bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dominance Can Increase Genetic Variance After a Population Bottleneck: A Synthesis of the Theoretical and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Mularo Andrew J , Bernal Ximena E , DeWoody J Andrew
Published: February 2022

Drastic reductions in population size, or population bottlenecks, can lead to a reduction in additive genetic variance and adaptive potential. Genetic variance for some quantitative genetic traits, however, can increase after a population reduction. Empirical evaluations of quantitative traits following experimental bottlenecks indicate that non-additive genetic effects, including both allelic dominance at a given locus and epistatic interactions among loci, may impact the additive variance contributed by alleles that ultimately influences phenotypic expression and fitness. The dramatic effects of bottlenecks on overall genetic diversity have been well studied, but relatively little is known about how dominance and demographic events like bottlenecks can impact additive genetic variance. Herein, we critically examine how the degree of dominance among alleles affects additive genetic variance after a bottleneck. We first review and synthesize studies that document the impact of empirical bottlenecks on dominance variance. We then extend earlier work by elaborating on 2 theoretical models that illustrate the relationship between dominance and the potential increase in additive genetic variance immediately following a bottleneck. Furthermore, we investigate the parameters that influence the maximum level of genetic variation (associated with adaptive potential) after a bottleneck, including the number of founding individuals. Finally, we validated our methods using forward-time population genetic simulations of loci with varying dominance and selection levels. The fate of non-additive genetic variation following bottlenecks could have important implications for conservation and management efforts in a wide variety of taxa, and our work should help contextualize future studies (e.g., epistatic variance) in population genomics.
Archives of the Disappeared: Conceptualizing the Personal Collections of Families of Disappeared Persons
Authors: Bermúdez Qvortrup Natalia
Published: February 2022

In the search for their loved ones, the families of the disappeared create, gather, and share records. The Colombian 2016 peace agreement opened spaces for memory practices that help promote a record-keeping culture at the grassroots among families. These personal collections are private spaces of struggle for memory, resistance, and justice. This article aims to make visible this documentation process undertaken by families, by giving these collections a name—archives of the disappeared—contextualizing their creation, purposes, and uses. By focusing on the case of Colombia, I follow a general chronology of a search for the disappeared to understand who the creators are, and trace the creation, accumulation, and uses of these archives based on existing literature, testimonies and interviews with family members, family organizations and NGOs. I argue that these archives are foundational to societies that have undergone human rights violations as they eventually form the basis of much of the NGO and transitional justice documentation, and provide counter narratives that offer an insight into the search process. The concept I propose, archives of the disappeared, is a starting concept to open up reflection and engagement regarding these archives, which although written about in the literature have yet to be conceptualized separately from NGO archives, transitional justice archives or human rights archives in general.
An overview of bioinformatics, genomics, and transcriptomics resources for bryophytes
Authors: Fernandez-Pozo Noe , Haas Fabian B , Gould Sven B , Rensing Stefan A
Published: February 2022

Bryophytes are useful models for the study of plant evolution, development, plant–fungal symbiosis, stress responses, and gametogenesis. Additionally, their dominant haploid gametophytic phase makes them great models for functional genomics research, allowing straightforward genome editing and gene knockout via CRISPR or homologous recombination. Until 2016, however, the only bryophyte genome sequence published was that of Physcomitrium patens. Throughout recent years, several other bryophyte genomes and transcriptome datasets became available, enabling better comparative genomics in evolutionary studies. The increase in the number of bryophyte genome and transcriptome resources available has yielded a plethora of annotations, databases, and bioinformatics tools to access the new data, which covers the large diversity of this clade and whose biology comprises features such as association with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, sex chromosomes, low gene redundancy, or loss of RNA editing genes for organellar transcripts. Here we provide a guide to resources available for bryophytes with regards to genome and transcriptome databases and bioinformatics tools.
Clinical analysis of gender and pre-existing diabetes mellitus in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: A retrospective study in a Japanese population
Authors: Horai Yoshiro , Otsuka Mizuna , Kawahara Chieko , Iwanaga Nozomi , Yamasaki Yusuke , Watanobe Taro , Yasui Junichi , Saishoji Yusuke , Torisu Yuichi , Mori Takahiro , Mori Hideki , Izumi Yasumori , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study clarifies the involvement of gender and pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) in the clinical characteristics of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Methods

The clinical records of patients diagnosed with PMR in our department between January 2011 and June 2021, especially in terms of gender and DM were retrospectively analysed.

Results

We identified 89 patients with the median age of 75.37 cases were men and 52 cases were women. Pre-existing DM was found in 21 patients (23.6%). Male PMR patients exhibited a higher complication rate of pre-existing DM and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at diagnosis (p = .04 and p < .01, respectively) than female patients, and men were more common in the patient group with pre-existing DM (p = .04). The CRP levels of male PMR patients without pre-existing DM were higher than female PMR patients without pre-existing DM.

Conclusion

Male PMR patients might have a varying pathophysiology from female patients in terms of high inflammation levels accompanied by a high prevalence rate of pre-existing DM and need a gender-specific approach.
Pregnancy-induced alterations of 1-carbon metabolism and significance for maternal nutrition requirements
Authors: Cochrane Kelsey M , Williams Brock A , Elango Rajavel , Barr Susan I , Karakochuk Crystal D
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The pregnancy-induced alterations in 1-carbon (1C) metabolism, effects of advancing gestation on maternal plasma concentrations of methyl nutrients, and potential implications for maternal dietary intake and infant clinical outcomes are summarized in this narrative review.

Background

1C metabolism encompasses a series of pathways where 1C units are transferred among nutrients such as B vitamins, choline, and amino acids (the methyl nutrients). Use of isotopic tracers and measuring methyl nutrients in maternal plasma and infant cord blood has advanced the understanding of 1C flux in pregnancy and kinetics of maternal-placental-fetal transfer. Methyl nutrients are supplied from maternal plasma to the placenta and fetus to support growth and 1C metabolism in these compartments.

Methods

A literature review was completed in MEDLINE and Google Scholar using search terms related to 1C metabolism, methyl nutrients, and nutrition requirements in pregnancy. English-language articles were reviewed in which 1C metabolism in pregnancy, maternal-placental-fetal transfer of methyl nutrients, and determinants of maternal plasma concentrations of methyl nutrients among healthy pregnant women were assessed.

Discussion

Adaptations in 1C metabolism occur throughout a healthy pregnancy to support this unique period of accelerated growth. Studies report similar temporal changes in plasma concentrations of many methyl nutrients, including B vitamins, choline, betaine, methionine, and cysteine, among healthy pregnant women from diverse geographic regions. Other key findings discussed in this review include an apparent high degree of B vitamin transfer to the placenta and fetus, influence of choline supplementation on 1C flux and possible benefit of supplementation for infant cognitive development, and that glycine may be conditionally essential in pregnancy.

Conclusion

Understanding the flux of 1C metabolism in pregnancy and methyl nutrient transfer from maternal plasma is needed to establish appropriate plasma references ranges and, ultimately, dietary recommendations that aim to prevent deficiency and associated adverse health outcomes for mother and baby.
Integrated transcriptome and amino acid profile analyses reveal novel insights into differential accumulation of theanine in green and yellow tea cultivars
Authors: Xu Yan-Xia , Yang Long , Lei Yun-Sheng , Ju Rui-Na , Miao Shu-Gang , Jin Song-Heng
Published: February 2022

Tea cultivars with yellow- or white-leaf variations have a high economic value due to their high amino acid (especially theanine) concentration. However, the dynamic changes of amino acid components (especially theanine) and related gene expression during new shoot development in these cultivars are still unclear. In this study, 264 tea samples from four representative varieties picked during the harvest period in spring were analyzed for their amino acid profiles. The dynamic change rules of ethylamine and 19 amino acids were summarized in normal green and yellow cultivars during new shoot development. Interestingly, the theanine concentration in the yellow cultivar was significantly higher than that in the green cultivar, and increased gradually as the leaves matured until they reached a maximum in the one bud and three leaves stage. The amino acid concentration in the leaves of the yellow cultivar increased significantly with leaf position, which was generally in contrast to the normal green cultivar. Transcriptome and correlation analyses revealed that CsGS1, CsPDX2, CsGGP5, CsHEMA3 and CsCLH4 might be the key genes potentially responsible for the differential accumulation of theanine in green and yellow tea cultivars. These results provide further information for the utilization and improvement of tea plants.
Introduction
Authors: Orkaby Asher
Published: February 2022

This introductory chapter provides an overview of Yemen. Centuries of history have demonstrated
that under the right leadership, Yemen could transform into a regional power and an epicenter
for global trade as it did during the ancient Sabean Kingdom when the world looked to Yemen for
its supply of frankincense. History has also shown that without central leadership, South Arabia
will be overrun by regional powers looking to control this vital waterway and secure an
important asset for global trade. The arrival of the Arab Spring protests in Yemen in 2011
precipitated the downfall of Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had been Yemen's president for 33 years and
whose administration was most responsible for the declining state of Yemen's economy, politics,
and social infrastructure. True to its historical form, Yemen has since been overrun by regional
power rivalries: Iran has emerged as a supporter of the Houthi movement while Saudi Arabia,
Yemen's neighbor to the north, has organized an extensive military operation and blockade to
defend the country's deposed republican government.
Regions, Sects, and Tribes
Authors: Orkaby Asher
Published: February 2022

This chapter discusses the different regions, sects, and tribes in Yemen. The Shafi'i school of
thought, named after the jurist Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i, is the most prevalent religious
sect in Yemen and can also be found in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Levant, and Egypt. In the
9th century CE, Yahya bin Hussein al-Hadi, a prominent religious scholar from the city of
Madinah, brought Shi'i Islam to the highlands of Yemen, where it has remained dominant ever
since. The followers of Zaydi Islam exercise religious hegemony over the northern highlands of
Yemen where they constitute the large majority of the region's population. Ultimately, the
Shafi'i-Zaydi divide between North and South Yemen is more a reflection of regional topographic
differences between highland, lowland, and coastal regions than religious sectarianism. The
chapter then looks at the long history of religious tolerance and respect between Zaydi and
Shafi'i populations. It also considers the role of tribes and tribal confederations in Yemeni
society, before studying the Hadramis and Hadramawt.
Yemen’s Modern Civil War
Authors: Orkaby Asher
Published: February 2022

This chapter studies the current conflict in Yemen. The Sa'dah wars (2004-2010) between Ali
Abdullah Saleh's government and the Houthis ended without addressing the root causes of northern
grievances against the Yemeni government. To their ultimate advantage, the Houthis were left
with strategic military positions in the al-Jawf and Ma'rib regions. Between March of 2011 and
September of 2014, while the rest of the country was overthrowing Saleh and setting up a
transitional government, the Houthis were expanding their territorial possessions through
military conquest, political alliances, and popularization of their Zaydi revivalist movement.
Those targeted by the expansion of the Houthi movement included Salafi religious extremists and
tribal opposition groups who had supported the Yemeni government's war against the north since
2004. The international media continue to focus significant attention on the growing
humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The chapter then considers how the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
intervention in Yemen differed from that of Saudi Arabia, before reflecting on how the current
conflict might be resolved.
Diversity and systematics ofTrichomycterusValenciennes 1832 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) in the Rio Doce Basin: iterating DNA, phylogeny and classical taxonomy
Authors: Reis Vinícius , de Pinna Mário
Published: February 2022

The catfish genus Trichomycterus is a recognized taxonomic bottleneck in Neotropical ichthyology. The hitherto poorly-known diversity of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce Basin, Brazil, is here investigated using an iterative approach based on morphology and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Specimens from the entire Rio Doce Drainage and adjacent basins are analysed, including from type localities. Iteration of different sources of data, dense sampling and taxonomic representation, plus information on relevant type specimens allows a clear view of the diversity, relationships and nomenclature of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce Basin. Results indicate the presence of at least 14 species in the basin, seven of which are new. A lectotype is designated for Trichomycterus immaculatus and the type locality is accordingly restricted to the Rio São Mateus, a satellite basin north of the Rio Doce. Geographic distributions are mapped for all recognized species. The wide distributions of some species (e.g. Trichomycterus alternatus, T. immaculatus) are explained against information on geomorphological processes and comparative information on their biology. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis shows that a large portion of the assemblage of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce forms a clade, a pattern relevant to understanding the evolution of the genus in eastern South America.
Oxathiapiprolin Alone or Mixed with Metalaxyl Seed Treatment for Management of Soybean Seedling Diseases Caused by Species of Phytophthora, Phytopythium, and Pythium
Authors: Vargas Amilcar , Paul Pierce A. , Winger Jonell , Balk Christine Susan , Eyre Meredith , Clevinger Bruce , Noggle Sarah , Dorrance Anne E.
Published: February 2022

Species of Phytophthora, Phytopythium, and Pythium affect soybean seed and seedlings each year, primarily through reduced plant populations and yield. Oxathiapiprolin is effective at managing several foliar diseases caused by some oomycetes. The objectives of these studies were to evaluate oxathiapiprolin in a discriminatory dose assay in vitro; evaluate oxathiapiprolin as a soybean seed treatment on a moderately susceptible cultivar in 10 environments; compare the impact of seed treatment on plant populations and yields in environments with low and high precipitation; and compare a seed treatment mixture on cultivars with different levels of resistance in four environments. There was no reduction in growth in vitro among 13 species of Pythium at 0.1 µg ml−1. Soybean seed treated with the base fungicide plus oxathiapiprolin (12 and 24 µg a.i. seed−1) alone, oxathiapiprolin (12 µg a.i. seed−1) plus mefenoxam (6 µg a.i. seed−1), or oxathiapiprolin (24 µg a.i. seed−1) plus ethaboxam (12.1 µg a.i. seed−1) had greater yields in environments that received ≥50 mm of precipitation within 14 days after planting compared with those that received less. Early plant population and yield were significantly higher for seed treated with oxathiapiprolin (24 µg a.i. seed−1) + metalaxyl (13.2 µg a.i. seed−1) compared with nontreated for six of seven cultivars in at least one of four environments. Oxathiapiprolin combined with another Oomycota fungicide applied to seed has the potential to be used to protect soybean plant establishment and yield in regions prone to poor drainage after high levels of precipitation.
Genome and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus Global Isolates and Validation of a Highly Sensitive RT-qPCR Assay
Authors: Pitman T. L. , Vu S. , Tian T. , Posis K. , Falk B. W.
Published: February 2022

The last two decades have seen exponential growth in the international movement of seeds for annual food crops, from a gross U.S. import value of $349 million in 1999 to $1.05 billion in 2019. This has led to the proportionate growth of seedborne pathogens dispersed with seed stocks. One such viral pathogen is cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), a tobamovirus that infects cucurbit crops such as melon, watermelon, cucumber, pumpkin, and squash. The first CGMMV introduction to California occurred in 2013, with subsequent annual outbreaks or detections since then. Here, we describe the use of next-generation sequencing to characterize the full genomes of 25 CGMMV isolates collected between 2013 and 2020 in California, either from CGMMV field detections or seed lots identified as CGMMV positive. We sequenced an additional 31 CGMMV isolates collected in Europe, Israel, and southeast Asia that were provided by industry collaborators. We also performed an in silico nucleotide database search in GenBank for full genome CGMMV sequences to include in all in silico analyses. Based on conserved regions within the coat protein gene, we then developed a quantitative reverse-transcription PCR assay for the sensitive and specific detection of CGMMV in seed and plant samples. Finally, based on our sequence and phylogenetic analysis, our data support that CGMMV has been introduced multiple times into California.
Adverse Events Associated With 10-kHz Dorsal Column Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: D’Souza Ryan S. , Olatoye Oludare O. , Butler Casey S. , Barman Ross A. , Ashmore Zachary M. , Hagedorn Jonathan M.
Published: February 2022

Background:

High-frequency (10-kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) continues to be an emerging therapy in chronic pain management. The same complications that plagued earlier SCS systems may affect newer stimulation technologies, although there is limited data on the type of complications and surgical management of these complications.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to systematically examine real-world complications associated with 10-kHz SCS reported on the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.

Materials and Methods:

The MAUDE database was queried for entries reported between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Entries were classified into procedural complications, device-related complications, patient complaints, surgically managed complications, serious adverse events, and/or other complications. Primary outcomes included type and frequency of complications, and surgical management of complications.

Results:

A total of 1651 entries were analyzed. Most entries were categorized as procedural complications (72.6%), followed by serious adverse events (10.5%), device-related complications (10.5%), and patient complaints (9.9%). Most complications were managed surgically with explant (50.9%) rather than revision (5.0%) or incision/drainage (6.6%). Of procedural complications, the most common entries included non-neuraxial infection (52.9%), new neurological symptoms (14.7%), and dural puncture (9.5%). Of device-related complications, the most common entries included lead damage (41.6%), erosion (18.5%), and difficult insertion (11.5%).

Conclusion:

This retrospective 5-year analysis of complications from10-kHz SCS provides a real-world assessment of safety data unique for this stimulation modality. This analysis may help inform future clinical decisions, lead to device enhancement and optimization, and improve mitigation of risks to provide safe and efficacious use of 10-kHz SCS.
Lung Ultrasound and Electrical Impedance Tomography During Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury*
Authors: Steinberg Irene , Pasticci Iacopo , Busana Mattia , Costamagna Andrea , Hahn Günter , Gattarello Simone , Palermo Paola , Lazzari Stefano , Romitti Federica , Herrmann Peter , Moerer Onnen , Saager Leif , Meissner Konrad , Quintel Michael , Gattinoni Luciano
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Lung damage during mechanical ventilation involves lung volume and alveolar water content, and lung ultrasound (LUS) and electrical impedance tomography changes are related to these variables. We investigated whether these techniques may detect any signal modification during the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

DESIGN:

Experimental animal study.

SETTING:

Experimental Department of a University Hospital.

Subjects:

Forty-two female pigs (24.2 ± 2.0 kg).

INTERVENTIONS:

The animals were randomized into three groups (n = 14): high tidal volume (TV) (mean TV, 803.0 ± 121.7 mL), high respiratory rate (RR) (mean RR, 40.3 ± 1.1 beats/min), and high positive-end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (mean PEEP, 24.0 ± 1.1 cm H2O). The study lasted 48 hours. At baseline and at 30 minutes, and subsequently every 6 hours, we recorded extravascular lung water, end-expiratory lung volume, lung strain, respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, and gas exchange. At the same time-point, end-expiratory impedance was recorded relatively to the baseline. LUS was assessed every 12 hours in 12 fields, each scoring from 0 (presence of A-lines) to 3 (consolidation).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

In a multiple regression model, the ratio between extravascular lung water and end-expiratory lung volume was significantly associated with the LUS total score (p < 0.002; adjusted R
2, 0.21). The variables independently associated with the end-expiratory difference in lung impedance were lung strain (p < 0.001; adjusted R
2, 0.18) and extravascular lung water (p < 0.001; adjusted R
2, 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS:

Data suggest as follows. First, what determines the LUS score is the ratio between water and gas and not water alone. Therefore, caution is needed when an improvement of LUS score follows a variation of the lung gas content, as after a PEEP increase. Second, what determines the end-expiratory difference in lung impedance is the strain level that may disrupt the intercellular junction, therefore altering lung impedance. In addition, the increase in extravascular lung water during VILI development contributed to the observed decrease in impedance.
Increased mortality with intensive control in patients with higher baseline SBP and lower Framingham risk
Authors: Pan Heng-Yu , Lin Hung-Ju , Chen Wen-Jone , Wang Tzung-Dau
Published: February 2022

Objective:

In the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), the relative reduction in primary outcome with intensive blood pressure (BP) control was numerically smallest in the highest baseline SBP tertile. In this post hoc analysis of SPRINT, the goal was to explore whether the effects of intensive BP treatment varied among patients with different baseline SBP and cardiovascular risks.

Methods:

Patient-level data from 9361 randomized participants in SPRINT were used. Heterogeneity between treatment and patient characteristics were examined stratified by different baseline SBP levels. Cumulative incidences of primary outcome and all-cause death were compared between treatment groups for patients with baseline SBP at least 160 mmHg and lower Framingham risk.

Results:

For participants with a baseline SBP of at least 160 mmHg, intensive treatment was associated with a higher rate of all-cause death as compared with standard treatment (1.86 vs. 1.62% per year). After adjustment for age and sex, intensive treatment was associated with significantly increased all-cause death compared with standard treatment [hazard ratio (95% CI) for intensive group: 3.12 (1.00–9.69); P = 0.049] in participants with an SBP of at least 160 mmHg and a Framingham risk score of 31.3% or less (average of median and geometric mean). Patient outcomes were otherwise similar regarding age, use of antihypertensive therapy, cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion:

Among the SPRINT participants with a baseline SBP of at least 160 mmHg and a lower Framingham risk score, targeting an SBP of less than 120mmHg compared with less than 140mmHg resulted in a significantly higher rate of all-cause death.
Gut microbiome and retinal diseases: an updated review
Authors: Nadeem Urooba , Boachie-Mensah Michael , Zhang Jason , Skondra Dimitra
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

The gut microbiome, trillions of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, is now believed to play a significant role in retinal diseases. Breakthroughs in computational biology and specialized animal models have allowed researchers not only to characterize microbes associated with retinal diseases, but also to provide early insights into the function of the microbiome in relation to biological processes in the retinal microenvironment. This review aims to provide an update on recent advances in the current knowledge on the relationship between the gut microbiome and retinal disorders.

Recent findings

Recent work demonstrates distinct gut microbial compositions associated with retinal diseases such as agerelated macular degeneration and retinopathy of prematurity. Currently, it is believed that gut dysbiosis leads to increased gut permeability, elevated circulation of bacterial products, microbial metabolites and inflammatory mediators that result in immune dysregulation at distant anatomic sites including the retina.

Emerging evidence for the gut-retina axis can elucidate previously unknown pathways involved in retinal diseases and also presents an exciting potential therapeutic avenue. Further preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to establish causation and delineate the precise relationship of the gut microbiome with retinal disorders.
Early Results of Irrigating Goniectomy With TrabEx+: A Novel Device for the Treatment of Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Gosling Daniel , Wang Haoyu , Auger Graham
Published: February 2022

Précis:

Irrigating goniectomy with the TrabEx+ device can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma, as a standalone procedure or combined with cataract surgery.

Purpose:

The aim was to describe the efficacy and safety of irrigating goniectomy performed using the TrabEx+ device, either as a standalone procedure or combined with cataract surgery, in eyes with medically treated open-angle glaucoma.

Methods:

A retrospective case series of eyes treated by a single surgeon at a single UK teaching hospital. Data was collected at follow-up visits at 1 week, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Primary outcomes included IOP and glaucoma medication reduction after surgery. Proportion of eyes achieving >20% IOP reduction, IOP <21 mm Hg, and no reoperation were classified as surgical success.

Results:

Seventy-three consecutive eyes of 64 patients (mean age 68.4±13.7 y) were enrolled. 62% were treated as combined procedures with cataract surgery. Overall, mean IOP decreased from 31.3±7.3 to 20.9±10.4 mm Hg at the latest follow-up (34% reduction) (P<0.001) at the latest follow-up (16.1±10.3 mo) with mean preoperative medications decreased from 2.9±1.2 to 1.9±1.3 (P<0.001). 73% met the definition of success at latest follow-up. Postoperative complications were recorded including hyphaema (17%), uveitis (3%), hypotony (1%), and persistent vitreous hemorrhage (1%). Eighteen percent required reoperation because of treatment failure.

Conclusion:

TrabEx+ appears to be effective in lowering IOP and medication with or without cataract surgery. However, long-term safety and efficacy will be better understood in a prospective study with longer follow-up.
Management of gastrointestinal failure in the adult critical care setting
Authors: Berger Mette M. , Hurni Claire-Anne
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Gastrointestinal failure is a polymorphic syndrome with multiple causes. Managing the different situations from a practical, metabolic, and nutritional point of view is challenging, which the present review will try to address.

Recent findings

Acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) has been defined and has evolved into a concept of gastrointestinal dysfunction score (GIDS) built on the model of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and ranging from 0 (no risk) to 4 (life threatening). But there is yet no specific, reliable and reproducible, biomarker linked to it. Evaluating the risk with the Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) score is the first step whenever addressing nutrition therapy. Depending on the severity of the gastrointestinal failure and its clinical manifestations, nutritional management needs to be individualized but always including prevention of undernutrition and dehydration, and administration of target essential micronutrients. The use of fibers in enteral feeding solutions has gained acceptance and is even recommended based on microbiome findings. Parenteral nutrition whether alone or combined to enteral feeding is indicated whenever the intestine is unable to process the needs.

The heterogeneity of gastrointestinal insufficiency precludes a uniform nutritional management of all critically ill patients but justifies its early detection and the implementation of individualized care.
SMART - is it practical in the United States?
Authors: Norris Matthew R. , Modi Sunjay , Al-Shaikhly Taha
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

The 2020 focused updates to the asthma management guidelines by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group advocate for inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-formoterol combinations as single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) for patients with persistent asthma. We review the rationale, the evidence supporting SMART use in asthma, and barriers limiting its wide adoption in the United States.

Recent findings

A growing body of evidence supports the use of SMART over the conventional use of controller medicaments with an as-needed short-acting β2 agonist for rescue therapy for the purpose of reducing the risk of asthma exacerbation and maintaining asthma control in adolescents and adults with persistent disease. Lack of US Food and Drug Administration approval, inconsistent insurance coverage, and limited options of ICS-formoterol combination available for use as SMART represent obstacles to wider integration of SMART in clinical practice.

SMART represents a paradigm shift in asthma management. By identifying and addressing the current and anticipated barriers to implementing SMART, its adoption by providers is likely to increase in the United States.
Routine Catheter Lock Solutions in Pediatric Cancer Care
Authors: Ullman Amanda J. , Edwards Rachel , Walker Rick , Roy John , Paton Andrew , Rickard Claire M. , Cooke Marie , Bradford Natalie , Gibson Victoria , Cattanach Paula , Paterson Rebecca S. , Takashima Mari , Byrnes Joshua , Keogh Samantha , Kleidon Tricia
Published: February 2022

Background

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are integral to cancer care provision. Despite the high prevalence of CVAD complications in children with cancer, preventative strategies are understudied.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess study feasibility, occlusive events, thrombolytic use, adverse events, and direct costs of catheter lock solutions.

Methods

A single-center, parallel-group, pilot randomized controlled trial was undertaken at a tertiary-referral pediatric hospital in Australia. Children 18 years or younger with an oncological or malignant hematological condition and a CVAD were eligible. Participants were 1:1 randomized to (1) normal or (2) heparinized (10–100 U/mL; CVAD-type dependent) saline lock solutions.

Results

Of 217 children assessed for eligibility, 61 were recruited and randomized to normal (n = 30; 3850 CVAD days) or heparinized (n = 31; 4036 CVAD days) saline. Eligibility (52%) and recruitment (54%) feasibility targets were not met. Protocol adherence was high (95% assessments), with no attrition. Parent/clinician satisfaction of interventions was high (median, 10/10 clinicians/parents). Complete CVAD occlusion occurred in heparin only (n = 2, 6.7% CVADs; incidence rate [IR], 0.49/1000 CVAD days [0.06–1.78]). Central venous access device partial occlusion was detected in 23.3% of CVADs in heparin (n = 7; IR, 2.73/1000 CVAD days [1.36–4.87]) and 13.8% of CVADs in normal saline (n = 4; IR, 2.59/1000 CVAD days [1.24–4.77]). Thrombolytic agents were used in 16.7% heparin (5 CVADs) and 3.5% normal saline (1 CVAD). Adverse events did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Multisite randomized controlled trials examining CVAD locks are safe, but strategies and resources to increase recruitment and eligibility are required.

Implications for Practice

Both routine CVAD lock solutions seem safe but may not prevent all forms of CVAD-associated harm.
Diplocloster agilis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Diplocloster modestus sp. nov., two novel anaerobic fermentative members of Lachnospiraceae isolated from human faeces
Authors: Chaplin Andrei V. , Shcherbakova Viktoria A. , Pikina Alla P. , Sokolova Sofia R. , Korzhanova Margarita , Belova Vera A. , Korostin Dmitriy O. , Rebrikov Denis V. , Kardonsky Dmitry A. , Urban Anatoly S. , Zakharzhevskaya Natalia B. , Suzina Natalia E. , Podoprigora Irina V. , Das Milana S. , Kholopova Daria O. , Efimov Boris A.
Published: February 2022

Three novel strains of Gram-stain-negative, obligately anaerobic, spore-forming straight or slightly curved rods with pointed ends occurring singly or in pairs were isolated from the faeces of healthy human children. The strains were characterized by mesophilic fermentative metabolism and production of acetate, ethanol and H2 as the end metabolic products. Strains ASD3451 and ASD5720T were motile, fermented lactose and raffinose, and weakly fermented maltose. Strain ASD4241T was non-motile and did not ferment the carbohydrates listed above but fermented starch. Strains ASD3451 and ASD5720T shared average nucleotide identity higher than 98.5 % with each other, while ASD4241T had only 88.5-89 % identity to them. Based on phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we propose Diplocloster agilis gen. nov., sp. nov. (ASD5720T=JCM 34353T=VKM B-3497T) and Diplocloster modestus sp. nov. (ASD4241T=JCM 34351T=VKM B-3498T) within the family

Lachnospiraceae

.
Motivational trade-offs in bumblebees
Authors: Gibbons Matilda , Versace Elisabetta , Crump Andrew , Baran Bartosz , Chittka Lars
Published: February 2022

Mammals can supress their nociceptive responses to prioritise other important responses via endogenous modulation from the brain. It is well established that insects display nociception, but not whether the insect brain can modulate nociceptive processing. To address this question, we investigated whether bumblebees’ (Bombus terrestris) attraction to higher sucrose solution concentrations reduces their avoidance of noxious heat. Bees were given the choice between either unheated or noxiously-heated (55°C) feeders with different sucrose concentrations. The feeders were associated with colour stimuli to act as conditioned cues. Bees fed more from higher sucrose concentration heated feeders than lower sucrose concentration unheated feeders. Further, bees’ “testing out” of feeders (landing but not feeding) reduced as the experiment progressed, demonstrating that conditioned colour cues informed the bees’ behaviour. Therefore, bees trade off competing conditioned motivational stimuli to modulate nocifensive behaviour, suggesting a form of pain perception.
Limitations of molecular and antigen test performance for SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 contacts
Authors: Robinson Matthew L. , Mirza Agha , Gallagher Nicholas , Boudreau Alec , Garcia Lydia , Yu Tong , Norton Julie , Luo Chun Huai , Conte Abigail , Zhou Ruifeng , Kafka Kim , Hardick Justin , McManus David D. , Gibson Laura L. , Pekosz Andrew , Mostafa Heba , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented attention to the crucial role of diagnostics in pandemic control. We compared SARS-CoV-2 test performance by sample type and modality in close contacts of SARS-CoV-2 cases.

Methods

Close contacts of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were enrolled after informed consent. Clinician-collected nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs in viral transport media (VTM) were tested with a nucleic acid test (NAT). NP VTM and self-collected passive drool were tested using the PerkinElmer real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay. For the first 4 months of study, mid-turbinate swabs were tested using the BD Veritor rapid antigen test. NAT positive NP samples were tested for infectivity using a VeroE6TMPRSS2 cell culture model.

Results

Between November 17, 2020, and October 1, 2021, 235 close contacts of SARS-CoV-2 cases were recruited, including 95 with symptoms (82% symptomatic for <5 days) and 140 asymptomatic individuals. NP swab reference tests were positive for 53 (22.6%) participants; 24/50 (48%) were culture positive. PerkinElmer testing of NP and saliva samples identified an additional 28 (11.9%) SARS-CoV-2 cases who tested negative by clinical NAT. Antigen tests performed for 99 close contacts showed 83% positive percent agreement (PPA) with reference NAT among early symptomatic persons, but 18% PPA in others; antigen tests in 8 of 11 (72.7%) culture-positive participants were positive.

Conclusions

Contacts of SARS-CoV-2 cases may be falsely negative early after contact, which more sensitive platforms may identify. Repeat or serial SARS-CoV-2 testing with both antigen and molecular assays may be warranted for individuals with high pretest probability for infection.
AI-aided dynamic prediction of bleeding and ischemic risk after coronary stenting and subsequent DAPT
Authors: Li Fang , Rasmy Laila , Xiang Yang , Feng Jingna , Du Jingcheng , Aguilar David , Dhoble Abhijeet , Wang Qing , Niu Shuteng , Hu Xinyue , Dang Yifang , Zhang Xinyuan , Xie Ziqian , Nian Yi , He JianPing , Zhou Yujia , Abdelhameed Ahmed , Bian Jiang , Zhi Degui , Tao Cui
Published: February 2022

Background

Contemporary risk scores for ischemic or bleeding event prediction after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation are limited to the determination of a single time duration for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and lack flexibility in providing dynamic risk stratification.

Objectives

This study sought to develop artificial intelligence (AI) models to dynamically predict the ischemic and bleeding risks at different time intervals for patients with DES implantation for personalized decision support for antiplatelet therapy.

Methods

We identified 81,594 adult patients who received DES implantation in the United States from the Cerner HealthFacts® dataset. The total prediction window covered 12-30 months after DES implantation. We designed eight prediction scenarios with four prediction intervals (3, 6, 12, and 18 months). Five AI models were developed for the ischemic and bleeding risk stratification. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Our proposed AI model outperformed the clinical guideline-recommended tool–the DAPT score– for 12m-30m prediction (with AUROC 0.82 vs. 0.79 for ischemia, 0.77 vs 0.72 for bleeding). In the scenarios that are not covered by the DAPT score, our models demonstrated robust performance (AUROC ranges were 0.79–0.80 for ischemia and 0.75–0.76 for bleeding).

Conclusions

As the first effort dedicated to dynamically forecasting adverse endpoints after DES implantation given DAPT continuation or discontinuation, our AI-empowered approach demonstrates superior capabilities for risk stratification, holding value as a novel clinical tool that can refine the prognostic judgments of clinicians and achieve optimal DAPT management.

Condensed abstract

We proposed an innovative AI-based dynamic prediction system that forecasts the ischemic and bleeding events after coronary stenting in varying time intervals given DAPT continuation or discontinuation. Our AI model not only demonstrated superiority compared with the clinical guideline-recommended tool–the DAPT score in the 12-30 months prediction, but also achieved robust performance in other scenarios that were not covered by the DAPT score. Our AI-driven approach holds value as a novel clinical tool that can refine the prognostic judgments of clinicians, enable better informed clinical decisions, and facilitate optimal DAPT management in the context of precision cardiovascular medicine.
Cross-Sectional Study of University students’ attitudes to ‘on campus’ delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and future-proofing MenACWY and MMR vaccination rates by adopting COVID-19 vaccine roll-out strategies
Authors: Webb Adam , Gogoi Mayuri , Weidman Sarah , Woolf Katherine , Zavala Maria , Ladhani Shamez N , Pareek Manish , Gies Lieve , Bayliss Christopher D
Published: February 2022

Background

University students are a critical group for vaccination programmes against COVID-19, meningococcal disease (MenACWY), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). We aimed to evaluate risk factors for vaccine hesitancy (refusal or intention to refuse a vaccine) and views of university students about on-campus vaccine delivery.

Methods

Cross-sectional anonymous online questionnaire study of undergraduate students at a British university in June 2021. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, univariate and multivariate tests were applied to detect associations.

Results

Complete data were obtained from 827 participants (7.6% response-rate). Two-thirds (64%; 527/827) reported having been vaccinated against COVID-19 and a further 23% (194/827) agreed to be vaccinated. Other responses were either unclear (66) or indicated an intention to refuse vaccination (40). Hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines was 5% (40/761). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was associated with black ethnicity (aOR, 7.01, 95% CI, 1.8-27.3) and concerns about vaccine side-effects (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23-2.39). Lower levels of vaccine hesitancy were detected amongst students living in private accommodation (aOR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.38) compared to those living at home. Uncertainty about their personal vaccine status was frequently observed for MMR (11%) and MenACWY (26%) vaccines. Campus-associated COVID-19 vaccine campaigns were definitely (45%) or somewhat (16%) favoured by UK-based students and more so among UK-based international students (62% and 12%, respectively).

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy among students of black ethnicity and those living at home requires further exploration because attitudes in these groups may affect COVID-19 vaccine uptake. High levels of uncertainty among students about their MMR and MenACWY vaccine status are also a concern for the effectiveness of these vaccine programmes. This issue could be tackled by extending the capabilities of digital platforms for accessing vaccine information, such as the NHSapp in the UK. Sector-wide implementation of on-campus vaccine delivery may also improve vaccine uptake, especially for international students.
Effectiveness of Financial Incentives for a Pedometer-Based Walking Promotion Program
Authors: Komiya Eriko , Taniuchi Satsuki , Shiba Masatsugu , Shintani Ayumi , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

Physical inactivity contributes significantly to poor health and the onset of disease. Physical inactivity is also associated with severe economic burdens. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) cites the provision of various health promotion incentives aimed at health-indifferent groups, which are made up of individuals less interested in health promotion. This study investigated the relationship between medical costs and a pedometer-based walking program providing monetary incentives based on daily step counts. The study sample included 16,816 citizens aged 40–75 years who lived in Takaishi City and were enrolled in the NIH from October 2016 to March 2018. The results of the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that participation in a walking promotion program with an HPFI was correlated with a reduction in healthcare costs over 1 year in a sample of Takaishi City residents. In fact, there was a difference of 67,077 yen in the average medical cost per person per year between the walking and control groups. With 1,923 walking group participants, the total medical cost reduction was predicted to be at least 12,898,904 yen. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a walking promotion program with incentives. With program context differing widely from region to region and country to country, future investigations are needed to inform the selection of appropriate incentive schemes for programs offered in other regions and countries.
Environmental monitoring and health assessment in an industrial town in central India: A cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Trushna Tanwi , Dhiman Vikas , Aher Satish Bhagwatrao , Raj Dharma , Ahirwar Rajesh , Shubham Swasti , Nandi Subroto Shambhu , Tiwari Rajnarayan R
Published: February 2022

Background

Textile industry has been widely implicated in environmental pollution. The health effects of residing near manufacturing industries are not well documented in India, especially in central India. Hence, a cross-sectional environmental monitoring and health assessment study was initiated as per directions of the local authorities.

Methods

Comprehensive exposure data about the concentrations of relevant pollutants in the ambient air and ground water samples in the study area will be collected over 1 year. Using stratified random sampling, 3003 apparently healthy adults will be selected from the study area. Sociodemographic and anthropometric information, relevant medical and family history, and investigations including spirometry, electrocardiogram, neurobehavioral tests, and laboratory investigations (complete blood count, lipid profile and random blood glucose) will be conducted. Finally Iodine azide test and heavy metal level detection in urine and blood samples respectively will be conducted in a subset of selected participants to assess individual pollution exposure. Ethics approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (No: NIREH/IEC-7-II/1027, dated 07/01/2021).

Discussion

This manuscript describes the protocol for a multi-disciplinary study that aims to conduct environmental monitoring and health assessment in residential areas near viscose rayon and associated chemical manufacturing industries. Although India is the second largest manufacturer of rayon, next only to China, and viscose rayon manufacturing has been documented to be a source of multiple toxic pollutants, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the health effects of residing near such manufacturing units in India. Therefore implementing this study protocol will aid in filling in this knowledge gap.