bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits and Risks of Intercropping for Crop Resilience and Pest Management
Authors: Huss C P , Holmes K D , Blubaugh C K
Published: March 2022

To combat climate change, farmers must innovate through ecological intensification to boost food production, increase resilience to weather extremes, and shrink the carbon footprint of agriculture. Intercropping (where alternative crops or noncrop plants are integrated with cash crops) can strengthen and stabilize agroecosystems under climate change by improving resource use efficiency, enhancing soil water holding capacity, and increasing the diversity and quality of habitat for beneficial insects that provide pollination services and natural pest control. Despite these benefits, intercropping has yet to be widely adopted due to perceived risks and challenges including decreased crop yield, increased management complexity, a steep learning curve for successful management, and increased susceptibility to pests. Here, we explore the major benefits of intercropping in agricultural systems for pest control and climate resilience reported in 24 meta-analyses, while addressing risks and barriers to implementation. Most studies demonstrate clear benefits of intercropping for weed, pathogen, insect pest control, relative yield, and gross profitability. However, relatively few studies document ecosystem services conferred by intercrops alongside labor costs, which are key to economic sustainability for farmers. In addition to clearer demonstrations of the economic viability of intercropping, farmers also need strong technical and financial support during the adoption process to help them troubleshoot the site-specific complexities and challenges of managing polycultures. Ecological intensification of agriculture requires a more strategic approach than simplified production systems and is not without risks and challenges. Calibrating incentive programs to reduce financial burdens of risk for farmers could promote more widespread adoption of intercropping.
When time is not of the essence: constraints to the carbon balance of bryophytes
Authors: Perera-Castro Alicia V , González-Rodríguez Águeda M , Fernández-Marín Beatriz
Published: March 2022

The data available so far indicate that the photosynthetic and relative growth rates of bryophytes are 10% of those reported for tracheophytes. By examining the existing literature and reanalysing data published in over 100 studies, this review examines the ecophysiological, biochemical, and structural reasons behind this phenomenon. The limiting Rubisco content and surface for gas exchange are the internal factors that can explain the low photosynthetic and growth rates of bryophytes. The role of the thicker cell walls of bryophytes in limiting CO2 diffusion is unclear, due to the current uncertainties regarding their porosity and permeability to CO2. From this review, it is also evident that, despite bryophytes having low photosynthetic rates, their positive carbon balance is tightly related to their capacity to deal with extreme conditions. Contributing factors include their capacity to deal with large daily temperature oscillations, and their capacity to delay the cessation of photosynthesis under water deficit (or to tolerate desiccation in extreme situations). Although further studies on bryophytes are needed before more solid conclusions can be drawn, it seems that their success relies on their remarkable tolerance to a highly variable environment, possibly at the expense of their maximum photosynthetic rate.
Transient Pseudothrombocytopenia Detected 8 Months After COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Higuchi Takakazu , Hoshi Takao , Nakajima Astuko , Haruki Kosuke
Published: March 2022

Pseudothrombocytopenia is an in vitro phenomenon of platelet aggregation due to conformational changes and exposure of cryptic antigens on the platelet surface caused by anticoagulants, leading to the aggregation of platelets and falsely lower automated platelet counts. Although it has no clinical relevance, it can lead to unnecessary fear, diagnostic errors, or unnecessary tests and interventions when unrecognized.

Pseudothrombocytopenia was detected in a 25-year-old woman 8 months after the second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2. The pseudothrombocytopenia was transient and the duration was shorter than 3 months. As pseudothromobocytopenia is not detected unless blood is drawn for other objectives, it is difficult to determine its true occurrence among recipients of vaccines. This case shows that pseudothrombocytopenia may develop transiently even months after COVID-19 vaccination and should be considered when thrombocytopenia is found in recipients of the vaccine to avoid unnecessary fear, diagnostic errors, or unnecessary tests and interventions.
Across the green valley withHSTgrisms: colour evolution, crossing time-scales, and the growth of the red sequence atz = 1.0–1.8
Authors: Noirot Gaël , Sawicki Marcin , Abraham Roberto , Bradač Maruša , Iyer Kartheik , Moutard Thibaud , Pacifici Camilla , Ravindranath Swara , Willott Chris J
Published: March 2022

We measure the colour evolution and quenching time-scales of z = 1.0–1.8 galaxies across the green valley. We derive rest-frame NUVrK colours and select blue-cloud, green-valley, and red-sequence galaxies from the spectral energy distribution modelling of CANDELS GOODS-South and UDS multiband photometry. Separately, we constrain the star-formation history (SFH) parameters (ages, τ) of these galaxies by fitting their deep archival HST grism spectroscopy. We derive the galaxy colour–age relation and show that only rapidly evolving galaxies with characteristic delayed-τ SFH time-scales of <0.5 Gyr reach the red sequence at these redshifts, after a period of accelerated colour evolution across the green valley. These results indicate that the stellar mass build-up of these galaxies stays minimal after leaving the blue cloud and entering the green valley (i.e. it may represent $\lesssim 5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the galaxies’ final, quiescent masses). Visual inspection of age-sensitive features in the stacked spectra also supports the view that these galaxies follow a quenching sequence along the blue-cloud → green-valley → red-sequence track. For this rapidly evolving population, we measure a green-valley crossing time-scale of $0.99^{+0.42}_{-0.25}$ Gyr and a crossing rate at the bottom of the green valley of $0.82^{+0.27}_{-0.25}$ mag Gyr−1. Based on these time-scales, we estimate that the number density of massive (M⋆ > 1010M⊙) red-sequence galaxies doubles every Gyr at these redshifts, in remarkable agreement with the evolution of the quiescent galaxy stellar mass function. These results offer a new approach to measuring galaxy quenching over time and represent a pathfinder study for future JWST, Euclid, and Roman Space Telescope programs.
Tensile strength and surface energy of CO2 ice in the context of planet formation
Authors: Fritscher M , Teiser J
Published: March 2022

Planetesimals grow from agglomerates of small particles, either by pebble accretion or by direct growth. In both cases, the stability of macroscopic agglomerates of fine grains plays a crucial role for the growth, the evolution, and the fate of planetesimals regarding sticking, fragmentation or erosion. While in the inner protoplanetary disc silicates dominate the system, different ice species are the dominant solids in the outer parts. CO2 ice is one of the most abundant species in the outer parts of protoplanetary discs. Here, we present experiments on the stability of highly porous CO2 agglomerates. The CO2 grains are generated by adiabatic expansion of CO2 gas within a cryogenic environment. The agglomerates are compressed to cylinders and the tensile strength is measured using the Brazilian test. The dependence of the tensile strength of porous CO2 agglomerates on the volume filling is well described by a power law. With the well defined geometry, we calculate a surface energy of $\gamma = 0.060\pm 0.022\, \rm J\, m^{-2}$.
Self-consistent dynamical models with a finite extent – I. The uniform density sphere
Authors: Baes Maarten
Published: March 2022

The standard method to generate dynamical models with a finite extent is to apply a truncation in binding energy to the distribution function (DF). This approach has the disadvantages that one cannot choose the density to start with, that the important dynamical quantities cannot be calculated analytically, and that a fraction of the possible bound orbits are excluded a priori. We explore another route and start from a truncation in radius rather than a truncation in binding energy. We focus on the simplest truncated density profile, the uniform density sphere. We explore the most common inversion techniques to generate DFs for the uniform density sphere, corresponding to a large range of possible anisotropy profiles. We find that the uniform density sphere cannot be supported by the standard isotropic, constant anisotropy or Osipkov–Merritt models, as all these models are characterized by negative DFs. We generalize the Cuddeford inversion method to models with a tangential anisotropy and present a one-parameter family of dynamical models for the uniform density sphere. Each member of this family is characterized by an anisotropy profile that smoothly decreases from an arbitrary value β0 ≤ 0 at the centre to completely tangential at the outer radius. All models have a positive DF over the entire phase space, and a non-zero occupancy of all possible bound orbits. This shows that one can generate non-trivial self-consistent dynamical models based on preset density profile with a finite extent.
The evolution of protoplanetary discs in star formation and feedback simulations
Authors: Qiao Lin , Haworth Thomas J , Sellek Andrew D , Ali Ahmad A
Published: March 2022

We couple star cluster formation and feedback simulations of a Carina-like star-forming region with 1D disc evolutionary models to study the impact of external photoevaporation on disc populations in massive star-forming regions. To investigate the effect of shielding of young stellar objects by star-forming material, we track the far-ultraviolet (FUV) field history at each star in the cluster with two methods: (i) Monte Carlo radiative transfer accounting for the shielding of stars from the FUV by the star-forming cloud and (ii) geometric dilution of the radiation from other stars, which ignores shielding effects. We found that significant shielding only occurs for a small fraction of discs and offers protection from external photoevaporation for <0.5 Myr. However, this initial protection can prevent significant early gas/dust mass-loss and disc radius reduction due to external photoevaporation. Particularly, shielding for 0.5 Myr is sufficient for much of the solid reservoir to evolve to larger sizes where it will not be entrained in an external wind. Shielding is therefore potentially significant for terrestrial planet formation in retaining the solid mass budget, but the continued stripping of gas when shielding ends could still impact migration and the gas reservoir for giant planet atmospheres. Our models highlight issues with treating all discs in a cluster with a single characteristic age, since shielded objects are typically only the youngest. Our model predicts that the majority of discs in a 2 Myr Carina-like environment are subject to strong external photoevaporation.
From giant clumps to clouds – II. The emergence of thick disc kinematics from the conditions of star formation in high redshift gas rich galaxies
Authors: van Donkelaar Floor , Agertz Oscar , Renaud Florent
Published: March 2022

High-redshift disc galaxies are more gas rich, clumpier, and more turbulent than local Universe galaxies. This early era of galaxy formation imprints the distribution and kinematics of the stars that we observe today, but it is not yet well established how. In this work, we use simulations of isolated Milky Way-mass disc galaxies to study how kinematic properties of stars change when varying the gas fraction. This allows us to quantify the roles played by internal processes, e.g. gas turbulence and gravitational scattering off massive gas clumps, in establishing the observed stellar velocity dispersions and orbital eccentricities. We find that models with gas fractions >20 per cent feature a turbulent and clumpy interstellar medium (ISM), leading to zero-age stellar velocity dispersions $\sim 20\!-\!30\, {\rm km\, s}^{-1}$ and high-mean orbital eccentricities. Low eccentricities cannot arise from these physical conditions. For gas fractions below 20 per cent, the ISM becomes less turbulent, with stellar velocity dispersions $\lt 10\, {\rm km\, s}^{-1}$, and nearly circular orbits for young stars. The turbulence present in gas-rich high redshift galaxies hence acts as a ‘barrier’ against the formation of thin discs. We compare our findings to the Milky Way’s age–velocity dispersion relation and argue that velocity dispersions imprinted already at star formation by the ISM contribute significantly at all times. Finally, we show that observed orbital eccentricities in the Milky Way’s thick and thin discs can be explained entirely as imprints by the star-forming ISM, rather than by mergers or secular processes.
MIGHTEE-H i: the H i size–mass relation over the last billion years
Authors: Rajohnson Sambatriniaina H A , Frank Bradley S , Ponomareva Anastasia A , Maddox Natasha , Kraan-Korteweg Renée C , Jarvis Matt J , Adams Elizabeth A K , Oosterloo Tom , Baes Maarten , Spekkens Kristine , Adams Nathan J , Glowacki Marcin , Kurapati Sushma , Prandoni Isabella , Heywood Ian , Collier Jordan D , Sekhar Srikrishna , Taylor Russ
Published: March 2022

We present the observed H i size–mass relation of 204 galaxies from the MIGHTEE Survey Early Science data. The high sensitivity of MeerKAT allows us to detect galaxies spanning more than 4 orders of magnitude in H i mass, ranging from dwarf galaxies to massive spirals, and including all morphological types. This is the first time the relation has been explored on a blind homogeneous data set that extends over a previously unexplored redshift range of 0 < z < 0.084, i.e. a period of around one billion years in cosmic time. The sample follows the same tight logarithmic relation derived from previous work, between the diameter ($D_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$) and the mass ($M_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$) of H i discs. We measure a slope of 0.501 ± 0.008, an intercept of $-3.252^{+0.073}_{-0.074}$, and an observed scatter of 0.057 dex. For the first time, we quantify the intrinsic scatter of 0.054 ± 0.003 dex (${\sim } 10 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$), which provides a constraint for cosmological simulations of galaxy formation and evolution. We derive the relation as a function of galaxy type and find that their intrinsic scatters and slopes are consistent within the errors. We also calculate the $D_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}{ \!-\! }M_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$ relation for two redshift bins and do not find any evidence for evolution with redshift. These results suggest that over a period of one billion years in look-back time, galaxy discs have not undergone significant evolution in their gas distribution and mean surface mass density, indicating a lack of dependence on both morphological type and redshift.
Angular dependence of coherent radio emission from magnetars with multipolar magnetic fields
Authors: Yamasaki Shotaro , Ekşi Kazım Yavuz , Göğüş Ersin
Published: March 2022

The recent detection of a fast radio burst (FRB) from a Galactic magnetar secured the fact that neutron stars (NSs) with superstrong magnetic fields are capable of producing these extremely bright coherent radio bursts. One of the leading mechanisms to explain the origin of such coherent radio emission is the curvature radiation process within the dipolar magnetic field structure. It has, however, already been demonstrated that magnetars likely have a more complex magnetic field topology. Here, we critically investigate curvature radio emission in the presence of inclined dipolar and quadrupolar (‘quadrudipolar’) magnetic fields and show that such field structures differ in their angular characteristics from a purely dipolar case. We analytically show that the shape of open field lines can be modified significantly depending on both the ratio of quadrupole to dipole field strength and their inclination angle at the NS surface. This creates multiple points along each magnetic field line that coincide with the observer’s line of sight, and may explain the complex spectral and temporal structure of the observed FRBs. We also find that in quadrudipole, the radio beam can take a wider angular range and the beamwidth can be wider than that in pure dipole. This may explain why the pulse width of the transient radio pulsation from magnetars is as large as that of ordinary radio pulsars.
A novel in vitro 3D model of the human bone marrow to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity testing
Authors: Vernon Alexander R , Pemberton Roy M , Morse H Ruth
Published: March 2022

The regulatory 2D in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay is part of a battery of tests, used to test for genotoxicity of new and existing compounds before they are assessed in vivo (ICH S2). The 2D MN assay consists of a monolayer of cells, whereas the in vivo bone marrow (BM) setting comprises a multicellular environment within a three-dimensional extracellular matrix. Although the in vitro MN assay follows a robust protocol set out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to comply with regulatory bodies, some compounds have been identified as negative genotoxicants within the in vitro MN assay but marginally positive when assessed in vivo. The glucocorticoids, which are weakly positive in vivo, have generally been suggested to pose no long-term carcinogenic risk; however, for novel compounds of unknown activity, improved prediction of genotoxicity is imperative. To help address this observation, we describe a novel 3D in vitro assay which aims to replicate the results seen within the in vivo BM microenvironment. AlgiMatrix scaffolds were optimized for seeding with HS-5 human BM stromal cells as a BM microenvironment, to which the human lymphoblast cell line TK6 was added. An MN assay was performed aligning with the 2D regulatory assay protocol. Utilizing this novel 3D in vitro model of the BM, known genotoxicants (mitomycin C, etoposide, and paclitaxel), a negative control (caffeine), and in vivo positive glucocorticoids (dexamethasone and prednisolone) were investigated for the induction of MN. It was found, in agreement with historical in vivo data, that the model could accurately predict the in vivo outcome of the glucocorticoids, unlike the regulatory 2D in vitro MN assay. These preliminary results suggest our 3D MN assay may better predict the outcome of in vivo MN tests, compared with the standard 2D assay.
Risk of end-stage kidney disease in kidney transplant recipients versus patients with native chronic kidney disease: multicentre unmatched and propensity-score matched analyses
Authors: De Nicola Luca , Serra Raffaele , Provenzano Michele , Minutolo Roberto , Michael Ashour , Ielapi Nicola , Federico Stefano , Carrano Rosa , Bellizzi Vincenzo , Garofalo Carlo , Iodice Carmela , Borrelli Silvio , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni , Gesualdo Loreto , Chiodini Paolo , Andreucci Michele
Published: March 2022

Background

In kidney transplant recipients (KTR), the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) risk dependent on the risk factors acting in native chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains undefined.

Methods

We compared risk and determinants of ESKD between 757 adult KTR and 1940 patients with native CKD before and after propensity-score (PS) analysis matched for unmodifiable risk factors [(age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)].

Results

In unmatched cohorts, eGFR was lower in CKD versus KTR (45.9 ± 11.3 versus 59.2 ± 13.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 5.4 years, the unadjusted cumulative incidence of ESKD was consistently lower in unmatched KTR versus CKD. Conversely, in PS-matched analysis, the risk of ESKD in KTR was 78% lower versus CKD at 1 year of follow-up while progressively increased over time resulting similar to that of native CKD patients after 5 years and 2.3-fold higher than that observed in CKD at 10 years. R2 analysis in unmatched patients showed that the proportion of the outcome variance explained by traditional ESKD determinants was smaller in KTR versus native CKD (31% versus 70%). After PS matching, the risk of ESKD [hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI)] was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (1.02, 1.01–1.02), phosphorus (1.31, 1.05–1.64), 24-h proteinuria (1.11, 1.05–1.17) and haemoglobin (0.85, 0.78–0.93) irrespective of KTR status. Similar data were obtained after matching also for modifiable risk factors.

Conclusions

In KTR, when compared with matched native CKD patients, the risk of ESKD is lower in the first 5 years and higher later on. Traditional determinants of ESKD account for one-third of the variability of time-to-graft failure.
Packaging Characteristics of Top-Selling Cigars in the United States, 2018
Authors: Giovenco Daniel P , Spillane Torra E , Talbot Eugene , Wackowski Olivia A , Audrain-McGovern Janet , Ganz Ollie , Delnevo Cristine D
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Tobacco product packaging is an influential industry marketing tool, but research on cigar packaging characteristics is limited. This study leveraged a pack archive of the top-selling, mass-market cigar products in the US and their corresponding sales data to assess the prevalence of common pack features in the marketplace.

Methods

The 50 cigar products with the highest national unit sales in 2018 were identified using Nielsen’s Scantrack data. A content analysis captured common packaging features within four domains: physical, textual, graphical, and promotional elements. Descriptive statistics, weighted by each pack’s 2018 unit sales, documented the market share of pack characteristics overall and by brand.

Results

Products in the sample constituted 62% of all convenience store cigar sales in 2018. Black & Mild, the most popular brand, did not display warning labels on its single stick, cellophane-wrapped products, which constituted nearly all of its sales (96.3%). Resealable foil pouches were the most common packaging style across other brands, and were most often sold in predominantly red, green, or silver packaging. Common flavor categories included concept (eg, “Jazz”, 32.4%), fruit (15.7%), and sweet (14.5%). Prepricing (eg, “2 for 99 cents”) was a popular promotional strategy, appearing on 74% of all packs sold.

Conclusions

Cigar packaging features such as small pack sizes, innovative materials, flavor names, bright colors, and cost-saving promotions are prevalent among the top-selling products. Stronger packaging-focused policies at the federal and local levels may help reduce appeal and potentially curb cigar use.

Implications

Sales of mass-market cigars in the US have remained strong over the past decade, propelled by lax product regulations. This study demonstrated that cigar packaging features that may enhance consumer appeal, such as small pack sizes, flavor names, sensory descriptors, bright colors, and cost-saving promotions, are prevalent among the top-selling products. Stronger packaging-focused policies at the federal and local levels may help curb cigar use, reduce youth appeal, and potentially minimize existing disparities in cigar use.
MIR164b represses iron uptake by regulating the NAC domain transcription factor5-Nuclear Factor Y, Subunit A8 module in Arabidopsis
Authors: Du Qingguo , Lv Wenshuai , Guo Yu , Yang Juan , Wang Shanhong , Li Wen-Xue
Published: March 2022

Recent findings have revealed the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the secondary responses to oxidative damage caused by iron (Fe) excess. However, the functional importance of miRNAs in plant responses to Fe deficiency remains to be explored. Here, we show that the expression level of miR164 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots was repressed by Fe deficiency. Primary root length, lateral root number, ferric reductase activity, and mRNA abundance of IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) and FERRIC REDUCTION OXIDASE2 (FRO2) were higher in the mir164b mutant than in the wild-type (WT) under Fe-deficient conditions. Analysis of the Fe concentrations and ferric reductase activities in the roots of miR164 knockdown transgenic plants showed that members of the miR164 family had different functions in Fe-deficiency responses. Promoter::GUS analysis showed that NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) domain transcription factor5 (NAC5) is regulated at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels under Fe-deficient conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing NAC5 were more tolerant of Fe deficiency than the WT. NAC5 has transactivation activity and directly transactivates the expression of Nuclear Factor Y, Subunit A8 (NFYA8), as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Like overexpression of NAC5, overexpression of NFYA8 increases primary root length, lateral root number, ferric reductase activity, and mRNA abundance of IRT1 and FRO2 under Fe-deficient conditions. Thus, MIR164b is important for Fe-deficiency responses by its regulation of the NAC5–NFYA8 module.
Why Do Firms Borrow Directly from Nonbanks?
Authors: Chernenko Sergey , Erel Isil , Prilmeier Robert
Published: March 2022

Analyzing hand-collected credit agreements for a sample of middle-market firms over 2010–2015, we find that one-third of all loans are directly extended by nonbank financial intermediaries. Two-thirds of such nonbank lending can be attributed to bank regulations that constrain banks’ ability to lend to unprofitable and highly levered borrowers. Firms with negative EBITDA and debt/EBITDA greater than six are 32$\%$ and 15$\%$ more likely to borrow from nonbanks. These firms pay significantly higher interest rates, especially following the 2013 leveraged loan guidance revisions. Nonbank borrowers also receive different nonprice terms compared to firms borrowing from banks.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Impact of Neonatal Activation of Nuclear Receptor CAR (Nr1i3) on Cyp2 Gene Expression in Adult Mouse Liver
Authors: Shin Aram , Waxman David J
Published: March 2022

Perinatal exposure to environmental chemicals is proposed to reprogram development and alter disease susceptibility later in life. Supporting this, neonatal activation of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) (Nr1i3) by TCPOBOP was previously reported to induce persistent expression of mouse hepatic Cyp2 genes into adulthood, and was attributed to long-term epigenetic memory of the early life exposure. Here, we confirm that the same high-dose neonatal TCPOBOP exposure studied previously (3 mg/kg, 15x ED50) does indeed induce prolonged (12 weeks) increases in hepatic Cyp2 expression; however, we show that the persistence of expression can be fully explained by the persistence of residual TCPOBOP in liver tissue. When the long-term presence of TCPOBOP in tissue was eliminated by decreasing the neonatal TCPOBOP dose 22-fold (0.67× ED50), strong neonatal increases in hepatic Cyp2 expression were still obtained but did not persist into adulthood. Furthermore, the neonatal ED50-range TCPOBOP exposure did not sensitize mice to a subsequent, low-dose TCPOBOP treatment. In contrast, neonatal treatment with phenobarbital, a short half-life (t1/2 = 8 h) agonist of CAR and PXR (Nr1i2), induced high-level neonatal activation of Cyp2 genes and also altered their responsiveness to low-dose phenobarbital exposure at adulthood by either increasing (Cyp2b10) or decreasing (Cyp2c55) expression. Thus, neonatal xenobiotic exposure can reprogram hepatic Cyp2 genes and alter their responsiveness to exposures later in life. These findings highlight the need to carefully consider xenobiotic dose, half-life, and persistence in tissue when evaluating the long-term effects of early life environmental chemical exposures.
What Test Did I Have? Patient Uncertainty About Prenatal Genetic Screening
Authors: Parobek Christian M. , Has Phinnara , Lorenzi Paula , Russo Melissa L. , Clark Melissa A. , Lewkowitz Adam K.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021;225:341–342)

Pregnant patients may not always understand the specific genetic test they have undergone. This study asked patients who had undergone prenatal genetic screening to identify the testing they had performed.
Sociodemographic Missed-care Predictors for Pediatric Orthopaedic Telemedicine During COVID-19
Authors: Tartarilla Ashley B. , Tennermann Nicole , Melvin Patrice , Ward Valerie L. , Bauer Andrea S.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Increased telehealth services may not benefit communities already lacking access to care. Race, socioeconomic status, and insurance type are known to predict missed-care opportunities (MCO) in health care. We examined differences in pediatric orthopaedic telemedicine MCOs during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with MCOs of in-person visits in a prepandemic time frame. We hypothesized that groups with known health disparities would experience higher rates of pediatric orthopedic telemedicine MCOs.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed pediatric orthopaedic telemedicine MCOs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (March-May 2020) and in-person pediatric orthopaedic visit MCOs during a nonpandemic timeframe (March-May 2019). We examined predictors of MCOs including race, ethnicity, language, insurance status, and other socioeconomic determinants of health.

Results:

There were 1448 telemedicine appointments in the pandemic cohort and 8053 in-person appointments in the prepandemic cohort. Rates of telemedicine MCOs (12.5%; n=181) were significantly lower than in-person MCOs (19.5%; n=1566; P<0.001). Telemedicine appointments with public insurance or without insurance (P<0.001) and being Black or Hispanic/Latinx (P=0.003) were associated with MCOs. There were significant differences between in-person MCOs and telemedicine MCOs among all predictors studied, except for orthopaedic subspecialty team and patient’s social vulnerability index.

Conclusions:

Patients with telemedicine appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to experience MCOs than patients with in-person visits during the nonpandemic timeframe. However, when controlling for socioeconomic factors including race, ethnicity, and insurance type, disparities found for in-person visits persisted with the shift to telemedicine. Pediatric orthopaedists should be aware that the use of telemedicine does not necessarily improve access for our most vulnerable patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Single-Surgeon Versus Dual-Surgeon Strategy in Spinal Tumor Surgery
Authors: Lubelski Daniel , Alomari Safwan , Pennington Zach , Lo Larry , Witham Timothy , Theodore Nicholas , Sciubba Daniel M. , Bydon Ali
Published: March 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of spinal tumor surgery between dual-surgeon and single-surgeon approach.

Summary of Background Data:

Perioperative adverse outcomes may be improved with 2 attending surgeons in spinal deformity cases. It is unclear if this advantage may be seen in spinal oncology operations.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review identified 24 patients who underwent spinal tumor surgery by two attending surgeons between January 1, 2016, and April 30, 2020 at a single tertiary care institution. 1:1 matching was then performed to identify 24 patients who underwent spinal tumor operations of similar complexity by a single attending surgeon. Postoperative outcomes were collected.

Results:

Cases in the dual-surgeon group had significantly lower total operative time (601 vs. 683 minutes), reduced estimated blood loss (956 vs. 1780 ml), and were less likely to have an intraoperative blood transfusion (41.7% vs. 75.0%). The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak and wound infection did not significantly differ between groups, nor were there differences in total length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, 6-month emergency room visit, readmission, and reoperation rates.

Conclusion:

Dual-surgeon strategy in spinal tumors surgery may lead to decreased operative time and estimated blood loss. These benefits may have clinical and cost implications, but should be weighed against the impact of resident and fellow training.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Implant-based versus Autologous Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Broyles Justin M. , Balk Ethan M. , Adam Gaelen P. , Cao Wangnan , Bhuma Monika Reddy , Mehta Shivani , Dominici Laura S. , Pusic Andrea L. , Saldanha Ian J.
Published: March 2022

Background:

For women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the comparative benefits and harms of implant-based reconstruction (IBR) and autologous reconstruction (AR) are not well known. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of IBR versus AR after mastectomy for breast cancer.

Methods:

We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies from inception to March 23, 2021. We assessed the risk of bias of individual studies and strength of evidence (SoE) of our findings using standard methods.

Results:

We screened 15,936 citations and included 40 studies (two randomized controlled trials and 38 adjusted nonrandomized comparative studies). Compared with patients who undergo IBR, those who undergo AR experience clinically significant better sexual well-being [summary adjusted mean difference (adjMD) 5.8, 95% CI 3.4–8.2; three studies] and satisfaction with breasts (summary adjMD 8.1, 95% CI 6.1–10.1; three studies) (moderate SoE for both outcomes). AR was associated with a greater risk of venous thromboembolism (moderate SoE), but IBR was associated with a greater risk of reconstructive failure (moderate SoE) and seroma (low SoE) in long-term follow-up (1.5–4 years). Other outcomes were comparable between groups, or the evidence was insufficient to merit conclusions.

Conclusions:

Most evidence regarding IBR versus AR is of low or moderate SoE. AR is probably associated with better sexual well-being and satisfaction with breasts and lower risks of seroma and long-term reconstructive failure but a higher risk of thromboembolic events. New high-quality research is needed to address the important research gaps.
Cardiorenal protective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition in combination with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade in salt-sensitive Dahl rats
Authors: Ito Hiromasa , Okamoto Ryuji , Ali Yusuf , Zhe Ye , Katayama Kan , Ito Masaaki , Dohi Kaoru
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The kidney plays a central role in regulating the salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP) by governing sodium excretion and reabsorption via renal sodium transporters. We hypothesized that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade can synergistically reduce renal sodium reabsorption by beneficially effects on these transporters, leading to lower BP and ameliorating renal and cardiac damage.

Methods and results:

Dahl salt-sensitive rats were treated orally for 8weeks with a normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl), a high-salt diet (8% NaCl), high-salt diet with ipragliflozin (0.04%), high-salt diet with losartan (0.05%) or high-salt diet with a combination of ipragliflozin and losartan. The combination treatment significantly reduced BP and increased daily urine sodium excretion compared with losartan or ipragliflozin monotherapy, leading to greater improvement in BP salt sensitivity than ipragliflozin monotherapy. The combination treatment significantly ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy compared with losartan or ipragliflozin monotherapy. The protein expression levels of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) and Na+-K+-CI− cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) in the kidney were significantly decreased with losartan monotherapy and combination treatment, but not with ipragliflozin monotherapy.

Conclusion:

Inhibition of SGLT2 in combination with an angiotensin II receptor blocker effectively improved BP salt sensitivity by reducing renal expression levels of sodium transporters including NHE3 and NKCC2, which eventually led to improvement of BP salt sensitivity and cardiorenal protection.
A bibliometric analysis of the research on preeclampsia in the first two decades of the twenty-first century
Authors: Zheng Dongying , Khan Muhanmmad , Zhang Guangyao , Song Kedong , Wang Lixia , Qiao Chong , Kang Fuli
Published: March 2022

Background:

Preeclampsia still remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. Despite the concerted efforts of researchers, only a little improvement has been seen. Clinical decision-making is based on the published literatures. With the explosive growth of medical documents in recent decades, a bibliometric method is essential for assessing the intellectual contributions, major components and potential trends.

Methods:

Web of Science Core Collections was selected as the original database and datasets were retrieved consisting of literatures published from 2000 to 2020. Different bibliometric software were employed to visualize the co-authorship network, citation analysis and research theme detection.

Results:

A total of 25497 articles and 3668 reviews were obtained. Despite the number of publications increased annually, the quantity of high-quality contributions did not elevate accordingly. Clinical practitioners should be alerted to the false bloom of achievements and the yield of improvement in future research. Nicolaides Kypros H was found to be the most productive and influential researcher. University of Pittsburgh was the most productive institution whereas Harvard University showed its leading academic status. America located at the central point in global collaboration and scholarship network. Reference citation analysis revealed the top landmark articles. Moreover, keywords co-occurrence analysis and burst detection certificated the lack of novel themes in this field, which needs further efforts.

Conclusion:

This study provides the overall landscape of science mapping in recent two decades in the field of preeclampsia, with the aim of identifying evolution of research topics and promoting potential concentration or collaboration in the future.
Isolated Rib Fractures in Elderly Falls: Not As Deadly As We Think
Authors: Cull John D. , Ewing Alex , Metcalf Ashley , Kitchens Debra , Manning Benjamin
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Rib fractures in elderly patients have been associated with high morbidity and mortality; however, many of these patients had substantial mechanisms of injury, which may have contributed to these high rates.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients with isolated rib fractures who fell from standing.

METHODS:

A single-institution retrospective study was conducted in a Level I trauma center using the trauma registry and a separate elderly fall from standing database. Admitted patients 65 years or older who presented with rib fractures after a fall from January 2013 to June 2017 were included. Patients with a nonthoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale score greater than 2 were excluded from the study.

RESULTS:

Of 129 patients with isolated rib fracture, 94% (n = 121) had comorbidities and 71% (n = 92) had two or more comorbidities. Almost half (41.9%; n = 54) were taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, 78.3% (n = 101) were caused by a mechanical fall, and 7% (n = 9) were caused by syncope. Data showed 72.9% (n = 94) had three or more rib fractures. The mortality rate of patients was 3.9% (n = 5). Three patients had dementia at death, four had do-not-resuscitate order, and only two deaths were directly related to pulmonary status. Patients who developed pneumonia (14.7%; n = 19) and required mechanical ventilation for a median of 11 days (3.9%; n = 5) were fewer than those in in previous studies.

CONCLUSION:

The morbidity and mortality associated with rib fractures are significantly less than reported in the literature when additional injuries are excluded.
Patient Preparedness for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: A Randomized Equivalence Trial of Preoperative Counseling
Authors: Sassani Jessica C. , Grosse Philip J. , Kunkle Lauren , Baranski Lindsey , Ackenbom Mary F.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021;27:719–725)

Patient preparedness before surgery—a patient's readiness to undergo surgery, their related perioperative expectations, and postoperative satisfaction—has been shown to positively affect postoperative satisfaction and surgical outcomes. In a urogynecologic population, increased patient preparedness has been associated with improved symptoms and quality of life.
Endoscopic Removal of a Nasopharyngeal Foreign Body Stuck Within the Sphenoid Bone Using the Endonasal Transseptal Approach
Authors: Nakayama Yuki , Suzuki Jun , Ohta Jun
Published: March 2022

Nasopharyngeal foreign bodies (FBs), which are generally caused by a strong, external force, are seldomly encountered. Removing these FBs is challenging for otorhinolaryngological surgeons because of the vital structures surrounding the nasopharynx, such as the skull base, cranial nerves, and internal carotid artery. Here, the authors report the case of a 69-year-old man referred to our hospital after accidentally cutting his face while using a grinder. Grinder fragments were deeply embedded in the face, thus becoming nasopharyngeal FBs. The authors evaluated three-dimensional volume rendering images and immediately removed these FBs using an endoscopic endonasal transseptal approach under general anesthesia. The postoperative course was uneventful. Using the endoscopic endonasal transseptal approach after evaluating preoperative three-dimensional volume rendering images may help eliminate nasopharyngeal FBs safely.
Posterior Vault Distraction Outcomes in Patients With Severe Crouzon Syndrome Resulting from Ser347Cys and Ser354Cys Mutations
Authors: Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto , Adams Jason W. , Ghizoni Enrico
Published: March 2022

Background:

In this study, the authors present the outcomes of 4 patients with a severe form of Crouzon syndrome characterized by mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) c.1040 C > G p.Ser347Cys or the pathogenic c.1061C > G p.Ser354Cys variant of FGFR2, who underwent posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) to alleviate elevated intracranial pressure.

Methods:

Patients with diagnosed Crouzon syndrome who were found by genetic testing to have an FGFR2 c.1040 C > G p.Ser347Cys mutation or the c.1061C > G p.Ser354Cys variant were included. Outcome data and presence of hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation type I (CMIs), and the presence/absence of a tracheostomy were recorded.

Results:

Three patients with the FGFR2 c.1040 C > G p.Ser347Cys mutation and 1 with the pathogenic FGFR2 c.1061C > G p.Ser354Cys variant were identified as having characteristics of severe Crouzon syndrome. The mean age at PVDO was 15 months and the mean posterior advancement was 20 mm. All 4 patients experienced sufficient relief of the elevated intracranial pressure from the PVDO to prevent the need for shunt placement, stabilize the ventricular dimensions (n = 2), and resolve the CMIs (n = 2). Intracranial pressure screening ruled out malignant cerebrospinal fluid volume increase.

Conclusions:

PVDO effectively prevented hydrocephalus and resolved CMIs, successfully alleviating intracranial pressure and maximizing clinical outcomes for patients with severe Crouzon syndrome.
Condylar Fractures: Multistep Surgical Planning by Mini-Invasive Approach, Patient Series
Authors: Cortese Antonio , Catalano Salvatore , Rauso Raffaele , Claudio Pier Paolo
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Surgical treatment for condylar fractures is a challenging procedure most debated in scientific literature without a broad consensus on the selection of surgical techniques to be used and relative indications.

The goal of this work is to propose a multistep surgical planning for condylar fractures based on an effective mini-invasive approach and safe procedure aimed to avoid as much as possible skin incision in the aesthetic areas of the face and neck, to decrease the risk of facial nerve injury.

Methods:

Ten patients with dislocated condylar neck fractures and sub-condylar fractures were included in this study.

All the patients were studied with radiological images, computed tomography scans with three-dimensional reconstructions preoperatively and immediate postoperatively.

Patients were evaluated pre- and post-operatively for dental occlusion, bone fragment alignment after reduction and after fixation, facial nerve functionality, skin scarring, temporomandibular joint functionality, temporomandibular joint symptomatology, and patient satisfaction.

Results:

Results were satisfactory for different parameters evaluated. No significant complications resulted in follow-up, particularly for facial nerve injury. By using this multistep procedure with each stage functional to the following one, the authors achieved satisfactory results following treatment of dislocated condylar fractures.
Hepatic Artery Infusion Pumps
Authors: Sharib Jeremy M. , Creasy John M. , Wildman-Tobriner Benjamin , Kim Charles , Uronis Hope , Hsu Shiaowen David , Strickler John H. , Gholami Sepideh , Cavnar Michael , Merkow Ryan P. , Kingham Peter , Kemeny Nancy , Zani Sabino , Jarnagin William R. , Allen Peter J. , D’Angelica Michael I. , Lidsky Michael E.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) is a liver-directed therapy that delivers high-dose chemotherapy to the liver through the hepatic arterial system for colorectal liver metastases and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Utilization of HAI is rapidly expanding worldwide.

Objective and Methods:

This review describes the conduct of HAI pump implantation, with focus on common technical pitfalls and their associated solutions. Perioperative identification and management of common postoperative complications is also described.

Results:

HAI therapy is most commonly performed with the surgical implantation of a subcutaneous pump, and placement of its catheter into the hepatic arterial system for inline flow of pump chemotherapy directly to the liver. Intraoperative challenges and abnormal hepatic perfusion can arise due to aberrant anatomy, vascular disease, technical or patient factors. However, solutions to prevent or overcome technical pitfalls are present for the majority of cases. Postoperative HAI-specific complications arise in 22% to 28% of patients in the form of pump pocket (8%–18%), catheter (10%–26%), vascular (5%–10%), or biliary (2%–8%) complications. The majority of patients can be rescued from these complications with early identification and aggressive intervention to continue to deliver safe and effective HAI therapy.

Conclusions:

This HAI toolkit provides the HAI team a reference to manage commonly encountered HAI-specific perioperative obstacles and complications. Overcoming these challenges is critical to ensure safe and effective pump implantation and delivery of HAI therapy, and key to successful implementation of new programs and expansion of HAI to patients who may benefit from such a highly specialized treatment strategy.
V. Observations for determining the dip of the magnetic needle.
Authors: Parry William Edward , Foster Henry
Published: March 2022

In the following table, is given a general abstract of the dip of the magnetic needle, and of the magnetic intensity, observed at different stations within the Arctic Circle, in the years 1824-25; and of those at Woolwich, both prior, and subsequent to the voyage.