bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Evaluation of Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Thin Wiry Ridge by Ridge Splitting and Simultaneous Implants Placement: Non-randomized Control Trial
Authors: Sharaf Mohamed Y. , Eskander Asharf Email , Elbakery Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: December 2021

Objective This article evaluates the success of prosthetic rehabilitation of thin wiry ridge and implants placed simultaneously in splitted ridge both clinically and radiographically.

Materials and Methods Twenty-one participants were enrolled of which 13 patients (8 females and 5 males) were suffering from maxillary ridge atrophy and 8 patients (5 females and 3 males) had mandibular ridge atrophy; a total of 42 implants were performed using the ridge expansion technique. The expansion was performed using the conventional disk technique, piezoelectric corticotomy, and self-threading expanders. Implants were placed and loaded with fixed partial denture after 4 months for the mandible and 6 months for the maxilla. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured at T0 (implant placement) and TL (loading). Crestal bone levels were measured at different times: T0, TL, and T12 (12 months). Evaluation of prosthetic and surgical complications was carried out. Data were analyzed and compared using analysis of variance and paired t-tests at a significance level of 5%.

Results All implants met the criteria for success. All implants showed a higher mean bone loss from T0 to TL (1.259 ± 0.3020) than from TL to T12 (0.505 ± 0.163) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). ISQ values sharply increased at the time of loading (72.52 ± 2.734) than at implant insertion (44.5 ± 4.062) with a significant difference (p < 0.0001). Minor prosthetic and surgical complications were reported.

Conclusion The results from this study support the efficacy of prosthetic rehabilitation of thin wiry ridge using split ridge technique and the success of implants placed simultaneously in splitted ridge.
Intracaval Leiomyoma with Intracardiac Extension
Authors: Iacona Gabriele M. , Harb Serge , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh , Yun James J.
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to explain step by step how to achieve a complete resection of an intravascular leiomyoma. A 48-year-old woman was referred to our institution with progressive dyspnea on exertion, lightheadedness, and previous history of total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a uterine leiomyoma echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and abdomen/pelvis were performed and an intracaval mass with extension into the right heart and pulmonary artery was identified. After multidisciplinary review, a single-stage sternotomy–laparotomy procedure on cardiopulmonary bypass (with beating heart, mild hypothermia, and no deep hypothermic circulatory arrest) ensured complete resection of a giant intravenous leiomyoma (IVL). Multidisciplinary approach, multimodality imaging, and single-stage sternotomy–laparotomy procedure on cardiopulmonary bypass (with heart beating and mild hypothermia) ensure complete resection of IVL.
A Comparative Study between Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Buprenorphine and USG-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Godbole Rajashree Deelip , Bandari Abhilash , Gill Jasmeet , Tolambia Shruti , Hake Yuvraj , Nagare Pratima
Published: December 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intrathecal buprenorphine with ultrasonography (USG)-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients of cesarean section.

Materials and Methods: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I and II pregnant women aged between 20 and 40 years requiring lower segment cesarean section were included in this study.

Study Design A prospective randomized comparative study.

Study Groups Group A received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% 1.8 mL with 60 µg buprenorphine. Group B received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% 1.8 mL with 0.2 mL sterile normal saline and at the end of surgery USG-guided bilateral TAP block was given with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine on each side of abdomen.

Results The mean ± standard deviation of time to first rescue analgesia in Group A and group B was 9.17 ± 0.64 hours and 5.59 ± 0.50 hours, respectively. Distribution of mean time to first rescue analgesia among the cases studied is significantly higher in group A compared with group B. The distribution of paracetamol and tramadol requirement in first 24 hours among the cases studied was significantly higher in group B compared with group A.

Conclusion The addition of buprenorphine to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine has advantages over USG-guided TAP block for postoperative analgesia after cesarean section—longer duration of postoperative analgesia, lower analgesic requirements over first 24 hours, and cost–effectiveness.
Validation of hand-held refractometers for assessing Merino ewe colostrum and neonatal lamb serum
Authors: Swinbourne Alyce M. , Blagojevic Nada , Murdock Nicholas J. , Mills Holly B. , Flinn Tom , McCarthy Niki L. , Kelly Jennifer M. , Kleemann David O. , van Wettere William H. E. J.
Published: December 2021

Context The high incidence of lamb mortality in Merino sheep is a persistent issue for the industry. Poor-quality colostrum or inadequate colostrum consumption increases the risk of low energy intake and failed passive immunity transfer, resulting in lamb mortality. The rapid assessment of colostrum quality and intake would be a valuable tool for producers which house ewes for lambing. Aims This experiment determined the relationship and accuracy of analysis techniques to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total protein (TP) concentrations within ewe colostrum and lamb serum and compared those results against digital hand-held refractometers. Methods Merino ewe colostrum and lamb blood were sampled at 4 and 24 h post-partum during autumn (n = 93 ewes) and spring (n = 79 ewes) in 2018. Colostrum was analysed for total milk solids (%) and lamb serum was analysed for total blood serum protein (%), and both colostrum and lamb serum were analysed for IgG and TP using in-house laboratory analysis techniques. Correlation coefficients were performed to identify the relationship between the different assessment methods. Key results There was a significant Pearson’s correlation (P < 0.05) between 4 h total milk solids and TP (R = 0.19), between total milk solids and IgG (R = 0.19), and TP and IgG (R = 0.38). For 24 h colostrum samples, the significant correlations (P < 0.001) between TP and IgG (R = 0.54) and total milk solids and IgG (R = 0.56) were higher than the correlation between total milk solids and TP (R = 0.24; P = 0.006). Further, 4 h serum IgG (R = –0.14; P = 0.026) and 24 h total blood serum protein (R = 0.21; P = 0.009) were correlated with lamb survival to 72 h. Conclusions While the refractometer provided a crude measure of colostrum IgG and TP and was valuable in identifying lambs with low IgG transfer at 24 h, further research is required regarding analysis techniques to allow for reliable measures need to be refined. Implications The use of refractometers to assess colostrum quality and intake could benefit researchers or producers who practice indoor lambing.
Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Longitudinal Trans-Theoretical Study to Determine Factors that Predict Intentions and Behavior
Authors: Shiloh Shoshana , Peleg Shira , Nudelman Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite the clear benefits of vaccination, their uptake against common infectious diseases is suboptimal. In December 2020, vaccines against COVID-19 became available.

Purpose

To determine factors that predict who will take the COVID-19 vaccine based on a conceptual model.

Methods

An online survey was administered twice: prior to public vaccination, and after vaccinations were available. Participants were 309 Israelis with initial data and 240 at follow-up. Baseline questionnaires measured intentions to be vaccinated and hypothesized predictors clustered in four categories: background, COVID-19, vaccination, and social factors. Self-reported vaccination uptake was measured at follow-up.

Results

Sixty-two percent of the sample reported having been vaccinated. Intentions were strongly associated with vaccination uptake and mediated the effects of other predictors on behavior. Eighty-six percent of the variance in vaccination intentions was explained by attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination, regret for having declined vaccination, trust in vaccination, vaccination barriers, past flu vaccination, perceived social norms, and COVID-19 representations.

Conclusions

Beliefs related directly to the COVID-19 vaccine explained most of the variance in intentions to vaccinate, which in turn predicted vaccination uptake.
Directed Sequencing of Plant Specific DNA Identifies the Dietary History of Four Species of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera)
Authors: Cooper W Rodney , Marshall Adrian T , Foutz Jillian , Wildung Mark R , Northfield Tobin D , Crowder David W , Leach Heather , Leskey Tracy C , Halbert Susan E , Snyder James B
Published: December 2021

Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) includes several families of sap-feeding insects that tend to feed on a wide-range of host plants. Some species within Auchenorrhyncha are major agricultural pests that transmit plant pathogens or cause direct feeding damage. Nearly all pest Auchenorrhyncha are highly polyphagous, have mobile nymphs, and colonize crops from noncrop habitats. We examined whether methods for gut content analysis developed for more specialized Hemiptera identify dietary history of polyphagous Auchenorrhyncha. We used high-throughput sequencing of the plant genes trnF and ITS to examine the dietary history of Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Cicadellidae), Colladonus geminatus (Van Duzee) (Cicadellidae), Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee) (Cicadellidae), and Lycorma delicatula (White) (Fulgoridae). C. tenellus is a vector of the vegetable pathogens Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii and beat curly top virus. Both Colladonus species are vectors of Ca. Phytoplasma pruni, the pathogen associated with X-disease of stone fruits. Lycorma delicatula is an invasive pest of grape and ornamentals in the eastern United States. Results showed spring hosts for C. tenellus included Brassicaceae, especially Sisymbrium sp. (tumble mustard), and spring hosts for both Colladonus species included Taraxacum sp. (dandelion). Gut content analysis also detected a decrease in host-breadth by L. delicatula from early to late instars. Results demonstrate that directed sequencing of plant DNA identified the dietary history of leafhopper and planthopper pests. Expanded use of gut content analysis will help identify the noncrop sources of phytoplasma-infected C. tenellus and Colladonus, and to examine seasonal changes in host shifts by L. delicatula.
Prenatal Chronic Hypoxia in Rats Leads to Insulin Resistance and Hypertension in Adult Offspring
Authors: Ying Hong-an , Huang Zi-yang , Wang Zhen-hua , Cheng En-hua , Xu Hai-ying , Hong Wei-wen , Liang Xiao-zhen
Published: December 2021

Background

To investigate the effects of chronic intrauterine hypoxia on insulin resistance, hypertension, and the correlation between them in adult offspring rats.

Methods

A total of 25 pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 prenatal chronic hypoxia (H) groups (10% ± 1% oxygen) and a control group (21% oxygen). The H groups were divided into whole (1–21 day), early (1–7 day), mid (8–14 day), and late (15–21 day) gestational hypoxia groups (H1, H2, H3, and H4, respectively) with pregnant rats being housed in a hypoxia box for 3 hours per day. Five male and 5 female offspring in each group were studied at 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months old. Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, and insulin resistance index were determined.

Results

The mean blood pressure of offspring rats in H groups was higher at 3 months, and further increased at 6 months old compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The fasting blood glucose and homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) of male and female offspring in the whole pregnancy (H1) and early pregnancy (H2) hypoxia groups were significantly higher than those in the control group at 6 months (P < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR were positively correlated with mean blood pressure (P < 0.05). The renal mass index in H2 group was lower at 3 months, and further decreased at 6 months compared to controls (P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1 and IRS-2) in the kidneys in hypoxia groups were significantly decreased at 6 months in H1 and H2 hypoxia groups when compared with controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Chronic intrauterine hypoxia causes insulin resistance and hypertension in adult offspring rats through poor intrauterine growth environment, and insulin resistance is positively associated with hypertension.
Pralsetinib: Treatment of metastatic RET fusion–positive non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nguyen Ly , Monestime Shanada
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, dosing and administration, and place in therapy of pralsetinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of metastatic RET fusion–positive non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

RET fusion–positive NSCLC is a rare cancer caused by chromosomal rearrangements that lead to fusions of the RET gene with other genes, such as KIF5B and CCDC6. Until recently, patients were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy or multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, because of their nonspecific mechanism of action, these drugs did not have high response rates. In September 2020, the Food and Drug Administration approved pralsetinib, the first once-daily oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for patients with metastatic RET fusion–positive NSCLC. Pralsetinib has been demonstrated to have response rates of 57% and 70% in patients who were previously treated with platinum chemotherapy and patients who were treatment naive, respectively. Clinicians using pralsetinib should monitor for fatigue, hepatotoxicity, hemorrhagic events, hypertension, myelosuppression, pyrexia, and respiratory infections, as these may require treatment interruption, dose reduction, or treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion

Pralsetinib is a unique targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with RET fusion–positive metastatic NSCLC who may desire a once-daily regimen.
A multifaceted stewardship intervention helps curb steroid overprescribing in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Cole Jennifer L , Smith Sarah E
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Corticosteroid overprescribing is well documented in real-world practice. There is currently no evidence to guide best practices for steroid stewardship. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 3-part stewardship intervention strategy on inpatient steroid prescribing in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).

Investigators implemented a 3-part stewardship initiative consisting of (1) an anonymous survey for providers on steroid prescribing in a simplified case of AECOPD, (2) face-to-face education and review of survey results, and (3) prospective audit and feedback from a clinical pharmacist. This was a quasi-experimental before-and-after study evaluating hospitalized adults diagnosed with AECOPD in two 12-month study periods before (April 2019-March 2020) and after (May 2020-April 2021) implementation. The primary outcome was mean inpatient steroid dosing. Secondary outcomes were duration of therapy, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmissions, 30-day mortality, and incidence of hyperglycemia. Per power analysis, there were 27 patients per cohort. The interventions resulted in a significant reduction in prednisone equivalents during hospitalization: 118 mg vs 53 mg (P = 0.0003). This decrease was similar in ICU (160 mg vs 61 mg, P = 0.008) and non-ICU (102 mg vs 49 mg, P = 0.004) locations. There was no significant difference in duration of therapy (8 days vs 7 days, P = 0.44), length of stay (3.3 days vs 3.9 days, P = 0.21), 30-day mortality (4% vs 7%, P = 0.55), 30-day readmissions (15% vs 7%, P = 0.39), or rate of hyperglycemia (48% vs 44%, P = 0.78).

Conclusion

A multifaceted stewardship intervention significantly reduced steroid dosing in hospitalized AECOPD patients. This reduction was not associated with known deleterious effects.
HolistIC: leveraging Hi–C and whole genome shotgun sequencing for double minute chromosome discovery
Authors: Hayes Matthew , Nguyen Angela , Islam Rahib , Butler Caryn , Tran Ethan , Mullins Derrick , Hicks Chindo
Published: December 2021

Motivation

Double minute (DM) chromosomes are acentric extrachromosomal DNA artifacts that are frequently observed in the cells of numerous cancers. They are highly amplified and contain oncogenes and drug-resistance genes, making their presence a challenge for effective cancer treatment. Algorithmic discovery of DM can potentially improve bench-derived therapies for cancer treatment. A hindrance to this task is that DMs evolve, yielding circular chromatin that shares segments from progenitor DMs. This creates DMs with overlapping amplicon coordinates. Existing DM discovery algorithms use whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) in isolation, which can potentially incorrectly classify DMs that share overlapping coordinates.

Results

In this study, we describe an algorithm called ‘HolistIC’ that can predict DMs in tumor genomes by integrating WGS and Hi–C sequencing data. The consolidation of these sources of information resolves ambiguity in DM amplicon prediction that exists in DM prediction with WGS data used in isolation. We implemented and tested our algorithm on the tandem Hi–C and WGS datasets of three cancer datasets and a simulated dataset. Results on the cancer datasets demonstrated HolistIC’s ability to predict DMs from Hi–C and WGS data in tandem. The results on the simulated data showed the HolistIC can accurately distinguish DMs that have overlapping amplicon coordinates, an advance over methods that predict extrachromosomal amplification using WGS data in isolation.

Availability and implementation

Our software, named ‘HolistIC’, is available at http://www.github.com/mhayes20/HolistIC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Gender and (Fictive) Family in a Women’s Post-Incarceration Mentoring Program
Authors: Garcia-Hallett Janet , Christian Johnna
Published: December 2021

Mentoring programs have become a popular tool of social support to facilitate post-incarceration re-entry. Still, we have a limited understanding of the fundamental aspects within mentor–mentee relationships that create a support network, particularly for women with troubled relationships with biological family. Through interviews with mentors and mentees, we examined key domains of women’s relationships with mentors to identify the potential and limitations of voluntary organizations in supporting the transition from prison to the community. We found that mentoring relationships, constructed as fictive kinships, helped formerly incarcerated women build a support network. Yet, navigating mentor–mentee relationships was complex given the dyadic familial-like nature and the hierarchical power dynamic.
European Society of Cardiology guidance for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: part 1—epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis
Authors:   The Task Force for the management of COVID-19 of the European Society of Cardiology, Baigent Colin , Windecker Stephan , Andreini Daniele , Arbelo Elena , Barbato Emanuele , Bartorelli Antonio L , Baumbach Andreas , Behr Elijah R , Berti Sergio , Bueno Héctor , Capodanno Davide , Cappato Riccardo , Chieffo Alaide , Collet Jean-Philippe , Cuisset Thomas , de Simone Giovanni , Delgado Victoria , Dendale Paul , Dudek Dariusz , Edvardsen Thor , Elvan Arif , González-Juanatey José R , Gori Mauro , Grobbee Diederick , Guzik Tomasz J , Halvorsen Sigrun , Haude Michael , Heidbuchel Hein , Hindricks Gerhard , Ibanez Borja , Karam Nicole , Katus Hugo , Klok Fredrikus A , Konstantinides Stavros V , Landmesser Ulf , Leclercq Christophe , Leonardi Sergio , Lettino Maddalena , Marenzi Giancarlo , Mauri Josepa , Metra Marco , Morici Nuccia , Mueller Christian , Petronio Anna Sonia , Polovina Marija M , Potpara Tatjana , Praz Fabien , Prendergast Bernard , Prescott Eva , Price Susanna , Pruszczyk Piotr , Rodríguez-Leor Oriol , Roffi Marco , Romaguera Rafael , Rosenkranz Stephan , Sarkozy Andrea , Scherrenberg Martijn , Seferovic Petar , Senni Michele , Spera Francesco R , Stefanini Giulio , Thiele Holger , Tomasoni Daniela , Torracca Luccia , Touyz Rhian M , Wilde Arthur A , Williams Bryan
Published: December 2021

Aims

Since its emergence in early 2020, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic levels, and there have been repeated outbreaks across the globe. The aim of this two-part series is to provide practical knowledge and guidance to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in association with COVID-19.

Methods and results

A narrative literature review of the available evidence has been performed, and the resulting information has been organized into two parts. The first, reported here, focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of cardiovascular (CV) conditions that may be manifest in patients with COVID-19. The second part, which will follow in a later edition of the journal, addresses the topics of care pathways, treatment, and follow-up of CV conditions in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review is not a formal guideline but rather a document that provides a summary of current knowledge and guidance to practicing clinicians managing patients with CVD and COVID-19. The recommendations are mainly the result of observations and personal experience from healthcare providers. Therefore, the information provided here may be subject to change with increasing knowledge, evidence from prospective studies, and changes in the pandemic. Likewise, the guidance provided in the document should not interfere with recommendations provided by local and national healthcare authorities.
EACVI survey on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Podlesnikar Tomaz , Cardim Nuno , Ajmone Marsan Nina , D’Andrea Antonello , Cameli Matteo , Popescu Bogdan A , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Stankovic Ivan , Toplisek Janez , Maurer Gerald , Haugaa Kristina H , Dweck Marc R
Published: December 2021

Aims

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Scientific Initiatives Committee performed a global survey to evaluate current practice for the assessment and management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods and results

A total of 213 centres from 38 different countries (87% European) responded to the survey. One hundred twenty-one (57%) centres followed HCM patients in a general cardiology outpatient clinic and 85 (40%) centres in a specialized HCM/cardiomyopathy clinic. While echocardiography was the primary imaging modality, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has become an important complementary tool. Cardiac anatomy, left ventricular (LV) systolic, and diastolic function were assessed according to current European guidelines and recommendations. To evaluate LV obstruction, 49% of the centres performed bedside provocation manoeuvres in every patient and 55% of the centres used exercise stress echocardiography. The majority of centres used the 5-year risk assessment of sudden cardiac death (SCD) calculated with the HCM Risk-SCD score. However, 34% of the centres also used extensive non-infarct late gadolinium enhancement on CMR and 27% the presence of LV apical aneurysm to help select patients for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. Ninety-nine percent of the responding centres performed regular imaging follow-up of HCM patients.

Conclusion

Most centres followed European guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with HCM. The importance of bedside provocation manoeuvres and exercise stress echocardiography to diagnose LV outflow obstruction requires emphasis. Additional risk markers for SCD are used in many centres and might indicate the need for an update of current European recommendations.
Combined transcatheter treatment of severe mitral regurgitation and secundum atrial septal defect in an inoperable patient: a case report
Authors: Barbieri Fabian , Landmesser Ulf , Kasner Mario , Reinthaler Markus
Published: December 2021

Background

Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most common valvular heart diseases and is associated with poor outcomes. Although other structural diseases are regularly seen in such patients, concomitant atrial septal defects (ASDs) remain a rarity in the elderly.

Case summary

We report a case of an 82-year-old woman with progressive right-sided heart failure (HF) due to MR and an ASD of secundum type, despite optimal medical therapy. Combined transcatheter mitral valve repair (MVR) by utilizing a separate transseptal puncture and ASD closure was performed resulting in amelioration of symptoms.

Discussion

Procedural planning for simultaneous transcatheter therapies of coupled structural heart disease entities remains complex. Our case illustrates feasibility of percutaneous edge-to-edge MVR and consecutive closure of a large secundum ASD. Different options of accessing the left atrium should be discussed on an individual basis, while additional ASD closure may be beneficial in terms of right ventricular function and symptoms of right HF.
Association of coronary artery calcification and thoracic aortic calcification with incident peripheral arterial disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Bakhshi Hooman , Bagchi Pramita , Meyghani Zahra , Tehrani Behnam , Qian Xiaoxiao , Garg Parveen K , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Bhatia Harpreet S , Ohyama Yoshiaki , Wu Colin O , Budoff Matthew , Allison Matthew , Criqui Michael H , Bluemke David A , Lima Joao A C , deFilippi Christopher R
Published: December 2021

Aims

The association of subclinical atherosclerotic disease in the coronary arteries and thoracic aorta with incident peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is unknown. We investigated the association between coronary artery calcium score (CACs) and thoracic aortic calcium score (TACs) with incident clinical and subclinical PAD.

Methods and results

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) recruited 6814 men and women aged 45–84 from four ethnic groups who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease at enrolment. Coronary artery calcium score and thoracic aortic calcium score were measured from computed tomography scans. Participants with a baseline ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤0.90 or >1.4 were excluded. Abnormal ABI was defined as ABI ≤0.9 or >1.4 at follow-up exam. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the associations between baseline CACs and TACs with incident abnormal ABI and clinical PAD, respectively. A total of 6409 participants (female: 52.8%) with a mean age of 61 years were analysed. Over a median follow-up of 16.7 years, 91 participants developed clinical PAD. In multivariable analysis, each unit increase in log (CACS + 1) and log (TACs + 1) were associated with 23% and 13% (P < 0.01for both) higher risk of incident clinical PAD, respectively. In 5725 (female: 52.6%) participants with an available follow-up ABI over median 9.2 years, each 1-unit increase in log (CACs + 1) and log (TACs + 1) were independently associated with 1.15-fold and 1.07-fold (P < 0.01for both) higher odds of incident abnormal ABI, respectively.

Conclusion

Higher baseline CACs and TACs predict abnormal ABI and clinical PAD independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and baseline ABI.
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on volume of thoracic aortic surgery on a national level
Authors: de Beaufort Hector W L , Roefs Maaike M , Daeter Edgar J , Heijmen Robin H ,   the Cardiothoracic Surgery Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, Bramer S , van Boven W J P , Vonk A B A , Koene B M J A , Bekkers J A , Hoohenkerk G J F , Markou A L P , de Weger A , Segers P , Porta F , Speekenbrink R G H , Stooker W , Li W W L , Daeter E J , van der Kaaij N P , Douglas Y L
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on elective and acute thoracic aortic surgery in the Netherlands.

METHODS

The Netherlands Heart Registration database was used to compare the volume of elective and acute surgery on the thoracic aorta in 2019 and 2020, starting from week 11 in both years. A sub-analysis was done to assess the impact of the pandemic on high-volume and low-volume aortic centres.

RESULTS

During the pandemic, the number of elective thoracic aortic operations declined by 18% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.82 [0.73–0.91]; P < 0.01]. The decline in volume of elective surgery was significant in both high-volume (IRR 0.82 [0.71–0.94]; P < 0.01) and low-volume aortic centres (IRR 0.81 [0.68–0.98]; P = 0.03). The overall number of acute aortic operations during the pandemic remained similar to that in 2019 (505 vs 499; P = 0.85), but an increased share of these operations occurred at high-volume centres. The number of acute operations performed in high-volume centres increased by 20% (IRR 1.20 [1.01–1.42]; P = 0.04), while the number of acute operations performed in low-volume centres decreased by 17% (IRR 0.83 [0.69–1.00]; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic led to a significant decrease in elective thoracic aortic surgery but did not cause a change in the volume of acute thoracic aortic surgery in the Netherlands. Moreover, the pandemic led to a centralization of care for acute thoracic aortic surgery.
The Influx of Refugees and Temporal Change in Attitudes towards Asylum Seekers: A Cross-National Perspective
Authors: Gorodzeisky Anastasia
Published: December 2021

The article studies over-time changes in public attitudes towards asylum seekers, from a cross-national comparative perspective. The article applies the ‘hierarchical age-period-cohort’ model to data from the European Social Survey collected in 17 European countries. The findings demonstrate that cross-cohort variations play a negligible role in the over-time changes in attitudes towards asylum seekers in Europe; and that most of these over-time changes can be attributed to period-related effect. The main findings reveal that not only exposure to an actual high inflow of asylum seekers (i.e. living in a country with an especially high inflow of asylum seekers) is associated with exclusionary attitudes towards asylum seekers, but also exposure to the potential of such an inflow (i.e. living in a country bordering countries with a high inflow of asylum seekers).
The auxin-inducible degron 2 (AID2) system enables controlled protein knockdown during embryogenesis and development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Negishi Takefumi , Kitagawa Saho , Horii Natsumi , Tanaka Yuka , Haruta Nami , Sugimoto Asako , Sawa Hitoshi , Hayashi Ken-ichiro , Harata Masahiko , Kanemaki Masato T
Published: December 2021

Targeted protein degradation using the auxin-inducible degron (AID) system is garnering attention in the research field of Caenorhabditis elegans, because of the rapid and efficient target depletion it affords, which can be controlled by treating the animals with the phytohormone auxin. However, the current AID system has drawbacks, i.e., leaky degradation in the absence of auxin and the requirement for high auxin doses. Furthermore, it is challenging to deplete degron-fused proteins in embryos because of their eggshell, which blocks auxin permeability. Here, we apply an improved AID2 system utilizing AtTIR1(F79G) and 5-phenyl-indole-3-acetic acid (5-Ph-IAA) to C. elegans and demonstrated that it confers better degradation control vs the previous system by suppressing leaky degradation and inducing sharp degradation using 1,300-fold lower 5-Ph-IAA doses. We successfully degraded the endogenous histone H2A.Z protein fused to an mAID degron and disclosed its requirement in larval growth and reproduction, regardless of the presence of maternally inherited H2A.Z molecules. Moreover, we developed an eggshell-permeable 5-Ph-IAA analog, 5-Ph-IAA-AM, that affords an enhanced degradation in laid embryos. Our improved system will contribute to the disclosure of the roles of proteins in C. elegans, in particular those that are involved in embryogenesis and development, through temporally controlled protein degradation.
Observer-based global output feedback controller design for an unstable wave PDE with nonlinear boundary condition
Authors: Ghaderi Najmeh , Keyanpour Mohammad
Published: December 2021

In this work, an observer-based output feedback controller for a one-dimensional wave equation with van der Pol type nonlinear boundary conditions is considered. The uncontrolled system with the energy injection and the cubic velocity nonlinearity reveals different kinds of dynamical behaviours, for example, chaotic acoustic vibration, period-doubling bifurcation, square wave and some other dynamical patterns. Firstly, an observer is designed, and next, we propose an observer-based output feedback controller using the backstepping approach. We prove well-posedness and globally asymptotic stability of the observer error and corresponding closed-loop system. To this purpose, pre-compactness of the trajectories is shown for the large-time analysis. The validity of the theoretical results is illustrated by some numerical simulations.
Exploring complementarities between modelling approaches that enable upscaling from plant community functioning to ecosystem services as a way to support agroecological transition
Authors: Gaudio Noémie , Louarn Gaëtan , Barillot Romain , Meunier Clémentine , Vezy Rémi , Launay Marie
Published: December 2021

Promoting plant diversity through crop mixtures is a mainstay of the agroecological transition. Modelling this transition requires considering both plant–plant interactions and plants’ interactions with abiotic and biotic environments. Modelling crop mixtures enables designing ways to use plant diversity to provide ecosystem services, as long as they include crop management as input. A single modelling approach is not sufficient, however, and complementarities between models may be critical to consider the multiple processes and system components involved at different and relevant spatial and temporal scales. In this article, we present different modelling solutions implemented in a variety of examples to upscale models from local interactions to ecosystem services. We highlight that modelling solutions (i.e. coupling, metamodelling, inverse or hybrid modelling) are built according to modelling objectives (e.g. understand the relative contributions of primary ecological processes to crop mixtures, quantify impacts of the environment and agricultural practices, assess the resulting ecosystem services) rather than to the scales of integration. Many outcomes of multispecies agroecosystems remain to be explored, both experimentally and through the heuristic use of modelling. Combining models to address plant diversity and predict ecosystem services at different scales remains rare but is critical to support the spatial and temporal prediction of the many systems that could be designed.
Specific mutations in the HIV-1 G-tract of the 3′-polypurine tract cause resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors
Authors: Hachiya Atsuko , Kubota Mai , Shigemi Urara , Ode Hirotaka , Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Kirby Karen A , Sarafianos Stefan G , Iwatani Yasumasa
Published: December 2021

Background

In vitro selection experiments identified viruses resistant to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) carrying mutations in the G-tract (six guanosines) of the 3′-polypurine tract (3′-PPT). A clinical study also reported that mutations in the 3′-PPT were observed in a patient receiving dolutegravir monotherapy. However, recombinant viruses with the 3′-PPT mutations that were found in the clinical study were recently shown to be susceptible to INSTIs.

Objectives

To identify the specific mutation(s) in the G-tract of the 3′-PPT for acquiring INSTI resistance, we constructed infectious clones bearing single or multiple mutations and systematically characterized the susceptibility of these clones to both first- and second-generation INSTIs.

Methods

The infectious clones were tested for their infectivity and susceptibility to INSTIs in a single-cycle assay using TZM-bl cells.

Results

A single mutation of thymidine (T) at the fifth position (GGG GTG) in the G-tract of the 3′-PPT had no effect on INSTI resistance. A double mutation, cytidine (C) or ‘T’ at the second position and ‘T’ at the fifth position (GCG GTG and GTG GTG), increased resistance to INSTIs, with the appearance of a plateau in the maximal percentage inhibition (MPI) of the dose–response curves, consistent with a non-competitive mechanism of inhibition.

Conclusions

Mutations at the second and fifth positions in the G-tract of the 3′-PPT may result in complex resistance mechanism(s), rather than simply affecting INSTI binding at the IN active site.
Mortality in patients with carbapenem-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosawith and without susceptibility to traditional antipseudomonal β-lactams
Authors: Howard-Anderson Jessica , Bower Chris W , Smith Gillian , Satola Sarah W , Jacob Jesse T
Published: December 2021

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) isolates can frequently retain susceptibility to traditional antipseudomonal β-lactams including cefepime, ceftazidime and piperacillin/tazobactam.

Objectives

This observational study aimed to determine the proportion of CRPA isolates that were susceptible to all tested other traditional antipseudomonal β-lactams (S-CRPA) and assess whether patients with S-CRPA had improved 30 day mortality compared with patients with NS-CRPA (non-susceptible to cefepime, ceftazidime or piperacillin/tazobactam).

Methods

Patients with CRPA isolated from normally sterile sites, urine, lower respiratory tracts and wounds were identified using active population- and laboratory-based surveillance through the Georgia Emerging Infections Program from August 2016 to July 2018 in Atlanta, GA, USA. Only unique patients who were hospitalized at the time of, or within 1 week of, culture were included. We excluded patients with cystic fibrosis. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between S-CRPA and 30 day mortality.

Results

Among 635 adults hospitalized with CRPA, 219 (34%) had S-CRPA. Patients with S-CRPA were more likely to be white (50% versus 38%, P = 0.01) and live in a private residence prior to culture (44% versus 28%, P < 0.01), and less likely to have required ICU care within the prior week (23% versus 36%, P < 0.01) compared with patients with NS-CRPA. Compared with those with NS-CRPA, patients with S-CRPA had an increased 30 day mortality (18% versus 15%, adjusted OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.1).

Conclusions

S-CRPA was associated with higher 30 day mortality than NS-CRPA in hospitalized patients. The reason for this observed increase in mortality deserves further investigation.
Optimization and Validation of a Multiresidue Method for Screening of 126 Pesticide Residues in Herbal Raw Materials and Extracts Used as Ingredients in Ayurvedic Medicines and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Koshy Rojison , Yadav Smriti , Rajeshkumar Rajendran , Singh Vineet Kumar , Setty Manjunath M , Murali Balasubramanian , Agarwal Amit
Published: December 2021

Background

Testing for pesticide levels in herbal products is an important aspect in determining product safety. Plants and their extracts are widely used as ingredients in botanical dietary supplements and traditional medicines. The extracts of plants, especially those prepared out of organic solvents, are rich in secondary metabolites and pigments, and adequate clean-up is required since the extracts completely dissolve in organic solvents.

Objective

The study aims at reporting a multiresidue analytical method for 126 different pesticides in raw material biomass as well as extracts of plants, which are widely used as ingredients in ayurvedic medicines as well as dietary supplements using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS with a rugged sample preparation technique for accurate results.

Method

QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap,effective, rugged, and safe) procedure, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), GPC coupled with solid phase extraction (SPE), and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) coupled with SPE sample preparation methods were compared against each other for suitability to test pesticides in selected herbal raw materials and their alcoholic and aqueous extracts. The standard addition method was used for quantifying the level of pesticides below 10 μg/kg.

Results

Single laboratory validation for sample preparation involving GPC and SPE resulted linearity in the range of 2.5–500 ng/mL, average intraday and interday precision of 6.6% RSD, and average recovery (spiked at 10 μg/kg) of 92% for all analytes tested. The method was repeatable with different analysts and days.

Conclusions

The sample preparation technique combining GPC and SPE as well as LLE and SPE was the most suitable for the selected herbal alcoholic extracts, whereas any of the regular techniques involving LLE, SPE, and QuEChERS were suitable for raw material biomass as well as aqueous extracts.

Highlights

The method was found to be capable of determining selected pesticides in the selected matrixes at 10 μg/kg concentration. Provision of recycling solvents used in the GPC+SPE method was adopted to make the method environmentally friendly.
Effects of supplementing low-protein diets with sodium dichloroacetate and glucose on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Xu Yetong , Chen Huiyuan , Wan Ke , Zhou Kaifeng , Wang Yongsheng , Li Jigang , Tang Zhiru , Sun Weizhong , Wu Liuting , An Rui , Ren Zhongxiang , Ding Qi , Liang Kaiyang , Sun Zhihong
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing low-protein diets with sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and glucose on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 80 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) growing barrows (27 ± 0.4 kg body weight) were allocated randomly to one of the five treatments during three successive 4-wk periods. There were five diets in each phase. Diet 1 was the control diet with normal protein levels (CON) where protein levels in the three phases were 18%, 16.5%, and 15.5%, respectively. The dietary protein levels of Diets 2, 3, 4, and 5 (the low-protein diets, LP) were decreased by 4.5% compared to Diet 1. Additionally, Diets 3 and 4 were supplemented with an extra 120 mg/kg DCA (LP + DCA) or 1.8% glucose (LP + GLUC), respectively. Diet 5 was further supplemented with an extra 120 mg/kg DCA and 1.8% glucose (LP + DCA + GLUC). The LP + DCA diet increased the average daily weight gain of pigs compared to the CON and LP diet in phase 3 and the overall experimental period (P < 0.001). The LP diet reduced the gain:feed ratios of the pigs compared to the CON, LP + DCA, and LP + DCA + GLUC diets in phase 1 and the overall experimental period (P < 0.001). Furthermore, gain:feed ratios in LP + DCA and LP + DCA + GLUC groups did not differ from that of the CON group (P > 0.10). Pigs fed the LP + DCA diet had higher pH values of meat at 24 h post-mortem than the CON group (P < 0.05). The LP + DCA + GLUC diet increased the total protein content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of pigs, compared to the other dietary treatments (P < 0.05), and increased the Arg and Leu contents in the LD muscle compared to the LP + DCA diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the LP + DCA diet induced a higher C18:1n9t percentage in the LD muscle of pigs compared to other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, an LP diet reduced the feed efficiency in pigs and barely affected meat quality, whereas 120 mg/kg DCA supplementation in an LP diet improved the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, showed modest effects on carcass traits, and improved the muscle protein content with the addition of glucose.
Detection ofLeishmania donovaniin Wild-Caught Phlebotomine Sand Flies in Endemic Focus of Leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Lata Suman , Kumar Gaurav , Ojha V P , Dhiman Ramesh C
Published: December 2021

An endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is located in the Sutlej River Valley in Himachal Pradesh (India) in the north-western Himalaya where CL co-exists with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In areas of the Indian subcontinent such as Rajasthan, cutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and Phlebotomus salehi. In Himachal Pradesh, Phlebotomus longiductus (Parrot) is suspected to be the vector for CL. In the current study, sand flies were collected and tested for Leishmania infection and to confirm the vector species causing CL. Sand flies were collected during April and September of 2017–2019 from CL endemic villages of Rampur (Shimla), Nirmand (Kullu) and Nichar (Kinnaur) districts of Himachal Pradesh. The sand flies were identified as Phlebotomus (adlerius) longiductus (Parrot) and Phlebotomus (larrousisus) major (Annandale). The density of P. longiductus was found highest. The elevation of villages ranged from 947 m to 2,130 m and were far from the presence of subsoil water. Field collected sand flies tested positive (7.69%) for Leishmania donovani by PCR-RFLP. The L. donovani sequences detected from P. longiductus were 97% similar to L. donovani sequences reported from the cases of CL in Himachal Pradesh.The Leishmania positive sand flies were morphologically identified as Phlebotomus adlerious longiductus providing one step further evidence towards the vector status of CL in Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study are of epidemiological significance for strategic planning of vector control for leishmaniasis in India.
A Content Analysis of American Primetime Television: A 20-Year Update of the National Television Violence Studies
Authors: Riddle Karyn , Martins Nicole
Published: December 2021

This article provides a 20-year, apples-to-apples update of the National Television Violence Studies. Using the same sampling procedures and codebook, we coded 765 primetime television programs and movies airing on 21 broadcast and cable networks. Results suggest the prevalence of violence has increased slightly, but the number of programs saturated with violence has experienced a more significant increase. This appears to be driven by an influx of highly violent movies airing in primetime on cable channels. Although some contextual variables suggest slight improvements in terms of negative consequences for violence, the overwhelming majority of violent television programs and movies do not feature anti-violence themes. Implications for social cognitive, cultivation, schema, transportation, and media vividness theories are discussed.
The Miroir des dames in Fifteenth-Century England
Authors: Mattison J R
Published: December 2021

This article outlines the circulation and readership of a continental French text called the Miroir des dames in England during the fifteenth century. Three surviving manuscripts can be connected with England: one belonged to the Duke of Bedford, another to Henry VII, and a third was created in England and copied from Bedford's manuscript. Documentary evidence indicates that at least two further manuscripts of the Miroir circulated in England. These manuscripts and references demonstrate the continued reading and copying of French texts in England among a select circle of bibliophiles.