bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive Woody Plants and Their Effects on Arthropods in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Lalk Sara , Hartshorn Jess , Coyle David R
Published: December 2020

Invasive plant introductions are increasing globally, and trends in human activity suggest these increases will continue. Although we know much about interactions between invasive herbaceous plants and arthropod communities, there is a dearth of knowledge examining interactions between invasive woody plants and arthropod communities. What information does exist shows that invasive woody plant relationships with mutualists (e.g., pollinators), herbivores, twig- and stem-borers, leaf-litter and soil-dwelling arthropods, and other arthropod groups are complex and hint at multiple factors influencing effects. These relationships warrant additional attention to allow better prioritization of species for research and regulatory review. Chinese tallow tree, e.g., is renowned for its attractiveness to honeybees, whereas reduced pollinator populations are found among other invasive woody plants such as privet. The unknown driving mechanisms and interactions that create these differences represent a substantial gap in knowledge and warrant additional research. Our objectives are to review current knowledge regarding invasive woody plants and their interactions with various arthropod groups in the United States, outline future research needs, and present a call to action regarding invasive woody plant research.
Transposition and Normalization of the Mini-Mental State Examination in French Sign Language
Authors: Fleurion Delphine , Verdun Stéphane , Ridoux Isabelle , Scemama Corine , Bouillevaux Isabelle , Ciosi Anna , Drion Benoît
Published: December 2020

Objective

Due to the lack of a validated translation, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) cannot be used to screen for suspected dementia in deaf people who communicate in French Sign Language (FSL). Taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic features of this specific population, we transposed the validated French version of the MMSE into a version adapted to FSL users: mini-mental state-langue des signes (MMS-LS). The objective of our work was to obtain screening norms for the MMS-LS.

Methods

The MMS-LS was tested on 194 deaf users of FSL with clinical dementia rating as the gold standard. Healthy and demented participants were seen for two or three consecutive testing sessions at 1-year intervals.

Results

The MMS-LS exhibited excellent internal coherence validity (Cronbach’s α = .81), unidimensionality (p = .002), and excellent sensitivity (p < .001). The MMS-LS score declined with overt and severe dementia.

Conclusion

The percentiles obtained are useful norms for clinical assessment but must be interpreted with precaution due to the small number of participants (related to recruitment constraints) in the present study. In order to facilitate clinical use, the MMS-LS has been made available online, together with an instructions manual and clinical advice useful for improved awareness of the specific nature of this population.
Remarkable sexually dimorphic features ofConiceromyia(Diptera: Phoridae): evolution in the light of phylogeny and comparative evidence about their function
Authors: Ament Danilo C , Hash John M , Almeida Eduardo A B
Published: December 2020

Coniceromyia is a genus of 100 species of phorid flies mostly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is distinguishable based on several male-exclusive features in different parts of the body, many of which are unique among the Phoridae. In addition, many species of Coniceromyia have nearly identical morphology of their male copulatory apparatus (i.e. hypopygium). The co-occurrence of these unusual characteristics suggests an evolutionary correlation between them. To investigate this possible correlation and to understand other aspects of the evolution of these puzzling male-exclusive characters, we performed the first phylogenetic analysis of Coniceromyia, based on morphological and molecular data. Ancestral state reconstructions and comparative analyses then allowed us to infer the evolution of these characters and search for general evolutionary patterns and correlated histories. We demonstrate that these male-exclusive features varied from highly homoplastic to uniquely derived on the phylogenetic history of Coniceromyia. For some characters, we found evidence of a biased evolution favouring gains over losses of the feature, but no male characteristics were significantly correlated with hypopygium morphology. The evolutionary patterns of the male-exclusive features and comparative evidence with other better known groups suggest possible functions for these features related to sexual selection.
The Impact of Surgical Strategy and Rifampin on Treatment Outcome in Cutibacterium Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Kusejko Katharina , Auñón Álvaro , Jost Bernhard , Natividad Benito , Strahm Carol , Thurnheer Christine , Pablo-Marcos Daniel , Slama Dorsaf , Scanferla Giulia , Uckay Ilker , Waldmann Isabelle , Esteban Jaime , Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Clauss Martin , Fernandez-Sampedro Marta , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , Ferrari Matteo Carlo , Gassmann Natalie , Sendi Parham , Jent Philipp , Morand Philippe C , Vijayvargiya Prakhar , Trebše Rihard , Patel Robin , Kouyos Roger D , Corvec Stéphane , Kramer Tobias Siegfried , Stadelmann Vincent A , Achermann Yvonne
Published: December 2020

Background

Cutibacterium species are common pathogens in periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). These infections are often treated with β-lactams or clindamycin as monotherapy, or in combination with rifampin. Clinical evidence supporting the value of adding rifampin for treatment of Cutibacterium PJI is lacking.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, we evaluated patients with Cutibacterium PJI and a minimal follow-up of 12 months. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined by the absence of infection relapse or new infection. We used Fisher’s exact tests and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the effect of rifampin and other factors on clinical success after PJI.

Results

We included 187 patients (72.2% male, median age 67 years) with a median follow-up of 36 months. The surgical intervention was a 2-stage exchange in 95 (50.8%), 1-stage exchange in 51 (27.3%), debridement and implant retention (DAIR) in 34 (18.2%), and explantation without reimplantation in 7 (3.7%) patients. Rifampin was included in the antibiotic regimen in 81 (43.3%) cases. Infection relapse occurred in 28 (15.0%), and new infection in 13 (7.0%) cases. In the time-to-event analysis, DAIR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.15, P = .03) and antibiotic treatment over 6 weeks (adjusted HR = 0.29, P = .0002) significantly influenced treatment failure. We observed a tentative evidence for a beneficial effect of adding rifampin to the antibiotic treatment—though not statistically significant for treatment failure (adjusted HR = 0.5, P = .07) and not for relapses (adjusted HR = 0.5, P = .10).

Conclusions

We conclude that a rifampin combination is not markedly superior in Cutibacterium PJI, but a dedicated prospective multicenter study is needed.
CausalBuilder: bringing the MI2CAST causal interaction annotation standard to the curator
Authors: Touré Vasundra , Zobolas John , Kuiper Martin , Vercruysse Steven
Published: December 2020

Molecular causal interactions are defined as regulatory connections between biological components. They are commonly retrieved from biological experiments and can be used for connecting biological molecules together to enable the building of regulatory computational models that represent biological systems. However, including a molecular causal interaction in a model requires assessing its relevance to that model, based on the detailed knowledge about the biomolecules, interaction type and biological context. In order to standardize the representation of this knowledge in ‘causal statements’, we recently developed the Minimum Information about a Molecular Interaction Causal Statement (MI2CAST) guidelines. Here, we introduce causalBuilder: an intuitive web-based curation interface for the annotation of molecular causal interactions that comply with the MI2CAST standard. The causalBuilder prototype essentially embeds the MI2CAST curation guidelines in its interface and makes its rules easy to follow by a curator. In addition, causalBuilder serves as an original application of the Visual Syntax Method general-purpose curation technology and provides both curators and tool developers with an interface that can be fully configured to allow focusing on selected MI2CAST concepts to annotate. After the information is entered, the causalBuilder prototype produces genuine causal statements that can be exported in different formats.
Outcomes of Tofacitinib Dose Reduction in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in Stable Remission from the Randomised RIVETING Trial
Authors: Vermeire Séverine , Su Chinyu , Lawendy Nervin , Kobayashi Taku , Sandborn William J , Rubin David T , Modesto Irene , Gardiner Sean , Kulisek Nicole , Zhang Haiying , Wang Wenjin , Panés Julian
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. We present primary completion analysis from RIVETING, an ongoing, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group trial evaluating efficacy and safety of tofacitinib dose reduction to 5 mg twice daily [BID] versus remaining on 10 mg BID in patients in stable remission on tofacitinib 10 mg BID maintenance therapy.

Methods

Patients had received tofacitinib 10 mg BID for ≥ 2 consecutive years and been in stable remission for ≥ 6 months before enrolment. The primary endpoint was modified Mayo score remission at Month 6. Safety was assessed up to February 20, 2020 [data cut-off].

Results

In all, 140 patients were randomised [1:1] to tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID; 77.1% and 90.0% of patients in the 5 and 10 mg BID groups, respectively, were in modified Mayo score remission at Month 6 (adjusted difference 12.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–25.0). Smaller differences between treatment groups were seen in patients with baseline endoscopic subscore of 0 versus 1 [9.8%; –3.0–22.6, and 21.1%; –6.1–48.2, respectively], and in patients without versus with prior tumour necrosis factor inhibitor [TNFi] failure [9.5%; –6.6–25.6, and 17.4%; –1.6–36.3, respectively]. Adverse events [AE] and serious AE rates were similar across treatment groups; no deaths were reported.

Conclusions

Most patients in stable remission on 10 mg BID maintenance therapy maintained remission following dose de-escalation. For patients who dose de-escalated, those in deep endoscopic remission and those without prior TNFi failure were more likely to maintain remission. Efficacy data were limited to the first 6 months; a longer duration of follow-up during RIVETING will further characterise the impact of dose reduction on maintenance of remission. Safety findings were consistent with the established safety profile of tofacitinib.
Sex-specific associations between alcohol consumption, cardiac morphology, and function as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging: insights form the UK Biobank Population Study
Authors: Simon Judit , Fung Kenneth , Kolossváry Márton , Sanghvi Mihir M. , Aung Nay , Paiva Jose Miguel , Lukaschuk Elena , Carapella Valentina , Merkely Béla , Bittencourt Marcio S. , Karády Júlia , Lee Aaron M. , Piechnik Stefan K. , Neubauer Stefan , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Petersen Steffen E.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Data regarding the effects of regular alcohol consumption on cardiac anatomy and function are scarce. Therefore, we sought to determine the relationship between regular alcohol intake and cardiac structure and function as evaluated with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods and results

Participants of the UK Biobank who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance were enrolled in our analysis. Data regarding regular alcohol consumption were obtained from questionnaires filled in by the study participants. Exclusion criteria were poor image quality, missing, or incongruent data regarding alcohol drinking habits, prior drinking, presence of heart failure or angina, and prior myocardial infarction or stroke. Overall, 4335 participants (61.5 ± 7.5 years, 47.6% male) were analysed. We used multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, physical activity, cholesterol level, and Townsend deprivation index to examine the relationship between regular alcohol intake and cardiac structure and function. In men, alcohol intake was independently associated with marginally increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume [β = 0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.05–0.24; P = 0.004], left ventricular stroke volume (β = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.03–0.14; P = 0.005), and right ventricular stroke volume (β = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.02–0.13; P = 0.006). In women, alcohol consumption was associated with increased left atrium volume (β = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.04–0.23; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption is independently associated with a marginal increase in left and right ventricular volumes in men, but not in women, whereas alcohol intake showed an association with increased left atrium volume in women. Our results suggest that there is only minimal relationship between regular alcohol consumption and cardiac morphology and function in an asymptomatic middle-aged population.
Cardiac computed tomography in cardio-oncology: an update on recent clinical applications
Authors: Rosmini Stefania , Aggarwal Ankita , Chen Daniel H , Conibear John , Davies Ceri L , Dey Amit Kumar , Edwards Paula , Guha Avirup , Ghosh Arjun K
Published: December 2020

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have drastically improved cancer survival, but they can result in significant short- and long-term cardiovascular complications, most commonly heart failure from chemotherapy, whilst radiotherapy increases the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), valve, and pericardial diseases. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) with calcium scoring has a role in screening asymptomatic patients for premature CAD, cardiac CT angiography (CTCA) allows the identification of significant CAD, also in the acute settings where concerns exist towards invasive angiography. CTCA integrates the diagnostic work-up and guides surgical/percutaneous management of valvular heart diseases and allows the assessment of pericardial conditions, including detection of effusion and pericardial calcification. It is a widely available and fast imaging modality that allows a one-step evaluation of CAD, myocardial, valvular, and pericardial disease. This review aims to provide an update on its current use and accompanying evidence-base for cardiac CT in the management of cardio-oncology patients.
Long-term results of concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention and the Fontan operation
Authors: Yang Yang , Feng Zicong , Ma Kai , Zhang Sen , Zhang Benqing , Qi Lei , Wang Guanxi , Li Shoujun
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVES

The optimal timing for atrioventricular valve (AVV) repair in patients with a Fontan circulation remains controversial. Few studies have reported the long-term outcomes of AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2018, a total of 89 patients who developed moderate or severe AVV regurgitation before a Fontan operation were divided into 2 groups: group 1, including 37 patients who did not undergo concomitant AVV repair; and group 2, including 52 patients who received AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of the Fontan operation was 6.74 years for group 1 and 8.96 years for group 2, respectively. Early death occurred in 3 patients [2 patients (5.4%) in group 2, patient 1 (1.9%) in group 1]. Freedom from long-term death, cardiac function reduction and protein-losing enteropathy were similar among the 2 groups. Common AVV function was apparently poorer than mitral valve function after repair [hazard ratio (HR) 3.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31–11.17; P = 0.014]. The occurrence of AVV valve failure in group 1 was lower than that in group 2 (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.91; P = 0.026). AVV function became worse during the follow-up period than that at discharge in both groups (P = 0.03 in group 1 and P = 0.001 in group 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term results of AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation are favourable.
How Does Age Shape Social Interactions? Interviewer-Age Effects, Normative Age Distance, and Gender Attitudes
Authors: Hu Yang
Published: December 2020

Age is one of the most widely used indicators in social research. However, the ways in which age influences the dynamics and outcomes of social interactions have received insufficient attention. The contextual configurations of this influence are particularly under-researched. Analyzing data from the European Social Survey, I exploit the case of a survey interview as a microcosm of social interactions to examine the ways in which age influences respondent–interviewer interactions and shapes people’s articulation of gender attitudes. I disentangle whether interviewer’s age influences respondents’ gender-attitude reports directly or via its interaction with respondent’s age. I develop the concept of normative age distance in gender attitudes—the young–old inter-cohort difference in gender attitudes in a given country–year—to examine how it moderates interviewer-age effects. The results suggest that respondents draw on the normative age distance to associate stereotypical gender attitudes with the interviewer’s age and to make sense of their age distance from the interviewer when reporting their gender attitudes. Respondents are more sensitive to the interviewer’s age when the respondent–interviewer age difference is wider and the normative age distance in gender attitudes is greater. Older respondents are more sensitive to normative age distance in gender attitudes when responding to the interviewer’s age. The results provide new insights into how age configures social interactions, underline the importance of understanding survey interviews as contextually embedded symbolic interactions, and reflect critically on methodological challenges to survey design and data analysis.
Joint exposure to various ambient air pollutants and incident heart failure: a prospective analysis in UK Biobank
Authors: Wang Mengying , Zhou Tao , Song Yongze , Li Xiang , Ma Hao , Hu Yonghua , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu
Published: December 2020

Aims 

Little is known about the relation between the long-term joint exposure to various ambient air pollutants and the incidence of heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess the joint association of various air pollutants with HF risk and examine the modification effect of the genetic susceptibility.

Methods and results 

This study included 432 530 participants free of HF, atrial fibrillation, or coronary heart disease in the UK Biobank study. All participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2010 and followed up to 2018. The information on particulate matter (PM) with diameters ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5), ≤10 µm (PM10), and between 2.5 and 10 µm (PM2.5–10) as well as nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NOx) was collected. We newly proposed an air pollution score to assess the joint exposure to the five air pollutants through summing each pollutant concentration weighted by the regression coefficients with HF from single-pollutant models. We also calculated the weighted genetic risk score of HF. During a median of 10.1 years (4 346 642 person-years) of follow-up, we documented 4201 incident HF. The hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of HF for a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx were 1.85 (1.34–2.55), 1.61 (1.30–2.00), 1.13 (0.80–1.59), 1.10 (1.04–1.15), and 1.04 (1.02–1.06), respectively. We found that the air pollution score was associated with an increased risk of incident HF in a dose–response fashion. The HRs (95% CI) of HF were 1.16 (1.05–1.28), 1.19 (1.08–1.32), 1.21 (1.09–1.35), and 1.31 (1.17–1.48) in higher quintile groups compared with the lowest quintile of the air pollution score (P trend <0.001). In addition, we observed that the elevated risk of HF associated with a higher air pollution score was strengthened by the genetic susceptibility to HF.

Conclusion 

Our results indicate that the long-term joint exposure to various air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx is associated with an elevated risk of incident HF in an additive manner. Our findings highlight the importance to comprehensively assess various air pollutants in relation to the HF risk.
Cross-national Differences in the Association Between Retirement and Memory Decline
Authors: Mäcken Jana , Riley Alicia R , Glymour Maria M
Published: December 2020

Objective

Retirement is a potential trigger for cognitive aging as it may be a stressful life event accompanied by changes in everyday activities. However, the consequences of retirement may differ across institutional contexts which shape retirement options. Comparing memory trajectories before and after retirement in 17 European countries, this study aims to identify cross-national differences in the association between retirement and memory decline.

Method

Respondents to the longitudinal Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; N = 8,646) aged 50+ who were in paid work at baseline and retired during the observation period completed up to 6 memory assessments (immediate and delayed word recall) over 13 years. Three-level (time points, individuals, and countries) linear mixed models with country-level random slopes for retirement were estimated to evaluate whether memory decline accelerated after retirement and if this association differed between countries.

Results

On average, retirement was associated with a moderate decrement in word recall (b = −0.273, 95% CI −0.441, −0.104) and memory decline accelerated after retirement (b = −0.044, 95% CI −0.070, −0.018). Significant between-country heterogeneity in memory decline after retirement existed (variance = 0.047, 95% CI (0.013, 0.168). Memory decline after retirement was more rapid in Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Estonia compared to Northern and Central European countries.

Discussion

Memory decline postretirement was faster in Mediterranean and eastern European countries, which are characterized by less generous welfare systems with comparatively low pension benefits. Evaluation of resources that could protect retirees from memory decline would be valuable.
Staged surgery for empyema and lung gangrene caused by pseudoaneurysm after radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Nakata Kentaro , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Yamane Masaomi , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: December 2020

Lung gangrene is a potentially fatal disease, and primary or staged surgery, depending on the patient’s condition, is reported to be useful. We describe successful management, by staged surgery, of a rare case of empyema and lung gangrene complicating lung radiofrequency ablation. The patient, who was a diabetic with colorectal pulmonary metastases, underwent embolization of a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm in the right basal segment that developed after lung radiofrequency ablation. He subsequently developed lung gangrene caused by lung ischaemia, and empyema, necessitating pleural decortication followed by open-window thoracostomy. Subsequently, right basal segmentectomy was performed, with thoracostoma closure. Staged surgery might be beneficial for high-risk patients with empyema and lung gangrene caused by lung ischaemia.
Exceptional thyrolipoma and thymolipoma association: is there a syndrome?
Authors: Mangiameli Giuseppe , Bekmezian Nahina , Hernigou Anne , Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise
Published: December 2020

Thyrolipoma and thymolipoma are rare neoplasms of the thyroid gland and thymus, respectively. Their simultaneous occurrence is exceptional. Up to now, only 2 cases have been reported in literature in 1966 and in 1997. For the first time, we report the occurrence of both neoplasms associated with myasthenia gravis in a 64-year-old woman. The value of this case report lies not only in the fact that it allows us to speculate on the presence of a syndrome but also because a complete radiological work-up (computed tomography scanner, magnetic resonance imaging, Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)) is reported.
Experiences of Spiritual Advocacy for Land and Territorial Itineraries for the Defense of Wiwa Women’s Rights in Postconflict Colombia
Authors: Pastor Lejandrina , Santamaria Angela
Published: December 2020

This article explores Wiwa female spiritual advocacy in the Colombian Caribbean region during the postconflict period. The methodologies and practices of indigenous communities have been underappreciated in transitional justice literature about land and property rights. This article seeks to analyze spiritual and territorial advocacy by local indigenous women for the defense of their lands and their collective rights. We examine intercultural and intersectional methodologies, rituals and recollection as strategies for clarifying the ‘truth.’ These methodologies attempt to revitalize indigenous women’s advocacy for sacred sites of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta affected by armed conflict. These spiritual advocacy practices are one expression of the Law of Origin, the customary law as a form of telling the truth. Here, we explain how participatory action research should be used to include female indigenous techniques and conduct ethnographic observations.
Behavioral Management is a Key Component of Ethical Research
Authors: Schapiro Steven J , Neal Webb Sarah J , Mulholland Michele M , Lambeth Susan P
Published: December 2020

Behavioral management programs aim to enhance the welfare of animal subjects that participate in research, thereby enhancing our ability to conduct ethical research projects. Socialization strategies, environmental enrichment techniques, opportunities for subjects to voluntarily participate in research procedures, and the provision of Functionally Appropriate Captive Environments are 4 major components of most behavioral management programs. The appropriate implementation of behavioral management programs should provide animals with opportunities to engage in species-typical activity patterns, contributing to valid and reliable animal models that require the smallest number of subjects to achieve meaningful results. The role that socialization strategies, environmental enrichment techniques, and positive reinforcement training can play in maintaining and enhancing welfare through the stimulation of species-typical behavior and the prevention of abnormal behavior is discussed. The value of empirically assessing the effects of behavioral management techniques is emphasized. Additionally, the necessity of adjusting the relative prioritization of needs related to the convenience of human caregivers and the animals themselves is addressed. For the purposes of this discussion, research projects are considered to be ethical if they (1) involve animals with high welfare, (2) provide data that are reliable and valid, (3) involve appropriate numbers of subjects, and (4) involve animals that are appropriate models to test meaningful hypotheses.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical assistance in dying in Canada and the relationship of public health laws to private understandings of the legal order
Authors: Tremblay-Huet Sabrina , McMorrow Thomas , Wiebe Ellen , Kelly Michaela , Hennawy Mirna , Sum Brian
Published: December 2020

Drawing on interviews we conducted with 15 medical assistance in dying (MAiD) providers from across Canada, we examine how physicians and nurse practitioners reconcile respect for the new, changing rules brought upon by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, along with their existing legal obligations and ethical commitments as health care professionals and MAiD providers. Our respondents reported situations where they did not follow or did not insist on others following the applicable public health rules. We identify a variety of techniques that they deployed either to minimize, rationalize, justify or excuse deviations from the relevant public health rules. They implicitly invoked the exceptionality and emotionality of the MAiD context, especially in the time of COVID, when offering their accounts and explanations. What respondents relate about their experiences providing MAiD during the COVID pandemic offers occasion to reflect on the role actors themselves play in giving meaning (if not coherence) to the potentially conflicting normative expectations to which they are subject.
Unusual presentation of rectal squamous cell carcinoma perforation—case report and literature review
Authors: Amin Hiral , Salas-Parra Ruben D , Stantley Lauren , Rajee Nirmala K , Gowda Vinayak S
Published: December 2020

This is an unusual case of an obstructive rectal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), causing perforation and a pelvic abscess, requiring source control and diverting colostomy. A 50-year-old female with chronic constipation presented with worsening right buttock pain for 1 month. On exam, the patient reported right hip tenderness. A computer tomography (CT) revealed rectal wall thickening with a presacral abscess. Due to the concern of rectal perforation with abscess she was taken to the operating room for proctoscopy with biopsy, colostomy diversion and drainage of the abscess over the right buttock. Pathology reported invasive rectal SCC. Rectal SCC presents similarly to rectal adenocarcinoma but its diagnosis must include special markers for cytokeratins. The treatment approach is controversial but adequately treated offers better survival than rectal ADC. Rectal SCC is rare and treated with chemoradiation however it must also be tailored to the variable acute presentations.
X-ray reprocessing in accreting pulsar GX 301-2 observed with Insight-HXMT
Authors: Ji L , Doroshenko V , Suleimanov V , Santangelo A , Orlandini M , Liu J , Ducci L , Zhang S N , Nabizadeh A , Gavran D , Zhang S , Ge M Y , Li X B , Tao L , Bu Q C , Qu J L , Lu F J , Chen L , Song L M , Li T P , Xu Y P , Cao X L , Chen Y , Liu C Z , Cai C , Chang Z , Chen T X , Chen Y P , Cui W W , Du Y Y , Gao G H , Gao H , Gu Y D , Guan J , Guo C C , Han D W , Huang Y , Huo J , Jia S M , Jiang W C , Jin J , Kong L D , Li B , Li C K , Li G , Li W , Li X , Li X F , Li Z W , Liang X H , Liao J Y , Liu B S , Liu H X , Liu H W , Liu X J , Lu X F , Luo Q , Luo T , Ma R C , Ma X , Meng B , Nang Y , Nie J Y , Ou G , Ren X Q , Sai N , Song X Y , Sun L , Tan Y , Tuo Y L , Wang C , Wang L J , Wang P J , Wang W S , Wang Y S , Wen X Y , Wu B Y , Wu B B , Wu M , Xiao G C , Xiao S , Xiong S L , Yang R J , Yang S , Yang Yan-Ji , Yang Yi-Jung , Yi Q B , Yin Q Q , You Y , Zhang F , Zhang H M , Zhang J , Zhang P , Zhang W , Zhang W C , Zhang Yi , Zhang Y F , Zhang Y H , Zhao H S , Zhao X F , Zheng S J , Zheng Y G , Zhou D K
Published: December 2020

We investigate the absorption and emission features in observations of GX 301-2 detected with Insight-HXMT/LE in 2017–2019. At different orbital phases, we found prominent Fe Kα, Kβ, and Ni Kα lines, as well as Compton shoulders and Fe K-shell absorption edges. These features are due to the X-ray reprocessing caused by the interaction between the radiation from the source and surrounding accretion material. According to the ratio of iron lines (Kα and Kβ), we infer the accretion material is in a low ionization state. We find an orbital-dependent local absorption column density, which has a large value and strong variability around the periastron. We explain its variability as a result of inhomogeneities of the accretion environment and/or instabilities of accretion processes. In addition, the variable local column density is correlated with the equivalent width of the iron Kα lines throughout the orbit, which suggests that the accretion material near the neutron star is spherically distributed.
Polarized kilonovae from black hole–neutron star mergers
Authors: Bulla M , Kyutoku K , Tanaka M , Covino S , Bruten J R , Matsumoto T , Maund J R , Testa V , Wiersema K
Published: December 2020

We predict linear polarization for a radioactively powered kilonova following the merger of a black hole and a neutron star. Specifically, we perform 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations for two different models, both featuring a lanthanide-rich dynamical ejecta component from numerical-relativity simulations while only one including an additional lanthanide-free disc-wind component. We calculate polarization spectra for nine different orientations at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 d after the merger and in the $0.1\!-\!2\, \mu$m wavelength range. We find that both models are polarized at a detectable level 1.5 d after the merger while show negligible levels thereafter. The polarization spectra of the two models are significantly different. The model lacking a disc wind shows no polarization in the optical, while a signal increasing at longer wavelengths and reaching $\sim 1\!-\!6{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at $2\, \mu$m depending on the orientation. The model with a disc-wind component, instead, features a characteristic ‘double-peak’ polarization spectrum with one peak in the optical and the other in the infrared. Polarimetric observations of future events will shed light on the debated neutron richness of the disc-wind component. The detection of optical polarization would unambiguously reveal the presence of a lanthanide-free disc-wind component, while polarization increasing from zero in the optical to a peak in the infrared would suggest a lanthanide-rich composition for the whole ejecta. Future polarimetric campaigns should prioritize observations in the first ∼48 h and in the $0.5\!-\!2\, \mu$m range, where polarization is strongest, but also explore shorter wavelengths/later times where no signal is expected from the kilonova and the interstellar polarization can be safely estimated.
A numerical study of Galactic Centre stars
Authors: Salcido Oscar , Calcaneo-Roldan Carlos
Published: December 2020

We present a simulation of the orbits of Galactic Centre stars, also known as ‘S-stars’, with the purpose of describing the motion of those bodies for which complete orbits are known with greater accuracy. The aim is to have a better understanding of the inner parts of the Galactic potential. The simulation assumes that the spacetime around the central black hole of the Galaxy may be modelled by the Schwarzschild metric, while stellar interactions are approximated classically. We model the central object as a black hole with mass 4.31 × 106 M⊙, fix the Galactic Centre distance at R = 8.33 kpc and include 37 orbiting stars, all of which have masses of 10 M⊙, except for S2, which has a mass of 20 M⊙. Our method allows us to predict the semimajor axis, a; eccentricity, ϵ; and period, T for these stars and predict their periastron shift, δΘ. In particular for S2, the most scrutinized star, we find δΘ = 11.9342 arcmin, in strong agreement with the observed value.
Origin of a Giant Sex Chromosome
Authors: Conte Matthew A , Clark Frances E , Roberts Reade B , Xu Luohao , Tao Wenjing , Zhou Qi , Wang Deshou , Kocher Thomas D
Published: December 2020

Chromosome size and morphology vary within and among species, but little is known about the proximate or ultimate causes of these differences. Cichlid fish species in the tribe Oreochromini share an unusual giant chromosome that is ∼3 times longer than the other chromosomes. This giant chromosome functions as a sex chromosome in some of these species. We test two hypotheses of how this giant sex chromosome may have evolved. The first hypothesis proposes that it evolved by accumulating repetitive elements as recombination was reduced around a dominant sex determination locus, as suggested by canonical models of sex chromosome evolution. An alternative hypothesis is that the giant sex chromosome originated via the fusion of an autosome with a highly repetitive B chromosome, one of which carried a sex determination locus. We test these hypotheses using comparative analysis of chromosome-scale cichlid and teleost genomes. We find that the giant sex chromosome consists of three distinct regions based on patterns of recombination, gene and transposable element content, and synteny to the ancestral autosome. The WZ sex determination locus encompasses the last ∼105 Mb of the 134-Mb giant chromosome. The last 47 Mb of the giant chromosome shares no obvious homology to any ancestral chromosome. Comparisons across 69 teleost genomes reveal that the giant sex chromosome contains unparalleled amounts of endogenous retroviral elements, immunoglobulin genes, and long noncoding RNAs. The results favor the B chromosome fusion hypothesis for the origin of the giant chromosome.
Expanding the Range of Metrics Used in Response Officer Dispatch Decisions
Authors: Yarwood Nicholas , King Melanie , Henshaw Michael
Published: December 2020

Although officer proximity to a grade 2 (non-emergency) incident is the primary metric used by dispatchers to allocate officers from deployment, other (informal) factors may influence the decision. The purpose of this research was to identify additional metrics that could be used to better match officer attributes to incident characteristics. Using a form of grounded theory, interviews with dispatchers in a single constabulary were used to identify 14 additional metrics that could be used in a formal decision-making process implemented through software assistance. The metrics broadly fell into the three categories of response time, officer attributes, and incident attributes. Dispatchers generally considered the introduction of a greater range of metrics implemented as software assistance to be beneficial but considered software decision-making tools to be unacceptable. We conclude that the weighting attached to each new metric relative to others should be tailored to the constabulary and operation group with which the dispatcher works. Overall, it is considered desirable to introduce a wider range of metrics through which dispatch of officers to non-emergency incidents may be managed.
Platform capitalism: a socio-economic analysis
Authors: Boyer Robert
Published: December 2020

The emergence of multinational platforms organizing the interplay of a multiplicity of firms and consumers is analysed by regulation theory approach. The fall of Yahoo! and then the rise of Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Wikipedia give an unprecedented impetus to the construction of new eco-system led by a constant flow of innovations on information. Can it define a new configuration in the history of capitalisms? Against the hypothesis of a technological determinism, various types of platform may coexist and delineate contrasted reconfigurations of the modern world: a market led platform capitalism in the USA, a panoptic control society in China, whereas ideally the European Union aims at converting information into a global Common, monitored by citizens.
Hope, Emotional Charges, and Online Action: An Experimental Study of the DREAM Act
Authors: Elliott-Negri Luke , Tu Siqi , Zheng Wenjuan , Lennon Mary Clare
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the causal relationship between an under-studied emotion—hope—and online action. We ask whether some emotions are more effective than others in driving a semi-behavioral outcome—clicking a hyperlink. Using an experimental design, we find that a recorded speech that has been “emotionally charged” with hope increases respondents’ willingness to seek information about a contentious social issue, immigrant rights. We argue that the hope charge is uniquely powerful, in part because it energizes both beneficiary constituents (BCs) and conscience constituents (CCs) of social movements, as well as those of broader publics. We suggest that hope is a quintessential bridging charge, linking beneficiary constituents to these other groups. Our study builds on important methodological trends in the developing field of survey experimentation: it uses audio recordings to convey emotional charges and embeds a semi-behavioral measure at the conclusion of an internet-based survey experiment. We argue that hope has been empirically submerged in the discipline, and, when used to charge social movement frames, has under-acknowledged mobilizing power.
Tetrandrine, a Potent Antifungal Agent, Inhibits Mycelial Growth and Virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Li Pingliang , Zou Jian , Dong Yanhan , Jiang Jintao , Liang Wenxing , Li Delong
Published: December 2020

Tetrandrine (TET) is a potent calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and inflammation. Currently, TET is predominantly used to treat a variety of human diseases, and there is little information regarding the use of TET against plant pathogens. In this study, we explored the antifungal activity of TET on a plant pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. We show that administration of low concentrations of TET effectively inhibited hyphal growth of fungus grown on potato dextrose agarose and decreased the virulence of B. cinerea in tomato plants. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression of drug efflux pump-related genes (alcohol dehydrogenase 1, multidrug/pheromone exporter, pleiotropic drug resistance protein 1, and synaptic vesicle transporter) were downregulated in the presence of TET. Finally, we show that TET acts synergistically with iprodione, resulting in increased inhibition of B. cinerea both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that TET might act as an effective antifungal agent in reducing gray mold disease.
Video-based Pain Education in Schools
Authors: Martí Lorena , Castarlenas Elena , Solé Ester , de la Vega Rocío , Miró Jordi
Published: December 2020

Objective:

School-based educational programs have shown positive changes in health-related behaviors among adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in pain-related knowledge among adolescents and in the use of positive responses to their peers’ pain behaviors after watching a brief educational video.

Methods:

One hundred and thirty-five adolescents (mean age=13.27; SD=1.17) participated and provided demographic and pain-related information. They also responded to a pain-related knowledge questionnaire before (T1), after (T2), and 1 month after (T3) watching a brief pain educational video, and to a modified version of the Inventory of Parent/Caregiver Responses to the Children’s Pain Experience at T1 and at T3.

Results:

There was a significant increase in pain knowledge for all participants between T1 and T2 (η2
p=0.73) and between T1 and T3 (η2
p=0.62). An increase in responses considered to be positive to peers’ pain behaviors (ie, the promotion of well-behaviors and coping responses) 1 month after watching the educational video was also found. Interestingly, these results were not associated with the chronic pain status of the participant.

Discussion:

The findings showed that a brief and inexpensive educational video-based intervention in schools helps to increase pain-related knowledge and change responses to students with chronic pain. This has the potential to prevent chronic pain and related disability among students, and decrease bullying-like behaviors toward students with chronic pain.
Cervical Alignment Following Posterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
Authors: Lee Subum , Cho Dae-Chul , Roh Sung Woo , Jeon Sang Ryong , Moon Eun Ji , Lee Jung Jae , Park Jin Hoon
Published: December 2020

Study Design.

Retrospective comparative study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to compare cervical sagittal alignment after posterior fusion surgery with lateral mass screw (LMS) and cervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation.

Summary of Background Data.

LMS fixation in the subaxial cervical spine has become the preferred method of posterior cervical fusion. Although CPS has biomechanical benefits, it also has neurovascular risks. Few studies to date have compared sagittal alignment changes after posterior cervical fusion using CPS and LMS fixation.

Methods.

From 2006 to 2017, 71 consecutive patients underwent posterior cervical fusion using CPS (n = 51) or LMS (n = 20) fixation. Patients who underwent fusion with both types of screws and those who planned to undergo additional anterior fusion surgery were excluded. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. C2–C7 Cobb angle for cervical lordosis (CL), fusion segmental angle (SA), C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and T1 slope (T1S) were measured.

Results.

Immediate postoperative SA and SVA differed significantly in patients who underwent CPS and LMS fixation. SA changes were more substantial after CPS fixation, with a significant difference maintained until final follow-up. Over time, CL, SVA, and T1S tended to return to their preoperative states regardless of screw type. Two patients who underwent LMS fixation, but none who underwent CPS fixation, required unplanned or additional anterior fusion surgery for revision.

Conclusion.

The present study is the first radiologic comparison of LMS and CPS fixation after posterior-only fusion surgery. CPS resulted in more reliable and well-preserved SA correction, whereas CL and SVA did not differ between the two groups over time due to loss of correction.

Level of Evidence: 4
Comparison of Different Surgical Systems for Treatment of Early-onset Scoliosis in the Context of Release of Titanium Ions
Authors: Danielewicz Anna , Wójciak Magdalena , Sawicki Jan , Dresler Sławomir , Sowa Ireneusz , Latalski Michał
Published: December 2020

Study Design.

Case–control study.

Objective.

The aim of the study was to compare growth-friendly systems: traditional growing rod, guided growth systems (GGS), and vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib in the context of titanium release.

Summary of Background Data.

The problem of scoliosis affects even up to 3% of the population, and ca. 0.1% of patients need surgical treatment. Surgical treatment carries the risk of a long-term presence of implants in the organism, which may result in release of metal ions into the tissues and bloodstream.

Methods.

Seventy-one patients (13.5 ± 3.54 years’ old) were treated for spinal deformity using various surgical systems and the samples of paraspinal tissue, blood, nails, and hair were collected before and after treatment. The quantification of titanium was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

Results.

The metallic particles were released into the peri-implant tissue, and the greatest amounts of titanium were detected in patients with GGS. The concentration of soluble titanium forms in subcutaneous tissue (ST) was low and do not statistically differ from control. The average titanium content in the paraspinal tissue in patients with GGS was two- to three-fold higher than the average value in the other investigated groups. A slightly increased level of titanium compared with the control was noted in all studied groups of patients. The highest content of titanium in blood was observed in patients with the GGS system.

Conclusion.

Neverless the system used, the concentration of soluble titanium forms in both ST and blood was only slightly higher than in the control and did not exceed the allowable levels. The increased level of titanium with GGS system is probably associated with the friction between implant components, whereas the components in the other systems are immobile relative to each other.

Level of Evidence: 3