bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on the apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, total tract phosphorus retention, and tibia ash in young broilers
Authors: Dersjant-Li Yueming , Abdollahi M Reza , Bello Abiodun , Waller Katie , Marchal Leon , Ravindran V
Published: February 2022

The effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) and phosphorus (P) utilization in young broilers when added to diets with high phytate-P (PP) content without added inorganic phosphate (Pi) and deficient in digestible (dig) AA and metabolizable energy (ME) was investigated. A total of 256 Ross 308 male broilers were assigned to 4 treatments (8 birds/cage, 8 cages/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Treatments comprised a positive control (PC, 2,975 kcal/kg ME, 3.7 g/kg dig P, 2.83 g/kg PP, 8.4 g/kg Ca, 10.6 g/kg dig lysine), a negative control (NC) without added Pi (ME −68 kcal/kg, crude protein −10 g/kg, dig AA −0.1 to −0.4 g/kg, Ca −2.0 g/kg, dig P −2.2 g/kg, Na −0.4 g/kg vs. PC), and NC plus 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg of PhyG. Test diets were corn/soy/rapeseed-meal/rice-bran-based and fed from 5 to 15 d of age. Ileal digesta and tibias were collected on day 15. Excreta was collected during days 12 to 15 to determine P retention. The NC (vs. PC) reduced (P < 0.05) P retention (−10.4% units), tibia ash (−14.3% units), weight gain (−109 g), feed intake (−82 g) and increased FCR (from 1.199 to 1.504), confirming that the NC was extremely deficient in nutrients and energy. Phytase addition to the NC linearly (P < 0.001) improved performance, but did not fully recover it to the level of the PC due to the severe nutrients/energy reduction in NC. Phytase linearly increased P retention (P < 0.001), tibia ash (P < 0.001), AID of dry matter (P < 0.05), nitrogen (P < 0.01), gross energy (P < 0.05), and all 17 individual AA (P < 0.01). At 1,000 FTU/kg, phytase increased (P < 0.05) P retention vs. PC and NC (+14.5 and +24.9% units, respectively) and increased tibia ash vs. NC (+13.8% units), equivalent to PC. The NC decreased AID of Cys, Gly, Thr, and Met vs. PC (P < 0.05). At 1,000 FTU/kg, phytase increased AID of all 17 AA vs. NC (P < 0.01), equivalent to PC. At 1,000 FTU/kg, AID AA responses (above NC) ranged from +4.5% (Met) to +15.0% (Cys), being maximal for essential Thr (+10.4%) and Val (+8.2%) and non-essential Cys (+15.0%) and Gly (+10.4%). The results highlight the efficacy of PhyG at a dose level of 500 to 1,000 FTU/kg in young broilers for improving the ileal digestibility of nitrogen, AA, and energy alongside P retention and tibia ash. The performance data emphasize the need to consider digestible nutrient intake as a response variable in exogenous enzyme studies.
Efficacy and Species Specificity of Baits and Lures for Spotted-Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Whitener Alix B , Smytheman Peter , Beers Elizabeth H
Published: February 2022

Monitoring is an important element in management programs for Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), helping users to avoid prophylactic treatments. Factors such as attractiveness, sensitivity, selectivity, longevity, and ease of use must be considered when developing a trap and lure system for monitoring and thresholds. We examined various baits and lures over a 5-yr period in sweet cherry orchards in the semiarid climate of eastern Washington. Using a jar trap, the attractants were evaluated for attractiveness (maximum capture), selectivity for D. suzukii (vs. other Drosophila species), and sex ratio of captured D. suzukii. We examined the relative performance of the attractants during periods of low (≈1 D. suzukii per trap per week) and high (232 D. suzukii per trap per week) density over the course of the growing season, which usually corresponded to mid-summer and autumn temperatures, respectively. The Scentry lure was consistently the most attractive lure, capturing the highest numbers of adult D. suzukii over the series of tests, but also had the highest levels of by-catch. Recipe-based baits (yeast, wine-vinegar, and apple cider vinegar) captured fewer D. suzukii overall, although the commercial baits Dros’Attract and Suzukii Trap were comparable to the Scentry lure in late season tests. The Trécé lures were consistently the most selective of the attractants, but had generally lower D. suzukii captures. Sex ratio varied widely among and within the tests, but with no consistent pattern among the various attractants. All attractants were successful in capturing flies, and the choice of attractant depends on the constraints and goals of the user.
Reasoning about Death in Biomedical Decision-Making
Authors: Weissman Jeremy
Published: February 2022

Depending on our mode of reasoning—moral, prudential, instrumental, empirical, dialectical, and so on—we may come to vastly different conclusions on the nature of death and the appropriate orientation toward matters such as euthanasia or procuring organs from brain-dead patients. These differing orientations have resulted in some of the most enduring conflicts in biomedical decision-making with roots in the earliest strands of philosophical discourse. Through continually grappling with questions over matters of death, we continually step closer to clarity, even if certainty on these matters remains necessarily as elusive as death itself.
Frequency and characteristics of HTLV in migrants: results from the +Redivi collaborative network in Spain
Authors: Norman Francesca F , Salvador Fernando , Gullón Beatriz , Díaz-Menéndez Marta , Pérez-Ayala Ana , Rodriguez-Guardado Azucena , García-Rodriguez Magdalena , Henriquez-Camacho Cesar , Goikoetxea Josune , Bosch-Nicolau Pau , de la Calle Fernando , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel , Aznar Maria-Luisa , Peñaranda María , Calabuig Eva , Suarez-Garcia Ines , Pérez-Molina Jose A , López-Vélez Rogelio
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to describe the main characteristics of migrants diagnosed with human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection within the +Redivi Spanish network.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of HTLV type 1 or 2 in +Redivi from October 2009 to December 2020 were included. Diagnosis was based on positive HTLV serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)/chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)) with line immunoassay (LIA)/Western blot with/without polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

A total of 107/17 007 cases (0.6%) had a final diagnosis of HTLV infection: 83 (77.67%) HTLV-1 infections, 6 (5.6%) HTLV-2 infections and 18 (16.8%) non-specified. The majority (76, 71%) were female, median age was 42 years and median time from arrival to Spain until consultation was 10 years. The group included 100 (93.5%) immigrants and 7 (6.6%) visiting friends and relatives (VFR)-immigrants. Most patients were from South America (71, 66.4%), followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (15, 14%) and Central America-Caribbean (13, 12.1%). Around 90% of patients were asymptomatic at presentation and diagnosed as part of screening programs. Median duration of follow-up was 5 years (IQR 2–7). Regarding HTLV-associated conditions, 90 patients (84.2%) had none, 7 (6.5%) had tropical spastic paraparesis , 5 (4.7%) had other associated conditions (dermatitis, uveitis, pulmonary disease), 3 (2.8%) had other neurological symptoms and 2 (1.9%) had adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma. No patients with HTLV-2 had HTLV-associated conditions. Four patients (3.7%) died. Concomitant diagnoses were found in 41 (38.3%) patients, including strongyloidiasis in 15 (14%) and HIV co-infection in 4 (3.7%). In 70% of patients, screening of potential contacts was not performed/recorded.

Conclusions

HTLV infections (the majority due to HTLV-1) were mainly diagnosed in asymptomatic migrants from Latin America (generally long-settled immigrants and the majority female with the consequent implications for screening/prevention). A high rate of association with strongyloidiasis was found. In the majority, screening of potential contacts was not performed, representing a missed opportunity for decreasing the under diagnosis of this infection.
Modified Proline Metabolism and Prolidase Enzyme in COVID-19
Authors: Ergin Tuncay Merve , Neselioglu Salim , Asfuroglu Kalkan Emra , Inan Osman , Sena Akkus Meryem , Ates Ihsan , Erel Ozcan
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate proline metabolism in patients affected by COVID-19.

Materials and Methods

This case-control study consisted of 116 patients with COVID-19 and 46 healthy individuals. Tests related to proline metabolism (prolidase, proline, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, manganese) and copper and zinc tests were analyzed.

Results

The levels of proline and hydroxyproline amino acids and the prolidase enzyme were found to be lower and glutamic acid was found to be higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the healthy group (P = .012, P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). The copper/zinc ratio was higher in patients with COVID-19 than in healthy individuals (P < .001). Significant correlations were found between proline metabolism tests and inflammatory and hemostatic markers commonly used in COVID-19.

Conclusion

The proline metabolic pathway was affected in COVID-19. Relationships between proline pathway–related tests and inflammatory/hemostatic markers supported the roles of proline metabolism in proinflammatory and immune response processes.
Reaction rates and energy distributions for elementary processes in relativistic pair plasmas
Authors: Coppi P S , Blandford R D
Published: February 2022

Reaction rates are given for two-body processes in an isotropic-pair plasma. The rates are accurate over mildly relativistic energies and are given as functions of the incident particle energies rather than integrated over a thermal distribution. The processes considered are: Compton scattering, pair annihilation, two-photon pair production, Coulomb scattering, and e-e bremsstrahlung. For the first three processes, the mean energy of the final states together with the dispersion in energy about their mean energies are computed. Approximate expressions are presented where these have proven useful. The results have been tabulated for use in kinetic equation studies of pair plasmas.
Mitigating massive triboelectric charging of drill in shadowed region of Moon
Authors: Mishra S K , Sana Trinesh
Published: February 2022

A scheme based on natural quantum electric field tunnelling to mitigate the substantial charge deposition due to triboelectric (frictional) charging from the drill set-up, operating in the shadowed region of the Moon, is presented. We have shown that the micro (nano) structuring of the surface of the drill set-up might efficiently support the charge dissipation and mitigate the massive charge deposition (i.e. from hundreds of kV to tens of MV) to a significantly lower magnitude (e.g. few tens of V). Physically, the micro (nano) tips act as field emission (FE) centres and generate sufficiently large FE current through quantum field tunnelling to compensate for the negative tribocharging current. Our calculations demonstrate that the instrument surface fabricated with 10 nm spherical tips, operating in the electron-rich region within the permanently shadowed crater, maintains itself to a much lower negative potential of ∼23 V – it significantly contrasts with the case of planar surfaces where the tribocharging dominates and develops a substantial negative potential of the order of ∼100 MV.
A population synthesis fitting of the Gaia resolved white dwarf binary population within 100 pc
Authors: Torres S , Canals P , Jiménez-Esteban F M , Rebassa-Mansergas A , Solano E
Published: February 2022

The Gaia mission has provided an unprecedented wealth of information about the white dwarf population of our Galaxy. In particular, our studies show that the sample up to 100 pc from the Sun can be considered as practically complete. This fact allows us to estimate a precise fraction of double-degenerate (1.18 ± 0.10 per cent) and white dwarf plus main-sequence stars (6.31 ± 0.23 per cent) among all white dwarfs through comoving pairs identification. With the aid of a detailed population synthesis code, we are able to reproduce synthetic white dwarf populations with nearly identical fractions as the observed ones, thus obtaining valuable information about the binary fraction, fb, initial mass ratio distribution, n(q), and initial separation distribution, f(a), among other parameters. Our best-fitting model is achieved within a 1σ confidence level for f(a) ∝ a−1, $n(q)\propto q^{n_q}$, with $n_q=-1.13^{+0.12}_{-0.10}$ and fb = 0.32 ± 0.02. The fraction of white dwarf mergers generated by this model is $9\sim 16{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, depending on the common-envelope treatment. As sub-products of our modelling, we find that around $1\sim 3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the white dwarf population are unresolved double-degenerates and that only ${\sim}1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of all white dwarfs contain a He-core. Finally, only a mild kick during white dwarf formation seems to be necessary for fitting the observed sky separation of double-degenerate systems.
The Galactic high mass X-ray binary population with Fermi-LAT
Authors: Harvey Max , Rulten Cameron B , Chadwick Paula M
Published: February 2022

We search for γ-ray emission from 114 Galactic high-mass X-ray binaries, including four well studied catalogued sources, in 12.5 yr of Fermi-LAT data in conjunction with the 10-yr point source catalogue. Where a γ-ray excess appears to be spatially coincident with an X-ray binary, further investigation is performed to ascertain whether this excess is the product of physical processes within the binary system itself. We identify γ-ray excesses coincident with 20 high-mass X-ray binaries where there is little or no prior evidence for γ-ray emission. However, we find that many of these are false positives caused by source confusion or the γ-ray background. None the less, tentative but promising indicators of γ-ray emission are identified for several new systems, notably including 1A 0535+262, RX J2030.5+4751, and SAX J1324.4−6200.
Volumetric endpoints in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: comparison to cross-sectional measures and outcome correlations in the International DIPG/DMG Registry
Authors: Lazow Margot A , Nievelstein Martijn T , Lane Adam , Bandopadhayhay Pratiti , DeWire-Schottmiller Mariko , Fouladi Maryam , Glod John W , Greiner Robert J , Hoffman Lindsey M , Hummel Trent R , Kilburn Lindsay , Leary Sarah , Minturn Jane E , Packer Roger , Ziegler David S , Chaney Brooklyn , Black Katie , de Blank Peter , Leach James L
Published: February 2022

Background

Cross-sectional tumor measures are traditional clinical trial endpoints; however volumetric measures may better assess tumor growth. We determined the correlation and compared the prognostic impact of cross-sectional and volumetric measures of progressive disease (PD) among patients with DIPG.

Methods

Imaging and clinical data were abstracted from the International DIPG Registry. Tumor volume and cross-sectional product (CP) were measured with mint Lesion™ software using manual contouring. Correlation between CP and volume (segmented and mathematical [ellipsoid] model) thresholds of PD were assessed by linear regression. Landmark analyses determined differences in survival (via log-rank) between patients classified as PD versus non-PD by CP and volumetric measurements at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 months postradiotherapy (RT). Hazard ratios (HR) for survival after these time points were calculated by Cox regression.

Results

A total of 312 MRIs (46 patients) were analyzed. Comparing change from the previous smallest measure, CP increase of 25% (PD) correlated with a segmented volume increase of 30% (R2 = 0.710), rather than 40% (spherical model extrapolation). CP-determined PD predicted survival at 1 month post-RT (HR = 2.77), but not other time points. Segmented volumetric-determined PD (40% threshold) predicted survival at all imaging timepoints (HRs = 2.57, 2.62, 3.35, 2.71, 16.29), and 30% volumetric PD threshold predicted survival at 1, 3, 5, and 9 month timepoints (HRs = 2.57, 2.62, 4.65, 5.54). Compared to ellipsoid volume, segmented volume demonstrated superior survival associations.

Conclusions

Segmented volumetric assessments of PD correlated better with survival than CP or ellipsoid volume at most time points. Semiautomated tumor volume likely represents a more accurate, prognostically-relevant measure of disease burden in DIPG.
Uniform single atomic Cu1-C4 sites anchored in graphdiyne for hydroxylation of benzene to phenol
Authors: Yu Jia , Cao Changyan , Jin Hongqiang , Chen Weiming , Shen Qikai , Li Peipei , Zheng Lirong , He Feng , Song Weiguo , Li Yuliang
Published: February 2022

For single-atom catalysts (SACs), the catalyst supports are not only anchors for single atoms, but also modulators for geometric and electronic structures, which determine their catalytic performance. Selecting an appropriate support to prepare SACs with uniform coordination environments is critical for achieving optimal performance and clarifying the relationship between the structure and the property of SACs. Approaching such a goal is still a significant challenge. Taking advantage of the strong d-π interaction between Cu atoms and diacetylenic in a graphdiyne (GDY) support, we present an efficient and simple strategy for fabricating Cu single atoms anchored on GDY (Cu1/GDY) with uniform Cu1-C4 single sites under mild conditions. The Cu atomic structure was confirmed by combining synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The as-prepared Cu1/GDY exhibits much higher activity than state-of-the-art SACs in direct benzene oxidation to phenol with H2O2 reaction, with turnover frequency values of 251 h−1 at room temperature and 1889 h−1 at 60°C, respectively. Furthermore, even with a high benzene conversion of 86%, high phenol selectivity (96%) is maintained, which can be ascribed to the hydrophobic and oleophyllic surface nature of Cu1/GDY for benzene adsorption and phenol desorption. Both experiments and DFT calculations indicate that Cu1-C4 single sites are more effective at activating H2O2 to form Cu=O bonds, which are important active intermediates for benzene oxidation to phenol.
Variation in Clinical Practice and Attitudes on Antibacterial Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Patients With Hematologic Malignancy: A Survey of Cancer Centers Across the United States
Authors: Barreto Jason N , Aitken Samuel L , Krantz Elizabeth M , Nagel Jerod L , Dadwal Sanjeet S , Seo Susan K , Liu Catherine
Published: February 2022

Background

Contemporary information regarding fever and neutropenia (FN) management, including approaches to antibacterial prophylaxis, empiric therapy, and de-escalation across US cancer centers, is lacking.

Methods

This was a self-administered, electronic, cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial stewardship physicians and pharmacists at US cancer centers. The survey ascertained institutional practices and individual attitudes on FN management in high-risk cancer patients. A 5-point Likert scale assessed individual attitudes.

Results

Providers from 31 of 86 hospitals (36%) responded, and FN management guidelines existed in most (29/31, 94%) hospitals. Antibacterial prophylaxis was recommended in 27/31 (87%) hospitals, with levofloxacin as the preferred agent (23/27, 85%). Cefepime was the most recommended agent for empiric FN treatment (26/29, 90%). Most institutional guidelines (26/29, 90%) recommended against routine addition of empiric gram-positive agents except for specific scenarios. Eighteen of 29 (62%) hospitals explicitly provided guidance on de-escalation of empiric, systemic antibacterial therapy; however, timing of de-escalation was variable according to clinical scenario. Among 34 individual respondents, a majority agreed with use of antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients (25, 74%). Interestingly, only 10 (29%) respondents indicated agreement with the statement that benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis outweigh potential harms.

Conclusion

Most US cancer centers surveyed had institutional FN management guidelines. Antibiotic de-escalation guidance was lacking in nearly 40% of centers, with heterogeneity in approaches when recommendations existed. Further research is needed to inform FN guidelines on antibacterial prophylaxis and therapy de-escalation.
Rapid Deployment of Multiple Tactics to Address Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine Uptake in Healthcare Employees With a Focus on Those Who Identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
Authors: Chan Dominic K , Alegria Brittany D , Chadaga Smitha R , Goren Lisa J , Mikasa Traci J , Pearson Anna M , Podolsky Seth R , Won Regina S , LeTourneau Jennifer L
Published: February 2022

Background

In the third quarter of 2021, government entities enacted vaccine requirements across multiple employment sectors, including healthcare. Experience from previous vaccination campaigns within healthcare emphasize the need to translate community modalities of vaccine outreach and education that partner with Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of Color stakeholders to increase vaccine confidence broadly.

Methods

This was an observational feasibility study conducted from August through October 2021 that deployed and measured the effect of a multimodal approach to increasing vaccine uptake in healthcare employees. Vaccine data were acquired through the Center for Disease Control Immunization Information Systems across Oregon and Washington. Rates of complete vaccination before the intervention were compared with rates after as a measure of feasibility of this intervention. These data were subdivided by race/ethnicity, age, gender, and job class. Complete vaccination was defined as completion of a 2-dose mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series or a 1-dose adenoviral vector SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Results

Overall preintervention and postintervention complete vaccination rates were 83.7% and 93.5%, respectively. Of those employees who identified as a certain race, black employees demonstrated the greatest percentage difference increase, 18.5% (preintervention, 72.1%; postintervention, 90.6%), followed by Hispanic employees, 14.1% (preintervention, 79.4%; postintervention, 93.5%), and employees who identify as 2 or more races, 13.9% (preintervention, 78.7%; postintervention, 92.6%)

Conclusions

We found that a multimodal approach to improving vaccination uptake in employees was feasible. For organizations addressing vaccine requirements for their workforce, we recommend a multimodal strategy to increase vaccine confidence and uptake.
Characteristics of Postvaccination Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations Prior to Booster Vaccines
Authors: Moffa Matthew A , Shively Nathan R , Walsh Thomas L
Published: February 2022

This analysis describes clinical characteristics and outcomes of 128 fully vaccinated patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prior to booster vaccines. We found that 27% were asymptomatic, 52% required intensive care, and 15% died from COVID-19. Most (89.2%) fully vaccinated patients hospitalized with symptomatic COVID-19 were ≥65 years old and/or severely immunosuppressed.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Canada During Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Mandell Lionel A , Zhanel George G , Rotstein Coleman , Muscedere John , Loeb Mark , Johnstone Jennie
Published: February 2022

Dealing with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a monumental test of medical skills and resources worldwide. The management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can at times be difficult, but treating CAP in the setting of COVID-19 can be particularly trying and confusing and raises a number of challenging questions relating to etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. This article is based on the authors’ experiences and presents an overview of how CAP during COVID-19 is handled in Canada. We touch on the issues of microbial etiology in patients with CAP in the setting of COVID-19 as well as diagnostic, site of care, and treatment approaches. Published guidelines are the basis of management of CAP and are discussed in the context of Canadian data. We also outline the usual treatment approaches to COVID-19, particularly in patients who have been hospitalized.
An Outpatient Management Strategy Using a Coronataxi Digital Early Warning System Reduces Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality
Authors: Lim Adeline , Hippchen Theresa , Unger Inga , Heinze Oliver , Welker Andreas , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Weigand Markus A , Merle Uta
Published: February 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused sudden, severe strain to healthcare systems. Better outpatient management is required to save lives, manage resources effectively, and prepare for future pandemics.

Methods

The Coronataxi digital early warning (CDEW) system deployed in Rhein-Neckar County and Heidelberg, Germany is an outpatient care system consisting of remote digital monitoring via a mobile application, a medical doctor dashboard, and medical care delivery to COVID-19 patients in home quarantine when indicated. Patients reported their symptoms, temperature, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse via the app. This single-center cohort study compared outcomes of the population with and without using the CDEW system. The primary outcome was mortality; the secondary outcomes were hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, intensive care therapy, and mechanical ventilation.

Results

Mortality rate was 3- to 4-fold lower and hospitalization rate was higher in the CDEW cohort (459 patients) compared with the cohort without CDEW in the same test area and other regions (Mannheim, Karlsruhe town, Karlsruhe district, and Germany), (mortality rate: 0.65% [95% confidence interval {CI}, .13%–1.90%] versus 2.16%, 2.32%, 2.48%, 2.82% and 2.76%, respectively, P < .05 for all; hospitalization rate: 14.81% [95% CI, 11.69%–18.40%] versus 6.89%, 6.93%, 6.59%, 6.15%, and 7.22%, respectively, P < .001 for all). The median duration of hospitalization in the CDEW cohort was significantly lower compared with a national sentinel cohort (6 days [interquartile range {IQR}, 4–9.75 days] versus 10 days [IQR, 5–19 days]; Z = −3.156; P = .002). A total of 1.96% patients needed intensive care and 1.09% were mechanically ventilated.

Conclusions

The CDEW system significantly reduced COVID-19 mortality and duration of hospitalization and can be applied to the management of future pandemics.
Regulation of Chloroplast Development and Function at Adverse Temperatures in Plants
Authors: Li Jin-Yu , Yang Chuang , Tian Ying-Ying , Liu Jian-Xiang
Published: February 2022

The chloroplast is essential for photosynthesis, plant growth and development. As semiautonomous organelles, the biogenesis and development of chloroplasts need to be well-regulated during plant growth and stress responses. Low or high ambient temperatures are adverse environmental stresses that affect crop growth and productivity. As sessile organisms, plants regulate the development and function of chloroplasts in a fluctuating temperature environment to maintain normal photosynthesis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms and regulatory factors required for chloroplast biogenesis and development under cold or heat stress conditions and highlights the importance of chloroplast gene transcription, RNA metabolism, ribosome function and protein homeostasis essential for chloroplast development under adverse temperature conditions.
Phosphorylation of MdERF17 by MdMPK4 promotes apple fruit peel degreening during light/dark transitions
Authors: Wang Shuai , Wang Ting , Li Qiqi , Xu Chen , Tian Ji , Wang Yi , Zhang Xinzhong , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai , Wu Ting
Published: February 2022

As apple fruits (Malus domestica) mature, they accumulate anthocyanins concomitantly with losing chlorophyll (Chl); however, the molecular pathways and events that coordinate Chl degradation and fruit coloration have not been elucidated. We showed previously that the transcription factor ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR17 (MdERF17) modulates Chl degradation in apple fruit peels and that variation in the pattern of MdERF17 serine (Ser) residues is responsible for differences in its transcriptional regulatory activity. Here, we report that MdERF17 interacts with and is phosphorylated by MAP KINASE4 (MdMPK4-14G). Phosphorylation of MdERF17 at residue Thr67 by MdMPK4-14G is necessary for its transcriptional regulatory activity and its regulation of Chl degradation. We also show that MdERF17 mutants with different numbers of Ser repeat insertions exhibit altered phosphorylation profiles, with more repeats increasing its interaction with MdMPK4. MdMPK4-14G can be activated by exposure to darkness and is involved in the dark-induced degreening of fruit peels. We also demonstrate that greater phosphorylation of MdERF17 by MdMPK4-14G is responsible for the regulation of Chl degradation during light/dark transitions. Overall, our findings reveal the mechanism by which MdMPK4 controls fruit peel coloration.
Expressing the sunflower transcription factor HaHB11 in maize improves waterlogging and defoliation tolerance
Authors: Raineri Jesica , Caraballo Luciano , Rigalli Nicolás , Portapila Margarita , Otegui María Elena , Chan Raquel Lía
Published: February 2022

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) transcription factor HaHB11 (H. annuus  Homeobox 11) belongs to the homeodomain-leucine zipper family and confers improved yield to maize (Zea mays) hybrids (HiII × B73) and lines. Here we report that transgenic maize lines expressing HaHB11 exhibited better performance under waterlogging, both in greenhouse and field trials carried out during three growth cycles. Transgenic plants had increased chlorophyll content, wider stems, more nodal roots, greater total aerial biomass, a higher harvest index, and increased plant grain yield. Under severe defoliation caused by a windstorm during flowering, transgenic genotypes were able to set more grains than controls. This response was confirmed in controlled defoliation assays. Hybrids generated by crossing B73 HaHB11 lines with the contrasting Mo17 lines were also tested in the field and exhibited the same beneficial traits as the parental lines, compared with their respective controls. Moreover, they were less penalized by stress than commercial hybrids. Waterlogging tolerance increased via improvement of the root system, including more xylem vessels, reduced tissue damage, less superoxide accumulation, and altered carbohydrate metabolism. Multivariate analyses corroborated the robustness of the differential traits observed. Furthermore, canopy spectral reflectance data, computing 29 vegetation indices associated with biomass, chlorophyll, and abiotic stress, helped to distinguish genotypes as well as their growing conditions. Altogether the results reported here indicate that this sunflower gene constitutes a suitable tool to improve maize plants for environments prone to waterlogging and/or wind defoliation.
‘Bidding and forbidding’: Morality, Prosody, and The Wreck of the Deutschland
Authors: Rizq Michael
Published: February 2022

This essay considers the unsettling prosody of The Wreck of the Deutschland (composed 1875–6), Gerard Manley Hopkins’s long poem in sprung rhythm, through the lens of his implicit and explicit claims about the moral and theological operations of poetic form. Connecting Hopkins’s account of poetry’s forceful ‘bidding’ to his later assertions about God’s ‘bidding and forbidding’, the essay’s first section argues that the affective texture of Hopkins’s verse undertakes a kind of moral and theological self-examination, registering the implicit violence and volatility of The Wreck’s theodicy. Taking stock of Hopkins’s reading of William Wordsworth, moreover—and developing this, in its second section, through some of Hopkins’s philosophical writings as a young man—it goes on to explore how the sounds and rhythms of poetry might intimate the complexities of moral and religious belief. The essay is committed, indeed, to understanding the sensate qualities of verse form as a medium for serious thinking, implicated as they can be with the proper intensities and uncertainties of our spiritual lives. At stake in The Wreck’s prosody, it claims, is less a kind of sure-footed belief than what Hopkins described as the ‘shock’ or ‘tremble’ of reading Wordsworth’s ‘Ode: Intimations of Immortality’ (1807): the undecidable sense of ‘having seen something, whatever that really was’.
Predictors of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease and mortality in patients with autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 dermatomyositis
Authors: So Jacqueline , So Ho , Wong Victor Tak-Lung , Ho Roy , Wu Tsz Yuen , Wong Priscilla Ching-Han , Tam Lydia Ho-Pui , Ho Chi , Lam Tommy Tsz-On , Chung Yuen Kwan , Li Wai Ling , To Chi Hung , Lau Chak Sing , Mok Chi Chiu , Tam Lai-Shan
Published: February 2022

Objective

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5)-positive DM is associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and high mortality. This multicentre retrospective study aimed to identify predictors of mortality and RP-ILD.

Methods

Anti-MDA5-positive DM patients were identified from the Hong Kong Myositis Registry and the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System. Clinical characteristics were reviewed. Risk factors for mortality and RP-ILD were identified.

Results

Among the 116 recruited patients, 100 (86.2%) had ILD, 47 (40.5%) had RP-ILD and 44 (37.9%) patients died. Cox regression analysis revealed RP-ILD [hazard ratio (HR) 9.735 (95% CI 3.905, 24.272)], age >52 years [HR 4.750 (95% CI 1.692, 13.333)], ferritin level >2800 pmol/l [HR 3.042 (95% CI 1.323, 6.997)] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >400 IU/l [HR 2.290 (95% CI 1.009, 5.198)] were independent predictors of mortality. With regard to RP-ILD, analyses showed that potential predictors at baseline included age >50 years [HR 2.640 (95% CI 1.277, 5.455)], LDH >300 IU/l [HR 3.189 (95% CI 1.469, 6.918)], fever [HR 1.903 (95% CI 0.956, 3.790)] and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio >7.0 [HR 1.967 (95% CI 0.942, 4.107)]. We proposed a prediction model based on fever, LDH, age and white cell count (FLAW) to stratify the risk of development of RP-ILD. The probability of RP-ILD in a patient with a score of 4 was 100%. A small internal validation cohort showed the odds of RP-ILD with FLAW scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3 were 0%, 0%, 42.9% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

Anti-MDA5-associated RP-ILD is significantly associated with poor survival rates. The FLAW model maybe useful to predict the development of RP-ILD.
Whither the Refugees? International Organisations and “Solutions” to Displacement, 1921–1960
Authors: Bradley Megan , Madokoro Laura , Erdilmen Merve , Chanco Christopher
Published: February 2022

Achieving “durable solutions” is a central goal of the contemporary refugee regime. Durable solutions are often equated with three routes to resolving displacement—voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement—and the concept is closely tied to ideas about permanency, protection, and the rectification of refugees’ legal limbo. Despite its contemporary prominence, the genealogy of the concept of durable solutions has not been fully considered. Accordingly, this article traces the origins of the concept of durable solutions for refugees from 1921 to 1960, examining how such solutions have been framed in international law and through the work of a key set of international organisations: the League of Nations, the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, the International Refugee Organization, the UN Conciliation Commission for Palestine, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. By historicising durable solutions discourse as it evolved in the inter-war, immediate post-Second World War and early Cold War eras, and analysing how different international organisations have understood the “refugee problem” and solutions to it, this article promotes critical (re)engagement with the very notion of durable solutions, and demonstrates how the contemporary trinity of voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement emerged from earlier approaches shaped by geo-political and legal considerations tied to particular groups of refugees.
Alignment Between Resident Medical Condition Regard Scale Scores and Desire to Treat Patients With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Wu Jocelyn , Aufderheide Rory , Campbell Travis , Myers Orrin , Stromberg David , Komesu Yuko M.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To (1) evaluate attitudes of resident physicians towards patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and (2) identify characteristics associated with residents’ desire to treat patients with OUD.

Methods

We administered the validated medical condition regard scale (MCRS), a question regarding desire to treat patients with OUD, and a demographic questionnaire to residents in multiple specialties at the University of New Mexico (family medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, internal medicine, anesthesiology, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology).

Results

One hundred sixty-three of 307 residents (53%) responded to the survey; 146 provided complete responses to the “desire” and MCRS questions. Response rates, MCRS, and desire to care for patients with OUD varied between specialties (P < 0.001); family medicine had highest MCRS and desire to care scores; surgery, anesthesiology had low scores. MCRS and resident “desire” scores were highly correlated on univariate analysis (r = 0.73, P < 0.001); resident demographics were not. On logistic regression, resident desire to care for OUD increased with MCRS scores (P < 0.001). The predicated probability of desire to care for OUD was ≥80% with MCRS >57; MCRS classification skill on receiver operator curve analysis was excellent (area under curve = 0.81 [95% confidence interval 0.74, 0.88], and specialty-adjusted MCRS area under curve = 0.85 [95% confidence interval 0.79, 0.91]).

Conclusions

High resident regard for patients with OUD on MCRS was directly related to resident’s desire to provide OUD care. MCRS may offer a tool to alter or individualize OUD education, potentially influencing the OUD workforce of the future.
Tracking Cardiac Rehabilitation Utilization in Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Keteyian Steven J. , Jackson Sandra L. , Chang Anping , Brawner Clinton A. , Wall Hilary K. , Forman Daniel E. , Sukul Devraj , Ritchey Matthew D. , Sperling Laurence S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This study updates cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization data in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for CR-eligible events in 2017, including stratification by select patient demographics and state of residence.

Methods:

We identified Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who experienced a CR-eligible event and assessed their CR participation (≥1 CR sessions in 365 d), engagement, and completion (≥36 sessions) rates through September 7, 2019. Measures were assessed overall, by beneficiary characteristics and state of residence, and by primary (myocardial infarction; coronary artery bypass surgery; heart valve repair/replacement; percutaneous coronary intervention; or heart/heart-lung transplant) and secondary (angina; heart failure) qualifying event type.

Results:

In 2017, 412 080 Medicare beneficiaries had a primary CR-eligible event and 28.6% completed ≥1 session of CR within 365 d after discharge from a qualifying event. Among beneficiaries who completed ≥1 CR session, the mean total number of sessions was 25 ± 12 and 27.6% completed ≥36 sessions. Nebraska had the highest enrollment rate (56.1%), with four other states also achieving an enrollment rate >50% and 23 states falling below the overall rate for the United States.

Conclusions:

The absolute enrollment, engagement, and program completion rates remain low among Medicare beneficiaries, indicating that many patients did not benefit or fully benefit from a class I guideline-recommended therapy. Additional research and continued widespread adoption of successful enrollment and engagement initiatives are needed, especially among identified populations.
Safety and effectiveness of a new ophthalmic viscosurgical device: randomized, controlled study
Authors: Packer Mark , Berdahl John P. , Goldberg Damien F. , Hosten Lester , Lau George
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) (ClearVisc) compared with an approved dispersive OVD (Viscoat) when used in cataract surgery.

Setting:

16 clinics in the United States.

Design:

Prospective multicenter controlled randomized 1:1 (ClearVisc:Viscoat; stratified by site, age group, and cataract severity). Patients and examiners masked.

Methods:

Patients aged 45 years or older with age-related noncomplicated cataract considered amenable to treatment with standard phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included. Patients were randomized to receive either ClearVisc or Viscoat using standard techniques. 5 postoperative visits occurred at 6 hours, 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months. The primary effectiveness outcome was the change in endothelial cell density (ECD) from baseline to 3 months. The primary safety end point was the proportion of patients who experienced at least 1 intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement ≥30 mm Hg at any follow-up visit. Noninferiority was tested. Inflammation and adverse events were evaluated.

Results:

372 patients were randomized: 184 patients in the ClearVisc group and 188 patients in the Viscoat group. ClearVisc was noninferior to Viscoat in mean percentage of ECD loss from baseline to 3 months (8.4% and 6.8%, respectively). ClearVisc was significantly noninferior to Viscoat in the proportion of patients with postoperative IOP ≥30 mm Hg at any follow-up visit (17.4% and 20.3%, respectively, P = .0002).

Conclusions:

ClearVisc dispersive OVD provides surgeons with a new option in the continuum of approved dispersive OVDs with beneficial properties as a surgical aid in cataract extraction and IOL implantation.
Is Detection of Relapse by Surveillance Imaging Associated With Longer Survival in Patients With Rhabdomyosarcoma?
Authors: Fetzko Stephanie , Fonseca Adriana , Frances Wedekind Mary , Gupta Abha A. , Setty Bhuvana A. , Schraw Jeremy , Lupo Philip J. , Guillerman Robert P. , Butala Anish A. , Russell Heidi , Nicholls Lauren , Walterhouse David , Hawkins Douglas S. , Okcu Mehmet F.
Published: February 2022

Background:

We investigated whether surveillance imaging had an impact on post-relapse survival in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We hypothesized that relapse detected by imaging (group IM) would be associated with longer survival compared with relapse detected with a clinical sign or symptom (group SS).

Materials and Methods:

We performed an observational multi-institutional study in 127 patients with relapsed RMS comparing overall survival (OS) after relapse using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results:

Relapse was detected in 60 (47%) group IM and 67 (53%) SS patients. Median follow-up in survivors was 4 years (range 1.0 to 16.7 y). Four-year OS rates were similar between group IM (28%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%-40%) and SS (21%, 95% CI: 11%-31%) (P=0.14). In multivariable analyses accounting for institution, age at diagnosis, time to relapse, risk group at diagnosis, and primary site, not receiving chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.8, 95% CI: 2.8-16.6), radiation (HR: 3, 95% CI: 1.7-5.3), or surgery (HR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.8) after relapse were independently associated with poor OS.

Conclusion:

These results on whether surveillance imaging provides survival benefit in patients with relapsed RMS are inconclusive. Larger studies are needed to justify current surveillance recommendations. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to treat recurrence prolong OS.
Unbearable Suffering: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Ortega-Galán Ángela María , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Roldán-Rodríguez Laura , Ramos-Pichardo Juan Diego , Cabrera-Troya José , Gómez-Beltrán Piedras Albas , Ortiz-Amo Rocío
Published: February 2022

To understand and analyze the concept of “unbearable suffering” using a concept analysis method and to propose a new nursing diagnosis, the Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was used. Following the concept analysis method in 8 steps, a literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE, Dialnet, WOS, and PsycINFO databases between 2016 and 2020. Articles of theoretical or empirical nature, written in English, with the abstract available were included. As a result, 11 articles (4 theoretical and 7 empirical) were included. In addition, 2 cases were developed. The proposed new diagnosis, “unbearable suffering,” refers to the situation of an individual who, because of a variety of factors, regardless of the cause, feels that he/she is unable to bear the suffering he/she is experiencing. The diagnosis is proposed for inclusion in “Domain 9: Coping/Stress Tolerance” and “Class 2: Coping Responses” of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association taxonomy. Recognition of a nursing diagnosis for unbearable suffering could be key in identifying this type of suffering and facilitating interventions to reduce or mitigate it. Nurses play a fundamental role in situations of high levels of end-of-life suffering.
Human Trafficking Education
Authors: Capodilupo Caitlin , Klein Colleen J. , McGarvey Jeremy
Published: February 2022

Nurses as healthcare professionals are in key positions to identify trafficked persons. Assessment of nurse knowledge shows the benefit of using asynchronous human trafficking education as a means for learning. Recommendations from this study for professional development educators include garnishing nurse executive support and use of case-study, evidence-based approaches. Support for state-mandated human trafficking education requirements for initial and ongoing licensure of nurses is necessary as human trafficking knowledge may decrease over time.
A Retrospective and Anatomical Study Describing the Injection of Botulinum Neurotoxins in the Depressor Anguli Oris
Authors: Moradi Amir , Shirazi Azadeh
Published: February 2022

The depressor anguli oris acts to lower the lateral corners of the mouth and can cause an individual to appear sad or angry and contribute to the development of the labiomental folds. Many patients can benefit from the injection of small amounts of botulinum neurotoxin into the depressor anguli oris to enable the lip elevators to reposition the corners of the mouth. Although effective, the procedure is off-label, and the proximity of the depressor anguli oris to the depressor labii inferioris, particularly inferiorly, can lead to inadvertent treatment of the latter, resulting in lip asymmetry. The authors have taken a threefold approach to establish a depressor anguli oris injection technique that provides optimal aesthetic outcomes with a low incidence of adverse events. This involved, first, reviewing the limited existing literature for studies discussing depressor anguli oris anatomy and botulinum neurotoxin treatment technique; second, supplementing information from the published literature with information from cadaver dissections to demonstrate the relationship between the depressor anguli oris and surrounding anatomical structures; and third, performing a retrospective chart review of 275 patients treated with the authors’ three-point injection technique. Combining data from published studies, cadaver dissections, and clinical experience, the authors demonstrate that a three-point technique performed in the upper half of the depressor anguli oris is associated with good clinical outcome and avoids common side effects related to injection or spread of neurotoxin to adjacent muscles.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.