bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conciliation and Mediation in Investor-State Dispute Settlement Provisions: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Weeramantry Romesh , Chang Brian , Sherard-Chow Joel
Published: March 2022

The article sets out the results of an extensive review of conciliation and/or mediation in investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions contained in international investment agreements (IIAs). Out of 3815 IIAs that were initially screened, 2674 (ie 70 per cent) do not refer to such provisions. The research also revealed that while the number of IIAs signed each year with investor-State conciliation provisions have significantly decreased, IIAs signed with investor-State mediation provisions are gradually increasing. The screening identified 1125 IIAs that contain investor-State conciliation provisions, of which 806 (ie 71.6 per cent) provide advance consent to conciliation. In comparison, of the 53 IIAs that were found to contain investor-State mediation provisions, only seven (ie 13.2 per cent) offer advance consent to mediation. Advance consent to ‘conciliation or arbitration’ was identified in 703 IIAs. The authors outline arguments to show that the conjunction ‘or’ in these provisions does not give rise to a fork in the road that precludes an investor’s right to arbitration if it first initiates conciliation proceedings. Only seven IIAs were found to require conciliation and/or mediation as a mandatory precondition to arbitration. The article concludes with recommendations to increase the use of investor-State conciliation and mediation provisions in future IIAs and also to improve the quality of those provisions.
The impact of a bicuspid pulmonary valve in the aortic position after arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries on neoaortic root dimension and function: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Jeon Bobae , Choi Eun Seok , Kwon Bo Sang , Yun Tae-Jin , Cha Seul Gi , Baek Jae Suk , Yu Jeong Jin , Park Chun Soo
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the effect of a bicuspid pulmonary valve on neoaortic root morphology, function, and the clinical outcomes of early survivors after the arterial switch operation using propensity score matching.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2018, a total of 442 patients underwent the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. After exclusion of patients who underwent a staged repair, were repaired beyond 1 year of age, died before discharge and who lacked echocardiographic data at discharge, propensity score matching was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among 352 eligible patients, 18 patients (5.1%) had a bicuspid pulmonary valve. After propensity score matching (1:4), 15 patients with bicuspid valve (bicuspid group) and 60 patients with tricuspid valve (tricuspid group) were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.9 years (4 months∼22.3 years). All-cause reoperation-free survival at 10 years was 93.3% in the bicuspid group and 87.0% in the tricuspid group (P = 0.839), and reoperation for neoaortic valve or root was required in 2 patients in the bicuspid group and 1 in the tricuspid group without intergroup difference. The z-score of the neoaortic annulus did not change in either group, although there was an increasing tendency in the z-score of the neoaortic sinus without intergroup difference (P = 0.690). Deterioration in neoaortic valve function was more prominent in the bicuspid group (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The neoaortic sinus might outgrow the norm regardless of the number of neoaortic valve cusps, whereas the neoaortic annulus remained unchanged. Deterioration of valve function was more prominent in the bicuspid group, which suggests that a bicuspid valve might play a significant role in deterioration of neoaortic valve function, without an additional effect on root pathology.
Dictionary-sparse recovery from heavy-tailed measurements
Authors: Abdalla Pedro , Kümmerle Christian
Published: March 2022

The recovery of signals that are sparse not in a given basis, but rather sparse with respect to an over-complete dictionary is one of the most flexible settings in the field of compressed sensing with numerous applications. As in the standard compressed sensing setting, it is possible that the signal can be reconstructed efficiently from a few linear measurements, for example, by the so-called $\ell _1$-synthesis method. However, it has been less well understood which measurement matrices provably work for this setting. Whereas in the standard setting, it has been shown that even certain heavy-tailed measurement matrices can be used in the same sample complexity regime as Gaussian matrices, comparable results are only available for the restrictive class of sub-Gaussian measurement matrices as far as the recovery of dictionary-sparse signals via $\ell _1$-synthesis is concerned. In this work, we fill this gap and establish optimal guarantees for the recovery of vectors that are (approximately) sparse with respect to a dictionary via the $\ell _1$-synthesis method from linear, potentially noisy measurements for a large class of random measurement matrices. In particular, we show that random measurements that fulfill only a small-ball assumption and a weak moment assumption, such as random vectors with i.i.d. Student-$t$ entries with a logarithmic number of degrees of freedom, lead to comparable guarantees as (sub-)Gaussian measurements. Our results apply for a large class of both random and deterministic dictionaries. As a technical tool, we show a bound on the expectation of the sum of squared order statistics under very general assumptions, which might be of independent interest. As a corollary of our results, we also obtain a slight improvement on the weakest assumption on a measurement matrix with i.i.d. rows sufficient for uniform recovery in standard compressed sensing, improving on results by Lecué and Mendelson and by Dirksen, Lecué and Rauhut.
Deformed Cartan Matrices and Generalized Preprojective Algebras I: Finite Type
Authors: Fujita Ryo , Murakami Kota
Published: March 2022

We give an interpretation of the $(q,t)$-deformed Cartan matrices of finite type and their inverses in terms of bigraded modules over the generalized preprojective algebras of Langlands dual type in the sense of Geiß–Leclerc–Schröer [33]. As an application, we compute the first extension groups between the generic kernels introduced by Hernandez–Leclerc [40] and propose a conjecture that their dimensions coincide with the pole orders of the normalized $R$-matrices between the corresponding Kirillov–Reshetikhin modules.
Codelivery of Antigens and Adjuvant in Polymeric Nanoparticles Coated With Native Parasite Membranes Induces Protective Mucosal Immunity Against Giardia lamblia
Authors: Zhou Jiarong , Miyamoto Yukiko , Ihara Sozaburo , Kroll Ashley V , Nieskens Noelle , Tran Vivien N , Hanson Elaine M , Fang Ronnie H , Zhang Liangfang , Eckmann Lars
Published: March 2022

The protozoan pathogen Giardia lamblia is an important worldwide cause of diarrheal disease and malabsorption. Infection is managed with antimicrobials, although drug resistance and treatment failures are a clinical challenge. Prior infection provides significant protection, yet a human vaccine has not been realized. Individual antigens can elicit partial protection in experimental models, but protection is weaker than after prior infection. Here, we developed a multivalent nanovaccine by coating membranes derived from the parasite onto uniform and stable polymeric nanoparticles loaded with a mucosal adjuvant. Intranasal immunization with the nanovaccine induced adaptive immunity and effectively protected mice from G. lamblia infection.
Contribution of Coronavirus-Specific Immunoglobulin G Responses to Complement Overactivation in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Castanha Priscila M S , Tuttle Dylan J , Kitsios Georgios D , Jacobs Jana L , Braga-Neto Ulisses , Duespohl Matthew , Rathod Sanjay , Marti Michelle M , Wheeler Sarah , Naqvi Asma , Staines Brittany , Mellors John , Morris Alison , McVerry Bryan J , Shah Faraaz , Schaefer Caitlin , Macatangay Bernard J C , Methe Barbara , Fernandez Christian A , Barratt-Boyes Simon M , Burke Donald , Marques Ernesto T A
Published: March 2022

Background

Excessive complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the mechanisms leading to this response remain unclear.

Methods

We measured plasma levels of key complement markers, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal human common cold coronaviruses (CCCs) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 of moderate (n = 18) and critical severity (n = 37) and in healthy controls (n = 10).

Results

We confirmed that complement activation is systemically increased in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with a worse disease outcome. We showed that plasma levels of C1q and circulating immune complexes were markedly increased in patients with severe COVID-19 and correlated with higher immunoglobulin (Ig) G titers, greater complement activation, and higher disease severity score. Additional analyses showed that the classical pathway was the main arm responsible for augmented complement activation in severe patients. In addition, we demonstrated that a rapid IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 and an anamnestic IgG response to the nucleoprotein of the CCCs were strongly correlated with circulating immune complex levels, complement activation, and disease severity.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that early, nonneutralizing IgG responses may play a key role in complement overactivation in severe COVID-19. Our work underscores the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies to modify complement overactivation in patients with COVID-19.
A novel Bacteroides metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and its gene (crxA) in Bacteroides xylanisolvens revealed by genomic sequencing and functional analysis
Authors: Sóki József , Lang Uwe , Schumacher Ulrike , Nagy István , Berényi Ágnes , Fehér Tamás , Burián Katalin , Nagy Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We sought to characterize the carbapenem resistance mechanism of Bacteroides xylanisolvens 14880, an imipenem-resistant strain from Germany, and assess its prevalence.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined using agar dilution or Etest methodology and specific imipenemase activity was detected. The genomic sequence of B. xylanisolvens 14880 was determined and analysed for antibiotic resistance genes and genomic islands. We also used gene transfer to a carbapenem susceptible host, along with 5′-RACE, conventional PCR with capillary sequencing and RT–PCR-based screening.

Results

B. xylanisolvens 14880 displayed resistance to carbapenems and produced high specific imipenemase activity. Its genomic sequence was 6.1 Mbp and a class B1 β-lactamase gene (termed crxA) was detected in it. crxA was carried on a putative genomic island with insertion sequence (IS) elements and a putative GNAT (Gcn5-like acetyltransferase) toxin gene. Promoter localization by 5′-RACE and gene targeting to an imipenem-susceptible Bacteroides host indicated that it is activated by an IS1380-like IS element and it can confer carbapenem resistance. The PCR screening of Bacteroides strains showed that crxA was specific to B. xylanisolvens with a carriage rate of 16.7%.

Conclusions

B. xylanisolvens strains can harbour a carbapenem resistance gene, which has many similarities to the ‘cfiA system’: metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), IS element activation, carriage of a GNAT toxin gene, specific for a unique Bacteroides species with a significant prevalence.
Nitrogen-based Bisphosphonate Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk in Women Aged 50 Years and Older
Authors: Tuesley Karen M , Webb Penelope M , Protani Melinda M , Spilsbury Katrina , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Coory Michael D , Donovan Peter , Steer Christopher , Stewart Louise M , Pandeya Nirmala , Jordan Susan J
Published: March 2022

Background

There are few readily modifiable risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer; preclinical studies suggest bisphosphonates could have chemopreventive actions. Our study aimed to assess the association between use of nitrogen-based bisphosphonate medicine and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer, overall and by histotype.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study nested within a large, linked administrative dataset including all Australian women enrolled for Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, between July 2002 and December 2013. We included all women with epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed at age 50 years and older between July 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013 (n = 9367) and randomly selected up to 5 controls per case, individually matched to cases by age, state of residence, area-level socioeconomic status, and remoteness of residence category (n = 46 830). We used prescription records to ascertain use of nitrogen-based bisphosphonates (ever use and duration of use), raloxifene, and other osteoporosis medicines (no nitrogen-based bisphosphonates, strontium and denosumab). We calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Ever use of nitrogen-based bisphosphonates was associated with a reduced risk of epithelial ovarian cancer compared with no use (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.88). There was a reduced risk of endometrioid (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.79) and serous histotypes (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.93) but no association with the mucinous or clear cell histotypes.

Conclusion

Use of nitrogen-based bisphosphonates was associated with a reduced risk of endometrioid and serous ovarian cancer. This suggests the potential for use for prevention, although validation of our findings is required.
Synchronous granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Abuali Sarah M , Asarian Armand , Xiao Philip
Published: March 2022

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary are sex cord stromal tumors. Sex cord stromal tumors make up 8% of ovarian tumors. Ninety percent of sex cord stromal tumors of the ovary are granulosa cell tumors. There are two types of granulosa cell tumors: juvenile and an adult type (Jamieson and Fuller. Molecular pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary. Endocr Rev 2012;33:109–44). This article provides a literature review outlining histopathology, immunocytochemistry and cytogenic characteristics of adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and a case report of synchronous adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and endometrial adenocarcinoma.
Corruption in international commercial arbitration—Domino effect in the energy industry, developing countries, and impact of English public policy
Authors: Okoli Pontian N
Published: March 2022

Corruption has relentlessly posed a major challenge to investors especially in developing countries. However, less attention has been focused on such developing countries from the standpoint of individuals who are indirectly affected by corrupt practices. The relationship between international commercial arbitration, the role of domestic courts and the enforcement of obligations has come under more scrutiny with large awards. Successful parties bring many award enforcement proceedings in England because of the invaluable assistance which English courts provide. Sometimes, there are allegations of corruption with respect to these awards that parties seek to enforce. In this context, English court decisions have significant implications for many parties around the world. However, the traditional narrow interpretation of public policy has come under increasing strain. This article examines how English courts have navigated the matrix of fraud, corruption and public policy-overlapping areas which parties exploit in international commercial arbitration. There is a major argument in favour of striking a balance between various institutional, governmental and people’s interests in dealing with difficult cases.
Characterization of trichome-specific BAHD acyltransferases involved in acylsugar biosynthesis in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Chang Aixia , Hu Zhongyi , Chen Biao , Vanderschuren Herve , Chen Ming , Qu Yafang , Yu Weisong , Li Yangyang , Sun Huiqing , Cao Jianmin , Vasudevan Kumar , Li Chenying , Cao Yanan , Zhang Jianye , Shen Yeming , Yang Aiguo , Wang Yuanying
Published: March 2022

Glandular trichomes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) produce blends of acylsucroses that contribute to defence against pathogens and herbivorous insects, but the mechanism of assembly of these acylsugars has not yet been determined. In this study, we isolated and characterized two trichome-specific acylsugar acyltransferases that are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, NtASAT1 and NtASAT2. They sequentially catalyse two additive steps of acyl donors to sucrose to produce di-acylsucrose. Knocking out of NtASAT1 or NtASAT2 resulted in deficiency of acylsucrose; however, there was no effect on acylsugar accumulation in plants overexpressing NtASAT1 or NtASAT2. Genomic analysis and profiling revealed that NtASATs originated from the T subgenome, which is derived from the acylsugar-producing diploid ancestor N. tomentosiformis. Our identification of NtASAT1 and NtASAT2 as enzymes involved in acylsugar assembly in tobacco potentially provides a new approach and target genes for improving crop resistance against pathogens and insects.
MADS2 regulates priming defence in postharvest peach through combined salicylic acid and abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Li Chunhong , Lei Changyi , Wang Kaituo , Tan Meilin , Xu Feng , Wang Jinsong , Zheng Yonghua
Published: March 2022

MADS-box genes play well-documented roles in plant development, but relatively little is known regarding their involvement in defence responses. In this study, pre-treatment of peach (Prunus persica) fruit with β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) activated resistance against Rhizopus stolonifer, leading to a significant delay in the symptomatic appearance of disease. This was associated with an integrated defence response that included a H2O2 burst, ABA accumulation, and callose deposition. cDNA library screening identified nucleus-localized MADS2 as an interacting partner with NPR1, and this was further confirmed by yeast two-hybrid, luciferase complementation imaging, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The DNA-binding activity of NPR1 conferred by the NPR1–MADS2 complex was required for the transcription of SA-dependent pathogenesis-related (PR) and ABA-inducible CalS genes in order to gain the BABA-induced resistance, in which MAPK1-induced post-translational modification of MADS2 was also involved. In accordance with this, overexpression of PpMADS2 in Arabidopsis potentiated the transcription of a group of PR genes and conferred fungal resistance in the transgenic plants. Conversely, Arabidopsis mads2-knockout lines showed high sensitivity to the fungal pathogen. Our results indicate that MADS2 positively participates in BABA-elicited defence in peach through a combination of SA-dependent NPR1 activation and ABA signaling-induced callose accumulation, and that this defence is also related to the post-translational modification of MADS2 by MAPK1 for signal amplification.
Premetazoan Origin of Neuropeptide Signaling
Authors: Yañez-Guerra Luis Alfonso , Thiel Daniel , Jékely Gáspár
Published: March 2022

Neuropeptides are a diverse class of signaling molecules in metazoans. They occur in all animals with a nervous system and also in neuron-less placozoans. However, their origin has remained unclear because no neuropeptide shows deep homology across lineages, and none have been found in sponges. Here, we identify two neuropeptide precursors, phoenixin (PNX) and nesfatin, with broad evolutionary conservation. By database searches, sequence alignments, and gene-structure comparisons, we show that both precursors are present in bilaterians, cnidarians, ctenophores, and sponges. We also found PNX and a secreted nesfatin precursor homolog in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta. PNX, in particular, is highly conserved, including its cleavage sites, suggesting that prohormone processing occurs also in choanoflagellates. In addition, based on phyletic patterns and negative pharmacological assays, we question the originally proposed GPR-173 (SREB3) as a PNX receptor. Our findings revealed that secreted neuropeptide homologs derived from longer precursors have premetazoan origins and thus evolved before neurons.
Higher order risk attitudes in the time of COVID-19: an experimental study
Authors: Mussio Irene , Sosa Andrés Maximiliano , Kidwai Abdul H
Published: March 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) represents a large increase in background risk for individuals. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme events (e.g. financial downturns, natural disasters, and war) have been shown to change attitudes towards risk. Using a risk apportionment approach, we examine whether risk aversion as well as higher order risk attitudes (HORAs) (prudence and temperance) have changed during COVID-19. This methodology allows us to measure model-free HORAs. We include prudence and temperance as higher order measures, as these two have been largely understudied under extreme events but are determinants of decisions related to the health and financial domains. Once we account for socio-demographic characteristics, we find an overall increase in risk aversion during COVID-19. We also find similar results using a hypothetical survey question which measures willingness to take risks. We do not find changes in prudence and temperance using the risk apportionment methodology.
HIV Testing Approaches to Optimize Prevention and Treatment for Key and Priority Populations in Malawi
Authors: Rucinski Katherine , Masankha Banda Louis , Olawore Oluwasolape , Akolo Chris , Zakaliya Allison , Chilongozi David , Schwartz Sheree , Wilcher Rose , Persaud Navindra , Ruberintwari Melchiade , Baral Stefan
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite progress in improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people with HIV in Malawi, the burden of HIV infections and HIV treatment outcomes among key populations is suboptimal. Client-centered differentiated service delivery approaches may facilitate addressing HIV prevention and treatment needs of key populations in Malawi.

Methods

De-identified program data routinely collected as part of the LINKAGES project–Malawi were assembled from October 2017 to September 2019. HIV case finding was compared across different testing modalities for each population. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between testing modalities and ART initiation.

Results

Of the 18 397 people included in analyses, 10 627 (58%) were female sex workers (FSWs), 2219 (12%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), and 4970 (27%) were clients of FSWs. HIV case finding varied by modality and population, with index testing and enhanced peer outreach demonstrating high yield despite reaching relatively few individuals. FSWs who tested positive through risk network referral testing were more likely to initiate ART within 30 days compared with those who tested positive through clinic-based testing (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.23–1.82). For MSM, index testing (aRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.06–2.00) and testing through a drop-in center (aRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.19–2.78) were associated with 30-day ART initiation.

Conclusions

These data suggest that differentiated HIV testing and outreach approaches tailored to the needs of different key populations may facilitate improved ART initiation in Malawi. Achieving 0 new infections by 2030 suggests the need to adapt treatment strategies given individual and structural barriers to treatment for key populations with HIV in high-prevalence settings.
Association of Lower Exposure Risk With Paucisymptomatic/Asymptomatic Infection, Less Severe Disease, and Unrecognized Ebola Virus Disease: A Seroepidemiological Study
Authors: Kelly J Daniel , Frankfurter Raphael G , Tavs Jacqueline M , Barrie Mohamed Bailor , McGinnis Timothy , Kamara Mohamed , Freeman Adams , Quiwah Komba , Davidson Michelle C , Dighero-Kemp Bonnie , Gichini Harrison , Elliott Elizabeth , Reilly Cavan , Hensley Lisa E , Lane H Clifford , Weiser Sheri D , Porco Travis C , Rutherford George W , Richardson Eugene T
Published: March 2022

Background

It remains unclear if there is a dose-dependent relationship between exposure risk to Ebola virus (EBOV) and severity of illness.

Methods

From September 2016 to July 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional, community-based study of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and household contacts of several transmission chains in Kono District, Sierra Leone. We analyzed 154 quarantined households, comprising both reported EVD cases and their close contacts. We used epidemiological surveys and blood samples to define severity of illness as no infection, pauci-/asymptomatic infection, unrecognized EVD, reported EVD cases who survived, or reported EVD decedents. We determine seropositivity with the Filovirus Animal Nonclinical Group EBOV glycoprotein immunoglobulin G antibody test. We defined levels of exposure risk from 8 questions and considered contact with body fluid as maximum exposure risk.

Results

Our analysis included 76 reported EVD cases (both decedents and survivors) and 421 close contacts. Among these contacts, 40 were seropositive (22 paucisymptomatic and 18 unrecognized EVD), accounting for 34% of the total 116 EBOV infections. Higher exposure risks were associated with having had EBOV infection (maximum risk: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 12.1 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 5.8–25.4; trend test: P < .001) and more severe illness (maximum risk: AOR, 25.2 [95% CI, 6.2–102.4]; trend test: P < .001).

Conclusions

This community-based study of EVD cases and contacts provides epidemiological evidence of a dose-dependent relationship between exposure risk and severity of illness, which may partially explain why pauci-/asymptomatic EBOV infection, less severe disease, and unrecognized EVD occurs.
Modification of a Lie-algebra-based approach and its application to asymptotic symmetries on a Killing horizon
Authors: Tomitsuka Takeshi , Yamaguchi Koji
Published: March 2022

We develop a new approach to find asymptotic symmetries in general relativity as a modification of the Lie-algebra-based approach proposed in T. Tomitsuka et al. [Classical Quantum Gravity 38, 225007 (2021)]. Those authors proposed an algorithmic protocol to investigate asymptotic symmetries. In particular, their guiding principle helps us to find a non-vanishing charge that generates an infinitesimal diffeomorphism. However, in order to check the integrability condition for the charges, it is necessary to solve differential equations to identify the integral curve of vector fields, which is usually quite hard. In this paper, we provide a sufficient condition of the integrability condition that can be checked without solving any differential equations, avoiding the difficulties in the approach in the above reference. As a demonstration, we investigate the asymptotic symmetries on a Killing horizon and find a new class of asymptotic symmetries. In 4D spacetimes with a spherical Killing horizon, we show that the algebra of the corresponding charges is a central extension of the algebra of vector fields.
Effects of weaning method on postweaning performance by early weaned beef calves
Authors: Jaeger John R , Preedy Garrett W , Waggoner Justin W , Harmoney Keith R , Olson K C
Published: March 2022

Health and performance of early-weaned steers were evaluated during a 56-d weaning period, a 56-d feedlot receiving period, and a 165-d feedlot finishing period. Steers (n = 239; 128 ± 14 d of age) were assigned to a 56-d weaning treatment: drylot weaning (D) or pasture weaning (P). Pasture steers grazed mature, native tallgrass range (89.2% dry matter [DM], 9.08% crude protein [CP]), without supplementation. A concentrate-based diet (18.7% CP and 1.15 Mcal NEg/kg) was fed to D steers. Later, all steers were transitioned to a receiving, then a finishing diet and fed to a common endpoint. Body weight (BW) after and average daily gain (ADG) during weaning were greater (P < 0.01) for D than for P. Incidence of undifferentiated fever during weaning tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for D steers than for P steers. Conversely, incidence of keratoconjunctivitis was greater (P < 0.01) for P than for D during weaning (40.2% vs. 0%, respectively) and receiving (P < 0.01; 14.3% vs. 1.6%, respectively). At the start and end of receiving, D steers had greater (P < 0.01) BW compared with P steers. Drylot steers had greater (P = 0.03) ADG compared with P steers during receiving. Pasture steers tended to have greater dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.09) during receiving than D steers. In contrast, gain:feed (G:F) was improved (P < 0.01) for P steers than for D steers during receiving. Incidence of undifferentiated fever was not different (P = 0.99) between D and P steers during receiving. At start of finishing, D steers were heavier (P < 0.01) than P steers; however, finishing ADG was greater (P < 0.01) for P compared with D. Conversely, hot carcass weight of P steers was less (P < 0.01) compared with D steers. Drylot steers had greater DMI (P < 0.01) than P steers during finishing, whereas P steers had improved G:F (P < 0.01) compared with D steers. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) between treatments in DOF, carcass characteristics or United States Department of Agriculture yield grade. Growth and health during a 56-d weaning period and a 56-d receiving period were improved when steers were weaned in a drylot environment and fed a concentrate-based diet compared with non-supplemented steers weaned in a pasture environment. We interpret these data to suggest that, under the conditions of our experiment, steers preconditioned on mature, native, warm-season pasture for 56 d without supplementation were unable to compensate for previous nutrient restriction during finishing.
Testing palaeodrainage hypotheses in south-eastern Brazil: phylogeography of the sinistral livebearer fish of the genus Phalloceros (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Souto-Santos Igor C A , Jennings W Bryan , Buckup Paulo A
Published: March 2022

The ‘sinistral Phalloceros group’ consists of three species, P. aspilos, P. leptokeras and P. tupinamba, that belong to Phalloceros, a genus of freshwater fish endemic to South America. They inhabit the Paraíba do Sul Basin and coastal drainages in south-eastern Brazil. This group is diagnosed by large hooks in the medial portion of the gonopodial appendices in males and the sinistral direction of the urogenital papilla in females. We conducted a phylogeographic analysis of mitochondrial (COI and Cytb) and nuclear (RAG1) haplotypes of 36 individuals sampled from 11 localities to test the hypothesis that the biogeographic history of sinistral Phalloceros was mediated by connections of coastal basins caused by lowered sea-levels during the Quaternary. We evaluated the taxonomic status of these nominal taxa by integrating molecular species delimitation methods and morphological data. Our results suggest that the three nominal taxa are synonyms, and P. leptokeras is designated as the valid species name. The geographic expansion of the P. leptokeras lineage began in the coastal region (~2.3 Mya). The phylogeographic relationships among populations partially corroborate the palaeodrainage model, but also suggest that P. leptokeras colonized the inland Paraíba do Sul drainage, overcoming the Serra do Mar mountains.
Nanoparticle therapy for head and neck cancers
Authors: Hoffmann Caroline , Shen Colette , Le Tourneau Christophe
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

The current review focuses on the therapeutic use of nanoparticles in head and neck cancer (HNC), highlighting nanoparticles at the most advanced clinical development stages.

Recent findings

Literature review covers the three main approaches for therapeutic use of nanoparticles in HNC: first, enhancing radiotherapy effect; second, performing targeted delivery of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or genome editing molecules; third, photothermal therapy.

Nanoparticles are spherical nanoscale objects that have application in cancer therapies. Nanoparticles have diverse and often composite structure composition to ensure their function, increase their bioavailability in tumor tissues, and decrease off-target effects, sometimes by means of activating internal or external stimuli. Hafnium oxide nanoparticles are being tested in phase I to III trials for radiotherapy enhancement. Nanoparticle-based delivery of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and of the immune activator CpG-A DNA is being evaluated in phase II trials. No nanoparticle is currently approved for HNC treatment.
Beacons of Light
Authors: Mitchell Kristi
Published: March 2022

A mother reflects on the course of illness and death of her young son, recognizing the significant care and ministry nurses provided to the family throughout the illness and the child's end of life.
Core Homologous Recombination Mutations and Improved Survival in Nonpancreatic GI Cancers
Authors: Tan Elaine , Whiting Junmin , Knepper Todd , Xie Hao , Imanirad Iman , Carballido Estrella , Felder Seth , Frakes Jessica , Mo Qianxing , Permuth Jennifer B. , Somerer Katelyn , Kim Richard , Anaya Daniel A. , Fleming Jason B. , Walko Christine , Sahin Ibrahim H.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Homologous recombination mutations (HRM) have led to increased responses to platinum chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. However, HRMs’ role in nonpancreatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains to be determined. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of core (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2) and noncore HRM in nonpancreatic GI cancers receiving platinum therapy.

Materials and Methods:

This study performed at Moffitt Cancer Center included metastatic nonpancreatic GI cancer patients treated with platinum therapy. All patients had either a core or noncore HRM, determined by next generation sequencing. Response rates, median progression-free survival (PFS), and median overall survival (OS) were determined and compared between core versus noncore HRM patients.

Results:

In the study, 69 patients with one or more HRM were included: 63.8% were male, 87.0% were Caucasian, and 47.9% had colorectal cancer. Twenty-one (30.4%) patients had a core HRM and 48 (69.6%) had a noncore HRM. Among evaluable patients (n=64), there was no significant difference in objective response: 20.0% with core HRM versus 22.7% with noncore HRM responded to platinum therapy (P=0.53). Median PFS was 10.4 months versus 7.1 months for core HRM versus noncore HRM, respectively (P=0.039). Median OS was 68.9 months versus 24.3 months (P=0.026) for core HRM versus noncore HRM, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated response of core and noncore HRM to platinum therapy in metastatic nonpancreatic GI malignancies, suggesting benefit in both groups. Core HRM patients had significantly increased median OS and median PFS compared with those with noncore HRM, suggesting potential prognostic and predictive significance. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Long-acting preexposure prophylaxis in low- and middle-income countries: key considerations for implementation
Authors: Kaewpoowat Quanhathai , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Phanuphak Nittaya , Ramautarsing Reshmie A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key tool in ending the HIV epidemic. Long-acting cabotegravir (LA- CAB) phase II/III studies revealed promising efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition. Here, we discuss key considerations for implementing LA-CAB in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Recent findings

PrEP roll out in LMIC is still far from ideal, and contextual factors within LMIC vary widely. Implementation science studies are urgently needed to optimize the implementation of LA-CAB in different settings, consider effective service delivery models, and ensure program sustainability. Preferences and concerns regarding LA-CAB among potential users are unknown but likely specific to local context. Demedicalized and simplified PrEP service delivery increases uptake, and ways to safely and effectively do the same for LA- CAB need to be explored. Although ideally LA-CAB should be an additional choice of HIV prevention method, its cost will be the major determinant in deciding its position as a first line choice or restricted second-line option.

LA-CAB has the potential to enhance PrEP uptake. However, several implementation challenges need to be explored and addressed to ensure it can be accessed and utilized in different settings by those who need it the most.
Barbed PDO Thread Face Lift: A Case Study of Bacterial Complication
Authors: Surowiak Paweł
Published: March 2022

Procedures with polydioxanone (PDO) threads are increasingly used for aesthetic indications. To date, eight cases of serious complications following the use of PDO threads have been published. In this case report, we present a case of a serious bacterial complication after a procedure with four PDO threads. A 52-year-old female patient presented to our center 1 month after undergoing the procedure at another center. Despite early symptoms, no treatment had previously been implemented. Perforating abscesses were found along the course of the threads. After 5 days of antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin 875 mg and clavulanic acid 125 mg p.o. every 12 hours), the threads were surgically removed due to skin rippling. During the procedure, the threads were found to be fragile, and several incisions were necessary to remove them. After 1 month, no signs of inflammation were reported. However, persistent deformities occurred due to delayed treatment implementation. Bacterial complications seem to be a typical complication following the procedure with PDO threads. PDO threads can be difficult to remove due their fragility. The possible need for surgical removal of the threads should be considered when selecting areas for application.
A Stepwise Guide to Freehand Bending of Orbital Floor Mesh
Authors: Rajendiran Saravanan , Krishnan B.
Published: March 2022

Orbital fractures can often result in enophthalmos or diplopia. Orbital reconstruction with titanium meshes is the current treatment modality. Adapting the titanium orbital floor mesh is often challenging due to the complex anatomy of the orbital floor. Here, a stepwise free hand bending technique of a titanium orbital floor mesh is described. The bending can be done preoperatively, and mesh fit can be checked against a dry anatomical skull before sterilization. The methodical approach to free hand bending of titanium orbital floor mesh minimizes the intraoperative adjustments and permits quick orbital reconstruction. Trainees and less-experienced surgeons can benefit from the methodical approach to free hand bending of titanium orbital floor mesh.
A Photosealed Cap Prevents Disorganized Axonal Regeneration and Neuroma following Nerve Transection in Rats
Authors: Scott Benjamin B. , Wu Ruby C. , Nietlispach Viviane , Randolph Mark A. , Redmond Robert W.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Neuroma is a common sequela of traumatic peripheral nerve injury that can result in pain and decreased quality of life for patients. Neuromas result from axonal outgrowth in an attempt to reestablish continuity with the disrupted distal nerve end. Photosealing is a light-activated technique whereby tissues can be securely isolated in a strong and secure manner. This study investigated whether photosealing of autologous vein and crosslinked human amniotic membrane (xHAM) to cap the proximal stump of transected sciatic nerve would prevent disorganized axonal regeneration and neuroma in a rat model.

Methods:

The right sciatic nerve of Lewis rats (n = 27, 300–350 g) was transected 1 cm proximal to the trifurcation. Animals were randomized to one of three groups (n = 9): no further intervention (Group 1), photosealing with xHAM (Group 2), or photosealing with vein (Group 3). After 60 days, rats were euthanized and their right hindlimbs were re-explored for evidence of disorganized axonal regeneration and/or bulbous neuroma.

Results:

All untreated control animals were found to have protruding nerve fibers, often invading the adjacent muscle, and 33% of these control animals exhibited a bulbous neuroma. Photosealing with xHAM successfully capped 100% of nerves, with no observable axonal outgrowth. Photosealing with vein prevented axonal outgrowth in eight of nine nerves. No bulbous neuroma was found in any photosealed nerves.

Conclusion:

Nerve capping with photosealed xHAM or autologous vein can prevent axonal outgrowth in transected nerves, therefore decreasing the likelihood of symptomatic neuroma formation following nerve transection injury or surgical intervention.
A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Solish Max J. , Savinova Iryna , Weinberg Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH), a condition characterized by excess sweating of the palms, is a common concern that presents to the plastic surgeon, which can have major impacts on patient confidence and quality of life. While several studies summarize treatment options for hyperhidrosis in general, few outline the therapeutic options available specifically for PH.

Method:

The authors reviewed the current literature specific to the diagnostic workup and treatment of PH.

Results:

In this article, we show a practical approach to managing patients presenting with PH, summarize its main nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, provide a suggested treatment ladder, and outline emerging therapeutic approaches. We suggest that, after diagnosing PH and classifying its severity, nonsurgical treatments (ie, topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin A injection, and topical/oral anticholinergics) should be utilized in a stepwise manner. In patients with severe palmar hyperhidrosis who do not respond to nonsurgical treatments, surgical intervention may be warranted, generally in the form of sympathetic denervation.

Conclusion:

This article provides a clear overview of PH treatment options, stepwise guidelines for physicians, and educational video resources demonstrating botulinum toxin A injections with cryotherapy and nerve blocks.
Exaggerated natriuresis after renal artery balloon angioplasty for flash pulmonary oedema: a potential complication in one-kidney renovascular hypertension
Authors: Schwillens Evelien J.M. , Mostard Guy J.M. , Stifft Frank , van Twist Daan J.L.
Published: March 2022

Flash pulmonary oedema is a life-threatening complication of renal artery stenosis. We report a very rare complication in a patient with bilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis who underwent unilateral renal artery angioplasty because of recurrent flash pulmonary oedema. Shortly after the procedure, she developed extreme polyuria (over 201 in the first 48 h) with massive natriuresis (>1000 mmol urinary sodium excretion in the first 24 h). Most likely, the occurrence of this phenomenon is related to the fact that her contralateral kidney was atrophic and no longer functioning due to total renal artery occlusion. We provide an overview of the literature and discuss several mechanisms that may contribute to the occurrence of this exaggerated natriuretic response in patients with one-kidney renovascular hypertension who undergo renovascular revascularization. We recommend close monitoring of natriuresis in such patients and – if needed – administration of intravenous isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) to prevent hypovolemia.
The Development and Application of a Quasi-dynamic Food Chain Model in Chinese Agricultural Conditions
Authors: Cui Hui-ling , Yao Ren-tai , Zhang Jun-fang , Huang Sha , Lv Ming-hua , Zhao Duo-xing , Wu Qiang
Published: March 2022

A quasi-dynamic food chain model (Chi-FDMT) was developed to predict the consequences of nuclear accidents on the food chain through the ingestion pathway in Chinese agricultural conditions. The Chi-FDMT structure is based on ECOSYS-87, with some revised calculation processes and the adoption of new parameters; herein, it was applied to two regions in China. The model was used to estimate the spatial and temporal patterns of crop plant activity and ingestion dose in the Chinese agricultural environment at the scale of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. A comparative study between Chi-FDMT and an equilibrium model demonstrated good agreement for depositions occurring during the growth season. The parameter sensitivity analysis of Chi-FDMT indicated that the parameters of food intake and processing factor are sensitive, and the sensitivity of the transfer factors within plant and soil-plant systems are dependent on the deposition scenario.
RETINAL HYPOPERFUSION DETECTED BY WIDE-FIELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY IN A CASE OF RETINAL RACEMOSE HEMANGIOMA
Authors: Mitamura Mizuho , Noda Kousuke , Kase Satoru , Hirooka Kiriko , Ishida Susumu
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Retinal racemose hemangioma is a rare, unilateral, nonhereditary, arteriovenous malformation characterized by the appearance of dilated and tortuous retinal vessels. Retinal racemose hemangioma can develop complications associated with retinal ischemia, such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal vein occlusion, and neovascular glaucoma. Here, a case of retinal racemose hemangioma with retinal hypoperfusion detected by wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomographic angiography was reported, which was not unambiguously illustrated by fluorescein angiography.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of severe retinal vascular tortuosity, dilation, and retinal hemorrhages in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed arteriovenous communications temporal to the fovea and multiple microaneurysms surrounded by retinal hemorrhages at the midperipheral temporal fundus. In fluorescein angiography, multiple hyperfluorescent lesions with leakage corresponding to microaneurysms were observed in the temporal and lower midperipheral areas; however, nonperfused areas were apparently absent. By contrast, wide-field optical coherence tomographic angiography clearly showed low-density retinal capillaries in the superotemporal quadrant in comparison with those in the inferotemporal quadrant.

Conclusion:

Wide-field optical coherence tomographic angiography detected sparse retinal capillaries, which were not well illustrated by fluorescein angiography, in a patient with retinal racemose hemangioma. This indicates the presence of low-grade retinal hypoperfusion caused by altered retinal hemodynamics, potentially leading to ischemia-related retinal disorders during a prolonged course, in patients with clinically quiescent retinal racemose hemangioma.
Safety-Net Suture for Aphakic Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Berger Osvaldo , Kriman Jaime , Vasquez-Perez Alfonso , Allan Bruce D.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this research was to describe a low-cost, accessible method for reducing the risk of posterior donor dislocation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed in eyes with aphakia and a large iris defect (unicameral eyes)—the “safety-net suture.”

Methods:

We review 3 cases of aphakic bullous keratopathy in unicameral eyes treated successfully using DMEK aided by a simple technique to create a temporary, partial barrier between the anterior and posterior chambers. The safety-net suture technique is based on a continuous 10-0 polypropylene suture placed across the anterior chamber in a cat's-cradle pattern anterior to the trabecular meshwork. At the end of surgery, after air tamponade of the DMEK donor, the 10-0 polypropylene suture is removed.

Results:

All 3 cases were completed with no intraoperative posterior dislocation. A partial postoperative detachment in 1 case was successfully treated with repeat air tamponade. The corneas remain clear in early follow-up, 1 to 10 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

The safety-net suture is a simple, low-cost method of reducing the risk of intraoperative posterior dislocation for DMEK in unicameral, aphakic eyes.