bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Don’t Downplay “Play”: Reasons Why Health Systems Should Protect Childhood Play
Authors: Nielsen Lasse
Published: May 2021

Much research has studied the importance of play for children’s development. However, questions of its political importance and our public institutions’ duties to protect it have been largely neglected. This article argues that childhood play is politically important due to having both intrinsic and instrumental value, and it suggests that the duty to protect the capability for play in childhood falls especially on the public health system. If this argument succeeds, it follows that we have stronger duties toward our children than we currently believe.
The Role of Mendelian Randomization Studies in Deciphering the Effect of Obesity on Cancer
Authors: Fang Zhe , Song Mingyang , Lee Dong Hoon , Giovannucci Edward L
Published: May 2021

Associations of obesity have been established for at least 11 cancer sites in observational studies, though some questions remain as to causality, strength of associations, and timing of associations throughout the life course. In recent years, Mendelian randomization (MR) has provided complementary information to traditional approaches, but the validity requires that the genetic instrumental variables be causally related to cancers only mediated by the exposure. We summarize and evaluate existing evidence from MR studies in comparison with conventional observational studies to provide insights into the complex relationship between obesity and multiple cancers. MR studies further establish the causality of adult obesity with esophageal adenocarcinoma and cancers of the colorectum, endometrium, ovary, kidney, and pancreas, as well as the inverse association of early life obesity with breast cancer. MR studies, which might account for lifelong adiposity, suggest that the associations in observational studies typically based on single measurement may underestimate the magnitude of the association. For lung cancer, MR studies find a positive association with obesity, supporting that the inverse association observed in some conventional observational studies likely reflects reverse causality (loss of lean body mass before diagnosis) and confounding by smoking. However, MR studies have not had sufficient power for gallbladder cancer, gastric cardia cancer, and multiple myeloma. In addition, more MR studies are needed to explore the effect of obesity at different timepoints on postmenopausal breast cancer and aggressive prostate cancer.
Open stomata 1 exhibits dual serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase activity in regulating abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Shang Yun , Yang Dami , Ha Yunmi , Lee Ju Yeon , Kim Jin Young , Oh Man-Ho , Nam Kyoung Hee
Published: May 2021

Open Stomata 1 (OST1)/SnRK2.6 is a critical component connecting abscisic acid (ABA) receptor complexes and downstream components, including anion channels and transcription factors. Because OST1 is a serine/threonine kinase, several autophosphorylation sites have been identified, and S175 is known to be critical for its kinase activity. We previously reported that BAK1 interacts with and phosphorylates OST1 to regulate ABA signaling. Here, we mapped additional phosphosites of OST1 generated by autophosphorylation and BAK1-mediated transphosphorylation in Arabidopsis. Many phosphosites serve as both auto- and transphosphorylation sites, especially those clustered in the activation loop region. Phospho-mimetic transgenic plants containing quadruple changes in Y163, S164, S166, and S167 rescued ost1 mutant phenotypes, activating ABA signaling outputs. Moreover, we found that OST1 is an active tyrosine kinase, autophosphorylating the Y182 site. ABA induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Y182 in OST1; this event is catalytically important for OST1 activity in plants. ABA-Insensitive 1 (ABI1) and its homologs ABI2 and HAB1, PP2C serine/threonine phosphatases that are known to dephosphorylate OST1 at S175, function as tyrosine phosphatases acting on the phosphorylated Y182 site. Our results indicate that phosphorylation cycles between OST1 and ABI1, which have dual specificity for tyrosine and serine/threonine, coordinately control ABA signaling in Arabidopsis.
TOI-220 b: a warm sub-Neptune discovered byTESS
Authors: Hoyer S , Gandolfi D , Armstrong D J , Deleuil M , Acuña L , de Medeiros J R , Goffo E , Lillo-Box J , Delgado Mena E , Lopez T A , Santerne A , Sousa S , Fridlund M , Adibekyan V , Collins K A , Serrano L M , Cortés-Zuleta P , Howell S B , Deeg H , Aguichine A , Barragán O , Bryant E M , Canto Martins B L , Collins K I , Cooke B F , Díaz R F , Esposito M , Furlan E , Hojjatpanah S , Jackman J , Jenkins J M , Jensen E L N , Latham D W , Leão I C , Matson R A , Nielsen L D , Osborn A , Otegi J F , Rodler F , Sabotta S , Scott N J , Seager S , Stockdale C , Strøm P A , Vanderspek R , Van Eylen V , Wheatley P J , Winn J N , Almenara J M , Barrado D , Barros S C C , Bayliss D , Bouchy F , Boyd P T , Cabrera J , Cochran W D , Demangeon O , Doty J P , Dumusque X , Figueira P , Fong W , Grziwa S , Hatzes A P , Kabáth P , Knudstrup E , Korth J , Livingston J H , Luque R , Mousis O , Mullally S E , Osborn H P , Pallé E , Persson C M , Redfield S , Santos N C , Smith J , Šubjak J , Twicken J D , Udry S , Yahalomi D A
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we report the discovery of TOI-220 b, a new sub-Neptune detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and confirmed by radial velocity follow-up observations with the HARPS spectrograph. Based on the combined analysis of TESS transit photometry and high precision radial velocity measurements, we estimate a planetary mass of 13.8 ± 1.0 M⊕ and radius of 3.03 ± 0.15 R⊕, implying a bulk density of 2.73 ± 0.47 $\rm {g\,cm}^{-3}$. TOI-220 b orbits a relative bright (V= 10.4) and old (10.1 ± 1.4 Gyr) K dwarf star with a period of ∼10.69 d. Thus, TOI-220 b is a new warm sub-Neptune with very precise mass and radius determinations. A Bayesian analysis of the TOI-220 b internal structure indicates that due to the strong irradiation it receives, the low density of this planet could be explained with a steam atmosphere in radiative–convective equilibrium and a supercritical water layer on top of a differentiated interior made of a silicate mantle and a small iron core.
An ACA 1 mm survey of HzRGs in the ELAIS-S1: survey description and first results
Authors: Messias Hugo G , Hatziminaoglou Evanthia , Hibon Pascale , Mroczkowski Tony , Matute Israel , Lacy Mark , Mason Brian , Martín Sergio , Afonso José M , Fomalont Edward , Amarantidis Stergios , Antón Sonia , Cortés Paulo C , Demarco Ricardo , Gendron-Marsolais Marie-Lou , Hopkins Andrew M , Kneissl Rüdiger , Lopez Cristian , Rebolledo David , Yang Chentao
Published: May 2021

Radio-emitting jets might be one of the main ingredients shaping the evolution of massive galaxies in the Universe since early cosmic times. However, identifying early radio active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and confirming this scenario have been hard to accomplish, with studies of samples of radio AGN hosts at z > 2 becoming routinely possible only recently. With the above in mind, we have carried out a survey with the Atacama Compact Array (ACA or Morita Array) at 1.3 mm (rms = 0.15 mJy) of 36 high-redshift radio AGN candidates found within 3.9 deg2 in the ELAIS-S1 field. The work presented here describes the survey and showcases a preliminary set of results. The selection of the sample was based on three criteria making use of infrared (IR) and radio fluxes only. The criterion providing the highest selection rate of high-redshift sources (86 per cent at z > 0.8) is one combining an IR colour cut and radio flux cut (S5.8μm/S3.6μm > 1.3 and $S_{\rm 1.4\, GHz}\gt 1\,$ mJy). Among the sample of 36 sources, 16 show a millimetre (mm) detection. In eight of these cases, the emission has a non-thermal origin. A zsp = 1.58 object, with a mm detection of non-thermal origin, shows a clear spatial offset between the jet-dominated mm continuum emission and that of the host’s molecular gas, as traced by serendipitously detected CO(5-4) emission. Among the objects with serendipitous line detections there is a source with a narrow jet-like region, as revealed by CS(6-5) emission stretching 20 kpc out of the host galaxy.
The mass–size relation of galaxy clusters
Authors: Contigiani O , Bahé Y M , Hoekstra H
Published: May 2021

The outskirts of accreting dark matter haloes exhibit a sudden drop in density delimiting their multistream region. Due to the dynamics of accretion, the location of this physically motivated edge strongly correlates with the halo growth rate. Using hydrodynamical zoom-in simulations of high-mass clusters, we explore this definition in realistic simulations and find an explicit connection between this feature in the dark matter and galaxy profiles. We also show that the depth of the splashback feature correlates well with the direction of filaments and, surprisingly, the orientation of the brightest cluster galaxy. Our findings suggest that galaxy profiles and weak-lensing masses can define an observationally viable mass-size scaling relation for galaxy clusters, which can be used to extract cosmological information.
Radio afterglows from compact binary coalescences: prospects for next-generation telescopes
Authors: Dobie Dougal , Murphy Tara , Kaplan David L , Hotokezaka Kenta , Bonilla Ataides Juan Pablo , Mahony Elizabeth K , Sadler Elaine M
Published: May 2021

The detection of gravitational waves from a neutron star merger, GW170817, marked the dawn of a new era in time-domain astronomy. Monitoring of the radio emission produced by the merger, including high-resolution radio imaging, enabled measurements of merger properties including the energetics and inclination angle. In this work, we compare the capabilities of current and future gravitational wave facilities to the sensitivity of radio facilities to quantify the prospects for detecting the radio afterglows of gravitational wave events. We consider three observing strategies to identify future mergers – wide field follow-up, targeting galaxies within the merger localization and deep monitoring of known counterparts. We find that while planned radio facilities like the Square Kilometre Array will be capable of detecting mergers at gigaparsec distances, no facilities are sufficiently sensitive to detect mergers at the range of proposed third-generation gravitational wave detectors that would operate starting in the 2030s.
The HST large programme on ω Centauri – IV. Catalogue of two external fields
Authors: Scalco M , Bellini A , Bedin L R , Anderson J , Rosati P , Libralato M , Salaris M , Vesperini E , Nardiello D , Apai D , Burgasser A J , Gerasimov R
Published: May 2021

In the fourth paper of this series, we present – and publicly release – the state-of-the-art catalogue and atlases for the two remaining parallel fields observed with the Hubble Space Telescope for the large programme on ω Centauri. These two fields are located at ∼12 arcmin from the centre of the globular cluster (in the west and south-west directions) and were imaged in filters from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Both fields were observed at two epochs separated by about 2 yr that were used to derive proper motions and to compute membership probabilities.
Matrix-screening reveals a vast potential for direct protein-protein interactions among RNA binding proteins
Authors: Lang Benjamin , Yang Jae-Seong , Garriga-Canut Mireia , Speroni Silvia , Aschern Moritz , Gili Maria , Hoffmann Tobias , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Maurer Sebastian P
Published: May 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial factors of post-transcriptional gene regulation and their modes of action are intensely investigated. At the center of attention are RNA motifs that guide where RBPs bind. However, sequence motifs are often poor predictors of RBP-RNA interactions in vivo. It is hence believed that many RBPs recognize RNAs as complexes, to increase specificity and regulatory possibilities. To probe the potential for complex formation among RBPs, we assembled a library of 978 mammalian RBPs and used rec-Y2H matrix screening to detect direct interactions between RBPs, sampling > 600 K interactions. We discovered 1994 new interactions and demonstrate that interacting RBPs bind RNAs adjacently in vivo. We further find that the mRNA binding region and motif preferences of RBPs deviate, depending on their adjacently binding interaction partners. Finally, we reveal novel RBP interaction networks among major RNA processing steps and show that splicing impairing RBP mutations observed in cancer rewire spliceosomal interaction networks. The dataset we provide will be a valuable resource for understanding the combinatorial interactions of RBPs with RNAs and the resulting regulatory outcomes.
Serum hemoglobin concentration and risk of renal function decline in early stages of diabetic kidney disease: a nationwide, biopsy-based cohort study
Authors: Yamanouchi Masayuki , Furuichi Kengo , Shimizu Miho , Toyama Tadashi , Yamamura Yuta , Oshima Megumi , Kitajima Shinji , Hara Akinori , Iwata Yasunori , Sakai Norihiko , Oba Yuki , Matsuoka Shusaku , Ikuma Daisuke , Mizuno Hiroki , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hoshino Junichi , Sawa Naoki , Yuzawa Yukio , Kitamura Hiroshi , Suzuki Yoshiki , Sato Hiroshi , Uesugi Noriko , Ueda Yoshihiko , Nishi Shinichi , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Nishino Tomoya , Samejima Kenichi , Kohagura Kentaro , Shibagaki Yugo , Makino Hirofumi , Matsuo Seiichi , Ubara Yoshifumi , Wada Takashi
Published: May 2021

Background

Prognosticating disease progression in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is challenging, especially in the early stages of kidney disease. Anemia can occur in the early stages of kidney disease in diabetes. We therefore postulated that serum hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, as a reflection of incipient renal tubulointerstitial impairment, can be used as a marker to predict DKD progression.

Methods

Drawing on nationally representative data of patients with biopsy-proven DKD, 246 patients who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)  ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at renal biopsy were identified: age 56 (45–63) years; 62.6% men; Hb 13.3 (12.0–14.5) g/dL; eGFR 76.2 (66.6–88.6) mL/min/1.73 m2; urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 534 (100–1480) mg/g Crea. Serum Hb concentration was divided into quartiles: ≤12, 12.1–13.3, 13.4–14.5 and ≥14.6 g/dL. The association between serum Hb concentration and the severity of renal pathological lesions was explored. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to estimate the risk of DKD progression (new onset of end-stage kidney disease, 50% reduction of eGFR or doubling of serum creatinine). The incremental prognostic value of DKD progression by adding serum Hb concentration to the known risk factors of DKD was assessed.

Results

Serum Hb levels negatively correlated with all renal pathological features, especially with the severity of interstitial fibrosis (ρ = −0.52; P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 95 developed DKD progression. Adjusting for known risk factors of DKD progression, the hazard ratio in the first, second and third quartile (the fourth quartile was reference) were 2.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–5.97], 2.33 (95% CI 1.07–5.75) and 1.46 (95% CI 0.71–3.64), respectively. Addition of the serum Hb concentration to the known risk factors of DKD progression improved the prognostic value of DKD progression (the global Chi-statistics increased from 55.1 to 60.8; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum Hb concentration, which reflects incipient renal fibrosis, can be useful for predicting DKD progression in the early stages of kidney disease.
Radiological assessment schedule for 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas during the surveillance period using parametric modeling
Authors: Kang Ho , Lee Jongjin , Ji So Young , Choi Seung Won , Kim Kyung-Min , Lee Joo Ho , Lee Soon-Tae , Won Jae Kyung , Kim Tae Min , Choi Seung Hong , Park Sung-Hye , Moon Kyung-Sub , Kim Chae-Yong , Yoo Heon , Nam Do-Hyun , Kim Jeong Hoon , Kim Yongdai , Park Chul-Kee
Published: May 2021

Background

There have been no evidence-based guidelines on the optimal schedule for the radiological assessment of 1p/19q-codeleted glioma. This study aimed to recommend an appropriate radiological evaluation schedule for 1p/19q-codeleted glioma during the surveillance period through parametric modeling of the progression-free survival (PFS) curve.

Methods

A total of 234 patients with 1p/19q-codeleted glioma (137 grade II and 97 grade III) who completed regular treatment were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified into each layered progression risk group by recursive partitioning analysis. A piecewise exponential model was used to standardize the PFS curves. The cutoff value of the progression rate among the remaining progression-free patients was set to 10% at each scan.

Results

Progression risk stratification resulted in 3 groups. The optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interval for patients without a residual tumor was every 91.2 weeks until 720 weeks after the end of regular treatment following the latent period for 15 weeks. For patients with a residual tumor after the completion of adjuvant radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy, the optimal MRI interval was every 37.5 weeks until week 90 and every 132.8 weeks until week 361, while it was every 33.6 weeks until week 210 and every 14.4 weeks until week 495 for patients with a residual tumor after surgery only or surgery followed by radiotherapy only.

Conclusions

The optimal radiological follow-up schedule for each progression risk stratification of 1p/19q-codeleted glioma can be established from the parametric modeling of PFS.
Rose without prickle: genomic insights linked to moisture adaptation
Authors: Zhong Mi-Cai , Jiang Xiao-Dong , Yang Guo-Qian , Cui Wei-Hua , Suo Zhi-Quan , Wang Wei-Jia , Sun Yi-Bo , Wang Dan , Cheng Xin-Chao , Li Xu-Ming , Dong Xue , Tang Kai-Xue , Li De-Zhu , Hu Jin-Yong
Published: May 2021

Prickles act against herbivores, pathogens or mechanical injury, while also preventing water loss. However, whether prickles have new function and the molecular genetics of prickle patterning remain poorly explored. Here, we generated a high-quality reference genome assembly for ‘Basye's Thornless’ (BT), a prickle-free cultivar of Rosa wichuraiana, to identify genetic elements related to stem prickle development. The BT genome harbors a high level of sequence diversity in itself and with cultivar ‘Old Blush’ (R. chinensis), a founder genotype in rose domestication. Inheritance of stem prickle density was determined and two QTL were identified. Differentially expressed genes in QTL were involved in water-related functions, suggesting that prickle density may hitchhike with adaptations to moist environments. While the prickle-related gene-regulatory-network (GRN) was highly conserved, the expression variation of key candidate genes was associated with prickle density. Our study provides fundamental resources and insights for genome evolution in the Rosaceae. Ongoing efforts on identification of the molecular bases for key rose traits may lead to improvements for horticultural markets.
Protecting Children From Tobacco Smoke Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Project Zero Exposure
Authors: Rosen Laura , Zucker David , Guttman Nurit , Brown Nili , Bitan Michal , Rule Ana , Berkovitch Mati , Myers Vicki
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Young children are vulnerable to harm from tobacco smoke exposure (TSE). This study assessed the effect of Project Zero Exposure—an intervention program designed to help parents protect children from TSE—on children’s exposure.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial of a home-based, theory-driven intervention. Parents of young children (<8 y) in families with a smoking parent were eligible. The intervention included feedback on child TSE (hair nicotine), and home air quality (PM2.5), with motivational interviewing. Families were randomized to: intervention group (IG, N = 69), regular control group (RCG, N = 70), or to a secondary enhanced control group, (ECG, N = 20). Child hair samples were taken at baseline and follow-up. We report on child TSE in the IG versus RCG at six months.

Results

Most enrolled families completed the trial (IG: 98.6%[68/69], RCG: 97.1%[68/70]). Log hair nicotine (LHN [ng/mg]) decreased in both the IG (Baseline: –1.78 ± 1.91, Follow-up: –2.82 ± 1.87, p = .003) and RCG (Baseline: –1.79 ± 1.54, Follow-up: –2.85 ± 1.73, p = .002), but did not differ between groups at study end (p = .635). Three of five parentally-reported outcomes showed improvement over time in the IG, and one in the RCG. Among IG participants, 90% found hair nicotine feedback useful.

Conclusions

No difference between the intervention and control groups was found on the objective biomarker, LHN. Child TSE decreased during the trial in intervention and control groups. Trial participation, which included hair nicotine monitoring, may have contributed to decreasing exposure in both groups. Concurrent control group improvements may partially explain lack of proven intervention benefit. Biomarker monitoring warrants further investigation for reduction of child TSE.

Implications

Project Zero Exposure is an intervention program designed to help parents protect their children from TSE. Results from the randomized controlled trial of the program showed no difference between groups at study end, but a clear and substantial reduction in child exposure to tobacco smoke from beginning to end of the trial, in both intervention and control groups. Biomarker monitoring, a key element of the trial, was used with all participants. Biomarker monitoring of child exposure to tobacco smoke may help parents become aware of their child’s exposure and better protect them, and should be explored as a means to reduce child TSE.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02867241
Unburned Tobacco Cigarette Smoke Alters Rat Ultrastructural Lung Airways and DNA
Authors: Vivarelli Fabio , Canistro Donatella , Cirillo Silvia , Elias Ryan J , Granata Silvia , Mussoni Matilde , Burattini Sabrina , Falcieri Elisabetta , Turrini Eleonora , Fimognari Carmela , Buschini Annamaria , Lazzaretti Mirca , Beghi Sofia , Girotti Stefano , Sangiorgi Stefano , Bolelli Luca , Ghini Severino , Ferri Elida Nora , Fagiolino Ivan , Franchi Paola , Lucarini Marco , Mercatante Dario , Rodriguez-Estrada Maria Teresa , Lorenzini Antonello , Marchionni Silvia , Gabriele Morena , Longo Vincenzo , Paolini Moreno
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of IQOS Tobacco Heating System as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product based on an electronic heat-not-burn technology that purports to reduce the risk.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in a whole-body mode to IQOS aerosol for 4 weeks. We performed the chemical characterization of IQOS mainstream and we studied the ultrastructural changes in trachea and lung parenchyma of rats exposed to IQOS stick mainstream and tissue pro-inflammatory markers. We investigated the reactive oxygen species amount along with the markers of tissue and DNA oxidative damage. Moreover, we tested the putative genotoxicity of IQOS mainstream through Ames and alkaline Comet mutagenicity assays.

Results

Here, we identified irritating and carcinogenic compounds including aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the IQOS mainstream as sign of incomplete combustion and degradation of tobacco, that lead to severe remodelling of smaller and largest rat airways. We demonstrated that IQOS mainstream induces lung enzymes that activate carcinogens, increases tissue reactive radical concentration; promotes oxidative DNA breaks and gene level DNA damage; and stimulates mitogen activated protein kinase pathway which is involved in the conventional tobacco smoke-induced cancer progression.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings reveal that IQOS causes grave lung damage and promotes factors that increase cancer risk.

Implications

IQOS has been proposed as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, due to depressed concentration of various harmful constituents typical of traditional tobacco smoke. However, its lower health risks to consumers have yet to be determined. Our findings confirm that IQOS mainstream contains pyrolysis and thermogenic degradation by-products, the same harmful constituents of traditional cigarette smoke, and, for the first time, we show that it causes grave lung damage and promotes factors that increase cancer risk in the animal model.
Diagnosing and managing paediatric concussion: Key recommendations for general paediatricians and family doctors
Authors: Dawson Jennifer , Reed Nick , Bauman Shannon , Seguin Ryan , Zemek Roger
Published: May 2021

Concussion in children and adolescents is an important health concern. Most paediatric patients fully recover in 1 month or less following an acute concussion. However, some experience prolonged or persistent concussion symptoms for months. Those with prolonged post-concussion-related symptoms may have impaired quality of life, and limited involvement in social, academic, and physical activities with associated mental health implications. In this review, we share key updated clinical recommendations from the Living Guideline for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion that will improve the way general paediatricians and family doctors diagnose and manage paediatric patients with suspected concussion.
Knockdown of Succinate Dehydrogenase Assembly Factor 2 Induces Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Auxin Hypersensitivity Causing pH-Dependent Root Elongation
Authors: Tivendale Nathan D , Belt Katharina , Berkowitz Oliver , Whelan James , Millar A Harvey , Huang Shaobai
Published: May 2021

Metabolism, auxin signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) all contribute to plant growth, and each is linked to plant mitochondria and the process of respiration. Knockdown of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase assembly factor 2 (SDHAF2) in Arabidopsis thaliana lowered succinate dehydrogenase activity and led to pH-inducible root inhibition when the growth medium pH was poised at different points between 7.0 and 5.0, but this phenomenon was not observed in wildtype (WT). Roots of sdhaf2 mutants showed high accumulation of succinate, depletion of citrate and malate and up-regulation of ROS-related and stress-inducible genes at pH 5.5. A change of oxidative status in sdhaf2 roots at low pH was also evidenced by low ROS staining in root tips and altered root sensitivity to H2O2. sdhaf2 had low auxin activity in root tips via DR5-GUS staining but displayed increased indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, auxin) abundance and IAA hypersensitivity, which is most likely caused by the change in ROS levels. On this basis, we conclude that knockdown of SDHAF2 induces pH-related root elongation and auxin hyperaccumulation and hypersensitivity, mediated by altered ROS homeostasis. This observation extends the existing evidence of associations between mitochondrial function and auxin by establishing a cascade of cellular events that link them through ROS formation, metabolism and root growth at different pH values.
Advances in Two-Photon Imaging in Plants
Authors: Mizuta Yoko
Published: May 2021

Live and deep imaging play a significant role in the physiological and biological study of organisms. Two-photon excitation microscopy (2PEM), also known as multiphoton excitation microscopy, is a fluorescent imaging technique that allows deep imaging of living tissues. Two-photon lasers use near-infrared (NIR) pulse lasers that are less invasive and permit deep tissue penetration. In this review, recent advances in two-photon imaging and their applications in plant studies are discussed. Compared to confocal microscopy, NIR 2PEM exhibits reduced plant-specific autofluorescence, thereby achieving greater depth and high-resolution imaging in plant tissues. Fluorescent proteins with long emission wavelengths, such as orange–red fluorescent proteins, are particularly suitable for two-photon live imaging in plants. Furthermore, deep- and high-resolution imaging was achieved using plant-specific clearing methods. In addition to imaging, optical cell manipulations can be performed using femtosecond pulsed lasers at the single cell or organelle level. Optical surgery and manipulation can reveal cellular communication during development. Advances in in vivo imaging using 2PEM will greatly benefit biological studies in plant sciences.
Support for the Reliability and Validity of the National Institutes of Health Impact Stratification Score in a Sample of Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel with Low Back Pain
Authors: Hays Ron D , Orlando Edelen Maria , Rodriguez Anthony , Herman Patricia
Published: May 2021

Objective

Evaluate the Impact Stratification Score (ISS) measure of low back pain impact that assesses physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity.

Design

Secondary analyses of a prospective comparative effectiveness trial of active-duty military personnel with low back pain.

Setting

A Naval hospital at a military training site (Pensacola, Florida) and two military medical centers: 1) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, Maryland); and 2) San Diego Naval Medical Center.

Subjects

The 749 active-duty military personnel had an average age of 31 years, 76% were male, and 67% were white.

Methods

Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 6 weeks later, and 12 weeks later. Measures included the ISS, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), PROMIS-29 v1.0 satisfaction with social role participation scale, and single-item ratings of average pain, feeling bothered by low back pain in the past week, and a rating of change in low back pain.

Results

Internal consistency reliability for the ISS was 0.92–0.93 at the three time points. The ISS correlated 0.75 to 0.84 with the RMDQ, 0.51 to 0.78 with the single-item ratings, and −0.64 to −0.71 with satisfaction with social role participation. The ISS was responsive to change on the three single items. The area under the curve for the ISS predicting improvement on the rating of change from baseline to 6 weeks later was 0.83.

Conclusions

This study provides support for the reliability and validity of the ISS as a patient-reported summary measure for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain. The ISS is a useful indicator of low back impact.
Strict Id Laws Don’t Stop Voters: Evidence from a U.S. Nationwide Panel, 2008–2018
Authors: Cantoni Enrico , Pons Vincent
Published: May 2021

U.S. states increasingly require identification to vote—an ostensible attempt to deter fraud that prompts complaints of selective disenfranchisement. Using a difference-in-differences design on a panel data set with 1.6 billion observations, 2008–2018, we find that the laws have no negative effect on registration or turnout, overall or for any group defined by race, gender, age, or party affiliation. These results hold through a large number of specifications. Our most demanding specification controls for state, year, and voter fixed effects, along with state and voter time-varying controls. Based on this specification, we obtain point estimates of −0.1 percentage points for effects both on overall registration and turnout (with 95% confidence intervals of [−2.3; 2.1 percentage points] and [−3.0; 2.8 percentage points], respectively), and +1.4 percentage points for the effect on the turnout of nonwhite voters relative to whites (with a 95% confidence interval of [−0.5; 3.2 percentage points]). The lack of negative impact on voter turnout cannot be attributed to voters’ reaction against the laws, measured by campaign contributions and self-reported political engagement. However, the likelihood that nonwhite voters were contacted by a campaign increases by 4.7 percentage points, suggesting that parties’ mobilization might have offset modest effects of the laws on the participation of ethnic minorities. Finally, strict ID requirements have no effect on fraud, actual or perceived. Overall, our findings suggest that efforts to improve elections may be better directed at other reforms.
Interpersonal Coordination in Schizophrenia: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Dean Derek J , Scott Jason , Park Sohee
Published: May 2021

Interpersonal coordination forms the natural bridge between the self and others. It arises from the dynamic and complex set of embodied processes that involve nonverbal behaviors, perceptions, movement, and emotions that support adaptive interactions. Disembodiment has been implicated in a myriad of core clinical phenomena that manifest in a “praecox feeling” in persons with schizophrenia during interpersonal interactions. To further understand mechanisms underlying aberrant interpersonal interactions in schizophrenia, recent research has focused on mimicry, imitation, and interactional synchrony. In this study, we conducted a Pubmed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo database review of the literature on interpersonal coordination in schizophrenia to evaluate the body of work in mimicry, imitation, and interactional synchrony in relation to schizophrenia-spectrum conditions. The results of the review suggest that the sensory-motor processes underlying interpersonal coordination may result in impaired abilities to mimic and synchronize nonverbal behavior during interactions. Opportunities for future progress lie in studies of interpersonal coordination at different developmental stages of psychosis, potential use of interpersonal coordination to improve treatment adherence and reduce stigma, as well as interventions to improve social functioning in people with a serious mental illness.
Assessing brain iron and volume of subcortical nuclei in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Chai Chao , Ghassaban Kiarash , Ye Jingyi , Huang Yaqin , Zhang Tong , Wu Wei , Zhu Jinxia , Zhang Xianchang , Haacke E Mark , Wang Zhiyun , Xue Rong , Xia Shuang
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

The relationship of iron with cognitive and motor impairment in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) remains unknown.

Methods

Twenty-nine (29) patients and 28 healthy controls (HCs) underwent susceptibility weighted imaging and susceptibility mapping. These images were used to evaluate the nigrosome-1 (N1) sign in the substantia nigra (SN), global and regional high-iron (RII) content, and volume of subcortical nuclei.

Results

The number of iRBD patients with N1 loss (12) was significantly higher than HCs (2) (p = 0.005). Compared with HCs, the iRBD patients had reduced volume of the right caudate nucleus (RCN) (p < 0.05, false discovery rate [FDR] correction) but no significant changes in global and RII iron of the subcortical nuclei (all p > 0.05, FDR correction). Multiple regression analysis revealed that: for cognitive function, the RII iron of the RCN was significantly correlated with visuospatial function and the global iron of the right dentate nucleus (RDN) was correlated with memory function; for motor function, the RII iron of the left DN (LDN) and global iron of the left CN correlated with the Alternate-Tap test (left, average), the global iron of the LDN correlated with the Alternate-Tap test (right), and the global iron of the left GP correlated with the 3-m Timed Up and Go test (all p < 0.05, FDR correction).

Conclusions

Our exploratory analysis found that iRBD patients had a higher incidence of N1 loss and reduced RCN volume after FDR correction. Cognitive and motor impairment were associated with iron deposition in several cerebral nuclei after FDR correction.
Histograms of Frequency-Intensity Distribution Deep Learning to Predict the Seizure Liability of Drugs in Electroencephalography
Authors: Matsuda Naoki , Kinoshita Kenichi , Okamura Ai , Shirakawa Takafumi , Suzuki Ikuro
Published: May 2021

Detection of seizures as well as that of seizure auras is effective in improving the predictive accuracy of seizure liability of drugs. Whereas electroencephalography has been known to be effective for the detection of seizure liability, no established methods are available for the detection of seizure auras. We developed a method for detecting seizure auras through machine learning using frequency-characteristic images of electroencephalograms. Histograms of frequency-intensity distribution prepared from electroencephalograms of rats analyzed during seizures induced with 4-aminopyridine (6 mg/kg), strychnine (3 mg/kg), and pilocarpine (400 mg/kg), were used to create an artificial intelligence (AI) system that learned the features of frequency-characteristic images during seizures. The AI system detected seizure states learned in advance with 100% accuracy induced even by convulsants acting through different mechanisms, and the risk of seizure before a seizure was detected in general observation. The developed AI system determined that the unlearned convulsant Tramadol (150 mg/kg) was the risk of seizure and the negative compounds aspirin and vehicle were negative. Moreover, the AI system detected seizure liability even in electroencephalography data associated with the use of 4-aminopyridine (3 mg/kg), strychnine (1 mg/kg), and pilocarpine (150 mg/kg), which did not induce seizures detectable in general observation. These results suggest that the AI system developed herein is an effective means for electroencephalographic detection of seizure auras, raising expectations for its practical use as a new analytical method that allows for the sensitive detection of seizure liability of drugs that has been overlooked previously in preclinical studies.
Anticipated Difficult Airway During Obstetric General Anesthesia: Narrative Literature Review and Management Recommendations
Authors: Mushambi M.C. , Athanassoglou V. , Kinsella S.M.
Published: May 2021

(Anaesthesia. 2020;75:945–961)

The Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association (OAA) and the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) issued guidelines for difficult tracheal intubation in pregnant women in 2015. Many other organizations have published guidelines for difficult intubation in non-obstetric patients. This report aimed to review literature on difficult intubation in pregnant women and specifically address antenatal multidisciplinary planning for patients with anticipated and/or known difficult airway including awake tracheal intubation.
Caring for Women Who are Planning a Pregnancy, Pregnant, or Postpartum During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rasmussen S.A. , Jamieson D.J.
Published: May 2021

(JAMA. 2020;324:190–191)

Much is still unknown about the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pregnant women and their newborns, but data continue to emerge. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and professional organizations have made recommendations to guide the care for this population.
Factors Associated With Persistent Pain After Childbirth: A Narrative Review
Authors: Komatsu R. , Ando K. , Flood P.D.
Published: May 2021

(British J Anaesthesia. 2020;124:e117–e130)

A large proportion of parturients experience persistent pain following childbirth which is a particularly concerning issue considering the youth, vulnerability and population size involved. Identifying predictive factors for the development of persistent pain could improve screening practices and suggest interventions. This narrative review used current literature regarding predictive factors to improve identification of at-risk individuals.
Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Associated With COVID-19: The Risk Should not be Downplayed
Authors: Westgren M. , Pettersson K. , Hagberg H. , Acharya G.
Published: May 2021

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020;99:815–816)

While some countries have reported no increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity, a report from Sweden analyzing 108 cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy suggests otherwise. The study found pregnant and early postpartum women with COVID-19, compared to non-pregnant women, had a relative risk (RR) to receive intensive care of 5.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.89-10.08) and a RR to require invasive mechanical ventilation of 4.0 (95% CI 1.75-9.14). The RR remained elevated even when 50% more pregnancies were estimated to account for pregnancy losses (RR 3.4, 95% CI 1.86-6.52). While this study included only a small number of cases, these findings should not be ignored.
Exposure to General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery and Odds of Severe Postpartum Depression Requiring Hospitalization
Authors: Guglielminotti J. , Li G.
Published: May 2021

(Anesth Analg. 2020;131:1421–1429)

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 7 women in the United States. There is a need to identify actionable risk factors for PPD prior to the beginning of depressive symptoms. Cesarean delivery has been associated with increased risk of PPD compared to vaginal delivery. There have not been any studies investigating the effect of anesthesia mode on risk of PPD. This study hypothesized that general anesthesia for cesarean delivery, compared with neuraxial anesthesia, would increase the risk of severe PPD.
Travel Time to Access Obstetric and Neonatal Care in the United States
Authors: Roa L. , Uribe-Leitz T. , Fallah P.N. , Williams W. , Jarman M.P. , Bergmark R.W. , Boatin A.A. , Molina R.L.
Published: May 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136:610–612)

Timely access to obstetric care is an important measurement to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. The ability to travel to a facility that can perform essential surgeries, including cesarean delivery, within 2 hours is considered timely access by the Lancet Commission of Global Surgery. Some studies have used drive times of 30- or 60-minutes to assess timely access based on benchmarks for trauma, burns and stroke. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has no such benchmark for timely access to an obstetric care facility. This has raised concerns as both high-risk pregnancies and closures of rural obstetric units increase in the United States. The aim of this study is to evaluate U.S. travel times to access obstetric and neonatal intensive care in the U.S.
The Debate ROTEMs on–the Utility of Point-of-care Testing and Fibrinogen Concentrate in Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Agarwal S. , Laycock H.C.
Published: May 2021

(Anaesthesia. 2020;75:1247–1251)

A 2019 report by McNamara et al revealed 4 years of data from their use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to help guide the treatment of major obstetric hemorrhage (PPH; defined as >1500 mL estimated blood loss with continued bleeding or evidence of shock). Their proposed ROTEM-guided strategy for transfusion called for fibrinogen concentrate to treat coagulopathy in place of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and/or cryoprecipitate. The ROTEM-based protocol was compared to the previous care standard, which included a shock pack containing four units of FFP, four units of packed red cells, and one pooled unit of platelets. The authors of the original report noted that use of the ROTEM-guided transfusion algorithm had a statistically significant reduction in the number of units and total volume of blood products transfused. This, in turn, pushed them to argue that not all women who experience major PPH are coagulopathic suggesting that perhaps goal-directed transfusion guided by point-of-care (POC) testing is more justified than the routine use of transfusion shock packs in these cases. This issue of Clinical Consequences aims to discuss several controversies: use of fibrinogen concentrates in PPH-related coagulopathy, utility of POC testing in obstetrics and impact of POC testing in guidelines for PPH management; and finally the McNamara et al paper’s likely influence on clinical practice.
Thromboelastographic Assessment of Fibrinolytic Activity in Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Arnolds D.E. , Scavone B.M.
Published: May 2021

(Anesth Analg. 2020;131:1373–1379)

A previous study in mostly low-resource settings found that tranexamic acid, a fibrinolytic inhibitor, decreased death due to bleeding in postpartum hemorrhage, but not overall mortality, compared with placebo. It is unclear what role fibrinolysis plays in postpartum hemorrhage. This retrospective study aimed to estimate the incidence of elevated fibrinolytic activity during postpartum hemorrhage in a single-center, high resource environment.
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Wherefore Art Thou, Hyperfibrinolysis?
Authors: Butwick A.J.
Published: May 2021

(Anesth Analg. 2020;131:1370–1372)

In the World Maternal Antifibrinolytic Trial (WOMAN), a randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter trial, tranexamic acid was found to reduce the relative risk of death from exsanguination compared with placebo. This study took place in mostly low-resource settings, and whether these findings apply to high-resource settings has been the subject of debate. This has led to the investigation of changes in the fibrinolytic system during delivery, and the prevalence of hyperfibrinolysis in women who experience postpartum hemorrhage.
Effect of Prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Therapy vs. Standard Wound Dressing on Surgical-Site Infection in Obese Women After Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Tuuli M.G. , Liu J. , Tita A.T.N. , Longo S. , Trudell A. , Carter E.B. , Shanks A. , Woolfolk C. , Caughey A.B. , Warren D.K. , Odibo A.O. , Colditz G. , Macones G.A. , Harper L.
Published: May 2021

(JAMA. 2020;324:1180–1189)

Maternal obesity is associated with greater likelihood of cesarean delivery and higher risk of surgical-site infection. While prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy using portable, single-use systems has been increasingly used following cesarean delivery, larger studies are needed to evaluate its ability to decrease infections. This study aimed to compare the effects of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy and standard wound dressing on risk of surgical-site infections. The authors hypothesized negative pressure wound therapy would decrease infections.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Biomarker Discovery Using Plasma Proteomics
Authors: Shainker S.A. , Silver R.M. , Modest A.M. , Hacker M.R. , Hecht J.L. , Salahuddin S. , Dillon S.T. , Ciampa E.J. , D’Alton M.E. , Otu H.H. , Abuhamad A.Z. , Einerson B.D. , Branch D.W. , Wylie B.J. , Libermann TA , Karumanchi S.A.
Published: May 2021

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;223:433.e1–14)

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), which includes placenta accreta, placenta increta and placenta percreta, often leads to hysterectomy and large-volume maternal hemorrhage and is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. While maternal outcomes can be improved with planning after an accurate diagnosis, more than 50% of pregnancies complicated by PAS are not diagnosed prior to delivery. A method of reliable, early diagnosis of PAS is needed to improve maternal outcomes. This study used a novel aptamer-based platform for biomarker discovery to explore whether women who experience PAS have a unique protein signature in maternal plasma during the third trimester that may be used to diagnose PAS.
Vaginal Delivery in SARS-CoV-2-infected Pregnant Women in Northern Italy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ferrazzi E. , Frigerio L. , Savasi V. , Vergani P. , Prefumo F. , Barresi S. , Bianchi S. , Ciriello E. , Facchinetti F. , Gervasi M.T. , Iurlaro E. , Kustermann A. , Mangili G. , Mosca F. , Patane L. , Spazzini D. , Spinillo A. , Trojano G. , Vignali M. , Villa A. , Zuccotti G.V. , Parazzini F. , Cetine L.
Published: May 2021

(BJOG. 2020;127:1116–1121)

Most of the information on the effect of COVID-19 infections during pregnancy is based off of previously available information for other highly pathogenic coronaviruses such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In order to supplement the lack of information regarding COVID-19 infections during pregnancy, the primary aim of this study was to report both mode of delivery and immediate neonatal outcome for SARS-CoV-2-infected women observed in Lombardy during the early phase of the pandemic.