bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Radon Assessment in Underground Storage Facilities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Asuni Ganiyu , Al-Qahtani Saleh M , Khasawinah Salim
Published: April 2021

An occupational radon assessment was conducted at five underground storage facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to evaluate the radon concentration and determine if remedial action is required to ameliorate conditions and ensure compliance with international guidance on acceptable radon levels in working environments. The assessment was carried out in four operational areas in the underground storage facilities routinely occupied or visited by workers. Initial radon concentrations were obtained using 293 passive CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector (NTD) radon dosimeters installed in the four operational areas for all the underground storage facilities. The detectors were left in place for 12 mo. As some of the radon measurements exceeded the International Atomic Energy Agency reference level of 1,000 Bq m−3 for radon in workplaces, a follow-up assessment was conducted using a real-time monitoring device in locations where high radon levels were observed. The measured radon concentrations in the four operational areas in three of the five underground storage facilities were below the reference level, and in the remaining two storage facilities, low ventilation rates in one operational area were identified as the principal cause of elevated radon concentrations. Notwithstanding, the potential radiation dose from radon exposure was determined to be well below the International Commission on Radiation Protection reference annual dose level of 10 mSv in all five underground storage facilities. Radon exposure to workers in all the underground storage facilities was found to be within the reference dose level for workplaces and does not pose an acute health risk.
Evaluation of Triage Methods for Criticality Accidents
Authors: Veinot K. G. , Gose B. T.
Published: April 2021

Studies indicate that early identification of persons involved in and receiving high doses of radiation in accidents is key to providing life-saving medical treatment. Although the risk of criticality accidents is low, the potential impact to workers is significant. For facilities that employ large numbers of workers, a key element in the response to a radiological emergency is identifying personnel that received significant and potentially harmful doses. Also important is having the ability to screen large numbers of workers to identify persons who did not receive significant exposure so as to reduce the impact on emergency response efforts. At the Y-12 National Security Complex, the focus on criticality accident response is the rapid triage of personnel in order to identify persons exposed to large radiation doses and to prioritize those persons receiving the highest exposures. Once identified, personnel are transported to local medical facilities, including the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), for medical evaluation and treatment. The Y-12 external dosimetry program uses a number of techniques to identify and prioritize workers, and these methods were evaluated at a criticality dosimetry intercomparison exercise. The methods used were shown to perform as intended, and other sites may consider incorporating these methods into their accident dosimetry response procedures.
Study on the Performance of an Alpha Energy Spectrum Radon Measuring Instrument Based on CdZnTe Detector
Authors: Li Songsong , Shan Jian , Tan Songbo
Published: April 2021

To realize a fast and reliable approach for continuous radon measurements, a CdZnTe (CZT) detector based on the electrostatic collection method was developed. The experimental results show that when the external temperature varies from 5 °C to 30 °C, the maximum drifts of the characteristic peak positions of 218Po and 214Po are only 8 and 6. Furthermore, the measurement error associated with the constant radon concentration is less than 5.5%. As the temperature increases or decreases, the measurement error becomes larger, with the maximum error being 43.1%. The response of the proposed instrument for constant radon concentration is better than that of the RAD7 radon measurement instrument. At 25 °C, the value measured using the NRL-II radon meter with the PIPS detector is in good agreement with the actual value. The new radon measurement instrument exhibits a good compliance from the third measurement cycle (measurement deviation 0.53–3.95%), while RAD7 has good compliance from the fourth measurement cycle (measurement deviation of 1.17–4.88%). The theoretical and practical values of the iterative correction factor (influence of the previous measurement on the current measurement) of the radon measurement instrument are in good agreement. The iterative correction factor can be used for performing continuous radon measurements independently, with the aim of achieving a rapid response to environmental radon concentrations.
The Anthropogenic Impact on Indoor Radon Concentrations for Secunda, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: le Roux Rikus , Bezuidenhout Jacques , Smit Hennie , Newman Richard
Published: April 2021

Secunda is a town built amid the coalfields of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Surrounding the town are 11 coal-fired plants (CFPs) contributing around 59% of the country’s energy needs. It is also home to Sasol Synfuels, which produces synthetic gas through coal gasification and natural gas reforming. Coal, like most materials found in nature, contains trace elements of the naturally occurring primordial radionuclides 40K, 238U, 232Th, and their decay products. The milling and combustion of coal in a CFP increases the mass concentration of these trace elements, and the residuals end up on ash heaps as fly ash, bottom ash, and boiler slag. A small percentage of fly ash also ends up in the atmosphere. This paper sets out to determine the anthropogenic impact of the industrial activity on indoor radon in the town of Secunda in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. Measurements were done in 37 homes during July when higher indoor radon levels are expected due to homes typically being closed due to the low temperatures. The average indoor radon concentration was found to be 76.4 Bq m−3. This indicates that the fallout from the industrial activity surrounding Secunda does not enhance the emanation of radon. This may be due to the type of activity or the climate and prevailing winds mitigating its indoor build-up. Measurements during the warmer months and in neighboring towns with different industrial activities are required to confirm the trends established by this research.
Baseline Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout as a Predictor of Subsequent Visual Field Progression in Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Jo Youn Hye , Shin Joong Won , Song Min Kyung , Won Hun Jae , Kook Michael S.
Published: April 2021

Precis:

Choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) is an independent predictor for overall and central visual field (VF) progression in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CMvD identified by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) at baseline on subsequent VF progression in eyes with OAG.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study included 80 OAG eyes with CMvD [CMvD(+)] and without CMvD [(CMvD(−)] at baseline [40 of each matched for both age (10 y and below) and baseline VF severity (≤1 dB)]. The patients were followed regularly at 6-month intervals. VF progression was defined according to the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial criteria. Associations of overall VF progression with baseline clinical factors, including the presence of CMvD and other variables, were analyzed by logistic regression with a generalized estimating equation in the entire OAG cohort. Linear mixed models were used to determine the differences in visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) between the CMvD(+) and CMvD(−) groups globally and regionally at each follow-up point.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 35.91±2.51 months, a significant difference was evident in the VF progression rate between the CMvD(−) and CMvD(+) groups (22.5% vs. 70%, P<0.001). CMvD at baseline and a higher visit-to-visit intraocular pressure fluctuation were significant predictors of VF progression. The VFMS differed significantly between the 2 groups at the central and superior central VF regions after 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The presence of CMvD at baseline is an independent predictor of subsequent VF progression. CMvD(+) eyes show a faster rate of VFMS loss at the central and superior central VF regions.
Is serum endocan a sensitive biomarker for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation?
Authors: Omar Seham A. , Attia Nahla M. , Sheir Mohamed I. , Amer Ayman s. , EL Shabrawy Mohamed M. , Hasan Basma B.
Published: April 2021

Background and aim of the work

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is one of the common liver cancers and considered to be the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in the world and the second leading cause of death among cancer patients. More recent studies on HCC showed that the elevated serum endocan level was a predictive factor of recurrence after radiofrequency ablation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum endocan level as a prognostic biomarker for recurrence of HCC after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.

Patients and methods

Analytic-prospective study was carried out in Suez Canal University Hospitals. The study was carried out on 80 patients classified into three groups: group 1 (control group) consisted of 20 apparently healthy persons; group 2 consisted of 20 patients with liver cirrhosis; and group 3 consisted of 40 treatment-naive HCC patients who were prepared for radiofrequency ablation. All HCC patients (who were confirmed to have complete ablation after RF) were followed up by using triphasic abdominal CT, serum AFP and serum endocan assessment at 3 and 6 months after radiofrequency ablation.

Results

Our study revealed a high level of serum endocan in the HCC group with a statistically significant difference (<0.001) between the three groups. HCC patients had a higher level of serum endocan (6.2 ± 2.25) followed by an liver cirrhosis group (2.0 ± 1.29) and then the control group (1.0 ± 0.3). The serum endocan level had a positive correlation with recurrence of HCC (P < 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between serum endocan and serum alanine transferase (P = 0.02), and a positive correlation between serum endocan and the number of tumors (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum endocan is considered as a prognostic biomarker for tumor recurrence in HCC patients after radiofrequency ablation.
Using a machine learning approach to explore predictors of healthcare visits as missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis
Authors: Weissman Sharon , Yang Xueying , Zhang Jiajia , Chen Shujie , Olatosi Bankole , Li Xiaoming
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

A significant number of individuals with a new HIV diagnosis are still late presenters despite numerous healthcare encounters prior to HIV diagnosis. We employed a machine learning approach to identify the predictors for the missed opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis.

Methods:

The cohort comprised of individuals who were diagnosed with HIV in South Carolina from January 2008 to December 2016. Late presenters (LPs) (initial CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 within one month of HIV diagnosis) with any healthcare visit during three years prior to HIV diagnosis were defined as patients with a missed opportunity. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, two prediction models were developed to capture the impact of facility type (model 1) and physician specialty (model 2) of healthcare visits on missed opportunities.

Results:

Among 4,725 eligible participants, 72.2% had at least one healthcare visit prior to their HIV diagnosis, with most of the healthcare visits (78.5%) happening in the emergency departments (ED). A total of 1,148 individuals were LPs, resulting in an overall prevalence of 24.3% for the missed opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis. Common predictors in both models included ED visit, older age, male gender, and alcohol use.

Conclusions:

The findings underscored the need to reinforce the universal HIV testing strategy ED remains an important venue for HIV screening, especially for medically underserved or elder population. An improved and timely HIV screening strategy in clinical settings can be a key for early HIV diagnosis and play an increasingly important role in ending HIV epidemic.
Photon-Counting Computed Tomography for Coronary Stent Imaging
Authors: Petritsch Bernhard , Petri Nils , Weng Andreas M. , Petersilka Martin , Allmendinger Thomas , Bley Thorsten A. , Gassenmaier Tobias
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess in-stent lumen visibility and quantitative image characteristics of different coronary stents using a novel photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) system in comparison to a state-of-the-art energy-integrating detector (EID) CT scanner.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro phantom study, 28 different coronary stents ranging from 2.25 to 4.5 mm lumen diameter were expanded into plastic tubes filled with contrast agent. Stent-containing plastic tubes were positioned in a custom-made emulsion-filled phantom, which was inserted into an anthropomorphic phantom simulating a medium-sized patient. Computed tomography scans were acquired parallel to the scanners’ z axis using a novel cadmium telluride–based PCD CT system (SOMATOM CountPlus; Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Forchheim Germany), operating in 2 different modes (standard-resolution mode [SR] and ultra-high-resolution [UHR] mode), and a latest generation dual-source EID CT system (SOMATOM Force; Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Forchheim). CTDIvol-matched images were reconstructed with comparable convolution kernels and using the same reconstruction parameters. In-stent lumen visibility (in %), increase in in-stent attenuation (expressed as Δ in-stent CT attenuation), and image noise (in Hounsfield unit) were manually measured. Parts of the image analysis (in-stent lumen visibility) were additionally performed in an automated way. Differences were tested using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The best in-stent lumen visibility was achieved with the PCD-UHR mode and the lowest noise levels with the PCD-SR mode. The median in-stent lumen visibility was significantly higher (P < 0.001) with PCD (SR, 66.7%; interquartile range [IQR], 63.3–72.3; UHR, 68.9%; IQR, 64.4–74.4) compared with EID (65.4%; IQR, 62.2–70.4). The Δ in-stent CT attenuation was significantly lower for PCD in both SR (78 HU; IQR, 46–108; P = 0.024) and UHR (85 HU; IQR, 59–113; P = 0.006) compared with EID (108 HU; IQR, 85–126). Image noise was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for PCD-SR (21 HU; IQR, 21–21) compared with EID images (25 HU; IQR, 24–25.0).

Conclusions

The PCD provides superior in-stent lumen visibility and quantitative image characteristics when compared with conventional EID.
FDG PET/CT Showing a Primary Lymphoma of the Sternoclavicular Joint
Authors: Wang Rang , Tang Pan , Tian Rong
Published: April 2021

We presented a case of primary lymphoma of the sternoclavicular joint. A 67-year-old woman with a history of swelling at the sternoclavicular joint region was considered as osteoarthritis initially. Chest CT found a soft tissue mass around the sternoclavicular joint. Biopsy demonstrated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The subsequent FDG PET/CT revealed FDG-avid articular destruction with surrounding soft tissue mass without any other abnormal findings, suggesting a primary extranodal lymphoma of sternoclavicular joint.
Diffuse White Adipose Tissue 18F-FDG Uptake—An Unusual Finding on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Bansal Himanshu , Ravina Mudalsha , Nanda Siddhartha , Lukose Tinu Thadiyananickal , Krishna Sarin
Published: April 2021

Brown adipose tissue of cervical, supraclavicular, and paravertebral regions can show increased FDG uptake. But human white adipose tissue (WAT) shows negligible FDG uptake on18F-FDG PET/CT scan. We present a case of carcinoma cervix treated with concurrent chemoradiation.18F-FDG PET/CT shows altered biodistribution of FDG with intense FDG uptake throughout the WAT. Later on, patient confirmed taking herbal medication for herpes zoster infection, which could contain corticosteroids, resulting in enhanced WAT uptake of18F-FDG.
Carcinosarcoma Gallbladder With Osteosarcomatous Differentiation
Authors: Suthar Ritesh R. , Agrawal Archi , Bal Munita , Purandare Nilendu , Shah Sneha , Puranik Ameya , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: April 2021

We herein present a case of carcinosarcoma gallbladder with osteosarcomatous differentiation in a middle-aged woman. This is seen on 18F-FDG PET/CT study as an intensely FDG-avid mass in the gallbladder with foci of calcification due to the presence of osteoid. This is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis.
Bacteriophage infection of Escherichia coli leads to the formation of membrane vesicles via both explosive cell lysis and membrane blebbing
Authors: Mandal Pappu K. , Ballerin Giulia , Nolan Laura M. , Petty Nicola K. , Whitchurch Cynthia B.
Published: April 2021

Membrane vesicles (MVs) are membrane-bound spherical nanostructures that prevail in all three domains of life. In Gram-negative bacteria, MVs are thought to be produced through blebbing of the outer membrane and are often referred to as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). We have recently described another mechanism of MV formation in

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

that involves explosive cell-lysis events, which shatters cellular membranes into fragments that rapidly anneal into MVs. Interestingly, MVs are often observed within preparations of lytic bacteriophage, however the source of these MVs and their association with bacteriophage infection has not been explored. In this study we aimed to determine if MV formation is associated with lytic bacteriophage infection. Live super-resolution microscopy demonstrated that explosive cell lysis of

Escherichia coli

cells infected with either bacteriophage T4 or T7, resulted in the formation of MVs derived from shattered membrane fragments. Infection by either bacteriophage was also associated with the formation of membrane blebs on intact bacteria. TEM revealed multiple classes of MVs within phage lysates, consistent with multiple mechanisms of MV formation. These findings suggest that bacteriophage infection may be a major contributor to the abundance of bacterial MVs in nature.
Charting Elimination in the Pandemic: A SARS-CoV-2 Serosurvey of Blood Donors in New Zealand
Authors: Carlton Lauren H. , Chen Tiffany , Whitcombe Alana L. , McGregor Reuben , Scheurich Greg , Sheen Campbell R. , Dickson James M. , Bullen Chris , Chiang Annie , Exeter Daniel J. , Paynter Janine , Baker Michael G. , Charlewood Richard , Moreland Nicole J.
Published: April 2021

A large-scale SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey of New Zealand blood donors (n=9806) was conducted at the end of 2020. Seroprevalence, after adjusting for test sensitivity and specificity, was very low (0.1%). This finding is consistent with limited community transmission and provides robust evidence to support New Zealand’ s successful elimination strategy for COVID-19.
The National Institute on Aging Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Family Based Study: A Critical Component of the International Effort to Understand Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Reyes-Dumeyer Dolly , Faber Kelley , Vardarajan Badri , Goate Alison , Renton Alan , Chao Michael , Boeve Brad , Cruchaga Carlos , Pericak-Vance Margaret , Haines Jonathan L. , Rosenberg Roger , Tsuang Debby , Sweet Robert A. , Bennett David A. , Wilson Robert S. , Foroud Tatiana , Mayeux Richard
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION

The National Institute on Aging Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Family Based Study (NIA-LOAD FBS) was established to study the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

METHODS

Recruitment focused on families with two living affected siblings and a third first degree relative similar in age with or without dementia. Uniform assessments were completed, DNA was obtained as was neuropathology, when possible.APOEgenotypes, genome-wide SNP arrays and sequencing was completed in the majority of families.

RESULTS

A wide range in the age-at-onset in many large families was related toAPOEgenotype, but not in all. Variants typically associated with early-onset AD and frontotemporal dementia were also found.

DISCUSSION

The NIA-LOAD FBS is the largest collection of familial AD worldwide, and data or samples have been included in 126 publications addressing the genetic etiology of AD. Genetic heterogeneity and variability in the age-at-onset provides opportunities to investigate the complexity of familial AD.
Fraction of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths attributable to chronic diseases
Authors: Reyes-Sánchez Francisco , Basto-Abreu Ana , Torres-Alvarez Rossana , Canto-Osorio Francisco , González-Morales Romina , Dyer Dwight , López Ridaura Ruy , Zaragoza Jiménez Christian Arturo , Rivera Juan A. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: April 2021

Aim

To estimate the fraction of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 attributable to chronic diseases due to poor nutrition and smoking in Mexico.

Methods

We used data from the Mexican surveillance system of COVID-19. We considered six chronic diseases (obesity, COPD, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease) to define a multimorbidity variable: no diseases, 1 disease, 2 diseases, or 3 or more diseases. We calibrated the database using bias quantification methods to consider the undiagnosed cases of chronic diseases. To estimate the risks of hospitalization and death due to chronic diseases, we fitted Poisson regression models with robust standard errors, adjusting for possible confounders. Using these risks, we calculated attributable fractions using the population attributable fraction (PAF).

Results

Chronic diseases accounted for to 25.4% (24.8%, 26.1%), 28.3% (27.8%, 28.7%) and 15.3% (14.9%,15.7%) of the hospitalizations among adults below 40 years, 40 to 59, and 60 years and older respectively (95% CI). For COVID-19-related deaths, 50.1% (48.6%, 51.5%), 40.5% (39.7%, 41.3%), and 18.7% (18.0%, 19.5%) were attributable to chronic diseases in adults under 40 years, 40 to 59, and 60 years and older, respectively.

Conclusion

Chronic diseases linked to malnutrition and tobacco use contributed to a higher burden of hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19 in Mexico, particularly among younger adults. Medical and structural interventions to curb chronic disease incidence and facilitate disease control are urgently needed.
Random-effect based test for multinomial logistic regression: choice of the reference level and its impact on the testing
Authors: He Qianchuan , Liu Yang , Liu Meiling , Wu Michael C. , Hsu Li
Published: April 2021

Random-effect score test has become an important tool for studying the association between a set of genetic variants and a disease outcome. While a number of random-effect score test approaches have been proposed in the literature, similar approaches for multinomial logistic regression have received less attention. In a recent effort to develop random-effect score test for multinomial logistic regression, we made the observation that such a test is not invariant to the choice of the reference level. This is intriguing because binary logistic regression is well-known to possess the invariance property with respect to the reference level. Here, we investigate why the multinomial logistic regression is not invariant to the reference level, and derive analytic forms to study how the choice of the reference level influences the power. Then we consider several potential procedures that are invariant to the reference level, and compare their performance through numerical studies. Our work provides valuable insights into the properties of multinomial logistic regression with respect to random-effect score test, and adds a useful tool for studying the genetic heterogeneity of complex diseases.
Assessing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures in Austrian schools by means of agent-based simulations calibrated to cluster tracing data
Authors: Lasser Jana , Sorger Johannes , Richter Lukas , Thurner Stefan , Schmid Daniela , Klimek Peter
Published: April 2021

How to safely maintain open schools during a pandemic is still controversial. We aim to identify those measures that effectively control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Austrian schools. By control we mean that each source case infects less than one other person on average. We use Austrian data on 616 clusters involving 2,822 student-cases and 676 teacher-cases to calibrate an agent-based epidemiological model in terms of cluster size and transmission risk depending on age and clinical presentation. Considering a situation in which the B1.617.2 (delta) virus strain is dominant and parts of the population are vaccinated, we quantify the impact of non-pharmaceutical intervention measures (NPIs) such as room ventilation, reduction of class size, wearing of masks during lessons, vaccinations, and school entry testing by SARS-CoV2-antigen tests. In the tracing data we find that 40% of all clusters involved no more than two cases, and 3% of the clusters only had more than 20 cases. The younger the students, the more likely we found asymptomatic cases and teachers as the source case of the in-school transmissions. Based on this data, the model shows that different school types require different combinations of NPIs to achieve control of the infection spreading: If 80% of teachers and 50% of students are vaccinated, in primary schools, it is necessary to combine at least two of the above NPIs. In secondary schools, where contact networks of students and teachers become increasingly large and dense, a combination of at least three NPIs is needed. A sensitivity analysis indicated that poorly executed mitigation measures might increase the cluster size by a factor of more than 17 for primary schools and even higher increases are to be expected for the other school types. Our results suggest that school-type-specific combinations of NPIs together with vaccinations are necessary to allow for a controlled opening of schools under sustained community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. However, large clusters might still occur on an infrequent, however, regular basis.
A Cryptochrome adopts distinct moon- and sunlight states and functions as sun- versus moonlight interpreter in monthly oscillator entrainment
Authors: Poehn Birgit , Krishnan Shruthi , Zurl Martin , Coric Aida , Rokvic Dunja , Häfker N. Sören , Arboleda Enrique , Orel Lukas , Raible Florian , Wolf Eva , Tessmar-Raible Kristin
Published: April 2021

The moon’s monthly cycle synchronizes reproduction in countless marine organisms. The mass-spawning bristle wormPlatynereis dumeriliiuses an endogenous monthly oscillator to phase reproduction to specific days. Classical work showed that this oscillator is set by full moon. But how do organisms recognize such a specific moon phase? We uncover that the light receptor L-Cryptochrome (L-Cry) is able to discriminate between different moonlight durations, as well as between sun- and moonlight. Consistent with L-Cry’s function as light valence interpreter, its genetic loss leads to a faster re-entrainment under artificially strong nocturnal light. This suggests that L-Cry blocks “wrong” light from impacting on the monthly oscillator. A biochemical characterization of purified L-Cry protein, exposed to naturalistic sun- or moonlight, reveals the formation of distinct sun- and moonlight states characterized by different photoreduction- and recovery kinetics of L-Cry’s co-factor Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide.In vivo,L-Cry’s sun-versus moonlight states correlate with distinct sub-cellular localizations, indicating different signalling. In contrast, r-Opsin1, the most abundant ocular opsin, is not required for monthly oscillator entrainment. Our work reveals a new concept for correct moonlight interpretation involving a “valence interpreter” that provides entraining photoreceptor(s) with light source and moon phase information. These findings advance our mechanistic understanding of a fundamental biological phenomenon: moon-controlled monthly timing. Such level of understanding is also an essential prerequisite to tackle anthropogenic threats on marine ecology.
Two light sensors decode moonlight versus sunlight to adjust a plastic circadian/circalunidian clock to moon phase
Authors: Zurl Martin , Poehn Birgit , Rieger Dirk , Krishnan Shruthi , Rokvic Dunja , Rajan Vinoth Babu Veedin , Gerrard Elliot , Schlichting Matthias , Orel Lukas , Lucas Robert J. , Wolf Eva , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte , Raible Florian , Tessmar-Raible Kristin
Published: April 2021

Many species synchronize their physiology and behavior to specific hours. It is commonly assumed that sunlight acts as the main entrainment signal for ~24h clocks. However, the moon provides similarly regular time information, and increasingly studies report correlations between diel behavior and lunidian cycles. Yet, mechanistic insight into the possible influences of the moon on ~24hr timers is scarce.

We studiedPlatynereis dumeriliiand uncover that the moon, besides its role in monthly timing, also schedules the exact hour of nocturnal swarming onset to the nights’ darkest times. Moonlight adjusts a plastic clock, exhibiting <24h (moonlit) or >24h (no moon) periodicity. Abundance, light sensitivity, and genetic requirement indicatePlatynereisr-Opsin1 as receptor to determine moonrise, while the cryptochrome L-Cry is required to discriminate between moon- and sunlight valence. Comparative experiments inDrosophilasuggest that Cryptochrome’s requirement for light valence interpretation is conserved. Its exact biochemical properties differ, however, between species with dissimilar timing ecology.

Our work advances the molecular understanding of lunar impact on fundamental rhythmic processes, including those of marine mass spawners endangered by anthropogenic change.
Notch Intracellular Domain Plasmid Delivery via Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles to Upregulate Notch Signaling
Authors: Messerschmidt Victoria L. , Kuriakose Aneetta E. , Chintapula Uday , Laboy Samantha , Truong Thuy Thi Dang , Kydd LeNaiya A. , Jaworski Justyn , Nguyen Kytai T. , Lee Juhyun
Published: April 2021

Notch signaling is a highly conserved signaling system that is required for embryonic development and regeneration of organs. When the signal is lost, maldevelopment occurs and leads to a lethal state. Liposomes and retroviruses are most commonly used to deliver genetic material to cells. However, there are many drawbacks to these systems such as increased toxicity, nonspecific delivery, short half-life, and stability after formulation. We utilized the negatively charged and FDA approved polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) to encapsulate Notch Intracellular Domain-containing plasmid in nanoparticles. In this study, we show that primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells readily uptake the nanoparticles with and without specific antibody targets. We demonstrated that our nanoparticles also are nontoxic, stable over time, and compatible with blood. We also determined that we can successfully transfect primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with our nanoparticles in static and dynamic environments. Lastly, we elucidated that our transfection upregulates the downstream genes of Notch signaling, indicating that the payload was viable and successfully altered the genetic downstream effects.
Invasive grass fuel loads suppress native species by increasing fire intensity and soil heating
Authors: Tomat‐Kelly Giovanna , Dillon Whalen W. , Flory Stephen Luke
Published: April 2021

Non‐native invasive grasses are driving intense fires across the globe but the impacts of native versus invader‐fuelled fires on community assemblages are poorly understood. By increasing fire intensity, grass invasions might increase below‐ground mortality of heat‐sensitive seeds and buds, thereby shifting community composition.

We compared fuel loads in native and non‐native invasive (cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica) plant‐dominated areas of pine savannas in Florida. Then, we conducted a field experiment to examine how fuel loads and native and invasive fuel types affected soil heating and seedling emergence or resprouting of native and invasive plant species.

Average fuel loads in invaded communities were 152% greater than that in native communities. Soil heating, including heating duration >60°C, maximum temperature and heat flux >60°C, increased, and seedling emergence and resprouting decreased with greater fuel loads; these relationships were similar across the overlapping range of native and invasive fuel loads. However, longer durations of soil heating at the higher average fuel loads of invaded communities resulted in 23% lower predicted probability of seedling emergence compared to average fuel loads of native communities.

Invasive cogongrass resprouting was not affected by fuel loads, indicating that cogongrass tolerates the intense fires it generates. In contrast, seedling emergence and resprouting of most other species was reduced by greater fuel loads.

Synthesis and applications. By increasing fuel loading and soil heating, grass invasions may alter post‐fire community assemblages and facilitate invasive grass dominance at the expense of native species via an invasion‐fire cycle. Fuel loads can be used to predict soil heating duration and depth, and these data, combined with information on species tolerances to heating, can be used to forecast the impacts of invasions on post‐fire community composition. To maintain fire regimes that promote native communities and resist invader dominance, it is critical to manage invasive species that increase fuel loads.
Update on pregnancy in Takayasu arteritis—A narrative review
Authors: Padiyar Shivraj , Manikuppam Prathyusha , Kabeerdoss Jayakanthan , Rathore Swati , Danda Debashish
Published: April 2021

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic, idiopathic large‐vessel vasculitis that affects women of reproductive age, and has significant maternal and fetal implications. Although there are contrasting data on the effect of TA on fertility, most studies have shown that fertility outcomes remain unaffected. The disease activity of TA usually either remains stable or decreases during pregnancy. The important fetomaternal complications are maternal hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction. To reduce maternal and fetal morbidity, controlling the disease before conception is important. This review article discusses the various implications, challenges, and medical and endovascular management of TA during pregnancy.
Microbial rhodopsins are increasingly favoured over chlorophyll in High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll waters
Authors: Hassanzadeh Babak , Thomson Blair , Deans Fenella , Wenley Jess , Lockwood Scott , Currie Kim , Morales Sergio E. , Steindler Laura , Sañudo‐Wilhelmy Sergio A. , Baltar Federico , Gómez‐Consarnau Laura
Published: April 2021

Microbial rhodopsins are simple light‐harvesting complexes that, unlike chlorophyll photosystems, have no iron requirements for their synthesis and phototrophic functions. Here, we report the environmental concentrations of rhodopsin along the Subtropical Frontal Zone off New Zealand, where Subtropical waters encounter the iron‐limited Subantarctic High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll (HNLC) region. Rhodopsin concentrations were highest in HNLC waters where chlorophyll‐a concentrations were lowest. Furthermore, while the ratio of rhodopsin to chlorophyll‐a photosystems was on average 20 along the transect, this ratio increased to over 60 in HNLC waters. We further show that microbial rhodopsins are abundant in both picoplankton (0.2–3 μm) and in the larger (>3 μm) size fractions of the microbial community containing eukaryotic plankton and/or particle‐attached prokaryotes. These findings suggest that rhodopsin phototrophy could be critical for microbial plankton to adapt to resource‐limiting environments where photosynthesis and possibly cellular respiration are impaired.
The perceptions of pregnant women about cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention
Authors: Pedretti Michelle K. , Dickinson Jan E. , Doherty Dorota A.
Published: April 2021

Background

The Western Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative was officially launched in November 2014. It demonstrated an initial decrease in the preterm birth rate in Western Australia. One of the key points of this initiative is the routine ultrasound measurement of the cervical length in mid‐pregnancy.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of Western Australian women regarding transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) screening for preterm birth prevention.

Materials and methods

Self‐administered questionnaires were completed by pregnant women before and after their mid‐trimester obstetric ultrasound. Maternal demographical and medical data were collected in addition to opinions of TVCL screening.

Results

A total of 598 women participated with the maternal age range representative of the Western Australian obstetric population. There was a high rate of acceptance of TVCL imaging, with 2% of the 149 women declining a transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) offered in this study, 1.5% refusing a TVU in the past and 5.7% reporting that they would have a concern in having a TVU in the future. Women stated that they either had declined TVCL in the past (11%) or would decline in the future (30.7%) as they wanted to discuss the procedure with their clinician first, had been advised not to have a TVU by their clinician (11% in the past and 47.7% in the future) or felt uncomfortable with the operator (22% at a previous TVU and 34.4% in the future).

Conclusion

Pregnant women participating in this study had a high acceptance of TVCL screening for preterm birth prevention.
Complications of abortion and need for appropriate ultrasound assessment and peri‐abortion care
Authors: Wang Mandy , Girgis Myriam , Cohen Sally , Lee Joseph
Published: April 2021

Abortion is an essential medical service; however, the lack of standardised protocols and follow‐up can cause unintended harm. We present four cases of post‐abortion complications presenting to a Sydney tertiary hospital which could have been avoided by appropriate ultrasound prior to abortion and peri‐abortion care. While social progress has led to significant reforms in abortion law, clinical guidelines must also be updated and consistently applied to ensure safety of this practice.
Serum carcinoembryonic antigen pre‐operative level in colorectal cancer: revisiting risk stratification
Authors: Iacuzzo Cristiana , Germani Paola , Troian Marina , Cipolat Mis Tommaso , Giudici Fabiola , Osenda Edoardo , Bortul Marina , de Manzini Nicolò
Published: April 2021

Background

Biomarkers may play a role as predictive and prognostic factors in colorectal cancer patients. The aims of the study were to verify the prognostic role of pre‐operative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in predicting overall survival and risk of recurrence in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients and to evaluate optimal cut‐off values.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective curative surgery between 2004 and 2019 at an Italian Academic Hospital. Main outcomes were overall survival, disease‐free survival at 3‐years and risk of local, loco‐regional and distant recurrence during follow‐up. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was plotted using CEA pre‐operative values and follow‐up data in order to estimate the optimal cut‐off values.

Results

A total of 559 patients were considered. The mean CEA value was 12.1 ± 54.1 ng/mL, and the median 29.3 (0–4995) ng/mL. The ROC curve analysis identified 12.5 ng/mL as the best CEA cut‐off value to predict the risk of metastatic development after surgery in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients, and 10 ng/mL as the best CEA cut‐off value to predict overall survival and disease‐free survival in stage III–IV patients. These data suggest a stratification of colorectal cancer patients in three classes of risk: a low risk class (CEA <10 ng/mL), a moderate risk class (CEA 10–12.5 ng/mL) and a high risk class (CEA >12.5 ng/mL).

Conclusion

In conclusion, pre‐operative serum CEA measurements could integrate information to enhance patient risk stratification and tailored therapy.
Outcomes of diverting loop ileostomy reversal in the elderly: a case–control study
Authors: Segev Lior , Assaf Dan , Elbaz Nadav , Schtrechman Gal , Westrich Gal , Adileh Mohammad , Nissan Aviram , Goitein David
Published: April 2021

Background

Although diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) reversal is considered to be a relatively simple procedure, it is not immune from major morbidity. We aimed to compare outcomes of DLI reversal between elderly and non‐elderly patients.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients who underwent DLI reversal at a single tertiary medical centre between 2010 and 2020. The elderly group consisted of patients 70 or older compared to a control group of those younger than 70 years.

Results

During the study period, 307 patients underwent DLI reversal. Of these, 76 patients were in the elderly group (mean age 75.6) and 231 in the control group (mean age 55.3). The groups were comparable in terms of mean time interval between the creation of the ileostomy and reversal (242 versus 255 days, respectively, P = 0.5), choice between stapled and hand‐sewn anastomoses (97.4% stapled anastomosis versus 93.1%, P = 0.086), median post‐operative length of stay (5 days in both, P = 0.086), rates of post‐operative complications (26.3% versus 26.8%, P = 0.99), severe complications (5.3% versus 6.9%, P = 0.81) and 30‐day readmission rates (13.2% versus 10.8%, P = 0.58). Multivariate analysis found the time interval between the creation of the stoma and its reversal to be the only significant risk factor for major post‐operative morbidity. Age was not found to be correlated with post‐operative morbidity.

Conclusion

The outcomes of loop ileostomy reversal in elderly patients are similar to non‐elderly patients. Efforts should be made to decrease the time interval between the creation of the stoma and its reversal as this is a significant risk factor for major post‐operative morbidity.
Experience of treating biliary atresia with laparoscopic‐modified Kasai and laparoscopic conventional Kasai: a cohort study
Authors: Li Bing , Chen Bing Wei , Xia Lin Shun
Published: April 2021

Background

Complete mobilization of the left and right portal veins had been seldom utilized in the laparoscopic Kasai procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the key technique in detail.

Methods

A total of 82 patients with type III biliary atresia were operated by laparoscopic Kasai at our hospital during January 2012 to October 2019. Forty‐two patients underwent modified laparoscopic Kasai (group 1), and 40 patients of control group underwent general laparoscopic Kasai (group 2). The clinical data between the two groups were compared.

Results

The early clearance of jaundice was significantly higher for group 1 (88.1%) versus group 2 (68.4%) (P < 0.05), the incidence of repeated cholangitis was significantly lower in group 1 (11.9%) versus group 2 (31.6%) (P < 0.05). The native liver survival rate was (85.7%) in group1 versus in group 2 (65.8%) (P < 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences regarding the resumption oral intake and the post‐operative hospital stay in the two groups.

Conclusion

The key technique of the complete mobilization of the left and right portal veins would improve the outcome of biliary atresia treated by laparoscopic Kasai.
The correlates of social phobia in OCD: Findings from a large clinical sample
Authors: Tibi Lee , Asher Sapir , van Oppen Patricia , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Eikelenboom Merijn , Visser Henny A. , Penninx Brenda W. , Anholt Gideon E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, often complicated with comorbidities. Social phobia (SP) is the most frequent co‐occurring anxiety disorder in OCD, associated with increased clinical severity. However, no study had examined the relevance of interpersonal processes in this comorbidity, which are at the core of SP. This study characterized the clinical (i.e., symptom profile, age of onset, chronicity, and comorbidity), vulnerability (i.e., childhood trauma, negative life events), and interpersonal (attachment style, expressed emotion, and social support) correlates of comorbid SP in a large sample of OCD patients.

Methods

We analysed the data of 382 OCD patients participating in the Netherlands Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Association (NOCDA) study. We examined the correlates of SP in OCD using self‐report questionnaires and structured clinical interviews. In addition, data of 312 non‐OCD SP patients were drawn from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), to compare the age of onset of SP between groups. Descriptive univariate analyses were followed by backward stepwise logistic regression analyses.

Results

Social phobia was present among approximately 20% of OCD patients. Social phobia in OCD was associated with increased depression severity and decreased ratings of secure attachment style. Among OCD patients, SP had a significantly earlier age onset as compared to SP in non‐OCD patients.

Conclusion

Social phobia in OCD might render a vulnerable clinical picture, characterized with early onset of SP symptoms, insecure attachment style, and increased depressive symptoms. Future studies should use prospective designs to better understand the nature of comorbid SP in OCD.

Practitioner points

Approximately one fifth of OCD patients were diagnosed with comorbid social phobia in a large representative clinical sample.

OCD patients with comorbid social phobia presented with a vulnerable clinical picture, characterized with increased depression severity and decreased ratings of secure attachment style.

Social phobia in OCD was associated with an earlier AOO as compared to the AOO of social phobia without OCD.

The findings are limited by a cross‐sectional design; thus, causality could not be assessed.

Research is needed to further examine the mechanisms of comorbid social phobia in OCD.