bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causality of Opportunistic Pathogen
Klebsiella pneumoniae
to Hypertension Development
Authors: Li Jing , Gao Qiannan , Ma Yiyangzi , Deng Yue , Li Shuangyue , Shi Na , Niu Haitao , Liu Xin-Yu , Cai Jun
Published: October 2022

Background:

Previous studies have reported a strong association between gut microbiome and hypertension; yet, the exact bacterial species associated with the disease development and progression have not yet been detected. This study aimed to investigate whether opportunistic pathogen
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a causal factor for hypertension pathogenesis, and explore the potential mechanisms.

Methods:

The enrichment of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in the gut of patients with hypertension was validated by meta-analysis based on 3 independent cohorts.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
was inoculated into germ-free mice, antibiotic pretreated and conventional mice.

Results:

Klebsiella pneumoniae
led to higher blood pressure, slight cardiac hypertrophy, and enhanced contractility of resistant arteries in recipient mice. Moreover,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
induced pathological damages, deficiency of tight junction proteins and transcriptional shifts. Metabolic alterations, especially the depletion of stearoylethanolamide, were observed upon
Klebsiella pneumoniae
administration. In addition, renal transcriptome dysfunction with significant upregulation of genes related to hypertension pathogenesis was observed in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
treated mice.

Conclusions:

These results provide evidence that the enrichment of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
acts as a direct contributor to blood pressure elevation and hypertension pathogenesis, and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
induced intestinal damages, fecal metabolic changes, and renal shifts may be integrated mediators.
Sex-dependent growth regulation in monogamous pairs of a cichlid fish
Authors: Matsumoto Kazunori , Yoshihara Kazuki , Katsura Chiyo , Ono Tatsunori , Habara Masaki , Kohda Masanori
Published: October 2022

In some social groups, non-breeding subordinates regulate their growth, relative to the size of their immediate dominants in ways that reduce conflict over dominance rank. We predicted that such strategic growth adjustment should also occur in breeding pairs, if this is beneficial for the more subordinate individual within a pair. Using the cichlid fish, Julidochromis transcriptus, held in a laboratory, we examined whether strategic growth regulation occurs in monogamous pairs. In female-largest pairs, smaller males grew slower than their partner when the initial size ratio of pairs (large/small) was small, but faster when the ratio was large, and the number of pairs with an intermediate size ratio increased over time. However, in male-largest pairs, smaller females had a low growth rate and the size ratio of these pairs increased over time. The most important factors for predicting the growth rate of fish were the initial size ratio of pairs for smaller males in female-largest pairs and the initial body size for larger individuals in both pair types, but no such predictors were found for smaller females in male-largest pairs. Neither feeding rate nor attacking rate of the two individuals in a pair predicted the growth rate of smaller fish in a pair. These results suggest that smaller males strategically adjust their own growth, relative to the size of their partner in female-largest pairs, wherein the growth of larger females unrestrained by social relationship with their partner can increase female fecundity, being beneficial for both sexes. The adaptive significance of a low growth rate of smaller females in male-largest pairs is also discussed.
Radical Postmodernist Literature
Authors: Arseniou Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

This paper explores how classical antiquity was dealt with by Greek radical postmodernism of the late twentieth century. It focuses on the work of the renowned writer Nanos Valaoritis, whose short story A Classical Education (1990) ironically and playfully summarizes the disenchantment, confusion, sense of inadequacy and need for transcending antiquity. The following issues are studied: a) postmodernist visualization of antiquity; b) the ‘situational’ classicism activated by aesthetic conversion (détournement) of the ‘classics’; c) anti-modernism as a critique of Greek modernists. The term ‘ “equarrent” classicism’, coined by Valaoritis, is introduced as a process of ‘paralogical’ conditioning of the classics by post-colonial contemporaneity.
Subverting the Idea of “One Nation, One Language, One Religion”: A Study of Surendra Prakash’s Urdu Short Stories
Authors: Nayyar Nasir Abbas
Published: October 2022

Urdu fiction writers have employed diverse ways and techniques to register the theme of migration. Perhaps the most well-known literary voice to explore this theme is that of Intizar Hussain, one of the pioneers of modern Urdu short story, who migrated from Bulandshahr (UP) to Lahore. Surendra Prakash, who migrated from Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) to Delhi and is also considered a pioneer of modern Urdu short story, offers a contrasting approach to the theme. Born to a Hindu Punjabi family in 1930, Prakash learned Urdu—not Hindi. His experience of migration differed much from that of Intizar Hussain. While Hussain’s fiction about migration contains the traces of ideology, Prakash had to migrate to Delhi not because of any ideological leanings, but rather urgent necessity. We find the theme of migration lurking in all four collections of his short stories (Dūsre Ādmī kā Drawing Room, Barf par Mukālamah, Bāz-goʾī and Ḥāẓir, Ḥāl Jārī). His short stories seem to subvert the very idea of “one nation” which was based on the formula of “one language and one religion.” This study aims at how Prakash’s work juxtaposes the plural, synthetic culture of pre-Partition days to the monolithic, religious-nationalistic culture that took shape after Partition.
Larval development of the crab Amphithrax hemphilli (Rathbun, 1892) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Mithracidae) described from laboratory-reared material
Authors: BARROS-ALVES SAMARA DE PAIVA , BOLLA EDUARDO ANTONIO JR , SANTOS RAFAEL DE CARVALHO , ALVES DOUGLAS FERNANDES RODRIGUES , HIROSE GUSTAVO LUIS
Published: October 2022

The complete larval development of Amphithrax hemphilli was described, illustrated, and compared with that of the previously described larvae of the genus Mithrax sensu lato. Specimens of A. hemphilli were sampled from the northeastern Brazilian coast. The larval development of A. hemphilli consisted of two zoeal stages and one megalopa. Amphithrax hemphilli shows morphological features in all stages of larval development that differ from those observed in other species of Amphithrax, Mithrax, and Maguimithrax. In the first larval stage, A. hemphilli was the only species with two aesthetascs on the antennule and the coxal endite of the maxillule with five setae. In the second larval stage, A. hemphilli was distinguished from the other species of the genus Mithrax sensu lato by the presence of five setae on the basial endite of the maxilla and 26 setae in the scaphognathite of the maxilla. Finally, the megalopa stage of A. hemphilli is characterized by the number of aesthetascs on the three-segmented exopod of the antennule, the setation of both the endopod of the third maxilliped, and pleonites 1–6. Based on the results obtained in the present study, we verified that the more advanced the larval stage, the more distinct characteristics are observed among species of the genus Mithrax sensu lato, facilitating the identification of species through later larval stages.
Additions and emendations to the annotated checklist of anthiadine fishes (Percoidei: Serranidae)
Authors: ANDERSON WILLIAM D.  JR.
Published: October 2022

Anderson (2018) published an annotated checklist of anthiadine fishes with information on the 29 genera and 226 species then considered valid. Since then there have been a number of publications on the systematics of anthiadines, including descriptions of 23 new species and one new genus. Herein, data on those new taxa and emended accounts of others are presented.
First adult record of the barracudina Lestidiops extremus (Ege, 1953), based on a specimen from the Philippines (Teleostei: Paralepididae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , HUANG CHIH-HSIUNG
Published: October 2022

The adult morphology of Lestidiops extremus (Ege, 1953), a barracudina originally described based on postlarvae from Indonesia, has long been a mystery. An adult specimen collected from off the Philippines represents the first confirmed record of an adult of this species. Observations on the holotype and a detailed description of the adult are provided. The location of the pelvic-fin origin in the adult, clearly behind the posterior end of the dorsal-fin base, is unique within this genus and the entire subfamily Lestidiinae. The present find extends the known range of the species from northwestern New Guinea, Indonesia, to seas east of the Philippines.
Uncertainty in Preindustrial Global Ocean Initialization Can Yield Irreducible Uncertainty in Southern Ocean Surface Climate
Authors: Singh Hansi K. A. , Goldenson Naomi , Fyfe John C. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: October 2022

How do ocean initial states impact historical and future climate projections in Earth system models? To answer this question, we use the 50-member Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) large ensemble, in which individual ensemble members are initialized using a combination of different oceanic initial states and atmospheric microperturbations. We show that global ocean heat content anomalies associated with the different ocean initial states, particularly differences in deep ocean heat content due to ocean drift, persist from initialization at year 1950 through the end of the simulations at year 2100. We also find that these anomalies most readily impact surface climate over the Southern Ocean. Differences in ocean initial states affect Southern Ocean surface climate because persistent deep ocean temperature anomalies upwell along sloping isopycnal surfaces that delineate neighboring branches of the upper and lower cells of the global meridional overturning circulation. As a result, up to a quarter of the ensemble variance in Southern Ocean turbulent heat fluxes, heat uptake, and surface temperature trends can be traced to variance in the ocean initial state, notably deep ocean temperature differences of order 0.1 K due to model drift. Such a discernible impact of varying ocean initial conditions on ensemble variance over the Southern Ocean is evident throughout the full 150 simulation years of the ensemble, even though upper ocean temperature anomalies due to varying ocean initial conditions rapidly dissipate over the first two decades of model integration over much of the rest of the globe.
99mTc-methylene diphosphonate SPECT/CT imaging of gout spondylitis: a case report
Authors: Wang Yan , Zha Yan , She Rongfeng , Sun Gaofeng , Li Shuang , Liu Lin , Roberts Neil , Li Yaying
Published: October 2022

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) imaging of the gouty spine is rare. We describe a 66-year-old man who presented with pain and numbness in the right lower leg; he reported a 2-month history of intermittent low back pain. Imaging revealed neoplastic lesions of the spine, which were initially regarded as tumors. Thus, the patient underwent surgical removal of the lumbar lesion. However, the postoperative pathological diagnosis was gout spondylitis. In this report, we show multimodal images of advanced gout spondylitis. The metabolic information provided by SPECT/CT, combined with the microscopic changes in bone structure revealed by dual-source thin-layer CT and the anatomical localization information provided by magnetic resonance imaging, can help clinicians to more fully understand the pathophysiological mechanisms and imaging manifestations of gout from multiple perspectives, thereby reducing the rate of misdiagnosis.
Abstraction, idealization, and concretization: A discussion of Leszek Nowak’s interpretation of Karl Marx’s method
Authors: Hernandez Josafat
Published: October 2022

In this article, an interpretation of Marx’s notions of abstraction and concretization is presented. Unlike Leszek Nowak’s approach, Marx’s use of idealizations is not a reversible process of adding and removing idealizing assumptions. Marx had a richer use of the term abstraction, one in which concretization involves a creative moment of conceptual innovation. Marx adds new variables and new assumptions and elaborates new categories at different levels of abstraction in order to show the unity between appearances and essences. De-idealization, according to Marx, involves both recomposition and de-isolation. Also, concretization, for Marx, does not follow a linear approximation to reality, but rather a hermeneutical circle that is constantly in the process of reframing categories to provide answers to different questions. As a case study, this article shows an interpretation of Marx’s labor theory of value.
Racial Prejudice Predicts Police Militarization
Authors: Jimenez Tyler , Helm Peter J. , Arndt Jamie
Published: October 2022

In the United States, police are becoming increasingly militarized. Whereas the racialized nature of police militarization has been documented, the relationship between racial prejudice and police militarization is less understood. We assessed the link between racial prejudice against Black and Native Americans and police militarization at individual and regional levels. Study 1 ( N = 765) recruited a nationally representative sample of White Americans and found a positive association between racial prejudice and support for police militarization. Study 2 ( N = 3,129,343) sourced regional aggregates of prejudice among White Americans from Project Implicit and policing data from the Defense Logistics Agency and found that police departments in states higher in prejudice acquired greater amounts of militarized equipment. Together, these studies demonstrate that, in terms of attitudes and policies, racial prejudice predicts police militarization.
Maxillary Development and Dental Arch Relationships Following Early Two-Stage Palatoplasty: A Comparative Study
Authors: Otsuki Koichi , Yamanishi Tadashi , Enomoto Akifumi , Tanaka Susumu , Kogo Mikihiko , Tome Wakako , Oonishi-Yamamoto Yuri , Seikai Tetsuya
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine skeletal morphology and dental arch relationships at 8 years of age following early 2-stage palatoplasty, which consists of soft palate plasty at 1 year of age and hard palate closure at 1.5 years of age, and to compare the results with those of conventional pushback palatoplasty.

Design

Retrospective.

Setting

Single institutional study.

Patients

Eighty-six patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were selected.

Intervention

The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the palatoplasty protocols, as follows: 45 patients, who underwent early 2-stage palatoplasty (ETS group), and 41 patients, who underwent 1-stage pushback palatoplasty (PB group).

Main Outcome Measures

Skeletal morphology was assessed using lateral cephalometric analysis, and dental arch relationships were examined using the GOSLON yardstick.

Results

Cephalometric analysis revealed that the anterior-posterior length of the maxilla, measured by PTM-A and PTM-ANS, both projected to the nasal floor (NF) plane, was longer in the ETS group than in the PB group (PTM-A/NF, p = .04; PTM-ANS/NF, p = .03, unpaired t-test), although no significant difference was observed in SNA ( p = .09, unpaired t-test). Upper posterior facial height was shorter in the ETS group than in the PB group ( p = .02, unpaired t). Assessments with the GOSLON yardstick showed that the ETS group presented better dental arch relationships than the PB group ( p = 0.04, Mann–Whitney's U-test).

Conclusions

The present results suggested that the ETS protocol reduced the negative effects of palatal surgery on facial development and dental arch relationships in patients with complete UCLP at 8 years of age.
Family Counselors Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health in Underserved Communities
Authors: Robins Lauren B. , Johnson Kaprea F. , Duyile Bisola , Gantt-Howrey Alexandra , Dockery Natese , Robins Shantae D. , Wheeler Naomi
Published: October 2022

Couple and family counselors (CFCs) practicing in underserved communities must be aware of and properly address social determinants of mental health (SDOMH). This conceptual manuscript offers an explanation of how the SDOMH domains impact families in underserved communities and provide evidence-based recommendations for infusing SDOMH into family counseling through the ecological social justice counseling theory, adapted for couple and family counselors. This article concludes with the next steps for practice and research.
Carrageenan functional film integrated with Pickering Emulsion of Oregano Oil Stabilized by Cationic Nanocellulose for Active Packaging
Authors: Amanda Putri , Ismadi Ismadi , Ningrum Riska Surya , Nabila Syarifah , Prasetyo Kurnia Wiji
Published: October 2022

Consumers are worried about potential contaminants, especially during any pandemic event, and are demanding more biodegradable food packaging with little to no chemical preservatives. This study aims to prepare carrageenan film containing essential oil with antibacterial properties. Oregano essential oil is successfully added into the carrageenan-based film using the Pickering emulsion method with cationic nanocellulose as stabilizer. The positive charge of nanocellulose enhances the stability of emulsion through strong electrostatic interaction with the Oregano Oil. FTIR spectra and SEM micrographs show the Oregano Pickering emulsion (OrePE) well dispersed in the polymer matrix and good compatibility with carrageenan film. The mechanical and thermal properties of carrageenan film were only slightly affected by the addition of OrePE. The tensile strength of films significantly decreased, whereas the elongation break increased following the addition of OrePE. Moreover, the addition of OrePE to the carageen film provides inhibitory effects on gram-positive ( S. aureus) and gram negative ( E. coli) bacteria. This innovative incorporation of essential oil into biopolymer films by Pickering emulsion technology may have implications for extending the shelf life of food products which is indicates that the material has the potential to be used in active packaging.
Overview of recent cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee of Social Rights (April 2022–September 2022)
Authors: De Becker Eleni
Published: October 2022

In this reporting procedure (April 2022–September 2022) 1 , we present three cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and one case before the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR). 2 All three cases before the ECtHR concern pension claims. The first case is Savickis and Others v Latvia (App no 49270/11), dealing with the payment of employment pensions in Latvia to ‘permanently resident non-citizens’. For these citizens, the Latvian legislation did not take into account periods worked in other Soviet republics at the time of the occupation of Latvia by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), which it did do for Latvian citizens. The Court had to review this difference in treatment in light of the prohibition of discrimination in Article 14 European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the right to property in Article 1 Protocol no. 1 to the ECHR (AP ECHR). The second report discusses a case concerning the length of the appeal proceedings relating to a reduction of the applicant's pension rights. In Bieliński v Poland (App no 48762/19), the Court had to review whether there was a violation of Article 6 ECHR (right to a fair trial) and Article 13 ECHR (right to an effective remedy). P.C. v Ireland is the third case that will be discussed (App no 26922/19). It concerns disqualification from an old-age pension while serving a sentence of imprisonment. The applicant claimed that this disqualification violated Article 1 AP ECHR read alone, as well as Article 14 ECHR read in conjunction with Article 1 AP ECHR. Finally, this overview ends with a discussion of the European Social Charter (ESC). In Unione Sindacale di Base (hereinafter: USB) v Italy (collective complaint, App no 170/2018), the ECSR had to review the compatibility of the Italian scheme of socially useful workers with several of the provisions of the ESC, including the prohibition of discrimination (Article E), read in conjunction with the right to social security in Article 12 (1) of the revised ESC.
Short-term outcome of stenting with Enterprise stents for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease at a single center
Authors: Li Aiping , Ye Ziming , Zhou Wensheng , Qin Chao
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stenting for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic severe stenosis or occlusion with Enterprise stents.

Methods

Fifty-three consecutive patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic severe (70%–99%) stenosis or occlusion who underwent endovascular treatment with Enterprise stents between September 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes included technical stenting success rates, the incidence of complications within 30 days of the procedure, and the in-stent restenosis rates during the follow-up period. These outcomes were further categorized based on lesion location and operation time.

Results

Fifty-seven lesions in 53 patients aged 61.0 ± 10.0 years were treated with Enterprise stents with a technical success rate of 100%. Seven patients (12.3%) had severe complications within 30 days of the procedure: five had a symptomatic ischemic stroke, one had a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and one had a subarachnoid hemorrhage related to the procedure. No deaths were observed. The rate of in-stent restenosis was 18.2%, with a mean vascular imaging follow-up period of 6.7 months. The 30-day complication and in-stent restenosis rates did not differ significantly between patients with different lesion locations and operation times ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This retrospective study suggests that percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting with Enterprise stents is an effective treatment for symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion with a high technical success rate. It also indicates that stenting during the early nonacute stage after stroke may not increase the incidence of perioperative complications for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis when following strict inclusion criteria.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Fluoro and Trifluoromethyl Substituents Containing Novel Naphthoquinone-Fused Podophyllotoxins
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Ha , Phuong Hoang Thi , Tu Anh Le Thi , Thuy Giang Le Nhat , Quynh Giang Nguyen Thi , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Tuyet Anh Dang Thi , Van Kiem Phan
Published: October 2022

A series of novel naphthoquinone-fused podophyllotoxins containing fluoro and trifluoromethyl substituents were synthesized in a medium with good yields using two different synthetic approaches: microwave-assisted four-component reactions of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, tetronic acid, fluorinated arylaldehydes, and ammonium acetate, and microwave-assisted three-component reactions of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone, tetronic acid, and fluorinated arylaldehydes. The structures of all products were confirmed by spectral analysis. Together, cytotoxicity assessment of the products against four human cancer cell lines (human carcinoma [KB], human hepatocellular carcinoma [HepG2], lung cancer [A549], breast carcinoma [MCF7], and human embryonic kidney [Hek-293]) was performed by MTT assay. Among the obtained compounds, compound 7f turned out to be the most potent anticancer agent with significant cytotoxic activity against KB, HepG2, and MCF cancer cell lines.
Study protocol of EMPOWER: A cluster randomized trial of a multimodal eHealth intervention for promoting mental health in the workplace following a stepped wedge trial design
Authors: Olaya Beatriz , Van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina M. , Hakkaart-van Roijen Leona , Merecz-Kot Dorota , Sinokki Marjo , Naumanen Päivi , Shepherd Jessie , van Krugten Frédérique , de Mul Marleen , Staszewska Kaja , Vorstenbosch Ellen , de Miquel Carlota , Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Ayuso-Mateos José Luis , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Borrega Oriol , Sabariego Carla , Bernard Renaldo M. , Vanroelen Christophe , Gevaert Jessie , Van Aerden Karen , Raggi Alberto , Seghezzi Francesco ,   the EMPOWER Consortium, Haro Josep Maria
Published: October 2022

Objective: This article describes the EMPOWER study, a controlled trial aiming to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an eHealth intervention to prevent common health problems and reduce presenteeism and absenteeism in the workplace. Intervention: The EMPOWER intervention spans universal, secondary and tertiary prevention and consists of an eHealth platform delivered via a website and a smartphone app designed to guide employees throughout different modules according to their specific profiles. Design: A stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial will be implemented in four countries (Finland, Poland, Spain and UK) with employees from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and public agencies. Companies will be randomly allocated in one of three groups with different times at which the intervention is implemented. The intervention will last 7 weeks. Employees will answer several questionnaires at baseline, pre- and post-intervention and follow-up. Outcome measures: The main outcome is presenteeism. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress levels, wellbeing and absenteeism. Analyses will be conducted at the individual level using the intention-to-treat approach and mixed models. Additional analyses will evaluate the intervention effects according to gender, country or type of company. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses [based on the use of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYS)] will consider a societal, employers’ and employees’ perspective.
Neonatal Aneurysm Rupture in a Child with a De Novo Variant to ANKRD17
Authors: Silverstein Rebecca , Kuwabara Michael , Appavu Brian
Published: October 2022

Ankyrin repeat domain 17 (ANKRD17) is postulated to play a role in the integrity of blood vessels and has been reported to be associated with developmental delays, epilepsy, and growth restriction. Whereas ANKRD17-deficient mice have been demonstrated to experience catastrophic hemorrhages, vascular malformations have not been reported in human patients with pathogenic variants to ANKRD17. We report a term male neonate with a heterozygous de novo variant to ANKRD17 (ANKRD17; c6988 C > G, P.[P2330a]) who experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm involving the left middle cerebral artery. He experienced acute symptomatic seizures and required clipping of his aneurysm at 35 days of life, later progressing to developing multifocal drug-resistant epilepsy. To our knowledge, this case represents the first report of a cerebrovascular malformation from a patient with ANKRD17. Further work is needed to investigate whether pathogenic variants to ANKRD17 can lead to cerebral aneurysms or other cerebrovascular malformations in children.
(Es)Ketamine for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Alario Alexandra A. , Niciu Mark J.
Published: October 2022

Suicidal ideation and behavior are among the most severe psychiatric presentations, warranting emergency room visits and psychiatric admission for higher levels of care. In the United States, suicide rates continue to climb, especially in younger patients, and the continued psychosocial stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic may further exacerbate this crisis. Suicidal ideation and behavior are core features of a major depressive episode, but there are limited treatment options to rapidly redress these life-threatening symptoms. Racemic ketamine and its S-enantiomer, esketamine, are N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and glutamate modulators that have robust antidepressant efficacy in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Additionally, both ketamine and esketamine have demonstrated rapid-acting antisuicidal efficacy in major mood disorders. In August 2020, this culminated in a first-in-class approval of Spravato® (intranasal esketamine) for the treatment of major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation and behavior. In this article, we review the literature in support of the antisuicidal efficacy of ketamine and esketamine.
An 8-year pragmatic observation evaluation of the benefits of allogeneic HCT in older and medically infirm patients with AML
Authors: Sorror Mohamed L. , Gooley Ted A. , Storer Barry E. , Gerds Aaron T. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Medeiros Bruno C. , Wang Eunice S. , Shami Paul J. , Adekola Kehinde , Luger Selina , Baer Maria R. , Rizzieri David A. , Wildes Tanya M. , Koprivnikar Jamie , Smith Julie , Garrison Mitchell , Kojouri Kiarash , Schuler Tammy A. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Onstad Lynn E. , Becker Pamela S. , McCune Jeannine S. , Lee Stephanie J. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: October 2022

We designed a prospective, observational study enrolling patients presenting for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at 13 institutions to analyze associations between hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and survival, quality of life (QOL), and function in: the entire cohort, those aged ≥65 years, those with high comorbidity burden, intermediate cytogenetic risk, adverse cytogenetic risk, and first complete remission with or without measurable residual disease. Patient were assessed 8 times over 2 years. Time-dependent regression models were used. Among 692 patients that were evaluable, 46% received HCT with a 2-year survival of 58%. In unadjusted models, HCT was associated with reduced risks of mortality most of the subgroups. However, after accounting for covariates associated with increased mortality (age, comorbidity burden, disease risks, frailty, impaired QOL, depression, and impaired function), the associations between HCT and longer survival disappeared in most subgroups. Although function, social life, performance status, and depressive symptoms were better for those selected for HCT, these health advantages were lost after receiving HCT. Recipients and nonrecipients of HCT similarly ranked and expected cure as main goal of therapy, whereas physicians had greater expectations for cure than the former. Accounting for health impairments negates survival benefits from HCT for AML, suggesting that the unadjusted observed benefit is mostly owing to selection of the healthier candidates. Considering patients’ overall expectations of cure but also the QOL burdens of HCT motivate the need for randomized trials to identify the best candidates for HCT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01929408.
The gut microbiota in patients with polycythemia vera is distinct from that of healthy controls and varies by treatment
Authors: Eickhardt-Dalbøge Christina Schjellerup , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Andersen Lee O'Brien , Nielsen Henrik V. , Fuursted Kurt , Stensvold Christen Rune , Larsen Morten Kranker , Kjær Lasse , Christensen Sarah Friis , Knudsen Trine Alma , Skov Vibe , Ellervik Christina , Olsen Lars Rønn , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Nielsen Xiaohui Chen , Christensen Jens Jørgen Elmer
Published: October 2022

Chronic inflammation is believed to play an important role in the development and disease progression of polycythemia vera (PV). Because an association between gut microbiota, hematopoiesis, and inflammation is well established, we hypothesized that patients with PV have a gut microbiota distinct from healthy control participants (HCs). Recombinant interferon alfa 2 (IFN-α2)-treatment of patients with PV is reportedly disease modifying in terms of normalization of elevated blood cell counts in concert with a reduction in the JAK2V617F allelic burden. Therefore, we hypothesized that patients treated with IFN-α2 might have a composition of the gut microbiota toward normalization. Herein, via amplicon-based next-generation sequencing of the V3 to V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we report on an abnormal gut microbiota in 102 patients with PV compared with 42 HCs. Patients with PV had a lower alpha diversity and a lower relative abundance of several taxa belonging to Firmicutes (45%) compared with HCs (59%, P <.001). Furthermore, we report the composition of the gut microbiota to differ between the treatment groups (IFN-α2, hydroxyurea, no treatment, and combination therapy with IFN-α2 and ruxolitinib) and the HCs. These observations are highly interesting considering the potential pathogenetic importance of an altered gut microbiota for development of other diseases, including chronic inflammatory diseases. Our observations call for further gut microbiota studies to decipher potential causal associations between treatment and the gut microbiota in PV and related neoplasms.
Respiratory viruses: their importance and lessons learned from COVID-19
Authors: Cilloniz Catia , Luna Carlos M. , Hurtado Juan Carlos , Marcos María Ángeles , Torres Antoni
Published: October 2022

Respiratory virus infection can cause severe illnesses capable of inducing acute respiratory failure that can progress rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is related to poor outcomes, especially in individuals with a higher risk of infection, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities,i.e.obesity, asthma, diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Despite this, effective antiviral treatments available for severe viral lung infections are scarce. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrated that there is also a need to understand the role of airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. Robust evidence supporting this exists, but better comprehension could help implement adequate measures to mitigate respiratory viral infections. In severe viral lung infections, early diagnosis, risk stratification and prognosis are essential in managing patients. Biomarkers can provide reliable, timely and accessible information possibly helpful for clinicians in managing severe lung viral infections. Although respiratory viruses highly impact global health, more research is needed to improve care and prognosis of severe lung viral infections. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, management and prognosis of patients with severe infections due to respiratory viruses.
The threat of multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative respiratory infections: another pandemic
Authors: Reynolds Daniel , Burnham Jason P. , Vazquez Guillamet Cristina , McCabe Mikaela , Yuenger Valerie , Betthauser Kevin , Micek Scott T. , Kollef Marin H.
Published: October 2022

Antibiotic resistance is recognised as a global threat to human health by national healthcare agencies, governments and medical societies, as well as the World Health Organization. Increasing resistance to available antimicrobial agents is of concern for bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. One of the greatest concerns is the continuing escalation of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacteria resulting in the endemic presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens. This concern is heightened by the identification of such MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria in water and food sources, as colonisers of the intestine and other locations in both hospitalised patients and individuals in the community, and as agents of all types of infections. Pneumonia and other types of respiratory infections are among the most common infections caused by MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria and are associated with high rates of mortality. Future concerns are already heightened due to emergence of resistance to all existing antimicrobial agents developed in the past decade to treat MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria and a scarcity of novel agents in the developmental pipeline. This clinical scenario increases the likelihood of a future pandemic caused by MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria.
How and when to manage respiratory infections out of hospital
Authors: Cavallazzi Rodrigo , Ramirez Julio A.
Published: October 2022

Lower respiratory infections include acute bronchitis, influenza, community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbation of COPD and acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. They are a major cause of death worldwide and often affect the most vulnerable: children, elderly and the impoverished. In this paper, we review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, severity assessment and treatment of adult outpatients with lower respiratory infections. The paper is divided into sections on specific lower respiratory infections, but we also dedicate a section to COVID-19 given the importance of the ongoing pandemic. Lower respiratory infections are heterogeneous entities, carry different risks for adverse events, and require different management strategies. For instance, while patients with acute bronchitis are rarely admitted to hospital and generally do not require antimicrobials, approximately 40% of patients seen for community-acquired pneumonia require admission. Clinicians caring for patients with lower respiratory infections face several challenges, including an increasing population of patients with immunosuppression, potential need for diagnostic tests that may not be readily available, antibiotic resistance and social aspects that place these patients at higher risk. Management principles for patients with lower respiratory infections include knowledge of local surveillance data, strategic use of diagnostic tests according to surveillance data, and judicious use of antimicrobials.
Non-Aspergillusmould lung infections
Authors: Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Garcia-Vidal Carolina
Published: October 2022

Non-Aspergillusfilamentous fungi causing invasive mould infections have increased over the last years due to the widespread use of anti-Aspergillusprophylaxis and increased complexity and survival of immunosuppressed patients. In the few studies that have reported on invasive mould infection epidemiology, Mucorales are the most frequently isolated group, followed by eitherFusariumspp. orScedosporiumspp. The overall incidence is low, but related mortality is exceedingly high. Patients with haematological malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients comprise the classical groups at risk of infection for non-Aspergillusmoulds due to profound immunosuppression and the vast use of anti-Aspergillusprophylaxis. Solid organ transplant recipients also face a high risk, especially those receiving lung transplants, due to direct exposure of the graft to mould spores with altered mechanical and immunological elimination, and intense, associated immunosuppression. Diagnosing non-Aspergillusmoulds is challenging due to unspecific symptoms and radiological findings, lack of specific biomarkers, and low sensitivity of cultures. However, the advent of molecular techniques may prove helpful. Mucormycosis, fusariosis and scedosporiosis hold some differences regarding clinical paradigmatic presentations and preferred antifungal therapy. Surgery might be an option, especially in mucormycosis. Finally, various promising strategies to restore or enhance the host immune response are under current evaluation.
Large Dense Periodic Arrays of Vertically Aligned Sharp Silicon Nanocones
Authors: Jonker Dirk , Berenschot Erwin J. W. , Tas Niels R. , Tiggelaar Roald M. , van Houselt Arie , Gardeniers Han J. G. E.
Published: October 2022

Convex cylindrical silicon nanostructures, also referred to as silicon nanocones, find their value in many applications ranging from photovoltaics to nanofluidics, nanophotonics, and nanoelectronic applications. To fabricate silicon nanocones, both bottom-up and top-down methods can be used. The top-down method presented in this work relies on pre-shaping of silicon nanowires by ion beam etching followed by self-limited thermal oxidation. The combination of pre-shaping and oxidation obtains high-density, high aspect ratio, periodic, and vertically aligned sharp single-crystalline silicon nanocones at the wafer-scale. The homogeneity of the presented nanocones is unprecedented and may give rise to applications where numerical modeling and experiments are combined without assumptions about morphology of the nanocone. The silicon nanocones are organized in a square periodic lattice, with 250 nm pitch giving arrays containing 1.6 billion structures per square centimeter. The nanocone arrays were several mm2 in size and located centimeters apart across a 100-mm-diameter single-crystalline silicon (100) substrate. For single nanocones, tip radii of curvature < 3 nm were measured. The silicon nanocones were vertically aligned, baring a height variation of < 5 nm (< 1%) for seven adjacent nanocones, whereas the height inhomogeneity is < 80 nm (< 16%) across the full wafer scale. The height inhomogeneity can be explained by inhomogeneity present in the radii of the initial columnar polymer mask. The presented method might also be applicable to silicon micro- and nanowires derived through other top-down or bottom-up methods because of the combination of ion beam etching pre-shaping and thermal oxidation sharpening.

Graphic abstract

A novel method is presented where argon ion beam etching and thermal oxidation sharpening are combined to tailor a high-density single-crystalline silicon nanowire array into a vertically aligned single-crystalline silicon nanocones array with < 3 nm apex radius of curvature tips, at the wafer scale.
Pesticide residue exposure provides different responses of the microbiomes of distinct cultures of the stored product pest mite Acarus siro
Authors: Hubert Jan , Navratilova Blanka , Sopko Bruno , Nesvorna Marta , Phillips Thomas W.
Published: October 2022

Background

The contribution of the microbiome to pesticide breakdown in agricultural pests remains unclear. We analyzed the effect of pirimiphos-methyl (PM) on four geographically different cultures of the stored product pest mite Acarus siro (6 L, 6Tu, 6Tk and 6Z) under laboratory experiments. The effect of PM on mite mortality in the impregnated filter paper test was compared.

Results

The mite sensitivity to PM decreased in the order of 6 L, 6Tu, 6Tk, and 6Z. Then, the mites were cultured on PM residues (0.0125 and 1.25 µg·g−1), and population growth was compared to the control after 21 days of exposure. The comparison showed two situations: (i) increasing population growth for the most sensitive cultures (6 L and 6Tu), and (ii) no effect on mite population growth for tolerant cultures (6Z and 6Tk). The microbiome of mites was analyzed by quantification of 16S DNA copies based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and by barcode sequencing of the V4 fragment of 16S DNA on samples of 30 individuals from the control and PM residues. The microbiome comprised primarily Solitalea-like organisms in all cultures, except for 6Z, followed by Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Lactobacillus. The microbiomes of mite cultures did not change with increasing population density. The microbiome of cultures without any differences in population density showed differences in the microbiome composition. A Sodalis-like symbiont replaced Solitalea in the 1.25 µg·g−1 PM in the 6Tk culture. Sodalis and Bacillus prevailed in the microbiomes of PM-treated mites of 6Z culture, while Solitalea was almost absent.

Conclusion

The results showed that the microbiome of A. siro differs in composition and in response to PM residues in the diet. The results indicate that Sodalis-like symbionts can help recover mites from pesticide-induced stress.
Association of low mixed venous oxygen saturations during early ICU stay with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Kaakinen Timo I , Ikäläinen Tomi , Erkinaro Tiina M , Karhu Jaana M , Liisanantti Janne H , Ohtonen Pasi P , Ala-Kokko Tero I
Published: October 2022

Background

Low postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) values have been linked to poor outcomes after cardiac surgery. The present study was designed to assess whether SvO2 values of < 60% at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery.

Methods

During the years 2007–2020, 7046 patients (74.4% male; median age, 68 years [interquartile range, 60–74]) underwent cardiac surgery at an academic medical center in Finland. All patients were monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. SvO2 values were obtained at ICU admission and 4 h later. Patients were divided into four groups for analyses: SvO2 ≥ 60% at ICU admission and 4 h later; SvO2 ≥ 60% at admission but < 60% at 4 h; SvO2 < 60% at admission but ≥ 60% at 4 h; and SvO2 < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Kaplan–Meier survival curves, Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to assess differences among groups in 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Results

In the overall cohort, 52.9% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 29.1% valvular surgery, 12.1% combined CABG and valvular procedures, 3.5% surgery of the ascending aorta or aortic dissection, and 2.4% other cardiac surgery. The 1-year crude mortality was 4.3%. The best outcomes were associated with SvO2 ≥ 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were highest among patients with SvO2 < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later, regardless of surgical subgroup.

Conclusion

SvO2 values < 60% at ICU admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery. Goal-directed therapy protocols targeting SvO2 ≥ 60% may be beneficial. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these observational findings.