bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaflet immobility and thrombosis in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ng Arnold C T , Holmes David R , Mack Michael J , Delgado Victoria , Makkar Raj , Blanke Philipp , Leipsic Jonathon A , Leon Martin B , Bax Jeroen J
Published: July 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has grown exponentially worldwide in the last decade. Due to the higher bleeding risks associated with oral anticoagulation and in patients undergoing TAVR, antiplatelet therapy is currently considered first-line antithrombotic treatment after TAVR. Recent studies suggest that some patients can develop subclinical transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis after the procedure, whereby thrombus forms on the leaflets that can be a precursor to leaflet dysfunction. Compared with echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography is more sensitive at detecting THV thrombosis. Transcatheter heart valve thrombosis can occur while on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and thienopyridine but significantly less with anticoagulation. This review summarizes the incidence and diagnostic criteria for THV thrombosis and discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms that may lead to thrombus formation, its natural history, potential clinical implications and treatment for these patients.
Bentall procedure for the repair of a neoaortic aneurysm after the Norwood procedure in a patient with tricuspid atresia and a discordant ventriculo-arterial connection
Authors: Contreras Juan , Bannan Badr , Chaturvedi Rajiv , Barron David J
Published: July 2020

Neoaortic root dilation is a common phenomenon after the Norwood procedure, but the real incidence and its natural history are unclear. Regular surveillance in these patients after the operation is necessary. Herein, we present an 11-year-old boy born with tricuspid atresia, a discordant ventriculo-arterial connection and a hypoplastic aortic arch, who was palliated initially with a hybrid stage I procedure involving a reversed Blalock–Taussig shunt, followed by comprehensive stage II and then, an extra-cardiac fenestrated Fontan operation. The patient developed an aortic root aneurysm and severe aortic regurgitation. He was electively taken into the operating room, where cardiopulmonary bypass was established through a peripheral cannulation of the femoral vessels due to the high risk nature of the reoperation. A mechanical Bentall procedure was performed without residual lesions and the native ascending aorta was anastomosed as a single coronary button to the anterior wall of the graft.
Matroids Over One-Dimensional Groups
Authors: Bollen Guus P , Cartwright Dustin , Draisma Jan
Published: July 2020

We develop the theory of matroids over one-dimensional algebraic groups, with special emphasis on positive characteristic. In particular, we compute the Lindström valuations and Frobenius flocks of such matroids. Building on work by Evans and Hrushovski, we show that the class of algebraic matroids, paired with their Lindström valuations, is not closed under duality of valuated matroids.
Sign Changes of Kloosterman Sums with Almost Prime Moduli. II: Corrigendum
Authors: Xi Ping
Published: July 2020

We give a corrigendum to the previous paper [ 8] and recover the same quantitative statement: the Kloosterman sum changes sign infinitely often as the modulus runs over squarefree numbers with at most seven prime factors.
Impaired Th1 Response Is Associated With Therapeutic Failure in Patients With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused byLeishmania braziliensis
Authors: Carvalho Augusto M , Guimarães Luiz H , Costa Rúbia , Saldanha Maíra G , Prates Iana , Carvalho Lucas P , Arruda Sérgio , Carvalho Edgar M
Published: July 2020

Background

Leishmania skin test (LST) evaluates the delayed type hypersensitivity to Leishmania antigens (LA) and has been used for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In CL patients LST is usually positive but a small percentage have negative LST. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and immunologic features and response to antimony therapy in LST-negative CL patients.

Methods

We compare the clinical presentation, response to therapy, and immune response of CL patients with negative vs positive LST.

Results

The clinical presentation was similar in both groups but LST-negative patients had a lower cure rate. In the lesions, LST-negative patients displayed less inflammation and necrosis, and higher frequency of CD8+ T cells. Mononuclear cells from LST-negative patients had a poor T helper 1 cell (Th1) response but levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, granzyme B, and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were similar to the LST-positive group upon stimulation with LA. Leishmania internalization and killing by macrophages were similar in both groups. Cure of disease was associated with restoration of Th1 response.

Conclusions

In LST-negative patients, impaired Th1 response is associated with therapeutic failure. Increased frequency of CD8+ T cells and high production of inflammatory cytokines, granzyme B, and MMP-9 contributes to immunopathology.
The relationship between CD4+ follicular helper T cells and CD8+ resident memory T cells: sisters or distant cousins?
Authors: Peng Changwei , Jameson Stephen C
Published: July 2020

Independent studies over the last decade have characterized the properties of non-circulating CD8+ ‘resident’ memory T cells (TRM), which offer barrier protective immunity in non-lymphoid tissues and CD4+ follicular helper T cells (TFH), which mediate B-cell help in lymphoid sites. Despite their very different biological roles in the immune system, intriguing parallels have been noted between the trafficking properties and differentiation cues of these populations, parallels which have only sharpened with recent findings. In this review, we explore the features that underlie these similarities and discuss whether these indicate meaningful homologies in the development of CD8+ TRM and CD4+ TFH or reflect resemblances which are only ‘skin-deep’.
Immune metabolism in PD-1 blockade-based cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kumar Alok , Chamoto Kenji
Published: July 2020

Energy metabolism plays an important role in proliferating cells. Recent reports indicate that metabolic regulation or metabolic products can control immune cell differentiation, fate and reactions. Cancer immunotherapy based on blockade of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has been used worldwide, but a significant fraction of patients remain unresponsive. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms and overcoming the unresponsiveness are urgent issues. Because cancer immunity consists of interactions between the cancer and host immune cells, there has recently been a focus on the metabolic interactions and/or competition between the tumor and the immune system to address these issues. Cancer cells render their microenvironment immunosuppressive, driving T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion, which is advantageous for cancer cell survival. However, accumulating mechanistic evidence of T-cell and cancer cell metabolism has gradually revealed that controlling the metabolic pathways of either type of cell can overcome T-cell dysfunction and reprogram the metabolic balance in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the role of immune metabolism in T-cell-based immune surveillance and cancer immune escape. This new concept has boosted the development of combination therapy and predictive biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
High in vitro activity of DIS-73285, a novel antimicrobial with a new mechanism of action, against MDR and XDR Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Mason Clive , Khan Nawaz , Meo Paul , Unemo Magnus
Published: July 2020

Background

The rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae may result in untreatable gonorrhoea in certain circumstances and development of novel antimicrobials is urgently needed.

Objectives

To evaluate the in vitro activity of a novel small-molecule antimicrobial with a new mechanism of action, DIS-73285, against a large geographically, temporally and genetically diverse collection of clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates and reference strains, including various types of high-level resistant, MDR and XDR gonococcal isolates (n = 262).

Methods

MICs (mg/L) of DIS-73285 were determined by agar dilution and by Etest for ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, spectinomycin and tetracycline.

Results

DIS-73285 was substantially more potent than any of the currently or previously used therapeutic antimicrobials, with MICs ranging from ≤0.001 to 0.004 mg/L, and the MIC50, MIC90 and modal MIC all ≤0.001 mg/L (lowest MIC tested). No correlation with the MICs of DIS-73285 and the MICs of any of the currently or previously used antimicrobials was observed.

Conclusions

The novel chemotype, small-molecule antimicrobial DIS-73285, demonstrated high in vitro potency against all tested N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Further in vitro and in vivo studies, evaluating efficacy, resistance emergence, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters, toxicity and safety, should be conducted to evaluate DIS-73285 as a therapy specifically for urogenital and extra-genital gonorrhoea.
A rapid review of gender, sex, and sexual orientation documentation in electronic health records
Authors: Lau Francis , Antonio Marcy , Davison Kelly , Queen Roz , Devor Aaron
Published: July 2020

Objective

The lack of precise and inclusive gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data in electronic health records (EHRs) is perpetuating inequities of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). We conducted a rapid review on how GSSO documentation in EHRs should be modernized to improve the health of SGM.

Materials and Methods

We searched MEDLINE from 2015 to 2020 with terms for gender, sex, sexual orientation, and electronic health/medical records. Only literature reviews, primary studies, and commentaries from peer-reviewed journals in English were included. Two researchers screened citations and reviewed articles with help from a third to reach consensus. Covidence, Excel, and Atlas-TI were used to track articles, extract data, and synthesize findings, respectively.

Results

Thirty-five articles were included. The 5 themes to modernize GSSO documentation in EHRs were (1) creating an inclusive, culturally competent environment with precise terminology and standardized data collection; (2) refining guidelines for identifying and matching SGM patients with their care needs; (3) improving patient-provider relationships by addressing patient rights and provider competencies; (4) recognizing techno-socio-organizational aspects when implementing GSSO in EHRs; and (5) addressing invisibility of SGM by expanding GSSO research.

Conclusions

The literature on GSSO documentation in EHRs is expanding. While this trend is encouraging, there are still knowledge gaps and practical challenges to enabling meaningful changes, such as organizational commitments to ensure affirming environments, and coordinated efforts to address technical, organizational, and social aspects of modernizing GSSO documentation. The adoption of an inclusive EHR to meet SGM needs is a journey that will evolve over time.
Reporting of demographic data and representativeness in machine learning models using electronic health records
Authors: Bozkurt Selen , Cahan Eli M , Seneviratne Martin G , Sun Ran , Lossio-Ventura Juan A , Ioannidis John P A , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: July 2020

Objective

The development of machine learning (ML) algorithms to address a variety of issues faced in clinical practice has increased rapidly. However, questions have arisen regarding biases in their development that can affect their applicability in specific populations. We sought to evaluate whether studies developing ML models from electronic health record (EHR) data report sufficient demographic data on the study populations to demonstrate representativeness and reproducibility.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed for articles applying ML models to improve clinical decision-making using EHR data. We limited our search to papers published between 2015 and 2019.

Results

Across the 164 studies reviewed, demographic variables were inconsistently reported and/or included as model inputs. Race/ethnicity was not reported in 64%; gender and age were not reported in 24% and 21% of studies, respectively. Socioeconomic status of the population was not reported in 92% of studies. Studies that mentioned these variables often did not report if they were included as model inputs. Few models (12%) were validated using external populations. Few studies (17%) open-sourced their code. Populations in the ML studies include higher proportions of White and Black yet fewer Hispanic subjects compared to the general US population.

Discussion

The demographic characteristics of study populations are poorly reported in the ML literature based on EHR data. Demographic representativeness in training data and model transparency is necessary to ensure that ML models are deployed in an equitable and reproducible manner. Wider adoption of reporting guidelines is warranted to improve representativeness and reproducibility.
What it means to be a woman in the field of biomedical informatics: exploring the lived experiences of women managers in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldekhyyel Raniah N , Almulhem Jwaher A , Binkheder Samar , Muaygil Ruaim A , Aldekhyyel Shahad N
Published: July 2020

Objective

Although women in the field of biomedical informatics (BMI) are part of a golden era, little is known about their lived experiences as informaticians. Guided by feminist standpoint theory, this study aims to understand the impact of social change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- in the form of new policies supporting women and health technological advancements—in the field of BMI and its women informaticians.

Materials and Methods

We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with 7 women managers in the field of BMI, identified through LinkedIn. We analyzed interview transcripts to generate themes about their lived experiences, how they perceived health information technology tools, identified challenges that may hinder the advancement of the field, and explored the future of BMI from their perspectives. During our analysis, we utilized a feminist theoretical approach.

Results

Women managers in the field of BMI shared similar experiences and perspectives. Our analysis generated 10 themes: (1) career beginning, (2) opportunities given, (3) career achievements, (4) gender-based experiences, (5) meaning of BMI, (6) meaning of health information technology tools, (7) challenges, (8) overcoming challenges, (9) future and hopes, and (10) meaning of “2030 Saudi vision.” Early in their careers, participants experienced limited opportunities and misperceptions in understanding what the field of informatics represents. Participants did not feel that gender was an issue, despite what feminist theory would have predicted.

Conclusions

Recognizing the lived experiences of women in the field of BMI contributes to our collective understanding of how these experiences may enhance our knowledge of the field.
Analysis of GPI-anchored proteins involved in germline stem cell proliferation in theCaenorhabditis elegansgermline stem cell niche
Authors: Rikitake Marika , Matsuda Ayako , Murata Daisuke , Dejima Katsufumi , Nomura Kazuko H , Abbott Karen L , Mitani Shohei , Nomura Kazuya
Published: July 2020

Stem cells divide and undergo self-renewal depending on the signals received from the stem cell niche. This phenomenon is indispensable to maintain tissues and organs in individuals. However, not all the molecular factors and mechanisms of self-renewal are known. In our previous study, we reported that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) synthesized in the distal tip cells (DTCs; the stem cell niche) are essential for germline stem cell proliferation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we characterized the GPI-APs required for proliferation. We selected and verified the candidate GPI-APs synthesized in DTCs by RNA interference screening and found that F57F4.3 (GFI-1), F57F4.4 and F54E2.1 are necessary for germline proliferation. These proteins are likely involved in the same pathway for proliferation and activated by the transcription factor PQM-1. We further provided evidence suggesting that these GPI-APs act through fatty acid remodelling of the GPI anchor, which is essential for association with lipid rafts. These findings demonstrated that GPI-APs, particularly F57F4.3/4 and F54E2.1, synthesized in the germline stem cell niche are located in lipid rafts and involved in promoting germline stem cell proliferation in C. elegans. The findings may thus shed light on the mechanisms by which GPI-APs regulate stem cell self-renewal.
Risk Factors for Developing Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Tandon Parul , Govardhanam Vivek , Gallinger Zane , Weizman Adam V
Published: July 2020

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), though risk factors remain to be determined.

Aim

To characterize HS among a cohort of IBD patients and identify risk factors for its development.

Methods

This was a retrospective case–control study at the ambulatory IBD centre at Mount Sinai Hospital from inception to May 2019. Patients with IBD who developed HS were included. Cases were matched 5:1 by age, gender (male versus female) and IBD type (ulcerative colitis [UC] or Crohn’s disease [CD]) to controls who had IBD without HS. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Twenty-nine cases of HS (19 CD and 10 UC) and 145 controls were included. Of the 29 patients with HS, 11 (37.9%) were male and 18 (62.1%) were female. The severity of HS was mild in 10 (34.5%), moderate in 16 (55.2%) and severe in 3 (10.3%) patients. Patients with HS and IBD were more likely to be active (OR 10.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 54.0, P = 0.006) or past (OR 8.4, 95% CI 2.7 to 25.8, P < 0.005) smokers. Patients with HS and IBD were also more likely to have active endoscopic disease (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.2, P = 0.022). Furthermore, those with HS and CD were more likely to have active perianal disease (OR 21.1, 95% CI 6.2 to 71.9, P < 0.005).

Conclusions

Active IBD, perianal disease and smoking may be associated with HS in IBD. Larger studies are needed to better characterize this morbid condition.
Local-Linear Estimation of Time-Varying-Parameter GARCH Models and Associated Risk Measures
Authors: Inoue Atsushi , Jin Lu , Pelletier Denis
Published: July 2020

In this article, we propose a nonparametric approach to estimating generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (1,1) models with time-varying parameters. We model the time-varying parameters as a smooth function of time and estimate them using a local linear estimator. We show that our estimator is consistent and is asymptotically normal and that the proposed estimator outperforms a rolling window estimator in Monte Carlo simulation experiments. We present strong evidence of parameter instabilities using daily returns of stock indices and explore implications to risk management measures, such as value-at-risk and expected shortfall, through backtesting.
Simplified 3D GCM modelling of the irradiated brown dwarf WD 0137−349B
Authors: Lee Elspeth , Casewell Sarah L , Chubb Katy L , Hammond Mark , Tan Xianyu , Tsai Shang-Min , Pierrehumbert Raymond T
Published: July 2020

White dwarf–brown dwarf short-period binaries (Porb ≲ 2 h) are some of the most extreme irradiated atmospheric environments known. These systems offer an opportunity to explore theoretical and modelling efforts of irradiated atmospheres different to typical hot Jupiter systems. We aim to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) atmospheric structural and dynamical properties of the brown dwarf WD 0137−349B. We use the 3D global circulation model (GCM) Exo-Flexible Modelling System (FMS) with a dual-band grey radiative transfer scheme to model the atmosphere of WD 0137−349B. The results of the GCM model are post-processed using the 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer model cmcrt. Our results suggest inefficient day–night energy transport and a large day–night temperature contrast for WD 0137−349B. Multiple flow patterns are present, shifting energy asymmetrically eastward or westward depending on their zonal direction and latitude. Regions of overturning are produced on the western terminator. We are able to reproduce the start of the system near-infrared (IR) emission excess at ≳1.95 μm as observed by the Gemini Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GNIRS) instrument. Our model overpredicts the IR phase curve fluxes by factors of ≈1–3, but generally fits the shape of the phase curves well. Chemical kinetic modelling using vulcan suggests a highly ionized region at high altitudes can form on the dayside of the brown dwarf. We present a first attempt at simulating the atmosphere of a short-period white dwarf–brown dwarf binary in a 3D setting. Further studies into the radiative and photochemical heating from the ultraviolet irradiation are required to more accurately capture the energy balance inside the brown dwarf atmosphere. Cloud formation may also play an important role in shaping the emission spectra of the brown dwarf.
CASC3 promotes transcriptome-wide activation of nonsense-mediated decay by the exon junction complex
Authors: Gerbracht Jennifer V , Boehm Volker , Britto-Borges Thiago , Kallabis Sebastian , Wiederstein Janica L , Ciriello Simona , Aschemeier Dominik U , Krüger Marcus , Frese Christian K , Altmüller Janine , Dieterich Christoph , Gehring Niels H
Published: July 2020

The exon junction complex (EJC) is an essential constituent and regulator of spliced messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) in metazoans. As a core component of the EJC, CASC3 was described to be pivotal for EJC-dependent nuclear and cytoplasmic processes. However, recent evidence suggests that CASC3 functions differently from other EJC core proteins. Here, we have established human CASC3 knockout cell lines to elucidate the cellular role of CASC3. In the knockout cells, overall EJC composition and EJC-dependent splicing are unchanged. A transcriptome-wide analysis reveals that hundreds of mRNA isoforms targeted by nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are upregulated. Mechanistically, recruiting CASC3 to reporter mRNAs by direct tethering or via binding to the EJC stimulates mRNA decay and endonucleolytic cleavage at the termination codon. Building on existing EJC-NMD models, we propose that CASC3 equips the EJC with the persisting ability to communicate with the NMD machinery in the cytoplasm. Collectively, our results characterize CASC3 as a peripheral EJC protein that tailors the transcriptome by promoting the degradation of EJC-dependent NMD substrates.
Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility and Utilization Among Transgender Patients: An Analysis of the 2017–2018 United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey
Authors: Stowell Justin T , Parikh Yasha , Tilson Kimberly , Narayan Anand K
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons disproportionately face many health disparities including a higher risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose chest computed tomography has reduced lung cancer mortality in eligible high-risk smokers across several large trials, yet utilization of LCS remains low. TGD persons may be less likely to receive recommended cancer screening compared with cisgender populations. We sought to compare eligibility for and utilization of LCS between TGD and cisgender persons in the United States. We also examined if the utilization of LCS varied by smoking status within each gender identity group.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2017 and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) cross-sectional survey to determine eligibility and utilization of LCS among TGD participants compared with cisgender persons. Logistical regression analysis of potentially confounding variables included age category, race/ethnicity, income, employment status, health insurance, and having a personal doctor.

Results

Of 37 023 weighted respondents, 0.5% were TGD. Although eligibility for LCS was statistically similar (8.8% TGD vs. 12.2% cisgender) (adjusted odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.27–2.39, p = .703), only 2.3% of TGD participants reported obtaining a LCS chest computed tomography versus 17.2% of cisgender participants (adjusted odds ratio = 0.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.01–0.59, p = .019). Smoking status showed no association with LCS utilization among gender identity groups.

Conclusions

TGD persons may be less likely to receive LCS despite having similar smoking status and eligibility of cisgender persons, suggesting a disparity in utilization of this preventative health service.

Implications

Targeted efforts to increase LCS utilization and promote smoking cessation for at-risk TGD patients may be warranted.
Baby steps: the gender division of childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sevilla Almudena , Smith Sarah
Published: July 2020

The nature and scale of the shocks to the demand for, and the supply of, home childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic provide a unique opportunity to increase our understanding of the division of home labour and the determinants of specialization within the household. We collected real-time data on daily lives to document the impact of measures to control COVID-19 on UK families with children under the age of 12. We document that these families have been doing the equivalent of a working week in childcare, with mothers bearing most of the burden. The additional hours of childcare done by women are less sensitive to their employment than they are for men, leaving many women juggling work and (a lot more) childcare, with likely adverse effects on their mental health and future careers. However, some households, those in which men have not been working, have taken greater steps towards an equal allocation, offering the prospect of sharing the burden of childcare more equally in the future.
CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 Mediate Growth and Freezing Tolerance by Promoting Sugar Transport across the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Yao Lina , Ding Changqing , Hao Xinyuan , Zeng Jianming , Yang Yajun , Wang Xinchao , Wang Lu
Published: July 2020

Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) are important in plant biological processes. Expression levels of CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 are induced by cold acclimation (CA) and cold stress in Camellia sinensis. Here, we found that CsSWEET17 was alternatively spliced, and its exclusion (Ex) transcript was associated with the CA process. Both plasma membrane-localized CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 transport hexoses, but cytoplasm-localized CsSWEET17-Ex does not. These results indicate that alternative splicing may be involved in regulating the function of SWEET transporters in response to low temperature in plants. The extra C-terminal of CsSWEET17, which is not found in the tonoplast fructose transporter AtSWEET17, did not affect its plasma membrane localization but promoted its sugar transport activities. The overexpression (OE) of CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 genes resulted in an increased sugar uptake in Arabidopsis, affecting plant germination and growth. The leaf and seed sizes of the CsSWEET17-OE lines were significantly larger than those of the wild type. Moreover, the OE of CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 significantly reduced the relative electrolyte leakage levels under freezing stress. Compared with the wild type, the expression of AtCWINV genes was suppressed in both CsSWEET1a-OE and CsSWEET17-OE lines, indicating the alteration in sugar contents in the cell walls of the OE lines. Furthermore, the interaction between CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 was confirmed using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. We showed that CsSWEET1a and CsSWEET17 form homo-/heterodimers in the plasma membrane and mediate the partitioning of sugars between the cytoplasm and the apoplast, thereby regulating plant growth and freezing tolerance.
Rational Groupthink
Authors: Harel Matan , Mossel Elchanan , Strack Philipp , Tamuz Omer
Published: July 2020

We study how long-lived rational agents learn from repeatedly observing a private signal and each others’ actions. With normal signals, a group of any size learns more slowly than just four agents who directly observe each others’ private signals in each period. Similar results apply to general signal structures. We identify rational groupthink—in which agents ignore their private signals and choose the same action for long periods of time—as the cause of this failure of information aggregation.
Resiliency of Environmental and Social Stocks: An Analysis of the Exogenous COVID-19 Market Crash
Authors: Albuquerque Rui , Koskinen Yrjo , Yang Shuai , Zhang Chendi
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown brought about an exogenous and unparalleled stock market crash. The crisis thus provides a unique opportunity to test theories of environmental and social (ES) policies. This paper shows that stocks with higher ES ratings have significantly higher returns, lower return volatility, and higher operating profit margins during the first quarter of 2020. ES firms with higher advertising expenditures experience higher stock returns, and stocks held by more ES-oriented investors experience less return volatility during the crash. This paper highlights the importance of customer and investor loyalty to the resiliency of ES stocks. (JEL G12, G32, M14)

Received: June 3, 2020; editorial decision June 24, 2020 by Editor Andrew Ellul.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Measuring Corporate Culture Using Machine Learning
Authors: Li Kai , Mai Feng , Shen Rui , Yan Xinyan
Published: July 2020

We create a culture dictionary using one of the latest machine learning techniques—the word embedding model—and 209,480 earnings call transcripts. We score the five corporate cultural values of innovation, integrity, quality, respect, and teamwork for 62,664 firm-year observations over the period 2001–2018. We show that an innovative culture is broader than the usual measures of corporate innovation – R&D expenses and the number of patents. Moreover, we show that corporate culture correlates with business outcomes, including operational efficiency, risk-taking, earnings management, executive compensation design, firm value, and deal making, and that the culture-performance link is more pronounced in bad times. Finally, we present suggestive evidence that corporate culture is shaped by major corporate events, such as mergers and acquisitions.
Long-term efficacy of adding intravenous immunoglobulins as treatment of refractory dysphagia related to myositis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Giannini Margherita , Fiorella Maria Luisa , Tampoia Marilina , Girolamo Francesco , Fornaro Marco , Amati Angela , Lia Anna , Abbracciavento Letizia , D’Abbicco Dario , Iannone Florenzo
Published: July 2020

Objective

Dysphagia is a life-threating manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). However, we lack a univocal protocol for its treatment. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of a step-up strategy by adding a 1-day pulse of IVIGs to immunosuppressants in IIM patients with refractory dysphagia diagnosed by Eating Assessment Tool (EAT)-10 and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

Methods

Dysphagia was defined as a pharyngo-oesophageal disturbance associated with EAT-10 score ≥3 and at least one FEES abnormality among propulsion failure, solid or liquid stasis. Eighteen out of 154 IIM patients had FEES-confirmed dysphagia and underwent 1 day IVIG 2 g/kg repeated 1 month apart for 3 months, because of dysphagia refractory to high-dose glucocorticoids with methotrexate and/or azathioprine. Clinical characteristics along with myositis-specific antibodies and muscle histopathological findings were studied in FEES-dysphagia IIM and IIM control patients.

Results

After three monthly doses of IVIG, EAT-10 score dropped with complete recover of defective propulsion and progressive decrease in percentage of both solid and liquid stasis. At 52-weeks’ follow-up, reached in 12 patients, all these parameters were stable or further improved. An improvement in manual muscle strength test and a steroid-sparing effect of IVIG were also observed. Anti-PM/Scl 75/100 antibodies were much more frequent in the FEES-dysphagia group, while anti-Jo1 antibody was rarely detected.

Conclusion

Our treatment schedule with 2 g/kg IVIG was effective for IIM-associated refractory dysphagia assessed by the combination of EAT-10 and FEES. These findings need to be prospectively tested in a larger cohort of IIM patients.
Association of previous treatment with anti-tumour necrosis factor inhibitors with the effectiveness of secukinumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Yantao , Li Yuting , Dong Mengyuan , Gao Zi’ang , Chen Xiang , Liu Hong , Shen Minxue
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We sought to systematically investigate the effectiveness of secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients who previously received TNFs inhibitor (TNFi) treatment and those who were TNFi naïve.

Methods

Databases (PubMed, EMBase and Cochrane library) and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 22 May 2020 for randomized control trails and observational studies of secukinumab, with or without a history of previous anti-TNFi treatment, in PsA. Effectiveness data were extracted and combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. The ACR20 and ACR50 (20% and 50% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria) responses were the endpoints.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials that reported the effectiveness of secukinumab by previous anti-TNFi treatment were included. Among patients exposed to a prior anti-TNFi treatment (n = 738), 33.7% (249/738) of patients achieved an ACR20 response. In contrast, in the anti-TNFi-naïve group (n = 1754), 49.8% (873/1754) of patients achieved an ACR20 response. Prior treatment with anti-TNFi was significantly associated with a poorer response to secukinumab compared with the anti-TNFi-naïve group with an effect size of 2.09 (95% CI: 1.69, 2.58).

Conclusion

Some patients benefit from switching from TNFi to secukinumab, but previous anti-TNFi treatment is associated with poorer effectiveness of secukinumab.
Familial Mediterranean fever: the molecular pathways from stress exposure to attacks
Authors: Korkmaz Cengiz , Cansu Döndü U , Cansu Güven Barış
Published: July 2020

FMF is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent attacks and increased IL-1 synthesis owing to activation of the pyrin inflammasome. Although knowledge of the mechanisms leading to the activation of pyrin inflammasome is increasing, it is still unknown why the disease is characterized by attack. The emergence of FMF attacks after emotional stress and the induction of attacks with metaraminol in previous decades suggested that stress-induced sympathoadrenal system activation might play a role in inflammasome activation and triggering attacks. In this review, we will review the possible molecular mechanism of stress mediators on the inflammation pathway and inflammasome activation. Studies on stress mediators and their impact on inflammation pathways will provide a better understanding of stress-related exacerbation mechanisms in both autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review provides a new perspective on this subject and will contribute to new studies.
What Constrains Liquidity Provision? Evidence from Institutional Trades*
Authors: Çötelioğlu Efe , Franzoni Francesco , Plazzi Alberto
Published: July 2020

The article studies liquidity provision by institutional investors using trade-level data. We find that hedge fund trades are a more important predictor of stock-level liquidity than mutual fund trades. However, hedge funds’ liquidity provision is more exposed to financial conditions than that of mutual funds. Hedge funds that are more constrained in terms of leverage, age, asset illiquidity, and past performance exhibit a stronger shift toward liquidity consumption when funding condition tighten. Stocks with more exposure to constrained liquidity providing hedge funds suffered more during the financial crisis.
A Radiographic Analysis of Lumbar Fusion Status and Instrumentation Failure After Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery With Spinopelvic Fixation
Authors: Shimizu Takayoshi , Lenke Lawrence G. , Cerpa Meghan , Beauchamp Eduardo C. , Carreon Leah Y. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: July 2020

Study Design:

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the fusion status of the lumbar spine and lumbosacral junction at 2 years postoperatively after complex adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

Achieving fusion is crucial for maintaining optimal alignment in ASD surgery. However, prospective data assessing fusion status using large patient populations are lacking in this patient population.

Materials and Methods:

Postoperative radiographs of 162 patients from the Scoli-Risk-1 database, who underwent complex ASD surgery with fusion to the sacrum, were evaluated by 3 independent spine surgeons at 6-week, 6-month, and 2-year follow-up. The fusion rate of the lumbar spine segments at a 2-year follow-up was determined by using previously published radiographic grading criteria. We also assessed the prevalence of instrumentation failures.

Results:

The interrater reliabilities for grading the fusion status were overall fair at each level evaluated (Fleiss κ, 0.337–0.439). Overall, 70.3% (114/162) demonstrated the solid fusion of the entire lumbar spine at a 2-year follow-up. The fusion rates of each segment were L1/L2: 87.0%, L2/L3: 82.0%, L3/L4: 83.9%, L4/L5: 89.5%, and L5/S1: 89.5%. Pedicle screw loosening was the most frequent implant failure throughout the observation period (9.2%, 11.6%, and 11.0% at 6-wk, 6-mo, and 2-y follow-up, respectively). No rod breakage was observed at 6 weeks, increasing to 9.8% at 2-year follow-up. The prevalence of postoperative proximal junctional kyphosis was 5.5% at 6 weeks, showing no difference at 2 years postoperative.

Conclusions:

In this series of complex ASD surgeries often requiring 3-column osteotomies, 70.3% showed solid fusion of the entire lumbar spine, including the lumbosacral junction. The lumbosacral segments showed a relatively high fusion rate at a 2-year follow-up likely due to the frequent use of anterior column support and graft. The prevalence of rod breakage increased as follow-up proceeded to 9.8%, which was most commonly observed at the lumbosacral junction.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Three-dimensional Printed Drill Guides Versus Fluoroscopic-guided Freehand Technique for Pedicle Screw Placement
Authors: Wallace Nicholas , Butt Bilal B. , Aleem Ilyas , Patel Rakesh
Published: July 2020

Study Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare surgical, clinical, and radiographic outcomes of 3-dimensional printed (3DP) drill guides to the fluoroscopic-guided, freehand placement of pedicle screws in the spine.

Summary of Background Data:

3DP is a budding technology in spine surgery and has recently been applied to patient-specific drill guides for pedicle screw placement. Several authors have reported the benefits of these drill guides, but no clear consensus exists on their utility.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted and independent reviewers assessed eligibility for included studies. Outcomes analyzed included: total operation time, estimated blood loss, screw accuracy, pain score, Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and postoperative complications. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and weighted risk differences were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results:

Six studies with a total of 205 patients were included. There were significantly lower operation times [WMD=−32.32 min, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−53.19 to −11.45] and estimated blood loss (WMD=−51.42 mL, 95% CI=−81.12 to −21.72) in procedures performed with 3DP drill guides as compared with freehand technique. The probability of “excellent” screw placement was significantly higher in 3DP guides versus freehand (weighted risk difference=−0.12, 95% CI=−0.17 to 0.07); however, no differences were observed in “poor” or “good” screw placement. There were no significant differences between groups in pain scores or Japanese Orthopedic Association scores. No difference in the rate of surgical complications was noted between the groups.

Conclusions:

Pedicle screws placed with 3DP drill guides may result in shorter operative time, less blood loss, and a greater probability of excellent screw placement as compared with those placed with freehand techniques. We conclude that 3DP guides may potentially develop into an efficient and accurate option for pedicle screw placement. However, more prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the confidence of these conclusions.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Pelvic Incidence Affects Age-adjusted Alignment Outcomes in a Population of Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Bortz Cole A. , Segreto Frank A. , Horn Samantha R. , Pierce Katherine E. , Manning Jordan , Vasquez-Montes Dennis , Diebo Bassel , Lafage Renaud , Lafage Virginie
Published: July 2020

Study Design:

A single-center retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of patient height and pelvic incidence (PI) on age-adjusted alignment outcomes of surgical adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

Summary of Background Data:

Patient height and PI have yet to be evaluated for their individual effects on achieving age-adjusted alignment targets.

Methods:

Surgical ASD patients were grouped by percentile (low: <25th; normative: 25th–75th; high: >75th) for height and PI. Correction groups were generated at postoperative follow-up for actual alignment compared with age-adjusted ideal values for pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI−LL), and sagittal vertical axis, and PI-adjusted ideal alignment values for sacral slope (SS), as derived from clinically relevant formulas. Means comparison tests assessed differences in rates of matching ideal alignment (±10 y threshold for age-adjusted targets; −7 to 5 degrees measured minus ideal for SS) across height and PI groups.

Results:

Breakdown of all included 198 patients by PI group: low (25%, 38±11 degrees), normative (50%, 57±5 degrees), high (25%, 75±7 degrees). Breakdown of patient height groups: low (25%, 1.52±0.04 m), normative (50% 1.64±0.05 m), and high (25%, 1.79±0.06 m). Overall, 29% of patients met postoperative age-adjusted alignment targets for PT, 23% for PI−LL, and 25% for sagittal vertical axis. Overall, 26% of patients met PI-adjusted SS alignment. There were no differences across patient height groups in rates of achieving adjusted alignment target (all P>0.05). Patients with high PI reached age-adjusted ideal alignment for PT at a lower rate (16%) than patients with normative (33%) or low PI (33%, P=0.056). Of patients that matched at least 1 ideal alignment target, those with high PI showed inferior preoperative to postoperative changes in EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire as compared with normative and low PI patients (P=0.015).

Conclusions:

Patients with high PI reached ideal postoperative age-adjusted PT alignment at a lower rate than patients with normative and low PI. Height had no impact on postoperative age-adjusted alignment outcomes. Current postoperative ideal alignment targets may warrant an adjustment to account for PI.
Patient Risk Factors Associated With 30- and 90-Day Readmission After Cervical Discectomy
Authors: Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Koo Andrew B. , Lee Megan , Freedman Isaac G. , David Wyatt B. , Kundishora Adam J. , Gorrepati Ramana , Kuzmik Gregory A. , Camara-Quintana Joaquin , Qureshi Tariq , Kolb Luis , Laurans Maxwell , Abbed Khalid
Published: July 2020

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the patient-level risk factors associated with 30- and 90-day unplanned readmissions following elective anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA).

Summary of Background Data:

For cervical disk pathology, both ACDF and CDA are increasingly performed nationwide. However, relatively little is known about the adverse complications and rates of readmission for ACDF and CDA.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Nationwide Readmission Database from the years 2013 to 2015. All patients undergoing either CDA or ACDF were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification coding system. Unique patient linkage numbers were used to follow patients and to identify 30- and 31–90-day readmission rates. Patients were grouped by no readmission (Non-R), readmission within 30 days (30-R), and readmission within 31–90 days (90-R).

Results:

There were a total of 13,093 index admissions with 856 (6.5%) readmissions [30-R: n=532 (4.0%); 90-R: n=324 (2.5%)]. Both overall length of stay and total cost were greater in the 30-R cohort compared with 90-R and Non-R cohorts. The most prevalent 30- and 90-day complications seen among the readmitted cohorts were infection, genitourinary complication, and device complication. On multivariate regression analysis, age, Medicaid status, medium and large hospital bed size, deficiency anemia, and any complication during index admission were independently associated with increased 30-day readmission. Whereas age, large hospital bed size, coagulopathy, and any complication during the initial hospitalization were independently associated with increased 90-day readmission.

Conclusion:

Our nationwide study identifies the 30- and 90-day readmission rates and several patient-related risk factors associated with unplanned readmission after common anterior cervical spine procedures.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.