bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astraeus V: the emergence and evolution of metallicity scaling relations during the epoch of reionization
Authors: Ucci Graziano , Dayal Pratika , Hutter Anne , Kobayashi Chiaki , Gottlöber Stefan , Yepes Gustavo , Hunt Leslie , Legrand Laurent , Tortora Crescenzo
Published: November 2022

In this work, we have implemented a detailed physical model of galaxy chemical enrichment into the Astraeus (seminumerical rAdiative tranSfer coupling of galaxy formaTion and Reionization in N-body dark matter simUlationS) framework which couples galaxy formation and reionization in the first billion years. Simulating galaxies spanning over 2.5 orders of magnitude in halo mass with $M_{\rm h} \sim 10^{8.9}{-}10^{11.5}\,{\rm M_\odot}$ ($M_{\rm h} \sim 10^{8.9}{-}10^{12.8}\rm M_\odot$) at z ∼ 10 (5), we find: (i) smooth accretion of metal-poor gas from the intergalactic medium (IGM) plays a key role in diluting the interstellar medium interstellar medium metallicity which is effectively restored due to self-enrichment from star formation; (ii) a redshift averaged gas-mass loading factor that depends on the stellar mass as $\eta _{\rm g} \approx 1.38 ({M_*}/{10^{10}\, {\rm \rm M_\odot }})^{-0.43}$; (iii) the mass–metallicity relation is already in place at z ∼ 10 and shows effectively no redshift evolution down to z ∼ 5; (iv) for a given stellar mass, the metallicity decreases with an increase in the star formation rate (SFR); (v) the key properties of the gas-phase metallicity (in units of 12 + log(O/H), stellar mass, SFR and redshift are linked through a high-redshift fundamental plane of metallicity (HFPZ) for which we provide a functional form; (vi) the mass–metallicity–SFR relations are effectively independent of the reionization radiative feedback model for $M_* {\,\, \buildrel\gt \over \sim \,\,}10^{6.5}\rm M_\odot$ galaxies; (vii) while low-mass galaxies ($M_{\rm h} {\,\, \buildrel\lt \over \sim \,\,}10^9\,\rm M_\odot$) are the key contributors to the metal budget of the IGM at early times, higher mass haloes provide about 50 per cent of the metal budget at lower redshifts.
Identifying and characterizing the most heavily dust-obscured galaxies at 1 ≤ z ≤ 4
Authors: Martis Nicholas S , Marchesini Danilo M , Muzzin Adam , Willott Chris J , Sawicki Marcin
Published: November 2022

We present 65 extremely dust-obscured galaxies from the UltraVISTA DR3 survey of the COSMOS field at 1 < z < 4. In contrast to other studies of dusty galaxies, we select our sample based on dust attenuation measured by UV–MIR spectral energy distribution (SED) modelling that allows for extreme attenuation levels. We construct our sample by making cuts at 1 ≤ z ≤ 4, AV ≥ 3, and log(M*/M⊙) ≥ 10.5. This method reliably selects galaxies exhibiting independent indicators of significant dust content, including far-infrared detection rates. We perform panchromatic SED modelling with matched Herschel photometry and find stellar and dust properties that differ from typical submillimetre galaxy (SMG) samples as well as Herschel sources matched in redshift and stellar mass. Our sources have lower star formation rates and higher AV than SMGs, but comparable total infrared luminosities. Most of our sample falls on or near the star-forming main sequence for this redshift range. Finally, we perform a morphological analysis with galfit using the KS-band images and Hubble F814W and F160W imaging when available. Typical axial ratios of ∼0.4 suggest disc-like morphology for the majority of our sources, and we note only three apparent merging systems. Our sample generally agrees with the size–mass relation for star-forming galaxies, with a tail extending to smaller sizes. We conclude that the most heavily obscured galaxies in this redshift range share many characteristics with typical star-forming galaxies, forming a population of dusty galaxies that overlaps, but is not encompassed by, those selected through dust emission.
PDFchem: A new fast method to determine ISM properties and infer environmental parameters using probability distributions
Authors: Bisbas Thomas G , van Dishoeck Ewine F , Hu Chia-Yu , Schruba Andreas
Published: November 2022

Determining the atomic and molecular content of the interstellar medium (ISM) is of fundamental importance to understand the star-formation process. Although there exist various three-dimensional hydro-chemical codes modelling the ISM, they are computationally expensive and inefficient for studies over a large parameter space. Building on our earlier approach, we present PDFchem, a novel algorithm that models the cold ISM at moderate and large scales using functions connecting the quantities of the local (AV, eff) and the observed (AV, obs) visual extinctions, and the local number density, nH, with probability density functions (PDF) of AV, obs on cloud scales typically tens-to-hundreds of pc as an input. For any given AV, obs-PDF, the algorithm instantly computes the average abundances of the most important species (H i, H2, C ii, C i, CO, OH, OH+, H2O+, CH, HCO+) and performs radiative transfer calculations to estimate the average emission of the most commonly observed lines ([C ii] 158$\mu$m, both [C i] fine-structure lines and the first five rotational transitions of 12CO). We examine two AV, obs-PDFs corresponding to a non-star-forming and a star-forming ISM region, under a variety of environmental parameters combinations. These cover far-ultraviolet intensities in the range of χ/χ0 = 10−1 − 103, cosmic ray ionization rates in the range of $\zeta _{\rm CR}=10^{-17}-10^{-13}\, {\rm s}^{-1}$ and metallicities in the range of $Z=0.1-2\, {\rm Z}_{\odot }$. PDFchem is fast, easy to use, reproduces the PDR quantities of the hydrodynamical models, and can be used directly with observed data of the cold ISM.
Morphologies and Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae in the Galactic bulge from VLT, HST and Pan-STARRS imaging
Authors: Tan Shuyu , Parker Quentin A , Zijlstra Albert , Ritter Andreas
Published: November 2022

This is the first in a series of papers that present sets of different results for 136 compact, known planetary nebulae within a 10 × 10 degree region of the Galactic bulge. We use a large, previously unpublished sample of our own extensive ESO 8-m VLT deep imaging and spectroscopic data. This is combined with archival deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging where available to provide a detailed morphological classification and study. The influence of angular resolution and sensitivity when assigning a morphology is discussed. A large fraction (68 per cent) of the sample are shown to be bipolars and the implications for this in the context of planetary nebulae progenitors are explored. Four new planetary nebula central stars are also identified which are not in Gaia. This is based on both Very Large Telescope (VLT) and deep archival Pan-STARRS broad-band imagery. Some 11 putative central stars previously reported, based on Gaia positions, are also not the true central star. In other cases, the Gaia central stars reported in the literature are actually based on the overall centroid position of a very compact planetary nebula rather than the actual central star within it. Gaia parallax distances and kinematic ages for PNe in this sample are provided where possible based on fresh angular size measures from the new VLT imagery and Gaia distances and literature expansion velocities when available. All these results are discussed within the context of the overall characteristics of the Galactic bulge and its planetary nebula population.
Human histone pre-mRNA assembles histone or canonical mRNA-processing complexes by overlapping 3′-end sequence elements
Authors: Ielasi Francesco S , Ternifi Sara , Fontaine Emeline , Iuso Domenico , Couté Yohann , Palencia Andrés
Published: November 2022

Human pre-mRNA processing relies on multi-subunit macromolecular complexes, which recognize specific RNA sequence elements essential for assembly and activity. Canonical pre-mRNA processing proceeds via the recognition of a polyadenylation signal (PAS) and a downstream sequence element (DSE), and produces polyadenylated mature mRNAs, while replication-dependent (RD) histone pre-mRNA processing requires association with a stem–loop (SL) motif and a histone downstream element (HDE), and produces cleaved but non-polyadenylated mature mRNAs. H2AC18 mRNA, a specific H2A RD histone pre-mRNA, can be processed to give either a non-polyadenylated mRNA, ending at the histone SL, or a polyadenylated mRNA. Here, we reveal how H2AC18 captures the two human pre-mRNA processing complexes in a mutually exclusive mode by overlapping a canonical PAS (AAUAAA) sequence element with a HDE. Disruption of the PAS sequence on H2AC18 pre-mRNA prevents recruitment of the canonical complex in vitro, without affecting the histone machinery. This shows how the relative position of cis-acting elements in histone pre-mRNAs allows the selective recruitment of distinct human pre-mRNA complexes, thereby expanding the capability to regulate 3′ processing and polyadenylation.
Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Meningitis: A Survey Among Infectious Diseases Specialists in France, Sweden, Australia, and Denmark
Authors: Bodilsen Jacob , Tattevin Pierre , Tong Steven Y C , Naucler Pontus , Nielsen Henrik
Published: November 2022

Background

We aimed to describe attitudes toward treatment of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis and prioritize future trials.

Methods

This was a self-administered online survey of HSV-2 meningitis treatment among infectious diseases (ID) specialists in France, Sweden, Australia, and Denmark.

Results

A total of 223 ID specialists (45% female) from France (36%), Denmark (24%), Sweden (21%), and Australia (19%) participated in the survey, primarily from university hospitals (64%). The estimated overall response rate was 11% and ranged from 6% (Australia) to 64% (Denmark). Intravenous (IV) acyclovir followed by oral valacyclovir was the favored treatment in 110 of 179 (61%), whereas monotherapy with either IV acyclovir or oral valacyclovir was used by 35 of 179 (20%) and 34 of 179 (19%), respectively. The median total duration was reported to be 7 days (interquartile range, 7–10 days) regardless of antiviral regimen. Immunocompromise influenced decisions on antiviral treatment in 110 of 189 (58%) of respondents, mainly by prolonged total duration of treatment (36/110 [33%]), prolonged IV administration (31/110 [28%]), and mandatory antiviral treatment (25/110 [23%]). Treatment with acyclovir/valacyclovir versus placebo and comparison of acyclovir versus valacyclovir were assigned the highest prioritization scores for future randomized controlled trials on HSV-2 meningitis.

Conclusions

Perceptions of indications for as well as type and duration of antiviral treatment varied substantially among ID specialists.
All-Cause and Infection-Related Mortality in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: van der Vaart Thomas W , Prins Jan M , Soetekouw Robin , van Twillert Gitte , Veenstra Jan , Herpers Bjorn L , Rozemeijer Wouter , Jansen Rogier R , Bonten Marc J M , van der Meer Jan T M
Published: November 2022

Background

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a heterogeneous disease with changing epidemiology due to changing demographics and evolving clinical management. SAB is associated with high mortality, but the current fraction of infection-related mortality is less well quantified.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with SAB, we determined clinical features of SAB and determined 90-day mortality and risk factors of all-cause and infection-related mortality. Infection-related mortality was based on an adjudication committee evaluation.

Results

Four hundred ninety patients with SAB were included, with community-acquired (n = 166), health care–associated (n = 163), and hospital-acquired SAB (n = 161). Endocarditis (n = 90, 18.3%), peripheral intravenous catheter infection (n = 80, 16.3%), and septic arthritis (n = 58, 11.8%) were the most frequent diagnoses, but proportions differed for community, health care, and hospital acquisition. One hundred ninety-two patients (39%) had permanent implanted prosthetic material (eg, prosthetic joint, heart valve, pacemaker). Day 90 all-cause mortality was 33% (n = 161), with 60% adjudicated as infection-related, and 90% of infection-related deaths occurring in the first 30 days post-SAB. Infection-related deaths after 30 days were rare and mainly related to endocarditis. Determinants associated with day 90 infection-related mortality were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06–1.11), Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01–1.26), septic shock (OR, 9.78; 95% CI, 4.56–20.95), endocarditis (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.75–6.61), and persistent SAB at 48 hours (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.27–4.37).

Conclusions

Mortality due to S. aureus infection remains high and mainly occurs in the first 30 days, which could guide end points in future studies.
Does Party Colour Matter? The Effect of Government Partisanship on Pledges’ Left–Right Location
Authors: Belchior Ana Maria
Published: November 2022

Despite extensive research on the ‘politics matter’ hypothesis, the findings achieved so far remain ambiguous. Inspired by that hypothesis, this research focuses on electoral promises, a chief but as yet untested indicator. It examines whether government party colour explains the adoption of an ideologically committed policy agenda in electoral manifestos. To answer this goal the research looks at the left–right placement of manifesto pledges of the Portuguese governing parties between 1995 and 2019. The results indicate that partisanship significantly explains the executive’s party agenda-setting and that this relationship prevails over time. Findings also suggest that the partisan effect is mediated by issue salience.
Spatial structure and dynamical state of the old open cluster Collinder 261 based on a clustering method
Authors: Gao Xinhua
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we investigate the memberships, spatial structure, and dynamical state of the old open cluster Collinder 261 (8 Gyr) based on Gaia-DR3 data. We develop a robust clustering method to calculate membership probabilities for 24858 sample stars within 20′ of the cluster center. We can identify 2619 likely cluster members (including 54 blue stragglers) down to G ∼ 20 mag. We use a Monte Carlo simulation method to estimate a distance of 2909 ± 90 pc for the cluster based on 281 high-probability members (P > 0.9). We find that the detectable cluster radius (Rcl) is at least 14′ (∼11.8 pc), which is much larger than previously thought. Based on the obtained cluster members, the core and tidal radii of the cluster are determined to be $R_{\rm c}={3{^{\prime }_{.}}4}\pm {0.1}$ (∼2.9 ± 0.1 pc) and $R_{\rm t}={19{^{\prime }_{.}}8}\pm {1{^{\prime }_{.}}9}$ (∼16.8 ± 1.6 pc), respectively. A concentration parameter of log (Rt/Rc) ∼0.76 is determined, indicating that Collinder 261 has formed a clear core–halo structure, but its spatial structure is much looser than the old open clusters M 67 (4 Gyr) and NGC 188 (7 Gyr). We also find that the membership probabilities are suitable for analyzing the mass segregation effect in the cluster. The orbit parameters show that Collinder 261 is moving along a near-circular orbit (e ∼ 0.025) well inside the solar circle (Rp ∼ 6.928 kpc, Ra ∼ 7.285 kpc), and it can reach a maximum height of Zmax ∼ 533 pc from the Galactic plane.
Tomato ABA-IMPORTING TRANSPORTER 1.1 inhibits seed germination under high salinity conditions
Authors: Shohat Hagai , Cheriker Hadar , Cohen Amir , Weiss David
Published: November 2022

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a central role in the regulation of seed maturation and dormancy. ABA also restrains germination under abiotic-stress conditions. Here, we show in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that the ABA importer ABA-IMPORTING TRANSPORTER 1.1 (AIT1.1/NPF4.6) has a role in radicle emergence under salinity conditions. AIT1.1 expression was upregulated following seed imbibition, and CRISPR/Cas9-derived ait1.1 mutants exhibited faster radicle emergence, increased germination and partial resistance to ABA. AIT1.1 was highly expressed in the endosperm, but not in the embryo, and ait1.1 isolated embryos did not show resistance to ABA. On the other hand, loss of AIT1.1 activity promoted the expression of endosperm-weakening-related genes, and seed-coat scarification eliminated the promoting effect of ait1.1 on radicle emergence. Therefore, we propose that imbibition-induced AIT1.1 expression in the micropylar endosperm mediates ABA-uptake into micropylar cells to restrain endosperm weakening. While salinity conditions strongly inhibited wild-type M82 seed germination, high salinity had a much weaker effect on ait1.1 germination. We suggest that AIT1.1 evolved to inhibit germination under unfavorable conditions, such as salinity. Unlike other ABA mutants, ait1.1 exhibited normal seed longevity, and therefore, the ait1.1 allele may be exploited to improve seed germination in crops.
Evaluation of the effects of pine-sourced biochar on cattle performance and methane and carbon dioxide production from growing and finishing steers
Authors: Sperber J L , Troyer B C , Erickson G E , Watson A K
Published: November 2022

A feedlot growing (77-d) and finishing (111-d) experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding biochar on steer performance, methane and carbon dioxide emissions, and carcass characteristics. Two treatments were evaluated, a control diet without biochar and the same diet with biochar included at 0.8% of dietary DM (growing) or 1.0% of dietary DM (finishing). The growing diet consisted of 40% corn silage, 40% wheat straw, 15% modified distillers grains plus solubles, and 5% supplement, with 0.8% biochar replacing fine ground corn in supplement. The finishing diet consisted of 55% high-moisture corn (HMC), 35% Sweet Bran, 5% wheat straw, and 5% supplement, with biochar replacing 1.0% HMC and added as an ingredient. Biochar was sourced from ponderosa pine wood waste (High Plains Biochar, Laramie, WY) and was 83% C with 426 m2/g surface area for both experiments. Crossbred steers were utilized in the growing (n = 160; initial BW = 363 kg; SD = 16 kg) and finishing (n = 128; initial; BW = 480 kg; SD = 17 kg) experiments, blocked by BW, and assigned randomly to 16 pens. Pens were assigned randomly to one of two treatments (biochar vs. control) with eight replications per treatment. Four pen replications per treatment were paired within BW block and rotated randomly through an emissions barn with two chambers (each treatment was evaluated simultaneously and for two rotations) to capture average weekly emissions of CH4 and CO2. Pen was the experimental unit and chamber was included as a fixed effect for emissions data. There were no statistical differences (P ≥ 0.23) in performance outcomes between treatments for the growing experiment. Dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.01) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.02) were 2.2% and 5.9% lower for biochar-fed steers in the finishing experiment, respectively, resulting in a lighter hot carcass weight (P = 0.10) and lower calculated USDA yield grade (P = 0.02). Emissions of CH4 and CO2 were not affected by biochar inclusion in the growing (P ≥ 0.22) or finishing experiment (P ≥ 0.60). Results from these experiments show no indication that feeding biochar, supplemented at 0.8% (growing), and 1.0% (finishing) of the diet DM, reduces methane emissions in growing or finishing cattle.
In-Depth Understanding of the Genetic Control of Stripe Rust Resistance (Puccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici) Induced in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) byTrichoderma asperellumT34
Authors: Esmail Samar M. , Omar Ghady E. , Mourad Amira M. I.
Published: November 2022

Wheat stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. tritici Erikss.) causes severe yield losses worldwide. Due to the continuous appearance of new stripe rust races, resistance has been broken in most of the highly resistant genotypes in Egypt and worldwide. Therefore, looking for new ways to resist such a severe disease is urgently needed. Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 has been known as an effective bioagent against many crop diseases. It exists naturally in Egyptian fields. Therefore, in our study, the effectiveness of strain T34 was tested as a bioagent against wheat stripe rust. For this purpose, 198 spring wheat genotypes were tested for their resistance against two different P. striiformis f. tritici populations collected from the Egyptian fields. The most highly aggressive P. striiformis f. tritici population was used to test the effectiveness of strain T34. Highly significant differences were found between strain T34 and stripe rust, suggesting the effectiveness of strain T34 in stripe rust resistance. A genome-wide association study identified 48 gene models controlling resistance under normal conditions and 46 gene models controlling strain T34-induced resistance. Of these gene models, only one common gene model was found, suggesting the presence of two different genetic systems controlling resistance under each condition. The pathways of the biological processes were investigated under both conditions. This study provided in-depth understanding of genetic control and, hence, will accelerate the future of wheat breeding programs for stripe rust resistance.
Successful Obstetric Anesthesia Care in Canada: Moving Beyond Survival
Authors: Edwards W. , George R.
Published: November 2022

(Can J Anaesth. 2022;69:18–23)

Childbirths are now the most common reason for hospitalization in Canada. Subsequently, cesarean delivery is becoming increasingly more common, representing 30% of all child deliveries. In addition, epidural analgesia now accounts for 60% of operative deliveries. Historically, most studies regarding anesthetic experience of infants and maternal individuals focus on mortality. Fortunately, recent analysis has shown the number of patients dying from anesthesia care has severely decreased, likely due to improvement with specialty training, airway management, airway monitoring, regional anesthesia use, and the standardization of safe practices through analysis and research. In order to improve neonatal and maternal care, the extent, frequency, and risk factors for anesthesia-related incidences must be assessed.
Clinical Value of Early Assessment of Hyperfibrinolysis by Rotational Thromboelastometry During Postpartum Hemorrhage for the Prediction of Severity of Bleeding: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Tahitu M. , Ramler P.I. , Gillissen A. , Caram-Deelder C. , Henriquez D.D.C.A. , de Maat M.P.M. , Duvekot J.J. , Eikenboom J. , Bloemenkamp K.W.M. , van den Akker T. , van der Bom J.G.
Published: November 2022

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2022;101:145–152. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14279)

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) provides point-of-care technology for detecting hyperfibrinolysis, a condition that can precede coagulopathy and lead to excessive bleeding with childbirth. Early awareness of the contribution of hyperfibrinolysis to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) allows for targeted anti-fibrinolytic treatment that can reduce the risk of severe bleeding. This study investigates the efficacy of ROTEM for predicting the development of excessive blood loss by timely detection of hyperfibrinolysis at the earliest stages of PPH.
Failure of Placental Detachment in Accreta Placentation is Associated With Excessive Fibrinoid Deposition at the Utero-placental Interface
Authors: Jauniaux E. , Hussein A.M. , Elbarmelgy R.M. , Elbarmelgy R.A. , Burton G.J.
Published: November 2022

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226:243.e1–10)

Since placenta accreta was first described in 1937, the condition has been diagnosed by the direct attachment of villous tissue to the superficial myometrium or adjacent fibers without interposing decidua. There has been a lack of histopathologic studies investigating placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the microscopic changes used to determine the grade of PAS and identify possible explanations of the abnormal placental tissue attachment in patients with scars from previous cesarean delivery.
Application of Nonhuman Primate Models in the Studies of Pediatric Anesthesia Neurotoxicity
Authors: Wang C. , Liu S. , Liu F. , Bhutta A. , Patterson T.A. , Slikker W.
Published: November 2022

(Anesth Analg. 2022;134:1203–1214. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005926)

Experimental studies involving nonhuman subjects have historically shown that anesthesia exposure during early childhood can have adverse long-term outcomes and result in neurotoxicity, while studies involving human children under the age of 3 show no significant association. Due to confounding factors in children, anesthesia neurotoxicity remains controversial. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) provide a predictive lens due to similarities with humans in cognition, development, neuroanatomy, and reproduction. This paper reviews using NHPs to study the impact general anesthesia (GA) has on neurological development and analyzes the setting of GA exposure, measurements of developmental neurotoxicity, and animal monitoring during GA exposure.
Extracellular Vesicles From Women With Severe Preeclampsia Impair Vascular Endothelial Function
Authors: Murugesan S. , Hussey H. , Saravanakumar L. , Sinkey R. , Sturdivant A. , Powell M. , Berkowitz D.
Published: November 2022

(Anesth Analg. 2022;134:713–723)

Preeclampsia causes worldwide maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Previous studies confirm the placenta is heavily related to preeclampsia and vascular dysfunction likely caused by pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors due to changes in uteroplacental blood flow and oxygenation from abnormal trophoblastic invasion of the uterine spiral arterioles. A previous study involving a mouse model supports the idea of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particles which interact with microRNA and impact endocrine or paracrine organs, from the placenta being a main culprit for triggering preeclampsia. All pregnancies show levels of placenta-derived EVs (pEVs), but those with preeclampsia show an increased level, impacting the growth and weight gain of the child, levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to endothelial cells leading to irregular embryo development, implantation, trophoblast invasion, placental vascular development, function, and increased level of endothelial dysfunction. This study primarily measures the effect of EVs from both severe preeclampsia and normotensive patients on human aortic endothelial cells to test the hypothesis that preeclamptic EV cargo impairs endothelial function and regulation of NO signaling.
COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy: Coverage and Safety
Authors: Blakeway H. , Prasad S. , Kalafat E. , Heath P.T. , Ladhani S.N. , Le Doare K. , Magee L.A. , O’Brien P. , Rezvan A. , von Dadelszen P. , Khalil A.
Published: November 2022

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226:236.e1–14)

While the pregnant population was not included in initial randomized controlled safety and efficacy trials of the COVID-19 vaccines, some limited data on the vaccine during pregnancy came from the CDC V-safe health checker, some inadvertent pregnancies in vaccine trials, and a formal pregnancy registry. While the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a live virus and are theoretically considered safe in pregnancy, not all health care professionals have recommended routine vaccination since the start of vaccine rollout. This study examines the safety of COVID-19 in pregnant women, the rate of uptake, and outcomes of vaccinated pregnant individuals compared with the unvaccinated pregnant population.
Association Between Peripartum Hysterectomy and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Mauney L. , Barth W. , Clapp M.
Published: November 2022

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226:119.e1)

While venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy is uncommon, it accounted for 9.2% of all maternal deaths. Previous studies determined augmenting factors such as maternal age, obesity, thrombophilia, tobacco use, obstetrical risk factors, length of surgery, and childbirth.
Postpartum Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Following Obstetric Neuraxial Blockade: A Literature Review With Analysis of 58 Case Reports
Authors: Chambers D.J. , Bhatia K. , Columb M.
Published: November 2022

(Int J Obstet Anes. 2022;49:103218)

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare pregnancy complication that can cause maternal stroke and death. The risk of CVST is increased in the first 6 weeks postpartum, and primarily presents as a headache with no specific characteristics. CVST may be overlooked in patients who have received neuraxial anesthesia because postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is also characterized by a headache following delivery. These 2 conditions require different management approaches, so it is important that clinicians can differentiate between the 2. Anesthetists are often involved in viewing these cases. This literature review describes the characteristics and outcomes of CVST and how to discern between the 2 complications.
Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Bolus Delivery Speeds of 125 mL/hr Versus 250 mL/hr
Authors: Mazda Y. , Arzola C. , Downey K. , Xiang Y. , Carvalho J.
Published: November 2022

(Can J Anaesth. 2022;69:86–96)

Previous studies have shown that programmed intermittent epidural bolus, the automatic delivery of boluses at certain times during epidural analgesia, decreases pain, motor block, and local anesthetic consumption while increasing patient satisfaction. However, unnecessarily high sensory levels have been noted in prior studies. Variables such as patient demographics and characteristics, patient positioning, medication volume, local anesthetic concentration, and injection level have all been researched in relation to epidural spread. The impact of delivery rates on sensory block has not been extensively researched. The aim of this study was to compare injection speeds of 250 mL/h and 125 mL/h administered at 40-minute intervals during the first stage of labor. The authors hypothesized lower delivery speeds would reduce sensory block levels.
Anesthesiologists’ Perspectives on Why Dural Punctures Occur: A Multicenter International Survey
Authors: Orbach-Zinger S. , Heesen M. , Ioscovich A. , Shatalin D. , Aptekman B. , Weiniger C.F. , Eidelman L.A. , Frenkel A. , Beilin Y. , Katz D.J. , Schlosberg . , Binyamin Y.
Published: November 2022

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2022;47:249–250. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2021-103285)

Accidental dural puncture (ADP) is a persistent concern among anesthesiologists as a serious obstetric anesthesia complication yet there remains a need to investigate modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to survey anesthesiologists who performed an ADP and describe their perspectives on the patient, proceduralist, task, and organization-related risk factors that may contribute to ADP.
How Academic Medicine Can Amplify Truth Amid the Noise of Misinformation, Inaccuracies, and Lies
Authors: Sklar David P.
Published: November 2022

Inaccurate statements and lies from public figures and political and government leaders have the power to exacerbate dangerous upheavals in our political, health care, and social environments. The widespread misinformation, inaccuracies, and lies about the COVID-19 pandemic (about the origin of the virus, the severity of illness, vaccination, and “cures,” to name a few) illustrate the potentially disastrous consequences of false information. Academic medicine must recognize the dangers of such lies and inaccuracies, particularly those related to health, and must understand their sources in traditional and social media and how and why many in the public accept them. Academic health professionals have a unique responsibility to promote and defend the truth in medicine and science, help the public to understand the sources of inaccurate scientific information, and find ways to debunk falsehoods spread by politicians and media outlets. Inaccurate information and lies have threatened the health of the population, the function of health systems, and the training of the future health workforce. They must be combatted by truth telling through scholarly work, clinical activities, and educating health professions trainees at all levels. Academic medicine’s institutions should also consider joining the communities they serve and their medical specialty organizations to engage in political advocacy whenever possible. Health professions journals have an important role in highlighting and clarifying important topics and sustaining conversations on them within the academic medicine community. Across all its missions and activities, academic medicine must do its best to combat today’s poisonous misinformation, inaccuracies, and lies, and to enter the larger social and political struggles that will determine the health of society and the future.
The Natural History of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Houten John K. , Shahsavarani Shaya , Verma Rohit B.
Published: November 2022

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most frequent cause of spinal cord dysfunction and injury in the adult population and leads to significant loss of quality of life and economic impact from its associated medical care expenditures and loss of work. Surgical intervention is recommended for patients manifesting progressing neurological signs and symptoms of myelopathy, but the optimal management in individuals who have mild and clinically stable disease manifestations is controversial. Understanding the natural history of DCM is, thus, important in assessing patients and identifying those most appropriately indicated for surgical management. Despite the attempts to rigorously perform studies of the natural history of these patients, most published investigations suffer from methodological weaknesses or are underpowered to provide definitive answers. Investigations of particular patient subsets, however, provide some clinical guidance as to which patients stand most to benefit from surgery, and these may include those with lower baseline mJOA scores, evidence of segmental hypermobility, cord signal changes on MRI, abnormal somatosensory or motor-evoked potentials, or the presence of certain inflammatory markers. Clinicians should assess patients with mild myelopathy and those harboring asymptomatic cervical spinal cord compression individually when making treatment decisions and an understanding of the various factors that may influence natural history may aid in identifying those best indicated for surgery. Further investigations will likely identify how variables that affect natural history can be used in devising more precise treatment algorithms.
Exosomal transfer of microRNA-590-3p between renal tubular epithelial cells after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury regulates autophagy by targeting TRAF6
Authors: Chen Yimeng , Zhang Congya , Du Yingjie , Yang Xiying , Liu Min , Yang Wenjing , Lei Guiyu , Wang Guyan
Published: November 2022

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients, especially elderly patients, who undergo cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Studies have indicated a protective role of autophagy in AKI. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of autophagy in AKI among patients undergoing cardiac surgeries are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate autophagy in tubular epithelial cells after AKI.

Methods:

Plasma exosomal RNA was extracted from young and elderly AKI patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and the miRNAs expression during the perioperative period were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The screened miRNAs and their target genes were subjected to gene oncology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome enrichment analyses. Renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) was cultured and H/R model was established, which is an in vitro renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. We used Western blot analysis, cell viability assay, transfection, luciferase assay to investigate the mechanisms underlying the observed increases in the levels of renal I/R injury-mediated exosomal miRNAs and their roles in regulating HK-2 cells autophagy.

Results:

miR-590-3p was highly enriched in the plasma exosomes of young AKI patients after cardiac surgery. Increased levels of miR-590-3p led to the increases in the expression of autophagy marker proteins, including Belin-1 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3II), and prolonged the autophagic response in HK-2 cells after H/R treatment. These effects were achieved mainly via increases in the exosomal miR-590-3p levels, and the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 protein was shown to play a key role in I/R injury-mediated autophagy induction.

Conclusion:

Exosomes released from HK-2 cells after renal I/R injury regulate autophagy by transferring miR-590-3p in a paracrine manner, which suggests that increasing the miR-590-3p levels in HK-2 cell-derived exosomes may increase autophagy and protect against kidney injury after renal I/R injury.
Antibiotic Use and Surgical Site Infections in Immunocompromised Patients After Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet A. , Rowe Georgina , Harris Kristin , Ko Steven , Ko Matthew , Gharavi Nima M.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

As Mohs micrographic surgery becomes more widely used in immunosuppressed patients, it is important to understand the risks in this unique population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether immunosuppressed patients are at an increased risk for surgical site infection and evaluate the utility of postoperative antibiotics for the prevention of surgical site infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery between October 9, 2014, and August 20, 2021, was performed.

RESULTS

Five thousand eight hundred eighty-six independent cases were identified. Factors associated with an increased incidence of antibiotic use included preoperative lesion size >40 mm (86.7%, n = 13; p < .01) and high-risk lesion location (46.4%, n = 1,268; p < .01). Patients were not more likely to be prescribed antibiotics if immunosuppressed (37.0%, n = 269 vs 34.2%, n = 1765; p = .14), and immunosuppression was not independently associated with antibiotic use on multivariate analysis (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0–1.5). Infection rates were similar between immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent patients (2.1%, n = 15 vs 1.6%, n = 80, respectively; p = .30). In immunosuppressed patients, antibiotic use did not decrease the likelihood of infection (3.0%, n = 8 vs 1.5%, n = 7; p = .19).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between immunosuppression and surgical infection rate. Furthermore, postoperative antibiotics should not be indicated in these patients unless other high-risk criteria exist.
Assessment of Pain, Healing Time, and Wound Contraction in Postoperative Auricular Defects Healing Secondarily With and Without the Use of a Porcine Xenograft, a Pilot Study
Authors: Coman Garrett C. , Holliday Alex C. , Mazloom Sean E. , Chavan Rahul N. , Phillips Mariana A.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Postoperative auricular defects heal well with secondary intention healing (SIH); however, potential complications include postoperative pain, perichondritis, and chondritis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative pain and wound healing in auricular defects healing by secondary intention with and without the placement of a porcine xenograft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one subjects were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was self-reported pain, measured on a 0 to 10 scale for 14 postprocedure days. Secondary outcomes included time to greater than 90% of reepithelialization and degree of wound contraction.

RESULTS

There was a 1 to 2 point difference in median pain scores between the porcine graft and control groups during postoperative days 4 to 7, 12, and 13. Time to 90% or greater reepithelialization was not statistically different between groups (p = .94). The average wound contraction was 34.1% for the porcine group and 34.0% for the control group (p = .95).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, overall pain scores were low in both groups. Placement of a porcine xenograft resulted in a slight reduction of median pain compared with traditional SIH. Patients in the control group were more likely to require analgesics. Similar rates of reepithelialization and degree of wound contracture were observed.
Subcutaneous Face and Neck Lift With Prefabricated Skin Excision: A Practical Technique With Favorable Results in Young and Middle-Aged Chinese Patients
Authors: Zhao Runlei , Wang Guanhuier , Xie Hongbin
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous face and neck lift is a popular procedure in Chinese face and neck rejuvenation. However, there are limited studies focusing on the details and evaluation of this technique.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce our subcutaneous face and neck lift technique with prefabricated skin excision, evaluating the efficacy with patient reported FACE-Q Scale. In addition, to investigate on skin excision and patient's satisfaction under different circumstances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-five consecutive patients were identified who underwent subcutaneous face and neck lift with our technique. Online FACE-Q Scale was assessed for patients' satisfaction 6 months postoperatively. The skin excision and FACE-Q Scale were compared among different subgroups.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients completed the FACE-Q. Patients demonstrated high satisfaction overall and felt 8.8 years younger than their actual age. Intraoperative skin excision data verified the practicality of the prefabricated technique. There was a constant trend with patients' satisfaction among different age groups. The preliminary comparison between the facial bone reduction group and the general group revealed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The subcutaneous face and neck lift technique with prefabricated skin excision is an effective technique with favorable results in young and middle-aged Chinese patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV. Evidence obtained from a retrospective cohort analytic study.
Microglia senescence is related to neuropathic pain–associated comorbidities in the spared nerve injury model
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Galeotti Nicoletta
Published: November 2022

The increased presence of senescent cells in different neurological diseases suggests the contribution of senescence in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Microglia can adapt to any type of disturbance of the homeostasis of the central nervous system, and its altered activity can lead to permanent and unresolvable damage. The aim of this work was to characterize the behavioural phenotype of spared nerve injury mice and then associate it with senescence-related mechanisms. In this work, we investigated the timing of the onset of anxiety, depression, or memory decline associated with peripheral neuropathic pain and their correlation with the presence of microglial cellular senescence. Spared nerve injury mice showed a persistent pain hypersensitivity from 3 days after surgery. Twenty-eight days after nerve injury, they also developed anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. The appearance of these symptoms was coincident to a significant increase of senescence markers, such as β-galactosidase and senescent-associated secretory phenotype, at the microglial level in the spinal cord and hippocampus of spared nerve injury animals. These markers were unaltered at previous time points. In murine immortalized microglial cells (BV2) stimulated with LPS 500 ng/mL for 10 days (4 hours/day) every other day, we observed an increase of β-galactosidase and senescent-associated secretory phenotype appearance, a reduction of cell viability, and an increase of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci. Therefore, present findings could represent an important step to a better understanding of the pathophysiological cellular mechanisms in comorbidities related to neuropathic pain states.
Association of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations with myelodysplastic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Qian , Zhao Jingyu , Zhang Lele , Gao Zhen , Pan Hong , Fang Liwei , Shi Jun
Published: November 2022

Background:

Systemic inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations (SIAMs) are frequently reported in Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Studies focused on the impact of SIMAs on survival outcomes of MDS remains controversial. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association of SIAMs with overall survival, median survival, rate of acute myeloid leukemia transformation and mortality of MDS.

Materials and methods:

An electronic search was conducted in 4 databases without any language restrictions, including PubMed, EMBASE, Medicine and Cochrane library up to April 30, 2021.

Results:

The 18 studies included a total of 4603 MDS patients, of which 1175 (25.5%) patients had SIAMs. MDS patients with SIAMs had a statistically shorter overall survival compared with patient without SIAMs (Hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–4.41; P < .01). Our results were most compatible with no effect of SIAMs on median survival, rate of acute myeloid leukemia transformation and mortality (Median survival ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.91–1.47; Odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.63–1.45 and 1.2; 95% CI, 0.84–1.7, respectively).

Conclusion:

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, SIAMs appeared to have an adverse effect on overall survival of MDS patients. This finding suggested that SIAMs may be a potential independent prognostic factor for MDS.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial of Xiehuang Jiejing granule in the treatment of cough variant asthma in children
Authors: Qiao Yi-Na , Lin Shuang-Zhu , Duan Xiao-Zheng , Yang Ming-Hang , Zhang Xiao-Fang , Li Jing-Jing , Kang Sai-Nan , Wang Yu-Ting , Zhang Ying , Feng Xiao-Chun
Published: November 2022

Background:

Cough variant asthma (CVA), also called concealed asthma or allergic asthma, is the most common cause of chronic cough in children. The disorder is mainly characterized by a nonproductive dry cough associated with a high recurrence rate that is conventionally treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, cough suppressants, or expectorants. For millennia, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used widely in China to treat pediatric CVA cases, although high-quality evidence of CHM efficacy is lacking. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of Xiehuangjiejing (XHJJ) granule will be evaluated when used alone to treat children with CVA.

Methods and analysis:

A randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled multicenter trial will be conducted over the course of 2 weeks. A total of 180 CVA patients of ages between 4 and 7 years old will be randomly assigned to the experimental group (XHJJ granules, 4.5 g administered 3 times daily) or control group (matched placebo, 4.5 g administered 3 times daily) in a 2:1 ratio based on subject number per group, respectively. The trial will consist of a 7-day medical interventional stage and a 7-day follow-up stage. On day 7 of the follow-up stage, an evaluation of all subjects will be carried out to assess cough symptom score as the primary outcome and several secondary outcomes, including TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) syndrome score, lung function, and dosage of salbutamol aerosol inhaler therapy. Safety assessments will also be evaluated during the trial.

Discussion:

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of Xiehuangjiejing (XHJJ) granule using a trial protocol designed to yield high-quality, statistically robust results for use in evaluating CHM as a treatment for CVA in children.