bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grain Disarticulation in Wild Wheat and Barley
Authors: Pourkheirandish Mohammad , Komatsuda Takao
Published: June 2022

Our industrial-scale crop monocultures, which are necessary to provide grain for large-scale food and feed production, are highly vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stresses. Crop wild relatives have adapted to harsh environmental conditions over millennia; thus, they are an important source of genetic variation and crop diversification. Despite several examples where significant yield increases have been achieved through the introgression of genomic regions from wild relatives, more detailed understanding of the differences between wild and cultivated species for favorable and unfavorable traits is still required to harness these valuable resources. Recently, as an alternative to the introgression of beneficial alleles from the wild into domesticated species, a radical suggestion is to domesticate wild relatives to generate new crops. A first and critical step for the domestication of cereal wild relatives would be to prevent grain disarticulation from the inflorescence at maturity. Discovering the molecular mechanisms and understanding the network of interactions behind grain retention/disarticulation would enable the implementation of approaches to select for this character in targeted species. Brittle rachis 1 and Brittle rachis 2 are major genes responsible for grain disarticulation in the wild progenitors of wheat and barley that were the target of mutations during domestication. These two genes are only found in the Triticeae tribe and are hypothesized to have evolved by a duplication followed by neo-functionalization. Current knowledge gaps include the molecular mechanisms controlling grain retention in cereals and the genomic consequences of strong selection for this essential character.
Estimating the Costs of Standardization: Evidence from the Movie Industry
Authors: Caoui El Hadi
Published: June 2022

This article studies the decentralized adoption of a technology standard when network effects are present. If the new standard is incompatible with the current installed base, adoption may be inefficiently delayed. I quantify the magnitude of “excess inertia” in the switch of the movie distribution and exhibition industries from 35 mm film to digital. I specify and estimate a dynamic game of digital hardware adoption by theatres and digital movies supply by distributors. Counterfactual simulations establish that excess inertia reduces surplus by $16\%$ relative to the first-best adoption path; network externalities explain $41\%$ of the surplus loss. Targeted adoption subsidies or a mandate on digital distribution help bridge this welfare gap.
Mobile Apps and Financial Decision Making
Authors: Carlin Bruce , Olafsson Arna , Pagel Michaela
Published: June 2022

We exploit the release of a mobile application for a financial aggregation platform to analyze how technology adoption changes consumer financial decision making. The app reduced the cost of accessing personal financial information, and we find that this led to a drop in non-sufficient fund fees. Because of the manner in which these fees are incurred, this represents an unambiguous welfare improvement for users of the platform. The leading explanation for this result appears to be mistake avoidance due to easier access to information.
A Systematic Review of Maternal TORCH Serology as a Screen for Suspected Fetal Infection
Authors: Fitzpatrick Danielle , Holmes Natasha E. , Hui Lisa
Published: June 2022

(Abstracted from Prenat Diagn 2022;42:87–96)

“TORCH” is an acronym describing a group of congenital infections that can cause significant risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality; these infections include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). However, although a TORCH serology panel is often ordered during pregnancy, the diagnostic yield of this approach continues to be questioned.
Short-term Pregnancy Outcomes After Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir Treatment for Mild-to-Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Loza Alexandra , Farias Ryan , Gavin Nicole , Wagner Richard , Hammer Erica , Shields Andrea
Published: June 2022

This is a descriptive study of pregnant patients who received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir therapy from April 16, 2022, through May 18, 2022. Patients were eligible to receive nirmatrelvir–ritonavir if they were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with symptom onset within 5 days, did not require oxygen therapy or hospital admission, and had no contraindications to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. During the study time frame, 11 patients were identified as candidates for nirmatrelvir–ritonavir treatment. All patients agreed to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir treatment after a telehealth consultation; seven patients completed the treatment. All patients who received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir experienced symptom resolution without the need for additional care. All but one patient tolerated nirmatrelvir–ritonavir without immediate adverse effects, and no adverse fetal or neonatal effects were observed.
The Use of Social Media and Its Influence on Undergoing Rhinoplasty
Authors: Obeid Faisal M. , Mortada Hatan , Alsulaiman Maha , Faisal AlSwaji Ghada
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed procedures, and such treatments are becoming more common. Social media platforms are crucial in the promotion of cosmetic surgery. Hence, this study aimed to assess social media use and influence on the decision to undergo rhinoplasty among Saudi patients.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a self-administered, online questionnaire among Saudi patients who had previously undergone rhinoplasty in a private practice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Results:

A total of 205 participants were included, with the majority aged 26–35 years (54.1%). Most of them were female (91.2%). The most used social media platform was Snapchat (73.7%). The most reported factors that influenced the participants’ decision to undergo rhinoplasty included before and after pictures on social media platforms (76.1%). Women were more frequently influenced by the before and after photographs on social media platforms (P = 0.001). More than half of respondents (52.7%) declared that their decisions were influenced by advertisements on social media platforms.

Conclusions:

The use of social media influenced patients’ decisions to undergo rhinoplasty, with Snapchat being the most used. The authenticity of the information offered on social media profiles maintained by doctors and nonphysicians is critical in deciding whether or not to undergo rhinoplasty.
Education and Psychosocial Factors Predict Odds of Death After Transfer to Adult health Care in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Stevens James P. , Gillespie Scott , Hall Lori , Tisheh Julia , Ford Ryan , Gupta Nitika A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

To analyze demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors in pediatric liver transplant recipients for their association with death or loss to follow up in adulthood. We aimed to better understand known health disparities in transplant outcomes and identify potentially modifiable risk factors prior to transfer.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent liver transplantation at a large tertiary transplant center and were transferred to adult care between 2000 and 2015.

Results:

During the study period, 101 qualifying patients were transferred. Ninety‐three individuals followed with an adult provider, while 8 were lost to follow up. In total 23 of 93 patients died after transfer (24.7%). Several childhood factors were associated with adult death: Black race [odds ratio (OR) 6.59, P < 0.001]; psychiatric illness or substance use (OR 2.81, P = 0.04); failure to graduate high school before transfer (OR 9.59, P < 0.001); posttransplant tacrolimus medication‐level variability index >2.5 (OR 5.36, P = 0.04); provider documentation of medication nonadherence (OR 4.72, P = 0.02); acute cellular rejection (OR 4.44, P = 0.03); the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 5.71, P = 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (OR 2.82, P = 0.04). Failure to graduate HS was associated with loss to follow up (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Black race, substance use, diabetes, and failure to graduate HS retained association with adult death (each P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Complex, intertwined patient characteristics are associated with increased odds of death in pediatric liver transplant recipients transferred to adult care. Early recognition of high‐risk patients and intervention for modifiable factors, such as improved HS graduation and substance use prevention, may improve long‐term outcomes.
Venous Thromboembolism During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Risk Factors, Diagnostic Testing, and Treatment
Authors: Maughan Brandon C. , Marin Maria , Han Justin , Gibbins Karen J. , Brixey Anupama G. , Caughey Aaron B. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Jarman Angela F.
Published: June 2022

Importance

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Deep vein thrombosis is the most common VTE during pregnancy, but pulmonary embolism is typically of greater concern as it contributes to far higher morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of VTE during pregnancy differ substantially from the general nonpregnant population.

Objective

This review describes the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of VTE during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Evidence Acquisition

First, we reviewed the VTE guidelines from professional societies in obstetrics, cardiology, hematology, emergency medicine, pulmonology, and critical care. Second, we examined references from these documents and used PubMed to identify recent articles that cited the guidelines. Finally, we searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published since 2018 that included terms for pregnancy and the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic imaging, or treatment of VTE.

Results

Venous thromboembolism risk increases throughout pregnancy and peaks shortly after delivery. More than half of pregnancy-related VTE are associated with thrombophilia; other major risks include cesarean delivery, postpartum infection, and the combination of obesity with immobilization. Most VTE can be treated with low molecular weight heparin, but cases of limb- or life-threatening VTE require consideration of thrombolysis and other reperfusion therapies.

Conclusions and Relevance

Venous thromboembolism is far more frequent in antepartum and postpartum women than age-matched controls, and clinical suspicion for VTE in this population should incorporate pregnancy-specific risks. Treatment of limb- or life-threatening antepartum or postpartum VTE requires multispecialty coordination to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to (1) identify common risk factors for VTE in antepartum and postpartum women; (2) describe critical factors when obtaining diagnostic imaging for pregnancy-associated VTE and assessing pulmonary embolism severity; and (3) explain treatment for mild and severe cases of pregnancy-associated VTE.
Methenamine Hippurate With Cranberry Capsules Versus Cranberry Alone for Urinary Tract Infection Prevention in a Short-Term Indwelling Foley Catheter Population After Urogynecologic Surgery: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tam Tiffanie Y. , Aldrich Emily R. , Crisp Catrina C. , Yook Eunsun , Yeung Jennifer , Pauls Rachel N.
Published: June 2022

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2022;28:e55–e61)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) after pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) can result in high rates of readmission, morbidity, and mortality. The prevalence of UTI ranges from 10% to 76%, and postoperative urinary retention due to catheterization can occur in up to 43% in this population.
Medical Management of Children With Autism in the Emergency Department
Authors: Wolpert Katherine H. , Kim Soo-Jeong , Kodish Ian , Uspal Neil G.
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent diagnosis characterized by impairment of social communication and behavioral regulation. Children with ASD seek care more frequently in the emergency department (ED) than their neurotypical peers and the approach to medical evaluation of this population requires heightened attention to a variety of factors. Communication with caregivers, attention to environmental stimulation, identification of accommodation needs, and understanding frequently associated medical conditions are important considerations in ED encounters. Gastrointestinal problems, seizure disorders, and metabolic disease are common causes for ED presentation in children with ASD. A high index of suspicion for underlying medical issues must be maintained, even when children with ASD present primarily for behavioral concerns. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent diagnosis characterized by impairment of social communication and behavioral regulation. Children with ASD seek care more frequently in the emergency department (ED) than their neurotypical peers and the approach to medical evaluation of this population requires heightened attention to a variety of factors. Communication with caregivers, attention to environmental stimulation, identification of accommodation needs, and understanding frequently associated medical conditions are important considerations in ED encounters. Gastrointestinal problems, seizure disorders, and metabolic disease are common causes for ED presentation in children with ASD. A high index of suspicion for underlying medical issues must be maintained, even when children with ASD present primarily for behavioral concerns.
Effect of a Pharmacy-based Centralized Intravenous Admixture Service on the Prevalence of Medication Errors: A Before-and-After Study
Authors: Jessurun Janique G. , Hunfeld Nicole G.M. , van Rosmalen Joost , van Dijk Monique , van den Bemt Patricia M.L.A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Intravenous admixture preparation errors (IAPEs) may lead to patient harm. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of a pharmacy-based centralized intravenous admixture service (CIVAS) on IAPEs.

Methods

We conducted a before-and-after study in 3 clinical wards before CIVAS implementation and in the CIVAS unit 18 months after implementation. Intravenous admixture preparation error data were collected by disguised observation. The primary outcome was the proportion of admixtures with 1 or more IAPEs. Secondary outcomes were the type and potential severity of IAPEs, noncompliance to hygiene procedures, and nursing staff satisfaction with the CIVAS. The primary outcome was analyzed using a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results

One or more IAPEs were identified in 14 of 543 admixtures (2.6%) in the CIVAS unit and in 148 of 282 admixtures (52.5%) in the clinical wards (odds ratio, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.004–0.05). The most common IAPE types were wrong solvent or diluent (n = 95) and wrong volume of infusion fluid (n = 45). No potentially harmful IAPEs occurred in the CIVAS unit as opposed to 22 (7.8%) in the clinical wards. Disinfection procedures were better adhered to in the CIVAS unit. Overall nurse satisfaction with the CIVAS increased from a median of 70 (n = 166) 5 months after intervention to 77 (n = 115) 18 months after intervention (P < 0.001) on a 100-point scale.

Conclusions

Centralized intravenous admixture service performed notably better than the clinical wards with regard to IAPEs and noncompliance to hygiene procedures. Nurses were satisfied with the CIVAS. Hence, the implementation of CIVAS is an important strategy to improve medication safety in hospitals.
Inroads for HIV prevention among men: findings from mixed methods research in the context of the DREAMS partnership in Southern Africa
Authors: Gottert Ann , Pulerwitz Julie , Heck Craig J. , Shabangu Patrick , Lukhele Bhekumusa , Cawood Cherie , Khanyile David , Apicella Louis , Okal Jerry , Mathur Sanyukta
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To assess trends in men's HIV risk factors and service use, and their experiences with prevention programming, during an intensive HIV response for adolescent girls and young women and their male partners.

Design:

Independent cross-sectional surveys in 2016–2017 and 2018 with men in Eswatini (20–34 years-old, n = 1391) and Durban, South Africa (20–40 years-old; n = 1665), complemented by 74 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with men exposed to HIV services/prevention programming.

Methods:

Survey recruitment was primarily at hot-spot venues. We assessed Round 1–2 trends in HIV risk factors and service use, overall and by HIV risk profiles. IDI respondents were identified via survey responses or program partners.

Results:

HIV risk factors were prevalent in both countries at each survey round, although there were reductions over time among the highest risk profiles in South Africa. Most men were engaged in HIV services (e.g. nearly two-thirds tested for HIV in the last year at round 2, with large increases in Eswatini). Qualitative data suggest HIV service uptake was facilitated by increased convenience and supportive information/messaging about HIV treatment efficacy. Men described eagerly receiving the information and support offered in HIV prevention programming, and effects on HIV risk reduction and newly engaging in HIV services. However, less than 15% of survey respondents reported being reached by such programming.

Conclusion:

Important inroads have been made to engage men in HIV services and prevention programming in the two countries, including among the high-risk profiles. Still, improving coverage of comprehensive HIV prevention programming is critical, particularly for men most at risk.
Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: McClymont Elisabeth , Faber Mette T. , Lindquist Sofie , Bone Jeffrey N. , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: June 2022

Background:

In the general population, human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is reportedly increased during pregnancy, and emerging evidence suggests that it may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience higher rates of both HPV infection and certain adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet there are no prior reviews of HPV infection during pregnancy in WLWH.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled and type-specific HPV prevalence and associated pregnancy outcomes among pregnant WLWH and, if available, within-study comparators of women without HIV. Subgroup analyses were performed according to polymerase chain reaction primers used and geographic location.

Results:

Ten studies describing HPV prevalence in 1594 pregnant WLWH were included. The pooled HPV prevalence in pregnant WLWH was 75.5% (95% confidence interval: 50.2 to 90.4) but ranged widely (23%–98%) between individual studies. Among studies that also assessed HPV prevalence in pregnant women without HIV, the pooled prevalence was lower at 48.1% (95% confidence interval: 27.1 to 69.8). Pregnant WLWH had 54% higher odds of being HPV positive compared with pregnant women without HIV. The most common HPV type detected in pregnant WLWH was HPV16. No studies reported pregnancy outcomes by the HPV status.

Conclusions:

High prevalence of HPV was documented in pregnant WLWH, exceeding the prevalence among pregnant women without HIV. The limited research on this topic must be addressed with further studies to inform the use of HPV testing as a screening modality for this population as well as the role of HPV in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Deep Orbital Hyaluronic Acid Gel Filler for Volume Augmentation in Orbital Dysplasia
Authors: Pang Runhui , Wang Juan , Shi Junhu , Zhang Hongbin , Bai Ping
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

Orbital dysplasia is caused by congenital microphthalmos, anophthalmos, or eye atrophy. Orbital volume growth is known to parallel ocular growth and the absence of an eye results in noticeable hemifacial deformity that affects patients’ lives. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of injections of hyaluronic acid gel into the orbit combined with ocular prosthesis to treat orbital dysplasia.

Methods:

Three patients with orbital dysplasia who were 3 to 7 years old treated in our department. Each year, the hyaluronic acid gel was injected into each patient intraconal and extraconal posterior orbit and each wore an ocular prosthesis. The length of the palpebral fissure and orbital volume were measured before and after the injections.

Results:

A total of 9 injections were performed on 3 patients ages 7, 5, and 4 years old, respectively. The follow-up periods were 5, 5, and 2 years. The authors observed significant improvements in patient appearance. The length of the palpebral fissure and the volume of the orbit increased linearly with the increasing age, and there were no complications, such as intraorbital hemorrhage or local hyperplastic stimulation.

Conclusions:

Orbital hyaluronic acid gel injection and combined with an ocular prosthesis is a safe, convenient, and effective treatment for orbital dysplasia.
One-Piece Frontoorbital Osteotomy With a Small Supraorbital Burr-Hole to Protect Against Intraoperative Dural Lacerations
Authors: Hasegawa Yuki , Aihara Yasuo , Chiba Kentaro , Sakurai Hiroyuki
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to describe a new technique of 1-piece frontoorbital osteotomy with a small supraorbital burr hole, which resulted in improved safety during osteotomy of the anterior skull base. An 11 × 4 mm burr hole was created at the center of the orbit above the superior orbital rim using an “eyebrow key-window approach.” Extradural dissection from the nasion to the medial side of the sphenoid ridge was performed through this hole, and dissection of the lateral side of the sphenoid ridge was completed from the edge of the coronal osteotomy. Osteotomy along the zygomaticofrontal and sphenofrontal sutures were performed using an oscillating saw with secure protection of the dura. Between December 2019 and June 2020, 3 patients with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis underwent 1-piece frontoorbital advancement with the eyebrow key-window approach. The median age was 11 months (8–15 months), median operation time was 249 minutes (244–255 minutes), and the average blood transfusion was 10.8 ml/kg (0–18 ml/kg). No complications were observed, and the technique was associated with improved safety of osteotomy around the anterior skull base for 1-piece frontoorbital advancement.
Bmp5 Mutation Alters miRNA Expression During Embryonic External Ear Development
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Lin , Jin Shengyang , Yang Qinghua , Jiang Haiyue
Published: June 2022

To understand the changes in gene regulation and expression of MicroRNA (miRNA) involved in external mouseear embryonic development after point mutation of the Bmp5 gene, the outer ear tissues of developed E15.5 and E17.5 mouse embryos were obtained using a Bmp5 short ear mouse model, and the changes in miRNA expression profiles were detected. Changes in miRNA expression in the experimental and control groups were identified during Bmp5 short ear mouse embryo development at E15.5 and E17.5. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional annotations were performed on differentially expressed miRNAs. Multiple signal pathways related to miRNA expression were enhanced during the development of E15.5 and E17.5 embryos of Bmp5 short-ear mice. Based on the basic characteristics of miRNAs, this study aimed to determine the differential expression of miRNAs in Bmp5 short-ear mice during the development of external ear embryos using advanced sequencing techniques. The results showed differences in some key regulatory miRNA changes after point mutations in the Bmp5 gene. This study provides new insights into the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate the development of the external mouse ear. Changes in miRNA expression profiles can also provide clues for studying the biological regulatory mechanism of external ear embryonic development.
Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Ossification After Intraoral Condylectomy
Authors: Su Lin , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Zili , Yi Biao , Liang Cheng , Guo Chuanbin
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

Lateral pterygoid muscle ossification has not been reported in condylectomy patients. This study aimed to explore the incidence, risk factors, and imaging characteristics of 38 cases with lateral pterygoid muscle ossification among 54 patients after condylectomy via intraoral approach.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 54 patients following simultaneous orthognathic surgery and condylectomy with coronoid process resection via intraoral approach. The authors evaluated the preoperative, 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year or more postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans for the presence of lateral pterygoid muscle ossification and its characteristics. Sex, age at the time of surgery, disease course, affected side, preoperative alkaline phosphatase, pathology diagnosis, the height of the removed condyle, condylar shape, operator, preoperative temporomandibular joint movement, and clinical symptoms were assessed as risk factors for ossification.

Results:

No incidence of lateral pterygoid muscle ossification was found on preoperative CT images. Various small-size osseous masses were observed in the lateral pterygoid muscles on postoperative 6 months CT images in 38/54 patients (70.37%) after condylectomy. But no apparent enlargement of the osseous masses was found. No patients complained of clinical discomfort or functional disorder during the follow-up period (23.11 ± 13.16 months). No significant risk factors for ossification were found.

Conclusions:

Lateral pterygoid muscle ossification is relatively common in patients after condylectomy via intraoral approach. However, its enlargement is self-limited and remains stable 6 months after surgery. it has no adverse effects on the temporomandibular joint functional movement.
The Effect of a Liver Transplant Program on the Outcomes of Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Serenari Matteo , Lenzi Jacopo , Cucchetti Alessandro , Cipriani Federica , Donadon Matteo , Ardito Francesco , Fazio Federico , Nicolini Daniele , Iaria Maurizio , Famularo Simone , Perri Pasquale , Ansaloni Luca , Zanello Matteo , Lai Quirino , Conci Simone , Molfino Sarah , Ferrari Cecilia , Germani Paola , Zago Mauro , Romano Maurizio , Zimmitti Giuseppe , Antonucci Adelmo , Fumagalli Luca , Troci Albert , Ferraro Valentina , Memeo Riccardo , Crespi Michele , Chiarelli Marco , Ercolani Giorgio , Hilal Mohamed A. , Zanus Giacomo , Pinotti Enrico , Tarchi Paola , Griseri Guido , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Ruzzenente Andrea , Rossi Massimo , Jovine Elio , Maestri Marcello , Grazi Gian Luca , Romano Fabrizio , Dalla Valle Raffaele , Ravaioli Matteo , Vivarelli Marco , Ferrero Alessandro , Giuliante Felice , Torzilli Guido , Aldrighetti Luca , Cescon Matteo ,   on behalf of the HE.RC.O.LE.S. Group
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of a liver transplantation (LT) program on the outcomes of resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Background:

Surgical treatment of HCC includes both hepatic resection (HR) and LT. However, the presence of cirrhosis and the possibility of recurrence make the management of this disease complex and probably different according to the presence of a LT program.

Methods:

Patients undergoing HR for HCC between January 2005 and December 2019 were identified from a national database of HCC. The main study outcomes were major surgical complications according to the Comprehensive Complication Index, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), 90-day mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes were salvage liver transplantation (SLT) and postrecurrence survival.

Results:

A total of 3202 patients were included from 25 hospitals over the study period. Three of 25 (12%) had an LT program. The presence of an LT program within a center was associated with a reduced probability of PHLF (odds ratio=0.38) but not with overall survival and disease-free survival. There was an increased probability of SLT when HR was performed in a transplant hospital (odds ratio=12.05). Among transplant-eligible patients, those who underwent LT had a significantly longer postrecurrence survival.

Conclusions:

This study showed that the presence of a LT program was associated with decreased PHLF rates and an increased probability to receive SLT in case of recurrence.
Phenotypic and Brain Imaging Findings Associated With a 10p Proximal Deletion Including the WAC Gene: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bolat Hilmi , Derin Hatice , Ünsel-Bolat Gül
Published: June 2022

Microarray-based techniques are an important testing method in etiological studies of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Interstitial deletion in the p11–p12 region of chromosome 10 is rare, having been reported in just 12 cases to date. Intellectual disability associated with the WAC gene in this region is referred to as DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome. Although all individuals with p11–p12 region of chromosome 10 deletion share a common phenotype involving intellectual disability and dysmorphic features, individuals with DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome usually do not experience the cardiac and neurologic abnormalities or cryptorchidism associated with a 10p11–p12 deletion. With this case report, we aim to expand the phenotypic spectrum of 10p11–p12 deletion. Our patient was a 9-year-old boy with intellectual disability, autism symptoms, dysmorphic features, and behavioral abnormalities. He had no cardiac problems or neurologic symptoms such as hypotonia, feeding difficulties, or seizures. However, he presented cryptorchidism in addition to symptoms that are consistent with DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome. Array comparative genomic hybridization of genomic DNA isolated from a peripheral blood sample revealed a heterozygous deletion in 10p11.23–p12.1, which contains the WAC gene. We discuss our case in the context of a literature review of candidate genes. It is still difficult to establish genotype–phenotype correlations for neurologic, cardiac, and visual symptoms, and cryptorchidism, in individuals with a 10p11–p12 deletion. As more individuals are diagnosed with deletion in this chromosomal region, the associated phenotypes will become clearer.
Static magnetic stimulation of human auditory cortex: a feasibility study
Authors: Azcona Ganuza Gurutzi , Alegre Manuel
Published: June 2022

There is a growing interest about the effects of static transcranial magnetic stimulation (tSMS) over different cortical areas, being the motor cortex the most widely studied region. Previous experiments have shown that noninvasive magnetic static stimulation of the human brain may change its excitability in a reversible way for a period that outlasts the time of application of the magnetic field. However, evidence about the effects over the auditory cortex are poor and this is the purpose of the present study. Twelve voluntary subjects were studied in two different sessions, immediately before and 20 min after the placement of a magnet or a sham over the left primary auditory cortex, for 30 min. No significant effects of the magnet were observed on auditory responses, including onset and offset potentials and oscillatory responses to stimulus frequency modulation. A reduction in the amplitude of the cortical onset and offset potentials was observed after the two sessions, both with the magnet and with the false magnet (sham). No effects of unilateral static magnetic stimulation on cortical auditory responses have been observed. However, we probe the feasibility and tolerability of the protocol performed and suggest the use of different stimulation protocols.
Graham Higman. 19 January 1917—8 April 2008
Authors: Conder Marston D. E.
Published: June 2022

Graham Higman was a highly talented mathematician whose principal field of research was group theory. He played a key role in the development of this field, and is regarded as one of the three most significant British group theorists of the 20th century, alongside William Burnside (FRS 1893) and Philip Hall (FRS 1951). He studied at Oxford, gaining a doctorate under the supervision of Henry Whitehead (FRS 1944). After working for the Meteorological Office during the Second World War, he was appointed to a position at the University of Manchester in 1946, and subsequently at Oxford. In 1958 he was elected FRS, and in 1960 he was appointed to the Waynflete professorship in mathematics at Oxford, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. His research was significant and influential. Highlights include his work on embeddings of groups, including ‘HNN-extensions’ and their application in the famous Higman Embedding Theorem, and his constructions of a finitely-presented group that is isomorphic to a proper factor of itself, and a finitely-presented infinite simple group. Some of his work also played an important role in the proof of the Odd Order Theorem and a solution to the restricted Burnside problem. He and his wife Ivah were dedicated Methodists, and Graham was a keen bird-watcher. He was also well known for his view that pure mathematics should be studied for its beauty and its life-affirming properties, for the non-standard yet highly supportive way he supervised his students and for his somewhat mischievous sense of humour.
Vaccination strategies when vaccines are scarce: on conflicts between reducing the burden and avoiding the evolution of escape mutants
Authors: Geoffroy Félix , Traulsen Arne , Uecker Hildegard
Published: June 2022

When vaccine supply is limited but population immunization urgent, the allocation of the available doses needs to be carefully considered. One aspect of dose allocation is the time interval between the first and the second injections in two-dose vaccines. By stretching this interval, more individuals can be vaccinated with the first dose more quickly, which can be beneficial in reducing case numbers, provided a single dose is sufficiently effective. On the other hand, there has been concern that intermediate levels of immunity in partially vaccinated individuals may favour the evolution of vaccine escape mutants. In that case, a large fraction of half-vaccinated individuals would pose a risk—but only if they encounter the virus. This raises the question whether there is a conflict between reducing the burden and the risk of vaccine escape evolution or not. We develop an SIR-type model to assess the population-level effects of the timing of the second dose. Trade-offs can occur both if vaccine escape evolution is more likely or if it is less likely in half-vaccinated than in unvaccinated individuals. Their presence or absence depends on the efficacies for susceptibility and transmissibility elicited by a single dose.
May the 4C's be with you: an overview of complexity-inspired frameworks for analysing resting-state neuroimaging data
Authors: Hancock Fran , Rosas Fernando E. , Mediano Pedro A. M. , Luppi Andrea I. , Cabral Joana , Dipasquale Ottavia , Turkheimer Federico E.
Published: June 2022

Competing and complementary models of resting-state brain dynamics contribute to our phenomenological and mechanistic understanding of whole-brain coordination and communication, and provide potential evidence for differential brain functioning associated with normal and pathological behaviour. These neuroscientific theories stem from the perspectives of physics, engineering, mathematics and psychology and create a complicated landscape of domain-specific terminology and meaning, which, when used outside of that domain, may lead to incorrect assumptions and conclusions within the neuroscience community. Here, we review and clarify the key concepts of connectivity, computation, criticality and coherence—the 4C's—and outline a potential role for metastability as a common denominator across these propositions. We analyse and synthesize whole-brain neuroimaging research, examined through functional magnetic imaging, to demonstrate that complexity science offers a principled and integrated approach to describe, and potentially understand, macroscale spontaneous brain functioning.
Localizing Western expertise: İhsan Doğramaci, Ş. Raşit Hatipoğlu, and the quest for scientific development in modern Turkey
Authors: Erken Ali
Published: June 2022

This article discusses the dynamics between Western experts and local technocrats in Turkey in their quest for scientific development in the first decades of modern Turkey. Based on primary archival sources, it examines the work of İhsan Doğramacı (d. 2010) and Ş. Raşit Hatipoğlu (d. 1973), who led various projects in the fields of medical and agricultural development. İhsan Doğramacı, a prominent scholar in the medical sciences, established a close partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation in the 1950s and led the establishment of Hacettepe University in the 1960s. S. Raşit Hatipoğlu was an agricultural expert who worked closely with German scientists, was involved in developing the Higher Institute of Agriculture in Ankara in the 1930s and then served as minister of agriculture in the 1940s. The article notes that the transfer of Western science and institution-building required the appropriation of local knowledge, political and intellectual networks and a negotiation process that included global and national challenges.
The functional diversity of the POUV-class proteins across vertebrates
Authors: Bakhmet Evgeny I. , Tomilin Alexey N.
Published: June 2022

POUV is a relatively newly emerged class of POU transcription factors present in jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomata). The function of POUV-class proteins is inextricably linked to zygotic genome activation (ZGA). A large body of evidence now extends the role of these proteins to subsequent developmental stages. While some functions resemble those of other POU-class proteins and are related to neuroectoderm development, others have emerged
de novo
. The most notable of the latter functions is pluripotency control by Oct4 in mammals. In this review, we focus on these
de novo
functions in the best-studied species harbouring POUV proteins—zebrafish,
Xenopus
(anamniotes) and mammals (amniotes). Despite the broad diversity of their biological functions in vertebrates, POUV proteins exert a common feature related to their role in safeguarding the undifferentiated state of cells. Here we summarize numerous pieces of evidence for these specific functions of the POUV-class proteins and recap available loss-of-function data.
CD137 costimulation is associated with reduced herpetic stromal keratitis and with developing normal CD8+ T cells in trigeminal ganglia
Authors: Yin Xiao-Tang , Baugnon Nicholas K. , Krishnan Rohini , Potter Chloe A. , Yarlagadda Sudha , Keadle Tammie L. , Stuart Patrick M.
Published: June 2022

Costimulatory interactions can be critical in developing immune responses to infectious agents. We recently reported that herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infections of the cornea require a functional CD28-CD80/86 interaction to not only reduce the likelihood of encephalitis, but also to mediate herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) following viral reactivation. In this same spirit we decided to determine the role that CD137 costimulation plays during HSK. Using both B6-CD137L-/- mice, as well as antagonistic and agonistic antibodies to CD137 we characterize the immune response and to what extent CD137 plays an important role during this disease. Immune responses were measured in both the cornea and in the trigeminal ganglia where the virus forms a latent infection. We demonstrate that CD137 costimulation leads to reduced corneal disease. Interestingly, we observed that lack of CD137 costimulation resulted in significantly reduced CD8+ T expansion and function in the trigeminal ganglia. Finally, we showed that viruses that have been genetically altered to express CD137 display significantly reduced corneal disease, though they did present similar levels of trigeminal infection and peripheral virus production following reactivation of a latent infection. CD137 interactions lead to reduced HSK and are necessary to develop robust trigeminal CD8+ T cell responses.
The Pseudo-Torsional Space of RNA
Authors: Grille Leandro , Gallego Diego , Darré Leonardo , Rosa Gabriela da , Battistini Federica , Orozco Modesto , Dans Pablo D.
Published: June 2022

The characterization of the conformational landscape of the RNA backbone is rather complex due to the ability of RNA to assume a big variety of conformations. These backbone conformations can be depicted by pseudo-torsional angles linking RNA backbone atoms, from which Ramachandran-like plots can be built. We explored here different definitions of these pseudo-torsional angles, finding that the most accurate ones are the traditional η (eta) and θ (theta) angles, which represent the relative position of RNA backbone atoms P and C4’. We explore the distribution of η-θ in known experimental structures, comparing the pseudo-torsional space generated with structures determined exclusively by one experimental technique. We found that the complete picture only appears when combining data from different sources. The maps provide a quite comprehensive representation of the RNA accessible space, which can be used in RNA-structural prediction. Finally, our results highlight that protein interactions leads to significant changes in the population of the η-θ space, pointing towards the role of induced-fit mechanisms in protein-RNA recognition.
Underlying beneficial effects of Rhubarb on constipation-induced inflammation, disorder of gut microbiome and metabolism
Authors: Gao Han , He Chengwei , Hua Rongxuan , Liang Chen , Wang Boya , Du Yixuan , Guo Yuexin , Gao Lei , Zhang Lucia , Shang Hongwei , Xu Jingdong
Published: June 2022

Background

Although constipation is a common syndrome and a worldwide health problem. Constipation patients are becoming younger with a 29.6% overall prevalence in the children, which has captured great attention because of its epigenetic rejuvenation and recurrent episodes. Despite the usage of rhubarb to relieve constipation, novel targets and genes involved in target-relevant pathways with remarkable functionalities should still be sought after.

Materials and methods

We established a reliable constipation model in C57B/6N male mice using intragastric administration diphenoxylate and the eligible subjects received 600mg/25g rhubarb extraction to ameliorate constipation. Resultant constipation was morphological and genetically compared with the specimen from different groups.

Results

The constipation mice exhibited thicker muscle layers, improved content of cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-23, and lower content of IL-22. The bacterial abundance and diversity varied tremendously. Notably, the alterations were reversed after rhubarb treatment. Additionally, SCFA and MLCFA were significantly influenced by constipation accompanied by enhanced expressions of SCFA receptors, GPR41 and GPR43.

Conclusion

This thesis has provided an insight that rhubarb promoted the flexibility of collagen fiber, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines, and maintained intestinal microflora balance with potential effects on affecting the metabolism of fatty acids and polyamines.
EXPLORE: A novel deep learning-based analysis method for exploration behaviour in object recognition tests
Authors: Ibañez Victor , Bohlen Laurens , Manuell Francesca , Mansuy Isabelle , Helmchen Fritjof , Wahl Anna-Sophia
Published: June 2022

Object recognition tests are widely used in neuroscience to assess memory function in rodents. Despite the experimental simplicity of the task, the interpretation of behavioural features that are counted as object exploration can be complicated. Thus, object exploration is often analysed by manual scoring, which is time-consuming and variable across researchers. Current software using tracking points often lacks precision in capturing complex ethological behaviour. Switching or losing tracking points can bias outcome measures. To overcome these limitations we developed ”EXPLORE”, a simple, ready-to use and open source pipeline. EXPLORE consists of a convolutional neural network trained in a supervised manner, that extracts features from images and classifies behaviour of rodents near a presented object. EXPLORE achieves human-level accuracy in identifying and scoring exploration behaviour and outperforms commercial software with higher precision, higher versatility and lower time investment, in particular in complex situations. By labeling the respective training data set, users decide by themselves, which types of animal interactions on objects are in- or excluded, ensuring a precise analysis of exploration behaviour. A set of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) provides a beginning-to-end analysis of object recognition tests, accelerating a fast and reproducible data analysis without the need of expertise in programming or deep learning.
Heat denaturation enables multicolor X10-STED microscopy at single-digit nanometer resolution
Authors: Saal K.-A. , Shaib A.H. , Mougios N. , Crzan D. , Opazo F. , Rizzoli S.O.
Published: June 2022

Expansion microscopy (ExM) improves imaging quality by physically enlarging the biological specimens. In principle, combining a large expansion factor with optical super-resolution should provide extremely high imaging precision. However, large expansion factors imply that the expanded specimens are dim and are therefore poorly suited for optical super-resolution. To solve this problem, we present a protocol that ensures the 10-fold expansion of the samples through high-temperature homogenization (X10ht). The resulting gels exhibited relatively high fluorescence intensity, enabling the sample analysis by multicolor stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, for a final resolution of 6-8 nm. X10ht offers a more thorough homogenization than previous X10 protocols based on enzymatic digestion, and thereby enables the expansion of thick samples. The better epitope preservation also enables the use of nanobodies as labeling probes and the implementation of post-expansion signal amplification. We conclude that X10ht is a promising tool for nanoscale resolution in biological samples.
Liver Endothelium Microenvironment Promotes HER3-mediated Cell Growth in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wright Michel’le , Rathore Moeez , Zarei Mehrdad , Vaziri-Gohar Ali , Hajihassani Omid , Abbas Ata , Feng Hao , Brody Jonathan , Markowitz Sanford D , Winter Jordan , Wang Rui
Published: June 2022

∼90% metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) occurs in the liver, and the 5-year survival rate for patients with mPDAC is only at 3%. We previously reported that liver endothelial cells (ECs) secreted soluble factors to promote colorectal cancer cell survival in a paracrine fashion. However, the effects of liver ECs on mPDAC have not been elucidated. In this study, we used primary ECs from non-neoplastic liver tissues. We treated PDAC cells with conditioned medium (CM) from liver ECs, with CM from PDAC as controls, and determined that liver EC-secreted factors increased PDAC cell growth. Using an unbiased receptor tyrosine kinase array, we identified human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3, also known as ErbB3) as a key mediator in EC-induced growth in PDAC cells that have HER3 expression (HER3 +ve). We found that EC-secreted neuregulins activated the HER3-AKT signaling axis, and that depleting neuregulins from EC CM or blocking HER3 with an antibody, seribantumab, attenuated EC-induced proliferation in HER3 +ve PDAC cells, but not in cells without HER3 expression. Furthermore, we determined that EC CM increased PDAC xenograft growth in vivo, and that seribantumab blocked EC-induced growth in xenografts with HER3 expression. These findings elucidated a paracrine role of liver ECs in promoting PDAC cell growth, and identified the HER3-AKT axis as a key mediator in EC-induced functions in PDAC cells with HER3 expression.

Implications

over 70% mPDAC express HER3. This study suggests the potential of using HER3-targeted therapies for treating patients with HER3 +ve mPDAC.