bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why does the plateau zokor (Myospalax fontanieri: Rodentia: Spalacidae) move on the ground in summer in the eastern Qilian Mountains?
Authors: Chu Bin , Ji Chengpeng , Zhou Jianwei , Zhou Yanshan , Hua Limin
Published: November 2020

Subterranean rodents spend most of their lives in underground burrow systems, and most studies to date on their morphological, behavioral, and physiological, adaptations have been based on their whole-life existence in subterranean ecotopes. However, a few studies have reported that some subterranean rodents exhibit aboveground activity under particular circumstances, and the results of these studies help zoologists to better understand the adaptations of subterranean rodents coping both with belowground and aboveground environments. These studies, however, do not include direct observations of the aboveground activity of these rodents. Moreover, studies into the factors that influence the movement of these subterranean rodents outside of their burrow systems are relatively scarce. Here, we report the aboveground activity pattern of plateau zokor (Myospalax fontanieri) based on videos and photographs captured by infrared cameras combined with radiotracking technology in the eastern Qilian Mountains, northwest China. In addition, the potential factors that influence the aboveground activity of plateau zokor, including temperature, humidity, food, dispersal, and mating, were studied in 2015 and 2016. We found that, of the 16 zokors with radiocollars, five females moved aboveground during the day and night in June and July 2015, with the frequency of their aboveground activity being higher during the day than that at night. Temperature, humidity, mating, and dispersal, had no effects on aboveground plateau zokor movement. However, results of a binary logistic regression indicated that the crude fat contents of aboveground and belowground plants were positively and negatively correlated with the aboveground activity of these zokors, respectively. We infer that plateau zokor move on the ground to forage for plants with higher fat content and that changes in available nutrients might serve as potential cues that affect the surface activity of plateau zokor.
Activity patterns of tayra (Eira barbara) across their distribution
Authors: Villafañe-Trujillo Álvaro José , Kolowski Joseph M , Cove Michael V , Medici Emilia Patricia , Harmsen Bart J , Foster Rebbeca J , Hidalgo-Mihart Mircea G , Espinosa Santiago , Ríos-Alvear Gorky , Reyes-Puig Carolina , Reyes-Puig Juan Pablo , da Silva Xavier Marina , Paviolo Agustín , Cruz Paula , López-González Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2020

Species’ activity patterns are driven by the need to meet basic requirements of food, social interactions, movement, and rest, but often are influenced by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors. We used camera-trap data to describe and compare the activity patterns of the relatively poorly studied tayra (Eira barbara) across 10 populations distributed from the south of Mexico to the north of Argentina, and attempted to identify biotic or abiotic factors that may be associated with variation in level of diurnality. In a subset of sites we also aimed to document potential seasonal variation in activity. We used a kernel density estimator based on the time of independent photographic events to calculate the proportion of diurnal, crepuscular, and nocturnal activity of each population. Tayras were mostly active during diurnal periods (79.31%, 759 records), with a lower proportion of crepuscular activity (18.07%, 173 records) yet we documented some variation in patterns across the 10 study areas (activity overlap coefficient varied from Δ 4 = 0.64 to Δ 1 = 0.95). In northern localities, activity peaked twice during the day (bimodal) with most activity ocurring in the morning, whereas closer to the geographical equator, activity was constant (unimodal) throughout the day, peaking at midday: activity either was unimodal or bimodal in southern localities. Despite investigating multiple potential abiotic and biotic predictors, only latitude was associated with variation in the proportion of diurnal activity by tayras across its range, with increased diurnal activity closer to the equator. Seasonal comparisons in activity showed a tendency to reduce diurnality in dry versus rainy seasons, but the pattern was not consistently significant. This is the most comprehensive description of tayra activity patterns to date, and lends novel insight into the potential flexibility of the species to adapt to local conditions.
Fine Structure of Maxillary Palps in Adults of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Pezzi M , Scapoli C , Bharti M , Faucheux M J , Chicca M , Leis M , Marchetti M G , Mamolini E , Salvia R , Falabella P , Bonacci T
Published: November 2020

A relevant species in waste management but also in forensic, medical, and veterinary sciences is the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus; Diptera: Stratiomyidae). An ultrastructural study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted for the first time on maxillary palps of both sexes, describing in detail the morphology and distribution of sensilla and microtrichia. The maxillary palps, composed of two segments, show sexual dimorphism in length and shape. In both sexes, the first segment is covered only by microtrichia, but the second one is divided into two parts: the proximal one, covered only by microtrichia, and the distal one containing both microtrichia and sensory structures. These structures include two types of sensory pits and one of chaetic sensilla. Due to sexual dimorphism in palp size, females have a higher number of sensory pits. The sexual dimorphism of palps and the presence and role of sensilla in H. illucens was discussed in comparison to other species of the family Stratiomyidae and of other Diptera. This study may represent a base for further investigations on mouthpart structures of this species, involved in key physiological activities, such as feeding, mating and oviposition.
Diagnostic evaluation of serum (1, 3)-β-d-glucan levels using the Fungitec G-Test MK kit for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in non-HIV patients
Authors: Ideguchi Shuhei , Yamamoto Kazuko , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takazono Takahiro , Imamura Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Taiga , Sakamoto Noriho , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Morimoto Shimpei , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic and life-threatening pulmonary infection with an increasing prevalence among individuals who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative. Evidence regarding diagnostic testing of PCP in this patient population is insufficient. We evaluated the performance of serum (1, 3)-β-d-glucan (BDG) using the Fungitec G-test MK kit for diagnosing PCP in non-HIV patients. We retrospectively analyzed data from 219 non-HIV adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy and were tested for P. jirovecii DNA by PCR using lavage samples from the lower respiratory tract. Fifty PCP patients and 125 non-PCP patients were included. The most common underlying diseases were malignancies and systemic autoimmune diseases. Using the serum BDG Fungitec G-test MK test to diagnose PCP, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.924, whereas the modified cut-off value of 36.6 pg/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 92.0% and 84.8%, respectively. The AUC for patients with systemic autoimmune diseases was 0.873, and the accuracy of serum BDG test declined when using methotrexate (MTX). In conclusion, the serum BDG test was useful for diagnosing PCP in non-HIV patients; however, the results should be carefully interpreted in case of MTX administration.
Fast photometric variability of very low mass stars in IC 348: detection of superflare in an M dwarf
Authors: Ghosh Samrat , Mondal Soumen , Dutta Somnath , Das Ramkrishna , Joshi Santosh , Lata Sneh , Khata Dhrimadri , Panja Alik
Published: November 2020

We present here optical I-band photometric variability study down to ≃19 mag of a young (∼2–3 Myr) star-forming region IC 348 in the Perseus molecular cloud. We aim to explore the fast rotation (in the time-scales of hours) in very low-mass stars including brown dwarfs (BDs). From a sample of 177 light curves using our new I-band observations, we detect new photometric variability in 22 young M dwarfs including 6 BDs, which are bonafide members in IC 348 and well characterized in the spectral type of M dwarfs. Out of 22 variables, 11 M dwarfs including one BD show hour-scale periodic variability in the period range 3.5–11 h and rest are aperiodic in nature. Interestingly, an optical flare is detected in a young M2.75 dwarf in one night data on 2016 December 20. From the flare light curve, we estimate the emitted flared energy of 1.48 × 1035 erg. The observed flared energy with an uncertainty of tens of per cent is close to the superflare range (∼1034 erg), which is rarely observed in active M dwarfs.
Probing the nature of dark matter with accreted globular cluster streams
Authors: Malhan Khyati , Valluri Monica , Freese Katherine
Published: November 2020

The steepness of the central density profiles of dark matter (DM) in low-mass galaxy haloes (e.g. dwarf galaxies) is a powerful probe of the nature of DM. We propose a novel scheme to probe the inner profiles of galaxy subhaloes using stellar streams. We show that the present-day morphological and dynamical properties of accreted globular cluster (GC) streams – those produced from tidal stripping of GCs that initially evolved within satellite galaxies and later merged with the Milky Way (MW) – are sensitive to the central DM density profile and mass of their parent satellites. GCs that accrete within cuspy cold dark matter (CDM) subhaloes produce streams that are physically wider and dynamically hotter than streams that accrete inside cored subhaloes. A first comparison of MW streams ‘GD-1’ and ‘Jhelum’ (likely of accreted GC origin) with our simulations indicates a preference for cored subhaloes. If these results hold up in future data, the implication is that either the DM cusps were erased by baryonic feedback, or their subhaloes naturally possessed cored density profiles implying particle physics models beyond CDM. Moreover, accreted GC streams are highly structured and exhibit complex morphological features (e.g. parallel structures and ‘spurs’). This implies that the accretion scenario can naturally explain the recently observed peculiarities in some of the MW streams. We also propose a novel mechanism for forming ‘gaps’ in stellar streams when the remnant of the parent subhalo (which hosted the GC) later passes through the GC stream. This encounter can last a longer time (and have more of an impact) than the random encounters with DM subhaloes previously considered, because the GC stream and its parent subhalo are on similar orbits with small relative velocities. Current and future surveys of the MW halo will uncover numerous faint stellar streams and provide the data needed to substantiate our preliminary tests with this new probe of DM.
Cosmological perturbations for two cold fluids in ΛCDM
Authors: Rampf Cornelius , Uhlemann Cora , Hahn Oliver
Published: November 2020

The cosmic large-scale structure of our Universe is comprised of baryons and cold dark matter (CDM). Yet it is customary to treat these two components as a combined single-matter fluid with vanishing pressure, which is justified only for sufficiently large scales and late times. Here, we go beyond the single-fluid approximation and develop the perturbation theory for two gravitationally coupled fluids while still assuming vanishing pressure. We mostly focus on perturbative expansions in powers of D (or D+), the linear structure growth of matter in a ΛCDM Universe with cosmological constant Λ. We derive in particular (1) explicit recursion relations for the two fluid densities, (2) complementary all-order results in the Lagrangian-coordinates approach, as well as (3) the associated component wavefunctions in a semiclassical approach to cosmic large-scale structure. In our companion paper, we apply these new theoretical results to generate novel higher order initial conditions for cosmological hydrodynamical simulations.
Eusociality Shapes Convergent Patterns of Molecular Evolution across Mitochondrial Genomes of Snapping Shrimps
Authors: Chak Solomon T C , Baeza Juan Antonio , Barden Phillip
Published: November 2020

Eusociality is a highly conspicuous and ecologically impactful behavioral syndrome that has evolved independently across multiple animal lineages. So far, comparative genomic analyses of advanced sociality have been mostly limited to insects. Here, we study the only clade of animals known to exhibit eusociality in the marine realm—lineages of socially diverse snapping shrimps in the genus Synalpheus. To investigate the molecular impact of sociality, we assembled the mitochondrial genomes of eight Synalpheus species that represent three independent origins of eusociality and analyzed patterns of molecular evolution in protein-coding genes. Synonymous substitution rates are lower and potential signals of relaxed purifying selection are higher in eusocial relative to noneusocial taxa. Our results suggest that mitochondrial genome evolution was shaped by eusociality-linked traits—extended generation times and reduced effective population sizes that are hallmarks of advanced animal societies. This is the first direct evidence of eusociality impacting genome evolution in marine taxa. Our results also strongly support the idea that eusociality can shape genome evolution through profound changes in life history and demography.
Frequent Assembly of Chimeric Complexes in the Protein Interaction Network of an Interspecies Yeast Hybrid
Authors: Dandage Rohan , Berger Caroline M , Gagnon-Arsenault Isabelle , Moon Kyung-Mee , Stacey Richard Greg , Foster Leonard J , Landry Christian R
Published: November 2020

Hybrids between species often show extreme phenotypes, including some that take place at the molecular level. In this study, we investigated the phenotypes of an interspecies diploid hybrid in terms of protein–protein interactions inferred from protein correlation profiling. We used two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces uvarum, which are interfertile, but yet have proteins diverged enough to be differentiated using mass spectrometry. Most of the protein–protein interactions are similar between hybrid and parents, and are consistent with the assembly of chimeric complexes, which we validated using an orthogonal approach for the prefoldin complex. We also identified instances of altered protein–protein interactions in the hybrid, for instance, in complexes related to proteostasis and in mitochondrial protein complexes. Overall, this study uncovers the likely frequent occurrence of chimeric protein complexes with few exceptions, which may result from incompatibilities or imbalances between the parental proteomes.
Parallel monitoring of RNA abundance, localization and compactness with correlative single molecule FISH on LR White embedded samples
Authors: Kramer Susanne , Meyer-Natus Elisabeth , Stigloher Christian , Thoma Hanna , Schnaufer Achim , Engstler Markus
Published: November 2020

Single mRNA molecules are frequently detected by single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) using branched DNA technology. While providing strong and background-reduced signals, the method is inefficient in detecting mRNAs within dense structures, in monitoring mRNA compactness and in quantifying abundant mRNAs. To overcome these limitations, we have hybridized slices of high pressure frozen, freeze-substituted and LR White embedded cells (LR White smFISH). mRNA detection is physically restricted to the surface of the resin. This enables single molecule detection of RNAs with accuracy comparable to RNA sequencing, irrespective of their abundance, while at the same time providing spatial information on RNA localization that can be complemented with immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, as well as array tomography. Moreover, LR White embedding restricts the number of available probe pair recognition sites for each mRNA to a small subset. As a consequence, differences in signal intensities between RNA populations reflect differences in RNA structures, and we show that the method can be employed to determine mRNA compactness. We apply the method to answer some outstanding questions related to trans-splicing, RNA granules and mitochondrial RNA editing in single-cellular trypanosomes and we show an example of differential gene expression in the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans.
SGLT2 inhibition requires reconsideration of fundamental paradigms in chronic kidney disease, ‘diabetic nephropathy’, IgA nephropathy and podocytopathies with FSGS lesions
Authors: Anders Hans-Joachim , Peired Anna Julie , Romagnani Paola
Published: November 2020

In 2020, the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) trial first demonstrated that inhibition of the sodium–glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) with dapagliflozin attenuates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria in patients with or without diabetes at an unprecedented effect size. These results have far-reaching implications for a series of traditional concepts in Nephrology. It now became obvious that CKD with and without diabetes involves a predominant SGLT2-driven pathophysiology compared with the other pathogenic pathways currently under consideration. As SGLT2 inhibition is similarly efficacious in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD with proteinuria, treating CKD rather than ‘diabetic nephropathy’ becomes the central paradigm. Indeed, in older adults with type 2 diabetes, CKD is rather of multifactorial origin. As the DAPA-CKD trial included more patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) than any of the previous IgAN trials, dual renin-angiotensin/SGLT2 inhibition may become the new standard. The same applies for patients with podocytopathy-related focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions. From now on, IgAN and podocytopathy trials without SGLT2 inhibition as background therapy and without glomerular filtration rate decline as primary outcome criterion will be of limited value. These and other potential implications will trigger broad discussions and secondary research activities with conclusions difficult to predict today. However, one is for sure: Nephrology after the DAPA-CKD trial will be not the same as it was before. Finally!
Genotype-guided dietary supplementation in precision nutrition
Authors: Gkouskou Kalliopi K , Grammatikopoulou Maria G , Vlastos Ioannis , Sanoudou Despina , Eliopoulos Aristides G
Published: November 2020

Achieving adequate micronutrient status, while avoiding deficiencies, represents a challenge for people globally. Consequently, many individuals resort to oral nutrient supplementation (ONS) in order to correct suboptimal dietary intakes. Advances in the fields of nutrigenetics and nutritional genomics have identified differences in response to micronutrient supplementation according to genetic makeup, adding dietary supplement use to the clinician’s toolkit in the precision nutrition era. This review focuses on published evidence linking genetic variants to the responses associated with some of the most popular dietary supplements. With an increasing number of health professionals becoming involved in the prescription of ONS, identifying and matching individuals to the appropriate dietary supplement according to their genotype is important for achieving optimal health benefits and micronutrient equilibrium, while reducing the adverse events and financial costs often associated with excessive ONS.
Revisiting the renormalization of Einstein–Maxwell theory at one-loop
Authors: Park I Y
Published: November 2020

In a series of recent works based on foliation-based quantization in which renormalizability has been achieved for the physical sector of the theory, we have shown that the use of the standard graviton propagator interferes, due to the presence of the trace mode, with the four-dimensional covariance. A subtlety in the background field method also requires careful handling. This status of the matter motivated us to revisit an Einstein-scalar system in one of the sequels. Continuing the endeavors, we revisit the one-loop renormalization of an Einstein–Maxwell system in the present work. The systematic renormalization of the cosmological and Newton constants is carried out by applying the refined background field method. The one-loop beta function of the vector coupling constant is explicitly computed and compared with the literature. The longstanding problem of the gauge choice dependence of the effective action is addressed, and the manner in which gauge choice independence is restored in the present framework is discussed. The formalism also sheds light on background independent analysis. The renormalization involves a metric field redefinition originally introduced by ’t Hooft; with the field redefinition the theory should be predictive.
Stock Market Information and Innovative Investment in the Supply Chain
Authors: Liang Lantian , Williams Ryan , Chong Xiao Steven
Published: November 2020

We investigate whether suppliers adjust innovative supply chain investment following stock market signals about customers’ economic prospects. We show that suppliers increase R&D and investment in customer-related patents after positive market reactions to customers’ new product announcements. A battery of falsification tests suggest that spurious factors are unlikely to explain our results. Market signals about customers appear more important when information asymmetry is greater, when suppliers face greater competitive threats, and when suppliers are financially unconstrained. Our evidence suggests that the stock market can be a viable source of information to mitigate supply chain frictions. (JEL G14, G30, L14)
Mortality After the First Diagnosis of Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kurdyak Paul , Mallia Emilie , de Oliveira Claire , Carvalho Andre F , Kozloff Nicole , Zaheer Juveria , Tempelaar Wanda M , Anderson Kelly K , Correll Christoph U , Voineskos Aristotle N
Published: November 2020

There is emerging evidence of high mortality rates after the first diagnosis of psychotic disorder. The objective of this study was to estimate the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in a population-based cohort of individuals with a first diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum psychotic disorder (SSD). The cohort included a population-based sample of individuals with a first diagnosis of SSD based on the first diagnosis occurring during hospitalization or in an outpatient setting between 2007 and 2010 in Ontario, Canada. All patients were followed for 5 years after the first diagnosis. The primary outcome was SMR, including all-cause, suicide-related, accidental, and other causes. Between 2007 and 2010, there were 2382 patients in the hospitalization cohort and 11 003 patients in the outpatient cohort. Over the 5-year observation period, 97 (4.1%) of the hospitalization cohort and 292 (2.7%) of the outpatient cohort died, resulting in an SMR of 13.6 and 9.1, respectively. In both cohorts, suicide was the most common cause of death. Approximately 1 in 25 patients with a first diagnosis of SSD during hospitalization, and 1 in 40 patients with a first diagnosis of SSD in an outpatient setting, died within 5 years of first diagnosis in Ontario, Canada. This mortality rate is between 9 and 13 times higher than would be expected in the age-matched general population. Based on these data, timely access to services should be a public health priority to reduce mortality following a first diagnosis of an SSD.
Adult hypothalamic neurogenesis and sleep–wake dysfunction in aging
Authors: Kostin Andrey , Alam Md Aftab , McGinty Dennis , Alam Md Noor
Published: November 2020

In the mammalian brain, adult neurogenesis has been extensively studied in the hippocampal sub-granular zone and the sub-ventricular zone of the anterolateral ventricles. However, growing evidence suggests that new cells are not only “born” constitutively in the adult hypothalamus, but many of these cells also differentiate into neurons and glia and serve specific functions. The preoptic-hypothalamic area plays a central role in the regulation of many critical functions, including sleep–wakefulness and circadian rhythms. While a role for adult hippocampal neurogenesis in regulating hippocampus-dependent functions, including cognition, has been extensively studied, adult hypothalamic neurogenic process and its contributions to various hypothalamic functions, including sleep–wake regulation are just beginning to unravel. This review is aimed at providing the current understanding of the hypothalamic adult neurogenic processes and the extent to which it affects hypothalamic functions, including sleep–wake regulation. We propose that hypothalamic neurogenic processes are vital for maintaining the proper functioning of the hypothalamic sleep–wake and circadian systems in the face of regulatory challenges. Sleep–wake disturbance is a frequent and challenging problem of aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aging is also associated with a decline in the neurogenic process. We discuss a hypothesis that a decrease in the hypothalamic neurogenic process underlies the aging of its sleep–wake and circadian systems and associated sleep–wake disturbance. We further discuss whether neuro-regenerative approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological stimulation of endogenous neural stem and progenitor cells in hypothalamic neurogenic niches, can be used for mitigating sleep–wake and other hypothalamic dysfunctions in aging.
Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Soldavini Jessica , Andrew Hazael , Berner Maureen
Published: November 2020

The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.
Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: provide funding for incentive programs to expand healthy food offerings in SNAP-authorized small food stores
Authors: Singleton Chelsea R , Adeyemi Oluwafikayo S , Parab Kaustubh V , Roehll Alexandra M , Flores Edson , Adams Ashley M , Quintiliani Lisa M , Bell Brooke M , Dulin-Keita Akilah
Published: November 2020

Individuals and families with limited access to healthy foods often experience increased risk for poor diet and chronic disease. Low-income communities are more likely to have a large number of small food stores (e.g., corner stores and dollar stores) compared to higher-income communities. Since many of these small food stores participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), increasing healthy food offerings in these stores may expand healthy food retail in low-income communities. We recommend the provision of funding for incentive programs that encourage SNAP-authorized small food stores in low-income communities to expand their healthy food offerings. This programming should (a) provide seed grants to store owners to develop or reconfigure store infrastructure, (b) offer store owners technical assistance and educational materials on marketing strategies for promoting healthy food items to customers, and (c) give a tax break to SNAP-authorized small food stores in low-income communities that maintain a predetermined minimum stock of U.S. Department of Agriculture-recognized staple foods.
Clinical management of emotions in patients with cancer: introducing the approach “emotional support and case finding”
Authors: Dekker Joost , Karchoud Jeanet , Braamse Annemarie M J , Buiting Hilde , Konings Inge R H M , van Linde Myra E , Schuurhuizen Claudia S E W , Sprangers Mirjam A G , Beekman Aartjan T F , Verheul Henk M W
Published: November 2020

The current approach to the management of emotions in patients with cancer is “distress screening and referral for the provision of psychosocial care.” Although this approach may have certain beneficial effects, screening and referral programs have shown a limited effect on patient psychological well-being. We argue that this limited effect is due to a mismatch between patient needs and the provision of care, and that a fundamental reconceptualization of the clinical management of emotions in patients with cancer is needed. We describe the rationale and characteristics of “emotional support and case finding” as the approach to the management of emotions in patients with cancer. The two main principles of the approach are: (1) Emotional support: (a) The treating team, consisting of doctors, nurses, and allied health staff, is responsive to the emotional needs of patients with cancer and provides emotional support. (b) The treating team provides information on external sources of emotional support. (2) Case finding: The treating team identifies patients in need of mental health care by means of case finding, and provides a referral to mental health care as indicated. We present a novel perspective on how to organize the clinical management of emotions in patients with cancer. This is intended to contribute to a fruitful discussion and to inform an innovative research agenda on how to manage emotions in patients with cancer.
Sporulation Potential of Phytophthora ramorum Differs Among Common California Plant Species in the Big Sur Region
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa M. , Fajardo Sebastian N. , Rizzo David M.
Published: November 2020

Sudden oak death (SOD), caused by the generalist pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, has profoundly impacted California coastal ecosystems. SOD has largely been treated as a two-host system, with Umbellularia californica as the most transmissive host, Notholithocarpus densiflorus less so, and remaining species as epidemiologically unimportant. However, this understanding of transmission potential primarily stems from observational field studies rather than direct measurements on the diverse assemblage of plant species. Here, we formally quantify the sporulation potential of common plant species inhabiting SOD-endemic ecosystems on the California coast in the Big Sur region. This study allows us to better understand the pathogen’s basic biology, trajectory of SOD in a changing environment, and how the entire host community contributes to disease risk. Leaves were inoculated in a controlled laboratory environment and assessed for production of sporangia and chlamydospores, the infectious and resistant propagules, respectively. P. ramorum was capable of infecting every species in our study and almost all species produced spores to some extent. Sporangia production was greatest in N. densiflorus and U. californica and the difference was insignificant. Even though other species produced much less, quantities were nonzero. Thus, additional species may play a previously unrecognized role in local transmission. Chlamydospore production was highest in Acer macrophyllum and Ceanothus oliganthus, raising questions about the role they play in pathogen persistence. Lesion size did not consistently correlate with the production of either sporangia or chlamydospores. Overall, we achieved an empirical foundation to better understand how community composition affects transmission of P. ramorum.
Supporting Novice Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Horan Kathleen M. , Dimino Kimberly
Published: November 2020

The future of the profession is being forged under challenging circumstances.
Using Peer Discussion to Create a SOAP Note in Graduate Clinical Nursing Education
Authors: Collins Tracy , Perry Felesha , Chandler Vicki
Published: November 2020

Faculty in graduate nursing education have been challenged when teaching first-year family nurse practitioner students to accurately assess a patient and build a subjective, objective, assessment, and plan note (SOAP note) through history taking and patient interviews. Students’ familiarity with peer discussion can assist with learning the SOAP note process. Using peer discussion, faculty were able to make the learning process student friendly and useful in future clinical settings.
Trends in Buprenorphine to Treat Opioid Use Disorder in California, 2012 to 2018: Medicaid Outpaces the Rest of the State
Authors: Tseregounis Iraklis Erik , Gasper James J. , Henry Stephen G.
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

Opioid use disorder remains undertreated in the United States. One of the primary mechanisms for expanding access to treatment has been the use of buprenorphine. In this study, we compare prescribing trends of buprenorphine paid through Medicaid versus other payer sources.

Methods:

Combined data from California's prescription drug monitoring program and California's Department of Health Care Services was used to obtain statewide quarterly prescription rates for buprenorphine, indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorder, from 2012 to 2018.

Results:

From 2012 to 2018, the rate of individuals treated with buprenorphine in Medicaid increased by 657% (1.39–10.5 Medicaid beneficiaries per 10,000) with increases beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2018. Rate of individual prescribing among non-Medicaid sources increased by 93.7% (6.54–12.7 non-Medicaid individuals per 10,000) with most increases occurring before 2014.

Conclusions:

California Medicaid has made considerable gains in buprenorphine access, with access growing steadily even after expansions through the Affordable Care Act plateaued. In contrast, recent gains in buprenorphine access for individuals without Medicaid are uninspiring, indicating that initiatives to improve buprenorphine access to patients without Medicaid are urgently needed.
Intracranial vessel wall imaging
Authors: Arslan Serdar , Korkmazer Bora , Kizilkilic Osman
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review

To give an overview regarding the potential usefulness of vessel wall imaging (VWI) in distinguishing various intracranial vascular diseases, their common imaging features, and potential pitfalls.

Recent findings

VWI provides direct visualization of the vessel wall and allows the discrimination of different diseases such as vasculitis, atherosclerosis, dissection, Moyamoya disease, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Recent studies showed that concentric and eccentric involvement in the vessel wall, as well as the enhancement pattern were found important for the distinguishing these diseases and evaluating their activity.

Most of the imaging techniques currently used are based on luminal imaging. However, these imaging methods are not adequate to distinguish different diseases that can demonstrate similar radiological findings. VWI is being increasingly used as a noninvasive imaging method to offset this limitation.
Aortitis: an update
Authors: Erdogan Mustafa
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review

Aortitis is the inflammation of the aorta due to various causes. Clinical presentations vary as well as the imaging findings. Exact pathogenetic mechanisms or triggering factors, as well as the best diagnostic and monitoring modalities and treatment strategies, are yet to be elucidated. We reviewed recent studies in aortitis and associated diseases.

Recent findings

Multiple cohort studies reporting long-term outcomes in patients with noninfectious aortitis were recently published. Comparative features of isolated aortitis were described. Six angiographic clusters for giant cell arteritis and Takayasu have been identified. New classification criteria have been proposed for IgG4-related disease by a data-driven method. The ultrasonographic slope sign and a halo score were described as specific imaging parameters in giant cell arteritis. The promising role of PET-computed tomography, not only in the diagnosis of aortitis but also in monitoring disease activity, has been noted. Results of in-vitro studies on Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, comparative studies with leflunomide as an induction therapy, and a long-term follow-up study with tocilizumab may contribute to the management of Takayasu arteritis.

An impressive number of studies have addressed aortitis in recent years. However, there still is a lack of robust data on causes, monitoring disease activity by imaging and biomarkers, and drugs providing steroid-free remission in noninfectious aortitis.
Diabetes Does Not Adversely Affect Neurological Recovery and Reduction of Neck Pain After Posterior Decompression Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Nori Satoshi , Nagoshi Narihito , Yoshioka Kenji , Nojiri Kenya , Takahashi Yuichiro , Fukuda Kentaro , Ikegami Takeshi , Yoshida Hideaki , Iga Takahito , Tsuji Osahiko , Suzuki Satoshi , Okada Eijiro , Yagi Mitsuru , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Watanabe Kota , Ishii Ken , Yamane Junichi
Published: November 2020

Study Design..

Retrospective multicenter study.

Objective..

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of diabetes on surgical outcomes of posterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Summary of Background Data..

Although some previous studies have reported surgical outcomes of posterior decompression for CSM in diabetic patients, their results were inconsistent.

Methods..

We included 675 patients with CSM who underwent posterior decompression. Patients were divided into diabetic (n = 140) and nondiabetic (n = 535) groups according to the diabetic criteria for glucose intolerance. Surgical outcomes as assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain were compared between groups. Subsequently, the functional outcomes of diabetic patients were compared between the mild (n = 131) and moderately severe (n = 9) groups. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year after surgery.

Results..

Compared with the nondiabetic group, the diabetic group showed lower pre- and postoperative JOA scores (P = 0.025 and P = 0.001, respectively) and a lower JOA score recovery rate (RR) (P = 0.009). However, the preoperative-to-postoperative changes in JOA scores in the diabetic and nondiabetic groups were not significantly different (P = 0.988). Pre- and postoperative VAS for neck pain and postoperative reduction of neck pain were comparable between groups (P = 0.976, P = 0.913 and P = 0.688, respectively). Although statistical analysis was not performed due to the small underpowered sample size, functional outcomes assessed by the JOA score RR (43.3 ± 37.1% vs. 45.3 ± 33.9%) and preoperative-to-postoperative changes in JOA scores (3.0 ± 2.2 vs. 2.7 ± 2.5) were similar between the mild and moderately severe diabetes groups.

Conclusion..

CSM patients with diabetes experienced improvements in neurological function and neck pain as a result of posterior decompression to the same extent seen in patients without diabetes.

Level of Evidence: 3
Incidence and Risk Factors for Unplanned Return to the Operating Room Following Primary Definitive Fusion for Pediatric Spinal Deformity
Authors: Taniguchi Yuki , Ohara Tetsuya , Suzuki Satoshi , Watanabe Kota , Suzuki Teppei , Uno Koki , Yamaguchi Toru , Yanagida Haruhisa , Nakayama Keita , Kotani Toshiaki , Watanabe Kei , Hirano Toru , Yamamoto Takuya , Kawamura Ichiro , Sugawara Ryo , Takeshita Katsushi , Demura Satoru , Oku Norihiro , Sato Tatsuya , Fujiwara Kenta , Akazawa Tsutomu , Murakami Hideki , Kakutani Kenichiro , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Kawakami Noriaki
Published: November 2020

Study Design.

A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for UPROR within minimum 2-year follow-up in primary definitive fusion for pediatric spinal deformity.

Summary of Background Data.

Several previous reports have elucidated the incidence of complications after pediatric scoliosis surgery; however, there has been no study that described the incidence and risk factors for unplanned return to the operating room (UPROR) with long-term follow-up in surgery for pediatric scoliosis with every etiology.

Methods.

We retrospectively extracted data of patients aged <19 years, from 14 institutes in Japan, who underwent primary definitive fusion surgery for spinal deformity between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. The primary outcomes were the incidence of UPROR within the minimum 2-year follow-up period for any reason. Univariate and multivariate logistical analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors associated with UPROR.

Results.

We identified 1417 eligible patients (287 males and 1130 females) with a mean age of 13.9 years. UPROR for any reason within minimum 2-year follow-up was identified in 68 patients (4.8%). The most frequent cause for UPROR was implant failure found in 29 patients, followed by surgical site infection in 14 patients, junctional problems in 10 patients, and neurological complications in six patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a diagnosis of kyphosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–6.04), etiology of congenital or structural type (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.08–4.53), etiology of syndromic type (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.27–5.64), and increased operation time of ≥300 minutes (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.07–3.07) were the risk factors for the incidence of UPROR.

Conclusion.

The present multicenter study identified for the first time the incidence and risk factors for UPROR with minimum 2-year follow-up after primary definitive fusion surgery for pediatric spinal deformity with every etiology.

Level of Evidence: 3
Circ-ZNF124 downregulation inhibits non-small cell lung cancer progression partly by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via mediating the miR-498/YES1 axis
Authors: Gao Fei , Jia Lin , Han Jianjun , Wang Yun , Luo Wenjuan , Zeng Yan
Published: November 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major type of lung cancer, leading to a high fatality rate. The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer has been increasingly emphasized and studied. However, the function of circ-ZNF124 in NSCLC is largely unclear, and associated regulatory mechanism is not studied. Here, we examined the expression pattern of circ-ZNF124 using quantitative real-time PCR. For functional analysis, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis/cycle and cell invasion were investigated using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, flow cytometry assay and transwell assay, respectively. As results, we found that the expression of circ-ZNF124 was elevated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Functionally, circ-ZNF124 downregulation inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion but induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro, and blocked tumor growth in vivo by animal experiments. Mechanistically, we identified that miR-498 was a target of circ-ZNF124, and miR-498 directly bound to YES proto-oncogene 1 (YES1). Besides, rescue experiments discovered that the cellular effects caused by circ-ZNF124 downregulation could be reversed by miR-498 inhibition or YES1 overexpression. Moreover, we discovered that circ-ZNF124 downregulation inactivated the expression of β-catenin and c-Myc by mediating the miR-498/YES axis. In conclusion, these findings supported that circ-ZNF124 regulated the expression of YES1 by acting as a sponge of miR-498, thus restraining NSCLC development by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which provided a novel strategy to treat NSCLC.
Development and Verification of a Digital Twin Patient Model to Predict Specific Treatment Response During the First 24 Hours of Sepsis
Authors: Lal Amos , Li Guangxi , Cubro Edin , Chalmers Sarah , Li Heyi , Herasevich Vitaly , Dong Yue , Pickering Brian W. , Kilickaya Oguz , Gajic Ognjen
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To develop and verify a digital twin model of critically ill patient using the causal artificial intelligence approach to predict the response to specific treatment during the first 24 hours of sepsis.

Design:

Directed acyclic graphs were used to define explicitly the causal relationship among organ systems and specific treatments used. A hybrid approach of agent-based modeling, discrete-event simulation, and Bayesian network was used to simulate treatment effect across multiple stages and interactions of major organ systems (cardiovascular, neurologic, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and hematology). Organ systems were visualized using relevant clinical markers. The application was iteratively revised and debugged by clinical experts and engineers. Agreement statistics was used to test the performance of the model by comparing the observed patient response versus the expected response (primary and secondary) predicted by digital twin.

Setting:

Medical ICU of a large quaternary- care academic medical center in the United States.

Patients or Subjects:

Adult (> 18 year yr old), medical ICU patients were included in the study.

Interventions:

No additional interventions were made beyond the standard of care for this study.

Measurements and Main Results:

During the verification phase, model performance was prospectively tested on 145 observations in a convenience sample of 29 patients. Median age was 60 years (54–66 d) with a median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 9.5 (interquartile range, 5.0–14.0). The most common source of sepsis was pneumonia, followed by hepatobiliary. The observations were made during the first 24 hours of the ICU admission with one-step interventions, comparing the output in the digital twin with the real patient response. The agreement between the observed versus and the expected response ranged from fair (kappa coefficient of 0.41) for primary response to good (kappa coefficient of 0.65) for secondary response to the intervention. The most common error detected was coding error in 50 observations (35%), followed by expert rule error in 29 observations (20%) and timing error in seven observations (5%).

Conclusions:

We confirmed the feasibility of development and prospective testing of causal artificial intelligence model to predict the response to treatment in early stages of critical illness. The availability of qualitative and quantitative data and a relatively short turnaround time makes the ICU an ideal environment for development and testing of digital twin patient models. An accurate digital twin model will allow the effect of an intervention to be tested in a virtual environment prior to use on real patients.