bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deterministic model for non-monotone relationship between translation of upstream and downstream open reading frames
Authors: Andreev D E , Baranov P V , Milogorodskii A , Rachinskii D
Published: October 2021

Totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) modelling was shown to offer a parsimonious explanation for the experimentally confirmed ability of a single upstream open reading frames (uORFs) to upregulate downstream translation during the integrated stress response. As revealed by numerical simulations, the model predicts that reducing the density of scanning ribosomes upstream of certain uORFs increases the flow of ribosomes downstream. To gain a better insight into the mechanism which ensures the non-monotone relation between the upstream and downstream flows, in this work, we propose a phenomenological deterministic model approximating the TASEP model of the translation process. We establish the existence of a stationary solution featuring the decreasing density along the uORF for the deterministic model. Further, we find an explicit non-monotone relation between the upstream ribosome density and the downstream flow for the stationary solution in the limit of increasing uORF length and increasingly leaky initiation. The stationary distribution of the TASEP model, the stationary solution of the deterministic model and the explicit limit are compared numerically.
BSAC Vanguard Series: From treatment options to precision medicine: the future of ‘omics-based’ antibiotic resistance surveillance data
Authors: Essack Sabiha
Published: October 2021

Conventional culture-based phenotypic and genomic surveillance has drawbacks and may not necessarily reflect the true burden of antibiotic resistance. The integration of metagenomic surveillance with transcriptomics and proteomics will yield a step change in the utility of surveillance data from treatment options to precision medicine.
Flight Potential of Western Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: Shrestha Govinda , Wiman Nik G , Rondon Silvia I
Published: October 2021

The western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight, is an economically important pest of several agricultural crops in the western United States. It is an increasing threat to potato, Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae), in the diverse landscape of the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington. In this study, flight mills were used to investigate the flight capacity of L. hesperus with the aim of better understand its dispersive characteristics in the agricultural landscape. Explicitly, we investigated the effects of biological factors such as generation, gender, and body weight on the flight potential of adult L. hesperus adults collected from field populations during spring and summer of 2019 and 2020. The study flight parameters assessed were distance, activity, velocity, and diel periodicity. In 24-h flight mill assays, a clear dichotomy pattern was found in sum flown distance for adults that travelled 1 km or shorter and adults that travelled greater than 1 km. Individuals from the summer population flew farther and more actively than those from the overwintered population. Female L. hesperus flew farther and were more active compared to males. Adult body weight before the flight was directly proportional to flight distance and number of flights, but not with velocity. Overwintered L. hesperus adults lost a higher percentage of their pre-flight body weight compared to summer adults over the course of the study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated that L. hesperus summer adult population has the flight ability to disperse greater distance in the agricultural landscape than overwintered population.
Exploring the Dynamics of Virulent and Avirulent Aphids: A Case for a ‘Within Plant’ Refuge
Authors: Banerjee Aniket , Valmorbida Ivair , O’Neal Matthew E , Parshad Rana
Published: October 2021

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an invasive pest that can cause severe yield loss to soybeans in the North Central United States. A tactic to counter this pest is the use of aphid-resistant soybean varieties. However, the frequency of virulent biotypes that can survive on resistant varieties is expected to increase as more farmers use these varieties. Soybean aphids can alter soybean physiology primarily by two mechanisms, feeding facilitation, and the obviation of resistance, favoring subsequent colonization by additional conspecifics. We developed a nonlocal, differential equation population model to explore the dynamics of these biological mechanisms on soybean plants coinfested with virulent and avirulent aphids. We then use demographic parameters from laboratory experiments to perform numerical simulations via the model. We used this model to determine that initial conditions are an important factor in the season-long cooccurrence of both biotypes. The initial population of both biotypes above the resistance threshold or avirulent aphid close to resistance threshold and high virulent aphid population results in coexistence of the aphids throughout the season. These simulations successfully mimicked aphid dynamics observed in the field- and laboratory-based microcosms. The model showed an increase in colonization of virulent aphids increases the likelihood that aphid resistance is suppressed, subsequently increasing the survival of avirulent aphids. This interaction produced an indirect, positive interaction between the biotypes. These results suggest the potential for a ‘within plant’ refuge that could contribute to the sustainable use of aphid-resistant soybeans.
Human Rights Institutionalization at the Local Level: A Case Study of Sub-National Human Rights Commissions in Korea
Authors: Wolman Andrew , Chung Dahee
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, all upper-level (regional) Korean sub-national governments and a large number of lower-level (municipal) governments have passed ordinances mandating the establishment of local human rights commissions. Many of these commissions have now been set up and operating for several years. In this case study, we critically examine the development and work of these commissions, with a particular focus on five aspects: personnel; functions; norms; level of activity, and relationships with other relevant actors. In each of these areas, we examine the choices made and the major challenges faced, and contextualize within the standards established for national human rights institutions and experiences in other jurisdictions. The case study will be based on examination of a mix of primary source documents and secondary Korean-language research on the topic, supplemented by interview and questionnaire responses from practitioners active in the field.
Dublin III in Practice: Synthesizing a Framework for European Non-Refoulement Cases at the Human Rights Committee
Authors: Garrett Rachel , Barrett Nicole
Published: October 2021

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (‘Human Rights Committee’ or ‘the Committee’) is facing an influx of complaints from asylum seekers in the European Union who have had their claim assessed under the strict criteria of the EU’s Dublin Regulation. Many asylum seekers, among them survivors of horrific violence and struggling single mothers with children, are being forced to return to their first-point-of-entry countries, where they are unable to find jobs or housing and face months in poor detention conditions. While expert bodies have established factors that should be considered to decide whether required principles of non-refoulement have been violated in asylum cases, the Human Rights Committee has varied inequitably in its procedure to determine whether a violation has occurred. In this article, we offer an original synthesis of the Human Rights Committee’s jurisprudence governing non-refoulement and apply it in a novel way to the rules governing the Dublin Regulation. The article then presents a specific test the Committee can use to analyse Dublin non-refoulement cases. The use of the proposed framework not only ensures adherence to established legal principles, but also would result in consistent decision-making valuable to both the Committee and European asylum seekers who appeal their cases to the Committee. Given recent literature demonstrating that human rights treaty bodies have an important impact on human rights compliance globally, the proposed framework would allow the Human Rights Committee to play a constructive role in increasing human rights compliance in the current European refugee context.
Molecular systematics of theReithrodontomys tenuirostrisgroup (Rodentia: Cricetidae) highlighting theReithrodontomys microdonspecies complex
Authors: Martínez-Borrego Daily , Arellano Elizabeth , González-Cózatl Francisco X , Castro-Arellano Ivan , León-Paniagua Livia , Rogers Duke S
Published: October 2021

The Reithrodontomys tenuirostris species group is considered “the most specialized” within the genus Reithrodontomys from morphological and ecological perspectives. Previous studies based on molecular data recommended changes in the taxonomy of the group. In particular, R. microdon has been the most taxonomically questioned, with the suggestion that it constitutes a complex of cryptic species. We analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of the R. tenuirostris species group using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene and Intron 7 of the nuclear beta fibrinogen gene. In addition, divergence times were estimated, and possible new taxa delimited with three widely used species delimitation methods. Finally, possible connectivity routes based on shared haplotypes were tested among the R. microdon populations. All species were recovered as monophyletic with the exception of R. microdon, whose individuals were grouped into four different haplogroups, one of which included specimens of R. bakeri. Diversification within the R. tenuirostris species group began about 3 Ma, in the Pleistocene. The bGMYC and STACEY delimitation methods were congruent with each other, delimiting at the species-level each haplogroup within R. microdon, while the mPTP suggested a greater number of species. Moreover, none of the haplogroups showed potential connectivity routes between them, evidencing lack of gene flow. Our results suggest the existence of a higher number of species in the R. tenuirostris group, because we show that there are four species within what is currently recognized as R. microdon.
Photometric redshift estimation of BASS DR3 quasars by machine learning
Authors: Li Changhua , Zhang Yanxia , Cui Chenzhou , Fan Dongwei , Zhao Yongheng , Wu Xue-Bing , Zhang Jing-Yi , Han Jun , Xu Yunfei , Tao Yihan , Li Shanshan , He Boliang
Published: October 2021

Correlating Beijing–Arizona Sky Survey (BASS) data release 3 (DR3) catalogue with the ALLWISE data base, the data from optical and infrared information are obtained. The quasars from Sloan Digital Sky Survey are taken as training and test samples while those from LAMOST are considered as external test sample. We propose two schemes to construct the redshift estimation models with XGBoost, CatBoost, and Random Forest. One scheme (namely one-step model) is to predict photometric redshifts directly based on the optimal models created by these three algorithms; the other scheme (namely two-step model) is to first classify the data into low- and high-redshift data sets, and then predict photometric redshifts of these two data sets separately. For one-step model, the performance of these three algorithms on photometric redshift estimation is compared with different training samples, and CatBoost is superior to XGBoost and Random Forest. For two-step model, the performances of these three algorithms on the classification of low and high redshift subsamples are compared, and CatBoost still shows the best performance. Therefore, CatBoost is regarded as the core algorithm of classification and regression in two-step model. In contrast to one-step model, two-step model is optimal when predicting photometric redshift of quasars, especially for high-redshift quasars. Finally, the two models are applied to predict photometric redshifts of all quasar candidates of BASS DR3. The number of high-redshift quasar candidates is 3938 (redshift ≥3.5) and 121 (redshift ≥4.5) by two-step model. The predicted result will be helpful for quasar research and follow-up observation of high-redshift quasars.
Structure elucidation, in vitro binding studies and ROS-dependent anti-cancer activity of Cu(II) and Zn(II) phthaloylglycinate(phen) complexes against MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Zehra Siffeen , Cirilli Ilenia , Silvestri Sonia , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago , Tabassum Sartaj , Arjmand Farukh
Published: October 2021

New mononuclear Cu(II) and Zn(II)-based complexes 1 [Cu(L)2(diimine)HOCH3] and 2 [Zn(L)2(diimine)] have been synthesized as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics targeted to tRNA. The structure elucidation of complexes 1 and 2 was carried out by spectroscopic and single X-ray diffraction studies. In vitro interaction studies of complexes 1 and 2 with ct-DNA/tRNA were performed by employing various biophysical techniques to evaluate and predict their interaction behavior and preferential selectivity at biomolecular therapeutic targets. The corroborative results of the interaction studies demonstrated that complexes 1 and 2 exhibited avid binding propensity via intercalative mode of binding toward ct-DNA/tRNA. Electrophoretic assay revealed that the complexes 1 and 2 were able to promote single- and double-strand cleavage of the plasmid DNA at low micromolar concentrations under physiological conditions in the absence of an additional oxidizing or reducing agent. RNA hydrolysis studies revealed that the complexes 1 and 2 could promote tRNA cleavage in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxic potential of complexes 1 and 2 was evaluated against the MDA-MB-231 cell line, which showed that the complexes were able to inhibit the cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. The intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial superoxide anion assay revealed that the complexes 1 and 2 induce a dose-dependent activity, suggesting the involvement of ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway leading to cell death.
Moderate alcohol consumption and lipoprotein subfractions: a systematic review of intervention and observational studies
Authors: Wilkens Trine L , Tranæs Kaare , Eriksen Jane N , Dragsted Lars O
Published: October 2021

Context

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improvement in cardiovascular risk markers, including lipoproteins and lipoprotein subfractions.

Objective

To systematically review the relationship between moderate alcohol intake, lipoprotein subfractions, and related mechanisms.

Data sources

Following PRISMA, all human and ex vivo studies with an alcohol intake up to 60 g/d were included from 8 databases.

Data extraction

A total of 17 478 studies were screened, and data were extracted from 37 intervention and 77 observational studies.

Results

Alcohol intake was positively associated with all HDL subfractions. A few studies found lower levels of small LDLs, increased average LDL particle size, and nonlinear relationships to apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins. Cholesterol efflux capacity and paraoxonase activity were consistently increased. Several studies had unclear or high risk of bias, and heterogeneous laboratory methods restricted comparability between studies.

Conclusions

Up to 60 g/d alcohol can cause changes in lipoprotein subfractions and related mechanisms that could influence cardiovascular health.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. 98955
Fluid–Mineral Interactions: Controlling Coupled Mechanisms of Reaction, Mass Transfer and Deformation
Authors: Putnis Andrew
Published: October 2021

Fluid–rock interaction has profound effects on the dynamics of the lithosphere. This Perspectives article describes the catalytic effects of water on the kinetics of mineral reactions and on the strength of rocks in terms of coupled dissolution and precipitation mechanisms on a macro- and nano-scale. The length scale of coupling between the dissolution and precipitation steps depends on the fluid composition at the mineral-fluid interface and also on differential stress. Stress-induced mass transport, dependent on the generation of porosity by mineral reactions, results in dissolution-precipitation creep as the principal mechanism of rock deformation in the lithosphere. The heterogeneous distribution of fluid infiltration into dry, strong rocks in the deep crust leads to weak rocks within strong, stressed host rock and the possibility of significant local variations in pressure. Fluid–rock interaction mechanisms are discussed in terms of recrystallisation reactions whereby mass transport and the most favourable nucleation sites determine the distribution and texture of the resultant assemblages. Metamorphic differentiation is a natural consequence of dissolution-precipitation mechanisms under deviatoric stress and similar mechanisms may apply to general pattern formation in rocks.
Origin, loss, and regain of self-incompatibility in angiosperms
Authors: Zhao Hong , Zhang Yue , Zhang Hui , Song Yanzhai , Zhao Fei , Zhang Yu’e , Zhu Sihui , Zhang Hongkui , Zhou Zhendiao , Guo Han , Li Miaomiao , Li Junhui , Gao Qiang , Han Qianqian , Huang Huaqiu , Copsey Lucy , Li Qun , Chen Hua , Coen Enrico , Zhang Yijing , Xue Yongbiao
Published: October 2021

The self-incompatibility (SI) system with the broadest taxonomic distribution in angiosperms is based on multiple S-locus F-box genes (SLFs) tightly linked to an S-RNase termed type-1. Multiple SLFs collaborate to detoxify nonself S-RNases while being unable to detoxify self S-RNases. However, it is unclear how such a system evolved, because in an ancestral system with a single SLF, many nonself S-RNases would not be detoxified, giving low cross-fertilization rates. In addition, how the system has been maintained in the face of whole-genome duplications (WGDs) or lost in other lineages remains unclear. Here we show that SLFs from a broad range of species can detoxify S-RNases from Petunia with a high detoxification probability, suggestive of an ancestral feature enabling cross-fertilization and subsequently modified as additional SLFs evolved. We further show, based on its genomic signatures, that type-1 was likely maintained in many lineages, despite WGD, through deletion of duplicate S-loci. In other lineages, SI was lost either through S-locus deletions or by retaining duplications. Two deletion lineages regained SI through type-2 (Brassicaceae) or type-4 (Primulaceae), and one duplication lineage through type-3 (Papaveraceae) mechanisms. Thus, our results reveal a highly dynamic process behind the origin, maintenance, loss, and regain of SI.
Unique features of mRNA m6A methylomes during expansion of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits
Authors: Hu Jianzhong , Cai Jing , Umme Amara , Chen Yao , Xu Tao , Kang Hunseung
Published: October 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA. Although the role of m6A has been demonstrated in many biological processes, including embryonic development, flowering time control, microspore generation, fruit ripening, and stress responses, its contribution to other aspects of plant development still needs to be explored. Herein, we show the potential link between m6A deposition and the expansion of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits through parallel m6A-immunoprecipitation-sequencing (m6A-seq) and RNA-seq analyses. We found that global m6A levels increased during tomato fruit expansion from immature green to mature green stage. m6A-seq revealed that thousands of protein-coding genes are m6A-modified mainly in the 3ʹ-untranslated regions. m6A-seq and RNA-seq analyses showed a positive association between m6A methylation and mRNA abundance. In particular, a large number of fruit expansion-related genes involved in hormone responses and endoreduplication were m6A modified and expressed more actively than the non-m6A-modified genes, suggesting a potential role of m6A modification in tomato fruit expansion. Importantly, altering m6A levels by direct injection of 3-deazaneplanocin A (DA; m6A writer inhibitor) or meclofenamic acid (MA; m6A eraser inhibitor) into tomato fruits suppressed fruit expansion; however, injection of exogenous DA or MA accelerated or delayed fruit ripening, respectively. Collectively, these results suggest a dynamic role of m6A methylation in the expansion and ripening of tomato fruits.
Dopamine Enhances the Resistance of Apple to Valsa mali Infection
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Yuan Xiao , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Yanpeng , Ma Fengwang , Li Chao
Published: October 2021

Apple Valsa canker is considered one of the most serious apple diseases. Dopamine is a catecholamine with key physiological functions in plants. Tyrosine decarboxylase (TYDC) is not only involved in the synthesis of dopamine in plants but may also play an important role in the resistance of plants to pathogen infection. In this study, we show that 100-μM exogenous dopamine application and Malus domestica TYDC (MdTYDC) overexpression (or overexpressing, OE) enhances the resistance of apple to Valsa mali infection, likely because the increased dopamine content reduces the accumulation of H2O2 and increases the accumulation of phenolic compounds and salicylic acid (SA) in dopamine-treated and OE apple plants. The activity of chitinase and β-1, 3-glucanase and the expression of SA-related genes were induced more strongly by V. mali in dopamine-treated and OE apples. The dopamine content was significantly higher in dopamine-treated and OE apples than in their respective controls under both normal and inoculated conditions (P < 0.05). Overall, these findings indicate that the application of exogenous dopamine and the OE of MdTYDC may enhance the resistance of apples to V. mali infection by altering the dopamine content, which improves antioxidant capacity, promotes the accumulation of phenolic compounds and SA, and enhances the activity of disease resistance-related proteins.
Release of Hyaluronan in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Cerebral Vasospasm: A Pilot Study Indicating a Shedding of the Endothelial Glycocalyx
Authors: Schick Volker C. , Neumann Tobias , Illerhaus Anja , Timmer Marco , Fuchs Alexander , Grau Stefan , Annecke Thorsten
Published: October 2021

Background:

This pilot study investigated plasma concentrations of hyaluronan, heparan sulfate, and syndecan-1 as possible biomarkers for glycocalyx integrity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods:

Daily blood samples for biomarker assay were obtained in aSAH patients on the intensive care unit stay and compared with samples from a historic cohort of 40 healthy controls. In post hoc subgroup analyses in patients with and without cerebral vasospasm, we explored the influence of aSAH-related cerebral vasospasm on biomarker levels.

Results:

A total of 18 aSAH patients and 40 historic controls were included in the study. Median (interquartile range) plasma levels of hyaluronan were higher in aSAH patients compared with controls (131 [84 to 179] vs. 92 [82 to 98] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.009), whereas heparan sulfate (mean±SD: 754±428 vs. 1329±316 ng/mL; P<0.001) and syndecan-1 (median: 23 [17 to 36] vs. 30 [23 to 52] ng/mL; P=0.02) levels were lower. Patients who developed vasospasm had significantly higher median hyaluronan concentrations at day 7 (206 [165 to 288] vs. 133 [108 to 164] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.009) and at day of first vasospasm detection (203 [155 to 231] vs. 133 [108 to 164] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.01) compared with those without vasospasm. Heparan sulfate and syndecan-1 concentrations were similar in patients with and without vasospasm.

Conclusions:

The increased plasma concentrations of hyaluronan after aSAH suggest selective shedding of this component of the glycocalyx. Increased levels of hyaluronan in patients with cerebral vasospasm, underlines a potential role for hyaluronan in vasospasm processes.
The Effect of Hearing Aid Use on the Association Between Hearing Loss and Brain Structure in Older Adults
Authors: de Boer Tom G. , Rigters Stephanie C. , Croll Pauline H. , Niessen Wiro J. , Ikram M. Arfan , van der Schroeff Marc P. , Vernooij Meike W. , Goedegebure André
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

Recent studies have shown an association between poorer hearing thresholds and smaller brain tissue volumes in older adults. Several underlying causal mechanisms have been opted, with a sensory deprivation hypothesis as one of the most prominent. If hearing deprivation would lead to less brain volume, hearing aids could be hypothesized to moderate this pathway by restoration of hearing. This study aims to investigate whether such a moderating effect of hearing aids exists.

Design:

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study involving aging participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study. Hearing aid use was assessed by interview and hearing loss was quantified using pure-tone audiometry. Total brain volume, gray matter and white matter volume and white matter integrity [fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity] were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Only participants with a pure tone average at 1, 2, and 4 kHz (PTA1,2,4) of ≥35 dB HL were included. Associations of hearing loss with brain volume and global measures of white matter integrity were analyzed using linear regression, with hearing aid use and interaction between hearing aid use and PTA1,2,4 included as independent variables. Models were adjusted for age, sex, time between audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, level of education, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

Out of 459 included participants with mean age (range) 70.4 (52 to 92) 41% were female. Distributions of age and sex among hearing aid users (n = 172) did not significantly differ from those without hearing aids. PTA1,2,4 was associated with lower FA, but not with a difference in total brain volume, gray matter volume, white matter volume, or mean diffusivity. Interaction between hearing aid use and PTA1,2,4 was not associated with FA or any of the other outcome measures. Additional analysis revealed that interaction between hearing aid use and age was associated with lower FA.

Conclusions:

We found no evidence for a moderating effect of hearing aids on the relationship between hearing loss and brain structure in a population of older adults. However, use of hearing aids did appear as an effect modifier in the association between age and white matter integrity. Future longitudinal research is needed to clarify these results.
Characteristics of Cases with Poor Transcranial Motor-evoked Potentials Baseline Waveform Derivation in Spine Surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro , Ando Kei , Yoshida Go , Ando Muneharu , Kawabata Shigenori , Yamada Kei , Kanchiku Tsukasa , Fujiwara Yasushi , Taniguchi Shinichirou , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Shigematsu Hideki , Tadokoro Nobuaki , Takahashi Masahito , Wada Kanichiro , Yamamoto Naoya , Funaba Masahiro , Yasuda Akimasa , Ushirozako Hiroki , Hashimoto Jun , Morito Shinji , Takatani Nobunori , Tani Toshikazu , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: October 2021

Study Design.

Prospective multicenter study.

Objective.

The purpose of the study is to examine cases with poor baseline waveform derivation for all muscles in multichannel monitoring of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) in spine surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is useful for identifying neurologic deterioration during spinal surgery. Tc-MEPs are widely used for IONM, but some cases have poor waveform derivation, even in multichannel Tc-MEP monitoring.

Methods.

The subjects were 3625 patients (mean age 60.1 years, range 4–95; 1886 females, 1739 males) who underwent Tc-MEP monitoring during spinal surgery at 16 spine centers between April 2017 and March 2020. Baseline Tc-MEPs were recorded from the deltoid, abductor pollicis brevis, adductor longus, quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and abductor hallucis (AH) muscles after surgical exposure of the spine.

Results.

The 3625 cases included cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lesions (50%, 33% and 17%, respectively) and had preoperative motor status of no motor deficit, and motor deficit with manual muscle testing (MMT) ≥3 and MMT <3 (70%, 24% and 6%, respectively). High-risk surgery was performed in 1540 cases (43%). There were 73 cases with poor baseline waveform derivation (2%), and this was significantly associated with higher body weight, body mass index, thoracic lesions, motor deficit of MMT <3, high-risk surgery (42/1540 [2.7%] vs. 31/2085 [1.5%], P < 0.05), and surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Intraoperative waveform derivation occurred in 25 poor derivation cases (34%) and the AH had the highest rate.

Conclusion.

The rate of poor baseline waveform derivation in spine surgery was 2% in our series. This was significantly more likely in high-risk surgery for thoracic lesions and OPLL, and in cases with preoperative severe motor deficit. In such cases, it may be preferable to use multiple modalities for IONM to derive multichannel waveforms from distal limb muscles, including the AH.

Level of Evidence: 3
Should Posterior Midline Structures Be Preserved in Decompression Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Authors: Zhang Chaofan , Chen Lei , Li Jie , Huang Dujun , Zhang Wenming , Lin Jianhua
Published: October 2021

Study Design:

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the available evidence on the preservation of posterior midline structures in decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary of Background Data:

The gold-standard treatment for LSS refractory to conservative management is facet-preserving laminectomy. The question remains whether the midline structures should be preserved in decompression surgery for LSS.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a systematic review of the Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases in search of published reports comparing midline structure preservation (MSP) and conventional laminectomy (CL) for LSS. The population was divided into 2 groups: (1) MSP group (intervention) and (2) CL group (control). The various outcome parameters including blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, back and leg pain, functional scores including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scores, satisfaction, and instability rates were analyzed. Data were extracted and aggregated for meta-analysis.

Results:

Of the published reports, 16 met our inclusion criteria with an aggregated 540 in the intervention and 538 in the control groups, respectively. The aggregated data demonstrated patients undergoing MSP had significantly decreased back pain Visual Analog Scale compared with CL, regardless of time after surgery (P=0.007). The MSP group also showed a significantly lower Oswestry Disability Index score and SF-36 Mental Component Summary score (P=0.005 and 0.03, respectively) and longer 6-month walking distance (P<0.00001). The patient satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the MSP group (P=0.02), and the instability rate was significantly lower in the MSP group compared with the CL group (P<0.0001). At 3 days after surgery, MSP significantly decreased the level of creatinine phosphokinase (P<0.00001). Regarding intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, leg pain Visual Analog Scale score, Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. However, MSP showed significantly higher operation time (P=0.04).

Conclusions:

We concluded despite heterogenous and limited data, this study suggests that preservation of midline structure leads to less severe back pain, better functional recovery, and satisfaction rate. Meanwhile, it decreases creatinine phosphokinase level and instability rate.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—therapeutic.
Conducting In-Home Functional Analyses of Aggression and Self-Injury Exhibited by Boys with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Monlux Katerina D. , Pollard Joy S. , Bujanda Rodriguez Arlette Y. , Hall Scott S.
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are at increased risk for exhibiting aggression and self-injury that can be extremely disruptive to families. Few studies, however, have examined the extent to which social-environmental factors can influence these behaviors, particularly in home settings.

Methods:

Caregivers of 32 boys with FXS, aged 3 to 10 years, were coached by a board-certified behavior analyst to implement a functional analysis (FA) with their child in their home over 2 days. The functions identified in the FAs were validated by behavioral interventions conducted through telehealth over 12 weeks.

Results:

Social functions for aggression and self-injury were identified in 29 (90.6%) cases, with the most common functions identified being escape from demands/transitions and/or tangible reinforcement. Subsequent function-based behavioral interventions (i.e., functional communication training) implemented for 22 cases by telehealth resulted in decreased rates of aggression and self-injury by 74% to 100%.

Conclusion:

These data underscore the significant impact that social-environmental factors can have on the development and maintenance of aggression and self-injury in FXS. Conducting early home-based behavioral interventions designed to increase functional communication skills may therefore be an effective solution for the treatment of aggression and self-injury in FXS in the long term.
On the Nature of Informative Presence Bias in Analyses of Electronic Health Records
Authors: McGee Glen , Haneuse Sebastien , Coull Brent A. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Rotem Ran S.
Published: October 2021

Electronic health records (EHRs) offer unprecedented opportunities to answer epidemiologic questions. However, unlike in ordinary cohort studies or randomized trials, EHR data are collected somewhat idiosyncratically. In particular, patients who have more contact with the medical system have more opportunities to receive diagnoses, which are then recorded in their EHRs. The goal of this article is to shed light on the nature and scope of this phenomenon, known as informative presence, which can bias estimates of associations. We show how this can be characterized as an instance of misclassification bias. As a consequence, we show that informative presence bias can occur in a broader range of settings than previously thought, and that simple adjustment for the number of visits as a confounder may not fully correct for bias. Additionally, where previous work has considered only underdiagnosis, investigators are often concerned about overdiagnosis; we show how this changes the settings in which bias manifests. We report on a comprehensive series of simulations to shed light on when to expect informative presence bias, how it can be mitigated in some cases, and cases in which new methods need to be developed.
Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Over Time on the Basis of CYP2C19 Polymorphisms
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhao Xiliang , Ye Yicong , Li Quan , Zeng Yong
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms and the risk of cardiovascular events in the early stage and subsequent period after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients who received clopidogrel. Between October 2015 and January 2017, CYP2C19 genotyped patients who were treated with clopidogrel after PCI were enrolled in this study. Included patients were categorized as non–loss-of-function metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, and poor metabolizers based on CYP2C19 genotype. The primary outcome was a composite of any-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal ischemic stroke, and stent thrombosis occurring during exposure to clopidogrel. The rates of clinical outcome events were compared between CYP2C19 phenotypes. Landmark analyses were processed at 90 days and 1 year post-PCI. Of 1341 patients, 161 (12.0%) had 2 copies of loss-of-function (LOF) alleles, 621(46.3%) had one LOF allele, and 559 (41.7%) had no LOF allele. At the 3-month follow-up, the primary outcome events were more frequent in carriers of 2 LOF alleles (5.6%) than in noncarriers (1.8%) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.944, 95% confidence interval, 1.184–7.321, P = 0.020). A similar finding was observed among in patients with acute coronary syndrome indications at the index PCI (adjusted HR 3.046, 95% confidence interval, 1.237–7.501, P = 0.015). These differences did not persist within the subsequent 9 months of follow-up, among either all comers or subjects with acute coronary syndrome. In conclusion, these data demonstrate a higher risk for ischemic events in patients with 2 CYP2C19 LOF alleles who are prescribed clopidogrel, seen at 3 months after PCI, that is not sustained for 12 months.
Trauma-informed abortion care
Authors: Cahill Erica P. , Doyle Alexis
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review

People seeking reproductive care experience trauma on many levels including personal, structural, in medical care, and in barriers to care. This article reviews key aspects of a Trauma-Informed Care approach in abortion and reproductive healthcare.

Recent findings

Experiences of trauma are common and compounding, including systemic trauma, such as racism, sexism, and transphobia. Reproductive healthcare itself traumatizes and re-traumatizes. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) approach to individual abortion care includes maximize patient safety, choice, and privacy. TIC approach to systemic abortion care includes dismantling barriers to care and stigma.

The experience of trauma is prevalent, often unrecognized and can be multifactorial, especially for those seeking abortion and contraception care. Reproductive care can create situations or power dynamics that reactivate a trauma experience. History of trauma influences a person's health, relationships, experience, and use of reproductive healthcare, as well as trust in reproductive health recommendations. Laws restricting access to abortion and reproductive health add another layer of trauma and disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Guidelines for Trauma Informed Abortion Care recognize the complexity of trauma in reproductive health experiences and seek to promote safety, empowerment, and healing on individual and systemic levels.
CHARACTERIZING COVID-19–RELATED RETINAL VASCULAR OCCLUSIONS
Authors: Fonollosa Alex , Hernández-Rodríguez José , Cuadros Carlos , Giralt Lena , Sacristán Cristina , Artaraz Joseba , Pelegrín Laura , Olate-Pérez Álvaro , Romero Rosa , Pastor-Idoate Salvador , Sobas Bsc Eva María , Fernández-Fidalgo Sonia , Abraldes Maximino J. , Oleñik Andrea , Insausti-García Alfredo , Torres Pedro , Porcar Carmela , Lorca Daniela Rego , Adan Alfredo
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To describe clinical and ophthalmologic features and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease-19 with retinal vascular occlusions.

Methods:

Retrospective multicenter case series and PubMed review of cases reported from March 2020 to September 2021. Outcome measures are as follows: type of occlusion, treatments, best-corrected visual acuity, and central macular thickness on optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients were identified. Fifteen patients with a median age of 39 (30–67) years were included in the multicenter study. Vascular occlusions included central retinal vein occlusion (12 eyes), branch retinal vein occlusion (4 eyes), and central retinal artery occlusion (2 eyes). Three cases were bilateral. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 20/45 (no light perception-20/20). Baseline central macular thickness was 348.64 (±83) μm. Nine eyes received anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, or both. Final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 (no light perception-20/20), and central macular thickness was 273.7 ± 68 μm (follow-up of 19.6 ± 6 weeks). Among the 24 cases from the literature review, retinal vein occlusion was the predominant lesion. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar to those found in our series.

Conclusion:

Coronavirus disease-19–associated retinal vascular occlusions tend to occur in individuals younger than 60 years. Retinal vein occlusion is the most frequent occlusive event, and outcomes are favorable in most cases.
THE RAP STUDY, REPORT 5: REDISCOVERING MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION TYPE 3
Authors: Haj Najeeb Bilal , Deak Gabor G. , Mylonas Georgios , Sacu Stefan , Gerendas Bianca S. , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To explore the condition of fellow eyes of patients with macular neovascularization Type 3 (MNV3) and to verify whether the retinal–choroidal anastomosis (RCA) develops equally in all MNV types.

Methods:

The contralateral eyes of 94 patients with MNV3, 96 patients with MNV1, and 96 patients with MNV2 were included. Multimodal imaging was performed. The MNV3 stage including the development of fibrosis and RCA over 24 months was determined.

Results:

In the contralateral eyes of patients of the solitary (one lesion) MNV3 group, 32 eyes (42.1%) showed early/intermediate age-related macular degeneration, 25 eyes (33%) showed MNV3, and 11 eyes (14.5%) experienced fibrosis, of which 4 eyes (5.2%) had a RCA, 7 eyes (9.2%) had atrophy after resolved MNV3, and 1 eye (1.3%) developed MNV1. In the multifocal (more than one lesion) MNV3 group, 2 eyes (11.1%) showed early/intermediate age-related macular degeneration, 9 eyes (50%) showed 15 MNV3 lesions, and 4 eyes (22.2%) showed fibrosis, of which 2 eyes (11.1%) manifested with a RCA and 3 eyes (16.7%) showed atrophy after resolved MNV3. The number of eyes with a RCA accounted for 40% of all eyes with fibrosis. The count of simultaneous bilateral multifocal MNV3 was 5 (55.6%). In the MNV1 and MNV2 groups, no eye developed a RCA. The incidence of RCAs in the scarred eyes in MNV3 was significantly higher (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Retinal–choroidal anastomosis is an exclusive clinical feature of MNV3. The development of the multifocal MNV3 is usually bilateral and simultaneous. The occurrence of fibrosis in MNV3 has decreased dramatically after the introduction of the antiangiogenic therapy.
BILATERAL CHOROIDAL VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS IN HEREDITARY HEMORRHAGIC TELANGIECTASIA
Authors: Taubenslag Kenneth J. , Al Hussein Al Awamlh Sara , Sternberg Paul
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To describe a case of bilateral choroidal vascular malformations in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 78-year-old man with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was incidentally noted to have focal, large deep choroidal vessels on optical coherence tomography with corresponding elevation of the overlying retina. Indocyanine green angiography revealed dilated, intensely fluorescent vessels in arterial phase emptying into massively dilated choroidal veins consistent with choroidal arteriovenous malformation.

Conclusion:

This case presents multimodal imaging findings of choroidal arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Choroidal vascular malformations may represent an underrecognized clinical feature of this syndrome.
Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis
Authors: Bülbül Lida , Özkul Sağlam Neslihan , Kara Elitok Gizem , Mine Yazici Zahide , Hatipoglu Nevin , Hatipoğlu Sami , Bakirtas Palabiyik Figen , Yigit Ulviye , Demir Mesut , Bülbül Ali
Published: October 2021

Background:

We aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and imaging methods of patients diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis in the pediatric age group.

Methods:

The study was designed retrospectively, and the medical records of all patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis were reviewed. The findings of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis groups were compared. The risk factors for the development of orbital involvement were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 123 patients were included, 90.2% with preseptal cellulitis and 9.8% with cellulitis. The male gender ratio was 60.2%, and the mean age was 72 ± 43 months. While all patients had eyelid swelling and redness, 20.3% had fever. Ocular involvement was 51.2% in the right eye and 4.9% in both eyes. The most common predisposing factor was rhinosinusitis (56.1%). Radiologic imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) was performed in 83.7% of the patients. Subperiostal abscess was detected in 7 cases (5.6%) in which three of the cases were managed surgically and four were treated with medically. The levels of C-reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with orbital involvement (P= 0.033), but there was no difference between the presence of fever, leukocyte and platelet values.

Conclusions:

Rhinosinusitis was the most common predisposing factor in the development of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis. Orbital involvement was present in 9.8% of the patients. It was determined that high C-reactive protein value could be used to predict orbital involvement.
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 mediates headache-related cephalic allodynia in a mouse model of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dalenogare Diéssica P. , Theisen Maria C. , Peres Diulle S. , Fialho Maria F.P. , Andrighetto Nathaly , Barros Laura , Landini Lorenzo , Titiz Mustafa , De Logu Francesco , Oliveira Sara M. , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina , Trevisan Gabriela
Published: October 2021

Primary headache conditions are frequently associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the mechanism that triggers or worsens headaches in patients with MS is poorly understood. We previously showed that the proalgesic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mediates hind paw mechanical and cold allodynia in a relapsing–remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (RR-EAE) model in mice. Here, we investigated the development of periorbital mechanical allodynia (PMA) in RR-EAE, a hallmark of headache, and if TRPA1 contributed to this response. RR-EAE induction by injection of the myelin oligodendrocyte peptide fragment35-55 (MOG35-55) and Quillaja A adjuvant (Quil A) in C57BL/6J female mice elicited a delayed and sustained PMA. The PMA at day 35 after induction was reduced by the calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonist (olcegepant) and the serotonin 5-HT1B/D receptor agonist (sumatriptan), 2 known antimigraine agents. Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 attenuated PMA associated with RR-EAE. The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (4-hydroxynonenal and hydrogen peroxide, known TRPA1 endogenous agonists) and superoxide dismutase and NADPH oxidase activities were increased in the trigeminal ganglion of RR-EAE mice. Besides, the treatment with antioxidants (apocynin or α-lipoic acid) attenuated PMA. Thus, the results of this study indicate that TRPA1, presumably activated by endogenous agonists, evokes PMA in a mouse model of relapsing–remitting MS.