bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equation of state of hot dense hyperonic matter in the Quark–Meson-Coupling (QMC-A) model
Authors: Stone J R , Dexheimer V , Guichon P A M , Thomas A W , Typel S
Published: December 2020

We report a new equation of state (EoS) of cold and hot hyperonic matter constructed in the framework of the quark–meson-coupling (QMC-A) model. The QMC-A EoS yields results compatible with available nuclear physics constraints and astrophysical observations. It covers the range of temperatures from T = 0 to 100 MeV, entropies per particle S/A between 0 and 6, lepton fractions from YL = 0.0 to 0.6, and baryon number densities nB = 0.05–1.2 fm−3. Applications of the QMC-A EoS are made to cold neutron stars (NSs) and to hot proto-neutron stars (PNSs) in two scenarios: (i) lepton-rich matter with trapped neutrinos (PNS-I) and (ii) deleptonized chemically equilibrated matter (PNS-II). We find that the QMC-A model predicts hyperons in amounts growing with increasing temperature and density, thus suggesting not only their presence in PNS but also, most likely, in NS merger remnants. The nucleon–hyperon phase transition is studied through the adiabatic index and the speed of sound cs. We observe that the lowering of (cs/c)2 to and below the conformal limit of 1/3 is strongly correlated with the onset of hyperons. Rigid rotation of cold and hot stars, their moments of inertia and Kepler frequencies are also explored. The QMC-A model results are compared with two relativistic models, the chiral mean field model (CMF), and the generalized relativistic density functional (GRDF) with DD2 (nucleon-only) and DD2Y-T (full baryon octet) interactions. Similarities and differences are discussed.
The role of faint population III supernovae in forming CEMP stars in ultra-faint dwarf galaxies
Authors: Jeon Myoungwon , Bromm Volker , Besla Gurtina , Yoon Jinmi , Choi Yumi
Published: December 2020

Carbon enhanced metal poor (CEMP)-no stars, a subset of CEMP stars ($\rm [C/Fe]\ge 0.7$ and $\rm [Fe/H]\lesssim -1$) have been discovered in ultra-faint dwarf (UFD) galaxies, with $M_{\rm vir}\approx 10^8{\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot }$ and $M_{\ast }\approx 10^3-10^4{\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot }$ at z = 0, as well as in the halo of the Milky Way (MW). These CEMP-no stars are local fossils that may reflect the properties of the first (Pop III) and second (Pop II) generation of stars. However, cosmological simulations have struggled to reproduce the observed level of carbon enhancement of the known CEMP-no stars. Here, we present new cosmological hydrodynamic zoom-in simulations of isolated UFDs that achieve a gas mass resolution of $m_{\rm gas}\approx 60{\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot }$. We include enrichment from Pop III faint supernovae (SNe), with ESN = 0.6 × 1051 erg, to understand the origin of CEMP-no stars. We confirm that Pop III and Pop II stars are mainly responsible for the formation of CEMP and C-normal stars, respectively. New to this study, we find that a majority of CEMP-no stars in the observed UFDs and the MW halo can be explained by Pop III SNe with normal explosion energy (ESN = 1.2 × 1051 erg) and Pop II enrichment, but faint SNe might also be needed to produce CEMP-no stars with $\rm [C/Fe]\gtrsim 2$, corresponding to the absolute carbon abundance of $\rm A(C)\gtrsim 6.0$. Furthermore, we find that while we create CEMP-no stars with high carbon ratio $\rm [C/Fe]\approx 3-4$, by adopting faint SNe, it is still challenging to reproduce CEMP-no stars with extreme level of carbon abundance of $\rm A(C)\approx 7.0-7.5$, observed both in the MW halo and UFDs.
Evolution of dust porosity through coagulation and shattering in the interstellar medium
Authors: Hirashita Hiroyuki , Il’in Vladimir B , Pagani Laurent , Lefèvre Charlène
Published: December 2020

The properties of interstellar grains, such as grain size distribution and grain porosity, are affected by interstellar processing, in particular, coagulation and shattering, which take place in the dense and diffuse interstellar medium (ISM), respectively. In this paper, we formulate and calculate the evolution of grain size distribution and grain porosity through shattering and coagulation. For coagulation, we treat the grain evolution depending on the collision energy. Shattering is treated as a mechanism of forming small compact fragments. The balance between these processes are determined by the dense-gas mass fraction ηdense, which determines the time fraction of coagulation relative to shattering. We find that the interplay between shattering supplying small grains and coagulation forming porous grains from shattered grains is fundamentally important in creating and maintaining porosity. The porosity rises to 0.7–0.9 (or the filling factor 0.3–0.1) around grain radii $a\sim 0.1~\rm{\mu m}$. We also find that, in the case of ηdense = 0.1 (very efficient shattering with weak coagulation) porosity significantly enhances coagulation, creating fluffy submicron grains with filling factors lower than 0.1. The porosity enhances the extinction by 10–20 per cent at all wavelengths for amorphous carbon and at ultraviolet wavelengths for silicate. The extinction curve shape of silicate becomes steeper if we take porosity into account. We conclude that the interplay between shattering and coagulation is essential in creating porous grains in the interstellar medium and that the resulting porosity can impact the grain size distributions and extinction curves.
The VVV near-IR galaxy catalogue beyond the Galactic disc
Authors: Baravalle Laura D , Alonso María Victoria , Minniti Dante , Nilo Castellón José Luis , Soto Mario , Valotto Carlos , Villalón Carolina , Graña Darío , Amôres Eduardo B , Milla Castro Fernanda
Published: December 2020

Knowledge about the large-scale distribution of galaxies is far from complete in the Zone of Avoidance (ZoA), which is mostly due to high interstellar extinction and to source confusion at lower Galactic latitudes. Past near-infrared (NIR) surveys, such as the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), have shown the power of probing large-scale structure at these latitudes. Our aim is to map the galaxy distribution across the Southern Galactic plane using the VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea Survey (VVV), which reach 2–4 mag deeper than 2MASS. We used SExtractor+PSFEx to identify extended objects and to measure their sizes, the light concentration index, magnitudes, and colours. Morphological and colour constraints and visual inspection were used to confirm galaxies. We present the resulting VVV NIR Galaxy Catalogue (VVV NIRGC) of 5563 visually confirmed galaxies, of which only 45 were previously known. This is the largest catalogue of galaxies towards the Galactic plane, with 99 per cent of these galaxies being new discoveries. We found that the galaxy density distribution closely resembled the distribution of low interstellar extinction of the existing NIR maps. We also present a description of the 185 2MASS extended sources observed in the region, of which 16 per cent of these objects had no previous description, which we have now classified. We conclude that interstellar extinction and stellar density are the main limitations for the detection of background galaxies in the ZoA. The VVV NIRGC is a new data set providing information for extragalactic studies in the Galactic plane.
Demographic History and Genomic Response to Environmental Changes in a Rapid Radiation of Wild Rats
Authors: Ge Deyan , Feijó Anderson , Wen Zhixin , Abramov Alexei V , Lu Liang , Cheng Jilong , Pan Shengkai , Ye Sicheng , Xia Lin , Jiang Xuelong , Vogler Alfried P , Yang Qisen
Published: December 2020

For organisms to survive and prosper in a harsh environment, particularly under rapid climate change, poses tremendous challenges. Recent studies have highlighted the continued loss of megafauna in terrestrial ecosystems and the subsequent surge of small mammals, such as rodents, bats, lagomorphs, and insectivores. However, the ecological partitioning of these animals will likely lead to large variation in their responses to environmental change. In the present study, we investigated the evolutionary history and genetic adaptations of white-bellied rats (Niviventer Marshall, 1976), which are widespread in the natural terrestrial ecosystems in Asia but also known as important zoonotic pathogen vectors and transmitters. The southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was inferred as the origin center of this genus, with parallel diversification in temperate and tropical niches. Demographic history analyses from mitochondrial and nuclear sequences of Niviventer demonstrated population size increases and range expansion for species in Southeast Asia, and habitat generalists elsewhere. Unexpectedly, population increases were seen in N. eha, which inhabits the highest elevation among Niviventer species. Genome scans of nuclear exons revealed that among the congeneric species, N. eha has the largest number of positively selected genes. Protein functions of these genes are mainly related to olfaction, taste, and tumor suppression. Extensive genetic modification presents a major strategy in response to global changes in these alpine species.
Loss of Mediator complex subunit 13 (MED13) promotes resistance to alkylation through cyclin D1 upregulation
Authors: Roliński Miłosz , Montaldo Nicola Pietro , Aksu Merdane Ezgi , Fordyce Martin Sarah L , Brambilla Alessandro , Kunath Nicolas , Johansen Jostein , Erlandsen Sten Even , Liabbak Nina-Beate , Rian Kristin , Bjørås Magnar , Sætrom Pål , van Loon Barbara
Published: December 2020

Alkylating drugs are among the most often used chemotherapeutics. While cancer cells frequently develop resistance to alkylation treatments, detailed understanding of mechanisms that lead to the resistance is limited. Here, by using genome-wide CRISPR–Cas9 based screen, we identify transcriptional Mediator complex subunit 13 (MED13) as a novel modulator of alkylation response. The alkylation exposure causes significant MED13 downregulation, while complete loss of MED13 results in reduced apoptosis and resistance to alkylating agents. Transcriptome analysis identified cyclin D1 (CCND1) as one of the highly overexpressed genes in MED13 knock-out (KO) cells, characterized by shorter G1 phase. MED13 is able to bind to CCND1 regulatory elements thus influencing the expression. The resistance of MED13 KO cells is directly dependent on the cyclin D1 overexpression, and its down-regulation is sufficient to re-sensitize the cells to alkylating agents. We further demonstrate the therapeutic potential of MED13-mediated response, by applying combinatory treatment with CDK8/19 inhibitor Senexin A. Importantly, the treatment with Senexin A stabilizes MED13, and in combination with alkylating agents significantly reduces viability of cancer cells. In summary, our findings identify novel alkylation stress response mechanism dependent on MED13 and cyclin D1 that can serve as basis for development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
The Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein PGR3 Is Required for the Translation ofpetLandndhGby Binding Their 5′ UTRs
Authors: Higashi Haruka , Kato Yoshinobu , Fujita Tomoya , Iwasaki Shintaro , Nakamura Masayuki , Nishimura Yoshiki , Takenaka Mizuki , Shikanai Toshiharu
Published: December 2020

PGR3 is a P-class pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein required for the stabilization of petL operon RNA and the translation of the petL gene in plastids. Irrespective of its important roles in plastids, key questions have remained unanswered, including how PGR3 protein promotes translation and which plastid mRNA PGR3 activates the translation. Here, we show that PGR3 facilitates the translation from ndhG, in addition to petL, through binding to their 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Ribosome profiling and RNA sequencing in pgr3 mutants revealed that translation from petL and ndhG was specifically suppressed. Harnessing small RNA fragments protected by PPR proteins in vivo, we probed the PGR3 recruitment to the 5′ UTRs of petL and ndhG. The putative PGR3-bound RNA segments per se repress the translation possibly with a strong secondary structure and thereby block ribosomes’ access. However, the PGR3 binding antagonizes the effects and facilitates the protein synthesis from petL and ndhG in vitro. The prediction of the 3-dimensional structure of PGR3 suggests that the 26th PPR motif plays important roles in target RNA binding. Our data show the specificity of a plastidic RNA-binding protein and provide a mechanistic insight into translational control.
Kinetics of Fe–Ti Oxide Re-equilibration in Magmatic Systems: Implications for Thermo-oxybarometry
Authors: Hou Tong , Botcharnikov Roman , Moulas Evangelos , Just Tobias , Berndt Jasper , Koepke Jürgen , Zhang Zhaochong , Wang Meng , Yang Zongpeng , Holtz François
Published: December 2020

The combined Fe–Ti oxide geothermometry and oxygen barometry is an important tool in petrology and volcanology. However, its appropriate application to natural magmatic systems is still challenged by poorly constrained kinetics of the re-equilibration processes between magnetite, ilmenite, melt and other magmatic phases. In this study, we experimentally investigated how fast Fe–Ti oxides can re-equilibrate and how fast their compositions can adapt to changing temperature and/or redox conditions. A series of equilibrium crystallization experiments were conducted in internally heated gas pressure vessels using an evolved hydrous basaltic composition. These starting reference experiments were conducted at 200 MPa, at 900 and 1000°C and at two redox conditions, i.e. FMQ + 1 and FMQ + 3·3. The products of the starting experiments, all containing magnetite and/or ilmenite, were then placed at a different temperature (T) and/or oxygen fugacity (fO2) for time dependent experimental series (1, 10 and 100 hours) in an attempt to check for the time needed for re-equilibration of the oxide composition. The experimental results demonstrate that both magnetite and ilmenite start to respond chemically to the changing conditions quite rapidly in less than 1 h. The largest compositional deviations from the equilibrium compositions were observed in the runs with 1 and 10 h duration. After 100 h, the Fe–Ti oxide compositions were approaching the expected equilibrium values in almost all kinetic series, but still with significant deviation. Moreover, our results clearly show that the Mg/Mn ratio in magnetite and ilmenite can follow the nominal ‘equilibrium’ trend, although the Fe–Ti distribution between oxides may not have reached equilibrium. This observation implies that the use of the Mg/Mn criterion to check for the equilibrium distribution of Fe–Ti between magnetite and ilmenite should be reconsidered or at least applied with caution. The quick, within-100-hours re-equilibration of the Fe–Ti oxides at magmatic conditions imposes limitations on the reliable application of oxide thermobarometry to natural systems. We suggest that in basaltic to andesitic volcanic rocks ascending and cooling relatively slowly (more than 5 days), the compositional T–fO2 record in oxides is representative of a late evolution stage rather than the pre-eruptive conditions in a magmatic reservoir at depth. This ‘frozen’ late-stage T–fO2 record is controlled by changing element diffusion rates with cooling and degassing. Only magmatic/volcanic systems, which underwent very rapid cooling, resulting from magma ascent within minutes or few hours (e.g. Plinian eruptions), can deliver Fe–Ti oxides reflecting the pre-eruptive magmatic T–fO2 signature.
More Cops, Less Trust? Disentangling the Relationship between Police Numbers and Trust in the Police in the European Union
Authors: Nägel Christof , Vera Antonio
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between number of police officers per inhabitant and trust in the police in the EU. By compiling data sources from the Eurobarometer, the Eurostat and the Corruption Perception Index, we test whether the number of police officers per inhabitant is a robust predictor of trust in the police on the country level. While there is a strong negative correlation between the two variables that justifies stating that the police are trusted most in countries where the number of police is minimal, controlling for relevant covariates reveals that the correlation is technically spurious. In line with distributive justice theory, perceptions of corruption in the respective countries explain most of the variation in trust in the police, which completely levels the influence of number of police officers per inhabitant. Implications for research and policy are discussed at the end of the paper.
Culture as a contributory factor in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Lagman James Darwin N , Vergara Raymond John D , Sarmiento Philip Joseph D
Published: December 2020

In a recent correspondence, the racial disparity was discussed regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices related to COVID-19. This paper highlights culture as a contributory factor in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic that is to be considered by each government around the world.
Building public trust: a response to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy predicament
Authors: Vergara Raymond John D , Sarmiento Philip Joseph D , Lagman James Darwin N
Published: December 2020

With the rollout of vaccines against COVID-19, an optimistic and a negative attitude among people have arisen. Surprisingly, surveys among people reveal that there is a significant rate of distrust against the vaccines. In a recent short report published in this journal, vaccine hesitancy was found out among medical students. Hence, wide array of research has been springing, recommending various approaches in assisting authorities deal with vaccine hesitancy such as proper and effective strategic communication as a solution. This study suggests however that a more ‘localized’ public education and role-modelling from public officials and health authorities can help a lot in building public trust. The study aims to contribute to the further development of public health mechanisms in the rolling-out and distribution of vaccines against COVID-19.
Adherence to antihypertensive medication and cardiovascular disease events in hypertensive patients: a dose–response meta-analysis of 2 769 700 participants in cohort study
Authors: Feng Y , Zhao Y , Yang X , Li Y , Han M , Qie R , Huang S , Wu X , Zhang Y , Wu Y , Liu D , Zhang D , Cheng C , Hu F , Zhang M , Yang Y , Shi X , Sun L , Hu Dongsheng
Published: December 2020

Background

Recently, many studies have investigated the association between adherence to antihypertensive medication (AHM) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events for hypertensive patients; however, the results varied by different studies.

Aims

The purpose of our meta-analysis was to explore the comprehensively summarized association between AHM adherence and risk of CVD events in hypertensive patients from cohort studies.

Design

A dose–response meta-analysis.

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic search in two databases (PubMed and Embase) from 1974 to 15 December 2019 to identify English-language reports that assessed the association of AHM adherence with risk of CVD events in cohort studies. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using a fixed- or random-effects model. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the possible linear or non-linear association.

Results

We included 16 cohort studies with 2 769 700 participants in the present meta-analysis. The pooled RR of CVD events was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.56–0.78, I2 = 98.6%) for the highest versus lowest AHM adherence categories. We found a linear dose–response association of AHM adherence and CVD events (Pnonlinearity = 0.887), each 20% increase in AHM adherence was associated with a 13% reduced risk of CVD events (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83–0.92, I2 = 98.2%) in hypertensive patients.

Conclusion

High AHM adherence has a protective effect on CVD events for hypertensive patients, and improving medication adherence may provide long-term CVD benefits.
Previous drought exposure leads to greater drought resistance in eucalypts through changes in morphology rather than physiology
Authors: Pritzkow Carola , Szota Christopher , Williamson Virginia , Arndt Stefan K
Published: December 2020

Over their lifetime, trees are repeatedly exposed to droughts. It is therefore important to understand whether repeated drought exposure makes trees more or less drought tolerant. Here, we investigated the effect of repeated droughts on functional trait expression and tree function in Eucalyptus obliqua. Further, we tested whether previous drought exposure enabled trees to avoid leaf death for longer under a subsequent severe drought. Trees were subjected for 1 year to 2 drought–rewatering cycles (drought treatment) or well-watered conditions, before imposing a severe drought. Trees in the drought treatment reduced their overall leaf area and biomass, whereas leaf-level anatomical, morphological and physiological traits remained mostly unaffected. There were no differences in water potential at the turgor loss point, leaf xylem vulnerability to embolism, leaf size, maximum xylem vessel diameter or cell wall thickness between treatments after the conditioning period. When exposed to a subsequent severe drought, trees previously exposed to drought were more drought tolerant due to a lower water potential at leaf death and tree-level morphological rather than physiological adjustments. Trees previously exposed to drought were smaller and used less water, which delayed leaf death for 39 days compared with 22 days for the well-watered trees. Our study indicates that previous drought exposure can facilitate tree-level morphological adjustment, which potentially enhances survival of E. obliqua trees during subsequent drought events.
Candidate regulators and target genes of drought stress in needles and roots of Norway spruce
Authors: Haas Julia C , Vergara Alexander , Serrano Alonso R , Mishra Sanatkumar , Hurry Vaughan , Street Nathaniel R
Published: December 2020

Drought stress impacts seedling establishment, survival and whole-plant productivity. Molecular responses to drought stress have been most extensively studied in herbaceous species, mostly considering only aboveground tissues. Coniferous tree species dominate boreal forests, which are predicted to be exposed to more frequent and acute drought as a result of ongoing climate change. The associated impact at all stages of the forest tree life cycle is expected to have large-scale ecological and economic impacts. However, the molecular response to drought has not been comprehensively profiled for coniferous species. We assayed the physiological and transcriptional response of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst seedling needles and roots after exposure to mild and severe drought. Shoots and needles showed an extensive reversible plasticity for physiological measures indicative of drought-response mechanisms, including changes in stomatal conductance (gs), shoot water potential and abscisic acid (ABA). In both tissues, the most commonly observed expression profiles in response to drought were highly correlated with the ABA levels. Still, root and needle transcriptional responses contrasted, with extensive root-specific down-regulation of growth. Comparison between previously characterized Arabidopsis thaliana L. drought-response genes and P. abies revealed both conservation and divergence of transcriptional response to drought. In P. abies, transcription factors belonging to the ABA responsive element(ABRE) binding/ABRE binding factors ABA-dependent pathway had a more limited role. These results highlight the importance of profiling both above- and belowground tissues, and provide a comprehensive framework to advance the understanding of the drought response of P. abies. The results demonstrate that a short-term, severe drought induces severe physiological responses coupled to extensive transcriptome modulation and highlight the susceptibility of Norway spruce seedlings to such drought events.
Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography: Game-Changing Technology
Authors: Price Francis W.
Published: December 2020

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the potential to revolutionize lamellar corneal surgery and facilitate many other types of ocular surgery because it readily visualizes ocular structures that can be difficult to discern with a coaxial microscope, particularly through a cloudy cornea. Systems that can provide a high-quality image on demand in the surgeon's oculars, rather than just on an adjacent monitor, are the most useful because they allow the surgeon to rely on the OCT image while operating, without having to look away from the surgical field. Useful applications in lamellar corneal surgery include assessing graft attachment with Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and discerning graft orientation with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, which otherwise could be challenging in an eye with a cloudy cornea. Intraoperative OCT is particularly helpful when performing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in cases in which a big bubble should not be attempted or cannot be achieved because it enables better intraoperative control of the incision depth and allows the surgeon to assess the uniformity of the dissection plane to optimize visual outcomes. Intraoperative OCT is also useful when judging the depth of a scar for a lamellar dissection, when evaluating intraocular lens positioning in the capsular bag, or when locating and removing retained nuclear fragments from an eye with a poor view because of a cloudy cornea. The primary barrier to the adoption of this valuable technology is cost.
Corneal Properties in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Assessed Through Scheimpflug Corneal Topography and Densitometry
Authors: Molero-Senosiain Mercedes , Morales-Fernandez Laura , Saenz-Frances Federico , Perucho-Gonzalez Lucia , García-Bella Javier , Garcia Feijoo Julian , Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare corneal topography and densitometry measurements in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and healthy subjects.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 200 eyes of 75 patients with POAG and 125 healthy controls underwent corneal topography and densitometry (Oculus Pentacam HR). The data compared in the 2 groups were: anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and anterior chamber volume, keratometry (K
minimum, K
maximum, and K
mean), central corneal thickness, central anterior elevation, anterior elevation apex, maximum anterior elevation, and posterior elevation apex. Densitometry measurements were made at 3 depths on a 12-mm-diameter circle divided into 4 concentric rings (0 to 2, 2 to 6, 6 to 10, and 10 to 12 mm). The diagnostic capacity of the corneal variables was assessed through the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve.

Results:

The corneal density of practically all depth layers and total corneal density were significantly higher in the POAG than the control group (P<0.05). Total corneal density was positively correlated with age (r=0.623; P<0.001) and also showed a good diagnostic capacity for glaucoma [area under the curve=0.617; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.541-0.697; P<0.001]. In a multiple linear regression designed to assess its relationship with age, sex, central corneal thickness, and K
mean, age emerged as a significant confounder both in controls (coefficient=0.315; P<0.001; 95% CI: 0.246-0.384) and patients (coefficient=0.370; P<0.001; 95% CI: 0.255-0.486).

Conclusion:

Corneal densitometry measurements showed a good diagnostic capacity for POAG suggesting this type of examination could have clinical applications in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
One-Year Follow-up of Pars Plicata Versus Pars Plana Application of Transscleral Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Waibel Soeren , Herber Robert , Pillunat Lutz E. , Pillunat Karin R.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation applied at the level of the pars plicata transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLI-MPC) versus the pars plana transscleral micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (PLA-MPC).

Methods:

This prospective interventional case series included 44 eyes of 31 medically treated primary open-angle glaucoma patients scheduled for micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation to achieve further intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. In total, 22 eyes underwent PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC each. Primary endpoints were the reduction of 24-hour mean diurnal IOP (mean of 6 measurements), diurnal IOP fluctuations, and peak IOP, after 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, a possible deterioration in visual acuity and field, factors influencing IOP reduction, and the number of dropouts.

Results:

In the PLI-MPC group, IOP was reduced from 15.9±3.4 mm Hg to 13.6±3.1 mm Hg (n=16; P<0.001) and 12.9±3.7 mm Hg (n=13; P<0.001) at 3 and 12-month follow-up. In the PLA-MPC group, IOP decreased from 16.4±3.5 mm Hg to 12.3±2.6 mm Hg (n=15; P<0.001) and 11.8±2.2 mm Hg (n=14; P<0.001), respectively. At 12 months, 59% of the PLI-MPC and 63% of the PLA-MPC group had a sufficient IOP reduction to reach the individual target pressure. No complications were seen in either group. A higher preoperative IOP was recognized as the only factor influencing the postoperative IOP reduction.

Conclusions:

PLI-MPC and PLA-MPC seem to be safe and effective in further lowering the IOP in about 60% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who did not reach target pressure despite maximally tolerated IOP-lowering medication. Although the IOP-lowering effect was not statistically significantly different between groups the pars plicata application was superior and easier to perform and should be recommended as the preferred method of application.
Refractive Outcomes of Cataract Surgery With or Without Endocyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Azses-Halabe Yael , Gamiochipi-Arjona Jorge E. , Alvarez-Ascencio Daniela , Sarabia-Jáuregui Abraham , Hernández-Monroy Kristell M. , Gonzalez-Salinas Roberto , Jiménez-Román Jesús
Published: December 2020

Precis:

Surgeons that perform cataract surgery combined with endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) should rely on their preferred intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula. There is no need to perform any correction to the IOL power, as this procedure does not modify the refractive outcome.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative refractive outcomes in patients with glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with or without ECP and the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucoma medications between groups.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study in which the medical records of the patients with any type of glaucoma, who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation in the capsular bag in addition to ECP or as a standalone procedure from June 2016 to August 2019 were analyzed. Clinical data collected included axial length, steep, flat, and mean keratometry values, target spherical equivalent (SE) estimated by the SRK/T formula, manifest refraction SE at the 1-month follow-up, IOP, and number of antiglaucoma medications before and 12 months after surgery. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the mean predictive error (MPE), the postoperative SE, and the change in IOP after surgery in both groups, respectively. Significance was assessed using the Student t test for all variables between groups according to data distribution. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 196 eyes of 196 patients were included, 98 in the combined phacoemulsification-ECP group, and 98 in the non-ECP group. The observed MPE was −0.043±0.44, and 0.06±0.38 D MPE, respectively (P=0.079). Overall, 74.34% in the phacoemulsification-ECP group and 78.4% in the non-ECP group had a postoperative SE of ±0.50. The ECP group had lower IOP and a greater decrease in antiglaucoma medications at 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

SRK/T formula performed well in both groups, with no statistically significant difference in the MPE and the percentage of eyes achieving postoperative SE of ±0.50. We consider it is unnecessary to perform any kind of correction to the IOL power calculation when performing ECP.
An Evaluation of eVisits at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Patel Milan , Haddad Haley , Miller Rebecca , Devito Jessie , Chen Julia , Tacconelli Nicholas , Buchi Andrea , Heinrich Laura , Steppe Emma , Punch Margaret , Ellimoottil Chad
Published: December 2020

An eVisit is a form of asynchronous telehealth whereby the patient submits an online request for medical advice and receives a written response from a health care provider. While thought to be an efficient way to resolve low-acuity medical issues, there is limited information on whether eVisits lead the avoidance of in-person care. We reviewed 8627 eVisits that occurred at our institution from July 2017 to March 2020 and found that 23.1% of eVisits required follow-up medical care within 14 days (22.6% with primary care physician, 0.3% with emergency department, 0.2% both). Our results indicate that eVisits are a feasible alternative to in-person care for low-complexity medical issues.
Burnout and Patient Referral Among Primary Care Providers in Veterans Affairs Patient Aligned Care Teams (VA PACTs)
Authors: Grembowski David
Published: December 2020

Using the Veterans Health Administration's 2018 national provider and staff survey, this study describes the practice patterns of 1453 primary care providers for specialty care consults, program referrals, secure messaging, and telephone visits; and examines whether the practice patterns are associated with provider burnout in primary care teamlets. About 51% of providers experienced moderate to severe burnout and 22% had severe burnout. Providers who embraced all 4 practice approaches had lower odds of severe burnout than providers endorsing none of the approaches (odds ratio range, 0.35-0.39). Associations were weaker for providers with moderate to severe burnout.
Do Teams Improve the Quality of Ambulatory Care?
Authors: Kurtzman Ellen T. , Barnow Burt S.
Published: December 2020

Using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, we examined team composition in office-based practices and compared their relative quality of care. We found that, compared with physician-only teams, patients seen by physician and nurse practitioner/nurse midwife teams and those seen by physician and nurse teams were more likely to receive statins for hyperlipidemia and blood pressure screening, respectively. We also found that patients seen by physician and physician assistant teams were less likely to receive recommended care for all 4 quality indicators, and patients seen by any interprofessional team were less likely to receive recommended depression treatment than physician-only teams.
The Relationship Between Otitis Media With Effusion and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Zeng-Hong , Tang Yun , Niu Xun , Sun Hai-Ying , Chen Xiong
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Recent studies have investigated the mechanism by which refluxed gastric materials reach the middle ear, to establish otitis media with effusion (OME) causal relation between them in both children and adults. Therefore, the relationship between OME and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be further studied extensively.

Methods:

To identify eligible original articles, we searched a range of computerized databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, and Web of Science with a systematic searching strategy. Subgroup analysis was performed to analyze heterogeneity and Egger and Begg funnel plot to assess the publication bias of the included articles.

Results:

The meta-analysis had an overall sample size of 1961. We identified a significant relationship between OME and GERD, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 4.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.42–8.44; p < 0.001). The pooled data were calculated with the random-effects model as a high significant heterogeneity was found among the studies and there was no significant publication bias observed.

Conclusions:

The meta-analysis suggested that there was a significant association between otitis media with effusion and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Hearing Outcomes With a Novel Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis
Authors: Lin Kenny F. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Fritz Christian G. , Schutt Christopher A. , Hong Robert S. , Babu Seilesh C.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

A total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) is used to reconstruct the ossicular chain in the absence of the stapes suprastructure. The Wildcat prosthesis is a novel TORP that eliminates the need for a separate footplate shoe prosthesis and aims to improve ease-of-use and stability. This study evaluates hearing outcomes using the Wildcat prosthesis.

Study Design:

Case series with chart review.

Setting:

Tertiary neurotology referral center.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 64 patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction using the Wildcat TORP. Hearing outcomes after surgery were assessed with air conduction pure-tone average, bone conduction pure-tone average, air-bone gap (ABG), speech recognition threshold , and word recognition score as primary outcome measures. The stability of hearing outcomes was evaluated on subsequent long-term follow-up.

Results:

At mean short-term follow-up of 4.4 ± 2.7 months, ABG improved from 31.0 ± 13.0 dB preoperatively to 22.5 ± 10.0 dB (p < 0.001) with 51.6% achieving ABG less than 20 dB. No significant difference in any primary outcome measures was found when analyzing outcomes by initial versus revision surgery, use of cartilage graft, or type of mastoidectomy. The only exception was a smaller reduction in ABG of 4.2 dB for patients with canal wall down mastoidectomy compared with a 13.7 dB ABG closure in patients with canal wall up mastoidectomy (p = 0.039).

Conclusion:

Total ossicular chain reconstruction using the Wildcat demonstrates versatility in challenging cases to provide hearing outcomes that are comparable to published data using TORPs.
A Novel COCH Mutation Affects the vWFA2 Domain and Leads to a Relatively Mild DFNA9 Phenotype
Authors: Smits Jeroen J. , van Beelen Eline , Weegerink Nicole J. D. , Oostrik Jaap , Huygen Patrick L. M. , Beynon Andy J. , Lanting Cornelis P. , Kunst Henricus P. M. , Schraders Margit , Kremer Hannie , de Vrieze Erik , Pennings Ronald J. E.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To study the genotype and phenotype of a Dutch family with autosomal dominantly inherited hearing loss.

Study Design:

Genotype–phenotype correlation study. Genetic analysis consisted of linkage analysis, variable number of tandem repeats analysis, and Sanger sequencing. Audiovestibular function was examined. Regression analysis was performed on pure tone audiometry and speech recognition scores and correlated with the age and/or level of hearing loss.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

A large Dutch family presenting with sensorineural hearing loss.

Main Outcome Measures:

Identification of the underlying genetic defect of the hearing loss in this family. Results of pure tone and speech audiometry, onset age, progression of hearing loss and vestibular (dys)function.

Results:

A novel mutation in COCH, c.1312C > T p.(Arg438Cys), cosegregates with hearing loss and a variable degree of vestibular (dys)function in this family. The reported mean age of onset of hearing loss is 33 years (range, 18–49 yr). Hearing loss primarily affects higher frequencies and its progression is relatively mild (0.8 dB/yr). Speech perception is remarkably well preserved in affected family members when compared with other DFNA9 families with different COCH mutations.

Conclusion:

These findings expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of DFNA9. The c.1312C > T mutation, which affects the vWFA2 domain, causes a relatively mild audiovestibular phenotype when compared with other COCH mutations.
Is Menière's Disease a Contraindication to Stapedectomy?
Authors: Sioshansi Pedrom C. , Schettino Amy E. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Babu Seilesh C. , Michaelides Elias M. , Luryi Alexander L. , Schutt Christopher A.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Review surgical outcomes of stapedectomy for otosclerosis in patients with Menierè's disease.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Patients with otosclerosis and Menière's disease undergoing stapedectomy between 2010 and 2017.

Intervention:

Stapedectomy.

Main Outcome Measures:

Pre- and postoperative hearing and complications. Hearing was measured by air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) pure-tone frequency, pure-tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), and word recognition scores (WRS).

Results:

Among 1,499 patients with otosclerosis, the incidence of concomitant Menière's disease was 1.7%. Fifteen patients with otosclerosis and Menière's disease underwent stapedectomy, 12 primary and three revisions. Mean AC PTA was 43 dB preoperatively, and 25 dB postoperatively (p = 0.0007), while the ABG improved on average from 20 to 5 dB (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in BC PTA or WRS postoperatively. Two patients experienced fluctuation of hearing in the postoperative period, one of which resolved with a course of steroids. The mean follow-up time was 41 months.

Conclusions:

In patients with otosclerosis and Menière's disease, stapedectomy provides excellent hearing outcomes in a majority of patients. As is characteristic of Menière's disease, some patients will continue to experience fluctuating hearing postoperatively, which may progress to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Menière's disease may not be an absolute contraindication to stapes surgery.
Predictive Ability of Direct Electrical Stimulation on Facial Nerve Function Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Quimby Alexandra E. , Lui Justin , Chen Joseph
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Facial nerve preservation is critical in vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Direct electrical stimulation (DES) is a widely used method for intraoperative localization of the facial nerve and assessment of nerve integrity. We sought to assess the predictive ability of DES parameters on facial nerve function post-VS surgery.

Databases reviewed:

A systematic literature search of English-language studies published from 1946 to 2019 was undertaken using EMBASE, MedLine/PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Methods:

Included studies involved patients undergoing VS surgery and assessed predictive ability of any DES parameter on postoperative facial function. Two authors independently reviewed studies and extracted data. Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy of DES parameters was used to calculate pooled sensitivities and specificities of common cutoffs. For DES parameters reported by less than four studies, outcomes were reported descriptively.

Results:

A MST cutoff of 0.10 mA had sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI 0.53–0.90) and specificity 0.68 (95% CI 0.42–0.87) for facial function in the long term, and MST 0.05 mA had sensitivity 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.84) and specificity 0.74 (95% CI 0.59–0.85). CMAP amplitude < 500 μV had sensitivity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.93) for poor short-term facial function.

Conclusions:

A CMAP amplitude response < 500 μV is sensitive for poor short-term facial function, whereas MST values of 0.05 mA and 0.10 mA are both sensitive and specific in the long term. Other DES parameters may be able to accurately predict both short- and long-term postoperative facial function, but have been less studied.
Case Series and Systematic Review of Treatment Outcomes for Auricular Pseudocysts
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Oron Yahav , Cavel Oren , Handzel Ophir , Warshavsky Anton , Horowitz Gilad , Matot Sofi
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Auricular pseudocyst (AP: intracartilaginous cyst, endochondral AP, cystic chondromalacia, and benign idiopathic cystic chondromalacia) is a benign condition of unknown etiology. This report systematically reviews the published demographics, treatment protocols, and outcomes of AP between the various medical disciplines, and compares the findings to a theretofore-unreported 12-patient cohort. Primary outcome measure was AP complete resolution without recurrence.

Data Source:

A systematic literature search of “MEDLINE” via “PubMed” and “Google Scholar” was performed in June, 2020. The 12 new patients were enrolled between January 2016 and December 2020.

Study Selection:

Seventy-four papers met the study inclusion criteria and provided data on sex distribution, surgical approach and outcome, performance of approaches according to medical specialty, and recurrence rates of the reported AP populations.

Data Extraction:

The appropriateness and study design quality were independently assessed by two reviewers.

Data Synthesis:

The primary outcome was therapeutic success. A comparative analysis was also performed on the same extracted information that was retrieved from the medical files of the 12 new patients (10 men, 2 women, average age 24 yrs, range, 17–38).

Conclusions:

AP is not uncommon. In line with the published literature, incision and curettage with excision of the anterior pseudocystic wall (deroofing) resulted in a recurrence rate of less than 17% with good cosmetic outcome among all 12 patients. Aspiration alone was associated with increased recurrence rates. Deroofing emerged as the preferred modality, with good cosmetic outcome and reduced recurrence rate. It was usually performed by otolaryngologists, while dermatologists used more conservative approach more frequently. Incision and drainage combined with compression reduces risk of recurrence.
Training Situational Awareness for Patient Safety in a Room of Horrors: An Evaluation of a Low-Fidelity Simulation Method
Authors: Zimmermann Chantal , Fridrich Annemarie , Schwappach David L. B.
Published: December 2020

Background

To protect patients from potential hazards of hospitalization, health care professionals need an adequate situational awareness. The Room of Horrors is a simulation-based method to train situational awareness that is little used in Switzerland.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate (1) the performance of health care staff in identifying patient safety hazards, (2) the participants’ subjective experiences, and (3) the group interactions in Rooms of Horrors.

Methods

The study was conducted in 13 Swiss hospitals that implemented a Room of Horrors. Health care professionals participated as individuals or in groups and were asked to identify as many errors as possible within a certain time and to complete an evaluation questionnaire. Observations of group interactions were carried out in 8 hospitals. t Tests and χ2 tests were used to examine differences in performance between participants solving the task alone versus in groups.

Results

Data of 959 health care professionals were included in the analysis. Single participants identified on average 4.7 of the 10 errors and additional 10 errors and hazards that were not part of the official scenario. However, they also overestimated their performance, with 58% feeling the errors to be easy to find. Group observations indicated that participants rarely reflected on possible consequences of the hazards for the patient or their daily work. Participants feedback to the method was very positive.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the Room of Horrors is a popular and effective method to raise situational awareness for patient safety issues among health care staff. More attention should be given to debriefing after the experience and to benefits of interprofessional trainings.