bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphisms and automorphisms of skew-symmetric Lotka–Volterra systems*
Authors: Evripidou C A , Kassotakis P , Vanhaecke P
Published: July 2022

We study the basic relation between skew-symmetric Lotka–Volterra (LV) systems and graphs, both at the level of objects and morphisms, and derive a classification from it of skew-symmetric LV systems in terms of graphs as well as in terms of irreducible weighted graphs. We also obtain a description of their automorphism groups and of the relations which exist between these groups. The central notion introduced and used is that of decloning of graphs and of LV systems. We also give a functorial interpretation of the results which we obtain.
Raman imaging of twist angle variations in twisted bilayer graphene at intermediate angles
Authors: Schäpers A , Sonntag J , Valerius L , Pestka B , Strasdas J , Watanabe K , Taniguchi T , Wirtz L , Morgenstern M , Beschoten B , Dolleman R J , Stampfer C
Published: July 2022

Van der Waals layered materials with well-defined twist angles between the crystal lattices of individual layers have attracted increasing attention due to the emergence of unexpected material properties. As many properties critically depend on the exact twist angle and its spatial homogeneity, there is a need for a fast and non-invasive characterization technique of the local twist angle, to be applied preferably right after stacking. We demonstrate that confocal Raman spectroscopy can be utilized to spatially map the twist angle in stacked bilayer graphene for angles between 6.5∘ and 8∘ when using a green excitation laser. The twist angles can directly be extracted from the moiré superlattice-activated Raman scattering process of the transverse acoustic (TA) phonon mode. Furthermore, we show that the width of the TA Raman peak contains valuable information on spatial twist angle variations on length scales below the laser spot size of ∼500 nm.
Relationships between trunk radial growth and fruit yield in apple and pear trees on size-controlling rootstocks
Authors: Plavcová Lenka , Mészáros Martin , Šilhán Karel , Jupa Radek
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Understanding the mutual co-ordination of vegetative and reproductive growth is important in both agricultural and ecological settings. A competitive relationship between vegetative growth and fruiting is often highlighted, resulting in an apparent trade-off between structural growth and fruit production. However, our understanding of factors driving this relationship is limited.

Methods

We used four scions grafted onto a series of size-controlling rootstocks to evaluate the relationships between the annual fruit yield and radial growth of trunks, branches and roots. To assess tree radial growth, we measured ring widths on extracted tree cores, which is an approach not frequently used in a horticultural setting.

Key Results

We found that the yield and radial growth were negatively related when plotted in absolute terms or as detrended and normalized indices. The relationship was stronger in low vigour trees, but only after the age-related trend was removed. In contrast, when trunk radial growth was expressed as basal area increment, the negative relationship disappeared, suggesting that the relationship between trunk radial growth and fruit yield might not be a true trade-off related to the competition between the two sinks. The effect of low yield was associated with increased secondary growth not only in trunks but also in branches and roots. In trunks, we observed that overcropping was associated with reduced secondary growth in a subsequent year, possibly due to the depletion of reserves.

Conclusions

Our results show that variation in annual fruit yield due to tree ageing, weather cueing and inherent alternate bearing behaviour is reflected in the magnitude of secondary growth of fruit trees. We found little support for the competition/architecture theory of rootstock-induced growth vigour control. More broadly, our study aimed at bridging the gap between forest ecology and horticulture.
Multicenter Pivotal Study Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of a New Cellulite Procedure: 3-Month Results
Authors: Stevens W Grant , Green Jeremy B , Layt Craig , Kaminer Michael S , Harrington Jennifer , Fan Larry , Wall Holly , Fabi Sabrina , Magnusson Mark R
Published: July 2022

Background

Cellulite is an aesthetic condition affecting the appearance of skin in certain body regions and is associated with body dissatisfaction, psychosocial stress, and decreased quality of life. Previous studies established the safety and feasibility of a novel, minimally invasive device to identify and release septa responsible for cellulite depressions: targeted verifiable subcision (TVS).

Objectives

The objective of this single-arm, open-label, multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TVS for reducing the appearance of moderate to severe cellulite in adult women.

Methods

Adult women aged 21 to 55 years and a BMI < 30 kg/m2 with moderate or severe cellulite on the buttocks and/or thighs were eligible to enroll at 9 sites. Endpoint data included results from 4 of the postprocedural follow-up visits at 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days. The primary endpoints were a mean ≥1 point reduction in the Cellulite Severity Scale at 90 days and no related serious adverse events at 30 days.

Results

Seventy-four female participants with a mean BMI of 24.8 ± 2.7 and age of 41.4 ± 7.4 years received this single procedure. The mean improvement in Cellulite Severity Scale (N = 68) was 1.5 ± 0.9 (P < 0.0001). There were no device-related serious adverse events at 30 days.

Conclusions

TVS for selectively identifying and verifiably releasing septa responsible for cellulite depressions is an effective and safe means to improve the appearance of moderate to severe cellulite in adult women.

Level of Evidence: 2
Hiplot: a comprehensive and easy-to-use web service for boosting publication-ready biomedical data visualization
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Miao Benben , Wang Shixiang , Dong Wei , Xu Houshi , Si Chenchen , Wang Wei , Duan Songqi , Lou Jiacheng , Bao Zhiwei , Zeng Hailuan , Yang Zengzeng , Cheng Wenyan , Zhao Fei , Zeng Jianming , Liu Xue-Song , Wu Renxie , Shen Yang , Chen Zhu , Chen Saijuan , Wang Mingjie ,   Hiplot Consortium
Published: July 2022

Complex biomedical data generated during clinical, omics and mechanism-based experiments have increasingly been exploited through cloud- and visualization-based data mining techniques. However, the scientific community still lacks an easy-to-use web service for the comprehensive visualization of biomedical data, particularly high-quality and publication-ready graphics that allow easy scaling and updatability according to user demands. Therefore, we propose a community-driven modern web service, Hiplot (https://hiplot.org), with concise and top-quality data visualization applications for the life sciences and biomedical fields. This web service permits users to conveniently and interactively complete a few specialized visualization tasks that previously could only be conducted by senior bioinformatics or biostatistics researchers. It covers most of the daily demands of biomedical researchers with its equipped 240+ biomedical data visualization functions, involving basic statistics, multi-omics, regression, clustering, dimensional reduction, meta-analysis, survival analysis, risk modelling, etc. Moreover, to improve the efficiency in use and development of plugins, we introduced some core advantages on the client-/server-side of the website, such as spreadsheet-based data importing, cross-platform command-line controller (Hctl), multi-user plumber workers, JavaScript Object Notation-based plugin system, easy data/parameters, results and errors reproduction and real-time updates mode. Meanwhile, using demo/real data sets and benchmark tests, we explored statistical parameters, cancer genomic landscapes, disease risk factors and the performance of website based on selected native plugins. The statistics of visits and user numbers could further reflect the potential impact of this web service on relevant fields. Thus, researchers devoted to life and data sciences would benefit from this emerging and free web service.
gofasta: command-line utilities for genomic epidemiology research
Authors: Jackson Ben
Published: July 2022

gofasta comprises a set of command-line utilities for handling alignments of short assembled genomes in a genomic epidemiology context. It was developed for processing large numbers of closely related SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes and should be useful with other densely sampled pathogen genomic datasets. It provides functions to convert sam-format pairwise alignments between assembled genomes to fasta format; to annotate mutations in multiple sequence alignments, and to extract sets of sequences by genetic distance measures for use in outbreak investigations.

Availability and implementation

gofasta is an open-source project distributed under the MIT license. Binaries are available at https://github.com/virus-evolution/gofasta, from Bioconda, and through the Go programming language’s package management system. Source code and further documentation, including walkthroughs for common use cases, are available on the GitHub repository.
Advances in studying human gametogenesis and embryonic development in China
Authors: Liu Qiang , Chen Xi , Qiao Jie
Published: July 2022

Reproductive medicine in China has developed rapidly since 1988 due to support from the government and scientific exploration. However, the success rate of assisted reproduction technology is around 30–40% and many unknown “black boxes” in gametogenesis and embryo development are still present. With the development of single-cell and low-input sequencing technologies, the network of transcriptome and epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modifications) during the development of human primordial germ cells, gametes, and embryos has been investigated in depth. Furthermore, preimplantation genetic testing has also rapidly developed. In this review, we summarize and analyze China’s outstanding progress in these fields.
Introduction: Global TV Images of Female Masculinity in the 2010s
Authors: Zhao Jamie J , Ng Eve
Published: July 2022

This introductory article to the special Forum “Global TV Images of Female Masculinity in the 2010s” offers a reflection on the concept of “female masculinity” in global media and gender studies. Witnessing a growing number of TV representations of masculine girls and women worldwide, we present a summary of the four articles which comprise this themed Forum and address a number of key issues in their case studies, including televisual imaginaries of heterosexual, masculine women, the cultural legitimization of global female masculinities on reality TV, and the racialization and stigmatization of masculine women in White heteronormative societies. The Forum thus promotes a critical dialogue that aims to stimulate further interest in this interdisciplinary field by emphasizing the mutual implications of gendered TV genres and tropes, cross-cultural currents of gender, sexual, and racial knowledge and politics, and the intersectionality of female gender, sexuality, race, and nationality in TV representations.
Loading Cost-Aware Model Caching And Request Routing In Edge-enabled Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yao Mianyang , Chen Long , Wu Yalan , Wu Jigang
Published: July 2022

Existing works on caching in multi-access edge computing focus on service caching and request routing. However, loading cost and execution time influenced by resource sharing have not been well exploited. To fill this gap, we investigate the joint optimization problem over deep neural network (DNN) model caching and DNN request routing with edge collaboration in edge-enabled wireless sensor networks. A problem is formulated, with the objective of maximizing throughput, under constraints of budget, accuracy and latency etc. The proof of NP-hardness for the formulated problem is provided. To solve the problem, an approximation algorithm based on randomized rounding is presented. In addition, the approximation ratio for the presented algorithm is proved to be $1/(1-\sqrt{4\ln S/\xi^\dagger})$, where $S$ is the number of edge servers and $\xi^\dagger$ is the objective value from linear relaxation. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the system throughput for the presented algorithm can be improved by 58.8% on average, compared with that of the baseline algorithm.
Multi-omics molecular biomarkers and database of osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Jianhua , Yang Xiaotian , Chu Qinjie , Xie Lingjuan , Ding Yuwen , Xu Xiaoxu , Timko Michael P , Fan Longjiang
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the adult population and is a leading cause of disability. OA-related genetic loci may play an important role in clinical diagnosis and disease progression. With the rapid development of diverse technologies and omics methods, many OA-related public data sets have been accumulated. Here, we retrieved a diverse set of omics experimental results from 159 publications, including genome-wide association study, differentially expressed genes and differential methylation regions, and 2405 classified OA-related gene markers. Meanwhile, based on recent single-cell RNA-seq data from different joints, 5459 cell-type gene markers of joints were collected. The information has been integrated into an online database named OAomics and molecular biomarkers (OAOB). The database (http://ibi.zju.edu.cn/oaobdb/) provides a web server for OA marker genes, omics features and so on. To our knowledge, this is the first database of molecular biomarkers for OA.
Effects of cannabis on congenital limb anomalies in 14 European nations: A geospatiotemporal and causal inferential study
Authors: Reece Albert Stuart , Hulse Gary Kenneth
Published: July 2022

Cannabinoid exposure is increasing in some European nations. Europe therefore provides an interesting test environment for the recently reported link between cannabis exposure and congenital limb anomaly (CLA) rates (CLARs). Exponential genotoxic dose–response relationships make this investigation both intriguing and imperative. Annual CLAR in 14 nations were from Epidemiological Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies. Drug use rates were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Dependency. Median household income was from the World Bank. E-values provide a quantitative measure of robustness of results to confounding by extraneous covariates. Inverse probability weighting is an important technique for equalizing exposures across countries and removing sources of bias. Rates of CLA, hip dysplasia and the whole group of limb anomalies were higher in countries with increasing daily cannabis use (P = 1.81 × 10−16, 0.0005 and 2.53 × 10−6, respectively). In additive inverse-probability-weighted panel models, the limb reduction-resin Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration E-value estimate was 519.93 [95% lower bound (mEV) 49.56], order Resin > Herb ≫ Tobacco > Alcohol. Elevations were noted in 86% E-value estimates and 70.2% of mEVs from 57 E-value pairs from inverse-probability-weighted panel models and from spatial models. As judged by the mEV the degree of association with metrics of cannabis exposure was hip dysplasia > polydactyly > syndactyly > limb anomalies > limb reductions with median E-value estimates from 3.40 × 1065 to 7.06 and median mEVs from 6.14 × 1033 to 3.41. Daily cannabis use interpolated was a more powerful metric of cannabis exposure than herb or resin THC exposure. Data indicate that metrics of cannabis exposure are closely linked with CLAR and satisfy epidemiological criteria for causality. Along with Hawaii and the USA, Europe now forms the third international population in which this causal link has been demonstrated. Cannabis as a predictor of limb anomalies was more potent than tobacco or alcohol. Cannabinoid access should be restricted to protect public health and the community genome/epigenome transgenerationally.
Successful management of a bleeding complication during transaxillary transcatheter aortic-valve implantation: a case report
Authors: Lauten Philipp , El-Garhy Mohamed , Al-Jassem Mahmoud , Lapp Harald
Published: July 2022

Background

The axillary artery is an alternative access route for transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) in patients who have unfavourable femoral arteries as well as comorbidities which preclude surgery. Transaxillary TAVI (TAx-TAVI), with a complete non-transfemoral approach, is a feasible and safe alternative even if complications like vascular closure device failure with bleeding occurs.

Case summary

We describe here a simplified non-transfemoral TAx-TAVI approach in a 71-year-old patient with pulmonary oedema due to severe symptomatic aortic stenosis with a prohibitively high surgical risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons Mortality 11.9%) and extensive peripheral artery disease that rendered the femoral arteries unsuitable for access. Importantly, this strategy also allows for successful management of bleeding events, particularly those associated with vascular closure device failure, by the use of a new covered stent device. The patient was discharged on Day 6 after admission in stable conditions. In short-term follow-up (30 days), he is asymptomatic with normal left-ventricular function.

Discussion

The TAx-TAVI is a promising alternative to transfemoral TAVI approach. Patient safety, even during bleeding complications, can be guaranteed with appropriate preparation.
Do direct payments efficiently support incomes of small and large farms?
Authors: Ciliberti Stefano , Severini Simone , Ranalli Maria Giovanna , Biagini Luigi , Frascarelli Angelo
Published: July 2022

This paper assesses how efficiently Common Agricultural Policy direct payments enhance farm incomes by applying a quantile continuous treatment effect model on the Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network sample. Adding to previous analyses, we show that income responses to direct payments are higher in large farms rather than in small farms and lower in farms benefiting from larger levels of support. This suggests that direct payments are not very efficient in supporting incomes of small farms and reducing the disparity existing within the farm population. Furthermore, results suggest that there is scope to reduce the amount of payments provided to highly supported farms.
Latent class trajectories of socioeconomic position over four time points and mortality: the Uppsala Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Hossin Muhammad Zakir , Heshmati Amy , Koupil Ilona , Goodman Anna , Mishra Gita D
Published: July 2022

Background

The study assessed socioeconomic position (SEP) over four time points and employed a latent class analysis (LCA) to explore the associations between longitudinal SEP trajectories and late-life mortality.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 11 336 members born at the Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden during 1915–29 and followed up for mortality during 1980–2008. SEP was measured at birth, age 10, mid-adulthood and late adulthood. LCA was used to identify SEP trajectories, which were linked to all-cause and cause-specific mortality through Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

The age and birth cohort adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality among the upwardly mobile from middle vs. stable low SEP was 28% lower in men [HR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.65, 0.81] and 30% lower in women (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.78). The corresponding HR of cardiovascular mortality was 30% lower in men (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.82) and 31% lower in women (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.83). Upward mobility was also associated with decreased HR of mortality from respiratory diseases and injuries among men and from cancer, respiratory diseases, injuries and mental disorders among women. The upwardly mobile were similar to the stable high group in terms of their HRs of mortality from all-causes and cardiovascular, cancer and mental diseases.

Conclusions

Upward mobility appeared to be protective of mortality from a wide range of causes. Interventions aiming to prevent deaths can benefit from creating optimal conditions earlier in the life course, letting disadvantaged children maximize their socioeconomic and health potentials.
Burden of bacterial bloodstream infections and recent advances for diagnosis
Authors: Costa Susana P , Carvalho Carla M
Published: July 2022

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) and subsequent organ dysfunction (sepsis and septic shock) are conditions that rank among the top reasons for human mortality and have a great impact on healthcare systems. Their treatment mainly relies on the administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials since the standard blood culture-based diagnostic methods remain time-consuming for the pathogen's identification. Consequently, the routine use of these antibiotics may lead to downstream antimicrobial resistance and failure in treatment outcomes. Recently, significant advances have been made in improving several methodologies for the identification of pathogens directly in whole blood especially regarding specificity and time to detection. Nevertheless, for the widespread implementation of these novel methods in healthcare facilities, further improvements are still needed concerning the sensitivity and cost-effectiveness to allow a faster and more appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This review is focused on the problem of BSIs and sepsis addressing several aspects like their origin, challenges, and causative agents. Also, it highlights current and emerging diagnostics technologies, discussing their strengths and weaknesses.
Sex and Love Among Older Adults in the Digital World: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Opuda Eugenia , Ayalon Liat
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

The digital world offers opportunities for sex and love and also reflects societal stereotypes regarding sex and love among older adults. The aim of the current review is to look at the ways older adults use digital media for sex and love and also at digital media’s representations of older adults.

Research Design and Methods

We searched for studies published in English that used qualitative and/or quantitative methods, with findings based on empirical data from individuals 55 years of age or older. The following data sets were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL. Bibliographies of all relevant studies were searched. Titles and abstracts were reviewed, and selected articles were extracted independently by 2 reviewers.

Results

A total of 1,819 records were retrieved. After removing duplicates, 1,488 records remained. Of these, 70 records remained for full-text screening, and a final count of 15 records was included for synthesis.

Discussion and Implications

The present review highlights major research gaps in the field. Although studies have indeed focused on the online dating scene among this cohort, they have ignored older adults’ sexuality in favor of other aspects (e.g., love and companionship). Representations of this cohort in terms of love and sex are also lacking, and diversity is hardly addressed. Additional research is needed to examine how older adults use digital media for reasons related to love and sex, and how the media mirrors societal stereotypes regarding sex and love among older adults.
Chandler period estimated from frequency domain expression solving the Liouville equation for polar motion
Authors: Li Mingyu , Shen Wenbin
Published: July 2022

Accurate determination of the Chandler wobble (CW) period (TCW) and quality factor (QCW) is of great significance to our understanding of the Earth's dynamic figure parameters, elasticity, rheology and energy dissipation. TCW and QCW were typically determined in the time domain using the digital filter designed by Wilson; however, we developed an alternative method to estimate TCW in the frequency domain. We adopted the frequency domain expression solving the Liouville equation for polar motion (eq. 3 in the following) rather than the time domain to separate the free-damping CW and excited parts. Next, we substituted various excitation functions derived from the outputs of several general circulation models and selected monthly gravity models into the above frequency domain expression; hence we estimate TCW. The preferred TCW value using this method and the least difference combination mgm90 model is 430.4 ± 2.0 mean solar days. Comparing with previous studies within the error range, our results provide an independent way of estimating TCW.
Cultural context in New Zealand: incorporating kaupapa Māori values in clinical research and practice
Authors: Rolleston Anna , Miskelly Philippa , McDonald Marama , Wiles Janine , Poppe Katrina , Doughty Rob
Published: July 2022

We examined the importance of understanding and incorporating cultural context within Aotearoa/New Zealand when engaging in clinical research and practice. This paper reports on the qualitative findings of a mixed methods study aimed at determining what effect a cardiac risk reduction exercise and lifestyle management programme, embedded within a kaupapa Māori methodological approach, had on Māori participants. This methodology saw participants able to redevelop a western model cardiac risk reduction programme by introducing a Māori worldview. Our study revealed how the kaupapa Māori approach empowered participants to examine and evaluate not only their own health and lifestyle choices, but those of family and the wider community. Combining biomedical and kaupapa Māori components into the programme was found to benefit participants’ mental, physical, spiritual and family well-being.
Exercise motives impact on physical activities measured using wearable devices
Authors: Hewitt Barbara , Deranek Kimberly , McLeod Alex , Gudi Arvind
Published: July 2022

Health officials advocate for increased physical activity to address negative health consequences. While previous studies have investigated what motivates different individuals to exercise, the motives were not verified using unbiased measurements. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including wearables, are essential for collecting and sharing data necessary for improving health initiatives. The purpose of this study was to use objective measures collected by wearable devices (Fitbit) to track activity and explore whether specific exercise motives impact participants’ physical activities. Ninety-six college freshmen enrolled in the 90-day study. During orientation, participants completed an Exercise Motives Inventory-2 (EMI-2), and their current physical state was baselined. Partial Least Squares (PLS)—Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to model the relationship between variables. The results revealed a relationship between Interpersonal Motives, Health Motives, and Fitness Motives, and participants’ physical activities. Those striving to facilitate a change in exercise behavior in young adults should leverage activities that align with their motives of interest and consider the use of wearable devices to track physical activity.
What about Females? Urban Female Song Sparrows Elevate Aggressive Signaling Compared to Rural
Authors: Lane Samuel J , Sewall Kendra B
Published: July 2022

The costs and benefits of breeding behaviors are influenced by environmental conditions, and habitat variation can shift the degree to which behaviors are expressed. Novel urban habitats have been shown to differ significantly in disturbances such as noise, light at night, and human presence, as well as resource availability, compared to rural habitats. Perhaps because of these environmental differences, urban males of several species are consistently more aggressive than rural males, raising the hypothesis that greater territorial aggression is beneficial in urban habitats. Though often ignored, female songbirds of many species also perform aggressive territorial behaviors toward conspecifics during the breeding season. For socially monogamous songbirds, this aggression functions to ensure partner fidelity and secure resources for reproduction. Studies of the effects of urbanization on songbird behavior have yet to determine if urban females also express greater territorial aggression. Importantly, energetically demanding behaviors such as territoriality and parental care should constrain one another, leading to behavioral trade-offs during the breeding season. Though territorial aggression and parental care are inversely related in males of several species of songbird, this relationship is understudied in female songbirds, particularly those facing environmental change, such as urbanization. In this study, we compared aggressive signaling and a measure of parental care (maternal nest visitation rates) between female song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), living in urban and rural habitats. We hypothesized that female aggressive signaling would be higher in urban environments compared to rural, and negatively correlated with maternal visitation rates. We found that urban females, like males, expressed increased aggressive signaling compared to rural. However, female aggressive signaling was not related to our measure of maternal care, suggesting females aren't facing a trade-off between these two behaviors. Collectively, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that urban habitats promote territorial aggression in female song sparrows. As urbanization continues to spread, understanding the behavioral changes animals employ in urban environments requires studying individuals of different sexes and age classes, and will help us understand how some species are able to cope with human-induced rapid environmental change.
The Effect of Government Repression on Civil Society: Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Springman Jeremy , Malesky Edmund , Right Lucy , Wibbels Erik
Published: July 2022

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are a core component of a robust civil society and operate in a wide variety of sectors, ranging from service delivery to political advocacy. However, research has yet to systematically investigate whether the impact of government repression varies across NGO activities. We hypothesize that advocacy NGOs are more affected by repression than those in service delivery. Surveying 176 employees from 106 NGOs in Cambodia, we employ a conjoint experiment to examine how the level of repression affects a task crucial to NGOs’ survival: obtaining funding via grant applications. We find that while increases in the severity of repression appear to have a stronger deterrent effect for advocacy NGOs, repression has a large deterrent effect on service NGOs as well. Interviews and text analysis of open-ended questions suggest that local officials target both advocacy and service delivery NGOs, but for different reasons. Our findings speak to the spread of authoritarianism and the challenges NGOs face in countries with closing civic spaces.
Identifying patient-level risk factors associated with non-β-lactam resistance outcomes in invasive MRSA infections in the United States using chain graphs
Authors: Love William J , Wang C Annie , Lanzas Cristina
Published: July 2022

Background

MRSA is one of the most common causes of hospital- and community-acquired infections. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and chloramphenicol.

Objectives

To identify patient-level characteristics that may be associated with phenotype variations and that may help improve prescribing practice and antimicrobial stewardship.

Methods

Chain graphs for resistance phenotypes were learned from invasive MRSA surveillance data collected by the CDC as part of the Emerging Infections Program to identify patient level risk factors for individual resistance outcomes reported as MIC while accounting for the correlations among the resistance traits. These chain graphs are multilevel probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) that can be used to quantify and visualize the complex associations among multiple resistance outcomes and their explanatory variables.

Results

Some phenotypic resistances had low connectivity to other outcomes or predictors (e.g. tetracycline, vancomycin, doxycycline and rifampicin). Only levofloxacin susceptibility was associated with healthcare-associated infections. Blood culture was the most common predictor of MIC. Patients with positive blood culture had significantly increased MIC of chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, lincomycin and mupirocin, and decreased daptomycin and rifampicin MICs. Some regional variations were also observed.

Conclusions

The differences in resistance phenotypes between patients with previous healthcare use or positive blood cultures, or from different states, may be useful to inform first-choice antibiotics to treat clinical MRSA cases. Additionally, we demonstrated multilevel PGMs are useful to quantify and visualize interactions among multiple resistance outcomes and their explanatory variables.
Pricing Retrovir: Wellcome PLC and the Role of Pharmaceutical Companies in the Global AIDS Crisis, 1986 to 1991
Authors: Kanazawa Reiko
Published: July 2022

In spring 1987, British pharmaceutical company Wellcome PLC released azidothymidine (AZT) sold under trade name Retrovir, the first successful treatment for AIDS. In the context of a global public health emergency and with no competing products, Wellcome invested heavily in upfront costs to bring Retrovir to market, reflected in the original launch price of $188 (US dollars), applied to all other markets. Retrovir subsequently faced backlash in the United States for its high cost and Wellcome’s profits became a target of debates about prescription drugs in the American healthcare system. As a result, the company agreed to two price reductions within the first two years of market release. Events in the US had global impact, discouraging the company from providing AZT via commercial channels in African countries. Drawing from new archival material, this article explores how Retrovir’s pricing reflected the uncertainties of the global AIDS crisis as well as the unique risks Wellcome faced as a foreign company in its most important market of the US. It argues that, contrary to critical opinion, Wellcome’s pricing of Retrovir did reflect an underlying principle regarding the appropriate role of for-profit research-intensive pharmaceutical companies during an unprecedented pandemic.
Comparison of modern periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia with total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis—10-year outcomes are comparable in young adult patients
Authors: Parilla Frank W , Freiman Serena , Pashos Gail E , Thapa Susan , Clohisy John C
Published: July 2022

Young adult patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and marginal secondary osteoarthritis can be faced with the decision to either undergo periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to relieve symptoms and slow osteoarthritis progression or wait until progression to more advanced disease and undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA). The decision can be difficult, and contemporary literature to guide these decisions is sparse. Therefore, we retrospectively assessed complication rate, survivorship and patient-reported clinical outcomes [modified Harris Hip score (mHHS), UCLA Activity score] in two, consecutive cohorts of patients aged 18–40 years that underwent either PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia (mean age 28.9 years) or THA for advanced secondary osteoarthritis (32.5 years). PAO patients were followed for a mean of 10.5 years (8–19) and THA patients for 11.9 (8–17)  years. Between PAO and THA groups, there were no differences in overall complication rate (4.7% versus 4.7%), non-revision reoperation rate (5.9% versus 2.3%, P = 0.37) or end-revision rate [7 (8.2%) PAOs converted to THA at mean 10.8 years versus 3 (7.0%) THAs revised at 6.2 years, P = 0.80]. Latest scores remained significantly improved from baseline in both the PAO (mHHS 86.1 versus 63.3, P < 0.001; UCLA 7.5 versus 6.9, P < 0.05) and THA (mHHS 82.6 versus 48.4, P < 0.001; UCLA 7.2 versus 4.6, P < 0.001) cohorts. Final scores were similar between groups (mHHS 86.1 versus 82.6, P = 0.46; UCLA 7.5 versus 7.2, P = 0.37). Clinical success [mHHS minimal clinically important difference (8) OR PASS (>70) at latest follow-up without end-revision] was achieved in 81.2% of PAO hips and 83.7% of THA hips (P = 0.72).
Phytochemicals from medicinal plants from African forests with potentials in rheumatoid arthritis management
Authors: Aloke Chinyere , Ohanenye Ikenna C , Aja Patrick M , Ejike Chukwunonso E C C
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, pain, and cartilage and bone damage. There is currently no cure for RA. It is however managed using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, often with severe side effects. Hidden within Africa’s lush vegetation are plants with diverse medicinal properties including anti-RA potentials. This paper reviews the scientific literature for medicinal plants, growing in Africa, with reported anti-RA activities and identifies the most abundant phytochemicals deserving research attention. A search of relevant published scientific literature, using the major search engines, such as Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc. was conducted to identify medicinal plants, growing in Africa, with anti-RA potentials.

Key findings

Twenty plants belonging to 17 families were identified. The plants are rich in phytochemicals, predominantly quercetin, rutin, catechin, kaempferol, etc., known to affect some pathways relevant in RA initiation and progression, and therefore useful in its management.

Targeted research is needed to unlock the potentials of medicinal plants by developing easy-to-use technologies for preparing medicines from them. Research attention should focus on how best to exploit the major phytochemicals identified in this review for the development of anti-RA ‘green pharmaceuticals’.
Comparison of three in vitro keratinocytes-fibroblasts wound healing models commonly used in pharmaceutical research
Authors: Wong Hui Xin , Lee Chin Chiat , Ho Paul Chi-Lui
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Several common wound healing models have been used to evaluate wound healing agents and formulations, namely: conditioned media (CM), transwell co-cultures (TWCC) and co-cultures (CC) in a monolayer. However, no study has been conducted to compare the relevance of these models in the keratinocytes and fibroblasts interaction physiologically. Therefore, this study aimed to compare these models based on cell migration and proliferation, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression.

Methods

Cell migration was analysed by scratch assay and MMP-7, while cell proliferation was analysed by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium reduction assay.

Key findings

Increased cell migration was observed in CM and TWCC models, while varied results were obtained in CC. Cell migration was increased due to upregulation of MMP-7 in CM and TWCC models, while it was downregulated in CC, which might have hindered migration of both cells in monolayers.

Conclusions

CM and TWCC are more suitable than CC for wound healing research and for evaluating wound healing agents or formulations, as they can better simulate the layered tissue constructs and paracrine interactions in the physiological environment.
Lumbar Fusion for Active Duty Service Members Performed at an Overseas Military Treatment Facility: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ikeda Daniel S , Meister Melissa , Porensky Paul , Yokoi Hana , Ravindra Vijay M
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Among U.S. Military active duty service members, low back pain (LBP) and lumbar radiculopathy are common causes of disability and effect job performance and readiness and can lead to medical separation from the military. Among surgical therapies, lumbar fusion is an option in select cases; however, elective lumbar fusion performed while serving overseas has not been studied extensively.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected surgical database from an overseas military treatment facility (MTF) over a 2-year period (2019-2021) was queried. Patient and procedural data were collected to include single and 2-level lumbar fusion, indications for surgery, military rank, age, tobacco use, pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain, and the presence of radiographic fusion after surgery. Chi-square and Student’s t-test analyses were performed to identify variables associated with return to full duty.

Results

A total of 21 patients underwent lumbar fusion with an average follow-up of 303.2 days (110-832 days). Eleven (52.4%) were able to return to full duty without restriction. Four (19%) patients ultimately required medical separation from the military, and six (28.6%) remained in a partial or limited duty status. Three (14.3%) patients required tour curtailment and return from overseas duty prematurely. Older age (40.2 ± 5.9 years), rank of E7 or greater, and reduction in VAS of 50% postoperatively were all associated with return to full unrestricted active duty. Three surgical complications occurred; all patients were able to recover overseas within a 3-month postoperative period.

Conclusions

Low back pain (LBP) and lumbar radiculopathy may ultimately require treatment with instrumented lumbar fusion and decompression. In this series, we demonstrate that overseas duty with treatment at a community-sized MTF does not preclude this therapy and should be considered among treatment options.
Risk factors for denosumab discontinuation in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Hattori Kyosuke , Takahashi Nobunori , Kojima Toshihisa , Imagama Shiro
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Persistence with treatment is key to achieving successful treatment outcomes in patients with osteoporosis. We investigated risk factors for denosumab discontinuation in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

Methods

A total of 333 patients with PMO who had never received osteoporosis treatment were included in this study. Baseline demographics and retention rate of denosumab were evaluated in all patients. Univariate analysis was performed in patients divided into two groups according to whether they had continued or discontinued denosumab. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk factors for denosumab discontinuation.

Results

The mean age was 80.7 years, the body mass index (BMI) was 21.5 kg/m2, and T-scores for the lumbar spine and femoral neck were −2.7 and −2.8, respectively. The retention rate of denosumab at 36 months was 50.3%. Patients who continued denosumab were younger and had higher BMI, serum albumin (Alb) levels, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and fewer vertebral fractures (VFs), compared with those who discontinued denosumab. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that a low BMI, low serum Alb levels, and a high number of VFs are independent risk factors for denosumab discontinuation.

Conclusions

A low BMI, low serum Alb levels, and a high number of VFs were associated with denosumab discontinuation in patients with PMO.
Respiratory monitoring of nonintubated patients in nonoperating room settings: old and new technologies
Authors: Olsen Fredrik , Suyderhoud Johan Pieter , Khanna Ashish K.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Postoperative mortality in the 30 days after surgery remains disturbingly high. Inadequate, intermittent and incomplete monitoring of vital signs in the nonoperating room environment is common practice. The rise of nonoperating room anaesthesia and sedation outside the operating room has highlighted the need to develop new and robust methods of portable continuous respiratory monitoring. This review provides a summary of old and new technologies in this environment.

Recent findings

Technical advances have made possible the utilization of established monitoring to extrapolate respiratory rate, the increased availability and user friendliness of side stream capnography and the advent of other innovative systems. The use of aggregate signals wherein different modalities compensate for individual shortcomings seem to provide a reliable and artefact-free system.

Respiratory monitoring is required in several situations and patient categories outside the operating room. The chosen modality must be able to detect respiratory compromise in a timely and accurate manner. Combing several modalities in a nonobtrusive, nontethered system and having an integrated output seems to give a reliable and responsive signal.
Salted or sweet? Hypertonic saline or mannitol for treatment of intracranial hypertension
Authors: Lamperti Massimo , Lobo Francisco A. , Tufegdzic Boris
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this review article is to present current recommendations regarding the use of hypertonic saline and mannitol for the treatment of intracranial hypertension.

Recent findings

In recent years, a significant number of studies have been published comparing hypertonic saline with mannitol in patients with acute increased intracranial pressure, mostly caused by traumatic brain injury. Albeit several randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analysis support hypertonic saline as more effective than mannitol in reducing intracranial pressure, no clear benefit in regards to the long-term neurologic outcome of these patients has been reported.

Identifying and treating increased intracranial pressure is imperative in neurocritical care settings and proper management is essential to improve long-term outcomes. Currently, there is insufficient evidence from comparative studies to support a formal recommendation on the use of any specific hyperosmolar medication in patients with acute increased intracranial pressure.
Pathogenesis of lupus nephritis: the contribution of immune and kidney resident cells
Authors: Bhargava Rhea , Li Hao , Tsokos George C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Lupus nephritis is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We lack effective therapeutics and biomarkers mostly because of our limited understanding of its complex pathogenesis. We aim to present an overview of the recent advances in the field to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in lupus nephritis pathogenesis.

Recent findings

Recent studies have identified distinct roles for each resident kidney cell in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Podocytes share many elements of innate and adaptive immune cells and they can present antigens and participate in the formation of crescents in coordination with parietal epithelial cells. Mesangial cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and secrete extracellular matrix contributing to glomerular fibrosis. Tubular epithelial cells modulate the milieu of the interstitium to promote T cell infiltration and formation of tertiary lymphoid organs. Modulation of specific genes in kidney resident cells can ward off the effectors of the autoimmune response including autoantibodies, cytokines and immune cells.

The development of lupus nephritis is multifactorial involving genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers and systemic inflammation. However, the role of resident kidney cells in the development of lupus nephritis is becoming more defined and distinct. More recent studies point to the restoration of kidney resident cell function using cell targeted approaches to prevent and treat lupus nephritis.