bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Mediterranean Diet and Functional Status in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study Based on the Washington Heights–Inwood Columbia Aging Project
Authors: Guo Jing , Schupf Nicole , Cruz Emily , Stern Yaakov , Mayeux Richard P , Gu Yian
Published: January 2022

Background

Current evidence on the association between Mediterranean diet (MeDi) intake and activities of daily living (ADL) is limited and inconsistent in older adults.

Methods

This study included 1 696 participants aged ≥65 years in the Washington Heights–Inwood Community Aging Project study. The MeDi score was calculated based on data collected from the Willett’s semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model was applied to examine the association of MeDi score with risks of disability in basic (BADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL), as well as the overall ADL (B-IADL).

Results

Eight hundred and thirty-two participants with incident ADL disability were identified over a median follow-up of 5.39 years. The continuous MeDi score was significantly associated with decreased risk of disability in B-IADL (hazard ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval = 0.91–0.99, p = .018) in a model adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level, and dietary calories intake but was no longer significant after additionally adjusted for multiple comorbidities and physical activities (0.97 [0.93, 1.01], p = .121). The continuous MeDi score was significantly associated with decreased risk of disability in B-IADL (0.92 [0.85, 1.00], p = .043) and BADL (0.90 [0.82, 0.99], p = .030) in non-Hispanic Whites, but not in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics (p > .05 for all).

Conclusions

Higher MeDi score was associated with decreased risk of ADL disability, particularly in non-Hispanic Whites.
Prospective evaluation of multiplicative hybrid earthquake forecasting models in California
Authors: Bayona J A , Savran W H , Rhoades D A , Werner M J
Published: January 2022

The Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (RELM) experiment, conducted within the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP), showed that the smoothed seismicity (HKJ) model by Helmstetter et al. was the most informative time-independent earthquake model in California during the 2006–2010 evaluation period. The diversity of competing forecast hypotheses and geophysical data sets used in RELM was suitable for combining multiple models that could provide more informative earthquake forecasts than HKJ. Thus, Rhoades et al. created multiplicative hybrid models that involve the HKJ model as a baseline and one or more conjugate models. In retrospective evaluations, some hybrid models showed significant information gains over the HKJ forecast. Here, we prospectively assess the predictive skills of 16 hybrids and 6 original RELM forecasts at a 0.05 significance level, using a suite of traditional and new CSEP tests that rely on a Poisson and a binary likelihood function. In addition, we include consistency test results at a Bonferroni-adjusted significance level of 0.025 to address the problem of multiple tests. Furthermore, we compare the performance of each forecast to that of HKJ. The evaluation data set contains 40 target events recorded within the CSEP California testing region from 2011 January 1 to 2020 December 31, including the 2016 Hawthorne earthquake swarm in southwestern Nevada and the 2019 Ridgecrest sequence. Consistency test results show that most forecasting models overestimate the number of earthquakes and struggle to explain the spatial distribution of epicenters, especially in the case of seismicity clusters. The binary likelihood function significantly reduces the sensitivity of spatial log-likelihood scores to clustering, however; most models still fail to adequately describe spatial earthquake patterns. Contrary to retrospective analyses, our prospective test results show that none of the models are significantly more informative than the HKJ benchmark forecast, which we interpret to be due to temporal instabilities in the fit that forms hybrids. These results suggest that smoothing high-resolution, small earthquake data remains a robust method for forecasting moderate-to-large earthquakes over a period of 5–15 yr in California.
On Semisimplicity of Jantzen Middles for the Periplectic Lie Superalgebra
Authors: Chen Chih-Whi
Published: January 2022

We prove that an integral block of the category $\mathcal O$ of the periplectic Lie superalgebra contains a non-semisimple Jantzen middle if and only if it contains a simple module of atypical highest weight. As a consequence, every atypical integral block of $\mathcal O$ does not admit a Kazhdan–Lusztig theory in the sense of Cline, Parshall, and Scott.
Survey of infectious diseases providers reveals variability in duration of antibiotic therapy for the treatment of Gram-negative bloodstream infections
Authors: Thaden Joshua T. , Tamma Pranita D. , Pan Qing , Doi Yohei , Daneman Nick
Published: January 2022

Background

Trials supporting shorter durations of antibiotic therapy for Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSI) have recently been published. However, adoption of these findings into practice is unclear given limited eligibility criteria and relatively large non-inferiority margins of these studies. To better understand contemporary management of GN-BSI, we conducted an international survey of infectious diseases (ID) specialists.

Methods

We developed and disseminated an online survey to assess practice patterns involving treatment duration of GN-BSI, including providers from 28 countries. χ2 tests, t-tests and multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with treatment duration.

Results

In total, 277 ID specialists completed the survey (64% physicians, 31% pharmacists). The median reported duration of antibiotics was 7 days (IQR, 7–10 days) for all GN-BSI sources. Thirty percent of providers typically recommend durations that differ by ≥7 days depending on the source of GN-BSI, and 71% treat ≥10 days for at least one source. In an adjusted model, factors associated with increased duration included intra-abdominal (+1.01 days, 95% CI 0.57–1.45 days; P < 0.0001), vascular catheter (+0.74 days; 0.33–1.15 days; P = 0.0004), and respiratory (+0.76 days; 0.38–1.14 days; P < 0.0001) sources of GN-BSI relative to urinary sources. Providers that transition patients to oral therapy report shorter durations than those who treat with full IV therapy (−0.60 days; −1.12 to −0.09 days; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

There is extensive heterogeneity in duration of therapy for treating GN-BSI, particularly with respect to source of GN-BSI. Investigations into appropriate treatment durations for different GN-BSI sources are needed.
Management of elderly patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Yoshino Koji
Published: January 2022

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has been increasing rapidly in recent years, especially among the elderly. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the findings of studies on systemic therapy for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, to review geriatric screening tools, which can assess frailty and predict treatment outcomes, and discuss the indications of their use in advanced cases. A literature review revealed that studies on systemic therapy for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma often included relatively older patients. However, there has been little research on the safety and efficacy of systemic therapy for advanced disease that takes older age and frailty into account. Notably, studies on geriatric screening for skin cancer have been conducted in recent years, mainly to detect early-stage resectable cases. The Geriatric 8 screening tool is considered the most useful for predicting post-operative complications in patients with early-stage cancer, as it can evaluate comorbidities, polypharmacy and cognition, has appropriate measurement properties, can be quickly executed and is clinically relevant, easily understandable and interpretable. This geriatric screening tool may also be applicable in advanced-stage cancer. In conclusion, despite the fact that advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma occurs mainly in the elderly, the importance of geriatric screening has not yet been fully appreciated by dermato-oncologists. In the future, geriatric screening tools should be actively used in clinical trials for the appropriate assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity in elderly patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Systemic therapy for salivary gland malignancy: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Imamura Yoshinori , Kiyota Naomi , Tahara Makoto , Hanai Nobuhiro , Asakage Takahiro , Matsuura Kazuto , Ota Ichiro , Saito Yuki , Sano Daisuke , Kodaira Takeshi , Motegi Atsushi , Yasuda Koichi , Takahashi Shunji , Yokota Tomoya , Okano Susumu , Tanaka Kaoru , Onoe Takuma , Ariizumi Yosuke , Homma Akihiro
Published: January 2022

Salivary gland malignancies are rare neoplasms that have a broad histological spectrum and a variety of biologic behaviors. Salivary gland malignancies are known as chemo-resistant tumors, which render optimal treatment challenging. This review summarizes the role of systemic therapy for salivary gland malignancies. To date, the advantage of adding concurrent chemotherapy has remained undefined for both postoperative and inoperable locally advanced salivary gland malignancy patients undergoing radiotherapy. For recurrent/metastatic disease, local and/or systemic treatment options should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting with consideration to both patient needs and tumor factors. For symptomatic patients or those who may compromise organ function, palliative systemic therapy can be a reasonable option based on the results of phase II studies. Platinum combination regimens as first-line therapy have been widely accepted. Personalized therapies have become established options, particularly for androgen receptor-positive, HER2-positive and NTRK fusion-positive salivary gland malignancies (i.e. androgen receptor and HER2 in salivary duct carcinoma and NTRK3 in secretory carcinoma). For patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors have also been developed. Anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors have shown limited activity to date. Investigation of active systemic treatments for salivary gland malignancy remains a significant unmet need. Future directions might include a more comprehensive genomic screening approach (usually next-generation sequencing-based) and combination strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. These are rare malignancies that require ongoing effort in the conduct of high-quality clinical trials.
Associations Between Glycemic Traits and Colorectal Cancer: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Murphy Neil , Song Mingyang , Papadimitriou Nikos , Carreras-Torres Robert , Langenberg Claudia , Martin Richard M , Tsilidis Konstantinos K , Barroso Inês , Chen Ji , Frayling Timothy M , Bull Caroline J , Vincent Emma E , Cotterchio Michelle , Gruber Stephen B , Pai Rish K , Newcomb Polly A , Perez-Cornago Aurora , van Duijnhoven Franzel J B , Van Guelpen Bethany , Vodicka Pavel , Wolk Alicja , Wu Anna H , Peters Ulrike , Chan Andrew T , Gunter Marc J
Published: January 2022

Background

Glycemic traits—such as hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes—have been associated with higher colorectal cancer risk in observational studies; however, causality of these associations is uncertain. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the causal effects of fasting insulin, 2-hour glucose, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and type 2 diabetes with colorectal cancer.

Methods

Genome-wide association study summary data were used to identify genetic variants associated with circulating levels of fasting insulin (n = 34), 2-hour glucose (n = 13), fasting glucose (n = 70), HbA1c (n = 221), and type 2 diabetes (n = 268). Using 2-sample MR, we examined these variants in relation to colorectal cancer risk (48 214 case patient and 64 159 control patients).

Results

In inverse-variance models, higher fasting insulin levels increased colorectal cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] per 1-SD = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15 to 2.36). We found no evidence of any effect of 2-hour glucose (OR per 1-SD = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.21) or fasting glucose (OR per 1-SD = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.23) concentrations on colorectal cancer risk. Genetic liability to type 2 diabetes (OR per 1-unit increase in log odds = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.07) and higher HbA1c levels (OR per 1-SD = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.19) increased colorectal cancer risk, although these findings may have been biased by pleiotropy. Higher HbA1c concentrations increased rectal cancer risk in men (OR per 1-SD = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.40), but not in women.

Conclusions

Our results support a causal effect of higher fasting insulin, but not glucose traits or type 2 diabetes, on increased colorectal cancer risk. This suggests that pharmacological or lifestyle interventions that lower circulating insulin levels may be beneficial in preventing colorectal tumorigenesis.
LAMN as a differential diagnosis for abdominal pain: a case report from Syria
Authors: Tarabishi Joudi , Douedari Alma , Almasalmeh Tahreer , Tarzi Mario
Published: January 2022

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are papillary or flat mucinous tumors with low-grade cytologic atypia found in <0.3% of appendectomy specimens among older population. They are the most frequent source of pseudomyxoma peritonei. They can be easily misdiagnosed, due to unspecific symptoms, with acute appendicitis, retroperitoneal tumors or adnexal mass. Macroscopically, the appendix may appear normal or be variably dilated. Microscopic study determines whether the studied specimen is LAMN or mucinous adenocarcinomas. We report a 77-year-old patient presented with 15-day abdominal pain accompanied with chills and hyperthermia. Decision was made for right hemicolectomy as a result of the findings on ultrasound and computed tomography scan. Diagnosis was made after the pathologic study, which revealedLAMN.
The C-terminus of a diatom plant-like cryptochrome influences the FAD redox state and binding of interaction partners
Authors: Krischer Julia , König Sarah , Weisheit Wolfram , Mittag Maria , Büchel Claudia
Published: January 2022

A plant-like cryptochrome of diatom microalgae, CryP, acts as a photoreceptor involved in transcriptional regulation. It contains FAD and 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate as chromophores. Here, we demonstrate that the unstructured C-terminal extension (CTE) of CryP has an influence on the redox state of the flavin. In CryP lacking the CTE, the flavin is in the oxidized state (FADox), whereas it is a neutral radical (FADH•) in the full-length protein. When the CTE of CryP is coupled to another diatom cryptochrome that naturally binds FADox, this chimera also binds FADH•. In full-length CryP, FADH• is the most stable redox state and oxidation to FADox is extremely slow, whereas reduction to FADH2 is reversible in the dark in approximately 1 h. We also identified novel interaction partners of this algal CRY and characterized two of them in depth regarding their binding activities. BolA, a putative transcription factor, binds to monomeric and to dimeric CryP via the CTE, independent of the redox state of the flavin. In contrast, an unknown protein, ID42612, which occurs solely in heterokont algae, binds only to CryP dimers. This binding is independent of the CTE and shows slight differences in strength depending on the flavin’s redox state.
Multiparametric Flow Cytometry versus Conventional Cytology in the Study of Leptomeningeal Involvement in Malignant Hematological Diseases
Authors: Altube Alejandra , Ceres Veronica , Malusardi Cecilia , Gonzalez Matteo Evelyn , Gimenez Cintia Lorena , Rocher Adriana Esther , Auat Mariángeles
Published: January 2022

Background

CNS involvement is a complication in hematologic malignant neoplasms. The advantage of multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) over conventional cytology (CC) in detecting occult leptomeningeal disease in CSF has been proven previously, as reported in the literature. In this study, we reviewed the experience of our laboratory in evaluating CSF specimens by MFC and CC after refinement of technical procedures.

Methods

MFC analysis was performed in 159 specimens. In 91 specimens, simultaneous CC and MFC analysis was requested and results compared.

Results

Neoplastic cells were identified in 27 (17.0%) of the total samples and in 17 (18.7%) of the paired specimens group by MFC, compared with 2 (2.2%) specimens with positive results as determined by CC. MFC enabled identification of malignant cells in low-cellularity specimens (<5 cells/μL) and all neoplasm categories.

Conclusion

MFC allowed the detection of minimal numbers of tumor cells in CSF specimens from individuals with leukemia and lymphoma in whom CC had not been able to identify those tumor cells.
Mass assembly history of dark matter haloes in the light of H0 tension
Authors: Kameli Hamed , Baghram Shant
Published: January 2022

The Hubble tension may introduce a new course of action to revise the standard Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model to unravel dark energy and dark matter physics. The Hubble parameter can be reconstructed by late-time observations of the background evolution model independently. We relate the reconstructed Hubble parameter to the structure formation and large-scale structure observables in this work. We use excursion set theory to calculate the number density of dark matter haloes and the mass function of progenitors. We obtain results for both the Markov and non-Markov extensions of excursion set theory in the context of spherical and ellipsoidal collapse. We show that the number density of dark matter haloes in the reconstructed model has ∼2σ difference in comparison with the Planck 2018 ΛCDM in the mass range M ≳ 1012 M⊙. We also compare the dark matter halo progenitor mass function with the pair-galaxy statistics and their mass assembly history from observational data of the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey. Due to complications in distinguishing the ratio of accretion and merger in mass assembly, our result on the pair fraction is for illustration only. However, the ∼5 times more accurate observations will be promising for distinguishing the reconstructed model and the Planck 2018 ΛCDM.
Cytoplasmic switch of ARS2 isoforms promotes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and arsenic sensitivity
Authors: Mesa-Perez Monica , Hamilton Phineas T , Miranda Alex , Brodie Nicholas , O’Sullivan Connor , Christie Jennifer , Ryan Bridget C , Chow Robert L , Goodlett David , Nelson Christopher J , Howard Perry L
Published: January 2022

The life of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcripts is shaped by the dynamic formation of mutually exclusive ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) that direct transcript biogenesis and turnover. A key regulator of RNA metabolism in the nucleus is the scaffold protein ARS2 (arsenic resistance protein 2), bound to the cap binding complex (CBC). We report here that alternative splicing of ARS2′s intron 5, generates cytoplasmic isoforms that lack 270 amino acids from the N-terminal of the protein and are functionally distinct from nuclear ARS2. Switching of ARS2 isoforms within the CBC in the cytoplasm has dramatic functional consequences, changing ARS2 from a NMD inhibitor to a NMD promoter that enhances the binding of UPF1 to NCBP1 and ERF1, favouring SURF complex formation, SMG7 recruitment and transcript degradation. ARS2 isoform exchange is also relevant during arsenic stress, where cytoplasmic ARS2 promotes a global response to arsenic in a CBC-independent manner. We propose that ARS2 isoform switching promotes the proper recruitment of RNP complexes during NMD and the cellular response to arsenic stress. The existence of non-redundant ARS2 isoforms is relevant for cell homeostasis, and stress response.
Barcode fusion genetics-protein-fragment complementation assay (BFG-PCA): tools and resources that expand the potential for binary protein interaction discovery
Authors: Evans-Yamamoto Daniel , Rouleau François D , Nanda Piyush , Makanae Koji , Liu Yin , Després Philippe C , Matsuo Hitoshi , Seki Motoaki , Dubé Alexandre K , Ascencio Diana , Yachie Nozomu , Landry Christian R
Published: January 2022

Barcode fusion genetics (BFG) utilizes deep sequencing to improve the throughput of protein–protein interaction (PPI) screening in pools. BFG has been implemented in Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screens (BFG-Y2H). While Y2H requires test protein pairs to localize in the nucleus for reporter reconstruction, dihydrofolate reductase protein-fragment complementation assay (DHFR-PCA) allows proteins to localize in broader subcellular contexts and proves to be largely orthogonal to Y2H. Here, we implemented BFG to DHFR-PCA (BFG-PCA). This plasmid-based system can leverage ORF collections across model organisms to perform comparative analysis, unlike the original DHFR-PCA that requires yeast genomic integration. The scalability and quality of BFG-PCA were demonstrated by screening human and yeast interactions for >11 000 bait-prey pairs. BFG-PCA showed high-sensitivity and high-specificity for capturing known interactions for both species. BFG-Y2H and BFG-PCA capture distinct sets of PPIs, which can partially be explained based on the domain orientation of the reporter tags. BFG-PCA is a high-throughput protein interaction technology to interrogate binary PPIs that exploits clone collections from any species of interest, expanding the scope of PPI assays.
Shedding light on neurons: optical approaches for neuromodulation
Authors: Jiang Shan , Wu Xiang , Rommelfanger Nicholas J , Ou Zihao , Hong Guosong
Published: January 2022

Today's optical neuromodulation techniques are rapidly evolving, benefiting from advances in photonics, genetics and materials science. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the latest optical approaches for neuromodulation. We begin with the physical principles and constraints underlying the interaction between light and neural tissue. We then present advances in optical neurotechnologies in seven modules: conventional optical fibers, multifunctional fibers, optical waveguides, light-emitting diodes, upconversion nanoparticles, optical neuromodulation based on the secondary effects of light, and unconventional light sources facilitated by ultrasound and magnetic fields. We conclude our review with an outlook on new methods and mechanisms that afford optical neuromodulation with minimal invasiveness and footprint.
Experimental realization of non-Abelian permutations in a three-state non-Hermitian system
Authors: Tang Weiyuan , Ding Kun , Ma Guancong
Published: January 2022

Eigenstates of a non-Hermitian system exist on complex Riemannian manifolds, with multiple sheets connecting at branch cuts and exceptional points (EPs). These eigenstates can evolve across different sheets—a process that naturally corresponds to state permutation. Here, we report the first experimental realization of non-Abelian permutations in a three-state non-Hermitian system. Our approach relies on the stroboscopic encircling of two different exceptional arcs (EAs), which are smooth trajectories of order-2 EPs appearing from the coalescence of two adjacent states. The non-Abelian characteristics are confirmed by encircling the EAs in opposite sequences. A total of five non-trivial permutations are experimentally realized, which together comprise a non-Abelian group. Our approach provides a reliable way of investigating non-Abelian state permutations and the related exotic winding effects in non-Hermitian systems.
Is calorie restriction beneficial for normal-weight individuals? A narrative review of the effects of weight loss in the presence and absence of obesity
Authors: Magkos Faidon
Published: January 2022

Calorie restriction regimens are popular for their purported health-promoting effects. However, it is unclear whether chronic reduction in energy intake and subsequent weight loss have beneficial effects in the absence of obesity. To this end, the results of studies that examined the effects of the same diet-induced weight loss in individuals with and without obesity were reviewed. The contribution of lean mass to the total amount of weight lost is greater in participants without obesity than in those with obesity, but the reductions in resting, nonresting, and total energy expenditure are of similar magnitude. Both in the presence as well as in the absence of obesity, weight loss decreases visceral adipose tissue and liver fat, increases insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle (insulin-mediated whole-body glucose disposal rate) and in adipose tissue (meal-induced or insulin-induced suppression of plasma free fatty acid concentration), and augments insulin clearance rate, without affecting pancreatic insulin secretion. These effects are of similar magnitude in participants with and without obesity and result in reductions in fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. These data suggest that the same degree of calorie restriction and the same amount of weight loss have multiple beneficial effects on health outcomes in individuals without obesity, similar to those observed in individuals with obesity.
Adverse Effects and Antibody Titers in Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Prospective Study of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Coggins Si’Ana A , Laing Eric D , Olsen Cara H , Goguet Emilie , Moser Matthew , Jackson-Thompson Belinda M , Samuels Emily C , Pollett Simon D , Tribble David R , Davies Julian , Illinik Luca , Hollis-Perry Monique , Maiolatesi Santina E , Duplessis Christopher A , Ramsey Kathleen F , Reyes Anatalio E , Alcorta Yolanda , Wong Mimi A , Wang Gregory , Ortega Orlando , Parmelee Edward , Lindrose Alyssa R , Snow Andrew L , Malloy Allison M W , Letizia Andrew G , Ewing Daniel , Powers John H , Schully Kevin L , Burgess Timothy H , Broder Christopher C , Mitre Edward
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between postvaccination symptoms and strength of antibody responses is unclear. The goal of this study was to determine whether adverse effects caused by vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine are associated with the magnitude of vaccine-induced antibody levels.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, observational cohort study consisting of generally healthy adult participants that were not severely immunocompromised, had no history of coronavirus disease 2019, and were seronegative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein before vaccination. Severity of vaccine-associated symptoms was obtained through participant-completed questionnaires. Testing for immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and receptor-binding domain was conducted using microsphere-based multiplex immunoassays performed on serum samples collected at monthly visits. Neutralizing antibody titers were determined by microneutralization assays.

Results

Two hundred six participants were evaluated (69.4% female, median age 41.5 years old). We found no correlation between vaccine-associated symptom severity scores and vaccine-induced antibody titers 1 month after vaccination. We also observed that (1) postvaccination symptoms were inversely correlated with age and weight and more common in women, (2) systemic symptoms were more frequent after the second vaccination, (3) high symptom scores after first vaccination were predictive of high symptom scores after second vaccination, and (4) older age was associated with lower titers.

Conclusions

Lack of postvaccination symptoms after receipt of the BNT162b2 vaccine does not equate to lack of vaccine-induced antibodies 1 month after vaccination.
Hours and Wages
Authors: Bick Alexander , Blandin Adam , Rogerson Richard
Published: January 2022

We document two robust features of the cross-sectional distribution of usual weekly hours and hourly wages. First, usual weekly hours are heavily concentrated around 40 hours, while at the same time a substantial share of total hours come from individuals who work more than 50 hours. Second, mean hourly wages are nonmonotonic across the usual hours distribution, with a peak at 50 hours. We develop and estimate a model of labor supply to account for these features. The novel feature of our model is that earnings are nonlinear in hours, with the extent of nonlinearity varying over the hours distribution. Our estimates imply significant wage penalties for people who deviate from 40 hours in either direction, leading to a large mass of people who work 40 hours and are not very responsive to shocks. This has important implications for the role of labor supply as a mechanism for self-insurance in a standard heterogeneous-agent incomplete-markets model and for empirical strategies designed to estimate labor supply parameters.
A scenario for the emergence of protoviroids in the RNA world and for their further evolution into viroids and viroid-like RNAs by modular recombinations and mutations
Authors: Flores Ricardo , Navarro Beatriz , Serra Pedro , Di Serio Francesco
Published: January 2022

Viroids are tiny, circular, and noncoding RNAs that are able to replicate and systemically infect plants. The smallest known pathogens, viroids have been proposed to represent survivors from the RNA world that likely preceded the cellular world currently dominating life on the earth. Although the small, circular, and compact nature of viroid genomes, some of which are also endowed with catalytic activity mediated by hammerhead ribozymes, support this proposal, the lack of feasible evolutionary routes and the identification of hammerhead ribozymes in a large number of DNA genomes of organisms along the tree of life have led some to question such a proposal. Here, we reassess the origin and subsequent evolution of viroids by complementing phylogenetic reconstructions with molecular data, including the primary and higher-order structure of the genomic RNAs, their replication, and recombination mechanisms and selected biological information. Features of some viroid-like RNAs found in plants, animals, and possibly fungi are also considered. The resulting evolutionary scenario supports the emergence of protoviroids in the RNA world, mainly as replicative modules, followed by a further increase in genome complexity based on module/domain shuffling and combination and mutation. Such a modular evolutionary scenario would have facilitated the inclusion in the protoviroid genomes of complex RNA structures (or coding sequences, as in the case of hepatitis delta virus and delta-like agents), likely needed for their adaptation from the RNA world to a life based on cells, thus generating the ancestors of current infectious viroids and viroid-like RNAs. Other noninfectious viroid-like RNAs, such as retroviroid-like RNA elements and retrozymes, could also be derived from protoviroids if their reverse transcription and integration into viral or eukaryotic DNA, respectively, are considered as a possible key step in their evolution. Comparison of evidence supporting a general and modular evolutionary model for viroids and viroid-like RNAs with that favoring alternative scenarios provides reasonable reasons to keep alive the hypothesis that these small RNA pathogens may be relics of a precellular world.
An Overdue Reckoning on Racism in Nursing
Authors: Canty Lucinda , Nyirati Christina , Taylor Valorie , Chinn Peggy L.
Published: January 2022

In response to the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and with a sense of urgency, the authors created and conducted a unique approach—a reckoning—to confronting racism in nursing. The project began with a series of five online discussions centering on the voices of nurses of color, followed by further ongoing discussions aimed at building antiracist capabilities for all participating nurses. This article describes the implementation and early outcomes of the project and provides its underlying principles, which are based on insights from activists and scholars whose work has focused on antiracist guidelines.
Toilet Training in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome
Authors: Dreher Taylor , Wolter-Warmerdam Kristine , Holland Samantha , Katz Terry , Patel Lina
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Although the challenges of toilet training for children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) are well-known, details such as specific associations with comorbidities and related exacerbating factors are lacking. This study aims to characterize the nature of toilet training in a cohort of children and adolescents with DS and evaluate characteristics and comorbid conditions that may contribute to or prolong toilet training success in those with DS.

Method:

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study investigating toilet training in children and adolescents with DS. A survey was completed by 137 patients' parents or guardians as part of their care experience in the clinic.

Results:

Although toilet training on average began at age 3.40 years (SD = 1.47), children and adolescents with DS typically began telling caregivers they needed to use the toilet at 4.80 years (SD = 2.11), no longer used diapers during the day at 5.03 years (SD = 1.98) and night at 5.88 years (SD = 2.48), and were described by their caregivers as being fully toilet trained at 6.60 years (n = 28; SD = 2.43; range = 3.00–14.00 years). There was a linear trend in the age groups between 2 to 4 years (n = 37), 5 to 7 years (n = 42), 8 to 12 years (n = 39), and 13 to 17 years (n = 19) and the proportion of children and adolescents fully toilet trained (2 to 4 years = 0.040, 5 to 7 years = 0.211, 8 to 12 years = 0.278, and 13 to 17 years = 0.529). Typical readiness signs that children and adolescents with DS display and those most predictive of toileting success are reported. Placing the child on a schedule was the most successful (45.2%) training method identified by parents, with 55.8% of the families trying this approach. Children and adolescents aged 8 to 12 years with behavioral challenges were more likely (75.0%) to have daytime accidents compared with those without (25.9%), p = 0.006.

Conclusion:

Children and adolescents with DS in this sample started toilet training at 3.4 years and completed toilet training at 6.6 years. Even after completing toilet training, many children and adolescents continue to require support from their caregivers with some aspects of toilet training. Skill loss associated with various life events, behavioral challenges, medical diagnoses, and inconsistencies in toileting expectations across settings are factors caregivers believe contribute to delayed toilet training. Caregivers found that a consistent toileting schedule, using reinforcers, and providing prompting to use the toilet were the most successful methods.
The inhibitory effect of lotus leaf extract on hyperuricemia and its potential mechanism
Authors: An Yating , Hao Jia , Li Jian , He Wei , Wang Lei , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Lotus leaf is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used successfully for centuries for relieving edema by inducing diuresis. Based on its good clinical evidence and anti-hypertensive effectiveness, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of the hyperuricemic inhibitory effects of lotus leaf crude extract (LL) and lotus leaf total alkaloids fraction (LA).

Methods:

The xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory effect of LL and LA was analyzed in vitro by determining mRNA expression and protein expression levels of hepatic XOD. The hyperuricemic inhibitory effect of the lotus leaf was analyzed in vivo in a potassium oxonate (PO)-induced rat model by determining mRNA expression for renal urate transporters.

Results:

At a concentration of 40 μg/mL, LL and LA suppressed XOD enzymatic activity by 37.35% ± 9.50% and 47.73% ± 8.32%, respectively. Both LL and LA administration significantly reduced the concentration of uric acid in the serum and liver of PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. Both LL and LA administration could inhibit XOD mRNA and protein expression, activate renal organic anion transporter 1/3 mRNA expression, and inhibit renal urate reabsorption by decreasing renal GLUT9 and renal urate transporter 1.

Conclusions:

Insight was gained into the mechanism behind the hyperuricemic inhibitory effects of LL and LA. Our results suggest that they act on two targets: decreasing the production of uric acid by inhibiting mRNA and protein expression of XOD in the liver, and regulating the mRNA expression of renal urate transporters in the kidneys.
Carbon quantum dot preparation and application to detecting active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Liu Bo , Guo Shangxin , Fan Xiaohui , Gong Xingchu
Published: January 2022

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are fluorescent carbon nanomaterials that have been applied to biology, medicine, and optoelectronics, owing to their significant advantages such as simple synthesis methods, low cost, and widely available sources of raw synthesis materials. This review summarizes CQD preparation methods, which include hydrothermal and microwave-assisted synthesis methods, as well as separation methods such as centrifugation, dialysis, and filtration. Additionally, we review the application of CQDs in the detection of active ingredients, primarily phenolic compounds, in traditional Chinese medicine. We also discuss the quenching mechanism of CQD fluorescence using the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine. Limitations such as insufficient test selectivity, weak fluorescence intensity, and an unclear quantitative relationship between preparation methods and properties should be resolved for the efficient use of CQDs to detect active ingredients in Chinese medicine.
Monitoring Antibiotic Consumption in Pediatrics. How Close to Reality Are Days of Therapy and Recommended Daily Dose Methods?
Authors: Baier Jan , Höpner Jens , Haase Roland , Diexer Sophie , Stareprawo Stephanie , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Moritz Stefan
Published: January 2022

Background:

Hospitals are advised to monitor antibiotic use. Several approximation methods do exist to perform this task. Adult cohorts can easily be monitored using the defined daily dose method, or its German adaption recommended daily doses (RDD) method, that seems inapplicable in pediatric cohorts due to body weight variations. Guidelines recommend the days of therapy (DOT) method in pediatrics. Still, there is a need for more detailed analysis regarding the performance of both methods.

Methods:

Based on data from 4½ years of our fully computerized patient care data managing system in a combined neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit, we compare the results for DOT and RDD per 100 patient days with exact measurement of antibiotic consumption (individual daily dose per 100 patient days) as internal reference.

Results:

The DOT method reflected antibiotic consumption in our cohort on the level of total consumption, subgroups, and agents with almost always high accuracy (correlation with individual daily dose between 0.73 and 1.00). The RDD method showed poor correlation on the level of total consumption (r = 0.21) and fluctuating results on more detailed levels (correlation, 0.01–0.94). A detailed analysis of body weight distribution and ordered packaging sizes of single agents revealed that RDD seems to work well when only one package size of the agent was ordered in our pharmacy.

Conclusion:

The DOT method is superior to RDD for monitoring antibiotic drug consumption in pediatric cohorts. RDD seems to work satisfactory well for selected antibiotic agents that are administered with little variation in packaging size.
Orbital Ependymoma
Authors: Tsimchi Imanouel M. , Malik Amina I. , Takashima Masayoshi , Lee Andrew G.
Published: January 2022

Orbital ependymomas are rare in the orbit and usually occur secondary to extracerebral extension of an intraventricular ependymoma. The authors present a rare case of orbital ependymoma in a 74-year-old female. The patient was initially diagnosed with intraventricular ependymoma at the age of 13 years that required multiple repeat craniotomies for tumor recurrence. She then developed progressive tumor growth with extension into the bilateral frontal lobes and orbit. The orbital involvement produced binocular diplopia, epiphora, and globe distortion with compressive optic neuropathy. To the authors knowledge, this is the first such report in the English language ophthalmic literature.
Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for a big co-secretor neuroendocrine tumor in the head of the pancreas
Authors: Vasquez Victor , Alvarado Ramón , Quispe-de la Roca Kewin , Oliveros Leila , Giraldo Daniel , Villena Jaime
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are relatively small in diameter. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed when the average tumor size is 2.5 cm.

Patient concerns:

A 26-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room with a 2-day illness characterized by diffuse abdominal pain.

Diagnosis:

On auxiliary examinations, the patient presented with hypoglycemia and acromegalic somatic features. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 4.5-3.8 × 6.0 cm expansive lesion in the head of the pancreas. Postoperative pathology confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor.

Interventions:

A laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.

Outcomes:

During the immediate postoperative period, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit because of a refractory hypertensive crisis. However, the patient presented with favorable evolution and was discharged 17 days after surgery.

Conclusion:

The laparoscopic approach to neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas requires a high degree of experience, which can vary depending on the size and stability of the patient. Furthermore, we must consider that successful laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy leads to lower transfusion and complication rates.
Comparing Postoperative Readmission Rates Between Veterans Receiving Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Veterans Health Administration Versus Community Care
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Beilstein-Wedel Erin E. , Harris Alex H.S. , Shwartz Michael , Vanneman Megan E. , Wagner Todd H. , Giori Nicholas J.
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are growing concerns that Veterans’ increased use of Veterans Health Administration (VA)-purchased care in the community may lead to lower quality of care.

Objective:

We compared rates of hospital readmissions following elective total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) that were either performed in VA or purchased by VA through community care (CC) at both the national and facility levels.

Methods:

Three-year cohort study using VA and CC administrative data from the VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse (October 1, 2016–September 30, 2019). We obtained Medicare data to capture readmissions that were paid by Medicare. We used the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) methods to identify unplanned, 30-day, all-cause readmissions. A secondary outcome, TKA-related readmissions, identified readmissions resulting from complications of the index surgery. We ran mixed-effects logistic regression models to compare the risk-adjusted odds of all-cause and TKA-related readmissions between TKAs performed in VA versus CC, adjusting for patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Principal Findings:

Nationally, the odds of experiencing an all-cause or TKA-related readmission were significantly lower for TKAs performed in VA versus CC (eg, the odds of experiencing an all-cause readmission in VA were 35% of those in CC. At the facility level, most VA facilities performed similarly to their corresponding CC providers, although there were 3 VA facilities that performed worse than their corresponding CC providers.

Conclusions:

Given VA’s history in providing high-quality surgical care to Veterans, it is important to closely monitor and track whether the shift to CC for surgical care will impact quality in both settings over time.
Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire Short Form in Spanish and Italian Operating Rooms: Psychometric Properties
Authors: Bernalte-Martí Vicente
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The aims of the study were to translate the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire Short Form (SAQ-SF) in Spanish and Italian surgical settings and to assess its psychometric properties.

Method

The cross-cultural adaptation process was performed following the internationally recognized guidelines. A panel of 30 experts evaluated the content validity. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were evaluated using a cross-sectional design.

Results

The translation process was carried out without relevant difficulties. In Spain, 29 of the 36 SAQ-SF items showed excellent content validity index. In Italy, there were 33 items with an excellent rating. The SAQ-SF’s overall Cronbach α was 0.8 for both countries. Test-retest reliability showed good to very good stability in both in countries.

Conclusions

Italian and Spanish researchers rate differently the same scale, demonstrating the diversity of relevance of the same questions in different countries. A validated questionnaire is now accessible to the Spanish and Italian hospital managements of the National Health Service to measure the safety climate in day-to-day practice in the operating rooms.
Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Radiology: Where Do We Stand, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Moawad Ahmed W. , Fuentes David T. , ElBanan Mohamed G. , Shalaby Ahmed S. , Guccione Jeffrey , Kamel Serageldin , Jensen Corey T. , Elsayes Khaled M.
Published: January 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most revolutionizing development in the health care industry in the current decade, with diagnostic imaging having the greatest share in such development. Machine learning and deep learning (DL) are subclasses of AI that show breakthrough performance in image analysis. They have become the state of the art in the field of image classification and recognition. Machine learning deals with the extraction of the important characteristic features from images, whereas DL uses neural networks to solve such problems with better performance. In this review, we discuss the current applications of machine learning and DL in the field of diagnostic radiology.

Deep learning applications can be divided into medical imaging analysis and applications beyond analysis. In the field of medical imaging analysis, deep convolutional neural networks are used for image classification, lesion detection, and segmentation. Also used are recurrent neural networks when extracting information from electronic medical records and to augment the use of convolutional neural networks in the field of image classification. Generative adversarial networks have been explicitly used in generating high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance images and to map computed tomography images from the corresponding magnetic resonance imaging. Beyond image analysis, DL can be used for quality control, workflow organization, and reporting.

In this article, we review the most current AI models used in medical imaging research, providing a brief explanation of the various models described in the literature within the past 5 years. Emphasis is placed on the various DL models, as they are the most state-of-art in imaging analysis.