bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenotypic Spectrum of New-onset IBD in Canadian Children of South Asian Ethnicity: A Prospective Multi-Centre Comparative Study
Authors: Dhaliwal J , Carroll M W , deBruyn J C , Ricciuto A , Benchimol E I , Lawrence S , Sherlock M , El-Matary W , Brill H , Church P , Wine E , Carman N , Muise A , Huynh H , Mack D R , Walters T D , Griffiths A M , Jacobson K
Published: August 2021

Background

Canadian-born children of South Asian [SA] ethnicity develop inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] at similar rates to those among Caucasian children. We evaluated the variation in phenotypic spectrum of IBD in SA and Caucasian children in a national paediatric inception cohort of new-onset IBD.

Methods

Patients aged <17 years, enrolled in a Canadian nationwide inception cohort study, were included. Baseline demographic and IBD phenotypic features were compared between SA and Caucasian children. Longitudinal outcomes through 18 months of follow-up were compared matched by propensity scores.

Results

Of 1156 children enrolled over 2014 to 2019, 623 were Caucasian [98% and 88% parents Canadian born] and 114 SA [79% Canadian born, 87% parents SA born]. Fewer SAs have a first-degree relative with IBD, 6% vs 19% in Caucasians, p = 0.002. SAs present at a younger age, median age 11.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9.2–14.3) vs 13 years [IQR 10.9-15 years], p = 0.03 and more commonly with a UC/IBD-U [ulcerative colitis/IBD-unclassified] subtype [ratio of UC/IBD-U to CD 1.2:1 vs 1:1.8 for Caucasians, p <0.001]. Additionally, a greater proportion of SA CD patients present with colonic-only disease [colonic-only CD/UC/IBD-U in SAs 67% vs 57% for Caucasians, p = 0.001], and among those with CD, colonic CD in SAs 31% vs 23% in Caucasians, p = 0.20]. Perianal fistulising disease was also numerically more common in SAs (14 [27%] vs 64 [18%], p = 0.06]. Adjusting for differences in phenotypic presentation, anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] exposure, and time to initiation was similar, and two-thirds of children, whether anti-TNF exposed or naïve, were in corticosteroid-free clinical remission at 18 months irrespective of ethnicity.

Conclusions

The phenotypic spectrum of new-onset IBD in SA children differs from that of Caucasian children, but treatment and clinical course are similar within phenotypic subgroups.
Bacillus subtilis strain BS06 protects soybean roots from Fusarium oxysporum infection
Authors: Jia Yujing , Huang Jingxin , Qi Lanlan , Zhang Xiaole , Liu Jianhong , Guan Huilin , Wang Chenjiao , Tang Guangmei , Dou Xiaolin , Lu Meng
Published: August 2021

Soybean, as a major oil crop, is one of the most widely planted crops in the world. Fusarium oxysporum causes soybean root rot, leading to great economic losses to soybean planting every year globally. Chemical fungicide for controlling soybean F. oxysporum diseases may cause environmental problems and has human health risks. Biological control methods avoid these shortcomings; however, few studies have focused on biocontrol of soybean diseases caused by F. oxysporum. Aiming at this problem, we obtained biocontrol bacteria against soybean F. oxysporum by plate confrontation method. The type of the strain with the highest biocontrol activity was identified by molecular biological methods, and then its biocontrol effects were verified through greenhouse experiments. One of our isolated strain named BS06 strain had the highest activity, which was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Our study showed that BS06 strain could effectively control soybean F. oxysporum disease and significantly reduce F. oxysporum to infect soybean roots. Compared with control and carbendazim treatments, BS06 treatment had higher root biomass, plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, stem base diameter and control efficiency. Our results indicated that BS06 could effectively protect soybean root (BS06 strain might produce substances to inhibit F. oxysporum), which was potentially useful for soybean planting.
Disruption ofECM33in diploid wine yeast EC1118: cell morphology and aggregation and their influence on fermentation performance
Authors: Lang Tom A , Walker Michelle E , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: August 2021

When investigating yeast gene function in relation to fermentation, many screens rely on haploid yeast derivatives. This, however, is not representative of industrial strains, which are typically diploid. One such example is the disruption of ECM33, which was associated with improved fermentation in the haploid wine yeast C911D, but remains uncharacterised in a diploid industrial strain background. We report on the homozygous disruption of ECM33 in Lalvin EC1118 using CRISPR/Cas9. EC1118 ecm33 resulted in a reduction of fermentation duration in a defined medium with limiting and sufficient nitrogen (−20% and −13%, respectively) when shaken. Increased cell size and aggregation, a phenotype previously unidentified in ecm33∆ as haploid yeast tend to aggregate, was also observed. This phenotype led to premature settling thereby the yeast behaving similarly to EC1118 in wine-like semi-static fermentations in a chemically defined medium. Further assessment in semi-static Riesling and Chardonnay fermentations inoculated based on cell number or biomass resulted in no significant difference or significantly slower fermentation duration in comparison the EC1118, nullifying the benefits of this mutation unless agitation is applied. This study draws attention to phenotypes being condition-dependent, highlighting the need to characterise and verify fermentation efficiency mutations in industrial yeast.
Continuous cover forestry in Europe: usage and the knowledge gaps and challenges to wider adoption
Authors: Mason W L , Diaci J , Carvalho J , Valkonen S
Published: August 2021

There is increasing interest across Europe in adopting forest management strategies, which promote species and structural diversity through the use of irregular silvicultural systems, an approach often described as continuous cover forestry (CCF). However, there is little information about the proportion of CCF practised across the continent or about the knowledge gaps and other obstacles that limit its use. A survey of respondents in 33 European countries sought to address these issues. The results indicated that the silvicultural systems associated with CCF were single stem, group selection and irregular shelterwood. Rotational forest management (RFM) was more frequent than CCF in about 66 per cent of countries, whereas in 25 per cent the reverse was true. We estimated that between 22 and 30 per cent of European forests are managed through CCF, although good data are lacking. The main knowledge gaps were: uncertainties arising from climate change (e.g. appropriate species choice, carbon storage in CCF), using CCF to increase forest resilience, deployment of mechanized harvesting systems, lack of knowledge about CCF amongst professional foresters and better information on economic implications of this approach. Major obstacles included: little awareness of CCF amongst forest owners, limited competence in CCF within the forestry profession and a scarcity of skilled forest workers to implement this approach, high ungulate populations damaging natural regeneration, a sawmilling sector geared to processing medium-sized logs, subsidy regimes favouring practices associated with RFM and a lack of experience in transforming plantation forests to more diverse structures. Better information on the use of different silvicultural systems is essential to allow policymakers and other stakeholders to monitor progress in diversifying forests. Establishment of a continental network of long-term operational trials (e.g. expanding the existing Association Futaie Irrégulière network) would improve professional understanding of CCF, would demonstrate this approach to forest owners and other stakeholders and could provide a valuable platform for supporting research.
International Trade, Cooperation, and Conflict: The Role of Institutions and Capabilities
Authors: Peterson Timothy M , Wen Shaoshuang
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we reconcile divergent theories linking trade to conflict—opportunity costs and costly signaling on the one hand versus dependence and coercion on the other hand. We argue that variation in domestic political institutions and state capabilities can condition how international trade affects conflictual or cooperative political relationships. When institutions result in a more nationally representative constituency, trade has a relatively more negative association with conflict, whereas deviation from this institutional arrangement reduces the pacifying impact of trade. The presence of greater military capabilities incentivizes leaders to use trade as a lever to advance other state interests. As such, for more powerful states, trade is associated with relatively more conflict and cooperation. We find support for our expectations in statistical tests spanning 1994–2012.
Interplay between extreme drift and selection intensities favors the fixation of beneficial mutations in selfing maize populations
Authors: Desbiez-Piat Arnaud , Le Rouzic Arnaud , Tenaillon Maud I , Dillmann Christine
Published: August 2021

Population and quantitative genetic models provide useful approximations to predict long-term selection responses sustaining phenotypic shifts, and underlying multilocus adaptive dynamics. Valid across a broad range of parameters, their use for understanding the adaptive dynamics of small selfing populations undergoing strong selection intensity (thereafter High Drift-High selection regime, HDHS) remains to be explored. Saclay Divergent Selection Experiments (DSEs) on maize flowering time provide an interesting example of populations evolving under HDHS, with significant selection responses over 20 generations in two directions. We combined experimental data from Saclay DSEs, forward individual-based simulations, and theoretical predictions to dissect the evolutionary mechanisms at play in the observed selection responses. We asked two main questions: How do mutations arise, spread, and reach fixation in populations evolving under HDHS? How does the interplay between drift and selection influence observed phenotypic shifts? We showed that the long-lasting response to selection in small populations is due to the rapid fixation of mutations occurring during the generations of selection. Among fixed mutations, we also found a clear signal of enrichment for beneficial mutations revealing a limited cost of selection. Both environmental stochasticity and variation in selection coefficients likely contributed to exacerbate mutational effects, thereby facilitating selection grasp and fixation of small-effect mutations. Together our results highlight that despite a small number of polymorphic loci expected under HDHS, adaptive variation is continuously fueled by a vast mutational target. We discuss our results in the context of breeding and long-term survival of small selfing populations.
Experiences of Old Age in Indian Fiction: A Study of Two Indian Short Stories
Authors: Kumar Saurav
Published: August 2021

In India, where around 19,500 dialects are spoken, there is a great abundance of fiction quite rich in varied descriptions of old age and aging. While scholars like Pramod K. Nayar and Ira Raja have recently begun studying Indian literary texts written in English from the perspective of literary gerontology, those literary experiences of aging (which are originally in languages like Bengali, Tamil, Hindi, Oriya, etc.) are yet to be analyzed from a gerontological point of view. The present paper aims at studying the experiences of old age in 2 Indian short stories (one from Bengali Literature and another from Tamil Literature)—Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay’s “Drabomoyee Goes to Kashi” (“Drabomoyeer Kashibash” in Bengali) and T. Janakiraman’s “The Puppet” (“Vilayattu Bommai” in Tamil). Regarding “Drabomoyee Goes to Kashi,” the paper interrogates the problems in the emplacement of Hindu older widows to Kashi and explores the possibilities in Drabomoyee from ecofeminist and creatural perspectives. The discussions on “The Puppet” chiefly reflect on the social exclusion of the aging bodies of people living with dementia. Through the story of Venu, the paper shows that what the society or family generally expects from the older persons suffering from dementia may not do any good to them, and may instead lead to their institutionalization and other forms of exclusion.
Contextualizing Innovative Housing Models and Services Within the Age-Friendly Communities Framework
Authors: Mahmood Atiya , Seetharaman Kishore , Jenkins Hailey-Thomas , Chaudhury Habib
Published: August 2021

This article compares and contrasts the characteristics of 3 models of housing and services for older adults, cohousing, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Services Program, and villages, and links them to the domains of the age-friendly communities (AFCs) framework, specifically (a) services, supports, and information; (b) respect, inclusion, and diversity; (c) social and civic participation; and (d) affordability. We discuss key barriers and challenges of these models with respect to the AFC domains, as well as implementation and sustainability. Consideration of these models in age-friendly housing policy and practice could help expand and diversify the choices in the housing and services continuum. This aligns with AFC’s emphasis on the need for housing and services responsive to older adults’ diverse health and social needs, provides options that balance autonomy, choice, and support, and emphasizes older adults’ participation and involvement in tailoring these options.
Framing tobacco control: the case of the Nigerian tobacco tax debates
Authors: Akin-Onitolo Ayotemide , Hawkins Ben
Published: August 2021

Studies have shown that the tobacco industry exerts significant policy-framing efforts to undermine tobacco control (TC) policies. However, most of this evidence is from high-income settings. This study applies framing analysis to the debate surrounding the 2016 tobacco import duty raise in Nigeria and subsequent rise in excise duty on tobacco, alcohol and selected food products in 2018 to understand why policy changes occurred. Print media documents and relevant actor publications published between 2016 and 2018 were analysed interpretively to identify key actors and arguments for and against the tax raise. Key opponents included tobacco companies, trade groups and allies. In contrast, the Ministries of Health and Finance, non-governmental organizations and international bodies like the World Health Organization advocated for the policy. The framing efforts of opponents were largely coordinated with significant alcohol industry involvement, while TC advocates lacked a unified front. Actors on both sides of the debate predominantly focused on economic and ‘global ranking’ arguments, and advocates also employed health and ‘vulnerable groups’ framing among others. The tax policy was sustained despite the framing and litigation efforts of opponents, and this is attributed principally to economic factors. The findings also suggest that tobacco is grouped with less harmful products, and advocates need to intensify efforts to diminish this legitimacy in low- and middle-income country settings. Additionally, there may be some benefits to jointly addressing alcohol and TC in this setting. Summarily, it is recommended that public health advocates coordinate their framing efforts to better articulate clear policy positions to the government, gain public support and ensure full Framework Convention on Tobacco Control compliance.
Abnormal migration behavior linked to Rac1 signaling contributes to primordial germ cell exhaustion in Fanconi anemia pathway-deficient Fancg−/− embryos
Authors: Jarysta Amandine , Riou Lydia , Firlej Virginie , Lapoujade Clémentine , Kortulewski Thierry , Barroca Vilma , Gille Anne-Sophie , Dumont Florent , Jacques Sébastien , Letourneur Franck , Rosselli Filippo , Allemand Isabelle , Fouchet Pierre
Published: August 2021

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare human genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, predisposition to cancer and developmental defects including hypogonadism. Reproductive defects leading to germ cell aplasia are the most consistent phenotypes seen in FA mouse models. We examined the role of the nuclear FA core complex gene Fancg in the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs), the embryonic precursors of adult gametes, during fetal development. PGC maintenance was severely impaired in Fancg−/− embryos. We observed a defect in the number of PGCs starting at E9.5 and a strong attrition at E11.5 and E13.5. Remarkably, we observed a mosaic pattern reflecting a portion of testicular cords devoid of PGCs in E13.5 fetal gonads. Our in vitro and in vivo data highlight a potential role of Fancg in the proliferation and in the intrinsic cell motility abilities of PGCs. The random migratory process is abnormally activated in Fancg−/− PGCs, altering the migration of cells. Increased cell death and PGC attrition observed in E11.5 Fancg−/− embryos are features consistent with delayed migration of PGCs along the migratory pathway to the genital ridges. Moreover, we show that an inhibitor of RAC1 mitigates the abnormal migratory pattern observed in Fancg−/− PGCs.
Raw Material: UNHCR’s Individual Case Files as a Historical Source, 1951–75
Authors: Gatrell Peter
Published: August 2021

This article contributes to the emerging field of refugee history by inviting a consideration of the extensive holdings of the Records and Archives Division of the Geneva-based Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It focuses on a sample of confidential case files created in the quarter-century following the launch of UNHCR to determine whether an individual was eligible for recognition and thus for protection and assistance under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. The postwar international refugee regime was selective and biased towards refugees of European origin, but UNHCR increasingly engaged with non-European refugees, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A close study of the case files concerning refugees in different sites of displacement raises questions about the power vested in the new institution and the circumstances in which refugees sought access to UNHCR. Against the backdrop of Cold War and decolonization the article also engages with issues around the archive, ‘access’ and ‘disclosure’: not only the terms of the encounter between refugees and officialdom, but the privileged access of scholars to confidential records and by extension to material that discloses intimate aspects of refugee lives.
Deterrents and nudges improve compliance in Greenland's Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fishery
Authors: Snyder Hunter T , Cox Michael E , Bork Hansen Signe , Connors Christopher , Eckstein Sonia
Published: August 2021

Fishers reporting all of their catch is key to estimating population viabilities of vulnerable, highly migratory fish stocks. However, fishery managers find it difficult to ensure that this reporting behavior takes place consistently. Wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are a highly migratory and internationally contested species with a threatened conservation status. Greenland manages a fishery for Atlantic salmon, and its coastline serves as a key feeding ground in the life history of Atlantic salmon. However, salmon catch is underreported by fishers, even though they are required to report. Deterring noncompliant behavior with penalties and sending short message service (SMS) messages have been shown to increase compliance, but no known studies test their effect on compliance with catch reporting requirements. We evaluated two interventions for their effect on salmon catch reporting behavior among Greenland's salmon fishers. Salmon fishers were 41% more likely to report (p < 0.00) once a deterrence-based intervention was implemented. Fishers who received SMS reminders were 6% more likely to report salmon catch (p < 0.1). These results highlight the complementarity of nudges and command-and-control interventions to increase compliance with catch reporting requirements.
Penetration and impact of COVID-19 in long term care facilities in England: population surveillance study
Authors: Chudasama Dimple Y , Milbourn Hannah , Nsonwu Olisaeloka , Senyah Francis , Florence Isaac , Cook Bryony , Marchant Elizabeth , Blomquist Paula Bianca , Flannagan Joe , Dabrera Gavin , Lewis James , Lamagni Theresa
Published: August 2021

Background

Long-term care facilities (LTCF) worldwide have suffered high rates of COVID-19, reflecting the vulnerability of the persons who live there and the institutional nature of care delivered. This study describes the impact of the pandemic on incidences and deaths in LTCF across England.

Methods

Laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in England, notified to Public Health England from 01 Jan to 25 Dec 2020, were address-matched to an Ordnance Survey reference database to identify residential property classifications. Data were analysed to characterize cases and identify clusters. Associated deaths were defined as death within 60 days of diagnosis or certified as cause of death.

Results

Of 1 936 315 COVID-19 cases, 81 275 (4.2%) and 10 050 (0.52%) were identified as resident or staff in an LTCF, respectively, with 20 544 associated deaths in residents, accounting for 31.3% of all COVID-19 deaths. Cases were identified in 69.5% of all LTCFs in England, with 33.1% experiencing multiple outbreaks. Multivariable analysis showed a 67% increased odds of death in residents [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63–1.72], compared with those not residing in LTCFs. A total of 10 321 outbreaks were identified at these facilities, of which 8.2% identified the first case as a staff member.

Conclusions

Over two-thirds of LTCFs have experienced large and widespread outbreaks of COVID-19, and just under one-third of all COVID-19 deaths occurring in this setting in spite of early policies. A key implication of our findings is upsurges in community incidences seemingly leading to increased outbreaks in LTCFs; thus, identifying and shielding residents from key sources of infection are vital to reduce the number of future outbreaks.
Barriers to screening, diagnosis and management of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Hinneh Thomas , Jahn Albrecht , Agbozo Faith
Published: August 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates pregnancies in Africa. Addressing the burden is contingent on early detection and management practices. This review aimed at identifying the barriers to diagnosing and managing GDM in Africa. We searched PUBMED, Web of Science, WHOLIS, Google Scholar, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases in May 2020 for studies that reported barriers to diagnosis and management of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. We used a mixed method quality appraisal tool to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. We adopted an integrated and narrative synthesis approach in the analysis and reporting. Of 548 articles identified, 14 met the eligibility criteria. Health system-related barriers to GDM management were the shortage of healthcare providers, relevant logistics, inadequate knowledge and skills, as well as limited opportunities for in-service training. Patient-related barriers were insufficient knowledge about GDM, limited support from families and health providers and acceptability of the diagnostic tests. Societal level barriers were concomitant use of consulting traditional healers, customs and taboos on food and body image perception. It was concluded that constraints to GDM detection and management are multidimensional. Targeted interventions must address these barriers from broader, systemic and social perspectives.
Effects of the Font Size and Line Spacing of Simplified Chinese Characters on Smartphone Readability
Authors: Zhu Shangshang , Su Xinyu , Dong Yenan
Published: August 2021

In this study, we explored the effects that the font size and line spacing of simplified Chinese characters had on their readability on smartphones. One hundred and fifteen participants were recruited to complete Chinese text comprehension tasks and provide user preferences on a 5.9-inch smartphone. Nine test conditions were studied, consisting of three font sizes (10-, 12- and 14-point) and three line spacing variations (1.25-F, 1.5-F and 2-F). The results showed that both font size and line spacing significantly affect reading time, but only font size significantly affects reading accuracy; font size, line spacing and the interaction between them have significant effects on the difficulty of reading and the degree of visual fatigue. Medium and large font sizes are more comfortable to read with large line spacing, while small and medium font sizes are more attractive with large line spacing. The results provide useful information for mobile text interface design.
Mining relationships between transmission clusters from contact tracing data: An application for investigating COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Kwan Tsz Ho , Wong Ngai Sze , Yeoh Eng-Kiong , Lee Shui Shan
Published: August 2021

Objective

Contact tracing of reported infections could enable close contacts to be identified, tested, and quarantined for controlling further spread. This strategy has been well demonstrated in the surveillance and control of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) epidemics. This study aims to leverage contact tracing data to investigate the degree of spread and the formation of transmission cascades composing of multiple clusters.

Materials and Methods

An algorithm on mining relationships between clusters for network analysis is proposed with 3 steps: horizontal edge creation, vertical edge consolidation, and graph reduction. The constructed network was then analyzed with information diffusion metrics and exponential-family random graph modeling. With categorization of clusters by exposure setting, the metrics were compared among cascades to identify associations between exposure settings and their network positions within the cascade using Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Experimental results illustrated that transmission cascades containing or seeded by daily activity clusters spread faster while those containing social activity clusters propagated farther. Cascades involving work or study environments consisted of more clusters, which had a higher transmission range and scale. Social activity clusters were more likely to be connected, whereas both residence and healthcare clusters did not preferentially link to clusters belonging to the same exposure setting.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm could contribute to in-depth epidemiologic investigation of infectious disease transmission to support targeted nonpharmaceutical intervention policies for COVID-19 epidemic control.
The ‘Prosecutor Amicus Curiae’ at the International Criminal Tribunals
Authors: Kopylova Ekaterina A
Published: August 2021

Offences against the administration of international criminal justice are a serious threat to the effective functioning of international criminal tribunals entrusted by the international community with the punishment of perpetrators of the worst atrocities that humanity experiences. That is why the mechanisms which prosecute these offences must be highly efficient. The concept of a ‘prosecutor amicus curiae’ was introduced at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) after numerous failures in the previously applicable procedure. Since then, this procedural mechanism has spread to other ad hoc tribunals and has been successfully used to investigate and prosecute those responsible for interfering with the courts’ due functioning. To date, however, very little scholarly research has been devoted to it, partly because of an understanding that the term ‘amicus curiae’ is incorrectly applied in this context. We endeavour to demonstrate that, on the contrary, the special prosecutors are part of the amici family in international criminal law, as guarantors of the fairness of the criminal procedure. We examine the details of their appointment and termination of mandate, as well as the legal regime of privileges and immunities applicable to them in order to ensure the independence indispensable for the exercise of their functions. We further explore shortcomings arising from the lack of continuity among amicus curiae prosecutors’ activities, as well as standards that are lacking in the procedures, that highlight the need for a new mechanism to better serve the role of the amicus curiae prosecutor in managing offences against the administration of international justice.
Nocturnal Enuresis in Sickle Cell: Sociodemographic, Medical, and Quality of Life Factors
Authors: Porter Jerlym S , Paladino Andrew J , Russell Kathryn , Rupff Rebecca , Griffith Jamilla , Mai Yujiao , Zhang Hui , Hankins Jane S , Wang Winfred C
Published: August 2021

Objective

Nocturnal enuresis is more prevalent in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to estimate prevalence of nocturnal enuresis using diagnostic criteria and identify associated sociodemographic, medical, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) factors.

Methods

Youth with SCD (N = 248; ages 6.00–17.99 years) and their caregivers completed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. HRQOL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory. Medical information was abstracted from medical record. We generated multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations between factors and current nocturnal enuresis and nocturnal enuresis occurring any time in the past (lifetime).

Results

Among participants (mean age, 11.3 ± 3.6 years; 50.8% male), 21.4% reported current nocturnal enuresis and 46% reported lifetime nocturnal enuresis. Male sex [odds ratio (OR), 2.57; p = .001], difficulty arousing from sleep (OR, 3.57; p < .001), higher school functioning HRQOL (OR, 1.02; p = .014), and higher fetal hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.03; p = .048) were associated with lifetime nocturnal enuresis. Younger age (OR, 1.16; p = .005), higher youth-reported fatigue (OR, 1.01; p = .045), difficulty arousing from sleep (OR, 4.92; p < .001), and higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (OR, 1.00; p = .042) were associated with current nocturnal enuresis.

Conclusions

Nocturnal enuresis is prevalent in youth with SCD and is associated with HRQOL, diminished sleep, greater fatigue, and disease severity markers. Routine assessment of sleep behaviors and fatigue are necessary when treating patients with SCD to understand the impact of nocturnal enuresis on HRQOL.
Clinical predictors of severe late urinary toxicity after curative intensity-modulated radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Takeda Ken , Umezawa Rei , Ishikawa Yojiro , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Takeda Kazuya , Kadoya Noriyuki , Matsushita Haruo , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Mitsuzuka Koji , Ito Akihiro , Arai Yoichi , Takai Yoshihiro , Jingu Keiichi
Published: August 2021

Intractable late urinary toxicity is a serious complication after radiotherapy for patients with localized prostate cancer (LPC). We assessed clinical factors correlated with severe late urinary toxicity in LPC treated with curative image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). A total of 452 patients with LPC treated with IMRT between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 432 patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The median total irradiated doses were 80 (range, 76–80) Gy. Each daily dose was 2 Gy per fraction. The median follow-up was 83 (range, 4–210) months. Late urinary toxicity was scored according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 4.03. Grade 3 late urinary toxicity was observed in 27 patients. No cases with grade ≥ 4 late urinary toxicity were observed. The 5-, 10-, and 12.5-year grade 3 late urinary toxicity-free survival rates were 97%, 91.8% and 88.1%, respectively. Age, risk classification, total irradiated dose, ADT duration, antithrombotic therapy (AT), cardiovascular disease, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia (DL), prior transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prior high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) were investigated for correlations with grade 3 late urinary toxicity. In univariate analysis, AT and prior HIFU and no other studied factors, were correlated with grade 3 late urinary toxicity. AT and prior HIFU appear to be predictive of grade 3 late urinary toxicity. Patients with LPC with these relevant clinical factors should be carefully followed up by sharing detailed information with the urology department.
Treatment strategies for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis: a systematic review
Authors: Bourque Daniel L , Neumayr Andreas , Libman Michael , Chen Lin H
Published: August 2021

Rationale for review

Giardiasis is one of the most common human protozoal infections worldwide. First-line therapy of giardiasis includes nitroimidazole antibiotics. However, treatment failure with nitroimidazoles is increasingly reported, with up to 45% of patients not responding to initial treatment. There is no clear consensus on the approach to the management of nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. This systematic review aims to summarize the literature on pharmacotherapy for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the optimal management strategies for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. We searched Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library using the following search terms ‘Giardia’ AND ‘treatment failure’ OR ‘refractory giardia’ OR ‘resistant giardia’ with date limits of 1 January 1970 to 30 June 2021. We included all reports on humans, which described clinical outcomes of individuals with treatment refractory giardiasis, including case series and case reports. A descriptive synthesis of the data was conducted with pooling of data for interventions.

Key findings

Included in this review were five prospective studies, three retrospective studies, seven case series and nine case reports. Across these reports, a wide heterogeneity of treatment regimens was employed, including retreatment with an alternative nitroimidazole, combination therapy with a nitroimidazole and another agent and monotherapy with non-nitroimidazole regimens, including quinacrine, paromomycin and nitazoxanide. Retreatment with a nitroimidazole was not an effective therapy for refractory giardiasis. However, treatment with a nitroimidazole in combination with albendazole had a cure rate of 66.9%. In the included studies, quinacrine monotherapy was administered to a total of 179 patients, with a clinical cure rate of 88.8%. Overall, quinacrine was fairly well tolerated.

Conclusions

Reports on the treatment of nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis demonstrate a heterogeneous approach to treatment. Of these, quinacrine appeared to be highly effective, though more data on its safety are needed.
Atomic structure for carbon-like ions from Na vi to Ar xiii
Authors: Almodlej A , Alrashed H , Ben Nessib N , Dimitrijević M S
Published: August 2021

We have calculated the energy levels, oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for eight carbon-like ions (Na vi, Mg vii, Al viii, Si ix, P x, S xi, Cl xii and Ar xiii) using the Hartree–Fock pseudo-relativistic (HFR) and Thomas–Fermi–Dirac–Amaldi (TFDA) approaches. We used configuration expansions containing eight configurations, namely 2s2 2p2, 2s 2p3, 2s2 2p 3s, 2s2 2p 3p, 2s2 2p 3d, 2s2 2p 4s, 2s2 2p 4p, and 2s2 2p 5s. For each of the considered ions we obtained 59 energy levels, a number of which are not in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) data base. We compared our results with critically selected experimental data from NIST and with calculations made using the multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock (MCHF) method. We calculated weighted oscillator strengths and transition probabilities using two methods (HFR and TFDA) for the 2s2 2p2 and 2s 2p3 configurations for the eight C-like ions considered here. We analysed the atomic structure parameter trends, which allowed us to find missing data belonging to an isoelectronic sequence. The energy levels, oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities calculated here are in good agreement with the data from the NIST data base. Because emission and absorption features from C-like ions are often used for density and temperature diagnostics of various plasmas in astrophysics, and in studies of the solar corona, including solar flares, and of the coronae of other stars and of ionized outflows in active galactic nuclei etc., the obtained data will be useful for improving plasma diagnostics and modelling, in particular for the X-ray Universe.
Hydrogenation of glycolaldehyde to ethylene glycol at 10 K
Authors: Leroux Killian , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Krim Lahouari
Published: August 2021

Glycolaldehyde, the simplest sugar, is a complex organic molecule detected in many regions of the interstellar medium (ISM). Although its synthetic routes are fairly well known and consistent with many laboratory studies, queries still arise about its reactivity and its role in the complex chemistry of the ISM. This study shows the surface and bulk hydrogenation of glycolaldehyde at 10 K in order to confirm or invalidate the astrophysical models which suggest that CHOCH2OH would be a precursor of ethylene glycol through hydrogenation processes occurring on the surface of interstellar dust grains. By coupling IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, we show that the formation of HOCH2CH2OH from CHOCH2OH + H solid state reaction occurs, supporting the existence of a chemical link between these two organics in the ISM. This work suggests that while CHO + CH2OH and CH2OH + CH2OH radical recombination would lead to CHOCH2OH and HOCH2CH2OH, respectively, the presence of H-atoms in the ISM would be a secondary source to favour ethylene glycol over glycolaldehyde. These results are in good agreement with different astronomical observations which show simultaneous detections of glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol with an abundance ratio HOCH2CH2OH/CHOCH2OH ranged between 1 and 15.
Collisional cooling of primordial and interstellar media by H2
Authors: Flower D R , Pineau des Forêts G , Hily-Blant P , Faure A , Lique F , González-Lezana T
Published: August 2021

We have computed the rate of collisional cooling of a gas by H2 molecules under conditions appropriate to the primordial and interstellar media. We incorporated the results of recent calculations of the rate coefficients for collisional excitation of H2 by H and H+, which are essential to a reliable evaluation of the ortho:para H2 ratio and the cooling rate. Comparison is made with the results of previous calculations of the cooling function. The data are made available for grids of values of the kinetic temperature, density, H:H2 ratio, and the fractional abundance of H+, together with a programme to perform linear interpolation of the data sets for any given set of values of these parameters, within the ranges of the grids.
Free–free absorption in hot relativistic flows: application to fast radio bursts
Authors: Kundu Esha , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2021

Magnetic flares create hot relativistic shocks outside the light cylinder radius of a magnetized star. Radio emission produced in such a shock or at a radius smaller than the shock undergoes free–free absorption while passing through the shocked medium. In this work, we demonstrate that this free–free absorption can lead to a negative drift in the frequency-time spectra. Whether it is related to the downward drift pattern observed in fast radio bursts (FRBs) is unclear. However, if the FRB down-drifting is due to this mechanism then it will be pronounced in those shocks that have isotropic kinetic energies $ \gtrsim 10^{44}$ erg. In this model, for an internal shock with a Lorentz factor ∼100, the normalized drift rate $|{\rm DR_{\rm obs}}|/\nu _{\rm mean}$ is ∼10−2 per ms, where νmean is the central frequency of the radio pulses. The corresponding radius of the shocked shell is, therefore, in the range of 1010 cm and 1011 cm. This implies that, for an outflow consisting of hydrogen ion, the upper limit on the mass of the relativistic shocks is a few ×  10−10 M⊙, which is considerably low compared to that ejected from SGR 1806-20 during the 2004 outburst.
Conservation and divergence of meiotic DNA double strand break forming mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Vrielynck Nathalie , Schneider Katja , Rodriguez Marion , Sims Jason , Chambon Aurélie , Hurel Aurélie , De Muyt Arnaud , Ronceret Arnaud , Krsicka Ondrej , Mézard Christine , Schlögelhofer Peter , Grelon Mathilde
Published: August 2021

In the current meiotic recombination initiation model, the SPO11 catalytic subunits associate with MTOPVIB to form a Topoisomerase VI-like complex that generates DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Four additional proteins, PRD1/AtMEI1, PRD2/AtMEI4, PRD3/AtMER2 and the plant specific DFO are required for meiotic DSB formation. Here we show that (i) MTOPVIB and PRD1 provide the link between the catalytic sub-complex and the other DSB proteins, (ii) PRD3/AtMER2, while localized to the axis, does not assemble a canonical pre-DSB complex but establishes a direct link between the DSB-forming and resection machineries, (iii) DFO controls MTOPVIB foci formation and is part of a divergent RMM-like complex including PHS1/AtREC114 and PRD2/AtMEI4 but not PRD3/AtMER2, (iv) PHS1/AtREC114 is absolutely unnecessary for DSB formation despite having a conserved position within the DSB protein network and (v) MTOPVIB and PRD2/AtMEI4 interact directly with chromosome axis proteins to anchor the meiotic DSB machinery to the axis.
Similar survival on home haemodialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis: an inception cohort study
Authors: Bitar Wisam , Helve Jaakko , Honkanen Eero , Rauta Virpi , Haapio Mikko , Finne Patrik
Published: August 2021

Background

Several studies have shown superior survival of patients on home haemodialysis (HD) compared with peritoneal dialysis (PD), but patients on automated PD (APD) and continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) have not been considered separately. As APD allows larger fluid volumes and may be more efficient than CAPD, we primarily compared patient survival between APD and home HD.

Methods

All adult patients who started kidney replacement therapy (KRT) between 2004 and 2017 in the district of Helsinki-Uusimaa in Finland and who were on one of the home dialysis modalities at 90 days from starting KRT were included. We used intention-to-treat analysis. Survival of home HD, APD and CAPD patients was studied using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression with adjustment for propensity scores that were based on extensive data on possible confounding factors.

Results

The probability of surviving 5 years was 90% for home HD, 88% for APD and 56% for CAPD patients. After adjustment for propensity scores, the hazard ratio of death was 1.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–2.4] for APD and 1.6 (95% CI 0.74–3.6) for CAPD compared with home HD. Censoring at the time of kidney transplantation (KTx) or at transfer to in-centre HD did not change the results. Characteristics of home HD and APD patients at the start of dialysis were similar, whereas patients on CAPD had higher median age and more comorbidities and received KTx less frequently.

Conclusions

Home HD and APD patients had comparable characteristics and their survival appeared similar.
Viewpoint New Approaches to the ‘Plague of Justinian’
Authors: Sarris Peter
Published: August 2021

This viewpoint is meant as a contribution to debate over the nature and significance of the ‘Justinianic Plague’, which struck Western Eurasia between the sixth and eighth centuries ce, and the methodological challenges posed by attempting to reconcile historical evidence with that derived from the realm of the Natural Sciences. In recent years, major advances have been made in our genetic understanding of the Justinianic Plague. Yet growing scientific interest in the disease has coincided with a concerted effort amongst some historians to seek to downplay its historical importance. This article surveys our current state of historical and scientific understanding with respect to the sixth-century pandemic, responds to the recent attempts to argue that the disease had only a minimal impact on the societies that it struck, and considers how historians should respond to the burgeoning scientific evidence in order to take study of the plague forward. For co-operation between geneticists, environmental scientists, archaeologists and historians, it argues, offers the chance to transform our understanding of how, when and where the plague spread and to assess its impact across the Afro-Eurasian world as a whole, and not just on the Mediterranean, for which we have our best written sources.
A Simple Heat Treatment Increases SpCas9-Mediated Mutation Efficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kurokawa Shuta , Rahman Hafizur , Yamanaka Naoshi , Ishizaki Chisato , Islam Shaikhul , Aiso Tsuyoshi , Hirata Shunya , Yamamoto Mayuka , Kobayashi Kappei , Kaya Hidetaka
Published: August 2021

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is now commonly employed for genome editing in various plants such as Arabidopsis, rice and tobacco. In general, in genome editing of the Arabidopsis genome, the SpCas9 and guide RNA genes are introduced into the genome by the floral dip method. Mutations induced in the target sequence by SpCas9 are confirmed after selecting transformants by screening the T1 seed population. The advantage of this method is that genome-edited plants can be isolated easily. However, mutation efficiency in Arabidopsis using SpCas9 is not as high as that achieved in rice and tobacco, which are subjected to a tissue culture step. In this study, we compared four promoters and found that the parsley UBIQITIN promoter is highly active in Arabidopsis meristem tissue. Furthermore, we examined whether a simple heat treatment could improve mutation efficiency in Arabidopsis. Just one heat treatment at 37°C for 24 h increased the mutation efficiency at all four target sites from 3 to 42%, 43 to 62%, 54 to 75% and 89 to 91%, without detectable off-target mutations. We recommend heat treatment of plate-grown plants at 37°C for 24 h as a simple method to increase the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in Arabidopsis.
Jasmonates modulate sphingolipid metabolism and accelerate cell death in the ceramide kinase mutant acd5
Authors: Huang Li-Qun , Chen Ding-Kang , Li Ping-Ping , Bao He-Nan , Liu Hao-Zhuo , Yin Jian , Zeng Hong-Yun , Yang Yu-Bing , Li Yong-Kang , Xiao Shi , Yao Nan
Published: August 2021

Sphingolipids are structural components of the lipid bilayer that acts as signaling molecules in many cellular processes, including cell death. Ceramides, key intermediates in sphingolipid metabolism, are phosphorylated by the ceramide kinase ACCELERATED CELL DEATH5 (ACD5). The loss of ACD5 function leads to ceramide accumulation and spontaneous cell death. Here, we report that the jasmonate (JA) pathway is activated in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) acd5 mutant and that methyl JA treatment accelerates ceramide accumulation and cell death in acd5. Moreover, the double mutants of acd5 with jasmonate resistant1-1 and coronatine insensitive1-2 exhibited delayed cell death, suggesting that the JA pathway is involved in acd5-mediated cell death. Quantitative sphingolipid profiling of plants treated with methyl JA indicated that JAs influence sphingolipid metabolism by increasing the levels of ceramides and hydroxyceramides, but this pathway is dramatically attenuated by mutations affecting JA pathway proteins. Furthermore, we showed that JAs regulate the expression of genes encoding enzymes in ceramide metabolism. Together, our findings show that JAs accelerate cell death in acd5 mutants, possibly by modulating sphingolipid metabolism and increasing ceramide levels.