bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguring the biomedical dominance of pain: time for alternative perspectives from health promotion?
Authors: Johnson Mark I , Bonacaro Antonio , Georgiadis Emmanouil , Woodall James
Published: September 2022

Strategies to reduce the burden of persistent pain in society are rooted in a biomedical paradigm. These strategies are located downstream, managing persistent pain once it has become a problem. Upstream activities that create social conditions to promote health and well-being are likely to help, yet health promotion discourse and research are lacking in pain literature. In this article, we argue that the subjective nature of pain has not sat comfortably with the objective nature of medical practice. We argue that the dominance of the biomedical paradigm, with a simplistic ‘bottom-up’ model of pain being an inevitable consequence of tissue damage, has been detrimental to the health and well-being of people living with persistent pain. Evidence from neuroscience suggests that bodily pain emerges as a perceptual inference based on a wide variety of contextual inputs to the brain. We argue that this supports community, societal and environmental solutions to facilitate whole-person care. We call for more salutogenic orientations to understand how people living with persistent pain can continue to flourish and function with good health. We suggest a need for ‘upstream’ solutions using community-based approaches to address cultural, environmental, economic and social determinants of health, guided by principles of equity, civil society and social justice. As a starting point, we recommend appraising the ways human society appreciates the aetiology, actions and solutions towards alleviating persistent pain.
Transdisciplinarity in transformative ocean governance research—reflections of early career researchers
Authors: Strand Mia , Ortega-Cisneros Kelly , Niner Holly J , Wahome Michel , Bell James , Currie Jock C , Hamukuaya Hashali , La Bianca Giulia , Lancaster Alana M S N , Maseka Ntemesha , McDonald Lisa , McQuaid Kirsty , Samuel Marly M , Winkler Alexander
Published: September 2022

This paper interrogates the concept of transdisciplinarity, both theoretically and practically, from a perspective of early career researchers (ECRs) in transformative ocean governance research. Aiming to advance research methodologies for future complex sustainability challenges, the paper seeks to illuminate some common uncertainties and challenges surrounding transdisciplinarity from a marine science perspective. Following a literature review on transdisciplinary research, workshops, and a series of surveys, we determine that transdisciplinarity appears to be a concept in search of definition, and that there is a need to explore transdisciplinarity specifically from an ocean research perspective. The paper discusses a number of challenges experienced by ECRs in conducting transdisciplinary research and provides recommendations for both ECRs wishing to undertake more equitable transdisciplinary research and for the UN Decade for Ocean Science to support ECRs in this endeavour (Figure 1). Based on our findings, we interrogate the role of non-academic collaborators in transdisciplinary research and argue that future transdisciplinarity will need to address power imbalances in existing research methods to achieve knowledge co-production, as opposed to knowledge integration.
Complete Singular Collineations and Quadrics
Authors: Casarotti Alex , Corniani Elsa , Massarenti Alex
Published: September 2022

We construct wonderful compactifications of the spaces of linear maps and symmetric linear maps of a given rank as blowups of secant varieties of Segre and Veronese varieties. Furthermore, we investigate their birational geometry and their relations with some spaces of degree two stable maps.
COVID-19 lockdown impact on quality of treatment and outcomes of STEMI and stroke patients in a large tertiary medical center: an observational study
Authors: Galper Alex , Magnezi Racheli , Ekka Zohar Anat , Oberman Bernice , Zimlichman Eyal
Published: September 2022

Background

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected health-care systems worldwide, leading to fewer admissions and raising concerns about the quality of care. The objective of this study was to investigate the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of care among stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, focusing on clinical outcomes and direct treatment costs.

Method

This retrospective, observational study was based on the 10-week period that included the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (15 February 2020–30 April 2020). Emergency department admissions for stroke and STEMI were compared with parallel periods in 2017–2019, focusing on demographics, risk and severity scores, and the effect of clinical outcomes on hospitalization costs.

Results

The 634 stroke and 186 STEMI cases comprised 16% and 19% fewer admissions, respectively, compared to 2019. No significant changes were detected in demographics, most disease management parameters, readmission and mortality outcomes. The mean door-to-balloon time increased insignificantly by 33%, lowering the health quality indicator (HQI) for treatment in <90 min from 94.7% in 2017–2019 to 83% in 2020 (P = 0.022). Among suspected stroke patients, 97.2% underwent imaging, with 28% longer median time from admission (P = 0.05). Consequently, only 24.3% met the HQI of imaging in <29 min, compared to 45.5% in 2017–2019 (P < 0.01). Increased length of stay and more intensive care unit admissions were the leading causes of 6.5% increased mean cost of STEMI patients’ initial hospitalization, which totaled $29 300 in the COVID-19 period (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

The initial pandemic period caused a decline in HQIs linked to diagnostic and treatment protocols, without changes in outcomes, but with increased hospitalization costs. Medical information and awareness of life-threatening conditions among patients and caregivers should be increased to enable proper diagnosis and management.
Primary resistance against integrase strand transfer inhibitors in integrase strand transfer inhibitor-naive patients failing first- and second-line ART in Tanzania
Authors: Henerico Shimba , Lyimo Eric , Makubi Abel N , Magesa Daniel , Desderius Bernard , Mueller Andreas , Changalucha John , Kalluvya Samuel E , Van Zyl Gert , Preiser Wolfgang , Mshana Stephen E , Kasang Christa
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sub-Saharan African countries are introducing integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) in their ART programmes as the preferred first-line regimen, and dolutegravir is the INSTI of choice due to its potency, tolerability and high genetic barrier to resistance. Dolutegravir was introduced into the first-line ART regimen in Tanzania in 2019. However, there is a paucity of data on the occurrence of mutations in HIV lineages circulating in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of INSTI primary resistance mutations in Tanzanian patients exposed to ART but not INSTIs.

Methods

Plasma samples from 50 INSTI-naive patients failing first- or second-line ART [median (IQR) age: 40 (21.93–46.41) years; 68% women] were subjected to Sanger sequencing of the HIV integrase gene. Participants had been on ART for a median (IQR) duration of 7.32 (4.73–9.29) years, with 80% and 20% failing first- and second-line ART, respectively.

Results

No major INSTI mutations were found, but 2 (4%) participants had the accessory mutation T97A. Using the REGA HIV-1 subtyping tool, HIV subtype A1 (53.1%) was found to be dominant, followed by subtypes C (30.6%) and D (16.3%).

Conclusions

This study found no current evidence for transmitted resistance against INSTIs among unexposed patients failing ART and supports the scale-up of INSTI-based regimens. However, the presence of accessory mutations calls for the surveillance of INSTI resistance mutations to ensure that the anticipated long-term desired outcomes are achieved.
A post-mortem analysis of tenofovir, lamivudine, efavirenz and fluconazole penetration in female genital tissues
Authors: Wang Fan , Namuju Olivie C , Pastick Katelyn A , Abdusalaamu Kizito , Mishra Usha , Collins Lindsey , Boulware David R , Lukande Robert , Meya David B , Nicol Melanie R
Published: September 2022

Background

Optimal penetration of anti-infectives in the female genital tract (FGT) is paramount in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. While exposure of anti-infectives in lower FGT tissues (e.g. cervix, vagina) has been described, little data exist on upper genital tissues (e.g. ovary, uterus).

Methods

Autopsies were performed and post-mortem tissues were collected within 24 h of death for female participants with advanced HIV in Uganda (n = 27). Tenofovir, lamivudine, efavirenz and fluconazole concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS in plasma, ovarian, uterine, cervical and vaginal tissues. Tissue penetration was calculated as tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios (TPRs).

Results

TPRs of tenofovir, lamivudine and fluconazole were highest in vaginal tissue (medians 1.86, 1.83 and 0.94, respectively), while the TPR of efavirenz was highest in ovarian tissue (median 0.65). With cervix as a reference compartment, vaginal TPRs were significantly higher than cervical for all four drugs; TPRs of efavirenz in uterine and ovarian compartments were also significantly higher than cervical. Most of the post-mortem FGT samples had a TPR of greater than 1 for tenofovir and lamivudine, while less than 50% had a TPR of greater than 1 for both efavirenz and fluconazole.

Conclusions

Penetration of anti-infectives was not homogeneous among the FGT compartments. Approximately 70% of FGT tissues had a TPR of greater than 1 for tenofovir and lamivudine, favouring the prevention of local HIV replication and transmission in the FGT.
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole pharmacodynamics against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the in vitro chemostat model
Authors: Lasko Maxwell J , Tabor-Rennie Jennifer L , Nicolau David P , Kuti Joseph L
Published: September 2022

Background

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole has historically been the treatment of choice for infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This study sought to define the pharmacodynamic indices and magnitude of exposure required for stasis and 1 log10 cfu reductions.

Methods

Pharmacodynamic studies were conducted using the in vitro chemostat model over 24 h against three trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-susceptible S. maltophilia isolates with MICs from 0.25/4.75 to 2/38 mg/L. The primary endpoint was the change in cfu at 24 h relative to baseline. The log ratio of the area under the cfu curve (LR AUcfu) was a secondary endpoint. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole exposures required for stasis and 1 log10 cfu/mL reduction were determined.

Results

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole exposures achieved stasis and 1 log10 cfu/mL reductions in 9/16 (56%) and 2/16 (13%) of experiments. Both the fAUC/MIC and fCmax/MIC were identified as equivalent pharmacodynamic drivers, with stasis achieved at an fAUC/MIC of 67.4 and 30.0 for trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Clinically meaningful exposures required to achieve 1 log10 cfu/mL reductions were not quantifiable. The LR AUcfu analysis supported the lack of overall bacterial burden reduction against S. maltophilia.

Conclusions

In this in vitro chemostat model, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole monotherapy, even at higher doses, achieved limited activity against susceptible S. maltophilia.
Modification of BIOFISH 300 HIS for Determination of Histamine in Fish and Fish Products: AOACPerformance Tested MethodSM 051604
Authors: Garate Jone , Ortiz de Zarate Itziar , González Roberto , Jaureguibeitia Arrate , Salleres Sandra
Published: September 2022

Background

The BIOFISH 300 HIS method for the quantification of histamine in fish and fish products was validated by the AOAC Research Institute and granted Performance Tested MethodSM certification in 2016. The method is based on the use of an electrochemical reader (BIOFISH 300 device) together with disposable gold electrodes (Biotest) modified with a specific enzyme that oxidizes the histamine molecules and produces a detectable and quantifiable electric current signal. It was validated for raw fish (tuna, mackerel, sardine, and anchovy), cooked fish (tuna), canned fish (tuna in water, tuna in oil, mackerel in tomato sauce, and pickled sardine), and salted fish (canned salted anchovy). The validated ranges were 30–150 mg/kg histamine for canned salted anchovy and 10–200 mg/kg histamine for all other matrices.

Objective

The objective of the present report is to validate some method modifications, namely the use of a new reader (BIOFISH 3000), the inclusion of new quantification ranges, new matrixes in the certified claims, a histamine reference solution (Verifying Solution) that will enable the user to perform a system verification, and also the inclusion of the kit ASC1-10 for the elimination of ascorbic acid from sample extract.

Methods

New quantification ranges can be obtained by diluting the sample appropriately into the measurement cuvette, thereby adjusting the concentration to the internal calibration range of the device. New matrixes such as fish meal, preserved salted anchovy, and fish with added ascorbic acid were validated. The new digitalized reader enables new functionalities such as the use of an intuitive app and cloud storage of the results, with no changes in the data acquisition and processing. As the use of the new reader does not imply any change at the electrochemical readout level, all assays were performed using the BIOFISH 3000 device.

Results

The method was shown to be linear in all the quantitation ranges configured. Accuracy and recovery studies over a wide range of matrixes showed that the method yields comparable results to the reference method used. Stability and product consistency testing of kit components demonstrated that the system produces accurate results when expiration dates from the manufacturer are met.

Conclusions

All modifications made to the BIOFISH 300 HIS method, PTM 051604, have been validated satisfactorily, under criteria of the AOAC Research Institute.

Highlights

The use of the BIOFISH 300/3000 HIS method is ideal as a routine histamine control method for the fish industry. After a simple aqueous extraction of the sample, results are obtained in less than 3 minutes. All data generated by the new BIO3000 biosensor are sent to a web platform, allowing new functionalities to the user. All these technical capabilities represent a competitive advantage over other existing technologies.
Wind Tunnel and Field Evaluation of Trapping Efficiency of Semiochemical Baited Camera-Traps for Capturing Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Frewin Andrew J , Adams Christopher , Judd Gary , Hazell Jordan
Published: September 2022

Sex pheromone baited monitoring traps are a critical tool for integrated pest management decisions against many insects, particularly codling moths (Cydia pomonella L.). The addition of cameras for remote monitoring has the potential to enhance the usefulness of these important tools. However, changes in trap design could potentially alter plume structure and trapping efficiency of these new traps. Here we look at several trap configurations designed to optimize the capture of codling moths in traps equipped with cameras. We found that, in both wind tunnel and field trials, camera equipped triangle traps and camera equipped rectangle traps (both V1 and V2) caught codling moths equivalent to a standard ‘delta’ style trap. While catch was unaffected, altering our rectangular trap opening from 4 to 8 cm (V1 and V2, respectively) decreased frequency of moths contacting the front of trap and increased the frequency of moths flying directly into the trap. We show that these novel camera equipped semiochemical-baited traps catch equivalent to the industry standard white delta trap.
Does corruption hinder female political participation? Evidence from a measure against organized crime
Authors: Baraldi Anna Laura , Ronza Carla
Published: September 2022

This article analyzes the effect of anti-corruption measures on female political empowerment. We exploit a measure that prescribes the dissolution of city councils for mafia infiltration, leading to an exogenous decrease in the level of corruption within local government. We find that the percentage of female councilors and aldermen elected after compulsory administrations, as well as the probability of a female mayor, sharply increases relative to the control group; the effect of the measure is decreasing over time. The evidence suggests that the most likely mechanism mediating the result relies on the reduction in the voter bias against women as policymakers rather than the (self-)selection of women (JEL D72, D78, J16, J71, I38).
Do not open wide; accidentally swallowed dental mold causing bowel obstruction. A case report
Authors: Negrete Jose R , Carrillo Marco D , Molina Gabriel A , Ayala O Andres V , Flores Daniel , Castillo Daniel
Published: September 2022

Foreign body ingestion is a common condition in daily practice; fortunately, most cases do not require endoscopic or surgical treatment, as most foreign bodies pass through the intestine without injuring it. Although mainly seen in children, adults can also be affected, especially in accidental situations and suicide attempts. Therefore, the clinical history and the environment in which the event occurred are essential for a rapid diagnosis. This can be even more challenging as most adult patients are rarely aware of ingestion. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is necessary. Therapy will depend on the foreign body’s size, shape and material; treatment should not be delayed if complications are detected. We present a case of a 34-year-old man who accidentally swallowed the mold of his teeth while undergoing a dental procedure. Subsequently, he presented with an intestinal obstruction that required surgery. Fortunately, he made a full recovery.
Minimally invasive management of an ascending colonic perforation secondary to distal biliary stent migration: a multidisciplinary, novel laparoendoscopic approach
Authors: Kodia Karishma , Huerta Carlos T , Arora Yingyot , Wickham Carey , Deshpande Amar R , Paluvoi Nivedh
Published: September 2022

Endobiliary stents placed for benign and malignant indications can spontaneously dislocate from the biliary system and migrate to the distal gastrointestinal tract. Stent migration can result in gastrointestinal perforation, with the most common locations in the sigmoid and distal colon, and may require surgical intervention. We describe the case of a 60-year-old female presenting with an ascending colonic perforation secondary to a dislodged plastic biliary stent placed for palliation of her gallbladder carcinoma. The patient was managed with a combined laparoendoscopic approach by a multidisciplinary team—gastroenterology performed an endoscopic stent retrieval and colorectal surgery identified the location of the perforation laparoscopically and performed colonic serosal repairs. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 4. This case demonstrates a novel minimally invasive laparoendoscopic approach at a high-volume academic center for the treatment of ascending colonic perforation secondary to biliary stent migration.
VIVID: A Web Application for Variant Interpretation and Visualization in Multi-dimensional Analyses
Authors: Tichkule Swapnil , Myung Yoochan , Naung Myo T , Ansell Brendan R E , Guy Andrew J , Srivastava Namrata , Mehra Somya , Cacciò Simone M , Mueller Ivo , Barry Alyssa E , van Oosterhout Cock , Pope Bernard , Ascher David B , Jex Aaron R
Published: September 2022

Large-scale comparative genomics- and population genetic studies generate enormous amounts of polymorphism data in the form of DNA variants. Ultimately, the goal of many of these studies is to associate genetic variants to phenotypes or fitness. We introduce VIVID, an interactive, user-friendly web application that integrates a wide range of approaches for encoding genotypic to phenotypic information in any organism or disease, from an individual or population, in three-dimensional (3D) space. It allows mutation mapping and annotation, calculation of interactions and conservation scores, prediction of harmful effects, analysis of diversity and selection, and 3D visualization of genotypic information encoded in Variant Call Format on AlphaFold2 protein models. VIVID enables the rapid assessment of genes of interest in the study of adaptive evolution and the genetic load, and it helps prioritizing targets for experimental validation. We demonstrate the utility of VIVID by exploring the evolutionary genetics of the parasitic protist Plasmodium falciparum, revealing geographic variation in the signature of balancing selection in potential targets of functional antibodies.
Factors associated with dropout from an intradialytic exercise program among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoya , Yabe Hiroki , Kono Kenichi , Moriyama Yoshifumi , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: September 2022

Background

Continuation of an intradialytic exercise program is necessary to improve and maintain physical function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Factors associated with dropout must be identified to ensure program continuation. This study aimed to investigate the dropout rates from an intradialytic exercise program at 6 and 12 months in patients undergoing hemodialysis and to identify dropout predictors.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective observational study. Overall, 980 patients were enrolled in this study. Grip strength, 10-m walking speed, physical function, demographics and blood sampling data were measured at baseline, and dropouts were observed. Patients were classified as either continued or dropped out of the program at 6 and 12 months. The dropout rate was calculated for each time point. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of dropout.

Results

The dropout rate was 26.4% (n = 259) after 6 months, 24.1% (n = 172) between 6 and 12 months, and 44.3% (n = 424) overall at 1 year. Significant predictors of dropout after 6 months were slower 10-m walking speed, older age and high C-reactive protein level. Predictors of dropout after 12 months were slower 10-m walking speed and lower standardized dialysis volume.

Conclusions

Walking capacity, age, inflammation and hemodialysis volume were determinants of dropout from the exercise program. Our findings provide new and important insights into the potential risk factors for dropout from long-term intradialytic exercise programs in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
A Proactive Outreach Strategy Using a Local Area Code to Refer Unassisted Smokers in a Safety Net Health System to a Quitline: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial
Authors: Valencia Cindy V , Dove Melanie S , Cummins Sharon E , Kirby Carrie , Zhu Shu-Hong , Giboney Paul , Yee Hal F , Tu Shin-Ping , Tong Elisa K
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Proactive outreach offering tobacco treatment is a promising strategy outside of clinical settings, but little is known about factors for engagement. The study objective is to examine the impact of caller area code in a proactive, phone-based outreach strategy on consenting low-income smokers to a quitline e-referral.

Aims and Methods

This pragmatic randomized trial included unassisted adult smokers (n = 685), whose preferred language was English or Spanish, in a Los Angeles safety-net health system. Patients were randomized to receive a call from a local or generic toll-free area code. Log-binomial regression was used to examine the association between area code and consent to a quitline e-referral, adjusted for age, gender, language, and year.

Results

Overall, 52.1% of the patients were contacted and, among those contacted, 30% consented to a referral. The contact rate was higher for the local versus generic area code, although not statistically significant (55.6% vs. 48.7%, p = .07). The consent rate was higher in the local versus generic area code group (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.65) and also higher for patients under 61 years old than over (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.07–2.01), and Spanish-speaking than English-speaking patients (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.05–1.86).

Conclusions

Proactive phone-based outreach to unassisted smokers in a safety net health system increased consent to a quitline referral when local (vs. generic) area codes were used to contact patients. While contact rate did not differ by area code, proactive phone-based outreach was effective for engaging younger and Spanish-speaking smokers.

Implications

Population-based proactive phone-based outreach from a caller with a local area code to unassisted smokers in a safety net health system increases consent to an e-referral for quitline services. Findings suggest that a proactive phone-based outreach, a population-based strategy, is an effective strategy to build on the visit-based model and offer services to tobacco users, regardless of the motivational levels to quit.
Effectiveness of diet quality indices in measuring a change in diet quality over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: McAuley Erynn A , MacLaughlin Helen L , Hannan-Jones Mary T , King Neil , Ross Lynda J
Published: September 2022

Context

Diet quality indices (DQIs) were developed to score and rank adherence to dietary patterns in observational studies, but their use to measure changes in diet quality in intervention trials is becoming common in the literature.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of DQIs to measure change in diet quality in intervention trials.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from January 1994 to June 2020. Two reviewers independently completed full-text screening. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that used validated a priori DQIs to measure change in diet quality in adults.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted by an independent reviewer and reviewed by the research team. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.

Data Analysis

The 34 included studies (52% of reviewed studies, 0.6% of initially identified studies) used 10 different DQIs, 7 of which were able to measure significant change in diet quality. Meta-analyses of pooled results demonstrated change in the Healthy Eating Index (MD 5.35; 95%CI, 2.74–7.97; P < 0.001) and the Mediterranean Dietary Adherence Screener (MD 1.61; 95%CI, 1.00–2.23; P < 0.001) scores. DQIs were more likely to measure change in diet quality if they reflected the diet pattern being implemented, if the intervention was significantly different from the baseline and control diets, and if the study was adequately powered to detect change.

Conclusion

DQIs are responsive to change in diet quality in intervention trials when the index used reflects the dietary changes made and the study is adequately powered. The appropriate selection of a DQI to suitably match dietary changes and study populations is important for future dietary intervention trials.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020181357.
Profile and Predictors of Blood Tumor Mutational Burden in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Franses Joseph W , Lim Mir , Burgoyne Adam M , Mody Kabir , Lennerz Jochen , Chang Jeremy , Imperial Robin , Dybel Stacey N , Dinh Thi M , Masannat Jude , Weipert Caroline M , Hsiehchen David
Published: September 2022

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, but there are currently no known biomarkers to predict treatment benefit. Blood TMB (bTMB) estimation via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling can provide a convenient means to estimate HCC TMB. Here we provide the first landscape of bTMB in advanced HCC using a commercially available next-generation sequencing assay, show that it is approximately three times as high as matched tissue TMB, and show that bTMB correlates with NAFLD cirrhosis etiology and the presence of genomic alterations in HTERT and TP53. These results lay the foundation for subsequent studies evaluating bTMB as an immune therapy predictive biomarker in HCC.
Transcription factors ABF4 and ABR1 synergistically regulate amylase-mediated starch catabolism in drought tolerance
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhu Jian , Khan Madiha , Wang Yue , Xiao Wei , Fang Tian , Qu Jing , Xiao Peng , Li Chunlong , Liu Ji-Hong
Published: September 2022

β-Amylase (BAM)-mediated starch degradation is a main source of soluble sugars that help plants adapt to environmental stresses. Here, we demonstrate that dehydration-induced expression of PtrBAM3 in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) functions positively in drought tolerance via modulation of starch catabolism. Two transcription factors, PtrABF4 (P. trifoliata abscisic acid-responsive element-binding factor 4) and PtrABR1 (P. trifoliata ABA repressor 1), were identified as upstream transcriptional activators of PtrBAM3 through yeast one-hybrid library screening and protein–DNA interaction assays. Both PtrABF4 and PtrABR1 played a positive role in plant drought tolerance by modulating soluble sugar accumulation derived from BAM3-mediated starch decomposition. In addition, PtrABF4 could directly regulate PtrABR1 expression by binding to its promoter, leading to a regulatory cascade to reinforce the activation of PtrBAM3. Moreover, PtrABF4 physically interacted with PtrABR1 to form a protein complex that further promoted the transcriptional regulation of PtrBAM3. Taken together, our finding reveals that a transcriptional cascade composed of ABF4 and ABR1 works synergistically to upregulate BAM3 expression and starch catabolism in response to drought condition. The results shed light on the understanding of the regulatory molecular mechanisms underlying BAM-mediated soluble sugar accumulation for rendering drought tolerance in plants.
Analytic continuation for giant gravitons
Authors: Imamura Yosuke
Published: September 2022

We investigate contributions of giant gravitons to the superconformal index. We concentrate on coincident giant gravitons wrapped around a single cycle, and each contribution is obtained by a certain variable change for fugacities from the index of the worldvolume theory on the giant gravitons. Because we treat the index as a series of fugacities and the variable change relates different convergence regions, we need an analytic continuation before summing up such contributions. We propose a systematic prescription for the continuation. Although our argument is based on some unproven assumptions, it passes non-trivial numerical checks for some examples. With the prescription we can calculate the indices of the M5-brane theories from those of the M2-brane theories, and vice versa.
Illiquidity and Higher Cumulants
Authors: Glebkin Sergei , Malamud Semyon , Teguia Alberto
Published: September 2022

We characterize the unique equilibrium in an economy populated by strategic CARA investors who trade multiple risky assets with arbitrarily distributed payoffs. We use our explicit solution to study the joint behavior of illiquidity of option contracts. Option bid-ask spreads are proportional to risk aversion and risk-neutral variances of option payoffs. Spreads may decrease in risk aversion, physical variance, open interest, and increase after earnings announcements in a result contrary to conventional wisdom. All these predictions are confirmed empirically using a large panel data set of U.S. stock options.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Comparative risk of blindness and vision-threatening ocular comorbidities in patients with Behçet’s disease versus the general population
Authors: Choi Se Rim , Shin Joo Young , Shin Anna , Choung Hokyung , Woo Se Joon , Park Sang Jun , Ha You-Jung , Lee Yun Jong , Lee Eun Bong , Park Jin Kyun , Kang Eun Ha
Published: September 2022

Objective

To compare the risk of blindness and vision-threatening ocular comorbidities in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) vs the general population.

Methods

Using 2002–2017 Korea National Health Insurance Service database, we did a population-based cohort study comparing newly diagnosed BD patients and age- and sex-matched non-BD controls at a 1:5 ratio. The primary outcome was blindness, defined as a best-corrected visual acuity of ≤20/500 in the better-seeing eye. Secondary outcomes were vision-threatening ocular comorbidities (cataract, glaucoma and retinal disorders) that require surgical interventions and incident uveitis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and BD diagnosis age.

Results

We included 31 228 BD patients and 156 140 controls. During a follow-up of 9.39 years, the incidence rate of blindness per 1000 person-years was 0.24 in BD and 0.02 in controls with an HR of 10.73 (95% CI 7.10, 16.22). The HR for secondary outcomes was 2.06 (95% CI 1.98, 2.15) for cataract surgery, 5.43 (4.57, 6.45) for glaucoma surgery and 2.71 (2.39, 3.07) for retinal surgery. The HR of incident uveitis was 6.19 (95% CI 5.83, 6.58). Males suffered a disproportionately higher risk of blindness than females due to greater severity rather than a lower incidence of uveitis. The risk of uveitis and blindness decreased as BD diagnosis age increased.

Conclusions

In this large population-based cohort study, BD patients compared with the general population have a 10.73-fold risk of blindness in 10 years and also a substantially higher risk of diverse ocular comorbidities that pose potential threats to vision.
Telescoping Error in Recalled Food Consumption: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Gashaw T , de Brauw Alan , Gibson John , Hirvonen Kalle , Wolle Abdulazize
Published: September 2022

Telescoping errors occur if survey respondents misdate events from outside the reference period and include them in their recall. Concern about telescoping influenced the design of early Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) surveys, which used a two-visit interview format to bound food consumption recall. This design fell out of favor although not for evidence-based reasons. To measure the extent of telescoping bias on food consumption measures, a survey experiment was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, randomly assigning households to either a two-visit bounded recall or a single visit unbounded recall. The average value of reported food consumption is 16 percent higher (95 percent CI: 7.4–25.9) in the unbounded single visit recall relative to the two-visit bounded recall. Most of the error is explained by difference in reported spending on less frequently consumed, protein-rich foods, so apparent food security indicators based on household diet diversity are likely overstated with unbounded recall.
Reduction of Rhizoctonia cerealis Infection on Wheat Through Host- and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing of an Orphan Secreted Gene
Authors: Li Xiang , Mu Keqing , Yang Shuqing , Wei Jiajing , Wang Congnawei , Yan Weiyi , Yuan Fengping , Wang Haiying , Han Dejun , Kang Zhensheng , Zeng Qingdong
Published: September 2022

Rhizoctonia cerealis is a soilborne fungus that can cause sharp eyespot in wheat, resulting in massive yield losses found in many countries. Due to the lack of resistant cultivars, fungicides have been widely used to control this pathogen. However, chemical control is not environmentally friendly and is costly. Meanwhile, the lack of genetic transformation tools has hindered the functional characterization of virulence genes. In this study, we attempted to characterize the function of virulence genes by two transient methods, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which use RNA interference to suppress the pathogenic development. We identified ten secretory orphan genes from the genome. After silencing these ten genes, only the RcOSP1 knocked-down plant significantly inhibited the growth of R. cerealis. We then described RcOSP1 as an effector that could impair wheat biological processes and suppress pathogen-associated molecular pattern–triggered immunity in the infection process. These findings confirm that HIGS and SIGS can be practical tools for researching R. cerealis virulence genes.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Do’s and Don’ts in Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cysts of the Proximal Femur in Children and Adolescents: Retrospective Multicenter EPOS Study of 79 Patients
Authors: van Geloven Thomas P.G. , van der Heijden Lizz , Laitinen Minna K. , Campanacci Domenico A. , Döring Kevin , Dammerer Dietmar , Badr Ismail T. , Haara Mikko , Beltrami Giovanni , Kraus Tanja , Scheider Philipp , Soto-Montoya Camilo , Umer Masood , Fiocco Marta , Coppa Valentino , de Witte Pieter B. , van de Sande Michiel A.J. ,   the EPOS Study Group
Published: September 2022

Background:

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rare benign cystic bone tumors, generally diagnosed in children and adolescents. Proximal femoral ABCs may require specific treatment strategies because of an increased pathologic fracture risk. As few reports are published on ABCs, specifically for this localization, consensus regarding optimal treatment is lacking. We present a large retrospective study on the treatment of pediatric proximal femoral ABCs.

Methods:

All eligible pediatric patients with proximal femoral ABC were included, from 11 tertiary referral centers for musculo-skeletal oncology (2000-2021). Patient demographics, diagnostics, treatments, and complications were evaluated. Index procedures were categorized as percutaneous/open procedures and osteosynthesis alone. Primary outcomes were: time until full weight-bearing and failure-free survival. Failure was defined as open procedure after primary surgery, >3 percutaneous procedures, recurrence, and/or fracture. Risk factors for failure were evaluated.

Results:

Seventy-nine patients with ABC were included [mean age, 10.2 (±SD4.0) y, n=56 male]. The median follow-up was 5.1 years (interquartile ranges=2.5 to 8.8).

Index procedure was percutaneous procedure (n=22), open procedure (n=35), or osteosynthesis alone (n=22). The median time until full weight-bearing was 13 weeks [95% confidence interval (CI)=7.9-18.1] for open procedures, 9 weeks (95% CI=1.4-16.6) for percutaneous, and 6 weeks (95% CI=4.3-7.7) for osteosynthesis alone (P=0.1). Failure rates were 41%, 43%, and 36%, respectively. Overall, 2 and 5-year failure-free survival was 69.6% (95% CI=59.2-80.0) and 54.5% (95% CI=41.6-67.4), respectively. Risk factors associated with failure were age younger than 10 years [hazard ratios (HR)=2.9, 95% CI=1.4-5.8], cyst volume >55 cm3 (HR=1.7, 95% CI=0.8-2.5), and fracture at diagnosis (HR=1.4, 95% CI=0.7-3.3).

Conclusions:

As both open and percutaneous procedures along with osteosynthesis alone seem viable treatment options in this weight-bearing location, optimal treatment for proximal femoral ABCs remains unclear. The aim of the treatment was to achieve local cyst control while minimizing complications and ensuring that children can continue their normal activities as soon as possible. A personalized balance should be maintained between undertreatment, with potentially higher risks of pathologic fractures, prolonged periods of partial weight-bearing, or recurrences, versus overtreatment with large surgical procedures, and associated risks.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, therapeutic study.
Pelvic Nonresponse Following Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity: Influence of Realignment Strategies on Occurrence
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Pierce Katherine E. , Williamson Tyler K. , Krol Oscar , Lafage Renaud , Lafage Virginie , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Vira Shaleen , Line Breton , Diebo Bassel G. , Ames Christopher P. , Kim Han Jo , Smith Justin S. , Chou Dean , Daniels Alan H. , Gum Jeffrey L. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Burton Douglas C. , Kelly Michael P. , Klineberg Eric O. , Hart Robert A. , Bess Shay , Schwab Frank J. , Gupta Munish C. ,   International Spine Study Group
Published: September 2022

Purpose.

Despite adequate correction, the pelvis may fail to readjust, deemed pelvic nonresponse (PNR). To assess alignment outcomes [PNR, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), postoperative cervical deformity (CD)] following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery utilizing different realignment strategies.

Materials and Methods.

ASD patients with two-year data were included. PNR defined as undercorrected in age-adjusted pelvic tilt (PT) at six weeks and maintained at two years. Patients classified by alignment utilities: (a) improvement in Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab sagittal vertical axis, (b) matching in age-adjusted pelvic incidence−lumbar lordosis, (c) matching in Roussouly, (d) aligning Global Alignment and Proportionality (GAP) score. Multivariable regression analyses, controlling for age, baseline deformity, and surgical factors, assessed rates of PNR, PJK, and CD development following realignment.

Results.

A total of 686 patients met the inclusion criteria. Rates of postoperative PJK and CD were not significant in the PNR group (both P>0.15). PNR patients less often met substantial clinical benefit in Oswestry Disability Index by two years [odds ratio: 0.6 (0.4–0.98)]. Patients overcorrected in age-adjusted pelvic incidence−lumbar lordosis, matching Roussouly, or proportioned in GAP at six weeks had lower rates of PNR (all P<0.001). Incremental addition of classifications led to 0% occurrence of PNR, PJK, and CD. Stratifying by baseline PT severity, Low and moderate deformity demonstrated the least incidence of PNR (7.7%) when proportioning in GAP at six weeks, while severe PT benefited most from matching in Roussouly (all P<0.05).

Conclusions.

Following ASD corrective surgery, 24.9% of patients showed residual pelvic malalignment. This occurrence was often accompanied by undercorrection of lumbopelvic mismatch and less improvement of pain. However, overcorrection in any strategy incurred higher rates of PJK. We recommend surgeons identify a middle ground using one, or more, of the available classifications to inform correction goals in this regard.

Level of Evidence.

III.
Supporting Reading Aloud Beginning Prenatally and in Early Infancy: A Randomized Trial in Brazil
Authors: Piccolo Luciane R. , Batista Araujo Oliveira João , Hirata Guilherme , Duarte Neto Walfrido , Mendelsohn Alan L.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

A previous study of a reading aloud intervention in Brazil, called Universidade do Bebê (UBB), demonstrated impacts on parenting and child outcomes for families with toddlers and preschoolers, even for parents with low literacy, and cognitive stimulation mediated effects on child outcomes. In a new study, we sought to determine whether similar results would be found when UBB was provided beginning in pregnancy through early toddlerhood, including (1) impacts on parenting and child development, (2) variation in impact on parenting and child outcomes by parent literacy level, and (3) indirect impacts on child outcomes through cognitive stimulation.

Method:

Women with low income who were either pregnant or with children aged 0 to 24 months were randomized to UBB or control groups. UBB consisted of monthly workshops focused on reading aloud complemented by a book-lending library. Participants were evaluated at baseline and approximately 11 months later (M = 11.0, SD = 0.4; range 9.9–12.2 months) on parenting (cognitive stimulation, beliefs about early reading, screen time, and discipline) and child development.

Results:

Four hundred families (n = 200 UBB) were randomized; 286 (71.5%; n = 150 UBB) received 11-month follow-up. UBB families showed increased cognitive stimulation (Cohen's d = 0.92) and awareness about the importance of early reading (d = 0.90) than controls, with no differences by parent literacy level. UBB was associated with reduced screen time and increased vocabulary, but only for families with low parent literacy. UBB effects on child outcomes were mediated by cognitive stimulation.

Conclusion:

The findings support implementation of reading aloud programs beginning in pregnancy and early childhood.
The Role of Preoperative Imaging in the Detection of Lateral Lymph Node Metastases in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Test Meta-analysis
Authors: Rooney Siobhan , Meyer Jeremy , Afzal Zeeshan , Ashcroft James , Cheow Heok , DePaepe Katja , Powar Michael , Simillis Constantinos , Wheeler James , Davies Justin , Joshi Heman
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

Different techniques exist for the imaging of lateral lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic MRI, 18F-FDG-PET/CT, and 18F-FDG-PET/MRI for the identification of lateral lymph node metastases in rectal cancer.

DATA SOURCES:

Data sources include PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.

STUDY SELECTION:

All studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic MRI, 18F-FDG-PET/CT, and 18F-FDG-PET/MRI for the preoperative detection of lateral lymph node metastasis in patients with rectal cancer were selected.

INTERVENTIONS:

The interventions were pelvic MRI, 18F-FDG-PET/CT, and/or 18F-FDG-PET/MRI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Definitive histopathology was used as a criterion standard.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 studies (1,827 patients) were included out of an initial search yielding 7,360 studies. The pooled sensitivity of pelvic MRI was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85–0.91), of 18F-FDG-PET/CT was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80–0.86), and of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.51–0.87) for the detection of lateral lymph node metastasis. The pooled specificity of pelvic MRI was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78–0.90), of 18F-FDG-PET/CT was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86–0.98), and of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.78–0.96). The area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85–0.91) for pelvic MRI and was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80–0.86) for 18F-FDG-PET/CT.

LIMITATIONS:

Heterogeneity in terms of patients’ populations, definitions of suspect lateral lymph nodes, and administration of neoadjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

For the preoperative identification of lateral lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer, this review found compelling evidence that pelvic MRI should constitute the imaging modality of choice. In contrast, to confirm the presence of lateral lymph node metastasis, 18F-FDG-PET/MRI modalities allow discarding false positive cases because of increased specificity.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:

CRD42020200319.