bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wire- and magnetic-seed-guided localization of impalpable breast lesions: iBRA-NET localisation study
Authors: Dave Rajiv V. , Barrett Emma , Morgan Jenna , Chandarana Mihir , Elgammal Suzanne , Barnes Nicola , Sami Amtul , Masudi Tahir , Down Sue , Holcombe Chris , Potter Shelley , Somasundaram Santosh K. , Gardiner Matthew , Mylvaganam Senthurun , Maxwell Anthony , Harvey James ,   iBRA-NET Localisation Study collaborative, Tanska A. , Hurley A. , Leusink A. , St John E. , Giono I. , Shanthakunalan K. , Harborough K. , Shenton K. , Gonen N. , Ain Q. , O’Connell R. , Law R. , Teoh V. , Yan Z. , Gaber Eltatawy A. , Rattay T. , Micha A. , Faheem M. , Tenovici A. , Baban C. , Ahmed G. , Joshi M. , Contractor K. , Charalambous M. P. , Kharashgah M. , Hanief M. , Milica A. , Khan A. , Bell A. , Smith B. , Sproson C. , Hollywood C. , Hodgkins K. A. , Rutherford C. L. , Thekkinkattil D. , Shanthakumar D. , Rahman E. , Mullapudi N. Amulya , Morad A. , Quinn E. , Moura F. , Bromley H. , Chen J. , Walter L. , Preston M. , Neyaz N. , Jafferbhoy S. , Osborne R. , Borg E. , Lumley E. , Wijesinghe K. , Ross F. A. , Davies T. , Tovey S. , Fatayer H. , Whitehead I. J. , Mondani J. , James K. , Darragh L. , Kiernan T. , Sridharan U. , Ashford S. , Laws S. , Robson N. , Matias M. R. A. , Wilson R. L. , Ali S. H. , Salman M. , Buhleigah M. , Rathinaezhil R. , Hignett S. , Schrire T. D. , Lambert W.
Published: December 2021

Background

Wire localization is historically the most common method for guiding excision of non-palpable breast lesions, but there are limitations to the technique. Newer technologies such as magnetic seeds may allow some of these challenges to be overcome. The aim was to compare safety and effectiveness of wire and magnetic seed localization techniques.

Methods

Women undergoing standard wire or magnetic seed localization for non-palpable lesions between August 2018 and August 2020 were recruited prospectively to this IDEAL stage 2a/2b platform cohort study. The primary outcome was effectiveness defined as accurate localization and removal of the index lesion. Secondary endpoints included safety, specimen weight and reoperation rate for positive margins.

Results

Data were accrued from 2300 patients in 35 units; 2116 having unifocal, unilateral breast lesion localization. Identification of the index lesion in magnetic-seed-guided (946 patients) and wire-guided excisions (1170 patients) was 99.8 versus 99.1 per cent (P = 0.048). There was no difference in overall complication rate. For a subset of patients having a single lumpectomy only for lesions less than 50 mm (1746 patients), there was no difference in median closest margin (2 mm versus 2 mm, P = 0.342), re-excision rate (12 versus 13 per cent, P = 0.574) and specimen weight in relation to lesion size (0.15 g/mm2  versus 0.138 g/mm2, P = 0.453).

Conclusion

Magnetic seed localization demonstrated similar safety and effectiveness to those of wire localization. This study has established a robust platform for the comparative evaluation of new localization devices.
Comparison of four surgical approaches for rectal prolapse: multicentre randomized clinical trial
Authors: Smedberg J. , Graf W. , Pekkari K. , Hjern F.
Published: December 2021

Background

Several different procedures have been described for surgical treatment of rectal prolapse and consensus on the optimal approach has not been reached. The Swedish Rectal Prolapse Trial was performed with the aim to compare the outcomes after the most common surgical approaches to rectal prolapse.

Method

A multicentre randomized trial was conducted from 2000 to 2009. Patients were randomized between a perineal or an abdominal approach for correction of rectal prolapse (randomization A) if eligible for any procedures. Patients considered unsuitable for random allocation were only included in randomizations B or C. Patients in randomization B (perineal group) were randomized to Delorme’s or Altemeier’s procedures and those in randomization C (abdominal group) to suture rectopexy or resection rectopexy. Primary outcomes were bowel function and quality of life, measured using Wexner incontinence score and RAND-36, and secondary outcomes were complications and recurrence at 3 years.

Results

During the study period, 134 patients were randomized: 18 in randomization A group, 80 in randomization B group and 54 in randomization C group; of these, 122 patients underwent surgery. Mean follow-up was 2.6 years. Improvements in Wexner and RAND-36 scores were seen but with no significant difference between the groups. Health change scores were significantly improved from baseline up to 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001). At 3 years, recurrence rates were two of seven patients for abdominal versus five of eight patients for perineal approach (P = 0.315), 18 of 31 patients (58 per cent) for Delorme’s versus 15 of 30 patients (50 per cent) for Altemeier’s (P = 0.611) and four of 19 patients (21 per cent) for suture rectopexy versus two of 21 patients (10 per cent) for resection rectopexy (P = 0.398). There were no significant differences regarding postoperative complications.

Conclusion

For all procedures, significant improvements from baseline in health change scores were noted after surgery. Recurrence rates were higher than previously reported.

Registration number: NCT04893642 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Evolution of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Serologic Markers Among Antiretroviral-Naive Young People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Who Had Undergone Neonatal HBV Vaccination and Initiated Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Huang Yi Chia , Sun Hsin Yun , Sheng Wang Huei , Hsieh Szu Min , Huang Sung Hsi , Chen Guan Jhou , Liu Wang Da , Chang Sui Yuan , Su Yi Ching , Su Li Hsin , Liu Wen Chun , Hung Chien Ching
Published: December 2021

Background

With initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing nucleos(t)ide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with anti–hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity, the evolution of HBV serologic markers among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) who were born in the era of nationwide neonatal HBV vaccination is rarely investigated.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the changes of HBV serologic markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc]) of PLWH who had undergone neonatal HBV vaccination. Clinical characteristics were analyzed and the incidences of evolution of HBV serologic markers were estimated.

Results

Between 2004 and 2020, 608 PLWH (mean age, 24 years) were included and 62.0% initiated tenofovir-containing ART: 13 (2.1%) were HBsAg-positive, 312 (51.3%) tested triple-negative, 209 (34.4%) had vaccine-induced seroprotection against HBV, and 74 (12.2%) tested positive for anti-HBc with or without anti-HBs. Among 492 PLWH who received a median follow-up of 2.8 years, 4 cases of incident HBV infection occurred (0.59 per 100 person-years of follow-up [PYFU]) in PLWH testing triple-negative at baseline despite ART containing NRTIs with anti-HBV activity. Of PLWH with seroprotection against HBV at baseline, 38 subsequently lost anti-HBs (4.46 per 100 PYFU) and 4 cases of incident HBV infection occurred (0.47 per 100 PYFU). PLWH with an anti-HBs antibody titer ≥100 mIU/mL at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.10 [95% confidence interval {CI}: .02–.42]) and CD4 ≥500 cells/µL during follow-up (aHR, 0.51 [95% CI: .30–1.00]) were less likely to lose HBV seroprotection.

Conclusions

Among young PLWH who had undergone neonatal HBV vaccination, evolution of HBV serologic markers and incident infections occurred despite ART containing NRTIs with anti-HBV activity.
Multidimensional scaling for animal traits in the context of dynamic energy budget theory
Authors: Kooijman Sebastiaan A L M , Lika Konstadia , Augustine Starrlight , Marn Nina
Published: December 2021

The method of multidimensional scaling (MDS) has long existed, but could only recently be applied to animal traits in the context of dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory. The application became possible because of the following: (i) the Add-my-Pet (AmP) collection of DEB parameters and traits (approximately 280) recently reached 3000 animal species with 45000 data sets of measurements; (ii) we found a natural distance measure for species based on their traits as a side result of our research on parameter estimation in DEB context; and (iii) we developed plotting code for visualization that allows labelling of taxonomic relationships. Traits, here defined as DEB parameters or any function of these parameters, have different dimensions, which hamper application of many popular distance measures since they (implicitly) assume that all traits have the same dimensions. The AmP collection follows the workflow that measured data determine parameters and parameters determine trait values. In this way we could fill up the species traits table completely, which we could not do by using measured values only, as data availability varies considerably between species and is typically poor. The goodness of fit of predictions for all data sets is generally excellent. This paper discusses links between the MDS method and parameter estimation and illustrates the application of MDS for the AmP collection to five taxa, three ectothermic and two endothermic, which we consider to be ‘complete’, in the sense that we expect that it will be difficult to find more species with data in the open literature. This application of MDS shows links between traits and taxonomy that supplements our efforts to find patterns in the co-variation of parameter values. Knowledge about metabolic performance is key to conservation biology, sustainable management and environmental risk assessment, which are seen as interlinked fields.
Prevalence and risk of progressive aortic aneurysm and dissection in adults with conotruncal anomalies
Authors: Egbe Alexander C , Miranda William R , Bonnichsen Crystal R , Jain C Charles , Crestanello Juan A , Francois Christopher , Katta Renuka R , Iftikhar Momina , Goda Ahmed Y , Andi Kartik , Gandhi Sangeetha , Connolly Heidi M
Published: December 2021

Aims

Conotruncal anomalies share common embryogenic defects of the outflow tracts and great arteries, which result in a predisposition to aortic aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and risk of progressive aortic aneurysms in adults with conotruncal anomalies.

Methods and results

Retrospective study of adults with conotruncal anomalies that underwent cross-sectional imaging 2003–20. Aneurysm was defined as aortic root/mid-ascending aorta >2.1 mm/m2/>1.9 mm/m2, progressive aneurysm as increase by >2 mm, and severe aneurysm as dimension >50 mm. Of 2261 patients (38 ± 12 years; male 58%), 1167 (52%) had an aortic aneurysm, and 205 (14%) had a severe aortic aneurysm. Mean annual increase in aortic root/mid-ascending aorta was 0.3 ± 0.1 mm/0.2 ± 0.1 mm. The 3-, 5-, and 7-year cumulative incidence of the progressive aortic aneurysm was 4%, 7%, and 9%, respectively. The rate of aneurysm growth decreased with age, with no significant growth after age 40 years. There was an excellent correlation between aortic indices from cross-sectional imaging and echocardiography. Of 950 females, 184 had ≥1 pregnancy, and 81 (44%) of the 184 patients had aortic aneurysm prior to pregnancy. There was no aortic dissection or progression of the aortic aneurysm during pregnancy. Overall, there was no aortic dissection during 7984 patient-years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Aortic aneurysm was common in patients with conotruncal anomalies. However, the risk of progressive aneurysm or dissection was low. Collectively, these data suggest a benign natural history and perhaps a less frequent need for cross-sectional imaging. Further studies are required to determine the optimal timing for surgical intervention in this population.
Seabird distribution is better predicted by abundance of prey than oceanography. A case study in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW, Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: de la Cruz Andrés , Ramos Fernando , Tornero Jorge , Rincón Margarita María , Jiménez Mª Paz , Arroyo Gonzalo Muñoz
Published: December 2021

Quantifying factors that influence marine predator distributions is essential to understanding the current and future change in marine biodiversity. Here, we test whether marine predator distribution relates to prey, or is better predicted by other specific habitat features. We examine the correlation between spatial distribution of three seabird species and their prey, as well as environmental proxies (oceanographic characteristics) in the Gulf of Cadiz, NE Atlantic. We modeled the at-sea distribution of Cory's shearwater, Balearic shearwater and Northern gannet, based on: (i) pelagic fish abundance according to acoustic surveys, and (ii) a forecast-model of remotely sensed environmental variables (productivity, sea surface temperature, and salinity). In general, seabird distributions were better predicted by abundance of fish than by environmental variables at the habitat scale. We obtained consistent correlations between seabird presence and the abundance of medium-sized (10–20 cm) sardines, anchovies and Mediterranean horse mackerel, providing information on their preferred prey. Additionally, oceanographic productivity variables moderately contributed to seabird distribution models, with better predictive value for the critically endangered Balearic shearwater and Northern gannet in the summer, whilst the model for Cory's shearwater's produced poorer predictions. Predator–prey combined studies may represent essential tools for an efficient ecosystem-based management of marine environments.
Aerodynamic shape optimization of H-VAWT blade airfoils considering a wide range of angles of attack
Authors: Wang Quan , Liu Boyang , Hu Cong , Wang Fengyun , Yang Shuyi
Published: December 2021

The current H-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) airfoils are from horizontal axis wind turbine airfoils or symmetry airfoils that are designed at one angle of attack (such as α = 6°) rather than different angles of attack. As a consequence, it cannot, to a certain extent, increase wind power efficiency. Therefore, an optimal method of H-type VAWT blade airfoils in different ranges of angles of attack is presented. It can be expressed by airfoil integrated function. Then, an optimized mathematical model in which the objective function is the average of tangential force coefficients is established. The particle swarm optimization algorithm coupled with RFOIL program is introduced to optimize the H-type VAWT airfoil profiles with high aerodynamic performance. The optimized results show that the new HVAWT-00153 airfoil is more suitable to VAWTs than the other two new airfoils and NACA-0015 airfoil. Besides, by using computational fluid dynamics technology, the superiority of HVAWT-00153 airfoil over NCAC-0015 airfoil is reviewed. The results indicate that the H-type VAWT with new HVAWT-00153 airfoils could exhibit larger torque coefficients and higher power coefficients than that of the original H-type VAWT with NACA-0015 airfoils. The maximum power coefficient can reach 0.362, increased by 8.45% compared with that of the original one. This study has a good guidance to how to design the H-type VAWT airfoils with high wind energy power.
Social-technical interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance in agriculture: evidence from poultry Farmer Field Schools in Ghana and Kenya
Authors: Caudell Mark A. , Kiambi Stella , Afakye Kofi , Koka Eric , Kabali Emmanuel , Kimani Tabitha , Dorado-Garcia Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of the Farmer Field School approach to address the complex problem of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture, specifically within small-to-medium-scale layer poultry systems in Ghana and Kenya. Impact was assessed across three domains relevant to the emergence and selection of antimicrobial resistance, including infection, prevention, and control practices, engagement with animal health professionals, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

Farmer Field Schools were held in Ghana (N = 2) and Kenya (N = 3) across an eight-month period with an average of 18 participants in each school. After completion, a quantitative evaluation survey was administered to participants and a sample of non-participants (Ghana; N = 97) (Kenya; N = 103). Logistic and ordinary least squares regression were used to assess differences between participants and non-participants on the three domains.

Results

Participation in a layer poultry Farmer Field School in Ghana and Kenya is associated with self-reported reductions in antibiotic use, particularly for prevention, an increased investment in farm infection, prevention, and control practices, including the use of footbaths and personal protective equipment, and enhanced engagement with animal health professionals.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex problem driven by a wide range of practices and multiple stakeholders. To holistically address these factors requires the use of complex intervention approaches. The Farmer Field School approach offers a complex intervention methodology that can reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in agricultural systems through targeting the variety of on-farm and off-farm factors that drive resistance.
Countercurrent Salting-out Homogenous Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Based on the Solidification of Floating Organic Drop Followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Isolation and Preconcentration of Pesticides from Fruit Samples
Authors: Teymori Zeinab , Sadeghi Marzieh , Fattahi Nazir
Published: December 2021

Background

Pesticides are widely used to control pests and prevent diseases in crops, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Due to factors such as the persistence of pesticides, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity, pesticide residue monitoring in foodstuffs is very important.

Objective

In the current research, we proposed a novel approach using countercurrent salting-out homogenous liquid–liquid extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets (DLLME-SFO) for isolation and preconcentration of pesticides from aqueous samples for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV).

Methods

In brief, sodium chloride was used as a separation reagent, in a small glass column, through which was passed a mixture of an aqueous solution of, for example, fruit juice and acetonitrile. In this process, the droplets rose through the column and a separated layer would be formed on the remained an aqueous phase. Following that, acetonitrile as the organic phase was mixed with 50.0 µL of 1-undecanol (extraction solvent). To further enrich the analytes, the mixture was injected into 5 mL of a 4% w/v sodium chloride solution and placed in a tube for the DLLME-SFO.

Results

Under optimal conditions, a dynamic linear range of 0.5–500 μg/L, extraction recovery of 65–85%, enrichment factors of 108–142, and limit of detection of 0.2–0.4 μg/L were obtained for the organophosphorus pesticides analysed. In addition, the repeatability and reproducibility from five replicate measurements of the pesticides (100 μg/L) were within the ranges of 3.5–5.1% and 4.5–6.3%, respectively .

Conclusion

In this research, a new extraction method based on countercurrent salting out homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction combined with DLLME-SFO has been applied for the determination of pesticide residues in fruits, juice and environmental samples before using HPLC-UV analysis. The combined method not only leads to high enrichment factors, but can also be used in complex matrices (such as fruits, juices and high-salt solutions) without pre-treatment or dilution. Compared with other sample preparation methods, this analysis procedure has many advantages, including simplicity, ease of operation, high pre-enrichment factor, low detection limit and relatively short analysis time.

Highlights

Combination of CCSHLLE and DLLME–SFO was applied for the analysis of organophosphorous pesticide residues in fruit, fruit juices and environmental samples. The DLLME-SFO method avoided using high density and toxic extraction solvents. LODs are achievable at ng L-1 using CCSLLE-DLLME-SFO-HPLC-UV.
Spirulina platensis Extract Nanoliposomes: Preparation, Characterization, and Application to White Cheese
Authors: Zanganeh Esmaeil , Mirzaei Hamid , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Javadi Afshin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2021

Background

Ultrafiltration cheese is produced in large scale from treated pasteurized milk with mesophilic starter, and to expand its shelf life, preservatives addition is needed.

Objective

The purpose of the present study was preparation of encapsulate Spirulina platensis algae nanoliposomes to evaluate the characteristics of the nanoliposomes loaded with Spirulina extract (SE-NLs). In addition, the chemical and microbiological properties of white cheese produced with SE-NLs were studied.

Method

Nanoliposomes are composed of lecithin and cholesterol, used for the encapsulation of SE. The SE-NLs were prepared using the thin-layer hydration method. The characteristics of produced SE-NLs including particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and the encapsulation efficiency were studied during 4 weeks in different storage conditions (4°C and 25°C). In addition, the effect of SE and SE-NLs on the chemical and microbiological properties of white cheese was evaluated during 60 days of ripening.

Results

The results showed that the nanoliposomes loaded with 3 mg/g of SE had the optimum formulation due to the higher EE, smaller particle size, and higher negatively charged zeta potential. The quality of the produced nanoliposomes decreased by increasing the time of storage, but the SE-NLs stored at 4°C were more stable and possessed higher EE and smaller particle sizes. While the chemical composition of the cheeses manufactured by the nanoliposome loaded with 3 mg/g SE-NLs were comparable to that of control cheese at 60 days of ripening, it showed a significant inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes after 30 days.

Conclusions

The utilization of SE-NLs can be considered a natural antimicrobial and an alternative to the use of synthetic preservatives in the production of white cheese.

Highlights

Nanoliposomes of Spirulina platensis extracts were prepared. Ultrafiltration white cheese prepared by nanoliposomes then was evaluated.
Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1–Related Biomarkers and Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ma Chaoran , Wang Ye , Wilson Kathryn M , Mucci Lorelei A , Stampfer Meir J , Pollak Michael , Penney Kathryn L
Published: December 2021

Background

Experimental and epidemiologic evidence supports the role of circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels with the risk of prostate cancer. Most circulating IGF-1 is bound to specific binding proteins, and only about 5% circulates in a free form. We explored the relation of free IGF-1 and other components of the IGF system with lethal prostate cancer.

Methods

Using prospectively collected samples, we undertook a nested case-only analysis among 434 men with lethal prostate cancer and 524 men with indolent, nonlethal prostate cancer in the Physicians’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Prediagnostic plasma samples were assayed for free IGF-1 and total IGF-1, acid labile subunit, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), and intact and total IGF binding protein 4. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between IGF-1–related biomarkers and lethal prostate cancer using unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for age, height, and body mass index.

Results

Men in the highest quartile of PAPP-A levels had 42% higher odds of lethal prostate cancer (pooled adjusted OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.92) compared with men in the lowest 3 quartiles. There were no statistically significant differences in the other plasma analytes. The positive association between PAPP-A and lethal prostate cancer was present among men with intact PTEN but not among those with tumor PTEN loss (2-sided Pinteraction = .001).

Conclusions

Our study provides suggestive evidence that among men who later develop prostate cancer, higher plasma PAPP-A levels measured prior to diagnosis are associated with increased risk of lethal compared with indolent disease.
Analysis of the PEBP gene family and identification of a novelFLOWERING LOCUS Torthologue in sugarcane
Authors: Venail Julien , da Silva Santos Paulo Henrique , Manechini Joao Ricardo , Alves Leonardo Cardosos , Scarpari Maximiliano , Falcão Thais , Romanel Elisson , Brito Michael , Vicentini Renato , Pinto Luciana , Jackson Stephen Derek
Published: December 2021

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important economic crop for both sugar and biomass, the yields of which are negatively affected by flowering. The molecular mechanisms controlling flowering in sugarcane are nevertheless poorly understood. RNA-seq data analysis and database searches have enabled a comprehensive description of the PEBP gene family in sugarcane. It is shown to consist of at least 13 FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)-like genes, two MOTHER OF FT AND TFL (MFT)-like genes, and four TERMINAL FLOWER (TFL)-like genes. As expected, these genes all show very high homology to their corresponding genes in Sorghum, and also to FT-like, MFT-like, and TFL-like genes in maize, rice, and Arabidopsis. Functional analysis in Arabidopsis showed that the sugarcane ScFT3 gene can rescue the late flowering phenotype of the Arabidopsis ft-10 mutant, whereas ScFT5 cannot. High expression levels of ScFT3 in leaves of short day-induced sugarcane plants coincided with initial stages of floral induction in the shoot apical meristem as shown by histological analysis of meristem dissections. This suggests that ScFT3 is likely to play a role in floral induction in sugarcane; however, other sugarcane FT-like genes may also be involved in the flowering process.
Anomalous nature of outbursts of black hole candidate 4U 1630−472
Authors: Chatterjee Kaushik , Debnath Dipak , Bhowmick Riya , Nath Sujoy Kumar , Chatterjee Debjit
Published: December 2021

The Galactic black hole candidate (BHC) 4U 1630−472 has gone through several outbursts (13 to be particular) in the last two and a half decades starting from the RXTE era till date. Like the outbursts of other transient BHCs, the outbursts of this source show variations in duration, peak numbers, highest peak flux, etc. However, unlike other soft X-ray transients, this source showed outbursts of two types, such as normal and super. The normal outbursts of duration ∼100−200 d are observed with an average recurrence or quiescence period of ∼500 d. The super outbursts of duration ∼1.5−2.5 yr, consist of more than one normal outburst and one mega outburst. We make an effort to separate the flux contributions of the normal and mega components from the super outbursts, and try to understand the nature of evolution of both types (normal and mega) of outbursts, based on the quiescent period prior to the outbursts. Archival data of RXTE or ASM from 1996 January to 2011 June, and MAXI or GSC from 2009 August to 2020 July are used for our study. Based on the variations of various properties of both the normal and mega outbursts, we think that this BHC is a special source which may contain two companions. Two companions might be responsible for two types of outbursts.
Systematic Korea Microlensing Telescope Network planetary anomaly search – III. One wide-orbit planet and two stellar binaries
Authors: Wang(王涵悦) Hanyue , Zang(臧伟呈) Weicheng , Zhu(祝伟) Wei , Hwang Kyu-Ha , Udalski Andrzej , Gould Andrew , Han Cheongho , Albrow Michael D , Chung Sun-Ju , Jung Youn Kil , Kim Doeon , Ryu Yoon-Hyun , Shin In-Gu , Shvartzvald Yossi , Yee Jennifer C , Cha Sang-Mok , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Hyoun-Woo , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Chung-Uk , Lee Dong-Joo , Lee Yongseok , Park Byeong-Gon , Pogge Richard W , Poleski Radoslaw , Mróz Przemek , Skowron Jan , Szymański Michał K , Soszyński Igor , Pietrukowicz Paweł , Kozłowski Szymon , Ulaczyk Krzysztof , Rybicki Krzysztof A , Iwanek Patryk , Wrona Marcin , Gromadzki Mariusz , Yang(杨弘靖) Hongjing , Mao(毛淑德) Shude , Zhang(张翔宇) Xiangyu
Published: December 2021

Only a few wide-orbit planets around old stars have been detected, which limits our statistical understanding of this planet population. Following the systematic search for planetary anomalies in microlensing events found by the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network, we present the discovery and analysis of three events that were initially thought to contain wide-orbit planets. The anomalous feature in the light curve of OGLE-2018-BLG-0383 is caused by a planet with mass ratio q = 2.1 × 10−4 and a projected separation s = 2.45. This makes it the lowest mass-ratio microlensing planet at such wide orbits. The other two events, KMT-2018-BLG-0998 and OGLE-2018-BLG-0271, are shown to be stellar binaries (q > 0.1) with rather close (s < 1) separations. We briefly discuss the properties of known wide-orbit microlensing planets and show that the survey observations are crucial in discovering and further statistically constraining such a planet population.
How plants coordinate their development in response to light and temperature signals
Authors: Li Xu , Liang Tong , Liu Hongtao
Published: December 2021

Light and temperature change constantly under natural conditions and profoundly affect plant growth and development. Light and warmer temperatures promote flowering, higher light intensity inhibits hypocotyl and petiole elongation, and warmer temperatures promote hypocotyl and petiole elongation. Moreover, exogenous light and temperature signals must be integrated with endogenous signals to fine-tune phytohormone metabolism and plant morphology. Plants perceive and respond to light and ambient temperature using common sets of factors, such as photoreceptors and multiple light signal transduction components. These highly structured signaling networks are critical for plant survival and adaptation. This review discusses how plants respond to variable light and temperature conditions using common elements to coordinate their development. Future directions for research on light and temperature signaling pathways are also discussed.
In Search of the Invisible People: Revisiting the Concept of “Internally Displaced Persons” in Light of an Ethiopian Case Study
Authors: Regasa Dereje , Lietaert Ine
Published: December 2021

Internal displacement has become one of the most pressing humanitarian crises today, with the Global South being especially affected. Despite this, internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain underrepresented in humanitarian policy and academia. While attention for IDPs is increasing, the extent to whether the label actually embraces all circumstances of internal displacement can be questioned. We argue for a revision of contextualisation and conceptualisation of IDPs. Hence, drawing on a survey of literature and concrete examples from Ethiopia, the article revisits the concept of IDPs with the central aim of broadening its understanding. By tracing its emergence, evolution, and underlying assumptions, the findings show that the IDP label dominantly refers to displaced people in refugee-like situations. As a result, a large number of IDPs, such as those who are forcedly resettled and left unintegrated, are rendered invisible. Concretising processes of displacement within the Ethiopian case further illustrates the impacts of narrow conceptualisations and consequently, advances insights into possible drivers and types of IDPs. This illustrates the need for the scholarship to go beyond policy labels and adopt a contextualised understanding of IDPs while also contributing towards improving research and governance on the subject of IDPs.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Kernel Black Point Resistance in Chinese Wheat Landraces
Authors: Tang Hao , Tan Zhi , Wang Xiangxiang , Yang Lisheng , Chen Guoyue , Yu Hua , Pu Zhien , Jiang Qiantao , Li Maolian , Cheng Mengping , Qi Pengfei , Li Wei , Liu Yujiao , Wang Jirui
Published: December 2021

Black point (BP) disease of wheat has become a noticeable problem in China. The symptoms are spots that are brown to black in color around the wheat kernel embryo or in the endosperm, resulting in a significant reduction of wheat grain quality. Here, we evaluated 272 Chinese wheat landraces for BP reaction and performed a genome-wide association study to identify BP resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in five field environments without artificial inoculation. The BP incidence data showed continuous distributions and had low to moderate correlations between environments (r = 0.094 to 0.314). Among the 272 landraces, 11 had 0.1 to 4.9%, 144 had 5 to 14.9%, 100 had 15 to 29.9%, and 17 had >30% incidence. We found three resistant accessions: WH094 (3.33%), AS661463 (2.67%), and AS661231 (2.67%), which can be used in breeding programs to enhance BP resistance. We identified 11 QTLs, which explained 8.22 to 10.99% phenotypic BP variation, and mapped them to eight wheat chromosomes. Three of the QTLs were novel. The molecular markers for the BP resistance could facilitate molecular breeding for developing BP-resistant cultivars.
Yield Losses Associated with Different Levels of Stripe Rust Resistance of Commercial Wheat Cultivars in China
Authors: Zhou Xinli , Fang Taohong , Li Kexin , Huang Kebing , Ma Chunhua , Zhang Min , Li Xin , Yang Suizhuang , Ren Runsheng , Zhang Pingping
Published: December 2021

Wheat stripe rust is one of the most destructive diseases to affect wheat. Although the major resistant wheat varieties have made a great contribution to global food security, yield losses from stripe rust still occur in large wheat growing areas when climatic conditions are unstable. Despite this threat, resistance levels and yield losses of these elite wheat cultivars under wheat stripe rust infection have not been well studied. Based on this investigation of natural infection conditions over 2 years, analysis of the area-under-the-disease-progress-curves differentiated the susceptible cultivars Mianmai 367 (MM367; 788.59), Jinmai 47 (JM47; 1,087.71), and Avocet Susceptible (AvS; 1,314.59) from resistant cultivars Xikemai 18 (XKM18; 177.50) and Xiaoyan 6 (XY6; 545.67). Stripe rust resulted in a 2-year mean yield loss of 32% for all tested varieties. The susceptible varieties JM47, AvS, and MM367 lost 64, 55, and 21% of grain yield, respectively. On the contrary, rust-resistant cultivars XKM18 and XY6 lost only 11 and 28%, respectively. In addition, stripe rust resulted in reduced kernel hardness, flour yield, and flour whiteness. Dough and gluten properties were also affected. Overall, results revealed that the grain yield and quality loss values of the resistant wheat cultivars were less than in the susceptible cultivars. Disease-resistant cultivars such as XKM18 should be promoted and recommended for application. It may also be suggested that growing a susceptible variety such as MM367 could be feasible in combination with fungicide application under high disease pressure.
Fascia Iliaca Pain Block Results in Lower Overall Opioid Usage and Shorter Hospital Stays than Epidural Anesthesia After Hip Reconstruction in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Laron Dominique , Kelley Jennifer , Chidambaran Vidya , McCarthy James
Published: December 2021

Introduction and Objective:

Epidural anesthesia (EA) is often used for pain control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who undergo hip reconstructions. The purpose of this study is to determine if preoperative fascia iliaca (FI) pain blocks would improve pain scores, decrease opioid use, and result in shorter hospital stays in comparison to the use of EA.

Methods:

This is a nonrandomized retrospective cohort study examining 60 consecutive patients with CP who underwent hip reconstruction utilizing either a fascia iliac compartment nerve block (FICNB) (N=37) or continuous lumbar epidural (N=22) from January 2017 to March 2019. Age at surgery was 8.5±4.6 years. We recorded age, weight, operating room (OR) time, FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale) scores on postoperative days (PODs) 0, 1, 2, and 3, opioid doses, overall opioid (mg) used, and length of stay. We compared pain scores, opioid usage, OR time, and lengths of stay between our 2 patient groups.

Results:

Pain scores were similar between groups on POD #0, 2, and 3 but were statistically improved on POD #1 (1.8±1.3 vs. 3.1±1.4, P<0.001). Total number of opiod doses (7.9±4.4 vs. 10.7±2.3, P=0.004), total milligram given (18.3±11.8 vs. 24.7±12.3, P<0.05), and milligram per kilogram given (0.77±0.42 vs. 1.11 mg/kg±0.36 mg/kg, P=0.001) were less for the FI group versus the epidural group. The OR time (which includes time for blocks/epidurals) was lower in the FI group (4.6±1.2 vs. 5.7±1.1 h, P=0.0002). Overall hospital stays were lower in the FI group (3.4±1.5 vs. 4.1±1.0 d, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that in the setting of hip reconstruction, patients that received preoperative FI blocks used a lower amount of opioids, required fewer rescue doses and ultimately had a shorter hospital length of stay than those undergoing EA.
Baclofen Pump Use: Complications After Growth-friendly Instrumentation for Early-onset Scoliosis
Authors: Xu Amy L. , Marrache Majd , Hardesty Christina K. , Groves Mari L. , Erickson Mark A. , Murphy Robert F. , Thompson George H. , Sponseller Paul D.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and spasticity may receive treatment with an intrathecal baclofen pump. We assessed how baclofen pumps are associated with the odds of complications and secondary interventions after growth-friendly (GF) spine surgery for EOS and analyzed infectious complications within the pump cohort.

Methods:

Using a prospectively maintained, international multicenter database, we studied patients with neuromuscular EOS with baclofen pumps who underwent GF spine surgery from 2002 through 2019 (n=25). Baclofen pumps were implanted before GF instrumentation in 18 patients, during in 2 patients, and after in 5 patients. Patients with existing pumps at initial GF spine surgery were matched 1:3 with 54 patients (control group) without pumps according to treatment center, year of surgery, diagnosis, surgery type, and preoperative curve magnitude. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to compare complications and secondary interventions between the 2 cohorts.

Results:

Patients with baclofen pumps had 4.8 times the odds [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-16] of experiencing any complication within 1 year after initial GF spine surgery compared with controls. During mean follow-up of 6.9±4.3 years, they had 4.7 times the odds (95% CI: 1.3-16) of deep surgical site infection and 5.6 times the odds (95% CI: 1.2-26) of spinal rod removal after any complication. Differences in rates of mechanical complication, such as rod migration and breakage, were nonsignificant between the 2 groups. For the 9 patients (50%) with pumps who experienced infections, the most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (4 patients) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2). The pump/catheter was revised or removed, in addition to antibiotic therapy or surgical irrigation and debridement, in 2 patients.

Conclusions:

Among patients with neuromuscular EOS, those with baclofen pumps are much more likely to experience complications within 1 year after GF spine surgery. They are also more likely to have deep surgical site infections, with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa being the most common causative organisms, and to require spinal rod removal.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation of Talus Fractures: An All-inside Soft-tissue Preserving Technique
Authors: Martin Kevin D. , Dewar Cuyler , Groth Adam T.
Published: December 2021

Talus fractures, although rare, can lead to devastating complications. The most common of which is posttraumatic osteoarthritis involving the subtalar and tibiotalar joints which can be a result of malunion, nonunion, and avascular necrosis. The timing and method of fixation of these injuries has been controversial. Most experts recommend a dual incision approach to facilitate anatomic reduction. We present an alternative technique for talus fracture management that may reduce soft-tissue stripping and further vascular compromise using a posterior talus arthroscopic reduction internal fixation technique. With this method, talus fractures are reduced arthroscopically and fixed percutaneously while preserving vascularity to the talus and limiting further stress to the soft-tissue envelope.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V—expert opinion. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Major Publications in the Critical Care Pharmacotherapy Literature: 2020
Authors: Bissell Brittany D. , Campbell Jeannee , Collins Reagan , Cook Charles , Desai Dharati , DeWitt Jessica , Eche Ifeoma Mary , Eche Ijeoma Julie , Elsamadisi Pansy , Juul Janelle , Kim Soyoung , Makowski Courtney T. , Mylvaganam Ruben J. , Smith Adam , Stancati Jennifer , Stonesifer Katherine , Tawil Justin , Smith Condeni Melanie
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To summarize selected meta-analyses and trials related to critical care pharmacotherapy published in 2020.

DATA SOURCES:

The Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Pharmacotherapy Literature Update group screened 36 journals monthly for impactful publications.

STUDY SELECTION:

The group reviewed a total of 119 articles during 2020 according to relevance for practice.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Articles were selected with consensus and importance to clinical practice from those included in the monthly Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Pharmacotherapy Literature Update. The group reviewed articles according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations criteria. Articles with a 1A grade were selected.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Several trials were summarized, including two meta-analyses and five original research trials. Original research trials evaluating vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine versus hydrocortisone in sepsis, the use of nonsedation strategies, dexmedetomidine in cardiac surgery, remdesivir for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. Two meta-analyses determining the impact of norepinephrine initiation in patients with septic shock and the use of corticosteroids in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was included.

CONCLUSIONS:

This clinical review provides summary and perspectives of clinical practice impact on influential critical care pharmacotherapy publications in 2020.
Characteristics and Outcomes for Low-Risk Hospital Admissions Admitted to the ICU: A Multisite Cohort Study
Authors: Prager Ross T. , Pratte Michael T. , Thompson Laura H. , McNeill Kylie E. , Milani Christina , Maslove David M. , Fernando Shannon M. , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: December 2021

IMPORTANCE:

Prognostication following ICU admission can often be determined based on known risk factors, including demographics and illness severity; however, little is known about outcomes of patients deemed to be “low-risk” at the time of hospital admission who subsequently are admitted to the ICU.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this study were to determine the characteristics, outcomes, and costs for patients requiring ICU admission despite having lower predicted mortality when they were admitted to the hospital.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:

In this historical cohort study, we used a prospectively maintained ICU registry that included all ICU admissions to The Ottawa Hospital for patients 18 years or older from January 2011 to December 2016. We classified patients as low-risk using the Hospital-patient 1-year Mortality Risk at admission score, a hospital admission score validated to predict 1-year mortality.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

The primary outcome was inhospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, resource utilization, and costs.

RESULTS:

Of the 17,173 total ICU patients, 3,445 (20.1%) were classified as low-risk at hospital admission. Low-risk patients were younger (48.7 vs 67.5 yr; p < 0.001) and had a lower Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (2.37 vs 4.14; p < 0.001). Mortality for low-risk patients was significantly lower than for non–low-risk patients (4.1% vs 25.4%; p < 0.001). For low-risk patients, multivariable logistic regression showed mortality was independently associated with older age (odds ratio, 1.02 per 1 yr; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03 per 1 yr), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (odds ratio, 1.42 per 1 point; 95% CI, 1.31–1.54 per 1 point), fluid management adverse events (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.29–6.25), hospital-acquired infections (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.02–2.51), and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.20–3.26).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

Despite their robust premorbid status, low-risk patients admitted to the ICU had significant inhospital mortality. Fluid management adverse events, hospital-associated infections, multiple organ dysfunction, and mechanical ventilation are important prognostic factors for low-risk patients.
The AIR-SED Study: A Multicenter Cohort Study of SEDation Practices, Deep Sedation, and Coma Among Mechanically Ventilated AIR Transport Patients
Authors: Moy Hawnwan P. , Olvera David , Nayman B. Daniel , Pappal Ryan D. , Hayes Jane M. , Mohr Nicholas M. , Kollef Marin H. , Palmer Christopher M. , Ablordeppey Enyo , Faine Brett , Roberts Brian W. , Fuller Brian M.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To characterize prehospital air medical transport sedation practices and test the hypothesis that modifiable variables related to the monitoring and delivery of analgesia and sedation are associated with prehospital deep sedation.

DESIGN:

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

A nationwide, multicenter (approximately 130 bases) air medical transport provider.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive, adult mechanically ventilated air medical transport patients treated in the prehospital environment (January 2015 to December 2020).

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

All data involving sedation (medications, monitoring) were recorded. Deep sedation was defined as: 1) Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of –3 to –5; 2) Ramsay Sedation Scale of 5 or 6; or 3) Glasgow Coma Scale of less than or equal to 9. Coma was defined as being unresponsive and based on median sedation depth: 1) Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of –5; 2) Ramsay of 6; or 3) Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. A total of 72,148 patients were studied. Prehospital deep sedation was observed in 63,478 patients (88.0%), and coma occurred in 42,483 patients (58.9%). Deeply sedated patients received neuromuscular blockers more frequently and were less likely to have sedation depth documented with a validated sedation depth scale (i.e., Ramsay or Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale). After adjusting for covariates, a multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the use of longer-acting neuromuscular blockers (i.e., rocuronium and vecuronium) was an independent predictor of deep sedation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.22–1.35; p < 0.001), while use of a validated sedation scale was associated with a lower odds of deep sedation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.27–0.30; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Deep sedation (and coma) is very common in mechanically ventilated air transport patients and associated with modifiable variables related to the monitoring and delivery of analgesia and sedation. Sedation practices in the prehospital arena and associated clinical outcomes are in need of further investigation.