bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Period-age-metallicity and period-age-colour-metallicity relations for classical Cepheids: an application to the Gaia EDR3 sample
Authors: De Somma Giulia , Marconi Marcella , Cassisi Santi , Ripepi Vincenzo , Pietrinferni Adriano , Molinaro Roberto , Leccia Silvio , Musella Ilaria
Published: September 2021

Based on updated pulsation models for classical Cepheids, computed for various assumptions about the metallicity and helium abundance, roughly representative of pulsators in the Small Magellanic Cloud (Z = 0.004 and Y = 0.25), Large Magellanic Cloud (Z = 0.008 and Y = 0.25), and M31 (Z = 0.03 and Y = 0.28), and self-consistent updated evolutionary predictions, we derived period-age and multi-band period-age-colour relations that also take into account variations in the mass–luminosity (ML) relation. These results, combined with those previously derived for Galactic Cepheids, were used to investigate the metallicity effect when using these variables as age indicators. In particular, we found that a variation in the metal abundance affects both the slope and the zero-point of the above-mentioned relations. The new relations were applied to a sample of Gaia Early Data Release 3 classical Cepheids. The retrieved distribution of the individual ages confirms that a brighter ML relation produces older ages and that first overtone pulsators are found to be concentrated towards older ages with respect to the fundamental ones at a fixed ML relation. Moreover, the inclusion of a metallicity term in the period-age and period-age-colour relations slightly modifies the predicted ages. In particular, the age distribution of the selected sample of Galactic Cepheids is found to be shifted towards slightly older values, when the F-mode canonical relations are considered, with respect to the case at a fixed solar chemical composition. A marginally opposite dependence can be found in the non-canonical F-mode and canonical FO-mode cases.
Evolution of Functional Diversity in the Holozoan Tyrosine Kinome
Authors: Yeung Wayland , Kwon Annie , Taujale Rahil , Bunn Claire , Venkat Aarya , Kannan Natarajan
Published: September 2021

The emergence of multicellularity is strongly correlated with the expansion of tyrosine kinases, a conserved family of signaling enzymes that regulates pathways essential for cell-to-cell communication. Although tyrosine kinases have been classified from several model organisms, a molecular-level understanding of tyrosine kinase evolution across all holozoans is currently lacking. Using a hierarchical sequence constraint-based classification of diverse holozoan tyrosine kinases, we construct a new phylogenetic tree that identifies two ancient clades of cytoplasmic and receptor tyrosine kinases separated by the presence of an extended insert segment in the kinase domain connecting the D and E-helices. Present in nearly all receptor tyrosine kinases, this fast-evolving insertion imparts diverse functionalities, such as post-translational modification sites and regulatory interactions. Eph and EGFR receptor tyrosine kinases are two exceptions which lack this insert, each forming an independent lineage characterized by unique functional features. We also identify common constraints shared across multiple tyrosine kinase families which warrant the designation of three new subgroups: Src module (SrcM), insulin receptor kinase-like (IRKL), and fibroblast, platelet-derived, vascular, and growth factor receptors (FPVR). Subgroup-specific constraints reflect shared autoinhibitory interactions involved in kinase conformational regulation. Conservation analyses describe how diverse tyrosine kinase signaling functions arose through the addition of family-specific motifs upon subgroup-specific features and coevolving protein domains. We propose the oldest tyrosine kinases, IRKL, SrcM, and Csk, originated from unicellular premetazoans and were coopted for complex multicellular functions. The increased frequency of oncogenic variants in more recent tyrosine kinases suggests that lineage-specific functionalities are selectively altered in human cancers.
The proteomes of endometrial stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles following a decidualizing stimulus define the cells’ potential for decidualization success
Authors: Gurung Shanti , Greening David W , Rai Alin , Poh Qi Hui , Evans Jemma , Salamonsen Lois A
Published: September 2021

Adequate endometrial stromal cell (ESC) decidualization is vital for endometrial health. Given the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication, we investigated how their protein landscape is reprogrammed and dysregulated during decidual response. Small EVs (sEVs) from human ESC-conditioned media at Day-2 and -14 following decidual stimuli were grouped as well- (WD) or poorly decidualized (PD) based on their prolactin secretion and subjected to mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. On Day 2, in PD- versus WD-ESC-sEVs, 17 sEV- proteins were down-regulated (C5, C6; complement/coagulation cascades, and SERPING1, HRG; platelet degranulation and fibrinolysis) and 39 up-regulated (FLNA, COL1A1; focal adhesion, ENO1, PKM; glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and RAP1B, MSN; leukocyte transendothelial migration). On Day 14, in PD- versus WD-ESC-sEVs, FLNA was down-regulated while 21 proteins were up-regulated involved in complement/coagulation cascades (C3, C6), platelet degranulation (SERPINA4, ITIH4), B-cell receptor signalling and innate immune response (immunoglobulins). Changes from Days 2 to 14 suggested a subsequent response in PD-ESC-sEVs with 89 differentially expressed proteins mostly involved in complement and coagulation cascades (C3, C6, C5), but no change in WD-ESC-sEVs ESC. Poor decidualization was also associated with loss of crucial sEV-proteins for cell adhesion and invasion (ITGA5, PFN1), glycolysis (ALDOA, PGK1) and cytoskeletal reorganization (VCL, RAC1). Overall, this study indicates varied ESC response even prior to decidualization and provides insight into sEVs-proteomes as a benchmark of well-decidualized ESC. It shows distinct variation in sEV-protein composition depending on the ESC decidual response that is critical for embryo implantation, enabling and limiting trophoblast invasion during placentation and sensing a healthy embryo.
A mouse testis serine protease, TESP1, as the potential SPINK3 receptor protein on mouse sperm acrosome
Authors: Ramachandran Shiyam Sundar , Balu Rubhadevi , Vilwanathan Ravikumar , Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan , Paramasivam Sudhakar Gandhi
Published: September 2021

Serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 3 (SPINK3) from mouse seminal vesicles is a Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor. It has been shown to bind to the sperm acrosome and modify sperm activity by influencing the sub-cellular Ca2+ influx. Previously, SPINK3 was reported to suppress in vitro sperm capacitation. However, under natural coitus, SPINK3 is removed from the mouse acrosome in the female reproductive tract, leading to successful fertilisation. Identification of the SPINK3 binding partner becomes essential to develop a contraceptive that works by prolonging the binding of SPINK3 to the sperm acrosome. We identified the SPINK3 receptor by using recombinant SPINK3 (rSPINK3). Testicular serine protease 1 (TESP1) was identified as the receptor for SPINK3 by 2D gel electrophoresis coupled with western blot analysis. To authenticate TESP1 as the receptor for SPINK3, sperm cells were incubated with TESP1 peptide antibody followed by determining the intracellular [Ca2+]i concentration by flow cytometry using Fluo-3 AM as a calcium probe. Furthermore, the 3D structures of SPINK3 and TESP1 were predicted by homology modelling (Schrodinger suite) using the crystal structure of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PDB ID—1TGS) and human prostasin (PDB ID—3DFJ) as templates. The modelled protein structures were validated and subjected to molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) using GROMACS v5.0.5. Protein–protein docking was performed using HDOCK and the complex was validated by MDS. The results predicted that SPINK3 and TESP1 had strong binding affinity, with a dock score of −430.70 and 14 hydrogen bonds as key active site residues. If the binding affinity between SPINK3 and TESP1 could be increased, the SPINK3-TESP1 association will be prolonged, which will be helpful in the development of a male contraceptive.
RNA-based cooperative protein labeling that permits direct monitoring of the intracellular concentration change of an endogenous protein
Authors: Pe Kathleen Beverly Alog , Yatsuzuka Kenji , Hakariya Hayase , Kida Tomoki , Katsuda Yousuke , Fukuda Masatora , Sato Shin-ichi
Published: September 2021

Imaging the dynamics of proteins in living cells is a powerful means for understanding cellular functions at a deeper level. Here, we report a versatile method for spatiotemporal imaging of specific endogenous proteins in living mammalian cells. The method employs a bifunctional aptamer capable of selective protein recognition and fluorescent probe-binding, which is induced only when the aptamer specifically binds to its target protein. An aptamer for β-actin protein preferentially recognizes its monomer forms over filamentous forms, resulting in selective G-actin staining in both fixed and living cells. Through actin-drug treatment, the method permitted direct monitoring of the intracellular concentration change of endogenous G-actin. This protein-labeling method, which is highly selective and non-covalent, provides rich insights into the study of spatiotemporal protein dynamics in living cells.
Fusarium BP1 is a reader of H3K27 methylation
Authors: Tang Guangfei , Yuan Jianlong , Wang Jing , Zhang Yi-Zhe , Xie Si-Si , Wang Hongkai , Tao Zeng , Liu Huiquan , Kistler H Corby , Zhao Youfu , Duan Cheng-Guo , Liu Wende , Ma Zhonghua , Chen Yun
Published: September 2021

Histone H3 lysine 27 methylation catalyzed by polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is conserved from fungi to humans and represses gene transcription. However, the mechanism for recognition of methylated H3K27 remains unclear, especially in fungi. Here, we found that the bromo-adjacent homology (BAH)-plant homeodomain (PHD) domain containing protein BAH–PHD protein 1 (BP1) is a reader of H3K27 methylation in the cereal fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum. BP1 interacts with the core PRC2 component Suz12 and directly binds methylated H3K27. BP1 is distributed in a subset of genomic regions marked by H3K27me3 and co-represses gene transcription. The BP1 deletion mutant shows identical phenotypes on mycelial growth and virulence, as well as similar expression profiles of secondary metabolite genes to the strain lacking the H3K27 methyltransferase Kmt6. More importantly, BP1 can directly bind DNA through its PHD finger, which might increase nucleosome residence and subsequently reinforce transcriptional repression in H3K27me3-marked target regions. A phylogenetic analysis showed that BP1 orthologs are mainly conserved in fungi. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism by which PRC2 mediates gene repression in fungi, which is distinct from the PRC1-PRC2 system in plants and mammals.
Calcium isotope compositions as a means to trace carbonate recycling
Authors: Huang Shichun , Jacobsen Stein B
Published: September 2021

Marine carbonate, an important CO2 reservoir, is continuously sent to the Earth's deep interior at subduction zones, forming an essential part of the global carbon cycle. The pros and cons of using calcium isotope compositions to trace marine carbonates recycled into the mantle are discussed in this Perspective.
Massive lithospheric delamination in southeastern Tibet facilitating continental extrusion
Authors: Feng Jikun , Yao Huajian , Chen Ling , Wang Weitao
Published: September 2021

Significant left-lateral movement along the Ailao Shan-Red River fault accommodated a substantial amount of the late Eocene to early Miocene India-Asia convergence. However, the activation of this critical strike-slip fault remains poorly understood. Here, we show key seismic evidence for the occurrence of massive lithospheric delamination in southeastern Tibet. Our novel observation of reflected body waves (e.g. P410P and P660P) retrieved from ambient noise interferometry sheds new light on the massive foundered lithosphere currently near the bottom of the mantle transition zone beneath southeastern Tibet. By integrating the novel seismic and pre-existing geochemical observations, we highlight a linkage between massive lithospheric delamination shortly after the onset of hard collision and activation of continental extrusion along the Ailao Shan-Red River fault. This information provides critical insight into the early-stage evolution of the India-Asia collision in southeastern Tibet, which has significant implications for continental collision and its intracontinental response.
The relationship between deprivation and frailty trajectories over 1 year and at the end of life: a case–control study
Authors: Stow Daniel , Hanratty Barbara , Matthews Fiona E
Published: September 2021

Background

We investigated the association between area-level, multi-domain deprivation and frailty trajectories in the last year of life and over 1 year in a matched non-end-of-life sample.

Methods

A 1-year longitudinal case–control study using primary care electronic health records from 20 460 people age ≥ 75. Cases (died 1 January 2015 to 1 January 2016) were 1:1 matched to controls by age, sex and practice location. Monthly interval frailty measured using a 36-item electronic frailty index (eFI: range 0–1, lower scores mean less frailty). Deprivation measured using Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintiles. We used latent growth curves to model the relationship between IMD and eFI trajectory.

Results

Living in a less deprived area was associated with faster increase in eFI for cases (0.005% per month, 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.001, 0.010), but not controls, and was associated with lower eFI at study baseline in cases (−0.29% per IMD quintile, 95%CI −0.45, −0.13) and controls (−0.35% per quintile, 95%CI −0.51, −0.20).

Conclusions

Overall, greater area-level deprivation is associated with higher levels of frailty, but people who survive to ≥75 have similar 1-year frailty trajectories, regardless of area-level deprivation. Interventions to reduce frailty should target younger age groups, especially those living in the most deprived areas.
Varieties of functional income inequality in Latin America: Chile and Mexico compared
Authors: Gouzoulis Giorgos , Constantine Collin
Published: September 2021

Contributing to a better understanding of the varying inequality patterns within Latin America, this article examines the drivers of the private sector labour shares of Chile and Mexico between 1980 and 2011. Over this period, Chile’s labour share has declined, similar to many advanced economies, while Mexico’s labour share has remained relatively stable. Our historical and econometric analysis suggests that in Chile high private indebtedness has undermined wage demands and induced wage cuts, while policies of small government have also contributed to the decline in its wage share. Chile’s natural resource exports have benefited from Latin America’s commodity boom and exhibited some limited positive effects on its wage share. Contrariwise, we find that Mexico, as a more capital-intensive economy, has experienced significant substitution effects, which have undermined its wage share. Yet, high government spending has counterbalanced the negative effects of globalization. These comparative results challenge popular narratives around hyper-globalization and policy homogenization.
Host Adaptation Through Hybridization: Genome Analysis of Triticale Powdery Mildew Reveals Unique Combination of Lineage-Specific Effectors
Authors: Müller Marion C. , Kunz Lukas , Graf Johannes , Schudel Seraina , Keller Beat
Published: September 2021

The emergence of new fungal pathogens through hybridization represents a serious challenge for agriculture. Hybridization between the wheat mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) and rye mildew (B. graminis f. sp. secalis) pathogens has led to the emergence of a new mildew form (B. graminis f. sp. triticale) growing on triticale, a man-made amphiploid crop derived from crossing rye and wheat, which was originally resistant to the powdery mildew disease. The identification of the genetic basis of host adaptation in triticale mildew has been hampered by the lack of a reference genome. Here, we report the 141.4-Mb reference assembly of triticale mildew isolate THUN-12 derived from long-read sequencing and genetic map-based scaffolding. All 11 triticale mildew chromosomes were assembled from telomere-to-telomere and revealed that 19.7% of the hybrid genome was inherited from the rye mildew parental lineage. We identified lineage-specific regions in the hybrid, inherited from the rye or wheat mildew parental lineages, that harbor numerous bona fide candidate effectors. We propose that the combination of lineage-specific effectors in the hybrid genome is crucial for host adaptation, allowing the fungus to simultaneously circumvent the immune systems contributed by wheat and rye in the triticale crop. In line with this, we demonstrate the functional transfer of the SvrPm3 effector from wheat to triticale mildew, a virulence effector that specifically suppresses resistance of the wheat Pm3 allelic series. This transfer is the likely underlying cause for the observed poor effectiveness of several Pm3 alleles against triticale mildew and exemplifies the negative implications of pathogen hybridizations on resistance breeding.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Outcomes of the First Pregnancy After Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Authors: Nitecki Roni , Floyd Jessica , Lamiman Kelly , Clapp Mark A. , Fu Shuangshuang , Jorgensen Kirsten , Melamed Alexander , Brady Paula C. , Kaimal Anjali , del Carmen Marcela G. , Woodard Terri L. , Meyer Larissa A. , Giordano Sharon H. , Ramirez Pedro T. , Rauh-Hain J. Alejandro
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate outcomes of the first pregnancy after fertility-sparing surgery in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

METHODS:

We performed a population-based study of women aged 18–45 years with a history of stage I cervical cancer reported to the 2000–2012 California Cancer Registry. Data were linked to the OSHPD (California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) birth and discharge data sets. We included patients with cervical cancer who conceived at least 3 months after a fertility-sparing surgery, which included cervical conization or loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Those undergoing trachelectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was preterm birth. Secondary outcomes included growth restriction, neonatal morbidity, stillbirth, cesarean delivery, and severe maternal morbidity. We used propensity scores to match similar women from two groups in a 1:2 ratio of case group participants to control group participants: population individuals without cancer and individuals with cervical cancer (women who delivered before their cervical cancer diagnosis). Wald statistics and logistic regressions were used to evaluate outcomes.

RESULTS:

Of 4,087 patients with cervical cancer, 118 (2.9%) conceived after fertility-sparing surgery, and 107 met inclusion criteria and were matched to control group participants. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology (63.2%), followed by adenocarcinoma (30.8%). Patients in the case group had higher odds of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation compared with both control groups (21.5% vs 9.3%, odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.1; 21.5% vs 12.7%, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.6), but not preterm birth before 32 weeks. Neonatal morbidity was more common among the patients in the case group relative to those in the cervical cancer control group (15.9% vs 6.9%, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.5). There were no differences in rates of growth restriction, stillbirth, cesarean delivery, and maternal morbidity.

CONCLUSION:

In a population-based cohort, patients who conceived after surgery for cervical cancer had higher odds of preterm delivery compared with control groups.
Causes of Maternal Mortality in Rwanda, 2017–2019
Authors: Rulisa Stephen , Ntihinyurwa Polyphile , Ntirushwa David , Wong Andrew , Olufolabi Adeyemi
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the causes of maternal mortality at a referral hospital in Rwanda.

METHODS:

A secondary data analysis of 217 women with recorded maternal mortality from 2017 to 2019 was conducted among 11,308 total maternal admissions. Demographics, diagnosis, management, referring hospital source, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS:

The mean (±SD) age of maternal death was 30.7±7.2 years (range 16–57 years). The overall maternal mortality rate was 1.99%, with yearly rates of 2.45%, 2.53%, and 1.84% in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. A significant seasonal variation was noted. Sepsis was the most common cause of maternal death (50%), followed by hemorrhage (19%) and hypertensive disorders (15%). Causes of maternal deaths included preeclampsia (13%) and abortion (8%). Furthermore, 82% of all the deaths were referrals from smaller community hospitals.

CONCLUSION:

Maternal death due to sepsis remain a major cause of maternal deaths in Rwanda. Infection prevention and the early diagnosis and management of sepsis must be a priority in reducing maternal mortality.
Associations Between Maternal Depression, Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Vlenterie Richelle , van Gelder Marleen M. H. J. , Anderson H. Ross , Andersson Liselott , Broekman Birit F. P. , Dubnov-Raz Gal , El Marroun Hanan , Ferreira Ema , Fransson Emma , van der Heijden Frank M. M. A. , Holzman Claudia B. , Kim J. Jo , Khashan Ali S. , Kirkwood Betty R. , Kuijpers Harold J. H. , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Mason Dan , Misra Dawn , Niemi Maria , Nordeng Hedvig M. E. , Peacock Janet L. , Pickett Kate E. , Prady Stephanie L. , Premji Shahirose S. , Räikkönen Katri , Rubertsson Christine , Sahingoz Mine , Shaikh Kiran , Silver Richard K. , Slaughter-Acey Jaime , Soremekun Seyi , Stein Dan J. , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Sutter-Dallay Anne-Laure , Tiemeier Henning , Uguz Faruk , Varela Pinelopi , Vrijkotte Tanja G.M. , Winterfeld Ursula , Zar Heather J. , Zervas Iannis M. , Prins Judith B. , Pop-Purceleanu Monica , Roeleveld Nel
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the associations of depressive symptoms and antidepressant use during pregnancy with the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and low Apgar scores.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and PsycINFO up to June 2016.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

Data were sought from studies examining associations of depression, depressive symptoms, or use of antidepressants during pregnancy with gestational age, birth weight, SGA, or Apgar scores. Authors shared the raw data of their studies for incorporation into this individual participant data meta-analysis.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:

We performed one-stage random-effects meta-analyses to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. The 215 eligible articles resulted in 402,375 women derived from 27 study databases. Increased risks were observed for preterm birth among women with a clinical diagnosis of depression during pregnancy irrespective of antidepressant use (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1) and among women with depression who did not use antidepressants (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.7–3.0), as well as for low Apgar scores in the former (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7), but not the latter group. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use was associated with preterm birth among women who used antidepressants with or without restriction to women with depressive symptoms or a diagnosis of depression (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.5 and OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.8, respectively), as well as with low Apgar scores among women in the latter group (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.8).

CONCLUSION:

Depressive symptoms or a clinical diagnosis of depression during pregnancy are associated with preterm birth and low Apgar scores, even without exposure to antidepressants. However, SSRIs may be independently associated with preterm birth and low Apgar scores.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO, CRD42016035711.
Reduction in Cesarean Delivery Rates Associated With a State Quality Collaborative in Maryland
Authors: Callaghan-Koru Jennifer A. , DiPietro Bonnie , Wahid Inaya , Mark Katrina , Burke Ann B. , Curran Geoffrey , Creanga Andreea A.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To assesses the extent to which hospitals participating in the MDPQC (Maryland Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Care Collaborative) to reduce primary cesarean deliveries adopted policy and practice changes and the association of this adoption with state-level cesarean delivery rates.

METHODS:

This prospective evaluation of the MDPQC includes 31 (97%) of the birthing hospitals in the state, which all voluntarily participated in the 30-month collaborative from June 2016 to December 2018. Hospital teams agreed to implement practices from the “Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Births” patient safety bundle, developed by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. Each hospital's implementation of practices in the bundle was measured through surveys of team leaders at 12 months and 30 months. Half-yearly cesarean delivery rates were calculated from aggregate birth certificate data for each hospital, and differences in rates between the 6 months before the collaborative (baseline) and the 6 months afterward (endline) were tested for statistical significance.

RESULTS:

Among the 26 bundle practices that were assessed, participating hospitals reported having a median of seven practices (range 0–23) already in place before the collaborative and implementing a median of four (range 0–17) new practices during the collaborative. Across the collaborative, the cesarean delivery rates decreased from 28.5% to 26.9% (P=.011) for all nulliparous term singleton vertex births and from 36.1% to 31.3% (P<.001) for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex inductions. Five hospitals had a statistically significant decrease in nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean delivery rates and four had a significant increase. Nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean delivery rates were significantly lower across hospitals that implemented more practices in the “Response” domain of the bundle.

CONCLUSION:

The MDPQC was associated with a statewide reduction in cesarean delivery rates for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex births.
Retrograde Bladder Filling After Outpatient Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Thiel Peter S. , Mathur Siddhi , Zakhari Andrew , Matelski John , Walsh Chris , Murji Ally
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing postoperative bladder retrofilling to passive filling after outpatient gynecologic surgery to evaluate effects on postoperative outcomes.

DATA SOURCES:

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1947 to August 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

Two reviewers screened 1,465 articles. We included RCTs that compared postoperative bladder retrofilling to passive filling in patients who underwent outpatient gynecologic surgery by any approach. The primary outcome was the time to first void. Secondary outcomes included time to discharge, postoperative urinary retention, urinary tract infection, and patient satisfaction. Mean differences and relative risks (RRs) were calculated for the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:

We included eight studies with 1,173 patients. Bladder retrofilling in the operating room resulted in a significant decrease in the time to first void (mean difference −33.5 minutes; 95% CI −49.1 to −17.9, 4 studies, 403 patients) and time to discharge (mean difference –32.0 minutes; 95% CI −51.5 to −12.6, eight studies, 1,164 patients). Bladder retrofilling did not shorten time to discharge when performed in the postanesthetic care unit (mean difference –14.8 min; 95% CI −62.6 to 32.9, three studies, 258 patients) or after laparoscopic hysterectomy (mean difference –26.0 min; 95% CI −56.5 to 4.5, five studies, 657 patients). There were no differences in postoperative urinary retention (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.45–1.30, five studies, 910 patients) or risk of urinary tract infection between the retrofill and passive fill groups (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.14–1.77, four studies, 387 patients). Patient satisfaction was comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION:

Retrofilling the bladder in the operating room after outpatient gynecologic surgery modestly reduces the time to first void and discharge with no increase in adverse events.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO, CRD42020203692.
Cochrane Review Summaries—October 2021
Authors: Hadaie Bachar , Haas David M.
Published: September 2021

In this month's issue, the journal continues to bring new insights from Cochrane Systematic Reviews to the readers of Obstetrics & Gynecology. This month, we highlight a review of low-dose oral misoprostol for labor induction, strategies to increase continuation of shorter-term hormonal contraception, and early postnatal discharge. The summaries are published below. The complete references with hyperlinks are listed in Box 1.
Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy
Authors: James Andra H.
Published: September 2021

Anemia is defined as a low red blood cell count, a low hematocrit, or a low hemoglobin concentration. In pregnancy, a hemoglobin concentration of less than 11.0 g/dL in the first trimester and less than 10.5 or 11.0 g/dL in the second or third trimester (depending on the guideline used) is considered anemia. Anemia is the most common hematologic abnormality in pregnancy. Maternal anemia is associated with adverse fetal, neonatal and childhood outcomes, but causality is not established. Maternal anemia increases the likelihood of transfusion at delivery. Besides hemodilution, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for anemia with a complete blood count in the first trimester and again at 24 0/7 to 28 6/7 weeks of gestation. Mild anemia, with a hemoglobin of 10.0 g/dL or higher and a mildly low or normal mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is likely iron deficiency anemia. A trial of oral iron can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Mild anemia with a very low MCV, macrocytic anemia, moderate anemia (hemoglobin 7.0–9.9 g/dL) or severe anemia (hemoglobin 4.0–6.9 g/dL) requires further investigation. Once a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is confirmed, first-line treatment is oral iron. New evidence suggests that intermittent dosing is as effective as daily or twice-daily dosing with fewer side effects. For patients with iron deficiency anemia who cannot tolerate, cannot absorb, or do not respond to oral iron, intravenous iron is preferred. With contemporary formulations, allergic reactions are rare.
Bilateral EK Rejection After COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Abousy Mya , Bohm Kelley , Prescott Christina , Bonsack Jeanette M. , Rowhani-Farid Anisa , Eghrari Allen O.
Published: September 2021

Owing to its rapid development, short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are still not well understood. This case report highlights bilateral corneal endothelial graft rejection after administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A 73-year-old woman with bilateral Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty presented with bilateral decreased visual acuity, ocular pain, and photophobia after her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Two weeks after vaccine administration, the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/70 and 20/40. Central corneal thickness as measured by ultrasound was 809 and 825 μm and by Scheimfplug imaging was 788 and 751 μm at the pupil center. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed quiet conjunctiva and sclera but was significant for thickened corneas with Descemet folds in both eyes. The patient was instructed to use prednisolone acetate 1% every 1 to 2 hours with Muro ointment at bedtime.
Pneumococcal Carriage Among Indigenous Kichwa Children From the Ecuadorian Andes After the 10-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Regalado L Daniela , Rivera-Olivero Ismar A. , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel , Tana Leandro , Hernandez Isabel , Zurita Jeannete , Vidal Jorge E. , Terán Enrique , de Waard Jacobus H.
Published: September 2021

Background:

We assessed nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage in Andean Kichwa children, the largest Amerindian indigenous population in the Ecuadorian Andes. All children in our study had been vaccinated with the 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV10).

Methods:

Nasopharyngeal swabs from 63 families, 100 children <10 years old including 38 children under 5 years and 63 adult caregivers, from 5 different communities, were cultivated for Streptococcus pneumoniae and isolates were serotyped and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed.

Results:

Respectively, 67% of the 38 children under 5 years old, 49% of the 62 children between 6 and 10 years old and 16% of the 100 adults were colonized with S. pneumoniae. Of these, 30.9% carried a vaccine serotype, 5.4% a serotype shared by the PCV10/13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) vaccine and 25.5% a PCV13 serotype or PCV13 vaccine-related serotype, with 19A (10.9%) and 6C (10.9%) as the most prominent. Drug susceptibility testing revealed that 46% of the S. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to 6 tested antibiotics. However, 20.3% of the strains were multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant strains, including 82% of the vaccine (-related) serotype 19A and 6C strains.

Conclusions:

Kichwa children, vaccinated with PCV10, were highly colonized with pneumococci and should be considered a high-risk group for pneumococcal disease. Twenty-five percent of the colonizing S. pneumoniae strains were PCV13-only vaccine-targeted serotypes, and in addition to that, most were multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant strains. The vaccine benefits for this population possibly will significantly increase with the introduction of PCV13.
Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Complicating Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Pediatric Heart Transplant Patient
Authors: Miller Chelsea , Daugherty Reza , McCulloch Michael , Stephens Ina , Williamson Peter R.
Published: September 2021

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can be a complication of cryptococcal meningitis after immune reconstitution from antiretroviral therapy in HIV or reduced immune suppression in transplant recipients. In this case report, the authors discuss the diagnosis and management of cryptococcal-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a 10-year-old pediatric heart transplant recipient.
From HRO to HERO
Authors: Moy Ernest , Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Clancy Carolyn M.
Published: September 2021

As many health systems have been working to become high-reliability organizations (HROs), health equity has been largely absent from discussions and applications of HRO principles. This is a serious oversight. Disparities in health and health care represent systematic failures to achieve reliable outcomes for certain groups. Acceptance of disparities is antithetical to the essential HRO goal of “zero harm.” We propose adding Equity to HROs in the most literal sense by designating it as a key component and achieving High Equity Reliability Organizations. We describe how equity should be a crucial element of all 5 HRO core concepts: sensitivity to operations, preoccupation with failure, deference to expertise, resilience, and reluctance to simplify.
Work Absence Following COVID-19 Vaccination in a Cohort of Healthcare Personnel
Authors: Breeher Laura E. , Wolf Michael E. , Geyer Holly , Brinker Todd , Tommaso Christopher , Kohlnhofer Stacy , Hainy Caitlin , Swift Melanie
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To identify rates of work absence following receipt of COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of healthcare personnel (HCP).

Methods:

Short-term disability (STD) usage by HCP attributed to side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine was calculated for each vaccine manufacturer, job category, age group, and work region. Analysis was performed for the cohort of HCP during the initial vaccination campaign.

Results:

4.1% of COVID-19 vaccinations generated a STD claim for lost work due to side effects, with increased STD rates after dose 2 than dose 1 (7.4% and 0.9%, respectively). Rates were higher for younger HCP and allied health staff.

Conclusions:

While side effects from mRNA vaccine dose 2 resulted in more work absence, statistically significant geographic differences in STD suggest cultural and staffing factors may impact HCP to utilize STD following vaccination.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Work Environment in Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Authors: Crizzle Alexander M. , Malik Sayeda S. , Toxopeus Ryan
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To describe and compare the working conditions of long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) before and during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to assess the perceptions of LHTDs on accessing food, restrooms, and parking.

Methods:

An online survey was disseminated between August 2020 and March 2021 to various trucking organizations across Canada to collect data on health and wellness during COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis for open-ended responses.

Results:

The sample included 146 LHTD (mean age 48.1 ± 11.8; 82.2% were men). Participants reported issues with finding parking, washrooms, and food. Compared with before COVID-19, LHTD worked significantly more hours and consumed more caffeine; and more than 50% reported being fatigued.

Conclusions:

Improving the working conditions of LHTD is critical to support their health and wellbeing, both during and after the pandemic.
Can a Hip Brace Improve Short-Term Hip-Related Quality of Life for People With Femoroacetabular Impingement and Acetabular Labral Tears: An Exploratory Randomized Trial
Authors: Eyles Jillian P. , Murphy Nicholas J. , Virk Sonika , Spiers Libby , Molnar Robert , O'Donnell John , Singh Parminder , Tran Phong , Randhawa Sunny , O'Sullivan Michael , Hunter David J.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To examine whether a hip brace can improve hip health quality-of-life (QoL) and is well-tolerated in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) or symptomatic labral tears after 6 weeks of wear.

DESIGN:

Parallel, two-arm, exploratory randomized trial.

SETTING:

Hospital and private clinics of orthopaedic surgeons.

PARTICIPANTS:

Individuals >18 years with FAIS or labral tears.

INTERVENTIONS:

Usual conservative care versus usual conservative care plus a hip brace.

MAIN OUTCOMES:

Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Scores (HAGOS). Brace acceptability was measured using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology survey. Independent t-tests assessed between-group differences.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight participants were recruited, 19 each group, 60% women, mean age 39.3 ± 11.8 years, body mass index 25.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2, iHOT-33 36.6 ± 24.8. Three participants dropped out (one usual care, 2 braced). The mean between-group difference for iHOT-33 was 19.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68–37.06, P = 0.03) favoring the brace. There were improvements in most HAGOS subscale scores favoring the brace. Issues with brace tolerability for some participants were perceived comfort and effectiveness. Three brace-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION:

Between-group differences favored the braced group for hip health QoL, pain, symptoms, and function. Although these were promising results, the CIs for the estimates were wide, the small sample size likely a contributing factor. Our results suggest that further investigation of the brace is warranted, we calculated sample sizes and made recommendations for the design of a future trial.
Comparison of the GenCut Core Biopsy System to Transbronchial Biopsy Forceps for Flexible Bronchoscopic Lung Biopsy
Authors: Orr Lindsey , Krochmal Rebecca , Sonti Rajiv , DeBrito Pedro , Anderson Eric D.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Pulmonary nodules are increasingly detected on screening and routine chest imaging, leading to an increase in diagnostic procedures. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) is the most common diagnostic modality, with diagnostic yield between 43% and 86%, largely dependent on the use of navigational modalities. In 2015 a new biopsy tool by Medtronic, the GenCut core biopsy system [GenCut transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA)], was developed with the intention of improving yield in lung nodule biopsies. Our goal was to determine the efficacy of this new device when used in addition to TBBx.

Patients and Methods:

This is a prospective observational study of 324 consecutive bronchoscopic lung biopsies in which both TBBx and GenCut TBNA were performed on the same lesion. We recorded patient and nodule characteristics, along with the bronchoscopic modalities used. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield with the addition of the GenCut TBNA, and the key secondary outcome was the complication rate.

Results:

Of the 324 nodule biopsies analyzed, 164 (50.6%) were diagnostic via TBBx or GenCut TBNA.In all, 97 (59%) were positive in both TBBx and GenCut TBNA, 43 (26.2%) were positive only in TBBx, and 24 (14.6%) were positive only in GenCut TBNA. Overall, the addition of the GenCut TBNA increased the diagnostic yield by 7.4% (P<0.01). There were 7 complications: 5 pneumothoraxes and 2 episodes of bleeding.

Conclusion:

The diagnostic yield is improved by using the GenCut core biopsy system in addition to traditional TBBx forceps when performing bronchoscopy for pulmonary nodules, without an increase in complications. These biopsy methods should be used in tandem for the greatest yield.
Parathyroid disorder and concomitant thyroid cancer in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Wang Ying , Cai Sheng , Liu He , Zhao Rui-Na , Lai Xing-Jian , Lv Ke , Jiang Yu-Xin , Li Jian-Chu
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to determine the rates and characteristics of parathyroid disorder and thyroid cancer in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 vs sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (SPHP) undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-associated primary hyperparathyroidism (MPHP) or SPHP who underwent initial or reoperative parathyroid exploration from 1999 to 2019 were identified via a clinical database. The data for MPHP patients (n = 15) were compared to those of a selected 2:1 age- and sex-matched SPHP cohort (n = 30) who all underwent thyroidectomy for concurrent thyroid nodules.

Compared with that of the SPHP group, the parathyroid hormone level of the MPHP group was much higher (470.67 ± 490.74 pg/mL vs 217.77 ± 165.60 pg/mL, P = .001). Multiglandular parathyroid disease (6/15 [40%] vs 3/30 [10%], P = .026) and more hyperplasia (7/15 [46.7%] vs 5/30 [16.7%], P = .039) were found in the MPHP group, and more parathyroid lesions presented as a round shape (long/short meridian < 2) by ultrasound (16/20 [80%] vs 8/31 [25.8%], P < .001). Regarding thyroid nodules, there was no difference in the rate of histologic thyroid cancer, but more thyroid cancer was found in the last 5 years among the MPHP cases (5/9 [55.6%] vs 3/18 [16.7%], P = .052).

Multiglandular parathyroid disease and hyperplasia were more frequent in the MPHP cohort than in the SPHP cohort, and the parathyroid lesions usually presented with a round shape on ultrasonography. More concurrent thyroid cancer was found in MPHP than SPHP patients over the previous 5 years.
Genetic association between bone mineral density and the fracture of distal radius
Authors: Li Hongliang , Fu Mingyun , Gao Junqing , Fu Jile , Li Tuming , Niu Guoqing
Published: September 2021

Low bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly related to the fracture of distal radius. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level was closely related to BMD in spine and osteoporotic fractures. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of BDNF polymorphisms (rs6265 and rs7124442) with BMD and the fracture of distal radius.

This retrospective study included 152 patients with distal radius fractures and 148 healthy controls. BDNF polymorphisms were detected via TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. BMD was evaluated through X-ray. Difference in features between cases and controls were compared adopting Chi-square test or t test. The associations of BDNF polymorphisms with fracture risk of distal radius and BMD were assessed employing χ2 test and expressed by odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

BMD was significantly decreased in patients with the fracture of distal radius than in healthy controls. The polymorphism rs6265 significantly increased the risk of distal radius fracture (adjustment: GA: OR = 1.724, 95%CI = 1.003 –2.951, P = .049; GG: OR = 2.415, 95%CI = 1.0219 –3.674, P = .005). Moreover, rs6265 genotypes GA (OR = 4.326, 95%CI = 1.725 –11.896, P = .003) and GG (OR = 13.285, 95%CI = 3.659 –51.072, P = .001) significantly increased BMD reduction. However, BDNF polymorphism rs7124442 had no obvious correlation with BMD or fracture risk.

BMD was associated with BDNF rs6265 polymorphism. BDNF polymorphism rs6265 could elevate the risk of osteoporosis and distal radius fracture.