bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparta’s Contributions to Greek Sport
Authors: Cartledge Paul
Published: October 2021

Spartan public education was notably physical in focus, and internalized Spartan core values. Athletic nudity and anointing athletes with oil may have arisen from the culture of olive-oil-rich Sparta. Spartan athletic fervour possibly prompted Tyrtaeus’ critique of athletics. Sparta was an early and avid supporter of the Olympics (see the Lycurgus legend) and its citizens accrued forty-five of the known Olympic victories in the first two centuries of the festival, followed by a precipitous drop-off of athletic victors for a couple centuries thereafter. In equestrian events, they garnered seventeen or eighteen victories from 548 to about 368, capped by the first Olympic victory by a woman, Cynisca, in 396. Olympia was the Spartan venue of choice: there are oddly no known Spartan victors at the other major Panhellenic festivals. The site of their most avid participation was Lacedaemon itself, evidenced primarily by the ‘stele of Damonon’ (c.400– c.375), recording numerous victories at nine local festivals. A Leonidaea commemorating Leonidas was instituted from the third century bce to the second century ce. Physical education for Spartan girls is alluded to by Xenophon and Aristophanes, and evidenced by bronze figurines of the sixth century bce.
Origins of the Olympics to the Sixth Century bce
Authors: Sinn Ulrich
Published: October 2021

The tumulus at Olympia, later a cult site of Pelops, dates to the mid-third millennium bce, but cult activity and the altar of Zeus are evidenced only from the late eleventh century. Votive tripod ornamentation from the tenth to the eighth century reflects myth and warfare, not athletics. Weapons and armour from all over Greece were dedicated in abundance in the late eighth to early seventh centuries. The sacred precinct was extended and the stadium built at about 700 bce. The tumulus became a Pelops Heroön about 600 bce. Texts like Pindar O.10 that portray Pelops as the Olympics founder reflect the biased view of the Eleans. The site was much earlier a sanctuary for Zeus and other deities to promote agriculture and cattle, then prominent at the site of the oracle of Zeus Olympios, and finally as the festival site. The oracle functioned importantly in matters of warfare and colonization, especially in the Greek west.
Patterns of Politics in Ancient Greek Athletics
Authors: Valavanis Panos
Published: October 2021

Greek athletics were of high political significance in view of their place in religion and communal festivals. This is reviewed in terms of votive offerings; the status of a group, a ruler, or an individual within a community; interstate rivalries, colonization and state formation; elite status, kudos, and political capital, especially in chariot-racing. The examples of Cleisthenes of Sikyon and the Alcmaeonids of Athens, among others, are discussed. The rivalry of Athens and Sparta in athletics and chariot events is also examined, e.g. the cases of the Spartans Lichas, Cynisca, and Agesilaus, and the Athenian Alcibiades. The participation of ‘peripheral’ Greek cities (Italy, Sicily, Cyrene) in Panhellenic games bolstered their Greek identity and served their rulers too. Macedonian rulers, e.g. Alexander I, Philip II and Alexander the Great, notably took part in Greek games for the fifth century on, and so asserted their Greek identity and their domain. The Panathenaic Games served political aims not only for Athenian elite, but also for Ptolemies and Macedonians.
Roman Games and Spectacle
Authors: Potter David
Published: October 2021

As the Roman world became increasingly influenced by the spread of Christianity, contemporary social and political practices both shaped and were shaped by the new religion. For Christians the realm of public spectacle was marked by ambiguities, as religious authority figures strove to reconcile these cultural expressions, their origins embedded in commemorations of the pagan state, with their own evolving notions of what it was to be Christian. As Christian emperors co-opted the consolidated circus organization and the racing factions that spread from it, late antique public spectacles became a key venue for the formation of Christian identity.
Economic Aspects of Athletic Competition in the Archaic and Classical Age
Authors: D'Amore Lucia
Published: October 2021

An economic study of the Panhellenic contests in the archaic and classical periods requires an analysis of the relationship between economics, politics, and society of the Greek cities from a diachronic perspective. The competitive spirit formed an integral part of Greek life and culture and reflected the different social classes across various ages. The Homeric athletic contest is reserved for heroes and the aristocracy. In the eighth century the agōn is still dominated by a warrior aristocracy and landed classes, although members of the lower class were not restricted from participation. Subsequently with the birth of the polis, and through the development of crafts and trade, there emerged new social classes that undermined the archaic aristocratic values and introduced wealth based on coinage. The establishment of cash prizes offered to Panhellenic victors corresponded to the new conception of the timocratic polis. In the fifth century the emergence of Athenian democracy offered new possibilities to citizens with the opening of gymnasia and the establishment of liturgies.
Circuses and Hippodromes
Authors: Holliday Peter J.
Published: October 2021

The circus was the grandest of all sites in antiquity for public spectacles. Focusing on the development of its form reveals its origins in Greek hippodromes and Etruscan arenas for equestrian competitions. It was essentially a long, narrow racetrack designed primarily for chariot-races, but could accommodate all manner of other spectacles, including foot-races, boxing, and wrestling; because of its size and sightlines, the circus was also the most frequent location for venationes, but eventually less commonly for munera and theatrical entertainments. Following Greek and Etruscan custom, leading Roman citizens had once raced their own horses in the circus, but the practice was abandoned and the elite instead competed for esteem by sponsoring races. With its immense and diverse audiences, the circus came to serve specifically Roman religious and political purposes, and played an unrivalled role in the public life of ancient Rome.
Ludi and Factiones as Organizations of Performers
Authors: Tuck Steven L.
Published: October 2021

Major performers in Roman spectacle entertainments (animal hunters, gladiators, and charioteers) were not independent contractors but members of organizations with far-reaching influence in social, political, and economic activities. Indeed, these empire-wide organizations shaped distinctive identities for performers and fans alike. Analysis of these affiliations’ personnel reveals that the hunters, venatores, had regional collectives that not only recruited, trained, and provided performers but also engaged in lucrative trade of commodities from Roman Africa. The gladiatorial ludi and familiae similarly prepared combat specialists for local, provincial, and imperial munera. The four circus factions, largest and most complex, maintained thousands of employees in an empire-wide presence, acquiring and training racehorses and charioteers for the stabulae factionum in major Roman cities. This efficiency and well-established structure enabled them to take charge after third-century changes made the factions responsible for providing the performers for all spectacular entertainments across the late Roman empire.
Animal Supply
Authors: MacKinnon Michael
Published: October 2021

Animals of all types, be these domestic or wild, native or exotic, were routinely required for spectacles and events in the Graeco-Roman world, most notably, perhaps, in the context of the amphitheatre games of Roman antiquity. Behind such events, however, lay networks involved in the capture, transport, and supply of these animals. The integration of ancient textual, iconographical, and archaeological (including zooarchaeological) evidence provides the requisite data to investigate these aspects. Available ancient textual and artistic evidence suggest that soldiers and professional hunters, assisted by civilians and natives as required or demanded, undertook many of these tasks. Guilds or professional organizations of wild beast hunters and merchants provided further administrative, technical, financial, and transport assistance. Equipment involved in capturing the animals varied depending upon factors such as the size, age, or ferocity of the animal, but included a range of nets, cages, and traps, among other methods. Extrapolation from more modern practices, however, suggests that baiting and ambushing, arguably somewhat less noble or brave tactics, likely characterized much of exotic animal capture in antiquity. Treatment for many of these animals, in transit to their final destination, was probably poor; large numbers certainly perished during transport or while in captivity. Available zooarchaeological evidence helps locate exotic animal bones across different contexts in the ancient Graeco-Roman world, including beasts presumably involved in amphitheatre games, but also provides tempering evidence to downplay the magnitude of numbers actually supplied to such events, as is attested in ancient textual and iconographical data.
Curse Tablets
Authors: Hollmann Alexander
Published: October 2021

In Greco-Roman antiquity the intense competition (agōn) between opponents in the sporting arena was echoed by an equally fierce competition of magical materials inside and outside the venue. Curse tablets (Gr. katadesmoi, L. defixiones), phylacteries, protective magical texts worn on or near the person, and other magical materials, symbols, and rituals all competed with each other to advance or retard the performance of the competitors in the event. Extant tablets come from the early imperial period to the 6th century ce, but their use in the classical and Hellenistic periods is likely. The extant sport-related tablets contain curses relating to wrestling and running, beast-hunting in the arena (venatio), and chariot-racing in the circus, with tablets relating to the latter predominating. As chariot-racing in the empire became an increasingly high-stakes event and connected with competition among the factions, their supporters, and the ruling elite, the practice of magic to influence outcomes of the races is increasingly mentioned in sources of the period as a source of concern.
Cultural Management of Huanglongbing: Current Status and Ongoing Research
Authors: Alquézar Berta , Carmona Lourdes , Bennici Stefania , Miranda Marcelo P. , Bassanezi Renato B. , Peña Leandro
Published: October 2021

Huanglongbing (HLB), formerly known as greening, is a bacterial disease restricted to some Asian and African regions until two decades ago. Nowadays, associated bacteria and their vectors have spread to almost all citrus-producing regions, and it is currently considered the most devastating citrus disease. HLB management can be approached in terms of prevention, limiting or avoiding pathogen and associated vectors to reach an area, or in terms of control, trying to reduce the impact of the disease by adopting different cultural strategies depending on infestation/infection levels. In both cases, control of psyllid populations is currently the best way to stop HLB spread. Best cultural actions (CHMAs, TPS system) to attain this goal and, thus, able to limit HLB spread, and ongoing research in this regard is summarized in this review.
Updated Diagnostic Criteria and Classification of Mast Cell Disorders: A Consensus Proposal
Authors: Valent Peter , Akin Cem , Hartmann Karin , Alvarez-Twose Ivan , Brockow Knut , Hermine Olivier , Niedoszytko Marek , Schwaab Juliana , Lyons Jonathan J. , Carter Melody C. , Elberink Hanneke Oude , Butterfield Joseph H. , George Tracy I. , Greiner Georg , Ustun Celalettin , Bonadonna Patrizia , Sotlar Karl , Nilsson Gunnar , Jawhar Mohamad , Siebenhaar Frank , Broesby-Olsen Sigurd , Yavuz Selim , Zanotti Roberta , Lange Magdalena , Nedoszytko Boguslaw , Hoermann Gregor , Castells Mariana , Radia Deepti H. , Muñoz-Gonzalez Javier I. , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Triggiani Massimo , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke C. , Galli Stephen J. , Schwartz Lawrence B. , Reiter Andreas , Orfao Alberto , Gotlib Jason , Arock Michel , Horny Hans-Peter , Metcalfe Dean D.
Published: October 2021

Mastocytosis is a hematologic neoplasm characterized by expansion and focal accumulation of neoplastic mast cells (MC) in diverse organs, including the skin, bone marrow (BM), spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The World Health Organization classification divides the disease into prognostically distinct variants of cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) and systemic mastocytosis (SM). Although this classification remains valid, recent developments in the field and the advent of new diagnostic and prognostic parameters created a need to update and refine definitions and diagnostic criteria in MC neoplasms. In addition, MC activation syndromes (MCAS) and genetic features predisposing to SM and MCAS have been identified. To discuss these developments and refinements in the classification, we organized a Working Conference comprised of experts from Europe and the United States in August 2020. This article reports on outcomes from this conference. Of particular note, we propose adjustments in the classification of CM and SM, refinements in diagnostic criteria of SM variants, including smoldering SM and BM mastocytosis (BMM), and updated criteria for MCAS and other conditions involving MC. CD30 expression in MC now qualifies as a minor SM criterion, and BMM is now defined by SM criteria, absence of skin lesions and absence of B- and C-findings. A basal serum tryptase level exceeding 20 ng/mL remains a minor SM criterion, with recognition that hereditary alpha-tryptasemia and various myeloid neoplasms may also cause elevations in tryptase. Our updated proposal will support diagnostic evaluations and prognostication in daily practice and the conduct of clinical trials in MC disorders.
Clinical applications and consideration of interventions of electrotherapy for orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation
Authors: Chen Po-Yin , Cheen Jang-Rong , Jheng Ying-Chun , Wu Hsiao-Kuan , Huang Shih-En , Kao Chung-Lan
Published: October 2021

Electrotherapy or electrical stimulation (ES) is a part of clinical intervention in the rehabilitation field. With rehabilitation intervention, electrotherapy may be provided as a treatment for pain relief, strengthening, muscle education, wound recovery, or functional training. Although these interventions may not be considered as the primary therapy for patients, the advantages of the ease of operation, lower costs, and lower risks render ES to be applied frequently in clinics. There have also been emerging ES tools for brain modulation in the past decade. ES interventions are not only considered analgesics but also as an important assistive therapy for motor improvement in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. In addition, during the coronavirus disease pandemic, lockdowns and self-quarantine policies have led to the discontinuation of orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation interventions. Therefore, the feasibility and effectiveness of home-based electrotherapy may provide opportunities for the prevention of deterioration or extension of the original therapy. The most common at-home applications in previous studies showed positive effects on pain relief, functional ES, muscle establishment, and motor training. Currently, there is a lack of certain products for at-home brain modulation; however, transcranial direct current stimulation has shown the potential of future home-based rehabilitation due to its relatively small and simple design. We have organized the features and applications of ES tools and expect the future potential of remote therapy during the viral pandemic.
Uterus transplantation: ethical considerations
Authors: da Graca Briget , Johannesson Liza , Testa Giuliano , Wall Anji
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review

Uterus transplantation (Utx) offers women with absolute uterine factor infertility the opportunity to carry their own pregnancies. As Utx transitions from an experimental to standard clinical procedure, we review the status of the ethical issues applicable to the stakeholders involved.

Recent findings

With more than 65 Utx procedures reported to date, evidence is accruing that enables the chance of success – a live birth – for the recipient to be weighed against the risks the recipient incurs through the Utx process, as well as risks to living donors undergoing surgery, to children exposed in utero to immunosuppressants and the uterine graft environment, and to third parties related to uterus procurement from multiorgan deceased donors. Experience has also informed aspects of recipient and donor autonomy that must be safeguarded.

Clinical trial results provides a basis for weighing the interests of the stakeholders implicated in Utx, and so can inform transplant centers’ and regulatory bodies’ development of policies and protocols that will determine access to Utx and allocation of organs, together with other considerations of justice. Additional evidence, particularly on long-term outcomes, is needed, and new questions can be expected to arise as access to and indications for Utx broaden.
Meta-analysis of Virtual Reality Based on Delaying Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chao Guanqun , Chen Liying
Published: October 2021

To further clarify the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in improving cognitive function of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane centers for controlled trials of VR in patients with MCI. All analyses were performed using RevMan (Version 5.3; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). The selected data were extracted as 2 × 2 table. All included studies were weighted and aggregated. According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, five articles were selected for meta-analysis. There was no bias or heterogeneity in the results. We found that the diamond is on the right side of the vertical line and does not intersect with the vertical line. We determined the following values: odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–2.37; z = 2.55; p = 0.01. VR can effectively improve the cognitive function of MCI patients and delay cognitive impairment, which can be further developed as a treatment to delay the development of MCI.
Systematic Review of Medpor Versus Autologous Ear Reconstruction
Authors: Ma Yangmyung , Lloyd Mark Sheldon
Published: October 2021

Ear reconstruction is 1 of the most technically challenging sub-specialties of craniofacial and reconstructive plastic surgery. The reconstructive ear must not only fulfil the requirement of being aesthetically pleasing but must also have good vascularity with a low complication rate. Several ear reconstructive techniques have been developed such as the autologous ear reconstruction technique using costal cartilage and ear reconstruction with high-density porous polyethylene or Medpor (Porex Surgical, Inc, College Park, GA). Autologous ear reconstructive techniques have advantages of durability and low infection rates however are associated with poorer aesthetic outcomes such as poor projection of the ear. Medpor has advantages of a more consistent three-dimensional definition without the need to harvest costochondral cartilage and create a donor site. However, due to its alloplastic material properties, Medpor has historically been reported as having a higher rate of extrusion and infection. This is the first systematic review to compare the outcomes of both techniques. The 6 studies that were reviewed were analyzed against 3 evaluative criteria: aesthetic outcome, complication rate, and convenience of intervention. This is so a comprehensive, evidence-based decision can be made by the surgeon and patient when ear reconstruction is required. The results showed heterogeneity in data and a lack of detailed descriptions of the assessment for aesthetic outcomes and convenience, hence were inconclusive. The results however showed that there were more complications with Medpor framework with 15% of total cases resulting in either extrusion or infection compared to 2% of autologous ear reconstruction framework.
Reconstruction of Nose and Adjacent Facial Units With Chimeric Flap Combined of Auricular Free Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap
Authors: Piotrowska-Seweryn Agnieszka , Opyrchal Jakub , Krakowczyk Lukasz
Published: October 2021

Composite full-thickness nasal defects that include adjacent facial units still remain a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The commonly used auricular free flap (AFF) might not be sufficient for full coverage of a defect, and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) lacks the rigid component for nasal framework. Therefore, the authors present a chimeric flap combined of both AFF and RFFF for the reconstruction of extended nasal defects. Auricular free flap enables the restoration of the exact contour of nose, and it preserves similar texture and color of the skin. Moreover, its harvesting results in minimal deformity of donor site. Radial forearm free flap gives the possibility of covering extensive defects of the facial units thanks to its elasticity and long vascular pedicle. The combination of both flaps seems to be an optimal solution for the reconstruction of extended nasal defects, giving satisfactory aesthetic results. Also, it might not require any further corrections, remaining a one-stage procedure.
Osteoplasty of Medial Temporomandibular Joint Wall. A New Strategy for Treating Disc Displacement
Authors: Martín Irene García , Cariati Paolo , Rico Angel Martínez-Sauquillo , Medina Blas García
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Numerous factors have been indicated as possible causes of alterations in the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The main aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ wall associated with myotomy of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle for treating TMJ internal derangement.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective and comparative study was performed analyzing patients diagnosed with TMJ internal derangement and underwent TMJ arthroscopic surgery in our Hospital. These patients presented signs and symptoms of TMJ internal derangement along with pathological magnetic resonance imaging images, and underwent either arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ and myotomy of lateral pterygoid muscle (group 1) or arthroscopic eminoplasty (group 2) in our center.

Results:

The sample consisted of 109 patients (21 male, 88 females) who agreed to voluntarily participate in our study. The results revealed that the patients who had undergone arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial TMJ and myotomy of lateral pterygoid muscle showed better outcomes in terms of pain reduction when compared with patients who had undergone arthroscopic eminoplasty. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative mouth opening.

Conclusions:

Arthroscopic osteoplasty of the medial and anterior medial wall of TMJ associated with arthroscopic myotomy of the SLEM represent an effective treatment option for TMJ internal derangement even in advanced stages (Wilkes IV and V)
Long-Term Stability of Alveolar Bone Graft in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Kamyabnezhad Elaheh , Raisolsadat Mohammad Ali , Farzanegan Fahimeh , Bardideh Erfan
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Alveolar bone grafts are the golden standard in treating patients with oral cleft and hence, the long-term success of this treatment is the subject of many studies. The aim of this study was to systematically review literature that examined the long-term stability of alveolar bone grafting in patients with cleft lip and palate.

Methods:

In this study, data was collected via a comprehensive search of random and nonrandom studies evaluating the success of bone grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate in ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the beginning until July 3, 2020. Also, a search was conducted for ongoing studies in the trial registry and a hand search of related gray literature and references of the relevant studies. The relevant data of the included studies were extracted using predefined extraction forms. Meta-analysis was performed using inverse-variance for calculating the pooled outcome of outcome measures. The pooled mean success rate of alveolar bone graft and mean difference of cleft volume after 1 year was presented as the outcome of the analysis.

Results:

Eight studies (1 randomized clinical trial study and 7 controlled prospective studies) were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the analyses showed that the total percentage of secondary alveolar success in the follow-up period of at least 1 year according to the Bergland index was 76.52% (pooled success = 76.52%, 44.92–98.10). Also, bone defect in the cleft area reduced significantly after bone grafting (MD = 0.62 cm3, 0.48–0.75, P < 0.00001). The total percentage of bone filling after 1 year and according to CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) was about 63.38%, and the rate of definite natural eruption of canine within the graft was 80.89%.

Conclusions:

The total success rate of secondary alveolar bone grafting in the follow-up period of at least 1 year was clinically significant and alveolar bone grafting significantly reduced bone defect volume. Also, there was no difference in the amount of bone remaining after 1 year in patients whose canine had erupted through the grafted bone and in those whose canine had not erupted.
Evaluation of Sagittal and Vertical Changes in Maxillary Dental, Skeletal, and Soft Tissue Following Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Farfel Vivian , Morea Gladys Cristina , Ferreira Lydia Masako , Pereira Max Domingues
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To evaluate whether the maxillary complex would be sagittally, vertically, or mutually displaced after the transverse maxillary correction by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion and how the facial profile would be affected.

Materials and Methods:

The sample comprised 28 adult patients (mean age 25.8 [age range 19–39 years]; 50% women) with transverse maxillary deficiency greater than 7 mm who underwent the surgical rapid maxillary expansion. Cephalometric analysis (n 
= 112), intra- and extra-oral registries, and radiographic records were taken before treatment (T1), right after the end of the expansion (T2), 4 months after the expansion (T3), and 10 months after the end of the expansion (T4). Dental and skeletal cephalometric measurements were evaluated at each time-point, whereas soft tissue cephalometric analyses were determined at 2 time points (T1 and T4).

Results:

The results indicated that no sagittal, vertical, skeletal, or soft tissue variation was found after the surgical expansion. However, statistically significant dental changes (P 
< 0.05) were observed in dental angles (1.NA/1.SN/1.PoOR/1.PP) throughout the different time-points. The authors found statistically relevant posterior inclination of the incisors from T2 to T3 based on multiple comparisons.

Conclusions:

Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion does not promote anterior and vertical displacement of the maxilla. Notwithstanding, the surgical intervention causes upper incisor palatal inclination.
Early intervention with a glycerol throat spray containing cold-adapted cod trypsin after self-diagnosis of the common cold: a randomised prospective, parallel group and single-blind methods trial (Glycerol-cod trypsin spray in common cold)
Authors: Lindberg B. Fredrik , Nelson Ida , Ranstam Jonas , Riker Donald K.
Published: October 2021

Background

A glycerol throat spray containing cold-adapted cod trypsin (GCTS) deactivates common cold virus in vitro and decreases pharyngeal rhinovirus load after inoculation in humans. We relied on early self-diagnosis and evaluated two different scales to detect a treatment effect in naturally occurring common colds.

Methods

Adults were enrolled in this randomised, prospective, parallel group, single-blind study to begin treatment six times daily at first sign of a common cold or were assigned to a non-treated group. Jackson’s symptom scale and the 9-item Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS)-21 quality of life (QoL) domain were recorded daily by subjects and area under the curve over 12 days (AUC1-12) calculated.

Results

Treatment resulted in reduced symptoms with an AUC1-12 of 45.1 ± 32.5 for Jackson scores compared to 53.8 ± 35.7 in the controls (p=0.023). AUC1-12 for the 9-item WURSS-21 QoL domain was likewise improved, 113.6 ± 107.7 and 152.7 ± 126.3 (p=0.006), respectively. During the first four days fewer of the treated subjects (35.3%) used rescue medication than did the control group (50.4%, p=0.014).

Conclusions

Reduction in common cold symptoms was seen with treatment with a glycerol throat spray containing cold-adapted cod trypsin. This effect was best detected with the 9-item WURSS-21 QoL domain.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on symptoms from post-acute COVID syndrome: results from the national VAXILONG survey
Authors: Scherlinger Marc , Pijnenburg Luc , Chatelus Emmanuel , Arnaud Laurent , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Sibilia Jean , Felten Renaud
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Few data are available concerning the effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on the persistent symptoms associated with COVID-19, also called long-COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).

Patients and methods

We conducted a nationwide online survey among adult patients with PACS as defined by symptoms persisting over 4 weeks following a confirmed or probable COVID-19, without any identified alternative diagnosis. Information concerning PACS symptoms, vaccine type and scheme and its effect on PACS symptoms were studied.

Results

Six hundred and twenty surveys were completed and 567 satisfied the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Respondents were 83.4% of women of median age 44 (IQR 25-75: 37-50). Initial infection was proven in 365 patients (64%) and 5.1% had been hospitalized to receive oxygen. 396 patients had received at least one injection of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine at the time of the survey, after a median of 357 [198-431] days following the initially-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the 380 patients who reported persistent symptoms at the time of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, 201 (52.8%) reported variation of symptoms following the injection, without difference based on the type of vaccine used. After a complete vaccination scheme, 93.3% (28/30) of initially seronegative patients reported a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

170 PACS patients had not been vaccinated. The most common reasons for postponing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were a fear of worsening PACS symptoms (55.9%) and the idea that vaccination was contraindicated because of PACS (15.6%).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is well tolerated in the majority of PACS patients and has good immunogenicity. Disseminating these reassuring data might prove crucial to increase vaccine coverage in patients with PACS.
Dynamic metabolic network modeling of a mammalian cell cycle using time-course multi-omics data
Authors: Lee Ho-Joon , Shen Fangzhou , Eames Alec , Jedrychowski Mark P. , Chandrasekaran Sriram
Published: October 2021

Cell cycle is a fundamental process for cell growth and proliferation, and its dysregulation leads to many diseases. How metabolic networks are regulated and rewired during the cell cycle is unknown. Here we apply a dynamic genome-scale metabolic modeling framework (DFA) to simulate a cell cycle of cytokine-activated murine pro-B cells. Phase-specific reaction activity predicted by DFA using time-course metabolomics were validated using matched time-course proteomics and phospho-proteomics data. Our model correctly predicted changes in methionine metabolism at the G1/S transition and the activation of lysine metabolism, nucleotides synthesis, fatty acid elongation and heme biosynthesis at the critical G0/G1 transition into cell growth and proliferation. Metabolic fluxes predicted from proteomics and phosphoproteomics constrained metabolic models were highly consistent with DFA fluxes and revealed that most reaction fluxes are regulated indirectly. Our model can help predict the impact of changes in nutrients, enzymes, or regulators on this critical cellular process.
Codiversification of gut microbiota with humans
Authors: Suzuki Taichi A. , Fitzstevens Liam , Schmidt Victor T. , Enav Hagay , Huus Kelsey , Mbong Mirabeau , Adegbite Bayode R. , Zinsou Jeannot F. , Esen Meral , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Adegnika Ayola A. , Song Le Huu , Spector Timothy D. , Muehlbauer Amanda L. , Marchi Nina , Blekhman Ran , Ségurel Laure , Youngblut Nicholas D. , Kremsner Peter , Ley Ruth E.
Published: October 2021

Some gut microbes have cospeciated with hominids, but whether they further codiversified with human populations is unclear. Here, we identify predominant gut microbial species sharing a parallel evolutionary history with human populations. Patterns of strain transfer between populations are generally consistent with an African origin, and suggest long-term vertical transmission over thousands of generations. We show the same strains also faithfully transmit between mothers and their children. Consistent with the development of intimate symbiosis, species with strongest patterns of codiversification have the smallest genomes. This study reveals long-term fidelity of gut microbiota with human populations through transmission among individuals living in close proximity. Dominance of specific strains in different populations is based in part on vertical transmission and they may provide population-specific health benefits.

One-sentence summary

Identification of gut microbes that codiversified with human populations.
A multifaceted ecological assessment reveals the invasion of the freshwater red macroalga Montagnia macrospora (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in Taiwan
Authors: Fontana Silvia , Yeh Lan-Wei , Zhan Shing Hei , Liu Shao-Lun
Published: October 2021

Invasive freshwater macroalgae are rarely described. Recently, a freshwater red alga, Montagnia macrospora, was introduced from South America to East Asia via the global aquarium trade. The earliest occurrence record of this alga in Taiwan is dated 2005. To determine whether M. macrospora has become an invasive species in Taiwan and to understand its traits that facilitated its invasion, we took a total-evidence approach that combines examination of ecological background and population genetic analysis. Our island-wide survey showed that M. macrospora alga was widespread in the field across Taiwan, where the climate greatly differs from that of South America. Our population genetic analysis revealed that the cox2-3 sequences of all the specimens of M. macrospora from Taiwan were identical, consistent with the hypothesis that the alga expanded through asexual reproduction. Moreover, during our long-term ecological assessments and field surveys, we observed that M. macrospora is an ecological generalist that can self-sustain for a decade and bloom. Taken together, our data suggest that M. macrospora has successfully invaded the freshwater ecosystems in Taiwan due to its ability to disperse asexually and to grow under broad environmental conditions. We hope that our study brings attention to invasive freshwater algae, which have been overlooked in conservation planning and management.
Neural dynamics of illusory tactile pulling sensations
Authors: De Havas Jack , Ito Sho , Bestmann Sven , Gomi Hiroaki
Published: October 2021

The sensation of directional forces and their associated sensorimotor commands are inextricably intertwined, complicating the identification of brain circuits responsible for tactile pulling sensations. One hypothesis is that, like tactile frequency discrimination, pulling sensations are generated by early sensory-frontal activity. Alternatively, they may be generated later in the somatosensory association cortex. To dissociate these accounts and uncouple the pulling sensation from unrelated but correlated sensory and motor processing, we combined high-density EEG with an oddball paradigm and asymmetric vibration, which creates an illusory sensation of the hand being directionally pulled. Oddballs that created a pulling sensation in the opposite direction to common stimuli were compared to the same oddballs in the context of neutral common stimuli (symmetric vibration) and to neutral oddballs. Brain responses to having directional pulling expectations violated by directional stimuli were therefore isolated. Contrary to the sensory-frontal account, frontal N140 brain activity was actually larger for neutral than pulling oddballs. Instead, pulling sensations were associated with amplitude and latency modulations of midline P200 and P3b potentials, and specifically, to contralateral parietal lobe activity 280ms post-stimulus. The timing of this activity suggested pulling sensations involve spatial processing, such as tactile remapping between coordinate frames. Source localization showed this activity to be centered on the postcentral sulcus, superior parietal lobule and intraparietal sulcus, suggesting that pulling sensations arise via the processing of body position, tactile orientation and peripersonal space. Our results demonstrate how tactile illusions can uniquely disambiguate parietal contributions to somatosensation by removing unrelated sensory processing.

Significance statement

The neural mechanisms of tactile pulling sensations are poorly understood. Competing early sensory-frontal and later somatosensory association cortex accounts are hard to dissociate due to confounding sensory and motor signals present when forces are applied to the skin. Here, we used EEG and a novel asymmetric vibration approach to induce an illusory pulling sensation, which circumvents these issues. We found that pulling sensations were associated with parietal lobe activity 280ms post-stimulus and modulations of the P200. The timing and location of this activity suggested that pulling sensations necessitate spatial processing and supported a somatosensory association cortex account of the pulling sensation.
PoSTcode: Probabilistic image-based spatial transcriptomics decoder
Authors: Gataric Milana , Park Jun Sung , Li Tong , Vaskivskyi Vasyl , Svedlund Jessica , Strell Carina , Roberts Kenny , Nilsson Mats , Yates Lucy R. , Bayraktar Omer , Gerstung Moritz
Published: October 2021

Realising the full potential of novel image-based spatial transcriptomic (IST) technologies requires robust and accurate algorithms for decoding the hundreds of thousand fluorescent signals each derived from single molecules of mRNA. In this paper, we introduce PoSTcode, a probabilistic method for transcript decoding from cyclic multi-channel images, whose effectiveness is demonstrated on multiple large-scale datasets generated using different versions of the in situ sequencing protocols. PoSTcode is based on a re-parametrised matrix-variate Gaussian mixture model designed to account for correlated noise across fluorescence channels and imaging cycles. PoSTcode is shown to recover up to 50% more confidently decoded molecules while simultaneously decreasing transcript mislabeling when compared to existing decoding techniques. In addition, we demonstrate its increased stability to various types of noise and tuning parameters, which makes this new approach reliable and easy to use in practice. Lastly, we show that PoSTcode produces fewer doublet signals compared to a pixel-based decoding algorithm.
FAIRly big: A framework for computationally reproducible processing of large-scale data
Authors: Wagner Adina S. , Waite Laura K. , Wierzba Małgorzata , Hoffstaedter Felix , Waite Alexander Q. , Poldrack Benjamin , Eickhoff Simon B. , Hanke Michael
Published: October 2021

Large-scale datasets present unique opportunities to perform scientific investigations with un-precedented breadth. However, they also pose considerable challenges for the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR) of research outcomes due to infrastructure limitations, data usage constraints, or software license restrictions. Here we introduce a DataLad-based, domain-agnostic framework suitable for reproducible data processing in compliance with open science mandates. The framework attempts to minimize platform idiosyncrasies and performance-related complexities. It affords the capture of machine-actionable computational provenance records that can be used to retrace and verify the origins of research outcomes, as well as be re-executed independent of the original computing infrastructure. We demonstrate the framework’s performance using two showcases: one highlighting data sharing and transparency (using the studyforrest.org dataset) and another highlighting scalability (using the largest public brain imaging dataset available: the UK Biobank dataset).
netCRS: Network-based comorbidity risk score for prediction of myocardial infarction using biobank-scaled PheWAS data
Authors: Nam Yonghyun , Jung Sang-Hyuk , Verma Anurag , Sriram Vivek , Won Hong-Hee , Yun Jae-Seung ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, Kim Dokyoon
Published: October 2021

The polygenic risk score (PRS) can help to identify individuals’ genetic susceptibility for various diseases by combining patient genetic profiles and identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome-wide association studies. Although multiple diseases will usually afflict patients at once or in succession, conventional PRSs fail to consider genetic relationships across multiple diseases. Even multi-trait PRSs, which take into account genetic effects for more than one disease at a time, fail to consider a sufficient number of phenotypes to accurately reflect the state of disease comorbidity in a patient, or are biased in terms of the traits that are selected. Thus, we developed novel network-based comorbidity risk scores to quantify associations among multiple phenotypes from phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS). We first constructed a disease-SNP heterogeneous multi-layered network (DS-Net), which consists of a disease network (disease-layer) and SNP network (SNP-layer). The disease-layer describes the population-level interactome from PheWAS data. The SNP-layer was constructed according to linkage disequilibrium. Both layers were attached to transform the information from a population-level interactome to individual-level inferences. Then, graph-based semi-supervised learning was applied to predict possible comorbidity scores on disease-layer for each subject. The SNP-layer serves as receiving individual genotyping data in the scoring process, and the disease-layer serves as the propagated output for an individual’s multiple disease comorbidity scores. The possible comorbidity scores were combined by logistic regression, and it is denoted as netCRS. The DS-Net was constructed from UK Biobank PheWAS data, and the individual genetic profiles were collected from the Penn Medicine Biobank. As a proof-of-concept study, myocardial infarction (MI) was selected to compare netCRS with the PRS with pruning and thresholding (PRS-PT). The combined model (netCRS + PRS-PT + covariates) achieved an AUC improvement of 6.26% compared to the (PRS-PT + covariates) model. In terms of risk stratification, the combined model was able to capture the risk of MI up to approximately eight-fold higher than that of the low-risk group. The netCRS and PRS-PT complement each other in predicting high-risk groups of patients with MI. We expect that using these risk prediction models will allow for the development of prevention strategies and reduction of MI morbidity and mortality.
Diversity of reptile sex chromosome evolution revealed by cytogenetic and linked-read sequencing
Authors: Zhu Zexian , Matsubara Kazumi , Shams Foyez , Dobry Jason , Wapstra Erik , Gamble Tony , Sarre Stephen D. , Georges Arthur , Marshall Graves Jennifer A. , Zhou Qi , Ezaz Tariq
Published: October 2021

Reptile sex determination is attracting much attention because the great diversity of sex-determination and dosage compensation mechanisms permits us to approach fundamental questions about sex chromosome turnover and evolution. However, reptile sex chromosome variation remains largely uncharacterized and no reptile master sex determination genes have yet been identified. Here we describe a powerful and cost-effective “chromosomics” approach, combining probes generated from the microdissected sex chromosomes with transcriptome sequencing to explore this diversity in non-model Australian reptiles with heteromorphic or cryptic sex chromosomes. We tested the pipeline on a turtle, a gecko, and a worm-lizard, and we also identified sequences located on sex chromosomes in a monitor lizard using linked-read sequencing. Genes identified on sex chromosomes were compared to the chicken genome to identify homologous regions among the four species. We identified candidate sex determining genes within these regions, including conserved vertebrate sex-determining genes pdgfa, pdgfra amh and wt1, and demonstrated their testis or ovary-specific expression. All four species showed gene-by-gene rather than chromosome-wide dosage compensation. Our results imply that reptile sex chromosomes originated by independent acquisition of sex-determining genes on different autosomes, as well as translocations between different ancestral macro- and micro-chromosomes. We discuss the evolutionary drivers of the slow differentiation, but rapid turnover, of reptile sex chromosomes.
Thecnf1gene is associated to an expandingEscherichia coliST131H30Rx/C2 sublineage and confers a competitive advantage for host colonization
Authors: Tsoumtsa Meda Landry Laure , Landraud Luce , Petracchini Serena , Descorps-Declere Stéphane , Perthame Emeline , Nahori Marie-Anne , Finn Laura Ramirez , Ingersoll Molly A. , Patiño-Navarrete Rafael , Glaser Philippe , Dussurget Olivier , Denamur Erick , Mettouchi Amel , Lemichez Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

Epidemiological projections point to acquisition of ever-expanding multidrug resistance (MDR) byEscherichia coli, a commensal of the digestive tract acting as a source of urinary tract pathogens. We performed a high-throughput genetic screening of predominantly clinicalE. coliisolates from wide geographical origins. This revealed a preferential distribution of the Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1)-toxin encoding gene,cnf1, in four sequence types encompassing the pandemicE. coliMDR lineage ST131. This lineage is responsible for a majority of extraintestinal infections that escape first-line antibiotic treatment and has known enhanced capacities to colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Statistical modeling uncovered a dominant global expansion ofcnf1-positive strains within multidrug-resistant ST131 subcladeH30Rx/C2. Despite the absence of phylogeographical signals,cnf1-positive isolates adopted a clonal distribution into clusters on the ST131-H30Rx/C2 phylogeny, sharing a similar profile of virulence factors and the samecnf1allele. Functional analysis of thecnf1-positive clinical strain EC131GY ST131-H30Rx/C2, established that acnf1-deleted EC131GY is outcompeted by the wildtype strain in a mouse model of competitive infection of the bladder while both strains behave similarly during monoinfections. This points for positive selection ofcnf1during UTI rather than urovirulence. Wildtype EC131GY also outcompeted the mutant when concurrently inoculated into the gastrointestinal tract, arguing for selection within the gut. Whatever the site of selection, these findings support that the benefit ofcnf1enhancing host colonization by ST131-H30Rx/C2 in turn drives a worldwide dissemination of thecnf1gene together with extended spectrum of antibiotic resistance genes.