bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V-017 LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS RELEASE (L-TAR) VIA TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL REPAIR (TEP)
Authors: Olivero A A , Valinoti A C , Giacone J A , Sadava E E
Published: May 2023

Aim

Posterior component separation via transversus abdominis release (TAR) allows the treatment of complex incisional hernias, although it is associated with high morbidity rates. In recent years, the laparoscopic TAR was introduced, showing the benefits of the minimally invasive surgery such as less postoperative pain, less surgical site infection, and a shorter hospital stay. When compared to the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach, the Totally Extraperitoneal Repair (TEP) technique avoids entry into the abdominal cavity, making it a suitable strategy for patients with previous abdominal surgeries.

Material & Methods

We present the case of a 68-year-old male with three previous umbilical repairs, one of them with mesh. He consulted for a recurrent umbilical hernia associated with a large weakness on the abdominal wall in the left flank. He complained that it increased in size and significantly altered his quality of life. Computed tomography scan revealed weakness and atrophy of the abdominal wall muscles in the left anterolateral area, which measured 22×10×15 centimeters. Surgical repair was decided and a TEP-TAR technique with mesh reinforcement was performed to restore the abdominal wall anatomy.

Results

The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged 36 hours after surgery. No recurrence was observed at 6 months.

Conclusions

Complex abdominal wall defects are challenging. The use of minimally invasive advanced techniques is feasible and safe, making it a suitable tool for the management of this type of cases.
V-031 ETEP APPROACH FOR UMBILICAL HERNIA & GROIN HERNIA & RECTUS ABDOMINIS DIASTASIS: IS IT A GOOD OPTION?
Authors: Trujillo Díaz J , Gómez López J R , Concejo Cutoli P , Martinez Moreno C , Atienza Herrero J , Martin Del Olmo J C
Published: May 2023

Aims

Ventral hernias are a frequent pathology in general surgery.Its association with rectus abdominis diastasis and groin hernias is not uncommon. Currently, the minimally invasive approach of these pathologies is becoming more frequent.The retromuscular-preperitoneal approach is a good technique because of more anatomical position of the mesh, <complications and recurrences.We present the usefulness of the e-TEP approach to treat different types of hernias (ventral and groin hernias)&rectus abdominis diastasis in the same surgical procedure.

Methods

Video-case.

Results

58-year-old man.Physical examination: umbilical hernia(4cm), rectus diastasis(4cm) and left groin-hernia.We decided to perform a laparoscopic-extraperitoneal technique(eTEP).

We use 4ports(2×12mm,2×5mm).The surgery begins dissecting the left retromuscular space using a dissector-balloon.We perform the supraumbilical cross-over transecting the left posterior sheath and then the right posterior sheath and complete the dissection of the other retromuscular space.

The dissection continues reducing the hernial content and after that dissecting down to the pubis, then dissecting the left groin space.After that we continue closing the anterior sheath using Stratafix (barbed suture) & posterior sheath using 2-0 V-lock suture.We placed a 3D-PVDF-mesh for left groin hernia and another 18×35cm PVDF-mesh fixed with fibrin and without drainage.

The patient presented a satisfactory evolution without complications and was discharged in 1°POD.

Conclusions

The minimally invasive eTEP-approach is an effective and good option in cases of ventral hernias associate with inguinal hernias and rectus abdominis diastasis,without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications and with better postoperative recovery,less postoperative pain,shorter LOS,lower rates of recurrence,faster return to routine activities and working life,and lower healthcare costs.
V-038 ENDOSCOPIC SPIEGEL'S HERNIA REPAIR BY TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL EXTENDED ETEP APPROACH
Authors: Ye J , Gonzalo B , Norte A , Homs R , Vera C , Solans M , Gonzalez J A , Moral A , Lupu I
Published: May 2023

Background

Spiegel's hernia is a rare form of spontaneous abdominal anterolateral hernia (0.12–2% of abdominal hernias) seen in people between 40 and 70 years old. It is often found at the weak point located at the intersection between the semilunar line and the lateral end of the arched line. Traditionally, it was repaired with an open approach, currently we have multiple minimally invasive techniques (enhanced-view total extraperitoneal eTEP, transabdominal preperitoneal, intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair…) that offer less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay as well as less complications risk and better cosmetic outcomes. None of these has proven superior to others but the eTEP approach requires an extensive learning curve.

Aim

To show a video of an eTEP approach to Spiegel's hernia.

Methods

We report the case of a 51 year old woman, without previous abdominal surgery, who consulted for a lump, manually reducible, in the right iliac fossa which appeared 2 years ago, and became progressively painful. She was diagnosed pre-surgically with abdominal tomography and was scheduled electively for an eTEP repair.

Results

After hernia sac reduction and tension-free closure of the defect with barbed suture 0, 15×15cm polypropylene mesh is placed.

Conclusion

Spiegel's hernia is an infrequent type of abdominal wall defect and several techniques have been developed. Adequate selection of patients is important to identify the most suitable approach for each one. The eTEP approach allows working in a large extraperitoneal space and has been demonstrated to be safe and effective although a demanding procedure.
V-046 LIRA (LAPAROSCOPIC INTRACORPOREAL RECTUS APONEUROPLASTY) WITH A MANUAL ROBOTIC LAPAROSCOPIC ARM: TECHNICAL STEPS
Authors: Hoyuela C , Pierres M , Navarro J , Cubel M , Caballero D , Astete S , Muñoz C
Published: May 2023

Introduction

LIRA (Laparoscopic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty) is a minimally invasive technique for the tension-free repair of incisional hernias from M2 to M4, with low recurrence rate and less postoperative bulging and seroma formation than classic IPOM lap repair.

Objective

To describe the main steps of the LIRA focusing on the tension-free midline closure. The use of a robotic laparoscopic arm1 improved the surgeon's mobility range and ergonomy, facilitating the procedure.

Methods

A 42-year-old obese woman (BMI 34 Kg/m2), presented with a recurrent umbilical hernia M3W2, Hernia defect: 6cm.in width, (previous onlay repair with polypropylene mesh in 2020). Access: 3 Trocars at the midaxillary line. Posterior rectus sheaths were divided, and the defect was closed with a running 2/0 barbed suture. Then, the repair was reinforced with a tailored, round-shaped 15 cm. composite mesh2 fixed with a double crown of absorbable tacks3. No drain was used.

Results

Operating time: 85 minutes. The procedure was performed in an outpatient setting. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up: 9 months. The patient remains asymptomatic and highly satisfied (9/10). No recurrence nor bulging has been observed.

Conclusions

The LIRA technique allowed a tension-free reconstruction of the abdominal midline when dealing with ventral hernias, without remarkable complications. LIRA provides the advantages of laparoscopic surgery in terms of less postoperative pain, morbidity (e.g. seroma, and less risk of infection), and no bulging. The use of robotized laparoscopic arms facilitates these quite complex procedures.

References:

1. Dex Surgical©

2. Symbotex® (composite mesh: polyester + collagen; Medtronic)

3. Reliatack DEEP® (Medtronic)
Quality of life in early-onset colorectal cancer patients: systematic review
Authors: Waddell Oliver , Mclauchlan Jared , McCombie Andrew , Glyn Tamara , Frizelle Frank
Published: May 2023

Background

There is an increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer; however, the psychosocial impacts of this disease on younger adults have been seldom explored.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus were searched, and papers were included if published in English within the last 10 years and if they reported results separately by age (including early-onset colorectal cancer, defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50 years). Critical appraisal of all studies was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The primary outcome of interest was the global quality of life in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Secondary outcomes included the effect on sexual function, body image, finances, career, emotional distress, and social and family functioning.

Results

The search yielded 168 manuscripts and 15 papers were included in the review after screening. All studies were observational, and included a total of 18 146 patients, of which 5015 were patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. The studies included scored highly using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools, indicating good quality and a low risk of bias, but data synthesis was not performed due to the wide range of scoring systems that were used across the studies. Six papers reported significant negative impacts on quality of life in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Three of the four studies that compared the quality of life in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer with older patients found that the younger group had worse mean quality-of-life scores (P ≤ 0.05). Secondary outcomes measured in five studies in relation to sexual dysfunction, body image, financial and career impacts, and social and family impacts and in eight studies in relation to emotional distress were found to be more severely impacted in those with early-onset colorectal cancer compared with those with late-onset colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

Whilst data are limited, the impact of colorectal cancer is different in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer compared with older patients in relation to several aspects of the quality of life. This is particularly prominent in areas of global quality of life, sexual functioning, family concerns, and financial impacts.
Development of metal-recycling technology in waste crystalline-silicon solar cells
Authors: Lin Dehai , Liu Zilin , Li Xiaoduan , Cao Zixiong , Xiong Rihua
Published: May 2023

Solar energy is currently one of the most promising clean energy sources and the use of solar energy has led to a rapid increase in the number of solar cells. As one of the fastest-growing electronic wastes, the resource treatment of solar cells at the end of their life should not be neglected. This review discusses the trend for the market development of crystalline-silicon solar cells and analyzes their physical structure and composition. It also discusses the current domestic and international recycling technologies for crystalline-silicon solar cells, including manual dismantling, inorganic acid dissolution, the combination of heat-treatment and chemical methods, and organic solvent dissolution. The shortcomings of the above treatment methods are discussed and some views on the recycling of waste crystalline-silicon solar cells are presented. Constructive suggestions for the green and sustainable development of crystalline-silicon solar cells are put forward by comparing different treatment-recycling processes.
Three-way gravity models with multiplicative unobserved effects
Authors: Yang Yimin , Zhang Huili
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates three-way gravity models with multiplicative unobserved effects, which are popular in bilateral trade analysis and many other contexts. Such models are usually estimated by the fixed effects Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood method. As an alternative, we extend the estimation strategy proposed by Jochmans (2017) to our new settings by constructing moment conditions that are independent of the unobserved effects. Our method entails estimation of the conditional mean of a variety of functional forms. The generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator based on these moment conditions is N-consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. We also discuss the estimation of dynamic models by extending the linear feedback models to our three-way settings. Through various simulation designs, we show that our GMM estimator outperforms the competing Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood estimator. As an empirical application, we estimate the effects of the currency unions on exports.
Danon disease in a Sardinian family: different aspects of the same mutation—a case report
Authors: Pasqualucci Daniele , Maiani Silvia , Perra Ferdinando , Cau Milena , Coiana Alessandra , Bianco Paola , Olivotto Iacopo , Corda Marco
Published: May 2023

Background

Danon disease (DD) is a rare X-linked disorder due to mutations in the lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 gene. It is characterized by a clinical triad of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, and a variable degree of intellectual disability.

Case summary

In this case series, we describe a mother and her son affected by DD, highlighting consistent clinical severity despite the expected variability related to gender. The mother (Case 1) presented isolated cardiac involvement, with an arrhythmogenic phenotype that evolved into severe heart failure requiring heart transplantation (HT). Danon disease was diagnosed 1 year after this event. Her son (Case 2) showed an earlier age onset of symptoms with complete atrioventricular block and fast progression of cardiac disease. Diagnosis was established 2 years after clinical presentation. He is currently listed for HT.

Discussion

In both of our patients, diagnostic delay was extremely long and could have been avoided by emphasizing the relevant clinical red flags. Patients affected by DD may present clinical heterogeneity in terms of natural history, age of onset, and cardiac and extracardiac involvement, even in the same family. Early diagnosis that phenotypic sex differences may impact is a crucial factor in managing patients with DD. Considering the rapid progression of cardiac disease and the poor prognosis, early diagnosis is important and close surveillance should be mandatory during follow-up.
The measurement of racism in health inequities research
Authors: Wizentier Marina Mautner , Stephenson Briana Joy K , Goodman Melody S
Published: May 2023

There is limited literature on the measures and metrics used to examine racism in the health inequities literature. Health inequities research is continuously evolving, with the number of publications increasing over time. However, there is limited knowledge on the best measures and methods to examine the impact of different levels of racism (institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized) on health inequities. Advanced statistical methods have the potential to be used in new ways to examine the relationship between racism and health inequities. In this review, we conduct a descriptive examination of the measurement of racism in the health inequities epidemiologic literature. We examine the study design, methods used for analysis, types of measures used (e.g., composite, absolute, relative), number of measures used, phase of research (detect, understand, solutions), viewpoint (oppressor, oppressed), and components of structural racism measures (historical context, geographical context, multifaceted nature). We discuss methods (e.g., Peters–Belson, latent class analysis, difference in differences) that have demonstrated potential for future work. The articles reviewed were limited to the detect (25%) and understand (75%) phases, with no studies in the solutions phase. Although the majority (56%) of studies had cross-sectional designs, many authors pointed to the need for longitudinal and multilevel data for further exploration. We examined study design features as mutually exclusive elements. However, racism is a multifaceted system and the measurement of racism in many studies does not fit into a single category. As the literature grows, the significance of methodological and measurement triangulation to assess racism should be investigated.
Are insect bites responsible for the rise in summer flucloxacillin prescribing in United Kingdom general practices?
Authors: Wilcock Jane , Hawthorne Kamila , Reeve Joanne , Etherington Clare , Alsop Katharine , Bircher Joanna , McKechnie Douglas , Granier Stephen , Newport Daniel , Wright Simon , Larcombe James , Ndukauba Chinonso , Anastasius Nitharnie
Published: May 2023

Background

Insect bite inflammation may mimic cellulitis and promote unnecessary antibiotic usage, contributing to antimicrobial resistance in primary care. We wondered how general practice clinicians assess and manage insect bites, diagnose cellulitis, and prescribe antibiotics.

Method

This is a Quality Improvement study in which 10 general practices in England and Wales investigated patients attending for the first time with insect bites between April and September 2021 to their practices. Mode of consultation, presentation, management plan, and reattendance or referral were noted. Total practice flucloxacillin prescribing was compared to that for insect bites.

Results

A combined list size of 161,346 yielded 355 insect bite consultations. Nearly two-thirds were female, ages 3–89 years old, with July as the peak month and a mean weekly incidence of 8 per 100,000. GPs still undertook most consultations; most were phone consultations, with photo support for over half. Over 40% presented between days 1 and 3 and common symptoms were redness, itchness, pain, and heat. Vital sign recording was not common, and only 22% of patients were already taking an antihistamine despite 45% complaining of itch. Antibiotics were prescribed to nearly three-quarters of the patients, mainly orally and mostly as flucloxacillin. Reattendance occurred for 12% and referral to hospital for 2%. Flucloxacillin for insect bites contributed a mean of 5.1% of total practice flucloxacillin prescriptions, with a peak of 10.7% in July.

Conclusions

Antibiotics are likely to be overused in our insect bite practice and patients could make more use of antihistamines for itch before consulting.
Terminal Decline in Physical Function in Older Adults
Authors: Stolz Erwin , Mayerl Hannes , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Gill Thomas M
Published: May 2023

Background

It is currently unclear whether (and when) physical function exhibits a terminal decline phase, that is, a substantial acceleration of decline in the very last years before death.

Methods

702 deceased adults aged 70 years and older from the Yale PEP Study provided 4 133 measurements of physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB) up to 20 years before death. In addition, continuous gait and chair rise subtest scores (in seconds) were assessed. Generalized mixed regression models with random change points were used to estimate the onset and the steepness of terminal decline in physical function.

Results

Decline accelerated in the last years of life in all 3 measures of physical function. The onset of terminal decline occurred 1 year before death for the SPPB, and at 2.5 and 2.6 years before death for chair rise and gait speed test scores, respectively. Terminal declines in physical function were 6–8 times steeper than pre-terminal declines. Relative to those whose condition leading to death was frailty, participants who died from dementia and cancer had an up to 6 months earlier and 3 months later onset of terminal decline in SPPB, respectively.

Conclusions

Terminal decline in physical function among older adults is comparable to the more established terminal decline phenomenon in cognition. Our results provide additional evidence of late-life rapid decline in physical function due to impending death.
Senescence and Inflammation: Summary of a Gerontological Society of America and National Institute on Aging-Sponsored Symposium
Authors: Zhang Xu , Tyrrell Daniel J , Alliston Tamara , Schilling Birgit , Yousefzadeh Matthew J , Schafer Marissa J
Published: May 2023

The National Institute on Aging sponsored a symposium at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, to discuss recent discoveries related to senescent and inflammatory mechanisms in aging and disease. Consistent with the 2022 Biological Sciences GSA program led by Dr. Rozalyn Anderson, the symposium featured early-stage investigators and a leader in the field of geroscience research. Cell senescence and immune interactions coordinate homeostatic and protective programming throughout the life span. Dysfunctional communication in this exchange eventuates in inflammation-related compositional changes in aged tissues, including propagation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and accumulation of senescent and exhausted immune cells. Presentations in this symposium explored senescent and immune-related dysfunction in aging from diverse viewpoints and featured emerging cellular and molecular methods. A central takeaway from the event was that the use of new models and approaches, including single-cell -omics, novel mouse models, and 3D culture systems, is revealing dynamic properties and interactions of senescent and immune cell fates. This knowledge is critical for devising new therapeutic approaches with important translational relevance.
A systematic review of randomised-controlled trials on deprescribing outcomes in older adults with polypharmacy
Authors: Omuya Helen , Nickel Clara , Wilson Paije , Chewning Betty
Published: May 2023

Background

Mixed findings about deprescribing impact have emerged from varied study designs, interventions, outcome measures and targeting sub-categories of medications or morbidities. This systematic review controls for study design by reviewing randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of deprescribing interventions using comprehensive medication profiles. The goal is to provide a synthesis of interventions and patient outcomes to inform healthcare providers and policy makers about deprescribing effectiveness.

Objectives

This systematic review aims to (1) review RCT deprescribing studies focusing on complete medication reviews of older adults with polypharmacy across all health settings, (2) map patients’ clinical and economic outcomes against intervention and implementation strategies and (3) inform research agendas based on observed benefits and best practices.

Methods

The PRISMA framework for systematic reviews was followed. Databases used were EBSCO Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomised trials.

Results

Fourteen articles were included. Interventions varied in setting, preparation, use of interdisciplinary teams, validated guidelines and tools, patient-centredness and implementation strategy. Thirteen studies (92.9%) found deprescribing interventions reduced the number of drugs and/or doses taken. No studies found threats to patient safety in terms of primary outcomes including morbidity, hospitalisations, emergency room use and falls. Four of five studies identifying health quality of life as a primary outcome found significant effects associated with deprescribing. Both studies with cost as their primary outcome found significant effects as did two with cost as a secondary outcome. Studies did not systematically study how intervention components influenced deprescribing impact. To explore this gap, this review mapped studies’ primary outcomes to deprescribing intervention components using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Five studies had significant, positive primary outcomes related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL), cost and/or hospitalisation, with four reporting patient-centred elements in their intervention.

Conclusions

RCT primary outcomes found deprescribing is safe and reduces drug number or dose. Five RCTs found a significant deprescribing impact on HRQOL, cost or hospitalisation. Important future research agendas include analysing (1) understudied outcomes like cost, and (2) intervention and implementation components that enhance effectiveness, such as patient-centred elements.
Stochastic zeroth-order gradient and Hessian estimators: variance reduction and refined bias bounds
Authors: Feng Yasong , Wang Tianyu
Published: May 2023

We study stochastic zeroth-order gradient and Hessian estimators for real-valued functions in $\mathbb{R}^n$. We show that, via taking finite difference along random orthogonal directions, the variance of the stochastic finite difference estimators can be significantly reduced. In particular, we design estimators for smooth functions such that, if one uses $ \varTheta \left ( k \right ) $ random directions sampled from the Stiefel manifold $ \text{St} (n,k) $ and finite-difference granularity $\delta $, the variance of the gradient estimator is bounded by $ \mathscr{O} \left ( \left ( \frac{n}{k} - 1 \right ) + \left ( \frac{n^2}{k} - n \right ) \delta ^2 + \frac{ n^2 \delta ^4} { k } \right ) $, and the variance of the Hessian estimator is bounded by $\mathscr{O} \left ( \left ( \frac{n^2}{k^2} - 1 \right ) + \left ( \frac{n^4}{k^2} - n^2 \right ) \delta ^2 + \frac{n^4 \delta ^4 }{k^2} \right ) $. When $k = n$, the variances become negligibly small. In addition, we provide improved bias bounds for the estimators. The bias of both gradient and Hessian estimators for smooth function $f$ is of order $\mathscr{O} \big( \delta ^2 \varGamma \big )$, where $\delta $ is the finite-difference granularity, and $ \varGamma $ depends on high-order derivatives of $f$. Our results are evidenced by empirical observations.
A scoping review and behavioural analysis of factors underlying overuse of antimicrobials
Authors: Poluektova Olga , Robertson Deirdre A , Rafferty Aisling , Cunney Robert , Lunn Peter D
Published: May 2023

Background

Overuse of antimicrobials is a challenging global issue that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Despite widespread awareness of the problem among members of the medical community and various attempts to improve prescription practices, existing antimicrobial stewardship programmes are not always effective. In our view, this may reflect limited understanding of factors that influence prescription of antimicrobials as empirical therapy, implying a need to address the psychological mechanisms behind some of the specific behaviours involved.

Objectives

To identify factors that influence the antimicrobials prescription as empirical therapy, and to relate these factors to findings from behavioural science.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the factors underlying antimicrobial prescription decisions, following the protocol designed using PRISMA guidelines.

Results and conclusions

From a final sample of 90 sources, we identified ten factors important in antimicrobial prescription decisions. In the second stage of our analysis, we grouped them into five final categories: (1) nature of the decision, (2) social influences, (3) individual differences, (4) characteristics of the patient, (5) context. We analyse these categories using a behavioural science perspective.
Comparing the effectiveness of different insecticide application orders for suppressing Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) infestation: experimental and modeling approaches
Authors: Mermer Serhan , Rossi Stacconi Marco Valerio , Tait Gabriella , Pfab Ferdinand , Sial Ashfaq A , Disi Joseph O , Burrack Hannah J , Toennisson Aurora , Xue Lan , Zhang Chengzhu , Walton Vaughn M
Published: May 2023

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a key pest of soft-skinned fruit such as blackberry and blueberry. Differing seasonal spray regimes are expected to have variable effects on D. suzukii populations. Semi-field cage trials were performed at three locations in the United States (Georgia, Oregon, and North Carolina) on blueberry and blackberry crops to evaluate this hypothesis. Insecticides with different efficacy rates (ZC - zeta-cypermethrin, SPI - spinetoram, CYAN - cyantraniliprole) were applied during field experiments conducted within large cages. Treatment schedules consisted of two insecticide applications which performed over three weeks. Seasonal treatment schedules were applied in the following order: ZC-CYAN and CYAN-ZC in rabbiteye and highbush blueberry with the addition of a ZC-SPI treatment applied in blackberry. In addition, a population model was applied to simulate the relative efficacy of the insecticide schedules in Oregon on D. suzukii population model based on previously published efficacy, biological, and weather parameters. Overall, all schedules resulted in reduced D. suzukii infestation compared to untreated control (UTC) treatments, with statistical differences in all three locations. The numerically lower infestation was found in some cases in ZC-CYAN schedule. Population modeling conducted exclusively for blueberry, and the simulations indicated no discernible differences between the two respective schedules (ZC-CYAN vs CYAN-ZC). The present study demonstrates that seasonal infestation of D. suzukii could be suppressed irrespective of application order. Additional research is required to assess the optimal timing and sequence of insecticide applications for controlling seasonal populations of D. suzukii in fruit crops. Such information could be invaluable for growers who are seeking to strategize their insecticide applications.
Spatiotemporal distribution of Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and coinfection with other tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) from New York State, USA
Authors: Foley Nicole , O’Connor Collin , Falco Richard C , Vinci Vanessa , Oliver JoAnne , Haight Jamie , Sporn Lee Ann , Harrington Laura , Mader Emily , Wroblewski Danielle , Backenson P Bryon , Prusinski Melissa A
Published: May 2023

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) were collected from 432 locations across New York State (NYS) during the summer and autumn of 2015–2020 to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens. A total of 48,386 I. scapularis were individually analyzed using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to simultaneously detect the presence of Bo. miyamotoi, Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). Overall prevalence of Bo. miyamotoi in host-seeking nymphs and adults varied geographically and temporally at the regional level. The rate of polymicrobial infection in Bo. miyamotoi-infected ticks varied by developmental stage, with certain co-infections occurring more frequently than expected by chance. Entomological risk of exposure to Bo. miyamotoi-infected nymphal and adult ticks (entomological risk index [ERI]) across NYS regions in relation to human cases of Bo. miyamotoi disease identified during the study period demonstrated spatial and temporal variation. The relationship between select environmental factors and Bo. miyamotoi ERI was explored using generalized linear mixed effects models, resulting in different factors significantly impacting ERI for nymphs and adult ticks. These results can inform estimates of Bo. miyamotoi disease risk and further our understanding of Bo. miyamotoi ecological dynamics in regions where this pathogen is known to occur.
A kernel Stein test for comparing latent variable models
Authors: Kanagawa Heishiro , Jitkrittum Wittawat , Mackey Lester , Fukumizu Kenji , Gretton Arthur
Published: May 2023

We propose a kernel-based nonparametric test of relative goodness of fit, where the goal is to compare two models, both of which may have unobserved latent variables, such that the marginal distribution of the observed variables is intractable. The proposed test generalizes the recently proposed kernel Stein discrepancy (KSD) tests (Liu et al., Proceedings of the 33rd international conference on machine learning (pp. 276–284); Chwialkowski et al., (2016), In Proceedings of the 33rd international conference on machine learning (pp. 2606–2615); Yang et al., (2018), In Proceedings of the 35th international conference on machine learning (pp. 5561–5570)) to the case of latent variable models, a much more general class than the fully observed models treated previously. The new test, with a properly calibrated threshold, has a well-controlled type-I error. In the case of certain models with low-dimensional latent structures and high-dimensional observations, our test significantly outperforms the relative maximum mean discrepancy test, which is based on samples from the models and does not exploit the latent structure.
Population divergence in heat and drought responses of a coastal plant: from metabolic phenotypes to plant morphology and growth
Authors: Schrieber Karin , Glüsing Svea , Peters Lisa , Eichert Beke , Althoff Merle , Schwarz Karin , Erfmeier Alexandra , Demetrowitsch Tobias
Published: May 2023

Studying intraspecific variation in multistress responses is central for predicting and managing the population dynamics of wild plant species under rapid global change. Yet, it remains a challenging goal in this field to integrate knowledge on the complex biochemical underpinnings for the targeted ‘non-model’ species. Here, we studied divergence in combined drought and heat responses among Northern and Southern European populations of the dune plant Cakile maritima, by combining comprehensive plant phenotyping with metabolic profiling via FT-ICR-MS and UPLC-TQ-MS/MS. We observed pronounced constitutive divergence in growth phenology, leaf functional traits, and defence chemistry (glucosinolates and alkaloids) among population origins. Most importantly, the magnitude of growth reduction under drought was partly weaker in southern plants and associated with divergence in plastic growth responses (leaf abscission) and the modulation of primary and specialized metabolites with known central functions not only in plant abiotic but also in biotic stress responses. Our study indicates that divergent selection has shaped the constitutive and drought-/heat-induced expression of numerous morphological and biochemical functional traits to mediate higher abiotic stress resistance in southern Cakile populations, and highlights that metabolomics can be a powerful tool to explore the underlying mechanisms of local adaptation in ‘non-model’ species.
Sulfide promotes tolerance to drought through protein persulfidation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jurado-Flores Ana , Aroca Angeles , Romero Luis C , Gotor Cecilia
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling molecule that regulates essential plant processes. In this study, the role of H2S during drought was analysed, focusing on the underlying mechanism. Pretreatments with H2S before imposing drought on plants substantially improved the characteristic stressed phenotypes under drought and decreased the levels of typical biochemical stress markers such as anthocyanin, proline, and hydrogen peroxide. H2S also regulated drought-responsive genes and amino acid metabolism, and repressed drought-induced bulk autophagy and protein ubiquitination, demonstrating the protective effects of H2S pretreatment. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 887 significantly different persulfidated proteins between control and drought stress plants. Bioinformatic analyses of the proteins more persulfidated in drought revealed that the most enriched biological processes were cellular response to oxidative stress and hydrogen peroxide catabolism. Protein degradation, abiotic stress responses, and the phenylpropanoid pathway were also highlighted, suggesting the importance of persulfidation in coping with drought-induced stress. Our findings emphasize the role of H2S as a promoter of enhanced tolerance to drought, enabling plants to respond more rapidly and efficiently. Furthermore, the main role of protein persulfidation in alleviating reactive oxygen species accumulation and balancing redox homeostasis under drought stress is highlighted.
A framework of biomarkers for brain aging: a consensus statement by the Aging Biomarker Consortium
Authors:   Aging Biomarker Consortium, Jia Yu-Juan , Wang Jun , Ren Jun-Rong , Chan Piu , Chen Shengdi , Chen Xiao-Chun , Chhetri Jagadish K , Guo Junhong , Guo Qihao , Jin Lingjing , Liu Qiang , Liu Qiang , Ma Wenlin , Mao Zhiyong , Song Moshi , Song Weihong , Tang Yi , Wang Difei , Wang Peijun , Xiong Lize , Ye Keqiang , Zhang Junjian , Zhang Weiqi , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Yunwu , Zhang Zhanjun , Zhang Zhuohua , Zheng Jialin , Liu Guang-Hui , Eve Sun Yi , Wang Yan-Jiang , Pei Gang
Published: May 2023

China and the world are facing severe population aging and an increasing burden of age-related diseases. Aging of the brain causes major age-related brain diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Identifying biomarkers for the effective assessment of brain aging and establishing a brain aging assessment system could facilitate the development of brain aging intervention strategies and the effective prevention and treatment of aging-related brain diseases. Thus, experts from the Aging Biomarker Consortium (ABC) have combined the latest research results and practical experience to recommend brain aging biomarkers and form an expert consensus, aiming to provide a basis for assessing the degree of brain aging and conducting brain-aging-related research with the ultimate goal of improving the brain health of elderly individuals in both China and the world.
Transcription factor bZIP52 modulates Arabidopsis seed oil biosynthesis through interaction with WRINKLED1
Authors: Yang Yuzhou , Kong Que , Tee Wan Ting , Li Yuqing , Low Pui Man , Patra Barunava , Guo Liang , Yuan Ling , Ma Wei
Published: May 2023

Transcriptional regulation mediated by combinatorial interaction of transcription factors (TFs) is a key molecular mechanism modulating plant development and metabolism. Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) TFs play important roles in various plant developmental and physiological processes. However, their involvement in fatty acid biosynthesis is largely unknown. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a pivotal TF in regulation of plant oil biosynthesis and interacts with other positive and negative regulators. In this study, we identified two bZIP TFs, bZIP21 and bZIP52, as interacting partners of AtWRI1 by yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H)–based screening of an Arabidopsis TF library. We found that coexpression of bZIP52, but not bZIP21, with AtWRI1 reduced AtWRI1-mediated oil biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The AtWRI1–bZIP52 interaction was further verified by Y2H, in vitro pull-down, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing bZIP52 showed reduced seed oil accumulation, while the CRISPR/Cas9-edited bzip52 knockout mutant exhibited increased seed oil accumulation. Further analysis revealed that bZIP52 represses the transcriptional activity of AtWRI1 on the fatty acid biosynthetic gene promoters. Together, our findings suggest that bZIP52 represses fatty acid biosynthesis genes through interaction with AtWRI1, resulting in a reduction of oil production. Our work reports a previously uncharacterized regulatory mechanism that enables fine-tuning of seed oil biosynthesis.
Healthy food traditions? Nutritional quality and food composition of EU geographical indications
Authors: Höhn Gero Laurenz , Huysmans Martijn , Crombez Christophe
Published: May 2023

The EU's ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy aims to promote healthier diets that include more nutritious and natural foods instead of ultra-processed products. Although several producers of geographical indication (GI) foods such as Parma ham advertise their products as artisanal and healthy, little is known yet about whether GIs can contribute to these ambitions. Therefore, we examine the nutritional quality and food composition of GIs compared to non-GIs. We analyse more than 6,000 cheeses and prepared meats marketed in France. We find that in these food categories GIs are associated with lower nutritional quality based on the Nutri-Score metric. Thus, GI regulations may need to facilitate health-driven product reformulations. On the positive side, we find that GIs in the considered dairy and meat categories tend to be less likely to contain food additives and to be ultra-processed. However, this seems to be truer for Protected Designations of Origin than Protected Geographical Indications. Hence, harmonised additive rules could strengthen the natural character of GIs.
Automation and efficiency: A latent class analysis of Irish dairy farms
Authors: Garcia-Covarrubias Luis , Läpple Doris , Dillon Emma , Thorne Fiona
Published: May 2023

Automation has always played a significant role in the productivity and efficiency of agriculture. This paper explores the role of automation on farms' technical efficiency (TE) in an expanding dairy sector. We use a representative sample of Irish dairy farms that includes detailed data on automated technologies. We apply a latent class stochastic frontier model to assess technology heterogeneity amongst Irish dairy farms to obtain their TE scores. We identify two classes of farms: smaller, less intensive and larger, and more intensive farms. We find significant differences between the classes in relation to farm characteristics, input use, labour efficiency, and TE scores. Larger, more intensive farms produce closer to their stochastic frontier. Our findings also suggest that automation has a heterogeneous effect on farms' TE depending on farms' classification. Specifically, adopting automated cluster removers and scrapers is associated with higher TE on smaller, less intensive farms. In contrast, automated parlour feeders are positively associated with larger, more intensive farms' TE. Finally, the implications of adopting automated technologies on Irish farms are discussed.
Qualitative Analysis of the Content Validity of the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) in Schizophrenia: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Horan William P , Depp Colin A , Hurst Samantha , Linthicum Jared , Vargas Gabriela , Klein Hans , Keefe Richard S E , Harvey Philip D
Published: May 2023

The US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) requires clinical trials targeting cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) to demonstrate the functional relevance of cognitive improvements by employing a functional co-primary measure. Although quantitative evidence supports the suitability of the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) for this purpose, FDA guidelines for qualification of clinical outcome assessments require evidence of content validity, defined as qualitative evidence that key stakeholders view the measure as relevant and important. To collect this important qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with outpatients with schizophrenia (n = 24), caregivers (n = 12), and professional peer support specialists (n = 12) to elicit their views about the definition and importance of functional independence, the importance of the functional domains assessed by the VRFCAT (meal planning, using transportation, handling money, shopping), and the relevance of the VRFCAT tasks to these domains. Qualitative thematic analyses revealed consistent themes across groups in defining functional independence, including performing instrumental self-care, financial, and social tasks; making decisions autonomously; and not depending on others to carry out daily activities. There were, however, notable differences in their views regarding the importance of and barriers to functional independence. All groups viewed the VRFCAT as assessing skill domains that are central to independent functioning and, with some minor differences, the VRFCAT tasks were viewed as relevant and meaningful examples of the domains. These qualitative results provide converging evidence that key stakeholders view the VRFCAT as a content-valid measure.
Buen Crédito y Buen Seguro: Legal Status and Restricted Access to Shelter among Low-Income Latina/o Renters in an Immigrant Gateway City
Authors: Schmidt Steven
Published: May 2023

Sociologists have shown how searches for rental housing reproduce inequalities by race/ethnicity and household income in the United States. Yet scholars know comparatively less about how legal status may also limit access to shelter. To address this gap, this article compares the housing careers of 30 low-income, undocumented/mixed-status, Mexican, Central American, and South American families with those of ten low-income, predominantly Mexican, U.S. citizen/LPR families across 103 total moves in Los Angeles, California. Though citizen and undocumented renters moved for similar reasons, the process of finding a new home varied substantially across these two groups. Renters’ legal status became salient during the screening portion of rental applications, which requested a credit and background check, a verifiable income, and banking information for each household adult. As a result, undocumented renters were excluded from most formal rentals. Instead, these families searched for sympathetic managers or doubled up with friends, family members, and non-kin. Despite these barriers, undocumented and mixed-status families achieved greater housing security over time by transitioning from guests to hosts in doubled up homes. These findings extend prior research on how housing searches stratify movers, the housing careers of Latino immigrant families, and the punitive consequences of illegality.