bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion channel distributions in cortical neurons are optimized for energy-efficient active dendritic computations
Authors: Bast Arco , Oberlaender Marcel
Published: December 2021

The mammalian brain has an enormous demand for energy, which is thought to impose strong selective pressure by which the neurons evolve in ways that ensure robust function at minimal energy cost. However, which principles drive the ion channel distributions in the dendrites to implement different neuronal functions is yet unclear. Here we found that an energy-efficient generation of dendritic calcium action potentials in cortical pyramidal neurons requires a low expression of slow inactivating potassium channels. We demonstrate that this relationship between energy cost and neuronal function is independent of the dendritic morphology and the expression patterns of other ion channels that implement additional perisomatic and dendritic functions. Moreover, we found that calcium action potentials can arise from a wide spectrum of ion channel expression patterns, including configurations with high potassium channel densities in the dendrites. These configurations can account equally well for the characteristic intrinsic physiology of the pyramidal neurons. However, only configurations with low potassium channel densities in the distal dendrites are observed empirically. Thus, our findings indicate that cortical neurons do not utilize all theoretically possible ways to implement their functions, but instead select those optimized for energy-efficient active dendritic computations.
Three simple steps to improve the interpretability of EEG-SVM studies
Authors: Joucla Coralie , Gabriel Damien , Ortega Juan-Pablo , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

Research in machine-learning classification of electroencephalography (EEG) data offers important perspectives for the diagnosis and prognosis of a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, but the clinical adoption of such systems remains low. We propose here that much of the difficulties translating EEG-machine learning research to the clinic result from consistent inaccuracies in their technical reporting, which severely impair the interpretability of their often-high claims of performance. Taking example from a major class of machine-learning algorithms used in EEG research, the support-vector machine (SVM), we highlight three important aspects of model development (normalization, hyperparameter optimization and cross-validation) and show that, while these 3 aspects can make or break the performance of the system, they are left entirely undocumented in a shockingly vast majority of the research literature. Providing a more systematic description of these aspects of model development constitute three simple steps to improve the interpretability of EEG-SVM research and, in fine, its clinical adoption.
Generating Electricity from Water Evaporation Through Microbial Biofilms
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Ueki Toshiyuki , Gao Hongyan , Woodard Trevor L. , Nevin Kelly P. , Fu Tianda , Fu Shuai , Sun Lu , Lovley Derek R. , Yao Jun
Published: December 2021

Sustainable strategies for energy production are required to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to power electronics without generating toxic waste.1-7 Generating electricity from water evaporation through engineered materials is a promising approach,8,9 but power outputs have been low and the materials employed were not sustainably produced. Microorganisms can be mass produced with renewable feedstocks. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to engineer microbial biofilms as a cohesive, flexible material for long-term continuous electricity production from evaporating water. The biofilm sheets were the functional component in devices that continuously produced power densities (∼1 μW/cm2) higher than that achieved with non-biological materials. Current production scaled directly with biofilm-sheet size and skin-patch devices harvested sufficient electricity from the moisture on skin to continuously power wearable devices. The results demonstrate that appropriately engineered biofilms can perform as robust functional materials without the need for further processing or maintaining cell viability. Biofilm-based hydroelectric current production was comparable to that achieved with similar sized biofilms catalyzing current production in microbial fuel cells,10,11 without the need for an organic feedstock or maintaining cell viability. The ubiquity of biofilms in nature suggests the possibility of additional sources of biomaterial for evaporation-based electricity generation and the possibility of harvesting electricity from diverse aqueous environments.
Wavelength-dependent DNA photodamage in a 3-D human skin model over the far-UVC and germicidal-UVC wavelength ranges from 215 to 255 nm
Authors: Welch David , de Muro Marilena Aquino , Buonanno Manuela , Brenner David J
Published: December 2021

The effectiveness of UVC to reduce airborne-mediated disease transmission is well-established. However conventional germicidal UVC (~254 nm) cannot be used directly in occupied spaces because of the potential for damage to the skin and eye. A recently studied alternative with the potential to be used directly in occupied spaces is far-UVC (200 to 235 nm, typically 222 nm), as it cannot penetrate to the key living cells in the epidermis. Optimal far-UVC use is hampered by limited knowledge of the precise wavelength dependence of UVC-induced DNA damage, and thus we have used a monochromatic UVC exposure system to assess wavelength-dependent DNA damage in a realistic 3-D human skin model. We exposed a 3-D human skin model to mono-wavelength UVC exposures of 100 mJ/cm2, at UVC wavelengths from 215 to 255 nm (5-nm steps). At each wavelength we measured yields of DNA-damaged keratinocytes, and their distribution within the layers of the epidermis. No increase in DNA damage was observed in the epidermis at wavelengths from 215 to 235 nm, but at higher wavelengths (240-255 nm) significant levels of DNA damage were observed. These results support use of far-UVC light to safely reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission in occupied locations.
Pseudomonas response regulators produced in an E. coli heterologous expression host exhibit host-derived post-translational phosphorylation
Authors: Garber Megan E. , Fregoso Rodrigo , Lake Julie , Kakouridis Anne , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila
Published: December 2021

In this report, we systematically characterize 32 response regulators (RRs) from a metal tolerant groundwater isolate, Pseudomonas stutzeri RCH2 to assess the impact of host-derived post-translational phosphorylation. As observed by distinct shifted bands in a phos-tag gel, 12 of the 24 detected RRs show homogenous mixtures of phosphorylated proteins or heterogenous mixtures of unphosphorylated and phosphorylated proteins. By evaluating the phosphorylation state of CzcR and CopR II under varying assay parameters, we found that changes to pH and exogenous addition of phospho-donors (e.g. acetyl phosphate) have little to no effect on phosphorylation state. By applying protein production conditions that decrease the pool of intracellular acetyl-phosphate in E. coli, we found a reduction in the phosphorylated population of CopR II when magnesium was added to the media, but observed no change in phosphorylated population when CopR II is expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) Δpta, a mutant with a metabolic disruption to the acetyl-phosphate pathway. Therefore, the specific mechanism of post-translational phosphorylation of RRs in E. coli remains obscure. These findings show the importance of characterizing the phosphorylations state of proteins when heterologously expressed, since their biochemical and physiological properties are dependent on post-translational modification.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy and actinide electrochemistry: a setup dedicated to radioactive samples applied to neptunium chemistry
Authors: Husar Richard , Dumas Thomas , Schlegel Michel L. , Schlegel Daniel , Guillaumont Dominique , Solari Pier-Lorenzo , Moisy Philippe
Published: December 2021

A spectroelectrochemical setup has been developed to investigate radioactive elements in small volumes (0.7 to 2 ml) under oxidation–reduction (redox) controlled conditions by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The cell design is presented together with in situ XAS measurements performed during neptunium redox reactions. Cycling experiments on the NpO2
2+/NpO2
+ redox couple were applied to qualify the cell electrodynamics using XANES measurements and its ability to probe modifications in the neptunyl hydration shell in a 1 mol l−1 HNO3 solution. The XAS results are in agreement with previous structural studies and the NpO2
2+/NpO2
+ standard potential, determined using Nernst methods, is consistent with measurements based on other techniques. Subsequently, the NpO2
+, NpO2
2+ and Np4+ ion structures in solution were stabilized and measured using EXAFS. The resulting fit parameters are again compared with other results from the literature and with theoretical models in order to evaluate how this spectroelectrochemistry experiment succeeds or fails to stabilize the oxidation states of actinides. The experiment succeeded in: (i) implementing a robust and safe XAS device to investigate unstable radioactive species, (ii) evaluate in a reproducible manner the NpO2
2+/NpO2
+ standard potential under dilute conditions and (iii) clarify mechanistic aspects of the actinyl hydration sphere in solution. In contrast, a detailed comparison of EXAFS fit parameters shows that this method is less appropriate than the majority of the previously reported chemical methods for the stabilization of the Np4+ ion.
Single-shot measurement of longitudinal phase space beam profile in an electron storage ring
Authors: Kim J. , Jang G. S. , Oh B. H. , Lee J. , Shin S.
Published: December 2021

A novel scheme to measure the longitudinal emittance and phase space profile in an electron storage ring by using correlations between time and the vertical coordinate, and between energy and the horizontal coordinate, is proposed. This longitudinal profile measurement scheme will help to demonstrate recent results of advanced studies for manipulating the longitudinal beam profile and for investigating beam instability in an electron storage ring.
Evaluation of silicon strip detectors in transmission mode for online beam monitoring in microbeam radiation therapy at the Australian Synchrotron
Authors: Davis Jeremy , Dipuglia Andrew , Cameron Matthew , Paino Jason , Cullen Ashley , Guatelli Susanna , Petasecca Marco , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Lerch Michael
Published: December 2021

Successful transition of synchrotron-based microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) from pre-clinical animal studies to human trials is dependent upon ensuring that there are sufficient and adequate measures in place for quality assurance purposes. Transmission detectors provide researchers and clinicians with a real-time quality assurance and beam-monitoring instrument to ensure safe and accurate dose delivery. In this work, the effect of transmission detectors of different thicknesses (10 and 375 µm) upon the photon energy spectra and dose deposition of spatially fractionated synchrotron radiation is quantified experimentally and by means of a dedicated Geant4 simulation study. The simulation and experimental results confirm that the presence of the 375 µm thick transmission detector results in an approximately 1–6% decrease in broad-beam and microbeam peak dose. The capability to account for the reduction in dose and change to the peak-to-valley dose ratio justifies the use of transmission detectors as thick as 375 µm in MRT provided that treatment planning systems are able to account for their presence. The simulation and experimental results confirm that the presence of the 10 µm thick transmission detector shows a negligible impact (<0.5%) on the photon energy spectra, dose delivery and microbeam structure for both broad-beam and microbeam cases. Whilst the use of 375 µm thick detectors would certainly be appropriate, based upon the idea of best practice the authors recommend that 10 µm thick transmission detectors of this sort be utilized as a real-time quality assurance and beam-monitoring tool during MRT.
Foam-like phantoms for comparing tomography algorithms
Authors: Pelt Daniël M. , Hendriksen Allard A. , Batenburg Kees Joost
Published: December 2021

Tomographic algorithms are often compared by evaluating them on certain benchmark datasets. For fair comparison, these datasets should ideally (i) be challenging to reconstruct, (ii) be representative of typical tomographic experiments, (iii) be flexible to allow for different acquisition modes, and (iv) include enough samples to allow for comparison of data-driven algorithms. Current approaches often satisfy only some of these requirements, but not all. For example, real-world datasets are typically challenging and representative of a category of experimental examples, but are restricted to the acquisition mode that was used in the experiment and are often limited in the number of samples. Mathematical phantoms are often flexible and can sometimes produce enough samples for data-driven approaches, but can be relatively easy to reconstruct and are often not representative of typical scanned objects. In this paper, we present a family of foam-like mathematical phantoms that aims to satisfy all four requirements simultaneously. The phantoms consist of foam-like structures with more than 100000 features, making them challenging to reconstruct and representative of common tomography samples. Because the phantoms are computer-generated, varying acquisition modes and experimental conditions can be simulated. An effectively unlimited number of random variations of the phantoms can be generated, making them suitable for data-driven approaches. We give a formal mathematical definition of the foam-like phantoms, and explain how they can be generated and used in virtual tomographic experiments in a computationally efficient way. In addition, several 4D extensions of the 3D phantoms are given, enabling comparisons of algorithms for dynamic tomography. Finally, example phantoms and tomographic datasets are given, showing that the phantoms can be effectively used to make fair and informative comparisons between tomography algorithms.
Detection and localization of calcium oxalate in kidney using synchrotron deep ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Estève Emmanuel , Buob David , Jamme Frédéric , Jouanneau Chantal , Kascakova Slavka , Haymann Jean-Philippe , Letavernier Emmanuel , Galmiche Louise , Ronco Pierre , Daudon Michel , Bazin Dominique , Réfrégiers Matthieu
Published: December 2021

Renal oxalosis is a rare cause of renal failure whose diagnosis can be challenging. Synchrotron deep ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence was assayed to improve oxalosis detection on kidney biopsies spatial resolution and sensitivity compared with the Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy gold standard. The fluorescence spectrum of synthetic mono-, di- and tri-hydrated calcium oxalate was investigated using a microspectrometer coupled to the synchrotron UV beamline DISCO, Synchrotron SOLEIL, France. The obtained spectra were used to detect oxalocalcic crystals in a case control study of 42 human kidney biopsies including 19 renal oxalosis due to primary (PHO, n = 11) and secondary hyperoxaluria (SHO, n = 8), seven samples from PHO patients who received combined kidney and liver transplants, and 16 controls. For all oxalocalcic hydrates samples, a fluorescence signal is detected at 420 nm. These spectra were used to identify standard oxalocalcic crystals in patients with PHO or SHO. They also revealed micrometric crystallites as well as non-aggregated oxalate accumulation in tubular cells. A nine-points histological score was established for the diagnosis of renal oxalosis with 100% specificity (76–100) and a 73% sensitivity (43–90). Oxalate tubular accumulation and higher histological score were correlated to lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher urinary oxalate over creatinine ratio.
Development of an experimental apparatus to observe ultrafast phenomena by tender X-ray absorption spectroscopy at PAL-XFEL
Authors: Kim Yujin , Nam Daewoong , Ma Rory , Kim Sangsoo , Kim Myung-jin , Kim Jinhong , Eom Intae , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kim Tae Kyu
Published: December 2021

Understanding the ultrafast dynamics of molecules is of fundamental importance. Time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TR-XAS) is a powerful spectroscopic technique for unveiling the time-dependent structural and electronic information of molecules that has been widely applied in various fields. Herein, the design and technical achievement of a newly developed experimental apparatus for TR-XAS measurements in the tender X-ray range with X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory XFEL (PAL-XFEL) are described. Femtosecond TR-XAS measurements were conducted at the Ru L
3-edge of well known photosensitizer tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) in water. The results indicate ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer from the Ru center to the ligand, which demonstrates that the newly designed setup is applicable for monitoring ultrafast reactions in the femtosecond domain.
Using photoelectron spectroscopy to measure resonant inelastic X-ray scattering: a computational investigation
Authors: Higley Daniel J. , Ogasawara Hirohito , Zohar Sioan , Dakovski Georgi L.
Published: December 2021

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) has become an important scientific tool. Nonetheless, conventional high-resolution (few hundred meV or less) RIXS measurements, especially in the soft X-ray range, require low-throughput grating spectrometers, which limits measurement accuracy. Here, the performance of a different method for measuring RIXS, i.e. photoelectron spectrometry for analysis of X-rays (PAX), is computationally investigated. This method transforms the X-ray measurement problem of RIXS to an electron measurement problem, enabling use of high-throughput, compact electron spectrometers. X-rays to be measured are incident on a converter material and the energy distribution of the resultant photoelectrons, the PAX spectrum, is measured with an electron spectrometer. A deconvolution algorithm for analysis of such PAX data is proposed. It is shown that the deconvolution algorithm works well on data recorded with ∼0.5 eV resolution. Additional simulations show the potential of PAX for estimation of RIXS features with smaller widths. For simulations using the 3d levels of Ag as a converter material, and with 105 simulated detected electrons, it is estimated that features with a few hundred meV width can be accurately estimated in a model RIXS spectrum. For simulations using a sharp Fermi edge to encode RIXS spectra, it is estimated that one can accurately distinguish 100 meV FWHM peaks separated by 45 meV with 105 simulated detected electrons that were photoemitted from within 0.4 eV of the Fermi level.
Virtual histology of archaeological human deciduous prenatal enamel through synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography images
Authors: Nava Alessia , Mahoney Patrick , Bondioli Luca , Coppa Alfredo , Cristiani Emanuela , Fattore Luciano , McFarlane Gina , Dreossi Diego , Mancini Lucia
Published: December 2021

Virtual histology is increasingly utilized to reconstruct the cell mechanisms underlying dental morphology for fragile fossils when physical thin sections are not permitted. Yet, the comparability of data derived from virtual and physical thin sections is rarely tested. Here, the results from archaeological human deciduous incisor physical sections are compared with virtual ones obtained by phase-contrast synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SRµCT) of intact specimens using a multi-scale approach. Moreover, virtual prenatal daily enamel secretion rates are compared with those calculated from physical thin sections of the same tooth class from the same archaeological skeletal series. Results showed overall good visibility of the enamel microstructures in the virtual sections which are comparable to that of physical ones. The highest spatial resolution SRµCT setting (effective pixel size = 0.9 µm) produced daily secretion rates that matched those calculated from physical sections. Rates obtained using the lowest spatial resolution setup (effective pixel size = 2.0 µm) were higher than those obtained from physical sections. The results demonstrate that virtual histology can be applied to the investigated samples to obtain reliable and quantitative measurements of prenatal daily enamel secretion rates.
Family business valuation in emerging economies: the arcor case
Authors: Roca Florencia
Published: December 2021

Learning outcomes

This case can be used to help students achieve the following objectives: To project financial statements and assemble different pieces of financial information to create a valuation model (objective #1, create), To calculate a value for Arcor shares, supporting the estimated value with the chosen assumptions and methodologies (objective #2, evaluate), To draw connections between four different approaches to valuation (DCF, EVA, RV and VI), contrasting them and weighting their advantages and limitations (objective #3, analyze), To examine the relationship between forecasted financial statements and valuation (objective #3, analyze), To discuss the calculation of the Weighted Average Cost of Capital in a new situation as is an emerging economy, with the corresponding country-risk adjustment (objective #4, apply), To discuss the sources of value creation in a family-owned private company in a developing economy (objective #4, apply), To understand the dilemma that the head of a company was facing, identifying the three possible financing alternatives discussed in the text as follows: corporate bonds, earnings reinvestment and an IPO (objective #5, understand). To recall basic facts, as the main character’s opinion on the direction of the local economy or the fact that Arcor already complies with the information requirements of a public company (objective #7, remember).

Case overview/synopsis

This case is based on the valuation of the world’s largest candy maker, Arcor S.A.I.C., originally a Latin American company, which remains a private family business. The key problem presented by the case is the use of different valuation approaches to price Arcor shares, in view of a possible Initial Public Offer. The case illustrates the application of four main valuation approaches as follows: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Economic Value Added (EVA), Relative Valuation (RV) and Value Investing (VI). Additionally, it includes a fundamental analysis of eight years of historical financial information and the preparation of forecasted financial statements. Set in a developing economy, the Arcor case introduces the complexities of calculating the cost of capital with the inclusion of country risk, as well as the financial analysis distortions caused by an environment of high inflation.

Complexity academic level

The Arcor case is appropriate to be used in graduate courses of Corporate Finance, Valuation or Private Equity.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Cell size as driver and sentinel of phytoplankton community structure and functioning
Authors: Hillebrand Helmut , Acevedo‐Trejos Esteban , Moorthi Stefanie D. , Ryabov Alexey , Striebel Maren , Thomas Patrick K. , Schneider Marie‐Luise
Published: December 2021

Body size is a decisive functional trait in many organisms, especially for phytoplankton, which span several orders of magnitude in cell volume. Therefore, the analysis of size as a functional trait driving species’ performance has received wide attention in aquatic ecology, amended in recent decades by studies documenting changes in phytoplankton size in response to abiotic or biotic factors in the environment.

We performed a systematic literature review to provide an overarching, partially quantitative synthesis of cell size as a driver and sentinel of phytoplankton ecology. We found consistent and significant allometric relationships between cell sizes and the functional performance of phytoplankton species (cellular rates of carbon fixation, respiration and exudation as well as resource affinities, uptake and content). Size scaling became weaker, absent or even negative when addressing C‐ or volume‐specific rates or growth. C‐specific photosynthesis and population growth rate peaked at intermediate cell sizes around 100 µm3.

Additionally, we found a rich literature on sizes changing in response to warming, nutrients and pollutants. Whereas small cells tended to dominate under oligotrophic and warm conditions, there are a few notable exceptions, which indicates that other environmental or biotic constraints alter this general trend. Grazing seems a likely explanation, which we reviewed to understand both how size affects edibility and how size structure changes in response to grazing. Cell size also predisposes the strength and outcome of competitive interactions between algal species. Finally, we address size in a community context, where size‐abundance scaling describes community composition and thereby the biodiversity in phytoplankton assemblages.

We conclude that (a) size is a highly predictive trait for phytoplankton metabolism at the cellular scale, with less strong and nonlinear implications for growth and specific metabolism and (b) size structure is a highly suitable sentinel of phytoplankton responses to changing environments.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Maternal effects of climate warming and nitrogen deposition vary with home and introduced ranges
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Hui , Li Jing‐Ji , Gao Yuan‐Yuan , Peng Pei‐Hao , He Wei‐Ming
Published: December 2021

Maternal effects allow offspring to cope with rapidly changing environments. While the immediate effects of long‐term climate warming and nitrogen (N) deposition are well documented, their maternal effects have been little studied.

We conducted a 6‐year maternal experiment withSolidago canadensis(Canadian goldenrod), native to North America (home range) and invasive in China (introduced range), and then performed two offspring experiments to address how maternal warming, maternal N‐addition and population source interacted to influence offspring performance.

Maternal effects of warming and N‐addition on seed traits, leaf dry matter content and whole‐plant biomass were stronger inS. canadensisoffspring from China (introduced range) than in offspring from North America (home range). Matched maternal–offspring environments allowed offspring to perform better compared to mismatched environments; offspring grown under warming flowered and produced seeds within a growing season only when their maternal plants were previously exposed to warming. Offspring environments influenced its performance and also modulated maternal effects.

We suggest that the maternal effects of simulated climate warming and N deposition could vary with home and introduced ranges. Our findings imply that maternal warming could advance the reproductive phenology of offspring.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Talking about race, culture and racism in family therapy
Authors: Roy‐Chowdhury Sim
Published: December 2021

Family therapy practice in the UK, as elsewhere in the world, takes place within the context of structural and systemic racism. Hence the practice of family therapy has the potential to mirror racist and colonialist tropes found within society. There are low levels of satisfaction by people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds to the level of sensitivity to culture and racism that takes place in therapy. This paper explores ways a systemic psychotherapy might be more sensitive to differences in race and culture. Drawing upon systemic and anthropological constructions of culture, suggestions are made for practice that is more questioning of the barely conscious or unconscious assumptions made by the therapist, which can then lead to open scrutiny of these assumptions. In doing so, I draw upon my own experiences, and those of my own family, of racism, of culture and of movement across cultures.

Practitioner points

Structural racism in society will find its way into the therapy room unless therapists are open to an examination of their own prejudices and often unconscious assumptions.

Such an examination then opens the way to forms of practice that are more sensitive to differences of race and culture.

A form of practice more sensitive to race and culture is proposed as a systemic response to racism, whilst keeping in mind the need for change at a social and political level.
Not Threats, but Resources: An Investigation of How Leaders React to Employee Constructive Voice
Authors: Xu Angela J. , Loi Raymond , Cai Zhenyao
Published: December 2021

This research aims to investigate whether or not leaders, one of the main recipients of employee voice, develop good relationships with those who speak up. Drawing on resource theory and social exchange theory, we contend that constructive voice provides both information and affect resources to the leader, which in turn promote a resource‐based exchange relationship with the leader (i.e., leader–member exchange; LMX). We further propose that leaders with an originality cognitive style are more likely to capture the resource value of constructive voice, while leaders who closely follow rules might not view constructive voice in a positive way, thus affecting their LMX relationships with the focal employee. Through a two‐wave field survey among 199 leader–follower dyads (Study 1) and a vignette‐based experiment among 221 leaders (Study 2), we found that leaders, especially leaders who advocated high originality, developed high‐quality LMX relationships with those who engaged in constructive voice due to their perceptions of affect but not information resource.
Neonatal outcomes in trial of vaginal birth versus repeat caesarean delivery in preterm pregnancies: A prospective cohort study
Authors: C. Suresh Sunitha , Dude Annie
Published: December 2021

Objective

To characterise neonatal morbidity following preterm trial of labour (TOL) in comparison with elective repeat caesarean section (eRCS) specifically among patients without a previous vaginal delivery who may have a lower success rate of vaginal birth after caesarean.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a multicentre prospective database.

Setting/Population

Maternal and Fetal Medicine Unit Cesarean Section Registry.

Population

Singleton pregnancies in women without a previous vaginal delivery who delivered at 24+0 weeks to 36+6 weeks gestation.

Methods

Neonatal outcomes were compared between those with a TOL and those undergoing eRCS. Logistic regression was used to control for confounders, including gestational age at delivery.

Main Outcome Measures

Composite neonatal morbidity.

Results

A total of 1906 patients were included, 985 with TOL and 921 with no TOL. The TOL success rate was 63.1%. The rate of uterine rupture was low, at 0.10% in the TOL group and 0.11% in the eRCS group (p = 0.32). After adjustment, neonates born to women undergoing a TOL had no statistically significant difference in outcomes including composite neonatal outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.09), neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotising enterocolitis, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, seizures, transient tachypnoea of the newborn, compared with patients who underwent eRCS, with the exception of decreased risk of proven/suspected sepsis (adjusted odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–0.87)

Conclusion

A TOL in preterm patients without a previous vaginal delivery was not found to have a statistically significant association with increased neonatal morbidity.
Does international work experience pay off? The relationship between international work experience, employability and career success: A 30‐country, multi‐industry study
Authors: Andresen Maike , Lazarova Mila , Apospori Eleni , Cotton Richard , Bosak Janine , Dickmann Michael , Kaše Robert , Smale Adam
Published: December 2021

Drawing on human capital theory, our study examines the relationship between international work experience and individuals' career success in terms of promotions and subjective financial success. We propose that these relationships are mediated by external employability and hypothesise a moderating role of national‐level economic freedom. Using data from 19,421 respondents, residing in 30 countries and working in different occupational groups (managers, professionals, clerical and blue‐collar workers), our results suggest that international work experience is positively related to promotions and subjective financial success across our study's different national contexts. These positive relationships were mediated by individuals' perceived external employability. Some support for the moderation of the relationship between international work experience and employability through economic freedom was only found when we differentiate between different types of international work experience. The findings enhance our understanding of the association between international work experience and career success from a human capital perspective.
The presentation of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the emergency department: Signs and symptoms in an unsuspecting population
Authors: Johnson Alexis K. , Tweet Marysia S. , Rouleau Samuel G. , Sadosty Annie T. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Raukar Neha P.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as a common cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young women, although it is rarely discussed in the differential diagnosis for chest pain in the emergency department (ED). In a population otherwise considered low risk for myocardial infarction, there is a danger of incomplete workup and missed diagnosis. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical presentation of those who present to the ED with SCAD to increase awareness of this potentially fatal diagnosis among emergency practitioners.

Methods

Data were queried from the Mayo Clinic “Virtual” Multicenter SCAD Registry, a large multisite international disease registry. The registry includes demographic information as well as data from both medical records and surveys administered following the SCAD event. Symptom presentation was abstracted from survey narrative responses. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 1196 subjects included, chest pain was reported during initial SCAD event in 95.7%. Most common chest symptoms descriptors were pain, pressure/weight, and tightness, with radiation most often in one or both arms/shoulders. Other common symptoms included nausea, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis. Most common electrocardiogram (ECG) findings reported were ST elevation, T‐wave abnormality, and normal ECG. Initial troponin values were within normal range in 20.1% of patients.

Conclusion

With young healthy women often considered “low risk” for ACS, it is important to understand that SCAD is a cause of ACS, and familiarity with presentation can improve awareness among emergency physicians. Our data can provide insight in helping to identify young women who present with chest pain due to SCAD so they can be appropriately evaluated.
Utilization and outcomes of extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R): Systematic review and meta‐analysis of arterio‐venous and veno‐venous ECCO2R approaches
Authors: Yu Tiffany Z. , Tatum Robert T. , Saxena Abhiraj , Ahmad Danial , Yost Colin C. , Maynes Elizabeth J. , O'Malley Thomas J. , Massey Howard T. , Swol Justyna , Whitson Bryan A. , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) provides respiratory support to patients suffering from hypercapnic respiratory failure by utilizing an extracorporeal shunt and gas exchange membrane to remove CO2 from either the venous (VV‐ECCO2R) or arterial (AV‐ECCO2R) system before return into the venous site. AV‐ECCO2R relies on the patient's native cardiac function to generate pressures needed to deliver blood through the extracorporeal circuit. VV‐ECCO2R utilizes a mechanical pump and can be used to treat patients with inadequate native cardiac function. We sought to evaluate the existing evidence comparing the subgroups of patients supported on VV and AV‐ECCO2R devices.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify all relevant studies published between 2000 and 2019. Demographic information, medical indications, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted for systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five studies including 826 patients were reviewed. 60% of patients (497/826) were supported on VV‐ECCO2R. The most frequent indications were acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [69%, (95%CI: 53%–82%)] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [49%, (95%CI: 37%–60%)]. ICU length of stay was significantly shorter in patients supported on VV‐ECCO2R compared to AV‐ECCO2R [15 (95%CI: 7–23) vs. 42 (95%CI: 17–67) days, p = 0.05]. In‐hospital mortality was not significantly different [27% (95%CI: 18%–38%) vs. 36% (95%CI: 24%–51%), p = 0.26].

Conclusion

Both VV and AV‐ECCO2R provided clinically meaningful CO2 removal with comparable mortality.
Management of mammalian bites to the external genitalia: a scoping review
Authors: Patel Sagar R. , Kanabur Pratik , Possoit Harlee E. , Kinley Austin , Varman Beatriz , Coburn Michael , Sukumar Shyam
Published: December 2021

Objective

To review existing publications to determine the approaches for the medical and operative management of mammalian bites to the external genitalia.

Materials and Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis for Scoping Review guidelines were followed. Four databases were searched. Articles were independently screened and analysed by two reviewers. Publications were included if detailed summaries of genitalia bites and management were documented. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted from the final article cohort.

Results

A total of 42 articles were included in this scoping review with 67 cases of mammalian bites to the genitalia reported in the cohort. The most common injury site was the penis (44.9%). Dog and human bites were the most common type of mammalian bites (61.2% and 26.9%, respectively). In all, 13.4% of cases were managed with medical therapy while 86.6% of cases required surgical intervention. The most common intervention was wound irrigation, debridement, and primary closure (32.8%). Although uncommon, other operative approaches included skin flaps (7.5%) and grafts (4.5%), re‐implantation (4.5%), urethroplasty/repair (7.5%), penectomy (3.0%), scrotoplasty (3.0%), and perineal urethrostomy (1.5%). The reported complication rate was 19.4%. The mean follow‐up time was 39.9 months.

Conclusion

Trauma related to mammalian bites is associated with high utilisation of healthcare resources and cost. Although management of such bites to the genitalia is controversial, surgical intervention is often warranted ranging from simple debridement of devitalised tissue to complex reconstructive surgery. This review underscores the need for further investigation of mammalian bites to the genitalia to improve surgical options and monitor for long‐term complication rates.
Integrated on‐land‐offshore stratigraphy of the Campi Flegrei caldera: New insights into the volcano‐tectonic evolution in the last 15 kyr
Authors: Natale Jacopo , Ferranti Luigi , Isaia Roberto , Marino Camilla , Sacchi Marco , Spiess Volkhard , Steinmann Lena , Vitale Stefano
Published: December 2021

Silicic calderas are volcanic systems whose unrest evolution is more unpredictable than other volcano types because they often do not culminate in an eruption. Their complex structure strongly influences the post‐collapse volcano‐tectonic evolution, usually coupling volcanism and ground deformation. Among such volcanoes, the Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy) is one of the most studied. Significant long‐ and short‐term ground deformations characterise this restless volcano. Several studies performed on the marine‐continental succession exposed in the central sector of the Campi Flegrei caldera provided a reconstruction of ground deformation during the last 15 kyr. However, considering that over one‐third of the caldera is presently submerged beneath the Pozzuoli Gulf, a comprehensive stratigraphic on‐land‐offshore framework is still lacking. This study aims at reconstructing the offshore succession through analysis of high‐resolution single and multichannel reflection seismic profiles and correlates the resulting seismic stratigraphic framework with the stratigraphy reconstructed on‐land. Results provide new clues on the causative relations between the intra‐caldera marine and volcaniclastic sedimentation and the alternating phases of marine transgressions and regressions originated by the interplay between ground deformation and sea‐level rise. The volcano‐tectonic reconstruction, provided in this work, connects the major caldera floor movements to the large Plinian eruptions of Pomici Principali (12 ka) and Agnano Monte Spina (4.55 ka), with the onset of the first post‐caldera doming at ca. 10.5 ka. We emphasise that ground deformation is usually coupled with volcanic activity, which shows a self‐similar pattern, regardless of its scale. Thus, characterising the long‐term deformation history becomes of particular interest and relevance for hazard assessment and definition of future unrest scenarios.
Spatial autocorrelation shapes liana distribution better than topography and host tree properties in a subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest in SW China
Authors: Bai Xiao‐Long , Liu Qi , Mohandass Dharmalingam , Cao Min , Wen Han‐Dong , Chen Ya‐Jun , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Lin Lu‐Xiang , Zhang Jiao‐Lin
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Lianas are an important component of subtropical forests, but the mechanisms underlying their spatial distribution patterns have received relatively little attention. Here, we selected 12 most abundant liana species, constituting up to 96.9% of the total liana stems, in a 20‐ha plot in a subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest at 2472–2628 m elevation in SW China. Combining data on topography (convexity, slope, aspect, and elevation) and host trees (density and size) of the plot, we addressed how liana distribution is shaped by host tree properties, topography and spatial autocorrelation by using principal coordinates of neighbor matrices (PCNM) analysis. We found that lianas had an aggregated distribution based on the Ripley's K function. At the community level, PCNM analysis showed that spatial autocorrelation explained 43% variance in liana spatial distribution. Host trees and topography explained 4% and 18% of the variance, but less than 1% variance after taking spatial autocorrelation into consideration. A similar trend was found at the species level. These results indicate that spatial autocorrelation might be the most important factor shaping liana spatial distribution in subtropical forest at high elevation.
Hypoxia‐inducible lncRNA MIR210HG interacting with OCT1 is involved in glioblastoma multiforme malignancy
Authors: Ho Kuo‐Hao , Shih Chwen‐Ming , Liu Ann‐Jeng , Chen Ku‐Chung
Published: December 2021

An insufficient oxygen supply within the intratumoral environment, also known as hypoxia, induces glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) invasion, stemness, and temozolomide (TMZ) drug resistance. Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs have been reported to be involved in hypoxia and GBM progression. However, their roles in hypoxic GBM malignancy are still unclear. We investigated the mechanisms of hypoxia‐mediated lncRNAs in regulating GBM processes. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and data mining, hypoxia‐correlated lncRNAs were identified. A hypoxia‐upregulated lncRNA, MIR210HG, locating in nuclear regions, predicted poor prognoses of patients and modulated hypoxia‐promoted glioma stemness, TMZ resistance, and invasion. Depletion of hypoxic MIR210HG suppressed GBM and patient‐derived cell growth and increased TMZ sensitivity in vitro and vivo. Using RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), MIR210HG‐upregulated genes significantly belonged to the targets of octamer transcription factor 1 (OCT1) transcription factor. The direct interaction between OCT1 and MIR210HG was also validated. Two well‐established worse prognostic factors of GBM, insulin‐like growth factor–binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), were identified as downstream targets of OCT1 through MIR210HG mediation in hypoxia. Consequently, the lncRNA MIR210HG is upregulated by hypoxia and interacts with OCT1 for modulating hypoxic GBM, leading to poor prognoses. These findings might provide a better understanding in functions of hypoxia/MIR210HG signaling for regulating GBM malignancy.
The risks of breast and ovarian cancer associated with the Ashkenazi Jewish founder allele BRCA2 6174delT
Authors: Finch Amy , Metcalfe Kelly , Akbari Mohammad , Friedman Eitan , Tung Nadine , Rosen Barry , Eisen Andrea , Karlan Beth , Foulkes William , Neuhausen Susan L. , Senter Leigha , McKinnon Wendy , Elser Christine , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A. ,   the Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinical Study Group
Published: December 2021

Approximately 1% of the Ashkenazi Jewish population carries the BRCA2 6174delT (c.5946del) pathogenic variant. It is important to have accurate knowledge of the risks of breast and ovarian cancer associated with this specific variant so that women may be counseled accordingly. In this prospective study, we estimated the risks of breast and ovarian cancer associated with the 6174delT variant compared with the risks for other pathogenic variants in the BRCA2 gene. The annual risk for developing breast cancer was significantly lower in 246 women who carried the 6174delT variant compared with 721 non‐Jewish women who carried a variant at any other locus in BRCA2 (1.2% per year vs. 2.4% per year, p = 0.003). We estimated the cumulative risk of breast cancer from age 30 to 70 to be 39% for carriers of the BRCA2 6174delT variant and 61% for carriers of other BRCA2 variants. The annual risk for ovarian or fallopian tube cancer was 0.51% per year for the 233 women who carried the 6174delT variant compared to 0.22% per year for the 1128 carriers of other BRCA2 variants; the difference was not significant. Lower risks for breast cancer associated with 6174delT may not impact screening and prevention choices, however, the discussion should be based on accurate risk assessment.