karam Oliver , Stanworth Simon J. , Goobie Susan M. , Crighton Gemma , Goel Ruchika , Lacroix Jacques , Nellis Marianne E. , Parker Robert I. , Steffen Katherine , Stricker Paul , Valentine Stacey L. , Steiner Marie E. ,   for the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB), in collaboration with the Pediatric Critical Care Blood Research Network (BloodNet), and the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

To present the consensus statements with supporting literature for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill neonates and children with malignancy, acute liver disease and/or following liver transplantation, and sepsis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation from the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding.

Design:

Systematic review and consensus conference of international, multidisciplinary experts in platelet and plasma transfusion management of critically ill children.

Setting:

Not applicable.

Patients:

Critically ill neonates and children with malignancy, acute liver disease and/or following liver transplantation, and sepsis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

A panel of 13 experts developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill neonates and children with malignancy, acute liver disease and/or following liver transplantation, and sepsis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation. These statements were reviewed and ratified by the 29 Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding experts. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception to December 2020. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed 12 expert consensus statements.

Conclusions:

In the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative–Control/Avoidance of Bleeding program, the current absence of evidence for use of plasma and/or platelet transfusion in critically ill children with malignancy, acute liver disease and/or following liver transplantation, and sepsis means that only expert consensus statements are possible for these areas of practice.