bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 enhances stress tolerance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe by promoting histone subunit replacement that upregulates drug-resistant genes
Authors: Lai Dingwang , Huang Xiuting , Wang Changhu , Ow David W
Published: September 2021

Histone replacement in chromatin-remodeling plays an important role in eukaryotic gene expression. New histone variants replacing their canonical counterparts often lead to a change in transcription, including responses to stresses caused by temperature, drought, salinity, and heavy metals. In this study, we describe a chromatin-remodeling process triggered by eviction of Rad3/Tel1-phosphorylated H2Aα, in which a heterologous plant protein AtOXS3 can subsequently bind fission yeast HA2.Z and Swc2, a component of the SWR1 complex, to facilitate replacement of H2Aα with H2A.Z. The histone replacement increases occupancy of the oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor Pap1 at the promoters of at least three drug-resistant genes, which enhances their transcription and hence primes the cell for higher stress tolerance.
The sixth transmembrane region of a pheromone G-protein coupled receptor, Map3, is implicated in discrimination of closely related pheromones in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Seike Taisuke , Sakata Natsue , Shimoda Chikashi , Niki Hironori , Furusawa Chikara
Published: September 2021

Most sexually reproducing organisms have the ability to recognize individuals of the same species. In ascomycete fungi including yeasts, mating between cells of opposite mating type depends on the molecular recognition of two peptidyl mating pheromones by their corresponding G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Although such pheromone/receptor systems are likely to function in both mate choice and prezygotic isolation, very few studies have focused on the stringency of pheromone receptors. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has two mating types, Plus (P) and Minus (M). Here, we investigated the stringency of the two GPCRs, Mam2 and Map3, for their respective pheromones, P-factor and M-factor, in fission yeast. First, we switched GPCRs between S. pombe and the closely related species Schizosaccharomyces octosporus, which showed that SoMam2 (Mam2 of S. octosporus) is partially functional in S. pombe, whereas SoMap3 (Map3 of S. octosporus) is not interchangeable. Next, we swapped individual domains of Mam2 and Map3 with the respective domains in SoMam2 and SoMap3, which revealed differences between the receptors both in the intracellular regions that regulate the downstream signaling of pheromones and in the activation by the pheromone. In particular, we demonstrated that two amino acid residues of Map3, F214 and F215, are key residues important for discrimination of closely related M-factors. Thus, the differences in these two GPCRs might reflect the significantly distinct stringency/flexibility of their respective pheromone/receptor systems; nevertheless, species-specific pheromone recognition remains incomplete.
Interpreting Mendelian-randomization estimates of the effects of categorical exposures such as disease status and educational attainment
Authors: Howe Laurence J , Tudball Matthew , Davey Smith George , Davies Neil M
Published: September 2021

Background

Mendelian randomization has been previously used to estimate the effects of binary and ordinal categorical exposures—e.g. Type 2 diabetes or educational attainment defined by qualification—on outcomes. Binary and categorical phenotypes can be modelled in terms of liability—an underlying latent continuous variable with liability thresholds separating individuals into categories. Genetic variants influence an individual’s categorical exposure via their effects on liability, thus Mendelian-randomization analyses with categorical exposures will capture effects of liability that act independently of exposure category.

Methods and results

We discuss how groups in which the categorical exposure is invariant can be used to detect liability effects acting independently of exposure category. For example, associations between an adult educational-attainment polygenic score (PGS) and body mass index measured before the minimum school leaving age (e.g. age 10 years), cannot indicate the effects of years in full-time education on this outcome. Using UK Biobank data, we show that a higher educational-attainment PGS is strongly associated with lower smoking initiation and higher odds of glasses use at age 15 years. These associations were replicated in sibling models. An orthogonal approach using the raising of the school leaving age (ROSLA) policy change found that individuals who chose to remain in education to age 16 years before the reform likely had higher liability to educational attainment than those who were compelled to remain in education to age 16 years after the reform, and had higher income, lower pack-years of smoking, higher odds of glasses use and lower deprivation in adulthood. These results suggest that liability to educational attainment is associated with health and social outcomes independently of years in full-time education.

Conclusions

Mendelian-randomization studies with non-continuous exposures should be interpreted in terms of liability, which may affect the outcome via changes in exposure category and/or independently.
Reconceptualising the Nautical Fault Exception in the Fog of Emerging Technologies
Authors: Ozdel Melis
Published: September 2021

It is expected that the maritime world will be significantly different by 2050, from smart ports through to blockchain-based shipping documents and autonomous vessels. As the maritime trade witnesses further developments in this field, there will be an inevitable struggle to harmonise the new technology vessels with the traditional rules of law. This article seeks to further the discussion of one of the main legal rules that will have a significant role in shaping sea carriers’ liability for goods carried by autonomous vessels: the nautical fault exception, which operates to remove, to some extent, sea carriers’ liability for losses arising from the acts or omissions of their employees. The main tenet of this article is that an adapted version of the exception should be available to govern the carriage of goods by new technology vessels. In this context, it advocates the use of legal personhood for the purposes of the nautical fault exception. In so doing, this article contributes to the important debate in employment law on the distribution of the risk of losses arising from autonomous systems when, in future, they take over tasks traditionally carried out by employees. In the absence of employment contracts to perform certain commercial activities, the law will need to decide whether legal personhood should be assigned to autonomous systems for efficient and fair risk allocation. This article illustrates why this may be the solution particularly where there is a ‘fine-tuned’ balance of liability already struck in the current legal landscape.
World Health Organization Influenza-Like Illness Underestimates the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Korsten Koos , Adriaenssens Niels , Coenen Samuel , Butler Chris C , Verheij Theo J M , Bont Louis J , Wildenbeest Joanne G ,   RESCEU Investigators, Korsten Koos , Adriaenssens Niels , Coenen Samuel , Butler Christopher , Verheij Theo , Bont Louis , Wildenbeest Joanne , Nair Harish , Campbell Harry , Cunningham Steve , Beutels Philippe , Openshaw Peter , Pollard Andrew , Molero Eva , Meijer Adam , Martinon-Torres Federico , Heikkinen Terho , Fischer Thea K , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Öner Deniz , Aerssens Jeroen , Swanson Kena , Leach Amanda , Stoszek Sonia , Demont Clarisse , Gallichan Scott , Kumar Veena , Falsey Ann
Published: September 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance is heavily dependent on the influenza-like illness (ILI) case definition from the World Health Organization (WHO). Because ILI includes fever in its syndromic case definition, its ability to accurately identify acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) caused by RSV in older adults is uncertain.

Methods

The accuracy of the WHO ILI and a modified ILI (requiring only self-reported fever) case definitions in identifying patients with PCR-confirmed RSV-ARTI was evaluated in community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) from the prospective European RESCEU cohort study.

Results

Among 1040 participants, 750 ARTI episodes were analyzed including 36 confirmed RSV-ARTI. Due to a general lack of fever, sensitivity for RSV-ARTI was 33% for modified ILI and 11% for ILI. The area under the curve for both ILI definitions was 0.52 indicating poor discrimination for RSV. RSV-ARTI could not be distinguished from all other ARTI based on clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

The use of ILI underestimated the occurrence of RSV-ARTI in community-dwelling older adults up to 9-fold (11% sensitivity). Because worldwide RSV surveillance depends largely on ILI, there is an urgent need for a better approach to measure the occurrence of RSV disease and the impact of future RSV vaccine introduction.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03621930.
Monoreassortant Rotaviruses of Multiple G Types Are Differentially Neutralized by Sera From Infants Vaccinated With ROTARIX and RotaTeq
Authors: Diller Julia R , Carter Maximilian H , Kanai Yuta , Sanchez Shania V , Kobayashi Takeshi , Ogden Kristen M
Published: September 2021

Background

Rotavirus is a leading cause of pediatric diarrheal mortality. The rotavirus outer capsid consists of VP7 and VP4 proteins, which, respectively, determine viral G and P type and are primary targets of neutralizing antibodies.

Methods

To elucidate VP7-specific neutralizing antibody responses, we engineered monoreassortant rotaviruses each containing a human VP7 segment from a sequenced clinical specimen or a vaccine strain in an identical genetic background. We quantified replication and neutralization of engineered viruses using sera from infants vaccinated with monovalent ROTARIX or multivalent RotaTeq vaccines.

Results

Immunization with RotaTeq induced broader neutralizing antibody responses than ROTARIX. Inclusion of a single dose of RotaTeq in the schedule enhanced G-type neutralization breadth of vaccinated infant sera. Cell type-specific differences in infectivity, replication, and neutralization were detected for some monoreassortant viruses.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that rotavirus VP7, independent of VP4, can contribute to cell tropism and the breadth of vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibody responses.
Income Distribution and the Potential of Redistributive Systems in Africa: A Decomposition Approach
Authors: Bargain Olivier , Jara H Xavier , Kwenda Prudence , Ntuli Miracle
Published: September 2021

Redistributive systems in Africa are still in their infancy but are expanding in order to finance increasing public spending. This paper aims at characterising the redistributive potential of six African countries: Ghana, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa. These countries show contrasted situations in terms of income distribution. We assess the role of tax-benefit systems to explain these differences. Using newly developed tax-benefit microsimulations for all six countries, we produce counterfactual simulations whereby the system of the most (least) redistributive country is applied to the population of all other countries. In this way, we can decompose country differences in income distribution into the contribution of tax-benefit policies and the contribution of other factors (market income distribution, demographic structure, etc.). This analysis complements the recent literature on the redistributive role of socio-fiscal policies in developing countries and highlights the advantages of microsimulation and decomposition techniques to characterise how different African countries can learn from each other to improve social protection and reduce inequality.
Reproductive biology of the deep-sea shrimp Heterocarpus chani Li, 2006 (Decapoda: Caridea: Pandalidae) from southern India
Authors: Kuberan Ganesan , Chakraborty Rekha Devi , Sarada Pengamuck T , Maheswarudu Gidda
Published: September 2021

The caridean shrimp Heterocarpus chani Li, 2006 (Pandalidae), is widely distributed along the Indian coasts, and is commercially exploited by deep-sea fisheries in southern India. There is limited information on its reproductive biology. A total of 3,122 specimens were collected from commercial bottom trawlers with a 25–30 mm mesh cod-end at depths of 200–300 m between November 2013 and December 2015. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) in the sex ratio, and size at first maturity with regard to the carapace length was estimated as 22.2 mm in females and 21 mm in males in Arabian Sea specimens and 22 mm and 20.8 mm, respectively, in Bay of Bengal samples. Ovigerous females were observed through the entire fishing season, which indicates year-round breeding, with three stages identified in the development of eggs (early, middle, and late stages). The estimated absolute and relative fecundity in ovigerous females ranged 830–45,650 eggs and 160–2,871 eggs g–1, respectively. The maximum of 45,650 eggs is the highest number so far reported for any pandalid species. The relationship between carapace length and fecundity revealed b values of 3.31 to 6.33, indicating positive allometry with the coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.21–0.37. Knowledge of the reproductive biology of the species can be further extrapolated aiming for the sustainable management of this resource.
Designing a green home healthcare network using grey flexible linear programming: heuristic approaches
Authors: Goodarzian Fariba , Abraham Ajith , Ghasemi Peiman , Mascolo Maria Di , Nasseri Hadi
Published: September 2021

In developing countries, the demand for old aged people requiring private health care at home is dramatically growing with the improvement of living standards. Since vehicles are used for transferring the medical staff (or doctors) to patient homes, it may be interesting to select a vehicle type based on the cost, capacity, and environmental sustainability (fuel consumption and CO2 gas emission per unit of distance) to maximize profits and social responsibility. In this paper, the first contribution, a new green home health care network for location, allocation, scheduling, and routing problems is developed with uncertain conditions. Another novelty, the time window to serve patients is also considered. In this regard, a novel grey flexible linear programming model is developed to cope with the uncertain nature of costs and capacity parameters that is as one important novelty. Due to this model’s high complexity and difficulty in large-scale instances, this research develops two novel hybrid algorithms. The first hybrid strategy called the HSEOSA algorithm combines the Social Engineering Optimizer algorithm with the Simulated Annealing method. In terms of contribution to the related solution methodology, additionally, the Keshtel Algorithm is incorporated with the Genetic Algorithm called the HGAKA algorithm as the second new hybrid metaheuristic. An extensive comparison among the proposed algorithms is performed to find the most efficient one for the application of home healthcare in real practice. To validate the proposed model, a novel real case study is illustrated in the home healthcare services in Tehran/Iran.
War in the Air from Spain to Yemen: The Challenges in Examining the Conduct of Air Bombardment
Authors: Piątkowski Mateusz
Published: September 2021

Air power is a dominant factor in both past and modern battlespace. Yet, despite its undisputed importance in warfare, its legal framework did not correspond with the significance of the air military operations, especially before the adoption of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1977. Even after this date, not all the particulars of air warfare are regulated by the positive rules, as the law is scattered in norms of customary character. Even more challenging process than reconstruction of the legal architecture of the air warfare is the evaluation of the specific incidents containing the elements of military aviation activity. The aim of the article is to present possible challenges arising from very complex normative and operational background of the air warfare and air bombardments in particular. The pivotal point in considerations is the forgotten inquiry conducted by the military experts operating within the established by the League of Nations commission reviewing the conduct of air bombardment during the Civil War in Spain. The adopted methodology of the commission could be considered as a reasonable and balanced approach of analyzing the cases including the involvement of the air power and a relevant reference in contemporary investigations.
Dry-Heat Tolerance of Egg Sacs of InvasiveLatrodectusSpiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Japan: Implications for Efficient Control/Extermination
Authors: Hayasaka Daisuke , Nakamori Takuya , Tamaue Kazunori , Seko Yugo , Hashimoto Koya , Sawahata Takuo
Published: September 2021

Strategic responses to invasive Latrodectus widow spiders are a global challenge due to the risks they pose to health and ecosystems. Chemical strategies involving the use of pyrethroids are effective against adult spiders, but as their populations rebound, chemical control becomes costly and unsustainable for eradication. A major obstacle is the inefficacy of insecticides against eggs, which are covered by a protective silk egg sac. Eradication of invasive spiders must focus on destroying progeny. Here, the responses of eggs in egg sacs of two invasive Latrodectus spiders in Japan (Latrodectus hasseltii (Thorell) and Latrodectus geometricus (C.L. Koch)) to short-term dry-heat exposure were examined. To test whether the dry-heat tolerance of the egg sacs of both spider species differed, lethal temperature (LT) was determined based on the hatching rate of eggs from egg sacs subjected to a range of temperatures. Hatching in both species failed completely when the egg sacs were exposed to temperatures of 55°C and above for 10 min, but the LT to reduce hatching by 90% (LT90) differed significantly between L. hasseltii (50. 9°C) and L. geometricus (52. 8°C). Our study highlights the efficacy of dry heat in suppressing hatching and thus shows the possibility for effective extermination of these noxious invasive pests. Further exploration and investigation of the effects of humidity and heat exposure time on egg sacs under field conditions are needed to guide Latrodectus spider control strategies.
Long-term survival after repetitive lymphadenectomy for nodal recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: a report of two cases
Authors: Hane Yuma , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Takeuchi Satoshi , Tanaka Kimitaka , Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Asano Toshimichi , Noji Takehiro , Kurashima Yo , Ebihara Yuma , Murakami Soichi , Nakamura Toru , Okamura Keisuke , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Hirano Satoshi
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are rare, but their incidence has increased in recent years. Curative surgery is recommended in several global guidelines for resectable PNENs. Lymph node recurrence after R0 resection for PNENs is infrequent, and global guidelines recommend surgical resection for recurrence, if resectable. However, data on the prognosis after surgical resection for nodal recurrence of PNENs are limited. We herein report two cases in which long-term survival was achieved after repetitive lymphadenectomy for nodal recurrence of PNENs. In both cases, the pathological findings for primary PNEN showed well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms and R0 resection was successfully performed. The Ki-67 index increased with each resection in both cases. Both patients showed long-term survival (10 and 14 years, respectively). Repetitive lymphadenectomy for nodal recurrence of PNENs may improve patient prognosis.
Minimal Fregeanism
Authors: Gray Aidan
Published: September 2021

Among the virtues of relationist approaches to Frege’s puzzle is that they put us in a position to outline structural features of the puzzle that were only implicit in earlier work. In particular, they allow us to frame questions about the relation between the explanatory roles of sense and sameness of sense. In this paper, I distinguish a number of positions about that relation which have not been clearly distinguished. This has a few pay-offs. It allows us to shed light on recent controversies about the ‘essential indexical’, and it also allows us to see what’s at stake between relationists and their opponents. When we see what’s at stake, we can see that we have reason to adopt an account of cognitive significance that incorporates elements of both relationist and Fregean approaches.
Extremely efficient mergers of intermediate-mass black hole binaries in nucleated dwarf galaxies
Authors: Khan Fazeel Mahmood , Holley-Bockelmann Kelly
Published: September 2021

Gravitational waves emitted by merging black holes between ∼104 and 107 M⊙ will be detectable by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) with signal-to-noise ratios of several hundred out to redshift 20. Supermassive black hole (107–1010 M⊙) binary formation, coalescence, and merger within massive galaxies is well-studied. However, intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) between ∼104 and 106 M⊙ are hosted by low mass and dwarf galaxies; it is not trivial to extrapolate black hole merger time-scales to this IMBH binary regime, due to the starkly different host galaxy structure, kinematics, and morphology compared to massive galaxy hosts. We perform ultrahigh resolution N-body simulations to study IMBH dynamics in nucleated dwarf galaxies whose structural parameters are obtained from observations of nearby dwarf galaxies. Starting from 50 pc, an IMBH quickly forms a binary. Thereafter, the binary orbit shrinks rapidly due to the high central stellar densities furnished by nuclear star clusters (NSCs). We find high eccentricities (e ∼ 0.4–0.99) in our suite of IMBH binaries, and residual eccentricity may persist to the LISA regime. IMBH merger times are typically a few hundred million years, with a few exceptionally short merger times for high eccentricities. We find that IMBH-stellar encounters originate pre-dominantly from NSCs, if the NSC-to-IMBH binary mass ratio is greater than 10; otherwise, bulge stars contribute significantly. As the IMBH binary ejects stars, however, the NSCs are disrupted. We conclude that comparable-mass IMBHs merge very efficiently in nucleated dwarf galaxies, making them promising LISA sources, as well as a channel for IMBH growth.
Hidden Historical Habitat-Linked Population Divergence and Contemporary Gene Flow of a Deep-Sea Patellogastropod Limpet
Authors: Xu Ting , Wang Yan , Sun Jin , Chen Chong , Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Chen Junlin , Qian Pei-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Wen
Published: September 2021

Hydrothermal vents and hydrocarbon seeps in the deep ocean are rare oases fueled by chemosynthesis. Biological communities inhabiting these ecosystems are often distributed in widely separated habitats, raising intriguing questions on how these organisms achieve connectivity and whether habitat types facilitate intraspecific divergence. The deep-sea patellogastropod limpet Bathyacmaea nipponica that colonizes both vents and seeps across ∼2,400 km in the Northwest Pacific is a feasible model to answer these questions. We analyzed 123 individuals from four vents and three seeps using a comprehensive method incorporating population genomics and physical ocean modeling. Genome survey sequencing and genotyping-by-sequencing resulted in 9,838 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for population genomic analyses. Genetic divergence and demographic analyses revealed four habitat-linked (i.e., three seep and one vent) genetic groups, with the vent genetic group established via the opportunistic invasion of a few limpet larvae from a nearby seep genetic group. TreeMix analysis uncovered three historical seep-to-vent migration events. ADMIXTURE and divMigrate analyses elucidated weak contemporary gene flow from a seep genetic group to the vent genetic group. Physical ocean modeling underlined the potential roles of seafloor topography and ocean currents in shaping the genetic connectivity, contemporary migration, and local hybridization of these deep-sea limpets. Our study highlighted the power of integrating genomic and oceanographic approaches in deciphering the demography and diversification of deep-sea organisms. Given the increasing anthropogenic activities (e.g., mining and gas hydrate extraction) affecting the deep ocean, our results have implications for the conservation of deep-sea biodiversity and establishment of marine protected areas.
Optimized nickase- and nuclease-based prime editing in human and mouse cells
Authors: Adikusuma Fatwa , Lushington Caleb , Arudkumar Jayshen , Godahewa Gelshan I , Chey Yu C J , Gierus Luke , Piltz Sandra , Geiger Ashleigh , Jain Yatish , Reti Daniel , Wilson Laurence O W , Bauer Denis C , Thomas Paul Q
Published: September 2021

Precise genomic modification using prime editing (PE) holds enormous potential for research and clinical applications. In this study, we generated all-in-one prime editing (PEA1) constructs that carry all the components required for PE, along with a selection marker. We tested these constructs (with selection) in HEK293T, K562, HeLa and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We discovered that PE efficiency in HEK293T cells was much higher than previously observed, reaching up to 95% (mean 67%). The efficiency in K562 and HeLa cells, however, remained low. To improve PE efficiency in K562 and HeLa, we generated a nuclease prime editor and tested this system in these cell lines as well as mouse ES cells. PE-nuclease greatly increased prime editing initiation, however, installation of the intended edits was often accompanied by extra insertions derived from the repair template. Finally, we show that zygotic injection of the nuclease prime editor can generate correct modifications in mouse fetuses with up to 100% efficiency.
A standard knockout procedure alters expression of adjacent loci at the translational level
Authors: Egorov Artyom A , Alexandrov Alexander I , Urakov Valery N , Makeeva Desislava S , Edakin Roman O , Kushchenko Artem S , Gladyshev Vadim N , Kulakovskiy Ivan V , Dmitriev Sergey E
Published: September 2021

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene deletion collection is widely used for functional gene annotation and genetic interaction analyses. However, the standard G418-resistance cassette used to produce knockout mutants delivers strong regulatory elements into the target genetic loci. To date, its side effects on the expression of neighboring genes have never been systematically assessed. Here, using ribosome profiling data, RT-qPCR, and reporter expression, we investigated perturbations induced by the KanMX module. Our analysis revealed significant alterations in the transcription efficiency of neighboring genes and, more importantly, severe impairment of their mRNA translation, leading to changes in protein abundance. In the ‘head-to-head’ orientation of the deleted and neighboring genes, knockout often led to a shift of the transcription start site of the latter, introducing new uAUG codon(s) into the expanded 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). In the ‘tail-to-tail’ arrangement, knockout led to activation of alternative polyadenylation signals in the neighboring gene, thus altering its 3′ UTR. These events may explain the so-called neighboring gene effect (NGE), i.e. false genetic interactions of the deleted genes. We estimate that in as much as ∼1/5 of knockout strains the expression of neighboring genes may be substantially (>2-fold) deregulated at the level of translation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mapping of Brain Tumor Burden: Clinical Implications for Neurosurgical Management: Case Report
Authors: Connelly Jennifer M , Prah Melissa A , Santos-Pinheiro Fernando , Mueller Wade , Cochran Elizabeth , Schmainda Kathleen M
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Distinction of brain tumor progression from treatment effect on postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an ongoing challenge in the management of brain tumor patients. A newly emerging MRI biomarker called fractional tumor burden (FTB) has demonstrated the ability to spatially distinguish high-grade brain tumor from treatment effect with important implications for surgical management and pathological diagnosis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 58-yr-old male with glioblastoma was treated with standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after initial resection. Throughout follow-up imaging, the distinction of tumor progression from treatment effect was of concern. The surgical report from a redo resection indicated recurrent glioblastoma, while the tissue sent for pathological diagnosis revealed no tumor. Presurgical FTB maps confirmed the spatial variation of tumor and treatment effect within the contrast-agent enhancing lesion. Unresected lesion, shown to be an active tumor on FTB, was the site of substantial tumor growth postresection.

CONCLUSION

This case report introduces the idea that a newly developed MRI biomarker, FTB, can provide information of tremendous benefit for surgical management, pathological diagnosis as well as subsequent treatment management decisions in high-grade glioma.
Comparison Between Conventional Flash and Off-Response Intraoperative Visual Evoked Potential Monitoring for Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Hardian Ridzky Firmansyah , Ogiwara Toshihiro , Sato Atsushi , Fujii Yu , Suzuki Yota , Hanaoka Yoshiki , Miyata Maki , Kamiya Keisuke , Sasaki Tetsuo , Goto Tetsuya , Hongo Kazuhiro , Horiuchi Tetsuyoshi
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative flash stimulation visual evoked potential (VEP) monitoring has been used for endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Recently, off-response VEP, which is recorded when the light stimulus is turned off, was introduced to monitor visual function intraoperatively.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate off-response VEP monitoring in comparison with the conventional flash stimulation VEP monitoring for EEA.

METHODS

From March 2015 to March 2020, 70 EEA surgeries with intraoperative VEP monitoring (140 eyes) were performed. Light stimuli were delivered by a pair of goggle electrodes. Recording electrodes were placed on the scalp over the occipital region. The warning signal was prompted by a reduction of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the VEP by more than 50% compared to the initial amplitude. Visual function was assessed pre- and postoperatively. Results of flash and off-response VEP monitoring were compared.

RESULTS

VEP was recorded in 134 eyes. Warning signal occurred in 23 eyes (transient in 17 eyes and permanent in 6 eyes). Two eyes showed permanent VEP attenuation for flash VEP monitoring, in which one patient had postoperative visual function deterioration. Four eyes showed permanent VEP attenuation for off-response VEP monitoring, where 2 patients had postoperative visual function deterioration. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100%, 98.9%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, for flash stimulation VEP, and 100%, 97.8%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, for off-response VEP.

CONCLUSION

VEP monitoring was useful to monitor visual function in EEA surgery. Off-response VEP monitoring was not inferior to conventional flash stimulation VEP monitoring.
Parliaments Facing the Virtual Challenge: A Conceptual Approach for New Models of Representation
Authors: Mencarelli Alberto
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated digital transformations in all spheres of public and private life, providing a strong incentive also for parliaments to adopt digital and remote working methods. The entry of the virtual paradigm into parliamentary work is part of a scenario already marked by a crisis of the traditional political representation model, also as a consequence of the disintermediation phenomena induced by the digital revolution. This article aims at investigating some conceptual links between the crisis of parliamentary representation and the digital transition and at analysing pros and cons of virtual/hybrid parliamentary proceedings and investigating with a non-empirical approach some potential systemic effects that could derive from maintaining them even after the current pandemic is over. Finally, the article suggests that the virtual challenge could encourage the evolution of parliaments towards new hybrid and network-based representation models which might help in providing a new centrality to legislatures in 21st century democratic systems.
Clump-scale chemistry in the NGC 2264-D cluster-forming region
Authors: Taniguchi Kotomi , Plunkett Adele , Shimoikura Tomomi , Dobashi Kazuhito , Saito Masao , Nakamura Fumitaka , Herbst Eric
Published: September 2021

We have conducted mapping observations toward the n3 and n5 positions in the NGC 2264-D cluster-forming region with the Atacama Compact Array (ACA) of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Band 3. Observations with a 10000 au scale beam reveal the chemical composition at the clump scale. The spatial distributions of the observed low upper-state-energy lines of CH3OH are similar to those of CS and SO, and the HC3N emission seems to be predominantly associated with clumps containing young stellar objects. The turbulent gas induced by the star formation activities produces large-scale shock regions in NGC 2264-D, which are traced by the CH3OH, CS, and SO emissions. We derive the HC3N, CH3CN, and CH3CHO abundances with respect to CH3OH. Compared to the n5 field, the n3 field is farther (in projected apparent distance) from the neighboring NGC 2264-C, yet the chemical composition in the n3 field tends to be similar to that of the protostellar candidate CMM3 in NGC 2264-C. The HC3N$/$CH3OH ratios in the n3 field are higher than those in the n5 field. We find an anti-correlation between the HC3N$/$CH3OH ratio and their excitation temperatures. The low HC3N$/$CH3OH abundance ratio at the n5 field implies that the n5 field is an environment with more active star formation compared with the n3 field.
Voluntary Regulation: Evidence from Medicare Payment Reform
Authors: Einav Liran , Finkelstein Amy , Ji Yunan , Mahoney Neale
Published: September 2021

Government programs are often offered on an optional basis to market participants. We explore the economics of such voluntary regulation in the context of a Medicare payment reform, in which one medical provider receives a single, predetermined payment for a sequence of related healthcare services, instead of separate service-specific payments. This “bundled payment” program was originally implemented as a five-year randomized trial, with mandatory participation by hospitals assigned to the new payment model; however, after two years, participation was made voluntary for half of these hospitals. Using detailed claim-level data, we document that voluntary participation is more likely for hospitals that can increase revenue without changing behavior (“selection on levels”) and for hospitals that had large changes in behavior when participation was mandatory (“selection on slopes”). To assess outcomes under counterfactual regimes, we estimate a stylized model of responsiveness to and selection into the program. We find that the current voluntary regime generates inefficient transfers to hospitals, and that alternative (feasible) designs could reduce these inefficient transfers and raise welfare. Our analysis highlights key design elements to consider under voluntary regulation.
Porous tantalum-composited gelatin nanoparticles hydrogel integrated with mesenchymal stem cell-derived endothelial cells to construct vascularized tissue in vivo
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Wang Mang , Shao Fei , Liu Ge , Li Junlei , Wei Xiaowei , Zhang Xiuzhi , Yang Jiahui , Cao Fang , Wang Qiushi , Wang Huanan , Zhao Dewei
Published: September 2021

The ideal scaffold material of angiogenesis should have mechanical strength and provide appropriate physiological microporous structures to mimic the extracellular matrix environment. In this study, we constructed an integrated three-dimensional scaffold material using porous tantalum (pTa), gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) hydrogel, and seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived endothelial cells (ECs) for vascular tissue engineering. The characteristics and biocompatibility of pTa and GNPs hydrogel were evaluated by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, cell counting kit, and live-cell assay. The BMSCs-derived ECs were identified by flow cytometry and angiogenesis assay. BMSCs-derived ECs were seeded on the pTa-GNPs hydrogel scaffold and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. Four weeks after the operation, the scaffold material was evaluated by histomorphology. The superior biocompatible ability of pTa-GNPs hydrogel scaffold was observed. Our in vivo results suggested that 28 days after implantation, the formation of the stable capillary-like network in scaffold material could be promoted significantly. The novel, integrated pTa-GNPs hydrogel scaffold is biocompatible with the host, and exhibits biomechanical and angiogenic properties. Moreover, combined with BMSCs-derived ECs, it could construct vascular engineered tissue in vivo. This study may provide a basis for applying pTa in bone regeneration and autologous BMSCs in tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
Liquidity Risk and Long-Term Finance: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Choudhary M Ali , Limodio Nicola
Published: September 2021

Banks in low-income countries face severe liquidity risk due to volatile deposits, which destabilize their funding, and dysfunctional liquidity markets, which induce expensive interbank and central bank lending. Such liquidity risk dissuades the transformation of short-term deposits into long-term loans and deters long-term investment. To validate this mechanism, we exploit a Sharia-compliant levy in Pakistan, which generates unintended and quasi-experimental variation in liquidity risk, with data from the credit registry and firm imports. We find that banks with a stronger exposure to liquidity risk lower their supply of long-term finance, which reduces the long-term investment of connected firms.
Country Risks and Brain Drain: The Emigration Potential of Japanese Skilled Workers
Authors: HORIUCHI Yusaku , OISHI Nana
Published: September 2021

While most existing research attributes contemporary Japanese emigration to the pursuit of a better lifestyle, recent qualitative studies point out that concern about country risks is a significant driver . We explore Japan’s brain-drain potential and factors shaping Japanese skilled workers’ interest in emigrating to other countries based on our original survey with an experimental component. We first undertake descriptive analysis using respondents in the (baseline) control group and examine what types of Japanese skilled workers are interested in emigration. We then use respondents in the control and treatment groups to test our preregistered hypotheses regarding the impact of information about Japan’s country risks on their attitudes. The results of our descriptive analysis show that respondents with overseas experience and younger respondents are particularly motivated to consider emigration. Another notable finding is that respondents who distrust the government and media are also more likely to consider leaving Japan than those who do not. Furthermore, through our randomized survey experiment, we find that exposure to information about long-term economic risk encourages people to consider living abroad in the future. These results suggest that the brain drain from Japan is likely to continue, pointing to a need for policy actions to tackle it.
Factors associated with adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular disease prevention among HIV clinicians
Authors: Galaviz Karla I , Colasanti Jonathan A , Kalokhe Ameeta S , Ali Mohammed K , Ofotokun Igho , Fernandez Alicia
Published: September 2021

Integrating cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in routine HIV care remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify factors associated with adherence to guideline-recommended CVD preventive practices among HIV clinicians. Clinicians from eight HIV clinics in Atlanta were invited to complete an online survey. The survey was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and assessed the following: clinician CVD risk screening and advice frequency (never to always), individual characteristics (clinician beliefs, self-efficacy, and motivation), inner setting factors (clinic culture, learning climate, leadership engagement, and resources available), and outer setting factors (peer pressure and patient needs). Bivariate correlations examined associations between these factors and guideline adherence. Thirty-eight clinicians completed the survey (82% women, mean age 42 years, 50% infectious disease physicians). For risk screening, clinicians always check patient blood pressure (median score 7.0/7), while they usually ask about smoking or check their blood glucose (median score 6.0/7). For advice provision, clinicians usually recommend quitting smoking, controlling cholesterol or controlling blood pressure (median score 6.0/7), while they often recommend controlling blood glucose, losing weight, or improving diet/physical activity (median score 5.5/7). Clinician beliefs, motivation and self-efficacy were positively correlated with screening and advice practices (r = .55−.84), while inner setting factors negatively correlated with lifestyle-related screening and advice practices (r = −.51 to −.76). Peer pressure was positively correlated with screening and advice practices (r = .57–.89). Clinician psychosocial characteristics and perceived peer pressure positively influence adherence to guideline-recommended CVD preventive practices. These correlates along with leadership engagement could be targeted with proven implementation strategies.
Machine Learning Technique Reveals Prognostic Factors of Vibrant Soundbridge for Conductive or Mixed Hearing Loss Patients
Authors: Koyama Hajime , Mori Anjin , Nagatomi Daisuke , Fujita Takeshi , Saito Kazuya , Osaki Yasuhiro , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Doi Katsumi
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) was developed for treatment of hearing loss, but clinical outcomes vary and prognostic factors predicting the success of the treatment remain unknown. We examined clinical outcomes of VSB for conductive or mixed hearing loss, prognostic factors by analyzing prediction models, and cut-off values to predict the outcomes.

Study design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

Thirty patients who underwent VSB surgery from January 2017 to December 2019 at our hospital.

Intervention:

Audiological tests were performed prior to and 3 months after surgery; patients completed questionnaires 3 months after surgery.

Main outcome measures:

We used a multiregression and the random forest algorithm for predictions. Mean absolute errors and coefficient of determinations were calculated to estimate prediction accuracies. Coefficient values in the multiregression model and the importance of features in the random forest model were calculated to clarify prognostic factors. Receiver operation characteristic curves were plotted.

Results:

All audiological outcomes improved after surgery. The random forest model (mean absolute error: 0.06) recorded more accuracy than the multiregression model (mean absolute error: 0.12). Speech discrimination score in a silent context in patients with hearing aids was the most influential factor (coefficient value: 0.51, featured value: 0.71). The candidate cut-off value was 36% (sensitivity: 89%, specificity: 75%).

Conclusions:

VSB is an effective treatment for conductive or mixed hearing loss. Machine learning demonstrated more precise predictions, and speech discrimination scores in a silent context in patients with hearing aids were the most important factor in predicting clinical outcomes.
Subdural Hematoma Presenting as Psychogenic Nausea
Authors: Fipps David C. , Rainey Elisabet
Published: September 2021

Psychogenic nausea refers to nausea symptoms that are experienced outside of the context of obvious general medical pathology and presumably as a result of psychiatric etiology. Although this dichotomy between general medical and psychiatric pathology is somewhat dated according to the focus of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Somatic Symptom Disorders, the psychogenic description of a medically unexplained symptom is still commonly used in the general medical vernacular. This case report involved a 74-year-old man who was presumed to have “psychogenic” nausea symptoms after a negative medical workup. New tremulous symptoms were presumed to be secondary to a benzodiazepine taper. However, the presence of additional focal neurological deficits prompted a computed tomography of the patient’s head, which revealed a subdural hematoma. Emergent neurosurgical evacuation and drainage relieved the patient’s symptoms and proved to be a life-saving measure. Subdural hematomas are most commonly the result of traumatic tearing of the cortical bridging veins that overlie this subdural space. Subsequent mass effect and ischemia from venous bleeding can cause multiple symptoms, including nausea. This case highlights the importance of ensuring a broad differential for medically unexplained symptoms and close monitoring of symptomatic changes.
Omeprazole-induced Visual Hallucinations: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Grace S. , Nunez Tatiana , Vargas Enrique
Published: September 2021

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that are frequently prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, a few case reports have described neuropsychiatric symptoms following PPI use. In this report, we present a case of visual hallucinations secondary to PPI usage and propose possible mechanisms. In this case, a 65-year-old man with no psychiatric history developed acute visual hallucinations following initiation of omeprazole, in the absence of delusions, paranoia, and other psychotic symptoms. The visual hallucinations began after the patient started treatment with omeprazole and resolved almost immediately upon discontinuation of omeprazole. To treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, omeprazole was replaced with famotidine, and the visual hallucinations did not recur after the omeprazole had been discontinued. No other psychotic signs or symptoms were present in this patient throughout the duration of his hospitalization. Although the scientific literature provides limited information on psychosis related to PPI use, a growing number of case reports and studies in recent years have suggested that neuropsychiatric symptoms may occur after PPI use. It is our hope that this case report adds to the scientific and medical knowledge in this area.