bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Rate in Childhood and Adolescence and the Risk of Breast and Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Haraldsdottir Alfheidur , Steingrimsdottir Laufey , Maskarinec Gertraud , Adami Hans-Olov , Aspelund Thor , Valdimarsdottir Unnur A , Bjarnason Ragnar , Thorsdottir Inga , Halldorsson Thorhallur I , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Gudnason Vilmundur , Birgisdottir Bryndis E , Torfadottir Johanna E
Published: October 2021

Growth rate is regulated by hormonal pathways that might affect early cancer development. We explored the association between rate of growth in height from ages 8 to 13 years (childhood) and from age 13 to attainment of adult height (adolescence), as measured at study entry, and the risk of breast or prostate cancer. Participants were 2,037 Icelanders born during 1915–1935, who took part in the Reykjavik Study, established in 1967. Height measurements were obtained from school records and at study entry. We used multivariable Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals of breast and prostate cancer by rates of growth in tertiles. During a mean follow-up of 66 years (women) and 64 years (men), 117 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 118 men with prostate cancer (45 with advanced disease). Women in the highest growth-rate tertile in adolescence had a higher risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 4.3) compared with women in the lowest tertile. A suggestive inverse association was observed for highest adolescent growth rate in men and advanced prostate cancer: hazard ratio = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 1.0. Rapid growth, particularly in adolescence may affect cancer risk later in life.
PATO: Pangenome Analysis Toolkit
Authors: Fernández-de-Bobadilla Miguel D , Talavera-Rodríguez Alba , Chacón Lucía , Baquero Fernando , Coque Teresa M , Lanza Val F
Published: October 2021

Motivation

We present the Pangenome Analysis Toolkit (PATO) designed to simultaneously analyze thousands of genomes using a desktop computer. The tool performs common tasks of pangenome analysis such as core-genome definition and accessory genome properties and includes new features that help characterize population structure, annotate pathogenic features and create gene sharedness networks. PATO has been developed in R to integrate with the large set of tools available for genetic, phylogenetic and statistical analysis in this environment.

Results

PATO can perform the most demanding bioinformatic analyses in minutes with an accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art software but 20–30× times faster. PATO also integrates all the necessary functions for the complete analysis of the most common objectives in microbiology studies. Finally, PATO includes the necessary tools for visualizing the results and can be integrated with other analytical packages available in R.

Availabilityand implementation

The source code for PATO is freely available at https://github.com/irycisBioinfo/PATO under the GPLv3 license.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Planetary Biosecurity: Applying Invasion Science to Prevent Biological Contamination from Space Travel
Authors: Ricciardi Anthony , Cassey Phillip , Leuko Stefan , Woolnough Andrew P
Published: October 2021

As plans for space exploration and commercial use expand rapidly, biosecurity measures and risk assessments that inform them must adapt. Sophisticated protocols are required to prevent biological contamination of extraterrestrial environments from Earth and vice versa. Such protocols should be informed by research on biological invasions—human-assisted spread of organisms into novel environments—which has revealed, inter alia, that (1) invasion risk is driven by the timing and frequency of introduction events, whose control requires addressing the least secure human activities associated with organismal transport; (2) invasions and their impacts are difficult to predict, because these phenomena are governed by context dependencies involving traits of the organism and the receiving environment; and (3) early detection and rapid response are crucial for prevention but undermined by taxonomic methods that fail to recognize what is “alien” versus what is native. Collaboration among astrobiologists, invasion biologists, and policymakers could greatly enhance planetary biosecurity protocols.
EEG Frequency Tagging Reveals the Integration of Form and Motion Cues into the Perception of Group Movement
Authors: Cracco Emiel , Lee Haeeun , van Belle Goedele , Quenon Lisa , Haggard Patrick , Rossion Bruno , Orgs Guido
Published: October 2021

The human brain has dedicated mechanisms for processing other people’s movements. Previous research has revealed how these mechanisms contribute to perceiving the movements of individuals but has left open how we perceive groups of people moving together. Across three experiments, we test whether movement perception depends on the spatiotemporal relationships among the movements of multiple agents. In Experiment 1, we combine EEG frequency tagging with apparent human motion and show that posture and movement perception can be dissociated at harmonically related frequencies of stimulus presentation. We then show that movement but not posture processing is enhanced when observing multiple agents move in synchrony. Movement processing was strongest for fluently moving synchronous groups (Experiment 2) and was perturbed by inversion (Experiment 3). Our findings suggest that processing group movement relies on binding body postures into movements and individual movements into groups. Enhanced perceptual processing of movement synchrony may form the basis for higher order social phenomena such as group alignment and its social consequences.
Deep transfer learning for cerebral cortex using area-preserving geometry mapping
Authors: Gao Kai , Fan Zhipeng , Su Jianpo , Zeng Ling-Li , Shen Hui , Zhu Jubo , Hu Dewen
Published: October 2021

Limited sample size hinders the application of deep learning in brain image analysis, and transfer learning is a possible solution. However, most pretrained models are 2D based and cannot be applied directly to 3D brain images. In this study, we propose a novel framework to apply 2D pretrained models to 3D brain images by projecting surface-based cortical morphometry into planar images using computational geometry mapping. Firstly, 3D cortical meshes are reconstructed from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using FreeSurfer and projected into 2D planar meshes with topological preservation based on area-preserving geometry mapping. Then, 2D deep models pretrained on ImageNet are adopted and fine-tuned for cortical image classification on morphometric shape metrics. We apply the framework to sex classification on the Human Connectome Project dataset and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classification on the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange dataset. Moreover, a 2-stage transfer learning strategy is suggested to boost the ASD classification performance by using the sex classification as an intermediate task. Our framework brings significant improvement in sex classification and ASD classification with transfer learning. In summary, the proposed framework builds a bridge between 3D cortical data and 2D models, making 2D pretrained models available for brain image analysis in cognitive and psychiatric neuroscience.
Minimally Invasive Postmortem Intestinal Tissue Sampling in Malnourished and Acutely Ill Children Is Feasible and Informative
Authors: Feutz Erika , Voskuijl Wieger , Finch Peter J , Liu Ta-Chiang , Bandsma Robert H J , Tarr Phillip I , Moxon Christopher Alan , VanBuskirk Kelley , Lawrence Sarah , Umutesi Grace , Tickell Kirkby D , Berkley James A , Walson Judd L , Kamiza Steve , Denno Donna M
Published: October 2021

Background

Intestinal disorders such as environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and important contributors to childhood undernutrition and mortality. Autopsies are rarely performed in LMICs but minimally invasive tissue sampling is increasingly deployed as a more feasible and acceptable procedure, although protocols have been devoid of intestinal sampling to date. We sought to determine (1) the feasibility of postmortem intestinal sampling, (2) whether autolysis precludes enteric biopsies’ utility, and (3) histopathologic features among children who died during hospitalization with acute illness or undernutrition.

Methods

Transabdominal needle and endoscopic forceps upper and lower intestinal sampling were conducted among children aged 1 week to 59 months who died while hospitalized in Blantyre, Malawi. Autolysis ratings were determined for each hematoxylin and eosin slide, and upper and lower intestinal scoring systems were adapted to assess histopathologic features and their severity.

Results

Endoscopic and transabdominal sampling procedures were attempted in 28 and 14 cases, respectively, with >90% success obtaining targeted tissue. Varying degrees of autolysis were present in all samples and precluded histopathologic scoring of 6% of 122 biopsies. Greater autolysis in duodenal samples was seen with longer postmortem interval (Beta = 0.06, 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.11). Histopathologic features identified included duodenal Paneth and goblet cell depletion. Acute inflammation was absent but chronic inflammation was prevalent in both upper and lower enteric samples. Severe chronic rectal inflammation was identified in children as young as 5.5 weeks.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive postmortem intestinal sampling is feasible and identifies histopathology that can inform mortality contributors.
A Nonprofit Drug Development Model Is Part of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Solution
Authors: Piddock Laura J V , Paccaud Jean-Pierre , O’Brien Seamus , Childs Michelle , Malpani Rohit , Balasegaram Manica
Published: October 2021

Antibiotics underpin modern medicine and are critical for pandemic preparedness. Push funding has revitalized the preclinical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pipeline and government funding via CARB-X and BARDA, as well as private sector–led investment via the AMR Action Fund, will help several new antibiotics obtain regulatory approval. Nevertheless, revenues generated by new antibiotics are not considered sufficiently profitable by commercial developers to address unmet need. The question remains: Who could viably fund development and secure global equitable access for new antibiotics? Public health need should be the primary driver for antibiotic development. Improved prioritization and government oversight by funders who allocate public resources are a needed first step. In this framework, nonprofit research and development organizations, with support from public funders, and unconstrained by commercial profitability requirements are well positioned to work with public and private actors to viably provide new antibiotics to all in need.
Progressive Development of Cefiderocol Resistance in Escherichia coli During Therapy is Associated With an Increase in blaNDM-5 Copy Number and Gene Expression
Authors: Simner Patricia J , Mostafa Heba H , Bergman Yehudit , Ante Michael , Tekle Tsigereda , Adebayo Ayomikun , Beisken Stephan , Dzintars Kathryn , Tamma Pranita D
Published: October 2021

Background

As cefiderocol is increasingly being prescribed in clinical practice, it is critical that we understand key mechanisms contributing to acquired resistance to this agent.

Methods

We describe a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM)–5–producing Escherichia coli intra-abdominal infection in whom resistance to cefiderocol evolved approximately 2 weeks after the start of treatment. Through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), messenger RNA expression studies, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibition analysis, we investigated the role of increased NDM-5 production and genetic mutations contributing to the development of cefiderocol resistance, using 5 sequential clinical E. coli isolates obtained from the patient.

Results

In all 5 isolates, blaNDM-5 genes were identified. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for cefiderocol were 2, 4, and >32 μg/mL for isolates 1–2, 3, and 4–5, respectively. WGS showed that isolates 1–3 contained a single copy of the blaNDM-5 gene, whereas isolates 4 and 5 had 5 and 10 copies of the blaNDM-5 gene, respectively, on an IncFIA/FIB/IncFII plasmid. These findings were correlated with those of blaNDM-5 messenger RNA expression analysis, in which isolates 4 and 5 expressed blaNDM-5 1.7- and 2.8-fold, respectively, compared to, isolate 1. Synergy testing with the combination of ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam demonstrated expansion of the zone of inhibition between the disks for all isolates. The patient was successfully treated with this combination and remained infection free 1 year later.

Conclusions

The findings in our patient suggest that increased copy numbers of blaNDM genes through translocation events are used by Enterobacterales to evade cefiderocol-mediated cell death. The frequency of increased blaNDM-5 expression in contributing to cefiderocol resistance needs investigation.
Banking on the Confucian Clan: Why China Developed Financial Markets so Late
Authors: Chen Zhiwu , Ma Chicheng , Sinclair Andrew J
Published: October 2021

Over the past millennium, China has relied on the Confucian clan to achieve interpersonal cooperation, focusing on kinship and neglecting the development of impersonal institutions needed for external finance. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that the Confucian clan and financial markets are competing substitutes. Using the large cross-regional variation in the adoption of modern banks, we find that regions with historically stronger Confucian clans established significantly fewer modern banks in the four decades following the founding of China's first modern bank in 1897. Our evidence also shows that the clan continues to limit China's financial development today.
The impact of dissection membrane motility on mid-term aortic remodelling after thoracic endovascular repair
Authors: Lescan Mario , Mustafi Migdat , Wilhelm Viktoria , Keller Marius , Schlensak Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Magunia Harry
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess preoperative dissection flap motility and to evaluate its impact on the aortic remodelling and the development of distal stent-induced new entry after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR)/frozen elephant trunk (FET).

METHODS

Patients with primary or residual type B dissections were included in a retrospective study with transoesophageal echocardiography analysis of the preoperative dissection flap motility assessed by the true lumen (TL) strain. Three-dimensional computing tomography centreline reconstructions before TEVAR/FET and during the follow-up were conducted to measure aortic remodelling: false lumen thrombosis, TL expansion and aortic diameters at 10 and 20 cm downstream the left subclavian artery, at the coeliac trunk and in the infrarenal aorta. All continuous variables are reported as median with first and third quartiles.

RESULTS

Fifty-six consecutive patients were treated with TEVAR (n = 45) or FET (n = 11) in the acute (n = 16), subacute (n = 16) and chronic (n = 24) dissection phase. At a median follow-up of 6 (3–12) months, they showed a favourable TL expansion in the descending aorta, significantly higher in the acute [+9 mm (5–12); P < 0.001] and subacute groups [+5 mm (3–8); P = 0.039] than in the chronic group [+2 mm (0–5)]. The dissection flap motility parameter TL strain was superior in the acute (P = 0.006) and subacute (P = 0.035) groups in comparison to the chronic group. The motile flap [TL strain >22.5% (median)] was associated with a higher TL expansion rate in the thoracic aorta (P = 0.009) and a comparable distal stent-induced new entry incidence (overall: 16%) in comparison to the immobile flap (P = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

The intraoperative assessment and the inclusion of the dissection flap motility parameters in the decision-making during TEVAR/FET may refine the distal endograft sizing for an improved remodelling of the TL.
Exploring L2 teacher motivation to participate in a theatre festival
Authors: Bačová Daniela
Published: October 2021

Teacher motivation is a key component for increasing teachers’ commitment to their professionalism and the quality of their teaching. This paper provides insight into L2 teacher motivation in the context of their sustained engagement with a theatre festival for schools. Drawing on self-determination theory, it investigates how this extracurricular activity enables the teachers to fulfil their individual and professional needs. The findings from eight semi-structured interviews of Slovak ELT teachers suggest the festival offers them a space for satisfaction of their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the long term. The festival enables them to pursue their own intrinsic appreciation of arts and theatre that is then shared with their pupils. Teachers appreciate the co-creative process during the rehearsals, which enhances learners’ intrinsic and instrumental value of learning English. They believe the festival fosters their learners’ language development in a holistic way, enhancing their emotional and social skills.
How does social support shape the association between depressive symptoms and labour market participation: a four-way decomposition
Authors: Veldman Karin , Pingel Ronnie , Hallqvist Johan , G. Bean Christopher , Hammarström Anne
Published: October 2021

Background

Little is known about factors that may explain the association between depressive symptoms and poor labour market participation (LMP). The aim of this study is to examine the mediation and interaction effects of social support on the association between depressive symptoms and LMP.

Methods

Data were used from 985 participants (91% of the initial cohort) of the Northern Swedish Cohort, a longitudinal study of Swedish participants followed from adolescence throughout adulthood. Depressive symptoms were measured at age 16, social support at age 21 and LMP from age 30 to 43. Poor LMP was defined as being unemployed for a total of 6 months or more between the ages of 30 and 43. A four-way decomposition approach was applied to identify direct, mediation and interaction effects, together and separately.

Results

Both depressive symptoms during adolescence and social support at young adulthood were associated with poor LMP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–2.47 and OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.78-3.68 respectively]. The association between depressive symptoms and poor LMP was partially mediated by a lack of social support. No interaction effect of a lack of social support was found.

Conclusion

The results suggest that depressive symptoms influence not only later LMP but also the intermediary level of social support, and in turn influencing later LMP. Recommendations for public health are to detect and treat depressive symptoms at an early stage and to focus on the development of social skills, facilitating the increased availability of social support, thereby improving future LMP.
Long-term intrathecal administration of morphine vs. baclofen: Differences in CSF glycoconjugate profiles using multiglycomics
Authors: Moh Edward S X , Nishtala Krishnatej , Iqbal Sameera , Staikopoulos Vasiliki , Kapur Dilip , Hutchinson Mark R , Packer Nicolle H
Published: October 2021

Opioid use for treatment of persistent pain has increased dramatically over the past two decades, but it has not resulted in improved pain management outcomes. To understand the molecular mechanisms of opioids, molecular signatures that arise from opioid exposure are often sought after, using various analytical methods. In this study, we performed proteomics, and multiglycomics via sequential analysis of polysialic acids, glycosaminoglycans, N-glycans and O-glycans, using the same cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample from patients that had long-term (>2 years), intrathecal morphine or baclofen administered via an indwelling pump. Proteomics and N-glycomics signatures between the two treatment groups were highly conserved, while significant differences were observed in polysialic acid, heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan and O-glycan profiles between the two treatment groups. This represents the first study to investigate the potential relationships between diverse CSF conjugated glycans and long-term intrathecal drug exposure. The unique changes, observed by a sequential analytical workflow, reflect previously undescribed molecular effects of opioid administration and pain management.
Post-traumatic chest wall lipoma in a violinist: fact or fiction?
Authors: Erginöz Ergin , Çavuş Gökçe Hande , Çarkman Sinan
Published: October 2021

Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours that can occur anywhere on the body and are rarely encountered on the chest. The pathophysiology between soft tissue trauma and lipoma development is not fully understood, and various theories have been presented. We present the case of a violinist with a 40-year occupational history who presented with swelling of the left upper chest wall. The microscopic sample of the resected lipoma showed inflammatory cells with fat necrosis, which are features thought to be involved in the development of a lipoma following soft tissue trauma.
Diffusion of dermatological irritant in drying laundered cloth
Authors: Broadbridge P , Tilley B S
Published: October 2021

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), a commonly used laundry surfactant, has been known to cause some damage to epithelial cells in skin. Further, independent experiments have shown that a single laundry wash with rinsing leaves a residue of around 10% of the chemicals used in a wash cycle. A realistic nonlinear system of partial differential equations is developed for coupled water and solute transport through a drying porous medium when the solute has a mobile state (monomers) as well as an immobile state (micelles). An accurate finite difference scheme is developed and tested against known exact solutions of the nonlinear porous medium equation for transport of water and against known conservation laws. It shows that at the end of atmosphere-controlled stage 1 of drying when little water remains, the concentration of SDS near the drying surface, where it may contact skin, is commonly an order of magnitude higher than its initial value. The problem is exacerbated by successive regular wash cycles and by higher evaporation rates in electronic dryers. The numerical solutions show the partitioning between the two phases of SDS.
Toward a Communitarian Theory of Aesthetic Value
Authors: Riggle Nick
Published: October 2021

Our paradigms of aesthetic value condition the philosophical questions we pose and hope to answer about it. Theories of aesthetic value are typically individualistic, in the sense that the paradigms they are designed to capture, and the questions to which they are offered as answers, center the individual’s engagement with aesthetic value. Here I offer some considerations that suggest that such individualism is a mistake and sketch a communitarian way of posing and answering questions about the nature of aesthetic value.
Anticholinergic medication use in elderly people living with HIV and self-reported neurocognitive impairment: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jakeman Bernadette , Scherrer Alexandra , Battegay Manuel , Gunthard Huldrych F. , Hachfeld Anna , Calmy Alexandra , Schmid Patrick , Bernasconi Enos , Cavassini Matthias , Marzolini Catia
Published: October 2021

Background

Anticholinergic (ACH) medications have been associated with neurocognitive impairment, particularly in the elderly. This study determined prospectively the prevalence of prescribed ACH medications and their association with self-reported neurocognitive impairment (SRNI) in elderly people living with HIV (PLWH) of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify ACH medications, which were scored 0 to 3 (higher score indicating more ACH burden). Prescriptions were reviewed in July 2019 for all SHCS participants ≥65 years old to assess the prevalence of ACH medications. Association between ACH burden and neurocognitive impairment was evaluated using the SHCS SRNI questions addressing memory loss, attention difficulties and slowing in reasoning.

Results

One thousand and nineteen PLWH (82% male) with a median age of 70 (IQR = 67–74) years were included. Most participants were on ART (99%). The average number of non-HIV drugs was 5.1 ± 3.6, representing a polypharmacy prevalence of 50%. Two hundred participants (20%) were on ≥1 ACH medication, with an average ACH score of 1.7 ± 1.3. SRNI, adjusted for age, sex, CD4, nadir CD4, viral load, efavirenz use and polypharmacy, was associated with depression (OR = 4.60; 95% CI = 2.62–8.09) and a trend was observed with being on ≥1 ACH medication (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 0.97–2.95). In a subgroup analysis of participants without depression (n = 911), SRNI was associated with the use of ≥1 ACH medication (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.31–4.80).

Conclusions

ACH medication use is common in elderly PLWH and contributes to SRNI. The effect of ACH medications on neurocognitive impairment warrants further evaluation using neurocognitive tests.
Characterization of substituted piperazines able to reverse MDR inEscherichia colistrains overexpressing resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps
Authors: Casalone Enrico , Vignolini Tiziano , Braconi Laura , Gardini Lucia , Capitanio Marco , Pavone Francesco S. , Giovannelli Lisa , Dei Silvia , Teodori Elisabetta
Published: October 2021

Background

MDR in bacteria is threatening to public health. Overexpression of efflux pumps is an important cause of MDR. The co-administration of antimicrobial drugs and efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) is a promising approach to address the problem of MDR.

Objectives

To identify new putative EPIs and to characterize their mechanisms of action.

Methods

The effects of four selected piperazine derivatives on resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) pumps was evaluated in Escherichia coli strains overexpressing or not expressing RND pumps by assays aimed at evaluating antibiotic potentiation, membrane functionality, ethidium bromide accumulation and AcrB expression. The cytotoxicity of selected piperazines towards primary cultures of human dermal fibroblasts was also investigated.

Results

Four molecules enhanced levofloxacin activity against strains overexpressing RND efflux pumps (AcrAB-TolC and AcrEF-TolC), but not against RND pump-deficient strains. They had little effects on membrane potential. Molecule 4 decreased, whereas the other three increased, membrane permeability compared with untreated control cells. The four molecules showed differences in the specificity of interaction with RND efflux pumps, by inactivating the transport of one or more antibiotics, and in the levels of ethidium bromide accumulation and of acrB expression inhibition.

Conclusions

Piperazine derivatives are good candidates as inhibitors of RND efflux pumps. They decreased the activity of RND pumps by mixed mechanisms of action. Small structural differences among the molecules can be critical in defining their behaviour.
Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Netting Affects Reproductive Output and Mating Behavior in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Trogoderma variabile (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: Gerken Alison R , Campbell James F , Abts Shelby R , Arthur Frank , Morrison William R , Scheff Deanna S
Published: October 2021

Preventing insect infestations is a critical component for establishing a pest management plan for stored-product insects. Long-lasting insecticide-treated netting (LLIN) is a potential tool to reduce insect movement by providing a chemical barrier, where insects may be able to physically pass through but ultimately die after exposure to the netting. Sublethal effects, such as reduced movement immediately after exposure and reduced ability to colonize, have been reported. Here we examine the sublethal effects of exposure to LLIN on two beetle species, Trogoderma variabile Ballion, warehouse beetle, and Tribolium castaneum Herbst, red flour beetle. We found that both female and male T. castaneum exposed to LLIN produced significantly less adult progeny than those exposed to untreated netting. Adult progeny output did not differ for T. variabile, but survivorship increased in T. variabile females exposed to LLIN. Importantly, the overall net reproductive rate was significantly decreased for both T. variabile and T. castaneum. The number of copulation attempts did not differ between males or females exposed to LLIN compared to untreated netting, but males exposed to LLIN showed increased durations of attempted and successful copulation events. This research demonstrates that the implications of LLIN exposure extend past direct mortality, with sublethal effects on reproductive output potentially increasing the effectiveness of this tool for preventing insect infestations.
In vivo dosimetry for testicular and scalp shielding in total skin electron therapy using a radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter
Authors: Okamoto Hiroyuki , Okuma Kae , Nakayama Hiroki , Nakamura Satoshi , Iijima Kotaro , Chiba Takahito , Takemori Mihiro , Fujii Kyohei , Mikasa Shohei , Nakaichi Tetsu , Aikawa Ako , Katsuta Shouichi , Igaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a common, low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of skin-homing T lymphocytes that can be treated via skin-directed radiotherapy. Our institution has implemented total skin electron therapy (TSET) with a 4.3 m source-to-surface distance (SSD) and 6 MeV electron beams with a beam spoiler. A 35-year-old male undergoing TSET desired to avoid radiotherapy-induced hair loss and temporary infertility; therefore, leakage dose to scalp and testicles was reduced with a special radiation shield composed of stacked lead sheets. The shields for the scalp and scrotal were of 3 mm and 6 mm, respectively. To assess leakage doses, a radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter (RPLD) was placed at every fraction. The difference dose between the measured and prescribed dose at the calibration point was 2%. The top of the head and scrotal surface exhibited 18 cGy and 10 cGy, respectively. Thus, the dose to the scrotal surface was not beyond the testicular tolerance dose of 20 cGy. Results of semen analysis two months postradiotherapy were normal. There was no hair loss during or after radiation therapy. Therefore, the RPLD is a useful in vivo dosimeter that provides technical information on radiation shielding to allow for completion of TSET without hair loss or temporary infertility.
Non-circular flows in HIghMass galaxies in a test of the late accretion hypothesis
Authors: Bisaria Dhruv , Spekkens Kristine , Huang Shan , Hallenbeck Gregory , Haynes Martha P
Published: October 2021

We present H α velocity maps for the HIghMass galaxies UGC 7899, UGC 8475, UGC 9037, and UGC 9334, obtained with the SITELLE Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, to search for kinematic signatures of late gas accretion to explain their large atomic gas reservoirs. The maps for UGC 7899, UGC 9037, and UGC 9334 are amenable to disc-wide radial flow searches with the DiskFit algorithm, and those for UGC 7899 and UGC 9037 are also amenable to inner-disc kinematic analyses. We find no evidence for outer disc radial flows down to $\bar{V}_{\mathrm r} \sim 20 \ \mathrm{km\, s}^{-1}$ in UGC 9037 and UGC 9334, but hints of such flows in UGC 7899. Conversely, we find clear signatures of inner (r ≲ 5 kpc) non-circularities in UGC 7899 and UGC 9037 that can be modelled as either bisymmetric (which could be produced by a bar) or radial flows. Comparing these models to the structure implied by photometric disc–bulge–bar decompositions, we favour inner radial flows in UGC 7899 and an inner bar in UGC 9037. With hints of outer disc radial flows and an outer disc warp, UGC 7899 is the best candidate for late accretion among the galaxies examined, but additional modelling is required to disentangle potential degeneracies between these signatures in H i and H α velocity maps. Our search provides only weak constraints on hot-mode accretion models that could explain the unusually high H i content of HIghMass galaxies.
Understanding the X-ray spectral curvature of Mkn 421 using broad-band AstroSat observations
Authors: Hota Jyotishree , Shah Zahir , Khatoon Rukaiya , Misra Ranjeev , Pradhan Ananta C , Gogoi Rupjyoti
Published: October 2021

We present a time-resolved X-ray spectral study of the high energy peaked blazar Mkn 421 using simultaneous broad-band observations from the LAXPC and SXT instruments on-board AstroSat. The ∼400 ksec long observation taken during 2017 January 3–8 was divided into segments of 10 ksecs. Each segment was fitted using synchrotron emission from particles whose energy distribution was represented by a log-parabola model. We also considered particle energy distribution models where (i) the radiative cooling leads to a maximum energy (ξmax model), (ii) the system has energy-dependent diffusion (EDD) and (iii) has energy-dependent acceleration (EDA). We found that all these models describe the spectra, although the EDD and EDA models were marginally better. Time-resolved spectral analysis allowed for studying the correlation between the spectral parameters for different models. In the simplest and direct approach, the observed correlations are not compatible with the predictions of the ξmax model. While the EDD and EDA models do predict the correlations, the values of the inferred physical parameters are not compatible with the model assumptions. Thus, we show that spectrally degenerate models, can be distinguished based on spectral parameter correlations (especially those between the model normalization and spectral shape ones) making time-resolved spectroscopy a powerful tool to probe the nature of these systems.
Rapid Gene Evolution in an Ancient Post-transcriptional and Translational Regulatory System Compensates for Meiotic X Chromosomal Inactivation
Authors: Xia Shengqian , Ventura Iuri M , Blaha Andreas , Sgromo Annamaria , Han Shuaibo , Izaurralde Elisa , Long Manyuan
Published: October 2021

It is conventionally assumed that conserved pathways evolve slowly with little participation of gene evolution. Nevertheless, it has been recently observed that young genes can take over fundamental functions in essential biological processes, for example, development and reproduction. It is unclear how newly duplicated genes are integrated into ancestral networks and reshape the conserved pathways of important functions. Here, we investigated origination and function of two autosomal genes that evolved recently in Drosophila: Poseidon and Zeus, which were created by RNA-based duplications from the X-linked CAF40, a subunit of the conserved CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex involved in posttranscriptional and translational regulation. Knockdown and knockout assays show that the two genes quickly evolved critically important functions in viability and male fertility. Moreover, our transcriptome analysis demonstrates that the three genes have a broad and distinct effect in the expression of hundreds of genes, with almost half of the differentially expressed genes being perturbed exclusively by one paralog, but not the others. Co-immunoprecipitation and tethering assays show that the CAF40 paralog Poseidon maintains the ability to interact with the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex and might act in posttranscriptional mRNA regulation. The rapid gene evolution in the ancient posttranscriptional and translational regulatory system may be driven by evolution of sex chromosomes to compensate for the meiotic X chromosomal inactivation (MXCI) in Drosophila.
Multifaceted impact of a nucleoside monophosphate kinase on 5′-end-dependent mRNA degradation in bacteria
Authors: Hui Monica P , Belasco Joel G
Published: October 2021

A key pathway for mRNA degradation in bacterial cells begins with conversion of the initial 5′-terminal triphosphate to a monophosphate, a modification that renders transcripts more vulnerable to attack by ribonucleases whose affinity for monophosphorylated 5′ ends potentiates their catalytic efficacy. In Escherichia coli, the only proteins known to be important for controlling degradation via this pathway are the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH, its heteromeric partner DapF, and the 5′-monophosphate-assisted endonucleases RNase E and RNase G. We have now identified the metabolic enzyme cytidylate kinase as another protein that affects rates of 5′-end-dependent mRNA degradation in E. coli. It does so by utilizing two distinct mechanisms to influence the 5′-terminal phosphorylation state of RNA, each dependent on the catalytic activity of cytidylate kinase and not its mere presence in cells. First, this enzyme acts in conjunction with DapF to stimulate the conversion of 5′ triphosphates to monophosphates by RppH. In addition, it suppresses the direct synthesis of monophosphorylated transcripts that begin with cytidine by reducing the cellular concentration of cytidine monophosphate, thereby disfavoring the 5′-terminal incorporation of this nucleotide by RNA polymerase during transcription initiation. Together, these findings suggest dual signaling pathways by which nucleotide metabolism can impact mRNA degradation in bacteria.
Tattoo artists and dental workers have similar musculoskeletal pain patterns
Authors: Weisman A , Yona T , Gottlieb U , Ingel R , Masharawi Y
Published: October 2021

Background

Tattoo artists are an understudied population with regards to musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Aims

To explore the characteristics of MSK pain among Israeli tattoo artists and determine whether they are similar to those of dental workers.

Methods

An online survey including demographics and the Hebrew version of the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was disseminated via Israeli social media groups. We directly compared tattoo artists, dental workers and office workers as a reference group.

Results

Altogether, 114 tattoo artists, 161 dental workers and 296 office workers responded. The most prevalent pain sites were lower back (56%), neck (47%) and hand (36%) among office workers; neck (67%), lower back (62%) and upper back (42%) among the dental workers; and lower back (72%), neck (66%) and hand (55%) among tattoo artists. Contrast analysis suggested office workers were less likely to report pain in the previous 12 months compared with dental workers and tattoo artists (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: ORs [95% CIs] for upper limb pain: 1.13 [1.01–1.28], neck pain: 1.3 [1.15–1.47], upper back pain: 1.27 [1.12–1.43] and low back pain: 1.15 [1.02–1.3]). No significant differences were observed between dental workers and tattoo artists (upper limb pain: 1.18 [0.9–1.54], neck pain: 1.06 [0.81–1.4], upper back pain: 1.22 [0.94–1.58] and low back pain: 1.24 [0.95–1.64]).

Conclusions

Tattoo artists and dental workers have similar MSK pain characteristics and are different from those of office workers. These characteristics are seemingly a direct result of the physical demands associated with their line of work.
The External Oblique Intercostal Block: Anatomic Evaluation and Case Series
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Kolli Sree , Soliman Loran Mounir , Seif John , Drake Richard L , Mariano Edward R , El-Boghdadly Kariem
Published: October 2021

Study Objective

We report a modified block technique aimed at obtaining upper midline and lateral abdominal wall analgesia: the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block.

Design

A cadaveric study and retrospective cohort study assessing the potential analgesic effect of the EOI block.

Setting

Cadaver lab and operating room.

Patients

Two unembalmed cadavers and 22 patients.

Interventions

Bilateral ultrasound-guided EOI blocks on cadavers with 29 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% with 1 mL of India ink; single-injection or continuous EOI blocks in patients.

Measurements

Dye spread in cadavers and loss of cutaneous sensation in patients.

Main Results

In the cadaveric specimens, we identified consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves from T7 to T10. We also found consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline in patients receiving the EOI block.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the potential mechanism of this technique with a cadaveric study that shows consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves T7–T10. Patients who received this block exhibited consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline. This block can be used in multiple clinical settings for upper abdominal wall analgesia.
When Governance Theory Meets Democratic Theory: The Potential Contribution of Cocreation to Democratic Governance
Authors: Ansell Christopher , Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: October 2021

Building on recent public administration research on service coproduction and cocreation, this article draws out the democratic potential of new forms of collaborative governance between the democratic state and civil society. Within democratic theory, cocreation has many similarities with the concept of deliberative mini-publics, but it goes beyond a “talk-centric” view to emphasize the active role of civil society in creative problem-solving and public innovation. The article argues that combining insights and perspectives from both democratic theory and governance theory can provide stronger foundations for a participatory democracy that complements rather than replaces representative democracy. The article concludes with an exploration of some of the legitimation challenges that democratic cocreation might face in practice.
A public health approach to estimating the need for long COVID services
Authors: Pye Alison , Roberts Susan R , Blennerhassett Anna , Iqbal Hasan , Beenstock Jane , Iqbal Zafar
Published: October 2021

Background

The term ‘long COVID’ describes ongoing symptoms and conditions experienced by people infected with SARS-CoV-2. This paper illustrates how a public health approach was used to influence and inform the development of post-COVID services across two Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

Methods

A literature review was conducted between October and December 2020 to identify prevalence estimates for long COVID. The prevalence estimates were applied to locally available data on the susceptible population to estimate the number of people with long COVID. They were also used to develop a dashboard to predict fluctuations in the number of people experiencing persistent symptoms over time.

Results

A substantial number of people in each ICS may have experienced persistent symptoms or complications as a result of COVID-19. In Lancashire and South Cumbria, it is estimated that 33 000 people may have experienced post-COVID-19 syndrome since the beginning of the pandemic, which will include respiratory or cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions

The findings have been valuable in informing early service developments, engaging with managers and clinicians, and supporting applications for funding at a local level. Continued attention to emergent evidence on this topic will be vital in refining estimates and supporting service planning in the longer term.
O038 Lower mean oxygen saturation in sleep is associated with worse cognitive performance in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Atkins L , Zahnleiter A , Georgeson T , Szollosi I , Coulson E
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and has been associated with deficits in executive function, attention, and memory. Potential mechanisms of harm include sleep disruption and intermittent hypoxaemia. Our aim was to investigate whether the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), arousal index (AI) and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation in sleep (mean SpO2) - conventional polysomnography (PSG) measures of respiratory disturbance, sleep fragmentation and nocturnal hypoxaemia respectively - were associated with worse cognitive performance in OSA subjects.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis, 75 subjects with PSG-confirmed OSA (age: 66.1yrs ± 7.1yrs, male: 51%) were recruited from a hospital sleep clinic and had their cognitive profile screened via the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – Revised (ACE-R). Linear regression was used to determine whether AHI, AI and mean SpO2 were associated with total ACE-R scores. Binary logistic regressions were then performed to determine whether increased severity of OSA (AHI ≥ 30 events/hour), sleep fragmentation (AI ≥ 30 events/hour), and hypoxaemia (mean SpO2 ≤ 92%) increased the likelihood that participants would have worse cognition (ACE-R score ≤ 88).

Results

There was a modest positive association with mean SpO2 and ACE-R score (r² = 10.4%, p < 0.01). Similarly, logistic regression found only increased hypoxaemia (mean SpO2 ≤ 92%) to be associated with increased odds of worsened cognition (OR 3.00, 95% CI (1.090–8.254), p < 0.05).

Discussion

OSA-induced hypoxaemia, and not sleep fragmentation or respiratory disturbance, was found to be most strongly associated with deficits in cognitive performance.
P007 Eating in alignment with the circadian clock: A strategy to reduce the metabolic impact of nightwork
Authors: Centofanti S , Heilbronn L , Wittert G , Coates A , Dorrian J , Kennaway D , Gupta C , Stepien J , Catcheside P , Noakes M , Yates C , Matthews R , Banks S
Published: October 2021

Nightwork disrupts circadian rhythms and impairs glucose metabolism, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes. We investigated eliminating or reducing the amount of food consumed during simulated nightwork as a countermeasure to reduce the impact of circadian disruption on glucose metabolism. N=52 healthy, non-shiftworking participants (24.4±4.9 years; 26 Females; BMI 23.8±2.5kg/m2) underwent a 7-day laboratory protocol with an 8h TIB baseline sleep, followed by 4 simulated nightshifts with 7h TIB daytime sleep and an 8h TIB recovery sleep in groups of 4 participants. Each group was randomly assigned to a meal-at-midnight (n=17, 30% energy requirements), snack-at-midnight (n=16, 10% energy requirements) or no-eating-at-midnight (n=19) condition. Total 24h energy and macronutrient intake were constant across conditions. Standard oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted on day2 (baseline), and day7 (recovery). Plasma was sampled at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 mins, assayed for glucose and insulin. Area under the curve (AUC) was the calculated. Mixed model analyses of glucose AUC found a condition-by-day interaction (p<0.001). Glucose responses to OGTT did not change with nightwork in the no-eating-at-midnight condition (p=0.219) but worsened in the meal-at-midnight (p<0.001) and snack-at-midnight (p=0.022) conditions. Insulin AUC was different by condition (p=0.047). Insulin was highest after nightwork in the no-eating-at-midnight compared to meal-at-midnight (p=0.014) but not snack-at-midnight (p=0.345). Glucose tolerance was impaired by eating-at-midnight, associated with a lower than expected insulin response. Further work is required to determine the effect of meal or snack composition as a strategy to mitigate adverse metabolic effects of nightwork.