bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-125a-5p attenuates macrophage-mediated vascular dysfunction by targeting Ninjurin1
Authors: Hwang Su Jung , Ahn Bum Ju , Shin Min-Wook , Song Ye-Seul , Choi Youngbin , Oh Goo Taeg , Kim Kyu-Won , Lee Hyo-Jong
Published: January 2022

Ninjurin1 (Ninj1), an adhesion molecule, regulates macrophage function in hyaloid regression, multiple sclerosis, and atherosclerosis. However, its biological relevance and the mechanism underlying its function in vascular network integrity have not been studied. In this study, we investigated the role of Ninj1 in physiological (postnatal vessel formation) and pathological (endotoxin-mediated inflammation and diabetes) conditions and developed a strategy to regulate Ninj1 using specific micro (mi)RNAs under pathological conditions. Ninj1-deficient mice exhibited decreased hyaloid regression, tip cell formation, retinal vascularized area, recruitment of macrophages, and endothelial apoptosis during postnatal development, resulting in delayed formation of the vascular network. Five putative miRNAs targeting Ninj1 were selected using the miRanda algorithm and comparison of expression patterns. Among them, miR-125a-5p showed a profound inhibitory effect on Ninj1 expression, and miR-125a-5p mimic suppressed the cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion of macrophages and expression of pro-inflammatory factors mediated by Ninj1. Furthermore, miR-125a-5p mimic inhibited the recruitment of macrophages into inflamed retinas in endotoxin-induced inflammation and streptozotocin-induced diabetes in vivo. In particular, miR-125a-5p mimic significantly attenuated vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy. Taken together, these findings suggest that Ninj1 plays a pivotal role in macrophage-mediated vascular integrity and that miR-125a-5p acts as a novel regulator of Ninj1 in the management of inflammatory diseases and diabetic retinopathy.
The evolutionary history of the polyQ tract in huntingtin sheds light on its functional pro-neural activities
Authors: Iennaco Raffaele , Formenti Giulio , Trovesi Camilla , Rossi Riccardo Lorenzo , Zuccato Chiara , Lischetti Tiziana , Bocchi Vittoria Dickinson , Scolz Andrea , Martínez-Labarga Cristina , Rickards Olga , Pacifico Michela , Crottini Angelica , Møller Anders Pape , Chen Richard Zhenghuan , Vogt Thomas Francis , Pavesi Giulio , Horner David Stephen , Saino Nicola , Cattaneo Elena
Published: January 2022

Huntington’s disease is caused by a pathologically long (>35) CAG repeat located in the first exon of the Huntingtin gene (HTT). While pathologically expanded CAG repeats are the focus of extensive investigations, non-pathogenic CAG tracts in protein-coding genes are less well characterized. Here, we investigated the function and evolution of the physiological CAG tract in theHTTgene. We show that the poly-glutamine (polyQ) tract encoded by CAGs in the huntingtin protein (HTT) is under purifying selection and subjected to stronger selective pressures than CAG-encoded polyQ tracts in other proteins. For natural selection to operate, the polyQ must perform a function. By combining genome-edited mouse embryonic stem cells and cell assays, we show that small variations in HTT polyQ lengths significantly correlate with cells’ neurogenic potential and with changes in the gene transcription network governing neuronal function. We conclude that during evolution natural selection promotes the conservation and purity of the CAG-encoded polyQ tract and that small increases in its physiological length influence neural functions of HTT. We propose that these changes in HTT polyQ length contribute to evolutionary fitness including potentially to the development of a more complex nervous system.
Ddx20, an Olig2 binding factor, governs the survival of neural and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells via proper Mdm2 splicing and p53 suppression
Authors: Bizen Norihisa , Bepari Asim K. , Zhou Li , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Ono Katsuhiko , Takebayashi Hirohide
Published: January 2022

Olig2 is indispensable for motoneuron and oligodendrocyte fate-specification in the pMN domain of embryonic spinal cords, and also involved in the proliferation and differentiation of several cell types in the nervous system, including neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and oligodendrocytes. However, how Olig2 controls these diverse biological processes remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that a novel Olig2-binding protein, DEAD-box helicase 20 (Ddx20), is indispensable for the survival of NPCs and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). A central nervous system (CNS)-specific Ddx20 conditional knockout (cKO) demonstrated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NPCs and OPCs, through the potentiation of the p53 pathway in DNA damage-dependent and independent manners, including SMN complex disruption and the abnormal splicing of Mdm2 mRNA. Analyzes of Olig2 null NPCs showed that Olig2 contributed to NPC proliferation through Ddx20 protein stabilization. Our findings provide novel mechanisms underlying the Olig2-mediated proliferation of NPCs, via the Ddx20-p53 axis, in the embryonic CNS.
Renormalization of metabolic coupling treats age-related degenerative disorders: an oxidative RPE niche fuels the more glycolytic photoreceptors
Authors: Nolan Nicholas D. , Caruso Salvatore Marco , Cui Xuan , Tsang Stephen H.
Published: January 2022

Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by a dysregulation within the metabolic coupling of the retina, particularly between the glycolytic photoreceptors and the oxidative retina pigment epithelium. This phenomenon of metabolic uncoupling is seen in both aging and retinal degenerative diseases, as well as across a variety of cell types in human biology. Given its crucial role in the health and maintenance of these cell types, the metabolic pathways involved present a suitable area for therapeutic intervention. Herein, this review covers the scope of this delicate metabolic interplay, its dysregulation, how it relates to the retina as well other cell types, and finally concludes with a summary of various strategies aimed at reinstating normal metabolic coupling within the retina, and future directions within the field.
Use of ellipsoid zone width for predicting visual prognosis after cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Sakai Daiki , Takagi Seiji , Hirami Yasuhiko , Nakamura Makoto , Kurimoto Yasuo
Published: January 2022

Objective

To predict the visual prognosis of cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa by measuring ellipsoid zone (EZ) width using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with retinitis pigmentosa who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery between December 2017 and June 2020. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the best postoperative BCVA during follow-up were collected. EZ width was measured on preoperative cross-sectional optical coherence tomography images along the horizontal/vertical meridian through the fovea.

Results

Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients (22 female; mean [±standard deviation] age, 62.1 ± 11.8 years) were included. The median preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA of 0.52 (range, 0.00–3.00) significantly improved to 0.07 (range, −0.18–3.00) after surgery (P < 0.001). On preoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images, the median horizontal, vertical, and average EZ widths were 783 (range, 0–9837), 761 (range, 0–10 250), and 769 (range, 0–10 043) μm, respectively. Postoperative BCVA significantly correlated with the horizontal (r = −0.784, P < 0.001), vertical (r = −0.777, P < 0.001), and average EZ widths (r = −0.777, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ability of the horizontal, vertical, and average EZ widths to discriminate eyes with and without postoperative BCVA ≤ 0.3 was 0.971, 0.960, and 0.963, respectively, with best cut-off values of 513, 608, and 515 μm, respectively.

Conclusions

EZ width measurement can help predict the visual prognosis of cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. A preferable visual acuity prognosis can be expected in patients with an EZ width of approximately 600 μm.
Host–guest stoichiometry affects the physicochemical properties of beta-cyclodextrin/ferulic acid inclusion complexes and films
Authors: Li Yuan , Huang Jiayin , Hu Zhiheng , Zeng Mingyong , Liu Zunying , Hu Yaqin
Published: January 2022

An inclusion system of embedding ferulic acid into β-cyclodextrin (FACD) with different host–guest stoichiometries was prepared by a co-precipitation method.
Macroscopic current generated by local division and apoptosis in a minimal model of tissue dynamics
Authors: Mitchell Emma , Tjhung Elsen
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we show that division and apoptosis process in living tissues (or bacterial colonies), without any self-propulsion, are sufficient to give rise to a macroscopic and unidirectional current inside an asymmetric channel.
IrO2/LiLa2IrO6 as a robust electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media
Authors: Liu HuiHui , Jang Haeseong , Wang Yu , Kim Min Gyu , Li Haisen , Qin Qing , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: January 2022

The IrO2/LiLa2IrO6 electrocatalyst achieves a win–win situation for both activity and stability towards the OER in acidic media, attributed to the in situ formed IrOx and strong interaction between IrOx and bulk LiLa2IrO6.
Dissection of the Left Coronary Artery after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Sadraddin Haval , Krüger Ulrich , Börgermann Jochen , Gerçek Mustafa
Published: January 2022

Our report presents a 73-year-old female patient with severe aortic stenosis who was admitted to our department for a surgical aortic valve replacement. After an uneventful surgery, a worsening low cardiac output syndrome with signs of myocardial ischemia occurred. Immediate angiography revealed a diffuse left coronary dissection starting from the ostium extending to the periphery of the left coronary system. The diffuse nature of the dissection ruled interventional management out and thus has been treated with urgent coronary bypass surgery. However, after an antecedent favorable course, the patient died 2 months later due to pneumonia resulting in septic shock.
Phlyctenular Conjunctivitis Treated with Homoeopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Sathye Sandeep Sudhakar
Published: January 2022

Phlyctenular conjunctivitis (PC) is characterised by formation of a whitish nodule on bulbar conjunctiva near or at the limbus with a localised conjunctival congestion. It is considered as an allergic reaction to endogenous bacterial protein. Conventional treatment includes use of topical steroids in simple PC, but if there is some degree of secondary infection or corneal involvement then combined steroid-antibiotics are used though there are high chances of recurrence. Homoeopathic literature has medicines listed for PC. The case reported was a female aged 60 years suffering from PC in right eye since 5 days and had no relief from local conventional treatment. She had complaints of redness, foreign body sensation and whitish discharge from the eye. Phlycten was at 6 o'clock position below the limbus with much conjunctival congestion around it and in the lower fornix. Homoeopathic Hepar sulphuris 30C resolved nodule within a week but the patient had itching of eye at the inner canthus, especially in the morning. Homoeopathic Natrum muriaticum 30C helped to resolve conjunctival congestion in the fornix and itching of eye within a week. Both medicines were prescribed on the basis of local signs and symptoms. There was no recurrence in the last 5 months. This case report with ocular photographs during follow-up provides documentary evidence about effectiveness of homoeopathy in PC.
Correlation between Noncompliance Behavior and Biochemical Parameters of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Fernandes Sarita Telma , Dsouza Sushma Marita
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives Compliance with dietary, fluid, and medication instructions is a critically significant factor for the health and well-being of patients undergoing hemodialysis for an extended period. The current study assessed the correlation between noncompliance behavior and biochemical parameters of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study's objectives were 1) to assess patients' noncompliance behavior using a questionnaire, 2) to determine the biochemical parameters of CKD patients having noncompliance behavior, and 3) to find the correlation between biological parameters and noncompliance behavior.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 12, 2018, to February 10, 2019. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants, and 100 participants were included in the study. The End-Stage Renal Disease–Adherence Questionnaire was used to assess the non-compliance behavior.

Results Most dialysis patients (70%) were compliant with the therapeutic regime, while 30% failed to comply. The study revealed a significant positive correlation between noncompliance behavior and biochemical parameters of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (r = 0.578, p < 0.05).

Conclusion Noncompliance behavior is significantly correlated with the biochemical parameters among patients with CKD on dialysis. Optimal health is possible through fluid and dietary compliance in these patients. Hence, adherence behavior plays a significant role in the health and recovery of dialysis patients with CKD.
Resident Skills Assessment in Corneal Suturing: A Comprehensive Review of Currently Proposed Educational Programs and Evaluation Tools
Authors: Dormegny Lea , Neumann Nicole , Lejay Anne , Sauer Arnaud , Gaucher David , Chakfe Nabil , Bourcier Tristan
Published: January 2022

Purpose This study aimed to perform a comprehensive review of publications proposing educational programs for resident skills assessment in corneal suturing.

Methods An extensive online article search in PubMed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PISMA) reporting guidelines was performed to identify prospective comparative studies or prospective before/after studies published up to March 2021 and reporting the assessment of ophthalmology residents' skills in corneal suturing during dedicated training sessions.

Results Three studies were identified for review. The first reported the efficiency of an electromagnetic tracking system placed on the surgeon's fingers coupled with a computer analysis of movements and time to identify surgeons with different backgrounds in corneal suturing. The second reported the efficiency of the reference system in assessing the improvement of corneal suturing conducted by residents after a training session, with video-based assessment for economy and confidence of movement, limiting tissue damage and precision of operative technique, reviewed by blind assessors. The third proposed an innovative remote corneal suturing training method using Zoom for direct feedback to the residents. The stitch quality was assessed for length, depth, radiality, and tension. The results were similar when compared with a group of residents without feedback.

Conclusion This review underlines the rarity and disparity of available tools for corneal suturing assessment, justifying the need for more complete models to be designed. These should consider body ergonomics and stitch quality and time. Comparative studies involving novices and attendings may provide reliable evaluation of existing gaps and specific metrics to target, helping residents to approach their superiors' experience.
Recurrence of Scaphoid Stress Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Johnson Nick A. , Kurien Tom , Horton Tracy C.
Published: January 2022

Background Scaphoid stress fractures are rare and typically present in young, elite male athletes. Due to the infrequency in which these injuries are encountered, the optimum management is not established.

Case Description We present the case of a 20-year-old male gymnast with bilateral stress fractures of the scaphoid waist. Following conservative treatment, clinical and radiological signs of union were seen bilaterally. Eight months after return to normal activities, a unilateral recurrence of the stress fracture occurred. This was successfully treated with internal fixation and bone grafting.

Literature Review Scaphoid stress fractures are most frequently seen in gymnasts but also occur in participants of other sports involving repetitive loading of an extended wrist. This action conveys force predominantly through the waist of the scaphoid. Most case studies have reported high union rates, whether treated operatively or conservatively, and the patients returned to high-level sport with no further problems. Stress fracture recurrence has been reported in other bones such as the metatarsal and tibia but never before in the scaphoid. Our case is unusual in that the patient suffered ongoing problems due to a recurrence of the scaphoid stress fracture after returning to normal activities.

Clinical Relevance Clinicians should be aware that scaphoid stress fracture recurrence can occur, counsel patients accordingly, and remain vigilant after apparent union. We would recommend early fixation to allow a quicker return to function and prevention of recurrence.
Real-World Experience of Treating Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Retrospective Study from a Cancer Center in Southern India
Authors: Kesana Sivasree , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Kalaiyarasi Jayachandran Perumal , Mehra Nikita , Selvarajan Gangothri , Karunakaran Parathan , Kannan Krishnarathinam , Dhanushkodi Manikandan , Sundersingh Shirley , Mani Samson , Ganesan Trivadi S. , Sagar Tenali Gnana
Published: January 2022

Introduction Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rare in children and constitutes 2% of all leukemia. We present our institute experience in treating pediatric CML for 20 years.

Objectives There is a paucity of data on pediatric CML from India, hence we would like to present treatment responses and survival rates in our pediatric population treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors at our center.

Materials and Methods Patients aged less than 18 years, diagnosed with CML from 2000 to 2019, and treated with imatinib were analyzed retrospectively considering demographic features, treatment characteristics, and survival outcomes. Descriptive analysis was done for the baseline characteristics. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the factors were compared using the log-rank test.

Results During the study period, 95 patients were diagnosed with CML of which 54 (56.8%) were males. The most common stage at presentation was the chronic phase (CP) with 84 (88.4%) patients followed by accelerated phase (AP) and blast crisis (BC) with 6 (6.3%) and 5 (5.3%) patients respectively. The median duration of follow-up for all patients was 98 months. EFS and OS at 8 years for patients with CML-CP were 43.1% and 80.4% respectively. Complete hematological response, complete cytogenetic response, and major molecular response was documented in 91 (95.7%), 73 (76.8%), and 63 (66.3%) patients respectively.

Conclusion Outcomes in pediatric CML are comparable to that of adults. Imatinib is well tolerated in children.
Dispersed Bone Spicules as a Cause of Postoperative Headache after Retrosigmoid Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Myth?
Authors: Ren Yin , McDonald Marin A. , Manning Paul , MacDonald Bridget V. , Schwartz Marc S. , Friedman Rick A. , Harris Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2022

Objectives Dispersion of bone dust in the posterior fossa during retrosigmoid craniectomy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection could be a source of meningeal irritation and lead to development of persistent postoperative headaches (POH). We aim to determine risk factors, including whether the presence of bone spicules that influence POH after retrosigmoid VS resection.

Design Present study is a retrospective case series.

Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary skull-base referral center.

Participants Adult patients undergoing VS resection via a retrosigmoid approach between November 2017 and February 2020 were included for this study.

Main Outcome Measures Development of POH lasting ≥ 3 months is the primary outcome of this study.

Results Of 64 patients undergoing surgery, 49 had complete data (mean age, 49 years; 53% female). Mean follow-up time was 2.4 years. At latest follow up, 16 (33%) had no headaches, 14 (29%) experienced headaches lasting <3 months, 19 (39%) reported POH lasting ≥3 months. Twenty-seven (55%) patients had posterior fossa bone spicules detectable on postoperative computed tomography (CT). Age, gender, body mass index, length of stay, tumor diameter, size of craniectomy, the presence of bone spicules, or the amount of posterior petrous temporal bone removed from drilling did not differ significantly between patients with POH and those without. On multivariate logistic regression, patients with POH were less likely to have preoperative brainstem compression by the tumor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = 0.028) and more likely to have higher opioid requirements during hospitalization (OR = 1.023, p = 0.045).

Conclusion The presence of bone spicules in the posterior fossa on postoperative CT did not contribute to headaches following retrosigmoid craniectomy approach for VS resection.
Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Interleukin-6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, and Fibrinogen with Oral Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with T2DM having Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Pasupuleti Pullaiah , Suchitra M.M. , Bitla Aparna R. , Sachan Alok
Published: January 2022

Objectives Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with oxidative stress and inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction, which promotes cardiovascular risk. Vitamin D with its pleiotropic effect is said to protect against cardiovascular risk. However, with vitamin D deficiency being more prevalent in T2DM, the cardiovascular risk may get compounded.

Materials and Methods An interventional study was conducted on 100 patients with T2DM having vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D < 20 ng/mL), who were given oral supplementation of 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D for a period of 6 months. Serum vitamin D, biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL (OxLDL), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), biomarkers of inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and fibrinogen were measured at baseline and at the end of the third and sixth month of vitamin D supplementation.

Statistical Analysis Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for comparison between baseline and third- and sixth-month data after vitamin D supplementation. Linear regression by generalized estimating equations (GEE), which grouped repeated measures for each subject and accounted for correlations that may occur from multiple observations within subjects, was applied.

Results Serum vitamin D levels reached normal levels with a significant decrease in OxLDL, hsCRP, IL-6, PAI-1, and fibrinogen levels, with a significant increase in FRAP (p = 0.001) levels at the end of 6 months of vitamin D supplementation. These changes were observed even after correction with glycemic control (HbA1c). However, a significant decrease in MDA was observed only at the end of the sixth month of vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D levels showed a significant negative association with Ox-LDL, Hs-CRP, IL-6, PAI-1, and fibrinogen, even after adjusting for BMI and statin use (p = 0.001).

Conclusion Supplementation of vitamin D for a period of 6 months in patients with T2DM having vitamin D deficiency is beneficial in the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Do audited firms have a lower cost of debt?
Authors: Huq Asif M. , Hartwig Fredrik , Rudholm Niklas
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate if audited financial statements add value for firms in the private debt market. Using an instrumental variable method, we find that firms with audited financial statements, on average, save 0.47 percentage points on the cost of debt compared to firms with unaudited financial statements. We also find that using the big, well-known auditing firms does not yield any additional cost of debt benefits. Lastly, we investigate if there are industries where alternative sources of information make auditing less valuable in reducing the cost of debt. Here, we find that auditing is less important in lowering cost in one industry, agriculture, where one lender has a 74% market share and a 100-year history of lending to firms within that industry. As such, it seems that lenders having high exposure to a certain industry might act as an alternative to auditing in reducing the information asymmetry between the firm and the lender.
A windfall for US carbon capture and storage
Authors: Kramer David
Published: January 2022

How wisely will the billions of dollars in new funding for commercial-scale demonstrations be spent?
Cometary chemistry
Authors: Altwegg Kathrin
Published: January 2022

Celestial messengers carry a link between interstellar matter and life on Earth.
The rapid acidification of sea spray aerosols
Authors: Angle Kyle J. , Grassian Vicki H. , Ault Andrew P.
Published: January 2022

The ocean has a nearly neutral pH. But the same can’t be said of the microscopic drops churned up from its surface.
The Random Effects Warfarin Days’ Supply (REWarDS) Model: Development and Validation of a Novel Method for Estimating Exposure to Warfarin Using Administrative Data
Authors: Salmasi Shahrzad , Högg Tanja , Safari Abdollah , De Vera Mary A , Lynd Larry D , Koehoorn Mieke , Barry Arden R , Andrade Jason G , Loewen Peter
Published: January 2022

Warfarin’s complex dosing is a significant barrier to measurement of its exposure in observational studies using population databases. Using population-based administrative data (1996–2019) from British Columbia, Canada, we developed a method based on statistical modeling (Random Effects Warfarin Days’ Supply (REWarDS)) that involves fitting a random-effects linear regression model to patients’ cumulative dosage over time for estimation of warfarin exposure. Model parameters included a minimal universally available set of variables from prescription records for estimation of patients’ individualized average daily doses of warfarin. REWarDS estimates were validated against a reference standard (manual calculation of the daily dose using the free-text administration instructions entered by the dispensing pharmacist) and compared with alternative methods (fixed window, fixed tablet, defined daily dose, and reverse wait time distribution) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the root mean squared error. REWarDS-estimated days’ supply showed strong correlation and agreement with the reference standard (r = 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90, 0.90); intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.95); root mean squared error = 8.24 days) and performed better than all of the alternative methods. REWarDS-estimated days’ supply was valid and more accurate than estimates from all other available methods. REWarDS is expected to confer optimal precision in studies measuring warfarin exposure using administrative data.
Adhesion formation after surgery for locally advanced colonic cancer in the COLOPEC trial
Authors: Zwanenburg E. S. , Wisselink D. D. , Klaver C. E. L. , Brandt A. R. M. , Bremers A. J. A. , Burger J. W. A. , van Grevenstein W. M. U. , Hemmer P. H. J. , de Hingh I. H. J. T. , Kok N. F. M. , Wiezer M. J. , Tuynman J. B. , Tanis P. J. ,   COLOPEC trial collaborators, Aalbers A.G.J. , van Woensdregt K. , Snaebjornsson P. , Andeweg C.S. , Bastiaenen V.P. , van der Bilt J.D.W. , Sommeijer D.W. , Sluiter N. , Dijkgraaf M.G.W. , van de Ven A.W.H. , Crezee H. , Musters G.D. , Bloemen J. , Creemers G. , Demelline J. , Nienhuijs S.W. , van den Nieuwenhof L. , Rovers K.P. , den Boer F.C. , Boerma D. , Kootstra T.J.M. , Los M. , van Ramshorst B. , Wassenaar E. , Zournas M. , ten Bokkel Huinink D. , Brokelman W.J.A. , Cense H.A. , Consten E.C.J. , Crolla R.M.P.H. , Dekker J.W.T. , van Det M.J. , van Diepen K.K. , Punt C.J.A. , Witkamp A.J. , Diepeveen M. , Madsen E.V.E. , van Duyn E.B. , van den Ende E.D. , Evers P. , Fabry H.F.J. , Ferenschild F. , Radema S.A. , de Reuver P.R. , de Wilt J.H.W. , Festen S. , van Geloven A.A.W. , van der Harst E. , Heemskerk J. , Heikens J.T. , Hess D.A. , Inberg B. , Jansen J. , Kloppenberg F.W.H. , Kortekaas R.T.J. , van der Mijle H.C.J. , Mol L. , Neijenhuis P.A. , Peeters K.C.M.J. , Polle S.W. , Ponl J. , Poortman P. , Schmitz R.F. , Schoonderwoerd L. , Sonneveld D.J.A. , van Sprundel T.C. , Veltkamp S.C. , van Zweeden A.A. , Vermaas M. , Verwaal V.J. , Wegdam Johannes A. , Westerterp Marinke , van Westreenen H.L. , Wit F. , van der Zaag E.S. , Zimmerman D.D.E.
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the impact of laparoscopic or open resection of locally advanced colonic cancer on the incidence and severity of adhesions evaluated by laparoscopy at 18 months, primarily intended to evaluate peritoneal recurrence. Open surgery was identified as an independent risk factor for adhesions, but not intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Impact of Letermovir Primary Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis on 1-Year Mortality After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Su Yiqi , Stern Anat , Karantoni Eleni , Nawar Tamara , Han Gyuri , Zavras Phaedon , Dumke Henry , Cho Christina , Tamari Roni , Shaffer Brian , Giralt Sergio , Jakubowski Ann , Perales Miguel Angel , Papanicolaou Genovefa
Published: January 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)–seropositive (R+) hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients have a survival disparity compared with CMV-seronegative recipient/donor (R–D–) pairs. We hypothesized that primary letermovir prophylaxis (LET) may abrogate this disparity. We investigated the relationship between LET and mortality at 1 year post-HCT.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included adult R–D– or R+ patients who received HCT pre-LET (between 1 January 2013 through 15 December 2017) and post-LET (between 16 December 2017 through December 2019). R+ were categorized by LET receipt as R+/LET or R+/no-LET. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association of LET with all-cause mortality at 1 year after transplantation.

Results

Of 848 patients analyzed, 305 were R–D–, 364 R+/no-LET, and 160 R+/LET. Because of similar mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.29 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .76–2.18]; P = .353]) between pre-LET/R–D– and post-LET/R–D–, R–D– were combined into 1 group. Compared with R–D–, the aHR for mortality was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.01–1.93) for R+/no-LET and 0.89 (95% CI, .57–1.41) for R+/LET. Among R+, LET was associated with decreased risk of death (aHR, 0.62 [95% CI, .40–.98]); when conventional HCT and T-cell depleted HCT were analyzed separately, the aHR was 0.86 (95% CI, .51–1.43) and 0.21 (95% CI, .07–.65), respectively.

Conclusions

At 1 year post-HCT, LET was associated with closing the mortality disparity between R–D– and R+. Among all R+, LET was associated with decreased mortality, driven by 79% reduced incidence of death in T-cell depleted HCT.
Healthcare Needs and Perceptions of People Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Prasad Sharmila S , Walker Marjorie M , Talley Nicholas J , Keely Simon , Kairuz Therése , Jones Michael P , Duncanson Kerith
Published: January 2022

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that adversely affect the healthcare needs and quality of life (QoL) of people with IBD. The aim of this study was to explore the needs and perceptions of people with IBD in a primary care setting.

Methods

This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study consisted of a cross-sectional survey (included validated tools), followed by semistructured interviews on participants’ perceptions: IBD management, healthcare professionals, IBD care, flare management, and pharmacist’s IBD roles.

Results

Sixty-seven participants completed the survey, and 8 completed interviews. Quantitative findings: Age at diagnosis had significant association with medication nonadherence (P = .04), QoL (P = .04), and disease control (P = .01) among the respondents. The odds of medication nonadherence were 8 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 60.10) higher among younger participants aged <30 years. Those diagnosed with CD (P = .02) reported more likely to have unfavorable perceptions of pharmacists' role in managing their IBD (AOR = 9.45, 95% CI = 1.57, 56.62) than those with UC and indeterminate colitis. Qualitative findings: General practitioners were considered the most important care provider and the first point of contact for patients in managing all aspects of IBD. Participants identified their key need to be timely access to specialized IBD care and found that other primary healthcare professionals lacked disease-specific knowledge for managing IBD.

Conclusions

Primary healthcare professionals are well positioned but need targeted training to influence the needs of IBD patients. The specialty role of an IBD educator could complement existing services to deliver and address patient-specific care.
PlantGF: an analysis and annotation platform for plant gene families
Authors: Li Jiaxuan , Yang Shuai , Yang Xiaojie , Wu Hui , Tang Heng , Yang Long
Published: January 2022

Gene families contain genes that come from the same ancestor and have similar sequences and structures. They perform certain specific functions within and among different species. Currently, there is no complete process or platform for the rapid analysis of plant gene families. In this study, a comprehensive query and analysis platform of plant gene families, the Plant Gene Family Platform (PlantGF), was constructed. The platform is composed of four main parts: Search, Tools, Statistics and Auxiliary. A total of 2 909 580 gene family members were identified from 138 plant species in PlantGF. The data can be queried in the Search section through a user-friendly interface. A general process for gene family analysis, having nine steps, is provided. The platform also includes four online tools (HMM-Search, BLAST, MAFFT and HMMER) in the Tools section for useful additional analyses. The statistical analysis of the relevant gene families is shown on the Statistics page. Auxiliary pages are provided for data downloading. The datasets for all 138 plant species’ protein sequences and their gene families can be acquired on the Download page. A user’s manual and some useful links are displayed on the Manual and Links pages, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, PlantGF is the first comprehensive platform for studying plant gene families, and it will make important contributions to plant gene family-related research.

Database URL: http://biodb.sdau.edu.cn/PGF/index.html
Older peoples’ views on cardiovascular disease medication: a qualitative study
Authors: Wallis Katharine A , Taylor Denise A , Fanueli Elizabeth F , Saravanakumar Priya , Wells Susan
Published: January 2022

Background

There is increasing evidence for the potential benefits and harms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) medications in older people (>75 years) prompting updating of clinical guidelines. We explored the views of older people about CVD medication to inform guideline development.

Methods

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus groups. An ethnically diverse group of community dwelling older people were purposefully recruited from northern New Zealand using flyers in primary care clinics, local libraries, social groups, and places of worship, and by word of mouth. Interviews and focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an iterative and inductive approach to thematic analysis.

Results

Thirty-nine participants from 4 ethnic groups were recruited (mean 74 years; range 61–91 years; Māori (7), South Asian (8), European (9), and Pasifika (15)). Most participants were taking CVD medication/s. Four main themes emerged: (i) emphasizing the benefits of CVD medication and downplaying the harms; (ii) feeling compelled to take medication; (iii) trusting “my” doctor; and (iv) expecting medication to be continued.

Conclusion

Findings raise questions about older people’s agency in decision-making regarding CVD medication. CVD risk management guidelines for older people could include strategies to support effective communication of the potential benefits and harms of CVD medication in older people, balancing life expectancy, and the expected duration of therapy.
Nucleotide Usage Biases Distort Inferences of the Species Tree
Authors: Borges Rui , Boussau Bastien , Szöllősi Gergely J , Kosiol Carolin
Published: January 2022

Despite the importance of natural selection in species’ evolutionary history, phylogenetic methods that take into account population-level processes typically ignore selection. The assumption of neutrality is often based on the idea that selection occurs at a minority of loci in the genome and is unlikely to compromise phylogenetic inferences significantly. However, genome-wide processes like GC-bias and some variation segregating at the coding regions are known to evolve in the nearly neutral range. As we are now using genome-wide data to estimate species trees, it is natural to ask whether weak but pervasive selection is likely to blur species tree inferences. We developed a polymorphism-aware phylogenetic model tailored for measuring signatures of nucleotide usage biases to test the impact of selection in the species tree. Our analyses indicate that although the inferred relationships among species are not significantly compromised, the genetic distances are systematically underestimated in a node-height-dependent manner: that is, the deeper nodes tend to be more underestimated than the shallow ones. Such biases have implications for molecular dating. We dated the evolutionary history of 30 worldwide fruit fly populations, and we found signatures of GC-bias considerably affecting the estimated divergence times (up to 23%) in the neutral model. Our findings call for the need to account for selection when quantifying divergence or dating species evolution.
Peritraumatic Stress From a Disaster Increases Risk for Onset of Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults
Authors: Sands Laura P , Do Quyen , Du Pang , Pruchno Rachel
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Our understanding of the impact of disaster exposure on the physical health of older adults is largely based on hospital admissions for acute illnesses in the weeks following a disaster. Studies of longer-term outcomes have centered primarily on mental health. Missing have been studies examining whether exposure to disaster increases the risk for the onset of chronic diseases. We examined the extent to which 2 indicators of disaster exposure (geographic exposure and peritraumatic stress) were associated with new onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and lung disease to improve our understanding of the long-term physical health consequences of disaster exposure.

Research Design and Methods

We linked self-reported data collected prior to and following Hurricane Sandy from a longitudinal panel study with Medicare data to assess time to new onset of chronic diseases in the 4 years after the hurricane.

Results

We found that older adults who reported high levels of peritraumatic stress from Hurricane Sandy had more than twice the risk of experiencing a new diagnosis of lung disease, diabetes, and arthritis in the 4 years after the hurricane compared to older adults who did not experience high levels of peritraumatic stress. Geographic proximity to the hurricane was not associated with these outcomes. Analyses controlled for known risk factors for the onset of chronic diseases, including demographic, psychosocial, and health risks.

Discussion and Implications

Findings reveal that physical health effects of disaster-related peritraumatic stress extend beyond the weeks and months after a disaster and include new onset of chronic diseases that are associated with loss of functioning and early mortality.
A climatology of microbarom detections at the Kerguelen Islands: unravelling the ambient noise wavefield
Authors: den Ouden Olivier F C , Assink Jelle D , Smets Pieter S M , Evers Läslo G
Published: January 2022

The ambient infrasonic noise field is complex due to the interference of spatially distributed infrasound sources. Microbaroms are one of the most dominant omnipresent infrasonic sources within this wavefield. These microbaroms are generated by nonlinear ocean surface wave interactions, and have a characteristic and continuous signature within the infrasound spectrum. Under noisy conditions, microbaroms can mask infrasonic signals of interest, such as infrasound from volcanoes or explosions, which limits detection and identification of such sources. This study performs an infrasonic climatology for infrasound array I23FR, using five years of data between 2015–2020. The array is located on the Kerguelen Islands, within the Southern Ocean, and is part of the International Monitoring System for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The climatology analysis addresses the expected ambient noise levels, propagation paths and potential sources within the vicinity of an infrasound sensor. Time- and frequency-domain beamforming methods have been applied to analyse the infrasonic wavefield from the I23FR observations. A recently introduced method is applied to compute so-called soundscapes, to be compared with beamform results. Although the comparison indicates a disagreement in amplitude, there is a good agreement in directionality and frequency between both.
Supporting the utilization of community-based primary health care implementation research in Ghana
Authors: Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Phillips James F , Aboba Mathias , Vadrevu Lalitha , Azasi Esther , Tiah Janet Awopole Yepakeh , Schmitt Margaret L , Patel Sneha , Sheff Mallory C , Kachur S Patrick
Published: January 2022

Ever since the 1990s, implementation research in Ghana has guided the development of policies and practices that are essential to establishing community-based primary health care. In response to evidence emerging from this research, the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) policy was promulgated in 1999 to scale-up results. However, during the first decade of CHPS operation, national monitoring showed that its pace of coverage expansion was unacceptably slow. In 2010, the Ghana Health Service launched a 5-year plausibility trial of CHPS reform for testing ways to accelerate scale-up. This initiative, known as the Ghana Essential Health Intervention Program (GEHIP), included a knowledge management component for establishing congruence of knowledge generation and flow with the operational system that GEHIP evidence was intended to reform. Four Upper East Region districts served as trial areas, while seven districts were comparison areas. Interventions tested means of developing the upward flow of information based on perspectives of district managers, sub-district supervisors and community-level workers. GEHIP also endeavoured to improve procedures for the downward flow and utilization of policy guidelines. Field exchanges were convened for providing national, regional and district leaders with opportunities for participatory learning about GEHIP implementation innovations. This systems approach facilitated the process of augmenting the communication of evidence with practical field experience. Scientific rigor associated with the production of evidence was thereby integrated into management decision-making processes in ways that institutionalized learning at all levels. The GEHIP knowledge management system functioned as a prototype for guiding the planning of a national knowledge management strategy. A follow-up project transferred its mechanisms from the Upper East Regional Health Administration to the Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Ghana Health Service in Accra.
Research-Relevant Conditions and Pathology of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Naked Mole Rats, and Rabbits
Authors: Cooper Timothy K , Meyerholz David K , Beck Amanda P , Delaney Martha A , Piersigilli Alessandra , Southard Teresa L , Brayton Cory F
Published: January 2022

Animals are valuable resources in biomedical research in investigations of biological processes, disease pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions, safety, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Interpretation of data from animals requires knowledge not only of the processes or diseases (pathophysiology) under study but also recognition of spontaneous conditions and background lesions (pathology) that can influence or confound the study results. Species, strain/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, spontaneous diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplasia impact experimental results and interpretation as well as animal welfare. This review and the references selected aim to provide a pathology resource for researchers, pathologists, and veterinary personnel who strive to achieve research rigor and validity and must understand the spectrum of “normal” and expected conditions to accurately identify research-relevant experimental phenotypes as well as unusual illness, pathology, or other conditions that can compromise studies involving laboratory mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, naked mole rats, and rabbits.
Infant gastroduodenal necrosis: a case report
Authors: Misso Kennedy K , Mapunda Christina , Said Omar , Poppe Vanessa , Nkoronko Mugisha , Chilonga Kondo
Published: January 2022

We report a case of a two month old baby who had presented with an acute abdomen. Intra operative necrosis of the abdominal esophagus to distal of ligamentum treitz was noted. He was subjected to palliative care and passed away on Day 8 post-surgery.
When leaving the Solar system: Dark matter makes a difference
Authors: Belbruno Edward , Green James
Published: January 2022

A resultant gravitational force due to the current estimates of the virial mass of the Milky Way galaxy, dominated by dark matter, is estimated near the Sun and is described in two different analytical models yielding consistent results. One is a two step Hernquist model, the other is a Navarro–Frenk–White model. The effect of this force is estimated on trajectories for spacecraft sufficiently far from the Sun. The difficulty of detecting this force is studied. It is concluded that its effect should be considered for certain spacecraft missions. Its effect on the Pioneer and New Horizons spacecrafts is discussed. A future mission is discussed that may be able to detect this force. Implications of this force are discussed with its impact for problems in planetary astronomy and astrophysics.