bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Fluoride Content in Drinking Water by Ion Chromatography: A Case Study in the Suzhou Urban Area, China
Authors: Shi Qile , Wang Shuya , Zhou Yuxuan , Xu Jingjing
Published: June 2021

Background

Both deficient and excessive intake of fluoride can lead to adverse health problems.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the fluoride content in three types of drinking water in Suzhou urban area.

Method

Ion chromatography was employed to conduct the validation of analysis of fluoride ion in water and the method was applied to analyze the concentration of fluoride in 22 drinking water samples, including tap water, purified water, and commercially available bottled water, collected from five municipal districts of Suzhou urban area.

Results

The method was validated in the range of 0.05–2.00 mg/L with good repeatability and accuracy. Results of water analysis indicated that fluoride content in tap water ranged from 0.267 to 0.336 mg/L (average 0.304 mg/L), and the levels of fluoride in purified water and bottled water were 0.068–0.317 mg/L (average 0.134 mg/L) and 0–0.120 mg/L (average 0.080 mg/L), respectively.

Conclusions

The amount of fluoride in all samples analyzed were lower than the limit set for fluoride in drinking water according to the China standard (1.0 mg/L). Low fluoride exposure for the population in the studied area was observed, and the replacement of tap water with purified and bottled water could further aggravate the deficiency of fluoride intake for local residents.

Highlights

The present study is the first to characterize the fluoride content in these three types of drinking water in Suzhou urban area by ion chromatography.
High-Throughput Analysis of Aflatoxins in Cereals, Nuts, and Processed Products Involving Automated Immunoaffinity Cleanup and Inline HPLC–Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Dhanshetty Manisha , Thorat Pooja , Banerjee Kaushik
Published: June 2021

Background

The testing of aflatoxins (AFs) in fresh and processed foods is highly in demand to comply with trade regulations. Consequently, commercial laboratories face huge AF sample loads in food consignments. Worldwide, there is a rising interest in implementing automation to increase sample throughput in AF analysis.

Objective

This study sought to evaluate the performance of an automated cleanup and HPLC analysis system for determination of regulated AFs (B1, B2, G1, G2) in rice, flattened rice, sorghum, raw and processed peanut, almond, peanut butter, and wheat-based cookies.

Methods

The samples were extracted with methanol–water (80:20), diluted with Triton X-100, and subjected to automated analysis, where the cleanup step through immunoaffinity column (IAC) and HPLC–fluorescence analyses (involving postcolumn bromination–derivatization) were performed in 10 and 11 min, respectively. The method was validated in all test matrices at the LOQ and higher levels. The method performance was also evaluated against a conventional workflow where cleanup and HPLC analysis were manually performed.

Results

The LOQ for peanut, sorghum, rice, and flattened rice was 0.125 ng/g, while it was 0.5 ng/g for peanut butter, almond, and wheat-based cookies. In all matrices, the recoveries at LOQ and higher levels were satisfactory. The double-cartridge exchange system completed the analysis of ∼96 injections in 18 h. Each IAC could be reused 15 times without incurring any recovery loss. The automated system provided a better precision (RSD < 9%) than the conventional workflow (RSD = 12–15%).

Conclusions

Because of its high-throughput nature, this method is recommended for routine analysis of AFs.

Highlights

A high-throughput method is reported where cleanup and HPLC analysis of AFs were automatically performed. Each IAC could be used 15 times without any loss of recovery. The method performance was better than the conventional approach and complied with the analytical quality control guidelines.
Multicriteria decision analysis framework for part orientation analysis in additive manufacturing
Authors: Ransikarbum Kasin , Pitakaso Rapeepan , Kim Namhun , Ma Jungmok
Published: June 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional printing (3DP) refers to producing objects from digital information layer by layer. Despite recent advancements in AM, process planning in AM has not received much attention compared to subtractive manufacturing. One of the critical process planning issues in AM is deciding part orientation. In this research, the integrative framework of multicriteria decision making for part orientation analysis in AM is investigated. Initially, quantitative data are assessed using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique without preferences from a decision maker. In contrast, a decision maker’s preferences are qualitatively analysed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Then, the proposed framework combining explicit data as in DEA, implicit preference as in AHP, and linear normalization (LN) technique is used, which reflects both preference and objective data in supporting decision making for 3DP part orientation. Two particular AM technologies, namely Fused Deposition Modelling and Selective Laser Sintering, are used as a case study to illustrate the proposed algorithm, which is further verified with experts to improve process planning for AM.
Assessment of Toxicity Risk of Selected Insecticides Used in Pistachio Ecosystem on Two Egg Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) of Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Ranjbar Fateme , Reitz Stuart , Esmaeili Sardary Abbas , Jalali M Amin , Ziaaddini Mahdi , Izadi Hamzeh
Published: June 2021

Psix saccharicola (Mani) and Trissolcus semistriatus (Nees) are the most abundant eggs parasitoids of the stink bug, Acrosternum arabicum Wagner, in pistachio orchards and have the potential to contribute to their suppression. However, treatment of orchards with broad-spectrum insecticides may greatly reduce populations of these beneficial natural enemies. Therefore, we conducted risk assessments and evaluated sublethal impacts of two insecticides routinely used in pistachio orchards: the organophosphate fenitrothion and a formulated mixture of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin on parasitism success, emergence and sex ratio of P. saccharicola and T. semistriatus. Based on the values of their risk quotients (RQ), which are derived from toxicity data, the two insecticide products would be classified as slightly-to-moderately toxic although an alternative metric, the safety factor (SF), showed them to be highly risky. Assessments of sublethal effects on adult wasps showed that insecticide exposure significantly reduced their ability to successfully parasitize stink bug eggs, and exposure of adult females reduced the emergence, survival, and proportion of females of their progeny, which could disrupt biological control for an extended period of time. Analysis of the decreased emergence and parasitism for P. saccharicola and T. semistriatus in accordance with the standards of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) indicate that fenitrothion is slightly harmful to both parasitoid species whereas the mixture of thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin is moderately harmful. These findings will be useful for integrating insecticides and egg parasitoids into a comprehensive integrated pest management program for managing stink bugs populations in pistachio orchards.
A Publishing History of A Discourse of Life and Death, Translated by the Countess of Pembroke
Authors: Moore J K
Published: June 2021

The short meditation, A discourse of life and death was translated by Mary (Sidney) Herbert, Countess of Pembroke in 1590 from Excellent discours de la vie et de la mort by Philippe de Mornay, seigneur du Plessis-Marly. This article presents the publishing history of Herbert’s translation and how it was adapted twice in the seventeenth century. First, it is found as an incomplete manuscript by ‘T. H. Gent.’ (BL MS Sloane 1037). The manuscript has the correct licence to print, but the wrong author, and was used as setting copy in the print shop of George Eld and Miles Flesher in early 1624. All copies of that edition are now lost. In 1697 Herbert’s translation was revised again as the ‘contemplations’ of Sir John Fenwick before his execution for treason.
Stability of two-fluid partially ionized slow-mode shock fronts
Authors: Snow B , Hillier A
Published: June 2021

A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shock front can be unstable to the corrugation instability, which causes a perturbed shock front to become increasingly corrugated with time. An ideal MHD parallel shock (where the velocity and magnetic fields are aligned) is unconditionally unstable to the corrugation instability, whereas the ideal hydrodynamic (HD) counterpart is unconditionally stable. For a partially ionized medium (for example, the solar chromosphere), both HD and MHD species coexist and the stability of the system has not been studied. In this paper, we perform numerical simulations of the corrugation instability in two-fluid partially ionized shock fronts to investigate the stability conditions, and compare the results to HD and MHD simulations. Our simulations consist of an initially steady two-dimensional parallel shock encountering a localized upstream density perturbation. In MHD, this perturbation results in an unstable shock front and the corrugation grows with time. We find that for the two-fluid simulation, the neutral species can act to stabilize the shock front. A parameter study is performed to analyse the conditions under which the shock front is stable and unstable. We find that for very weakly coupled or very strongly coupled partially ionized system the shock front is unstable, as the system tends towards MHD. However, for a finite coupling, we find that the neutrals can stabilize the shock front, and produce new features including shock channels in the neutral species. We derive an equation that relates the stable wavelength range to the ion-neutral and neutral-ion coupling frequencies and the Mach number. Applying this relation to umbral flashes gives an estimated range of stable wavelengths between 0.6 and 56 km.
Simulations of the star-forming molecular gas in an interacting M51-like galaxy: cloud population statistics
Authors: Treß Robin G , Sormani Mattia C , Smith Rowan J , Glover Simon C O , Klessen Ralf S , Mac Low Mordecai-Mark , Clark Paul , Duarte-Cabral Ana
Published: June 2021

To investigate how molecular clouds react to different environmental conditions at a galactic scale, we present a catalogue of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) resolved down to masses of ∼10 M⊙ from a simulation of the entire disc of an interacting M51-like galaxy and a comparable isolated galaxy. Our model includes time-dependent gas chemistry, sink particles for star formation, and supernova feedback, meaning we are not reliant on star formation recipes based on threshold densities and can follow the physics of the cold molecular phase. We extract GMCs from the simulations and analyse their properties. In the disc of our simulated galaxies, spiral arms seem to act merely as snowplows, gathering gas, and clouds without dramatically affecting their properties. In the centre of the galaxy, on the other hand, environmental conditions lead to larger, more massive clouds. While the galaxy interaction has little effect on cloud masses and sizes, it does promote the formation of counter-rotating clouds. We find that the identified clouds seem to be largely gravitationally unbound at first glance, but a closer analysis of the hierarchical structure of the molecular interstellar medium shows that there is a large range of virial parameters with a smooth transition from unbound to mostly bound for the densest structures. The common observation that clouds appear to be virialized entities may therefore be due to CO bright emission highlighting a specific level in this hierarchical binding sequence. The small fraction of gravitationally bound structures found suggests that low galactic star formation efficiencies may be set by the process of cloud formation and initial collapse.
Absorption-selected galaxies trace the low-mass, late-type, star-forming population at z ∼ 2–3
Authors: Rhodin N H P , Krogager J-K , Christensen L , Valentino F , Heintz K E , Møller P , Zafar T , Fynbo J P U
Published: June 2021

We report on the stellar content, half-light radii and star formation rates of a sample of 10 known high-redshift (z ≳ 2) galaxies selected on strong neutral hydrogen (H i) absorption ($\log ({\rm N_{H\, \rm {I}}\: /\: cm}^{-2})\,\gt\, 19$) towards background quasars. We use observations from the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 in three broad-band filters to study the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the galaxies. Using careful quasar point spread function subtraction, we study their galactic environments, and perform the first systematic morphological characterization of such absorption-selected galaxies at high redshifts. Our analysis reveals complex, irregular hosts with multiple star-forming clumps. At a spatial sampling of 0.067 arcsec per pixel (corresponding to 0.55 kpc at the median redshift of our sample), 40 per cent of our sample requires multiple Sérsic components for an accurate modelling of the observed light distributions. Placed on the mass–size relation and the ‘main sequence’ of star-forming galaxies, we find that absorption-selected galaxies at high redshift extend known relations determined from deep luminosity-selected surveys to an order of magnitude lower stellar mass, with objects primarily composed of star-forming, late-type galaxies. We measure half-light radii in the range r1/2 ∼ 0.4 to 2.6 kpc based on the reddest band (F160W) to trace the oldest stellar populations, and stellar masses in the range log (M⋆/M⊙) ∼ 8 to 10 derived from fits to the broad-band SED. Spectroscopic and SED-based star formation rates are broadly consistent, and lie in the range $\log (\mathrm{SFR}/{\rm M}_{\odot }\, {\rm yr}^{-1}) \sim 0.0$ to 1.7.
Extraterrestrial artificial photosynthetic materials for in-situ resource utilization
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Zhang Ce , Yu Xiwen , Yao Yingfang , Li Zhaosheng , Wu Congping , Yao Wei , Zou Zhigang
Published: June 2021

Aerospace milestones in human history, including returning to the moon and manned Martian missions, have been implemented in recent years. Space exploration has become one of the global common goals, and to ensure the survival and development of human beings in the extraterrestrial extreme environment has been becoming the basic ability and technology of manned space exploration. For the purpose of fulfilling the goal of extraterrestrial survival, researchers in Nanjing University and the China Academy of Space Technology proposed extraterrestrial artificial photosynthesis (EAP) technology. By simulating the natural photosynthesis of green plants on the Earth, EAP converts CO2/H2O into fuel and O2 in an in-situ, accelerated and controllable manner by using waste CO2 in the confined space of spacecraft, or abundant CO2 resources in extraterrestrial celestial environments, e.g. Mars. Thus, the material loading of manned spacecraft can be greatly reduced to support affordable and sustainable deep space exploration. In this paper, EAP technology is compared with existing methods of converting CO2/H2O into fuel and O2 in the aerospace field, especially the Sabatier method and Bosch reduction method. The research progress of possible EAP materials for in-situ utilization of extraterrestrial resources are also discussed in depth. Finally, this review lists the challenges that the EAP process may encounter, which need to be focused on for future implementation and application. We expect to deepen the understanding of artificial photosynthetic materials and technologies, and aim to strongly support the development of manned spaceflight.
Cigarette Smokers Versus Cannabis Smokers Versus Co-users of Cigarettes and Cannabis: A Pilot Study Examining Exposure to Toxicants
Authors: Meier Ellen , Tessier Katelyn M , Luo Xianghua , Dick Laura , Thomson Nicole M , Hecht Stephen S , Carmella Steven G , Murphy Sharon , Hatsukami Dorothy K
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Studies suggest tobacco and cannabis co-users may experience greater toxicant exposure than exclusive cigarette (ET) smokers. No study has systematically tested differences in toxicant exposure among co-users, exclusive cannabis (ECa) smokers, and ET smokers.

Aims and Methods

Adult daily cigarette smokers and/or weekly cannabis smokers completed two laboratory visits. Co-users (n = 19) tested positive for urinary 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH), self-reported cannabis use ≥1 per week, and smoked ≥5 cigarettes per day (CPD). ET smokers (n = 18) denied past month cannabis use, tested negative for urinary THCCOOH and smoked ≥5 CPD. ECa smokers (n = 16) tested positive for urinary THCCOOH, self-reported cannabis use ≥1 per week, and denied past month tobacco use (NicAlert <3). Self-reported tobacco and cannabis use were collected at both visits. First morning urinary tobacco and combustion-related biomarkers of exposure were compared following a cannabis or tobacco smoking session (visit 2).

Results

Co-users and ET smokers had higher levels of exhaled carbon monoxide, total nicotine equivalents, metabolites of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNAL), and all four measured mercapturic acids (measures of volatile organic compounds) than ECa smokers (ps < .005). ET smokers (geometric mean = 7220.2 pmol/mg) had higher levels of 2-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid than co-users (geometric mean = 5348.7 adjusted p = .009). Phenanthrene tetraol did not differ by group (p > .05).

Conclusions

Co-users and ET smokers demonstrated comparable levels of biomarkers of exposure to harmful constituents despite smoking similar amounts of tobacco. ECa smokers demonstrated lower levels of toxicant exposure for most biomarkers.

Implications

Although ECa smokers are exposed to significantly lower levels of harmful constituents compared with co-users and exclusive cigarette smokers, this group is still exposed to higher levels of toxicants than observed in studies of nonsmokers. Additionally, these three groups were exposed to similar levels of phenanthrene tetraol. It is important to account for cannabis use in studies examining biomarkers of exposure among cigarette smokers. Additionally, further research is needed examining exposure to harmful chemicals among various types of cannabis and tobacco users.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Yetmar Zachary A , Beam Elena , O’Horo John C , Ganesh Ravindra , Bierle Dennis M , Brumble Lisa , Seville Maria Teresa , Razonable Raymund R
Published: June 2021

Background

Bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab are authorized for emergency use treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients at high risk for developing severe disease or hospitalization. Their safety and efficacy have not been specifically evaluated in solid organ transplant recipients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed solid organ transplant recipients who received monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic sites through January 23, 2021. Outcomes included emergency department visit, hospitalization, mortality, and allograft rejection.

Results

Seventy-three patients were treated, most commonly with bamlanivimab (75.3%). The median age was 59 years, 63% were male, and the median Charlson comorbidity index was 5. Transplant type included 41 kidney (56.2%), 13 liver (17.8%), 11 heart (15.1%), 4 kidney-pancreas (5.5%), 2 lung (2.7%), 1 heart-liver, and 1 pancreas. Eleven (15.1%) patients had an emergency department visit within 28 days of infusion, including 9 (12.3%) who were hospitalized for a median of 4 days. One patient required intensive care unit admission for a nonrespiratory complication. No patients required mechanical ventilation, died, or experienced rejection. Ten adverse events occurred, with 1 seeking medical evaluation. Hypertension was associated with hospital admission (P < .05), while other baseline characteristics were similar. The median time from symptom onset to antibody administration was 4 days in nonhospitalized patients compared with 6 days among hospitalized patients (P < .05).

Conclusions

Monoclonal antibody treatment has favorable outcomes with minimal adverse effects in solid organ transplant recipients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Earlier administration of monoclonal antibody therapy appears to be more efficacious.
Factors and Outcomes Related to the Use of Guideline-Recommended Antibiotics in Patients With Neutropenic Fever at the Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Gulleen Elizabeth A , Adams Scott V , Chang Bickey H , Falk Lauren , Hazard Riley , Kabukye Johnblack , Scala Jackie , Liu Catherine , Phipps Warren , Abrahams Omoding , Moore Christopher C
Published: June 2021

Background

Neutropenic fever (NF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for patients receiving cancer treatment in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). However, the antibiotic management of NF in sub-Saharan Africa has not been well described. We evaluated the timing and selection of antibiotics for patients with NF at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adults with acute leukemia admitted to UCI from 1 January 2016 to 31 May 2017, who developed NF. For each NF event, we evaluated the association of clinical presentation and demographics with antibiotic selection as well as time to both initial and guideline-recommended antibiotics. We also evaluated the association between ordered antibiotics and the in-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR).

Results

Forty-nine NF events occurred among 39 patients. The time to initial antibiotic order was <1 day. Guideline-recommended antibiotics were ordered for 37 (75%) NF events. The median time to guideline-recommended antibiotics was 3 days. Fever at admission, a documented physical examination, and abdominal abnormalities were associated with a shorter time to initial and guideline-recommended antibiotics. The in-hospital CFR was 43%. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality when guideline-recommended antibiotics were ordered as compared to when non-guideline or no antibiotics were ordered (hazard ratio, 0.51 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .10–2.64] and 0.78 [95% CI, .20–2.96], respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with acute leukemia and NF had delayed initiation of guideline-recommended antibiotics and a high CFR. Prospective studies are needed to determine optimal NF management in sub-Saharan Africa, including choice of antibiotics and timing of antibiotic initiation.
Soil textures rather than root hairs dominate water uptake and soil–plant hydraulics under drought
Authors: Cai Gaochao , Carminati Andrea , Abdalla Mohanned , Ahmed Mutez Ali
Published: June 2021

Although the role of root hairs (RHs) in nutrient uptake is well documented, their role in water uptake and drought tolerance remains controversial. Maize (Zea mays) wild-type and its hair-defective mutant (Mut; roothairless 3) were grown in two contrasting soil textures (sand and loam). We used a root pressure chamber to measure the relation between transpiration rate (E) and leaf xylem water potential (ψleaf_x) during soil drying. Our hypotheses were: (1) RHs extend root–soil contact and reduce the ψleaf_x decline at high E in dry soils; (2) the impact of RHs is more pronounced in sand; and (3) Muts partly compensate for lacking RHs by producing longer and/or thicker roots. The ψleaf_x(E) relation was linear in wet conditions and became nonlinear as the soils dried. This nonlinearity occurred more abruptly and at less negative matric potentials in sand (ca. −10 kPa) than in loam (ca. −100 kPa). At more negative soil matric potentials, soil hydraulic conductance became smaller than root hydraulic conductance in both soils. Both genotypes exhibited 1.7 times longer roots in loam, but 1.6 times thicker roots in sand. No differences were observed in the ψleaf_x(E) relation and active root length between the two genotypes. In maize, RHs had a minor contribution to soil–plant hydraulics in both soils and their putative role in water uptake was smaller than that reported for barley (Hordeum vulgare). These results suggest that the role of RHs cannot be easily generalized across species and soil textures affect the response of root hydraulics to soil drying.
Ribosome profiling elucidates differential gene expression in bundle sheath and mesophyll cells in maize
Authors: Chotewutmontri Prakitchai , Barkan Alice
Published: June 2021

The efficiencies offered by C4 photosynthesis have motivated efforts to understand its biochemical, genetic, and developmental basis. Reactions underlying C4 traits in most C4 plants are partitioned between two cell types, bundle sheath (BS), and mesophyll (M) cells. RNA-seq has been used to catalog differential gene expression in BS and M cells in maize (Zea mays) and several other C4 species. However, the contribution of translational control to maintaining the distinct proteomes of BS and M cells has not been addressed. In this study, we used ribosome profiling and RNA-seq to describe translatomes, translational efficiencies, and microRNA abundance in BS- and M-enriched fractions of maize seedling leaves. A conservative interpretation of our data revealed 182 genes exhibiting cell type-dependent differences in translational efficiency, 31 of which encode proteins with core roles in C4 photosynthesis. Our results suggest that non-AUG start codons are used preferentially in upstream open reading frames of BS cells, revealed mRNA sequence motifs that correlate with cell type-dependent translation, and identified potential translational regulators that are differentially expressed. In addition, our data expand the set of genes known to be differentially expressed in BS and M cells, including genes encoding transcription factors and microRNAs. These data add to the resources for understanding the evolutionary and developmental basis of C4 photosynthesis and for its engineering into C3 crops.
Increased chin muscle tone during all sleep stages in children taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and in children with narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Ferri Raffaele , Mogavero Maria P , Bruni Oliviero , Plazzi Giuseppe , Schenck Carlos H , DelRosso Lourdes M
Published: June 2021

Study Objectives

To assess if selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are able to modify the chin electromyogram (EMG) tone during sleep also in children.

Methods

Twenty-three children and adolescents (12 girls, mean age 14.1 years, SD 2.94) under therapy with antidepressant for their mood disorder were consecutively recruited and had a PSG recording. Twenty-one were taking were taking SSRI and treatment duration was 2–12 months. An age- and sex matched group of 33 control children (17 girls, mean age 14.2 years, SD 2.83) and 24 children with narcolepsy type 1 (12 girls, mean age 13.7 years, SD 2.80) were also included. The Atonia Index was then computed for each NREM sleep stage and for REM sleep, also all EMG activations were counted.

Results

Atonia Index in all sleep stages was found to be significantly reduced in children with narcolepsy followed by the group taking SSRI antidepressants and the number of EMG activations was also increased in both groups. Fluoxetine, in particular, was found to be significantly associated with reduced Atonia index during NREM sleep stages N1, N2, and N3, and with an increased number of EMG activations/hour during sleep stage N3.

Conclusions

Similarly to adults, SSRI antidepressants are able to modify the chin EMG tone in children during REM sleep, as well as during NREM sleep stages. Different pharmacological properties of the different SSRI might explain the differential effect on chin tone during sleep found in this study.
ER Bodies Are Induced by Pseudomonas syringae and Negatively Regulate Immunity
Authors: Rufián José S. , Elmore James M. , Bejarano Eduardo R. , Beuzon Carmen R. , Coaker Gitta L.
Published: June 2021

ER bodies are endoplasmic reticulum–derived organelles present in plants belonging to the Brassicales order. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ER bodies are ubiquitous in cotyledons and roots and are present only in certain cell types in rosette leaves. However, both wounding and jasmonic acid treatment induce the formation of ER bodies in leaves. Formation of this structure is dependent on the transcription factor NAI1. The main components of the ER bodies are β-glucosidases (BGLUs), enzymes that hydrolyze specialized compounds. In Arabidopsis, PYK10 (BGLU23) and BGLU18 are the most abundant ER body proteins. In this work, we found that ER bodies are downregulated as a consequence of the immune responses induced by bacterial flagellin perception. Arabidopsis mutants defective in ER body formation show enhanced responses upon flagellin perception and enhanced resistance to bacterial infections. Furthermore, the bacterial toxin coronatine induces the formation of de novo ER bodies in leaves and its virulence function is partially dependent on this structure. Finally, we show that performance of the polyphagous beet armyworm herbivore Spodoptera exigua increases in plants lacking ER bodies. Altogether, we provide new evidence for the role of the ER bodies in plant immune responses.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Dissemination of Quality Improvement Project Results After Local Presentation
Authors: Morris Hannah , Jones Rebecca , Tumin Dmitry , Garris Jenna , Kohler John A. , Reeder Timothy J. , Lazorick Suzanne , Lawson Luan E. , Higginson Jason
Published: June 2021

Among quality improvement (QI) projects submitted for local presentation, the authors sought to understand how often project results were eventually disseminated through national/international presentation or peer-reviewed journal publication. Projects submitted for local presentation from 2016 to 2019 were linked to resulting publications or national/international conference presentations. Submitting authors were surveyed about their intentions, experience, and satisfaction with the process of disseminating their project results. Of 83 projects, 5 were published and another 10 were presented nationally/internationally. External dissemination was more likely with fewer project cycles and cost-focused outcomes. Survey responses indicated that most project leaders wanted to see their results published but held mixed opinions about resources and encouragement available to reach this goal. Few QI projects submitted for local presentation resulted in wider dissemination of project results. Sharing results and lessons learned beyond the local institution requires long-term planning, education, and support beginning early in the QI process.
Safe Elective Surgery Using Selective SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Molecular Testing
Authors: Ray Hollis M. , Kamitsuka Paul F. , Firetti Pamela W. , Almeter Andrew L. , McNabb Kevin M. , von Biberstein S. Elizabeth , Barton Andrew C. H. , Shakar Robert , Paul J. West
Published: June 2021

Resuming elective surgery amid shortages of rapid severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tests and personal protective equipment, while protecting patient and staff safety, posed a challenge at the study institution. Many hospital systems implemented testing of all presurgical patients, using results from tests performed 3 or more days prior to surgery. Among asymptomatic persons, the percent positive rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests in the region did not appear to justify this practice. Instead of universal preoperative COVID-19 testing, the authors elected to mitigate risk by implementing a preoperative program including 14 days of recommended patient self-quarantine and social distancing. For those unable to complete this program and for those undergoing high-risk, aerosol-generating procedures, targeted rapid polymerase chain reaction testing within 2 days of surgery was performed. Data from the initial 4 months suggests that this approach was noninferior to universal preoperative testing with regard to postoperative COVID-19 detection and patient exposure-related COVID-19 cases among hospital staff.
The Utility of an Anxiety Screening Measure in Youth With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Presence of Anxiety
Authors: Aggarwal Dutta Richa , Ely Samantha L. , Cunningham Natoshia R.
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Anxiety is common in youth with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) and is related to increased pain-related impairment. However, it is unknown if self-reported anxiety on a clinical screener represents a true anxiety disorder diagnosis in youth with FAPD. Further, little is known about clinical characteristics in youth with FAPD and comorbid anxiety (ANX). Therefore, we evaluated whether the clinical cutoff on the Screen for Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED) corresponded with the presence of an anxiety disorder. We predicted a more clinically complex profile (eg, increased pain-related impairment, psychological problems, and family risk factors) in youth with FAPD+ANX compared with youth with FAPD alone.

Materials and Methods:

Participants completed measures of anxiety, functional disability, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and mood, and underwent a semistructured diagnostic interview to assess for psychological disorders. Caregivers completed family characteristics and caregiver distress measures. Analyses of group differences were conducted using χ2 and multivariate tests.

Results:

The SCARED appears to be a good proxy for an anxiety disorder in youth with FAPD, particularly for generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. Youth with FAPD+ANX reported higher rates of pain-related disability and depressive symptoms compared with those with FAPD alone, but other clinical characteristics and family risk factors were comparable across groups.

Discussion:

Findings support the use of the SCARED as a proxy for an anxiety disorder diagnosis in youth with FAPD and suggest youth with FAPD+ANX may have a more complex clinical profile categorized by greater mental health and health-related impairment as compared with youth with FAPD alone.
Surgical Treatment and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Population-based Study in England
Authors: Kuryba Angela , Boyle Jemma M. , Blake Helen A. , Aggarwal Ajay , van der Meulen Jan , Braun Michael , Walker Kate , Fearnhead Nicola S.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To compare the management and outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic with the preceding 6 months.

Background:

The pandemic has affected the diagnosis and treatment of CRC patients worldwide. Little is known about the safety of major resection and whether creating “cold” sites (COVID-free hospitals) is effective.

Methods:

A national study in England used administrative hospital data for 14,930 CRC patients undergoing surgery between October 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020. Mortality of CRC resection was compared before and after March 23, 2020 (“lockdown” start).

Results:

The number of elective CRC procedures dropped sharply during the pandemic (from average 386 to 214 per week), whereas emergency procedures were hardly affected (from 88 to 84 per week). There was little change in characteristics of surgical patients during the pandemic. Laparoscopic surgery decreased from 62.5% to 35.9% for elective and from 17.7% to 9.7% for emergency resections. Surgical mortality increased slightly (from 0.9% to 1.2%, P = 0.06) after elective and markedly (from 5.6% to 8.9%, P = 0.003) after emergency resections. The observed increase in mortality during the first phase of the pandemic was similar in “cold” and “hot” sites (P > 0.5 elective and emergency procedures).

Conclusions:

The pandemic resulted in a 50% reduction in elective CRC procedures during the initial surge and a substantial increase in mortality after emergency resection. There was no evidence that surgery in COVID-free “cold” sites led to better outcomes in the first 2 months.
Understanding Factors That Cause Tinnitus: A Mendelian Randomization Study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Cresswell Manuela , Casanova Francesco , Beaumont Robin N. , Wood Andrew R. , Ronan Natalie , Hilton Malcolm P. , Tyrrell Jess
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the causal role of established risk factors and associated conditions to tinnitus and tinnitus severity in the UK Biobank.

Design:

The prospective cohort study with large dataset of >500,000 individuals. The analytical sample of 129,731 individuals in the UK Biobank of European descent. Participants were recruited from National Health Service registries, baseline age range between 37 and 73 years, response rate to baseline survey 6%. Participants were asked subjective questions about tinnitus and its severity. Previously observed associations (n = 23) were confirmed in the UK Biobank using logistic and ordinal regression models. Two-sample Mendelian randomization approaches were then used to test causal relationships between the 23 predictors and tinnitus and tinnitus severity. The main outcome measures were observational and genetic association between key demographics and determinants and two tinnitus outcomes (current tinnitus and tinnitus severity).

Results:

Prevalence of tinnitus was 20% and severe tinnitus 3.8%. The observational results are consistent with the previous literature, with hearing loss, older age, male gender, high BMI, higher deprivation, higher blood pressure, smoking history, as well as numerous comorbidities being associated with higher odds of current tinnitus. Mendelian randomization results showed causal correlations with tinnitus. Current tinnitus was predicted by genetically instrumented hearing loss (odds ratio [OR]: 8.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.12 to 12.23]), major depression (OR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.06 to 1.50]), neuroticism (OR: 1.48 [95% CI: 1.28 to 1.71]), and higher systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.01 [95% CI:1.00 to 1.02]). Lower odds of tinnitus were associated with longer duration in education (OR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.63 to 0.88]), higher caffeine intake (OR: 0.89 [95% CI: 0.83 to 0.95]) and being a morning person (OR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.90 to 0.98]). Tinnitus severity was predicted by a higher genetic liability to neuroticism (OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.06 to 1.26]) and schizophrenia (OR: 1.02 [95% CI: 1.00 to 1.04]).

Conclusions:

Tinnitus data from the UK Biobank confirm established associated factors in the literature. Genetic analysis determined causal relationships with several factors that expand the understanding of the etiology of tinnitus and can direct future pathways of clinical care and research.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Early Postoperative Complications and Mortality Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Kim Ho-Joong , Zuckerman Scott L. , Cerpa Meghan , Yeom Jin S. , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of perioperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

Although ASD surgery has been associated with a relatively high complication rate, a focus on perioperative complications in a large cohort has rarely been reported.

Materials and Methods:

In the database of the 2011−2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, a cohort of patients (n=1484) above 20 years and underwent ASD surgery was established by primary and other Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision codes. The incidences of perioperative (within 30 d postsurgery) minor/major complications and mortality was investigated. Risk factors for minor/major complications and mortality were assessed using logistic regression modeling.

Results:

Of 1484 patients undergoing ASD surgery, the overall complication rate was 15.8% (minor complications: 8.2%; major complications: 10.4%), and the mortality rate was 0.6% (9 patients). After multivariate analysis, dependent functional status [P=0.003; odds ratios (ORs), 4.838], anterior or anterior+posterior approaches (P=0.001; OR, 2.022), and prolonged operative time (>5 h) (P=0.004; OR, 1.821) were associated with an increased risk of minor complications. Male sex (P=0.013; OR, 1.567), osteotomy procedure (P=0.008; OR, 1.674) and prolonged operative time (>5 h) (P<0.001; OR, 2.142) were associated with an increased risk of major complications. The American Society of Anesthesiologists 4 status (P=0.009; OR, 34.697) was a strong risk factor for mortality.

Conclusions:

After ASD surgery, the rates of minor complications, major complications, and mortality was 8.2%, 10.4%, and 0.6%, respectively. While mortality depended on patient physical status represented by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 4, minor and major complications were associated with male sex, dependent functional status, and surgical factors such as osteotomy procedure, prolonged operative time (>5 h), and having an anterior surgical approach. Therefore, this information may be helpful in surgical counseling and preoperative surgical planning.
Benign Colonic Strictures
Authors: Cain Brian T. , Huang Lyen C.
Published: June 2021

Case Summary:

A 46-year-old man with no significant medical or surgical history presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of worsening constipation, abdominal distension, nausea, and nonbloody, nonbilious emesis. Workup included a CT scan that was notable for a 5.3 × 3.9 cm “apple core-type” mass located within the sigmoid colon with proximal large-bowel dilation. Carcinoembryonic antigen was 1.4. No metastatic disease was seen on chest, abdominal, or pelvic CT scans. Flexible sigmoidoscopy identified a sigmoid colon mass 30 cm from the anal verge with near complete obstruction. Biopsies of the mass did not show evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. The Gastroenterology service declined to place a stent without a malignancy diagnosis. The patient subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy, sigmoid colectomy, and end colostomy. Recovery was uneventful. Final pathology showed diverticulitis with abscess formation and no evidence of malignancy. A completion colonoscopy was unremarkable, and the patient underwent colostomy reversal 3 months later.
Fear is the Path to the Dark Side: Unsafe Delivery, One of the Consequences of Fear of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, A Case Report
Authors: Nieto-Calvache Albaro José , Padilla Iván , Tabares-Blanco Mario Fernando , López-Girón María Camila , Vergara Galliadi Lina María
Published: June 2021

Indirect effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic are difficult to calculate. Fear of intrahospital infection has led to a decrease in the use of emergency services and the performance of elective procedures. Several low- and middle-income countries have seen the number of institutional deliveries reduced, even in the absence of a follow-up program for home births. We present the case of a patient with adequate prenatal care and an institutional delivery plan who, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, chose to have a home delivery with unsafe conditions. The lack of supervision by health personnel and the absence of an immediate consultation plan facilitated the presentation of postpartum hemorrhage and poor neonatal results. Little attention has been paid during the pandemic to pregnant women who decide to have their birth at home. A broad discussion is necessary in this regard, to regain the confidence of the population and strengthen institutional births, or to strengthen midwife-assisted home births programs. Patients’ fear to acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection inside hospitals is a factor that must be taken into account in prenatal care programs.
The exploration–exploitation dilemma in pain: an experimental investigation
Authors: Krypotos Angelos-Miltiadis , Crombez Geert , Alves Maryna , Claes Nathalie , Vlaeyen Johan W.S.
Published: June 2021

Daily life consists of a chain of decisions. Typically, individuals may choose to pursue what they already know (exploitation) or to search for other options (exploration). This exploration–exploitation dilemma is a topic of interest across multiple scientific fields. Here we propose that investigating how individuals solve this dilemma may improve our understanding of how individuals make behavioral decisions (eg, avoidance) when facing pain. To this end, we present the data of 3 experiments in which healthy individuals were given the opportunity to choose between 4 different movements, with each movement being associated with different probabilities of receiving a painful outcome only (experiment 1) or pain and/or a reward (experiment 2). We also investigated whether participants stuck to their decisions when the contingencies between each movement and the painful/rewarding outcome changed during the task (experiment 3). The key findings across all experiments are the following: First, after initial exploration, participants most often exploited the safest option. Second, participants weighted rewards more heavily than receiving pain. Finally, after receiving a painful outcome, participants were more inclined to explore than to exploit a rewarding movement. We argue that by focusing more on how individuals in pain solve the exploration–exploitation dilemma is helpful in understanding behavioral decision making in pain.
Protein kinase Cδ as a neuronal mechanism for headache in a chronic intermittent nitroglycerin model of migraine in mice
Authors: He Ying , Shi Zuoxiao , Kashyap Yavnika , Messing Robert O. , Wang Zaijie Jim
Published: June 2021

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent attacks of typically throbbing and unilateral headaches, affecting up to 20% of the population worldwide. Despite the high prevalence and severity of this primary headache disorder, it remains to be a challenge to fully understand and treat migraine headaches. By characterizing and validating a mouse migraine model, this study aimed to investigate the functional contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in migraine. In this study, we identified the presence of migraine-like ongoing pain in mice after chronic intermittent treatment with nitroglycerin (NTG). The peptide antagonist of calcitonin gene-related peptide α-CGRP (8-37), but not topiramate nor sumatriptan, effectively blocked ongoing pain and elicited pain relief-induced conditioned place preference in NTG-treated mice. Prominent activation of PKCδ was observed in chronic NTG-treated mice. Functional inhibition of PKCδ significantly attenuated ongoing spontaneous pain in chronic NTG-treated mice. Furthermore, we recapitulated the NTG-triggered migraine behavior in wild-type mice, but not in PKCδ-null mice. In response to repeated administration of NTG, ongoing spontaneous pain was not developed in mice lacking the specific PKC isoform. This study identified the presence of ongoing pain in mice treated with NTG, a known human migraine trigger that closely resembles the common manifestation of spontaneous migraine attacks in humans. These findings demonstrated a critical regulatory role of PKCδ in migraine pathophysiology, which may offer new pharmacological targets for antimigraine treatment.