bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate shapes the spatiotemporal variation in color morph diversity and composition across the distribution range ofChrysomela lapponicaleaf beetle
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Oudendijk Zowi , Forsman Anders , Lanta Vojtěch , Barclay Maxwell V. L. , Gusarov Vladimir I. , Gustafsson Bert , Huang Zheng‐Zhong , Kruglova Oksana Y. , Marusik Yuri M. , Mikhailov Yuri E. , Mutanen Marko , Schneider Alexander , Sekerka Lukáš , Sergeev Maksim E. , Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: August 2021

Color polymorphism offers rich opportunities for studying the eco‐evolutionary mechanisms that drive the adaptations of local populations to heterogeneous and changing environments. We explored the color morph diversity and composition in aChrysomela lapponicaleaf beetle across its entire distribution range to test the hypothesis that environmental and climatic variables shape spatiotemporal variation in the phenotypic structure of a polymorphic species. We obtained information on 13 617 specimens of this beetle from museums, private collections, and websites. These specimens (collected from 1830–2020) originated from 959 localities spanning 33° latitude, 178° longitude, and 4200 m altitude. We classified the beetles into five color morphs and searched for environmental factors that could explain the variation in the level of polymorphism (quantified by the Shannon diversity index) and in the relative frequencies of individual color morphs. The highest level of polymorphism was found at high latitudes and altitudes. The color morphs differed in their climatic requirements; composition of colour morphs was independent of the geographic distance that separated populations but changed with collection year, longitude, mean July temperature and between‐year temperature fluctuations. The proportion of melanic beetles, in line with the thermal melanism hypothesis, increased with increasing latitude and altitude and decreased with increasing climate seasonality. Melanic morph frequencies also declined during the past century, but only at high latitudes and altitudes where recent climate warming was especially strong. The observed patterns suggest that color polymorphism is especially advantageous for populations inhabiting unpredictable environments, presumably due to the different climatic requirements of coexisting color morphs.
The role of endoscopic ultrasound in evaluating patients with bile duct dilation of unclear etiology
Authors: Phan Jennifer , Ge Phillip S. , Kardashian Ani , Kim Stephen , Sedarat Alireza , Watson Rabindra , Muthusamy V. Raman
Published: August 2021

Objective

Bile duct dilation (BDD) of unclear etiology is a common indication for further imaging via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). We aimed to assess the yield of EUS in determining BDD etiology in patients with prior non‐diagnostic imaging studies.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed at a single, tertiary‐care university hospital for patients referred for EUS for BDD with or without pancreatic duct dilation (PDD). EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed if a focal lesion was identified. Cases with an etiology of BDD diagnosed or strongly suggested by prior imaging were excluded. EUS findings believed to represent a structural cause for BDD included a wide range of pancreaticobiliary and luminal pathology as well as patients' clinical factors.

Results

In total, 307 patients were identified. Findings to explain BDD were found by EUS in 213 patients for a diagnostic yield of 69.4%. Patients with jaundice were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis by EUS than those without (78.8% vs 55.3%, P < 0.01). Notably, 8.1% of patients with normal liver function test (LFT) had a EUS‐diagnosed malignancy. Patients' age, narcotic use, concurrent PDD and prior cholecystectomy did not appear to influence the EUS yield.

Conclusions

EUS continues to play a substantial role in evaluating BDD of unclear etiology, most notably in patients with jaundice. In addition, given that 8.1% of asymptomatic patients without jaundice or abnormal LFT had malignancy diagnosed on EUS, the use of EUS for BDD of unclear etiology remains warranted.
Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor‐induced diabetic ketoacidosis following tooth extraction: improving awareness among dental practitioners
Authors: Yap SD , Hamblin PS , Bach L , Ekinci E , Wong R
Published: August 2021

Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) are a relatively new class of oral glucose lowering agents that improve glycaemic control and also provide significant cardiac and renal benefits. However, SGLT‐2i use is associated with a small but significant increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) especially during periods of reduced oral intake such as following dental procedures, bowel preparation for colonoscopy, surgery and concurrent illness. In contrast with typical DKA, in many cases of SGLT2i‐associated DKA, the blood glucose is normal or only slightly elevated, giving rise to the term euglycaemic DKA (euDKA). Patients with euDKA often present with non‐specific symptoms. Moreover, their normal or only mildly elevated blood glucose levels might lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and hence potentially life‐threatening complications. Not only should patients taking an SGLT‐2i be informed about the risk of euDKA, and be provided with SGLT‐2i sick day management education, but clinicians should also be alert to this diagnosis.
Stakeholder theory and the knowledge problem: A Hayekian perspective
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav
Published: August 2021

This paper explores the potential for stakeholder theory to illuminate what F.A. Hayek called “the knowledge problem”, pertaining to how a society manages to utilize “knowledge not given to anyone in its totality”. According to Hayek, this problem is addressed by the price system, which induces economic actors to harness local and dispersed pieces of knowledge that would not be available to a central planner. The present paper argues that the growing turbulence in the business environment, as pointed out by stakeholder theorists, poses a challenge to the ability of corporate managers to harness local knowledge. Stakeholder theory is shown to imply that, in a turbulent environment, managers’ ability to do so is increasingly dependent on their access to the knowledge held by corporate stakeholders. This argument suggests that the building of stakeholder relationships is a crucial institutional solution to the knowledge problem.
Does serum leptin levels differ between patients with rhinitis of allergic versus nonallergic aetiology?
Authors: Kalpaklıoglu Ayse Fusun , Baccioglu Ayşe , Yalim Sümeyra Alan
Published: August 2021

Background

Leptin may play a critical role in airway inflammation. However, it has rarely been evaluated in rhinitis with different aetiology. This study aimed to compare the serum leptin levels between allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).

Methods

Patients with chronic rhinitis were classified due to skin prick (ALK‐Abello/Madrid) and/or serum‐specific immunoglobulin E tests (UniCAP 100‐Pharmacia), against to aeroallergens if concordant with symptoms.

Results

A total of 398 patients with a mean age of 29.03 years were recruited and grouped as AR and NAR. Mean serum leptin levels were similar in patients with NAR and AR, as well as in patients with and without asthma, but were significantly higher in females than males in both groups. Also, leptin levels were significantly higher in obese than nonobese patients in AR. In correlation analysis, leptin levels were found to be correlated with female gender, older age, and high body mass index (BMI) in the whole group. Despite the higher total nasal symptom score (TNSS) in patients with AR compared with NAR, there was no association of leptin levels with TNSS, severity and seasonality of symptoms, and allergen sensitization. In logistic regression analysis, younger age and high serum leptin levels were found to be independent predictors for the diagnosis of AR.

Conclusions

We conclude that female patients with high BMI are more prone to AR probably due to immunological effects of adipose tissue, in addition to hormonal factors. This study showed that leptin measurement has limited value as a sole diagnostic tool to differentiate AR and NAR.
Chinese migration to Latin America: From colonial to contemporary era
Authors: Gao Jian
Published: August 2021

This historiographical essay surveys the major works on the history of Chinese migration to Latin America spanning from the colonial to the contemporary era. Tracing the main historical events that scholars have examined, this paper comprehensively presents the various arguments and approaches represented in the current scholarship while delineating the research frontiers. Attending to the different geographical and temporal frameworks found in the historiography, this paper shows that the studies on Chinese migration to Latin America in different eras are unevenly distributed by country. It further argues that new perspectives and innovative methodologies for investigating the lived experiences of Chinese Latin Americans unfettered from the nation‐states’ standpoints are still wanting. Paying attention to the primary sources used by historians, this paper especially points out that the lack of Chinese‐language sources in these studies have hampered historians from constructing narratives from the perspectives and voices of the migrants themselves. However, such trend has been slowly changing in recent years.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: Comparison of standard versus tacker combination method
Authors: Yoshizawa Tsuyoshi , Mochida Junichi , Yamaguchi Kenya , Kadotani Masaya , Hashimoto Sho , Funakoshi Daigo , Sakurai Fuminori , Hori Yutaro , Obinata Daisuke , Takahashi Satoru
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse between a group in which only sutures were used (standard method), and a group in which a combination of tackers and sutures were used (tacker combination method).

Methods

A total of 77 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexys from June 2016 to October 2019 were divided into a suture group (36 patients) and a suture + tacker group (41 patients). We retrospectively compared operation time, amount of blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, incidence of perioperative complications and anatomical cure rate 1 year after surgery. Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using symptom questionnaires and objective parameters.

Results

Operation time in the suture + tacker group was shorter (104.9 ± 27.0 vs 147.5 ± 33.7 min; P < 0.0001). The incidence of perioperative complications in the suture group and the suture + tacker group was 2.8% and 2.4%, respectively (P = 0.9409). Anatomical cure rates at 1 year after surgery were 94.4% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.2153). Both groups showed significant improvement after 1 year for International Prostate Symptom Score total and quality of life score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score total score, voided volume, maximum urinary flow rate and post‐void residual. [Corrections added on 7 September 2021 after first online publication: the first two P‐values have been updated.]

Conclusions

The combined use of sutures and tackers in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy simplifies the procedure and translates into shorter operation time. Surgical outcomes at 1 year and improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms are similar regardless of the technique.
Modelling the advancement of chilling tolerance breeding in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Guo Erjing , Shi Yanying , Xue Cheng , Zhu Xi , Dong Xin , Li Tao , Wang Lizhi , Jiang Shukun , Xiang Hongtao , Wang Lianmin , Feng Yangjiang , Lai Yongcai , Cao Tiehua , Li Shanlong , Ma Shuqing , Ma Haoyu , Zhou Litao , Wang Xi , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2021

Despite global warming, chilling injury during the reproductive stage is still a severe climate stress in temperate rice production systems. Much work has been done on stress avoidance by altering sowing dates and cultivar maturation, but stress tolerance has received less attention. The lack of data to inform existing genetic differences in chilling tolerance impedes model‐based investigations exploring this adaptation. Here, from multiple data sources, we composited control experiments of 25 major rice cultivars in Northeast China, which allows determining the genetic differences in chilling tolerance. The results suggest that newer released rice cultivars tend to resist stronger chilling than older cultivars, and there is a coexistence between high‐yielding and more chilling tolerance. By projecting the above statistical relationship to regional yield, our analysis indicates that the lower chilling sensitivity due to such breeding progress may reduce yield fluctuation by approximately 74% in the lousy harvest year since 1960. Our results also indicate that chilling exposure at booting and flowering not only results in sterility but also may impact grain filling. Our study highlights the quantified cultivar difference in chilling tolerance based on the existing rice genotypes that can support further simulation‐driven studies on the genetic adaptation of chilling stress and improve the quantitative evaluation of cultivar chilling tolerance in crop improvement.
Multiple logic gates system based on dual‐wavelength triggered enhancing upconversion luminescence of Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+
Authors: Fan Xuemei , Ying Weitao , Xu Shiqing , Gu Jianmin , Liu Shimin
Published: August 2021

A complex UC logic system using 1470 and 1550 nm dual‐wavelength as triggering signals has been developed to implement multilevel logic operations. Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ upconversion luminescence material can achieve significantly emission enhancement upon simultaneous excitation of 1470 and 1550 nm dual‐wavelength due to the synergistic effect of two kinds of photons realizing better match with energy level. The influences of excitation power and low temperature on dual‐wavelength enhancement effect are also in‐depth researched. Multiple logic combination operations including two‐output (YES + OR, AND + XOR, AND + INHIBIT, YES + INHIBIT) and three‐output (AND + YES + OR) are developed in this Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ UC logic system by employing 1470 and 1550 nm excitation resources as input signals and detecting the change of relative intensity of green, red emission and red/green intensity ratio. It is notable that two outputs and three outputs signals in this UC emission system can simultaneously execute different logic operations, which could greatly enlarge the capacity of logic information base and enhance the ability of information processing. These results not only provide a good enlightenment for the design of complex logic systems but also are indispensable for development of various functional devices.
Where's the germs? The effects of using virtual reality on nursing students' hospital infection prevention during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Butzlaff Alice
Published: August 2021

Background

Virtual reality can be a useful substitute to improve nursing education outside of the hospital setting. In the wake of COVID‐19, an opportunity to compare a virtual reality activity for nursing students in the traditional classroom and in an online environment took place.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of incorporating a virtual reality activity into the traditional classroom and in an online environment to enhance nursing education.

Methods

Fifty nursing students participated in an exploratory descriptive study. Twenty‐five students participated face‐to‐face while in the traditional classroom setting and 25‐students participated in an online environment using a communication platform. Through a virtual reality activity, nursing students successfully created a tour which demonstrated identifying infectious sites in a hospital room setting.

Results and Conclusions

Results of the pre‐and post‐test showed students’ positive perceptions and performances in both traditional classroom and online settings. However, the study revealed a statistical difference between the two group perceptions towards the use of the virtual reality tour creator. Nursing students who were in the traditional classroom group found that the use the virtual reality tour creator was easier.

Implications

Designing a meaningful virtual reality activity has a positive impact of the student learning experience. Students may benefit from a more through orientation to the technology prior to engaging in the activity. A carefully constructed activity can enhance student learning outside of the hospital room.
Self‐leadership: A meta‐analysis of over two decades of research
Authors: Harari Michael B. , Williams Ethlyn A. , Castro Stephanie L. , Brant Katarina K.
Published: August 2021

Self‐leadership has been the subject of dozens of empirical investigations over the past several decades and has emerged as a pivotal construct in the self‐influence literature. Despite the interest in the construct, the myriad of disparate variables studied and the absence of a quantitative systematic review summarizing findings have combined to limit our ability to cohesively interpret and draw meaningful conclusions from this large literature. To address this, we carried out a meta‐analysis of the nomological network of self‐leadership, encompassing effect sizes from 101 studies and 111 independent samples. Drawing on social cognitive theory to frame our research questions and hypotheses, we evaluate global self‐leadership and its constituent strategies (i.e., behaviour‐focused, constructive thought, natural rewards) as predictors of job performance, self‐efficacy, and job attitudes. In addition to evaluating zero‐order correlations, we use regression and relative‐weight analyses to evaluate the three strategies’ effects on the various outcomes simultaneously, delineating their relative contributions. Our meta‐analysis examines the Five‐Factor Model of personality traits as antecedents. We also observed evidence suggesting that self‐leadership’s relationships were moderated by national power distance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

Self‐leadership is meaningfully associated with conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and transformational leadership.

Fostering employee self‐leadership may promote productive cognition, attitudes, and behaviors.

Self‐leadership training programs can target specific strategies for training based on the desired outcome.
First saying, then believing: The pragmatic roots of folk psychology
Authors: Geurts Bart
Published: August 2021

Linguistic research has revealed several pathways of language change that may guide our understanding of the evolution of mental‐state attribution. In particular, it turns out that, in many languages, quotative verbs have been exapted for attributing a variety of mental states, including beliefs and intentions. In such languages, the literal translation of, “Betty said: ‘There will be war’”, may be used not only to quote Betty's words, but also to convey that she thought or intended there to be war. This paper presents a model of the pragmatic shifts underlying this pathway, and proposes an evolutionary trajectory from quotation to the public practice of attributing beliefs and intentions, and thence to implicit belief/intention attribution.
Age‐related differences of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission in human colonic smooth muscle
Authors: Zizzo Maria Grazia , Cicio Adele , Raimondo Stefania , Alessandro Riccardo , Serio Rosa
Published: August 2021

Background

Enteric neurons undergo to functional changes during aging. We investigated the possible age‐associated differences in enteric γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission evaluating function and distribution of GABAergic receptors in human colon.

Methods

Mechanical responses to GABA and GABA receptor agonists on slow phasic contractions were examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension in colonic muscle strips from young (<65 years old) and aged patients (>65 years old). GABAergic receptor expression was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR.

Key Results

In both preparations GABA induced an excitatory effect, consisting in an increase in the basal tone, antagonized by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, and potentiated by phaclofen, GABAB receptor antagonist.Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and atropine‐sensitive contractile responses to GABA and GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, were more pronounced in old compared to young subjects. Baclofen, GABAB receptor agonist, induced a TTX‐sensitive reduction of the amplitude of the spontaneous. Nω–nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor abolished the inhibitory responses in old preparations, but a residual responses persisted in young preparations, which in turn was abolished by suramin, purinergic receptor antagonist. α3–GABAA receptor subunit expression tends to change in an age‐dependent manner.

Conclusions and inferences

Our results reveal age‐related differences in GABAergic transmission in human colon. At all the age tested GABA regulates muscular contractility modulating the activity of the intrinsic neurons. Activation of GABAA receptor, through acetylcholine release, induces contraction, which increases in amplitude with age. GABAB receptor activation leads to neural release of NO and purines, being a loss of purinergic‐component in aged group.
Trends in Comorbidities and Postoperative Complications of Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients from 2000 to 2019: Results from a Hip Fracture Cohort in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Jiang Yu , Luo Yan , Lyu Houchen , Li Yi , Gao Yuan , Fu Xiaojie , Wu Huan , Wu Rilige , Yin Pengbin , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu
Published: August 2021

Objective

To describe the secular trends in comorbidities and postoperative complications of geriatric hip fracture patients from the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital Hip Fracture Cohort between 2000 and 2019.

Methods

We included 2,805 hip fracture patients aged 65 years or older and received surgical treatment from 25 January 2000 to 19 December 2019. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and the time to surgery were extracted and examined in each 5‐year period based on the admission year, namely 2000–2004, 2005–2009, 2010–2014, and 2015–2019. Categorical data were analyzed by chi‐squared or Fisher's exact test, with ordinal data by row mean scores difference test and continuous data by one‐way analysis of variance. Trends in comorbidities and postoperative complications were examined by the Cochran–Armitage trend test.

Results

The average age of the included population was 79.1 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation), and 69.1% were female. From 2000 to 2019, the proportion of females increased from 59.8% to 73.0% (P for trend <0.05). Hypertension (51.8%), type 2 diabetes (23.6%), coronary heart disease (20.9%), stroke (18.7%), and arrhythmia (11.2%) were the most prevalent five comorbidities. The proportion of hypertension was 27.0%, 45.4%, 53.0%, and 57.2% in each 5‐year period with an increasing trend (P for trend <0.05). The proportion of type 2 diabetes was 9.8%, 22.8%, 23.5%, and 26.0% in each 5‐year period (P for trend <0.05). Similar increasing trends were found in myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and tumor. On the contrary, the proportion of patients with major postoperative complications decreased from 2000 to 2019, with 23.0%, 14.6%, 6.5%, and 5.6% in each 5‐year period (P for trend <0.05). For each specific postoperative complication, i.e. pneumonia, cardiovascular event, respiratory failure, and in‐hospital death, similar decreasing trends were found (all P for trend <0.05).

Conclusion

This descriptive analysis sheds light on the fact that the health status of the hip fracture population tends to shift gradually. Improving concepts and practices of clinical interventions may help reduce postoperative complications, whereas challenges in the management of comorbidities increase.
Pregnancy‐related outcomes among women with physical disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L. , Antoniak Katherine , Chan Melany , Sassano Caprice , Stein Cheryl R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Disability among women of reproductive age is common; many of these women desire children and do not have impaired fertility.

Objectives

To examine the epidemiological literature on perinatal health outcomes among women with physical disabilities.

Data sources

We searched Medline and CINAHL for articles published January 2009–April 2020 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Study selection and data extraction

Eligible studies were observational, quantitative, and reported on physical disabilities in association with prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and/or infant health outcomes. We included studies that grouped physical and non‐physical disabilities, such as surveys that queried only about general daily life limitations. We excluded case reports, descriptive studies without comparison groups, and studies conducted in low‐ or middle‐income countries. Data extraction was done using predefined data fields.

Synthesis

All authors were involved in screening activities, data extraction, and/or quality assessment (rating and areas for bias).

Results

A total of 2650 articles were evaluated, of which sixteen met inclusion criteria (8 cross‐sectional studies and 8 retrospective cohort studies). Assessments of disability status and perinatal outcomes widely varied across studies. Studies were rated as poor (n = 8) or fair quality (n = 8). Findings suggested that women with physical disabilities were at risk of several adverse outcomes, including caesarean delivery, infections, preterm complications, and maternal post‐delivery hospitalisations, while their infants may be at risk of low birthweight and small‐for‐gestational age. Women classified as having complex/severe disabilities were often observed to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to women with less severe disabilities.

Conclusions

Research assessing how physical, functional, and medical restrictions influence health outcomes among women with physical disabilities, from preconception through postpartum, is limited. Longitudinal studies with comprehensive data collection that accurately identify women with physical disabilities are critical to understanding their reproductive health risks and outcomes.
The Problem of Lingering Sentiment: Is Donald Trump Still the Nation's CEO?
Authors: Hart Roderick P.
Published: August 2021

This essay distinguishes the chronology of a presidency—how long it lasts in months and years—from the phenomenology of a presidency, what it comes to mean in the eyes of the American people. The case in point is the presidency of Donald Trump, an administration that has somehow “continued” since the time he left office because of the active rhetorical work performed not only by Trump and his supporters but also by the nation's journalists, who have found it wise to keep Trump in the headlines. Phenomenologically, that is, the nation now has two presidents, one statutory and the other stipulative, a condition that preserves a sharp dialectic between past and present. Depending on one's partisan outlook, this double presidency can be seen as reinforcing, annoying, or frightening, but it is nonetheless rhetorically compelling.
Old wine in a new bottle? Impact of the ISPAAD input subsidy program on the subsistence economy in Botswana
Authors: Seleka Tebogo B.
Published: August 2021

Input subsidy programs (ISPs) are an important part of agricultural development strategy in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet impact assessments of ISPs in SSA have been dominated by Malawi and Zambia programs. This article adds to the growing literature by estimating the impact of the Integrated Support Program for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) on crop production in Botswana's subsistence economy, using panel data for five agricultural regions and the period of 1978/1979 to 2013/2014. The article also assesses program benefits (relative to public costs) and sustainability. Results show that the program has induced increases of 78%, 87%, 40%, 168%, and 46% in total acreage, cereal acreage, non‐cereal acreage, cereal output, and cereal yields, respectively. However, the value of crops produced was equivalent to only 51% of public expenditure on land cultivation and seasonal inputs. Moreover, the ratio of the value of incremental cereals produced to program expenditure on cereals was estimated at 26%. Therefore, ISPAAD’s positive impacts on crop production cannot be sustained beyond the program implementation period. Some farmers would exit if they were to directly bear the costs of land preparation, let alone seasonal inputs.
Impact of broad‐spectrum antibiotic exposures and multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteremia on hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes
Authors: Kaundal Shaweta , Jandial Aditya , Singh Harmandeep , Chopra Madhu , Kasudhan Kripa Shanker , Khaire Niranjan , Khadwal Alka , Prakash Gaurav , Jain Arihant , Suri Vikas , Patil Amol , Arora Amit , Sharma Vishal , Ray Pallab , Malhotra Pankaj , Lad Deepesh P.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

There is a close association between the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, gut microbiome alteration, multidrug resistant (MDR) gram‐negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia, graft versus host disease (GVHD), and mortality post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). This study reports the impact of the high use of carbapenems and colistin and MDR bacteremia pre‐ and post‐HCT on HCT outcomes.

Methods

This was a single‐center, partial retrospective, and prospective study from 2016 to 2020. Both pre‐ and post‐HCT antibiotic exposures and blood culture/sensitivity were recorded. MDR GNB was defined as either non‐susceptibility to third‐generation cephalosporin or carbapenems. In the absence of positive cultures, the treating physician escalated antibiotics from third‐generation cephalosporins to carbapenem and/or colistin as per clinical discretion. De‐escalation policy was not strictly enforced.

Results

MDR GNB bacteremia was seen in 29 of 76 (38%) of patients peri‐HCT. The utilization rates for carbapenems and colistin was significantly higher in the cohort with MDR GNB bacteremia pre‐HCT (70% vs. 32%, p = 0.002 and 31% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.007, respectively) and post‐HCT (100% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.002, and 55.2% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.0001, respectively). The cohort with MDR GNB bacteremia had significantly more severe acute GVHD at day+100 (45% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.009). The median survival was 204 days compared to not reached in the cohort without any MDR GNB bacteremia (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

This study shows pre‐ and post‐HCT MDR GNB bacteremia is associated with an increased risk of severe acute GVHD and mortality. Patients with MDR GNB bacteremia had higher exposure to pre‐ and post‐HCT carbapenems and colistin.
Phosphatidic acid‐PKA signaling regulates p38 and ERK1/2 functions in ligand‐independent EGFR endocytosis
Authors: Metz Claudia , Oyanadel Claudia , Jung Juan , Retamal Claudio , Cancino Jorge , Barra Jonathan , Venegas Jaime , Du Guangwei , Soza Andrea , González Alfonso
Published: August 2021

Ligand‐independent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) endocytosis is inducible by a variety of stress conditions converging upon p38 kinase. A less known pathway involves phosphatidic acid (PA) signaling toward the activation of type 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE4) that decrease cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. This PA/PDE4/PKA pathway is triggered with propranolol used to inhibit PA hydrolysis and induces clathrin‐dependent and clathrin‐independent endocytosis, followed by reversible accumulation of EGFR in recycling endosomes. Here we give further evidence of this signaling pathway using biosensors of PA, cAMP, and PKA in live cells and then show that it activates p38 and ERK1/2 downstream the PKA inhibition. Clathrin‐silencing and IN/SUR experiments involved the activity of p38 in the clathrin‐dependent route, while ERK1/2 mediates clathrin‐independent EGFR endocytosis. The PA/PDE4/PKA pathway selectively increases the EGFR endocytic rate without affecting LDLR and TfR constitute endocytosis. This selectiveness is probably because of EGFR phosphorylation, as detected in Th1046/1047 and Ser669 residues. The EGFR accumulates at perinuclear recycling endosomes colocalizing with TfR, fluorescent transferrin, and Rab11, while a small proportion distributes to Alix‐endosomes. A non‐selective recycling arrest includes LDLR and TfR in a reversible manner. The PA/PDE4/PKA pathway involving both p38 and ERK1/2 expands the possibilities of EGFR transmodulation and interference in cancer.
Alopecias in humans: biology, pathomechanisms and emerging therapies
Authors: Willems Anneliese , Sinclair Rodney
Published: August 2021

Background

The hair follicle is a complete mini‐organ with a complex biology. Recent discoveries have shed light on the pathogenesis and genetic basis of a number of hair loss conditions, offering novel treatment alternatives.

Objective

To explore the biology and physiology of hair growth, the pathomechanism behind alopecias and emerging therapies.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Hair growth is influenced by numerous physiological moderators. Greater understanding of the biology and physiology of the hair follicle and the pathomechanisms of hair disease facilitates development of targeted treatments. Sublingual minoxidil is a promising therapy in humans where optimised drug delivery enhances efficacy and reduces systemic adverse effects. Janice kinase inhibitors, which disrupt the inflammatory cascade, help maintain the hair follicle, preserve immune privilege, and regrow hair in alopecia areata. As the pathomechanisms of other forms of alopecia become better understood, new targeted therapies with greater efficacy will emerge.
Two new feather mites of the genus Proctophyllodes (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines of China (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Ziying , Chen Jun
Published: August 2021

Two new species of the feather mite genus Proctophyllodes (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae) are described from two passerine birds (Passeriformes) in China: Proctophyllodes scleroticus sp. nov. from the Brandt's Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti pallidior (Fringillidae) and P. micrurus sp. nov. from the White-rumped Snow Finch Onychostruthus taczanowskii (Passeridae). Proctophyllodes scleroticus sp. nov. belongs to the tricetratus species-group, and differs from the most similar species P. petroniae Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 by the following characters: in male, the genital sheath is heavily sclerotized, peach shaped, and extending to the level of setae g, anal suckers are surrounded with a pair of membranes, and terminal lamella is relatively greater, and in female, lobar shield is divided into two independent shields by the anal opening and anal opening extends beyond the level of setae ps1, terminal appendage is long. Proctophyllodes micrurus sp. nov. belongs to the musicus species-group, and differs from the most similar species P. saltatoris Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 by the following characters: in male, genital arch and the anterior part of opisthogastric shield are about the same width, anal suckers are surrounded with a pair of membranes, genital organ extends to the anterior 1/3 of the level of setae g and setae ps3, terminal lamella are located closely to each other and slightly greater, and in female, lobar shields are medially divided into two halves, terminal appendages are small, about 1/10 of setae h3, edge of the cleft is almost horizontal.
Characterization and optimization of bonding and interconnect technology for 3D stacking thin dies
Authors: Nittala Pavani Vamsi Krishna , Haridas Karthika , Nigam Shivam , Tasneem Saba , Sen Prosenjit
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the process flow optimizations for the 3D stacking of thin silicon dies. This process is developed for the postfabrication 3D integration technique, which can be used by 3D packaging and heterogenous or hybrid integration fabs. Bonding of the thin silicon layers is optimized by reducing the epoxy thickness. Further, a detailed of set experiments were used to characterize the stress in the thin silicon films. Finally, a hybrid process flow is demonstrated for achieving finer interconnect linewidths of 10 μm. The 3D stacking approach is based on the bonding of thin dies followed by SU-8 planarization. Vias are opened in the planarization layer using lithography. The interconnection methodology fills the SU-8 polymer vias with inkjet-printed silver. Printing the interconnect lines using the standard inkjet printer limits the linewidth to ∼100 μm. To address this, a hybrid process is developed to scale the interconnect line widths. Along with interconnects in the multilayer stack, we demonstrate a minimum line width and spacing of 10 μm and a via diameter of 10 μm.
How reliable are online speech intelligibility studies with known listener cohorts?
Authors: Cooke Martin , García Lecumberri María Luisa
Published: August 2021

Although the use of nontraditional settings for speech perception experiments is growing, there have been few controlled comparisons of online and laboratory modalities in the context of speech intelligibility. The current study compares outcomes from three web-based replications of recent laboratory studies involving distorted, masked, filtered, and enhanced speech, amounting to 40 separate conditions. Rather than relying on unrestricted crowdsourcing, this study made use of participants from the population that would normally volunteer to take part physically in laboratory experiments. In sentence transcription tasks, the web cohort produced intelligibility scores 3–6 percentage points lower than their laboratory counterparts, and test modality interacted with experimental condition. These disparities and interactions largely disappeared after the exclusion of those web listeners who self-reported the use of low quality headphones, and the remaining listener cohort was also able to replicate key outcomes of each of the three laboratory studies. The laboratory and web modalities produced similar measures of experimental efficiency based on listener variability, response errors, and outlier counts. These findings suggest that the combination of known listener cohorts and moderate headphone quality provides a feasible alternative to traditional laboratory intelligibility studies.
Emergence of Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Genes
tet
(X) and
mcr-1
in Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates from Pakistan
Authors: Li Ruichao , Mohsin Mashkoor , Lu Xiaoyu , Abdullah Sabahat , Munir Asim , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2021

Global transmission of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene
tet
(X)-bearing
Escherichia coli
strains incurs a public health concern. However, the research focusing on the prevalence of
tet
(X)-positive isolates in clinical specimens is still rare, and to our knowledge, there is no such report from South Asia.
Identification of Novel Mutations in the N Gene of SARS-CoV-2 That Adversely Affect the Detection of the Virus by Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR
Authors: Hasan Rashedul , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Miah Mojnu , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Rahman Mustafizur , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur
Published: August 2021

Accurate and timely diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical step toward controlling the viral spread, since it facilitates the identification and isolation of infected individuals. Mutations in the primer-/probe-binding sites may lead to false-negative results.
Mechanistic Insights into the Capsule-Targeting Depolymerase from a Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteriophage
Authors: Dunstan Rhys A. , Bamert Rebecca S. , Belousoff Matthew J. , Short Francesca L. , Barlow Christopher K. , Pickard Derek J. , Wilksch Jonathan J. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Strugnell Richard A. , Dougan Gordon , Lithgow Trevor
Published: August 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a medically important pathogen that produces a thick protective capsule that is essential for pathogenicity. Phages are natural predators of bacteria, and many encode diverse “capsule depolymerases” which specifically degrade the capsule of their hosts, an exploitable trait for potential therapies.
Use of the SpineJack direct reduction for treating type A2, A3 and A4 fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: a retrospective case series
Authors: Lofrese Giorgio , Ricciardi Luca , De Bonis Pasquale , Cultrera Francesco , Cappuccio Michele , Scerrati Alba , Martucci Antonio , Musio Antonio , Tosatto Luigino , De Iure Federico
Published: August 2021

Background

Compression injuries of the thoracolumbar spine without neurological impairment are usually treated with minimally invasive procedures. Intravertebral expandable implants represent an alternative strategy in fractures with low fragments’ displacement.

Methods

Patients with A2, A3 and A4 fractures of the T10–L2 spinal segment without neurological impairment, fracture gap >2 mm, vertebra plana, pedicle rupture, pedicle diameter <6 mm, spinal canal encroachment ≥50%, and vertebral body spread >30% were treated with the SpineJack device. Patients with pathological/osteoporotic fractures were excluded. Demographic and fracture-related data were assessed together with vertebral kyphosis correction, vertebral height restoration/loss of correction and final kyphosis. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Smiley–Webster Pain Scale (SWPS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were evaluated at 1 (-post), 6 and 12 months (-fup) after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed and p values ≤0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were included in the study. Patients aged >60 years reported worse kyphosis correction (<4°) with more postoperative complications, while vertebral plasticity in younger patients, fragmentation-related greater remodeling in A3/A4 fractures, and treatments within 7 days of trauma determined superior wedging corrections, with better EQ-5D-post and mRS-fup. Cement leakages did not affect functional outcome, while female gender and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3–4 were associated with worse ODI-fup and VAS-fup. Although fracture characteristics and radiological outcome did not negatively influence the clinical outcome, A2 fracture was a risk factor for complications, thus indirectly compromising both the functional and radiological outcome.

Conclusion

With spread of <30%, the SpineJack is an alternative to minimally invasive fixations for treating A3/A4 thoracolumbar fractures, being able to preserve healthy motion segments in younger patients and provide an ultra-conservative procedure for elderly and fragile patients.
Refractory in-stent stenosis after flow diverter stenting associated with delayed cobalt allergic reaction
Authors: Fujii Shoko , Fujita Kyohei , Yamaoka Hiroto , Miki Kazunori , Hirai Sakyo , Nemoto Shigeru , Sumita Kazutaka
Published: August 2021

In-stent stenosis (ISS) triggered by a metal-induced allergic reaction of Pipeline embolization device (PED) placement is extremely rare. The present report describes a patient who presented with delayed parent artery occlusion and refractory ISS after PED placement due to cobalt allergy. A patient in her 70s underwent PED placement for a right internal carotid artery (ICA) large aneurysm; 4 months later, the patient presented with left-sided hemiparesis, and MRI revealed right ICA occlusion even though antiplatelet therapy was optimal. She underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and successful recanalization was achieved. However, follow-up angiography 6 months after the thrombectomy revealed severe ISS, and the patch testing showed a positive reaction for cobalt. As a result of long-term administration of oral steroids and antihistamine, progression of ISS was suppressed. It was supposed that a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to cobalt might induce refractory ISS after PED placement.
Extracting complements and substitutes from sales data: a network perspective
Authors: Tian Yu , Lautz Sebastian , Wallis Alisdair O. G. , Lambiotte Renaud
Published: August 2021

The complementarity and substitutability between products are essential concepts in retail and marketing. Qualitatively, two products are said to be substitutable if a customer can replace one product by the other, while they are complementary if they tend to be bought together. In this article, we take a network perspective to help automatically identify complements and substitutes from sales transaction data. Starting from a bipartite product-purchase network representation, with both transaction nodes and product nodes, we develop appropriate null models to infer significant relations, either complements or substitutes, between products, and design measures based on random walks to quantify their importance. The resulting unipartite networks between products are then analysed with community detection methods, in order to find groups of similar products for the different types of relationships. The results are validated by combining observations from a real-world basket dataset with the existing product hierarchy, as well as a large-scale flavour compound and recipe dataset.
Mass spectra of one or two heavy quark mesons and diquarks within a nonrelativistic potential model
Authors: Gutiérrez-Guerrero L. X. , Alfaro Jesús , Raya A.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the mass spectra of mesons with one or two heavy quarks and their diquarks partners are estimated within a nonrelativistic framework by solving Schrödinger equation with an effective potential inspired by a symmetry preserving Poincaré covariant vector–vector contact interaction model of quantum chromodynamics. Matrix Numerov method is implemented for this purpose. In our survey of mesons with heavy quarks, we fix the model parameter to the masses of groundstates and then extend our calculations for radial excitations and diquarks. The potential model used in this work gives results which are in good agreement with experimental data and other theoretical calculations.
On the classification of Smale–Barden manifolds with Sasakian structures
Authors: Muñoz Vicente , Tralle Aleksy
Published: August 2021

Smale–Barden manifolds [Formula: see text] are classified by their second homology [Formula: see text] and the Barden invariant [Formula: see text]. It is an important and difficult question to decide when [Formula: see text] admits a Sasakian structure in terms of these data. In this work, we show methods of doing this. In particular, we realize all [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] provided that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are pairwise coprime. We give a complete solution to the problem of the existence of Sasakian structures on rational homology spheres in the class of semi-regular Sasakian structures. Our method allows us to completely solve the following problem of Boyer and Galicki in the class of semi-regular Sasakian structures: determine which simply connected rational homology 5-spheres admit negative Sasakian structures.