bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
607 Use of Autologous Skin Cell Suspension (ASCS) for Full-thickness Burn Injuries Reduces Autograft Procedures
Authors: Holmes James H , Foster Kevin N , King Booker , Sood Rajiv , Carter Jeffrey E , Hickerson William L
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pediatric burn patients and patients with large TBSA injuries are vulnerable to morbidity and mortality, requiring multiple autograft (AG) procedures to obtain definitive closure due to limited donor site availability. The primary objective of this study was to understand the impact of ASCS, as an AG-sparing technology, on the number of AG procedures required to achieve definitive closure of full-thickness (FT) acute thermal burns.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of real-world data were conducted, evaluating clinical outcomes of ASCS-treated patients in prospective, uncontrolled observational studies compared to control data from patients in the National Burn Repository version 8.0 (NBR) who had conventional AG (SOC). The pediatric population consisted of patients < 18 years of age, inclusive of any size TBSA, and the adult cohort included patients ≥ 18 years of age with >50% TBSA injury. Propensity score stratification was used to reduce bias attributable to potential differences in age, sex, %TBSA, and Baux scores between nonrandomized cohorts. Clinical outcomes evaluated included number of AG treatments, length of stay (LOS), healing, and mortality. Additional adverse events were evaluated and compared to historical SOC data sets.

Results

The median number of AG procedures for pediatric patients treated with ASCS and control NBR cohorts was 1.0 (1.0-5.0) and 2.0 (1.0-20.0), respectively. For adult patients, the ASCS-treated and NBR cohorts had medians of 2.0 (1.0-6.0) and 5.0 (1.0-32.0) treatments, respectively. Overall, ASCS lead to approximately 60% fewer mean AG procedures for both populations. By week 8, re-epithelialization was observed in 91.8% and 90.6% of wounds in the pediatric and adult ASCS-treated cohorts. Median LOS for both cohorts were not different between the treatment groups. No significant differences were observed for mortality between cohorts and no adverse events attributed to ASCS were reported.

Conclusions

ASCS treatment reduced the number of AG procedures needed to achieve closure, benefiting patients and offering burn centers reduced complexity and cost in the patient care pathway. While LOS was not significantly reduced in this study as seen in other reports, this finding may be confounded due to potential differences in the patient cohorts relative comorbidities and polytrauma, as well as variability in clinical site inpatient/outpatient management strategies for OT/PT.
612 A Novel Antimicrobial Bioresorbable Matrix is Compatible With A Collagen And Glycosaminoglycan Bioresorbable Wound Matrix
Authors: Schurr Michael
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Skin substitutes are indicated for clean wounds because their use in colonized or infected wounds can lead to non-adherence, loss of graft, and subsequent waste of resources. Wound colonization can be hard to detect, and skin substitutes can trap microbes and potentiate wound infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of a novel bioresorbable antimicrobial wound matrix containing low levels of silver (Silver Matrix), with a widely used skin substitute composed of a crosslinked bovine tendon collagen and glycosaminoglycan matrix (Collagen Matrix), to assess effects on wound healing progression and bioburden management.

Methods

Clean and contaminated full-thickness wounds were made using a porcine model, and treated with either Silver Matrix or Collagen Matrix. Treatment groups included: 1) Clean treated with Silver and Collagen Matrix, 2) Clean treated with Collagen Matrix only, 3) Contaminated treated with Silver and Collagen Matrix, and 4) Contaminated treated with Collagen Matrix only. The Silver Matrix was applied directly to the wound bed, followed by the Collagen Matrix. Clean wounds were analyzed 14 and 27 days after treatment to evaluate wound healing progression as evidenced by angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, inflammation, and fibroplasia. Contaminated wounds were analyzed 5 days after treatment to measure bacteria reduction, as evidenced by colony forming units (CFUs).

Results

At day 14, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization and fibroplasia were insignificantly different, and inflammation markers were modestly higher in the Silver and Collagen Matrix group. At day 27, there were no statistically significant differences in these metrics between groups. At day 5, infected wounds treated with Silver and Collagen matrix showed a 2-log reduction in CFUs, whereas wounds treated with Collagen Matrix only did not show a reduction.

Conclusions

Covering full-thickness porcine wounds with a bioresorbable Silver Matrix before application of the skin substitute Collagen Matrix resulted in a significant decrease in bioburden without impairing wound healing progression.
708 Serratia infections in burn care
Authors: Rogers Alan D , Wallace David L
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Burn wound infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, line sepsis and urinary tract infections are common in patients with major burn injuries, and remain prominent causes of morbidity and mortality. Within the spectrum of organisms responsible for infections, some are more common, while others might be relatively more virulent. This study sought to determine the impact of Serratia infections within the context of a verified regional burn centre.

Methods

All patients admitted with a diagnosis of burn injury who developed an infection with Serratia Marcescens in the six years between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020, from any site, were included in the study. Data collected included demographic details, mechanism and extent of the burn, as well as the clinical course and complications.

Results

Twenty two patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 46.5 years (range 27-70). Most had at least one significant co-morbidity. The mean burn size was 28% TBSA (range 2% - 71%), nine sustained inhalation injury and 13 required mechanical ventilation. Most patients underwent several surgeries (mean 3.4, range 1-9). The mean duration of hospital stay was 32.2 days (range 8-65), or 1.8 days per percentage burn (range 0.73 -4). For those who died, the mean number of days from admission to diagnosis of Serratia infection was 3.8 days (range 2-7), as against 10.11 days (range 1-27) for survivors. Eight of the first cultures were from sputum, 11 wounds, 4 blood cultures, and 1 from the urine. No significant resistant strains were identified, and all patients received timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Five of the patients died.

Conclusions

Patients with major burn injuries are especially vulnerable to morbidity and mortality should they develop a systemic Serratia infection early in their hospital stay. Awareness of the natural history of these infectious episodes may improve the directed therapy required to improve outcomes.
730 Clinical utility of the portable pressure measuring device for garment therapy on burn scar
Authors: Lee Seung Yeol , Seok Hyun
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The experimenters developed a portable pressure measuring device using silicon piezoresistive pressure sensors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of pressure garment therapy using proposed device with objective data obtained through a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Pressure measurements were acquired through a readout circuit consisting of an analog-to-digital converter, a microprocessor, and a Bluetooth transmission module for wireless data transmission to an external device. This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial in patients with hypertrophic scars. In the pressure monitoring group, garment pressures were monitored using the portable pressure measuring device, and the compression garment was adjusted so that the pressure was maintained at the therapeutic range of 15 – 25 mmHg. In the control group, non-surgical standard treatment of burn scars except for pressure monitoring was performed in the same manner.

Results

No significant intergroup difference was noted at the initial evaluations (p >0.05) between two groups. The pre- to post-treatment change in the scar thickness (p=0.03) and erythema (p=0.03), more reductions were found in the pressure monitoring group than control group. There were no significant differences in the change measurements between the two groups for melanin levels (p=0.62) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (p=0.94). The changes (skin distensibility, biological skin elasticity, gross skin elasticity, and skin viscoelasticity) measured with the cutometer showed no significant differences between the two groups (p=0.87, p=0.32, p=0.37, and p=0.29, respectively).

Conclusions

Complementary characteristics such as wireless transmission to an external device may allow burn patients to continuously wear the device for real-time measurements. A Portable pressure monitoring device is effective for significantly improving burn-associated scar characteristics.
737 Prevalence and Outcomes of HIV Infection Among Burn Patients at a Single Institution
Authors: Sljivic Sanja , Chrisco Lori , Nizamani Rabia , King Booker , Williams Felicia
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pre-existing conditions may further complicate a patient’s outcome and delay wound healing. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains an ongoing problem globally and contributes to the morbidity of patients with burn injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of individuals with HIV in the United States was 1.2 million in 2018. Burn patients and those with desquamating skin disorders are already in an immunocompromised state, and thus, the effect of HIV on the healing and recovery process can be significant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of HIV-positive patients admitted to our Burn Center.

Methods

This was a single-site, retrospective review using our institutional Burn Center registry. All adult patients (18 years or older) admitted to our Burn Center between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2020 who were HIV-positive were included in this study. All adult patients who were HIV-negative and admitted during the same period were included for comparative purposes. Variables of interest included demographics, burn mechanism, length of stay (LOS), cost of hospitalization, and mortality.

Results

There were 32 HIV-positive burn patients and 16 HIV-positive patients with desquamating skin disorders (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis). For the burn group, the mean age was 46.9 years +/- 10.6 years, and the mean total body surface area (TBSA) involvement was 3.2% +/- 4.2%. The mean LOS among HIV-positive burn patients was 9.13 days +/- 17.73 days, and the mean cost of hospitalization was $54,613. For the desquamating skin disorders group, the mean age was 47.1 years +/- 13.9 years, and the mean TBSA was 16.2% +/- 29.0%. The mean LOS was 17.25 days +/- 25.26 days, and the mean cost of hospitalization was $138,358. In terms of overall hospital mortality, there were no deaths among HIV-positive burn patients; however, the mortality was 25% among HIV-positive patients with desquamating skin disorders (n = 4). When both groups were compared to HIV-negative patients, overall hospital mortality remained higher among HIV-positive patients with desquamating skin disorders.

Conclusions

Management of HIV-positive burn patients presents a unique challenge for clinicians due to the immunocompromised state of this patient population. The challenge may even be more pronounced in HIV-positive patients with desquamating skin disorders as demonstrated in this study.
749 Healthcare Disparity Increases Risk of Dog Bites in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Carballo Christopher , Faulkner Justin , Gratton Austin , Baughman Samuel , Acquista Elizabeth , Powers William , Yon James R
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Long known to be a widespread source of injury, dog bites continue to occur and can frequently be devastating. There is lasting economic and personal hardship associated with this as many attacks can be severe, especially in children. This study describes the differences between dog bites and all other bites in the trauma patient population.

Methods

We included all patients from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007 to 2016. All patients with an E-code for any type of bite were included. The following predictors were examined: year, age, gender, race, ethnicity, transfer, injury type, ED disposition, and ISS ≥15. Standard t-test for age, chi-squared test for all categorical variables. Wilcoxon test for non-normal quantitative variables. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.0.2 statistical software. “Under resourced” will be defined as Self-Pay and Medicaid. “Not known” is removed and replaced with NAs. All other insurance types are included in “Normal”.

Results

All variables tested as significant. All variables analyzed tested as significantly different between dog bites and other animal bites. When the group, pediatric subset, and adult subset are evaluated (Tables 1), pediatric patients are more likely to be dog bite patients if they are from an under resourced background (OR 1.3, p-value < 0.001). Distribution of bites are not significantly different from Low to Normal resource adult patients.

Conclusions

Dog bites continue to be a public health problem and are more likely to be severe or fatal than bites from other animals and humans. Better methods of injury prevention and education need to be established. Children from under resourced backgrounds are at an increased risk of suffering a dog bite and all physicians should screen for and educate patients and families about this risk.
751 Incidence of Pavement Burns During a Worldwide Pandemic and Limited Outreach Efforts
Authors: Conaway Yasmin , Ortega-Polanco Maria
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Areas of the United States with desert climates and consistent ambient temperatures greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit four to five months out of the year have a significant influx of pavement burn inpatient admissions during the summer season. These burns are caused when skin meets elevated pavement temperatures, even if the contact is just for a few seconds. We investigated retrospective data and the impact of the decreased outreach efforts during the pandemic on pavement burn admissions.

In 2018, due to an identified increase in pavement burn admissions in the community, the burn center created and implemented a pavement burn campaign to reduce pavement burn admission by raising awareness and providing education in the community. The campaign included specific messaging posted on billboards, public service announcements via news outlets and social media, printed flyers distributed during various community safety events, and the distribution of summer footwear between the months of April and September. The efforts proved fruitful in reducing rates. Due to the worldwide pandemic, prevention efforts were greatly decreased in 2020.

Methods

A 3-year retrospective data review of acute admissions to a 16-bed burn unit was conducted. Data was abstracted from the burn center’s registry, looking at rates of pavement burns within the months of April to September. Each of the three year’s inpatient pavement burn admission totals were compared.

Results

Our analysis showed a need for burn prevention strategies in 2018, leading to implementation of the pavement burn campaign. There was a 58% decrease in admission rates in 2019 compared to 2018.

In March of 2020, the state ordered businesses to close; additional closures and restrictions continued over the summer months causing all prevention efforts to cease. In 2021, there was a 60% increase in pavement burn admissions compared to previous two years. There is a correlation between halted pavement outreach and the increase in pavement burn admissions.

Conclusions

The lack of burn outreach during the pandemic lead to a remarkable increase in pavement burn admissions in 2021, reinforcing the need for continued outreach in the hot summer months. Additional research is needed to identify specific populations admitted for pavement burns to identify needs of the community. Patient demographics such as age and geographical location can aid in targeting outreach strategies for the identified populations. Additional research with other burn centers may aid in constructing innovative outreach strategies moving forward.
755 Does Military Service History Make a Difference in Outcomes after Burn Injury?
Authors: Abouzeid Callie , Cancio Leopoldo C , Hickey Sean A , DiLisio Anna , Mandell Samuel P , Shepler Lauren J , Stewart Barclay T , Surette Kate E , Wolf Steven E , Kazis Lewis E , Schneider Jeffrey C , Ryan Colleen M
Published: March 2022

Introduction

There is little published research on the long-term outcomes of military service members with burn injuries. Military service members are often exposed to extraordinary challenges and adverse experiences that might influence their recovery from a burn injury. Therefore, to better understand the outcomes of service members with burn injuries, this study compares characteristics and health outcomes between burn survivors who have and do not have a history of military service.

Methods

Data from the Burn Injury Model System National Longitudinal Database (2015-2021) were analyzed. Military and civilian groups were identified by the following question administered at hospital discharge: “have you ever served in the military?”. The database does not identify if military service members were active duty at time of injury. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as outcome measures at one year after injury were compared between groups. Patient reported outcome measures included: Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) physical and mental health, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL), 4-D Itch, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Check List, self-reported PTSD diagnosis, and employment status. Multivariate regression analyses examined associations between outcome measures and military service status, controlling for age, gender, burn size, race, and ethnicity.

Results

The study population included 672 burn survivors, 105 with and 567 without military service history, respectively. Participants with military service history were more likely to be male (93% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), older (55 vs. 45 years, p < 0.001) and have Medicare/Medicaid insurance (46.6% vs. 37.2%, p< 0.01) than those without military service history. Race, ethnicity, education, marital status, injury etiology, burn size, length of stay, burns to critical areas, amputation, and number of surgeries were not significantly different between groups. Regression analyses also demonstrated that none of the outcome measures examined (VR-12, SWL, 4-D Itch, PTSD Check List, self-reported PTSD, employment) were significantly different between groups at one-year after injury (p >0.05).

Conclusions

No significant differences in outcomes were found in the BMS Database between burn survivors with and without a history of military service. Harmonization of these data with other military service datasets will help us better understand long-term outcomes of this population.
766 12-year Analysis of Gender Disparity in Authorship of Peer-Reviewed Burn and Wound Care Literature
Authors: Khan Iman F , Ketheeswaran Suvethavarshini , Turker Ismail , Alasgarov Elvin , Wiley Brea , Guliyeva Gunel
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The importance of gender equity and gender representation in academic publications has long been emphasized in medicine. It has been established that women represent a smaller proportion of primary and senior authors in high-impact medical journals than men and that original research articles written by women as primary and senior authors are less frequently sited than those authored by men. Currently, there is limited data evaluating whether this gender bias is present in plastic surgery and burn publications. We used bibliometric analysis of original research publications to analyze gender bias against women in one burn journal.

Methods

Using the journal, Burns, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of research publications from 2009 to 2020. A gender determining application was used to characterize the gender of the first and senior author. Ratios of male:male, female:male, male:female, and female:female were obtained and analyzed.

Results

Of the 1677 publications included, 40% have female first authors and 25.5% had female senior authors. Male:male authorships had the highest number of publications. Female:female authorship had the lowest number of publications of all the other ratios from 2009-2012, however there was a steep increase in 2013 in which male:female authorship had the lowest number of publications. Male senior authorship was associated with 2.9-fold increase in male first authorship [OR=2.99(95% CI 2.39, 3.76); p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Female representation in senior authorship positions in burn and wound care publications is increasing, however is still far from reaching gender parity. By analyzing authorship ratios by gender, we recommend a new way to evaluate gender disparity in burn and wound care academia.
782 Achieving Optimal Care in Burns Using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Guidelines
Authors: Sljivic Sanja , Chrisco Lori , Nizamani Rabia , King Booker , Williams Felicia
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Burns are a major cause of accidental injury and death in the United States. Based on reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.1 million burn injuries require medical care each year. Even though 96.7% of individuals treated at burn centers will survive, many of the more extensive injuries require multiple surgical procedures, extensive pain control regimens, and prolonged intubation and hospitalization. We aim to establish a set of guidelines addressing the pre-, intra- and post-operative care of our burn patients.

Methods

Over the years, there has been a profound interest in developing and implementing an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol, such as those already in place across a range of surgical subspecialties. Since its initial development in 1997 by Henrik Kehlet for colorectal surgery, ERAS has evolved into a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and nursing staff. It is an evidence-based multimodal protocol focused on lowering recovery time and post-operative complications while also addressing the entire patient journey from admission to discharge. An ERAS protocol for Burn Surgery has yet to be created and will need to focus on some of the major challenges involved in the care of burn patients including fluid management, pain control, nutritional status, potential prolonged ventilation, and long-term rehabilitation.

Results

This set of guidelines will address the pre-operative care of our burn patients (e.g., acetaminophen and pregabalin/gabapentin on-call to the operating room), as well as the intra- and post-operative care (e.g., periodic lactate levels, operating room temperature at 85 degrees Fahrenheit, continued ketamine infusion for burns > 30% TBSA). These guidelines will be further evaluated in a clinical setting via a feasibility study to determine whether they would improve the overall outcome of our burn patients.

Conclusions

An ERAS protocol in Burn Surgery needs to address the challenges and complexities of treating burn patients, and should be aimed at the pre-, intra-, and post-operative care of this patient population.
797 Single Stage Application of Autologous Skin Cell Suspension in Deep Partial Thickness Pediatric Facial Burns
Authors: Lou Richard B , Khandelwal Anjay , Beaucock Beverly
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Deep partial thickness facial burns in the pediatric population present a dilemma. Standard burn treatment includes excision and split thickness sheet grafting for the face or closure which often yield sub-optimal results. Point-of-care system for autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) can be utilized as a stand alone option for partial thickness burns. We sought to evaluate our early results from the treatment of pediatric deep partial thickness facial burns using ASCS.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of pediatric deep partial thickness facial burns treated with early excision and application of ASCS. After assessment by two surgeons, patients underwent tangential excision with either standard surgical burn knives or dermabrasion. Depth was assessed and if dermal elements were present, then ASCS was applied. Primary outcome was time to >95% reepithelialization, and secondary outcomes were aesthetics, Vancouver Scar Scale, postoperative complications, number of reoperations for wound closure, and need for burn reconstruction.

Results

From September 2020 to July 2021, eight pediatric patients (six male and two female) with deep partial thickness facial burns were treated within one week of injury with excision and ASCS. TBSA ranged from 0.3%-24% with some having additional anatomic areas. The mean age was 2.5 years old, with a range of 1.08-5.0 years old. Burn mechanisms included flame, scald, and contact. The mean time from burn injury to initial excision and ASCS was 4.3 days, with a range of 2-7 days. Average time to complete reepithelialization was 20.3 days, with a range of 4-47 days. Average follow up duration was 218 days with a range of 98-365 days. No patients experienced complete graft loss or infection. One patient required need for reoperation with reapplication of polylactic acid skin substitute placed to a small area on the face during closure for other non-face burns. Of the 8 patients, the two patients with the longest times to complete reepithelialization required laser therapy, of which one patient also needed limited facial scar contracture release.

Conclusions

Early, single-staged ASCS application results in good aesthetic and relatively quick healing times with no complications and limited need for additional burn reconstruction. While the results are promising, there is a need for larger studies with longer term follow up before wider applicability.
799 Autologous Skin Cell Suspension Versus Standard Split Thickness Autografting: a Comparison of Operative Efficiency
Authors: Skibba Kathryn , Bell Derek
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The surgical standard of care (SOC) for deep burns is autologous grafting, which is currently challenged by an innovative technology, autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS). Sprayed epidermal autografting provides comparable results to SOC while reducing donor graft size and morbidity, making it ideal for patients with large total body surface area (TBSA).1-3 The purpose of this study is to report and compare the size of burn wound coverage per operative minute for ASCS versus standard split thickness autografting (STSG). The authors hypothesize that ASCS covers large burn wounds more efficiently than STSG.

Methods

This study is a case-control analysis of all adult (age ≥18) surgical encounters for ASCS versus matched SOC STSG encounters at a single burn center. Patient demographics, burn characteristics, and surgical details were collected from the electronic medical record. Patients were matched with prioritization of treated size and anatomic area, followed by burn etiology, age, and sex.

Results

Eleven ASCS surgeries were performed on 7 patients and matched to 11 STSG surgeries in 8 patients. The ASCS and STSG groups were not significantly different regarding age (46.6 vs 41.5), BMI (28.3 vs 26.4), and co-morbidities (57.1% vs 50.0%), respectively. Most burns resulted from flame injury (85.5% ASCS vs 87.5% STSG). Time to re-keratinization of the burn wound (20.4 vs 19.0 post-operative days; ASCS, STSG) and subjective analysis of graft adherence was comparable between matched groups.

Treated burn wounds were located on the lower extremity (63.6% vs 62.5%), upper extremity (27.3% vs 50%), and trunk (18.2% vs 25.0%) in ASCS and STSG encounters, respectively. The average graft thickness harvested was thicker for ASCS surgeries than STSG (0.0061″ vs 0.0054″, p= 0.040). The average burn wound size and operative duration was 2612.2 cm2 in 108.4 minutes for ASCS and 1903.7 cm2 in 92.1 minutes for STSG. As a result, ASCS covered 24.1 cm2 in comparison to STSG coverage of 20.7 cm2 per operative minute.

Conclusions

The matched groups were not significantly different, and surgical encounters are acceptable for comparison. However, ASCS grafts were harvested thicker than STSG (0.0061″ vs 0.0054″, p= 0.040), which is unlikely to have any clinical implications as both are considered ultra-thin (< 0.008″).5

ASCS treats a larger wound size per operative minute than matched STSG controls. Our results are likely restricted to large burn wounds and may not translate to smaller treatment areas. The increased operative productivity with ASCS assists in reduction of the technology unit cost. In conclusion, selective use of ASCS for large burn wounds can partially offset the unit cost through increased operative efficiency, lessen donor site morbidity, and produce similar results as standard split thickness autografting.
Priors Rule: When Do Malfeasance Revelations Help Or Hurt Incumbent Parties?
Authors: Arias Eric , Larreguy Horacio , Marshall John , Querubín Pablo
Published: March 2022

Effective policy-making requires that voters avoid electing malfeasant politicians. However, informing voters of incumbent malfeasance in corrupt contexts may not reduce incumbent support. As our simple learning model shows, electoral sanctioning is limited where voters already believed incumbents to be malfeasant, while information’s effect on turnout is non-monotonic in the magnitude of reported malfeasance. We conducted a field experiment in Mexico that informed voters about malfeasant mayoral spending before municipal elections, to test whether these Bayesian predictions apply in a developing context where many voters are poorly informed. Consistent with voter learning, the intervention increased incumbent vote share where voters possessed unfavorable prior beliefs and when audit reports caused voters to favorably update their posterior beliefs about the incumbent’s malfeasance. Furthermore, we find that low and, especially, high malfeasance revelations increased turnout, while less surprising information reduced turnout. These results suggest that improved governance requires greater transparency and citizen expectations.
Mass Migration and Technological Change
Authors: Andersson David , Karadja Mounir , Prawitz Erik
Published: March 2022

This paper studies the effect of emigration on technological change in sending locations after one of the largest migration events in human history, the mass migration from Europe to the United States in the 19th century. To establish causality, we adopt an instrumental variable strategy that combines local growing-season frost shocks with proximity to emigration ports. Using data on patents, we find that emigration led to an increase in innovative activity in sending localities. Using data on capital and labor inputs in agriculture and industry, we find evidence of an increased capital intensity related to new technologies in both sectors. We argue that these results are consistent with theories of induced (labor-saving) innovation due to high labor costs following emigration.
The Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Hazelnut-Feeding Weevils (Curculiospp.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of the World
Authors: Shanovich Hailey N , Aukema Brian H
Published: March 2022

Certain species of acorn- and nut-feeding weevils, Curculio spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have become significant insect pests of cultivated hazelnuts (Corylus spp.) (Fagales: Betulaceae) worldwide. The significance of weevils that feed on and injure hazelnuts is increasing as countries such as the United States and China continue to develop hybrids of hazel plants to increase their hazelnut production. This review focuses on the ecology, impact, management, and identification of the four known species of hazelnut-injuring weevils throughout the world: Curculio dieckmanni (Faust), Curculio nucum L., Curculio obtusus Gibson (the hazelnut weevil), and Curculio occidentis (Casey) (the filbert weevil).
Testing Hypotheses on the Innovations Distribution in Semi-Parametric Conditional Volatility Models
Authors: Francq Christian , Zakoïan Jean-Michel
Published: March 2022

Testing symmetry or quantile assumptions on the innovations distribution can be of invaluable help to improve or simplify the statistical procedures designed for GARCH-type models. In particular, evaluation of the conditional value-at-risk (VaR) or construction of confidence intervals for predictions requires estimating quantiles of the innovations distribution. We propose tests of different hypotheses: adequacy of a set of parametric quantiles, mean–median equality, symmetry of extreme quantiles, and zero-median in presence of a conditional mean. The tests rely on the asymptotic distribution of the empirical distribution function of the residuals. They are generally model-free (though not estimation-free) and thus are simple to implement. Efficiency comparisons are made using the Bahadur approach. Numerical studies based on simulated and real data are provided to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed tests for risk management or statistical purposes.
Feeding the Community: London’s Immigrants and Their Food, 1650–1800
Authors: Taverner Charlie
Published: March 2022

Early modern London was a diverse metropolis, but we know little about the social lives of its migrant communities, especially how they fed themselves. Influenced by recent anthropology and sociology of food, migration, and ethnicity, this article examines specific communal food practices of two minority communities in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Sephardic Jews and French Protestant refugees. Rather than studying how unusual foods marked these migrants as different, it explores how mundane food matters shaped social relations within these communities. The first section analyzes the system of shechita, the ritual slaughter of meat by Jews, by drawing on records of community leadership, account books, and printed texts on the subject. The second section examines two institutions established to feed the Huguenot poor, a soup kitchen in Spitalfields and the hospital known as “La Providence,” both of which left extensive records of administration. Though different, the case studies show how migrant groups, through specific food practices, constructed and experienced community within the capital. The article adds to our knowledge of migrant lives in the city and highlights the richness of institutional records from within these communities. It also suggests how food history can connect minority stories to British history more broadly.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Revealed a Pathogenic Nonsense Variant in theSLC19A2Gene in an Iranian Family with Thiamine-Responsive Megaloblastic Anemia
Authors: Mohsen-Pour Neda , Naderi Niloofar , Ghasemi Serwa , Hesami Mahshid , Maleki Majid , Kalayinia Samira
Published: March 2022

Objective

Solute carrier family 19 member 2 (SLC19A2, OMIM *603941) encodes thiamine human transporter 1 (THTR-1), which contributes to bringing thiamine (vitamin B1) into cells. Mutations in SLC19A2 lead to a rare recessive genetic disorder termed thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) syndrome.

Methods

An Iranian family with TRMA was investigated by whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the genetic cause(s) of the disease. Accordingly, SLC19A2 genetic variants were gathered through literature analysis.

Results

WES recognized a known pathogenic variant, c.697C > T (p. Q233X), within exon 2 of SLC19A2 (NM_006996). Subsequently, the proband’s parents and sister were confirmed as heterozygous carriers of the identified variant.

Conclusion

The diagnostic utility and affordability of WES were confirmed as the first approach for the genetic testing of TRMA to verify the diagnosis. This analysis can be used to guide future prenatal diagnoses and determine the consequences in the other family members.
Trends in the Division of Matrimonial Property Based on Contribution: an Empirical Case Study Based on the Structured Approach in Singapore
Authors: Chan Leon Vincent , Xu Kaizhe Richard
Published: March 2022

Different jurisdictions have adopted different approaches to the division of matrimonial property. While some have greater certainty and predictability from a rules-based approach that adopts equal division as a starting point, others have adopted a discretionary approach with little to no guidance from the legislation. Using statistical methods, this empirical quantitative study seeks to show how trends (and in turn certainty and predictability) can be obtained from a discretionary system, using Singapore’s contributions-based approach as a case study. Analysing 265 Singaporean judgements, the authors observed, amongst other trends, that division for both single-income and dual-income marriage tend to incline towards equality as the marriage length increases; there are divergences in collective outcomes from the Singapore Court of Appeal and Singapore High Court, and judgements from the Singapore Family Justice Courts; direct contributions have a significant impact on division for dual-income marriages; and the presence of child(ren) significantly influences division.
The impact of galaxy selection on the splashback boundaries of galaxy clusters
Authors: O’Neil Stephanie , Borrow Josh , Vogelsberger Mark , Diemer Benedikt
Published: March 2022

We explore how the splashback radius (Rsp) of galaxy clusters, measured using the number density of the subhalo population, changes based on various selection criteria using the IllustrisTNG cosmological galaxy formation simulation. We identify Rsp by extracting the steepest radial gradient in a stacked set of clusters in 0.5 dex wide mass bins, with our clusters having halo masses 1013 ≤ M200,mean/M⊙ ≤ 1015. We apply cuts in subhalo mass, galaxy stellar mass, i-band absolute magnitude, and specific star formation rate. We find that, generally, galaxies of increasing mass and luminosity trace smaller measured splashback radii relative to the intrinsic dark matter radius. We also show that quenched galaxies may be used to reliably reconstruct the dark matter splashback radius. This trend is likely due to changes in the galaxy population. Additionally, we are able to reconcile different observational predictions that Rsp based upon galaxy number counts and dark matter may either align or show significant offset (e.g. those using optically or SZ-selected clusters) through the selection functions that these studies employ. Finally, we demonstrate that changes in Rsp measured through number counts are not due to a simple change in galaxy abundance inside and outside of the cluster.
Effects on the local dark matter distribution due to the large magellanic cloud
Authors: Donaldson Katelin , Petersen Michael S , Peñarrubia Jorge
Published: March 2022

We study the local dark matter distribution in two models for the Milky Way (MW)-Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) interaction. The effect of the LMC on the local dark matter distribution is dependent on the evolution of the MW-LMC system, such that a static model is insufficient to accurately model the dark matter velocity distribution in the solar neighbourhood. An evolved model boosts local LMC dark matter particle velocities by nearly 50 per cent, to a median value of ≈750 km s−1. MW dark matter particles also experience a velocity boost caused by disc reflex motion owing to the infall of the LMC. We study the implications of LMC particles in the solar neighbourhood for dark matter detection experiments. The directionality of LMC particles is distinguishable from the MW particles, with a difference in the apparent origin centroid location between the MW and LMC particles of 26 ± 6°. This unique identifier along with their high velocities can be utilized by directional detectors to search for dark matter particles originating in the LMC.
Guanine quadruplexes in the RNA genome of the tick-borne encephalitis virus: their role as a new antiviral target and in virus biology
Authors: Holoubek Jiří , Bednářová Klára , Haviernik Jan , Huvarová Ivana , Dvořáková Zuzana , Černý Jiří , Outlá Martina , Salát Jiří , Konkol'ová Eva , Boura Evzen , Růžek Daniel , Vorlíčková Michaela , Eyer Luděk , Renčiuk Daniel
Published: March 2022

We have identified seven putative guanine quadruplexes (G4) in the RNA genome of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus causing thousands of human infections and numerous deaths every year. The formation of G4s was confirmed by biophysical methods on synthetic oligonucleotides derived from the predicted TBEV sequences. TBEV-5, located at the NS4b/NS5 boundary and conserved among all known flaviviruses, was tested along with its mutated variants for interactions with a panel of known G4 ligands, for the ability to affect RNA synthesis by the flaviviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and for effects on TBEV replication fitness in cells. G4-stabilizing TBEV-5 mutations strongly inhibited RdRp RNA synthesis and exhibited substantially reduced replication fitness, different plaque morphology and increased sensitivity to G4-binding ligands in cell-based systems. In contrast, strongly destabilizing TBEV-5 G4 mutations caused rapid reversion to the wild-type genotype. Our results suggest that there is a threshold of stability for G4 sequences in the TBEV genome, with any deviation resulting in either dramatic changes in viral phenotype or a rapid return to this optimal level of G4 stability. The data indicate that G4s are critical elements for efficient TBEV replication and are suitable targets to tackle TBEV infection.
Microarray screening reveals two non-conventional SUMO-binding modules linked to DNA repair by non-homologous end-joining
Authors: Cabello-Lobato Maria Jose , Jenner Matthew , Cisneros-Aguirre Metztli , Brüninghoff Kira , Sandy Zac , da Costa Isabelle C , Jowitt Thomas A , Loch Christian M , Jackson Stephen P , Wu Qian , Mootz Henning D , Stark Jeremy M , Cliff Matthew J , Schmidt Christine K
Published: March 2022

SUMOylation is critical for numerous cellular signalling pathways, including the maintenance of genome integrity via the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). If misrepaired, DSBs can lead to cancer, neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency and premature ageing. Using systematic human proteome microarray screening combined with widely applicable carbene footprinting, genetic code expansion and high-resolution structural profiling, we define two non-conventional and topology-selective SUMO2-binding regions on XRCC4, a DNA repair protein important for DSB repair by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Mechanistically, the interaction of SUMO2 and XRCC4 is incompatible with XRCC4 binding to three other proteins important for NHEJ-mediated DSB repair. These findings are consistent with SUMO2 forming a redundant NHEJ layer with the potential to regulate different NHEJ complexes at distinct levels including, but not limited to, XRCC4 interactions with XLF, LIG4 and IFFO1. Regulation of NHEJ is not only relevant for carcinogenesis, but also for the design of precision anti-cancer medicines and the optimisation of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. In addition to providing molecular insights into NHEJ, this work uncovers a conserved SUMO-binding module and provides a rich resource on direct SUMO binders exploitable towards uncovering SUMOylation pathways in a wide array of cellular processes.
Developing a Virtual Equity Hub: Adapting the Tumor Board Model for Equity in Cancer Care
Authors: Irwin Kelly E , Ko Naomi , Walsh Elizabeth P , Decker Veronica , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Plotkin Scott R , Franas Jeffrey , Gorton Emily , Moy Beverly
Published: March 2022

We define cancer equity as all people having as the same opportunity for cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship care. However, marginalized populations continue to experience avoidable and unjust disparities in cancer care, access to clinical trials, and cancer survival. Racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with low socioeconomic status, Medicaid insurance, limited health literacy, disabilities, and mental health disorders are more likely to experience delays to cancer diagnosis and less likely to receive guideline-concordant cancer care. These disparities are impacted by the social determinants of health including structural discrimination, racism, poverty, and inequities in access to healthcare and clinical trials. There is an urgent need to develop and adapt evidence-based interventions in collaboration with community partners that have potential to address the social determinants of health and build capacity for cancer care for underserved populations. We established the Virtual Equity Hub by developing a collaborative network connecting a comprehensive cancer center, academic safety net hospital, and community health centers and affiliates. The Virtual Equity Hub utilizes a virtual tumor board, an evidence-based approach that increases access to multi-specialty cancer care and oncology subspecialty expertise. We adapted the tumor board model by engaging person-centered teams of multi-disciplinary specialists across health systems, addressing the social determinants of health, and applying community-based research principles with a focus on populations with poor cancer survival. The virtual tumor board included monthly videoconferences, case discussion, sharing of expertise, and a focus on addressing barriers to care and trial participation. Specifically, we piloted virtual tumor boards for breast oncology, neuro-oncology, and individuals with cancer and serious mental illness. The Virtual Equity Hub demonstrated promise at building capacity for clinicians to care for patients with complex needs and addressing barriers to care. Research is needed to measure the impact, reach, and sustainability of virtual equity models for patients with cancer.
Believing in Belief: Gibbon, Latour and the Social History of Religion
Authors: Arnold John H
Published: March 2022

While in recent decades historians have, to some degree, engaged with anthropological debates over the nature of ‘religion’, they have tended still to take the key term ‘belief’ somewhat for granted. This article suggests that we have inherited an Enlightenment legacy of thought on ‘belief’ that tends to treat it as credulity when applied to the general masses (taking Edward Gibbon as an important exemplar of that legacy). More recently, the theorist Bruno Latour has written about belief in terms of J. L. Austin’s speech-act theory, a useful theoretical move, despite the fact that Latour himself in some ways mirrors Gibbon’s perspective, particularly as it applies to the pre-modern. Using a range of examples to discuss change over time, via a case study of southern France about 1000 to 1300, this article argues that social historians may find it useful to consider these issues in terms of performative ‘belief acts’, where the contextual setting — the ‘conditions of felicity’, to use Latour’s and Austin’s phrase — are amenable to historical analysis.