bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CALCR knockdown inhibits the development and progression of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: He Tao , Ling Feng
Published: August 2021

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been reported to participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of human cancers. CALCR is one of the hundreds of GPCRs, but its expression level and functional importance have never been investigated in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, the protein expression level of CALCR was detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. The Celigo cell counting assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Both the wound-healing assay and the transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell migration. Flow cytometric analysis was utilized to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle. A mouse xenograft model was constructed to conduct the in vivo experiments. The results indicated that the CALCR expression was abundantly up-regulated in NSCLC and positively related to tumor infiltrate. Besides, CALCR knockdown could significantly suppress cell proliferation, migration, enhance apoptosis and arrest cell cycle. The in vivo study verified the inhibitory effects of CALCR knockdown on NSCLC tumorigenesis. The abovementioned results provided a reference for the treatment of NSCLC, that was, CALCR knockdown might be a considerable therapeutic strategy.
Divergence in salinity tolerance of northern Gulf of Mexico eastern oysters under field and laboratory exposure
Authors: Marshall Danielle A , Casas Sandra M , Walton William C , Rikard F Scott , Palmer Terence A , Breaux Natasha , La Peyre Megan K , Beseres Pollack Jennifer , Kelly Morgan , La Peyre Jerome F
Published: August 2021

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is a foundation species within US Gulf of Mexico (GoM) estuaries that has experienced substantial population declines. As changes from management and climate are expected to continue to impact estuarine salinity, understanding how local oyster populations might respond and identifying populations with adaptations to more extreme changes in salinity could inform resource management, including restoration and aquaculture programs. Wild oysters were collected from four estuarine sites from Texas [Packery Channel (PC): 35.5, annual mean salinity, Aransas Bay (AB): 23.0] and Louisiana [Calcasieu Lake (CL): 16.2, Vermilion Bay (VB): 7.4] and spawned. The progeny were compared in field and laboratory studies under different salinity regimes. For the field study, F1 oysters were deployed at low (6.4) and intermediate (16.5) salinity sites in Alabama. Growth and mortality were measured monthly. Condition index and Perkinsus marinus infection intensity were measured quarterly. For the laboratory studies, mortality was recorded in F1 oysters that were exposed to salinities of 2.0, 4.0, 20.0/22.0, 38.0 and 44.0 with and without acclimation. The results of the field study and laboratory study with acclimation indicated that PC oysters are adapted to high-salinity conditions and do not tolerate very low salinities. The AB stock had the highest plasticity as it performed as well as the PC stock at high salinities and as well as Louisiana stocks at the lowest salinity. Louisiana stocks did not perform as well as the Texas stocks at high salinities. Results from the laboratory studies without salinity acclimation showed that all F1 stocks experiencing rapid mortality at low salinities when 3-month oysters collected at a salinity of 24 were used and at both low and high salinities when 7-month oysters collected at a salinity of 14.5 were used.
Heart valve disease in hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome: from immune-mediated degeneration to embolic complications of infective endocarditis—a case report
Authors: Scheggi Valentina , Marchionni Niccolò , Stefàno Pier Luigi
Published: August 2021

Background

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare disease due to small vessel inflammation and characterized by chronic urticarial vasculitis and arthritis. Multi-organ manifestations may include glomerulonephritis, ocular inflammation (uveitis, episcleritis), and recurrent abdominal pain. To the best of our knowledge, just other nine cases of HUVS with cardiac valvular involvement have been reported in the literature.

Case summary

A 32-year-old woman presented to the emergency department because of a cerebral haemorrhage. She suffered from a severe HUVS form with cardiac valvular involvement. In the previous years, she underwent cardiac surgery twice for aortic and mitral valves immune-mediated degeneration. The neurologic event was secondary to Listeria monocytogenes aortic endocarditis, complicated by a cerebral embolism and periaortic abscess.

Discussion

Patients with HUVS rarely present valvular heart disease. The latter is mostly secondary to an inflammatory process. Valve degeneration and immunosuppressive therapy increase the risk of infective endocarditis, with dramatic consequences for the prognosis of these patients. Valvular involvement is a sporadic but potentially fatal complication of HUVS, which should be taken in mind in the multidisciplinary evaluation of these patients.
Day-to-day measurement of physical activity and risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bonnesen Mathias Pinto , Frodi Diana My , Haugan Ketil Jørgen , Kronborg Christian , Graff Claus , Højberg Søren , Køber Lars , Krieger Derk , Brandes Axel , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Diederichsen Søren Zöga
Published: August 2021

Aims 

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between within-individual changes in physical activity and onset of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results 

A total of 1410 participants from the general population (46.2% women, mean age 74.7 ± 4.1 years) with risk factors but with no prior AF diagnosis underwent continuous monitoring for AF episodes along with daily accelerometric assessment of physical activity using an implantable loop recorder during ≈3.5 years. The combined duration of monitoring was ≈1.6 million days, where 10 851 AF episodes lasting ≥60 min were detected in 361 participants (25.6%) with a median of 5 episodes (2, 25) each. The median daily physical activity was 112 (66, 168) min/day. A dynamic parameter describing within-individual changes in daily physical activity, i.e. average daily activity in the last week compared to the previous 100 days, was computed and used to model the onset of AF. A 1-h decrease in average daily physical activity was associated with AF onset the next day [odds ratio 1.24 (1.18–1.31)]. This effect was modified by overall level of activity (P < 0.001 for interaction), and the signal was strongest in the tertile of participants with lowest activity overall [low: 1.62 (1.41–1.86), mid: 1.27 (1.16–1.39), and high: 1.10 (1.01–1.19)].

Conclusions 

Within-individual changes in physical activity are associated with the onset of AF episodes as detected by continuous monitoring in a high-risk population. For each person, a 1-h decrease in daily physical activity during the last week increased the odds of AF onset the next day by ≈25%, while the strongest association was seen in the group with the lowest activity overall.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02036450.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without defibrillator in patients with heart failure
Authors: Schrage Benedikt , Lund Lars H , Melin Michael , Benson Lina , Uijl Alicia , Dahlström Ulf , Braunschweig Frieder , Linde Cecilia , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: August 2021

Aims

Randomized data on the efficacy/safety of cardiac resynchronization therapy with vs. without defibrillator (CRT-D,-P) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate survival associated with use of CRT-D vs. CRT-P in a contemporary cohort with HFrEF.

Methods and results

Patients from Swedish HF Registry treated with CRT-D/CRT-P and fulfilling criteria for primary prevention defibrillator use were included. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of CRT-D non-use. All-cause mortality was compared in CRT-D vs. CRT-P by Cox regression in a 1 : 1 propensity-score-matched cohort. Of 1988 patients with CRT, 1108 (56%) had CRT-D and 880 (44%) CRT-P. Older age, higher ejection fraction (EF), female sex, and the lack of referral to HF nurse-led outpatient clinic were major determinants of CRT-D non-use. After matching, 645 CRT-D patients were compared with 645 with CRT-P. The CRT-D use was associated with lower 1- and 3-year all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR):0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.58–0.98; HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99, respectively]. Results were consistent in all pre-specified subgroups except for CRT-D use being associated with lower 3-year mortality in patients with an EF < 30% but not in those with an EF ≥ 30% (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.89 and HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.83–1.85, respectively; P-interaction = 0.02).

Conclusion

In a contemporary HFrEF cohort, CRT-D was associated with lower mortality compared with CRT-P. The CRT-D use was less likely in older patients, females, and in patients not referred to HF nurse-led outpatient clinic. Our findings support the use of CRT-D vs. CRT-P in HFrEF, in particular with severely reduced EF.
Linking knowledge with action when engagement is out of reach: three contextual features of effective public health communication
Authors: Emmelhainz Roger , Zarychta Alan , Grillos Tara , Andersson Krister
Published: August 2021

Scholars and practitioners often promote direct engagement between policymakers, health workers and researchers as a strategy for overcoming barriers to utilizing scientific knowledge in health policy. However, in many settings public health officials rarely have opportunities to interact with researchers, which is a problem further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. One prominent theory argues that policy actors will trust and utilize research findings when they perceive them to be salient, credible and legitimate. We draw on this theory to examine the conditions facilitating greater uptake of new knowledge among health officials when engagement is out of reach and they are instead exposed to new ideas through written mass communication. Using data from a survey experiment with about 260 health workers and administrators in Honduras, we find that messages from a technocratic sender based on statistical evidence improved perceptions of salience, credibility and legitimacy (SCL). Additionally, perceptions of SCL are three contextual features that operate as joint mediators between knowledge and action, and several individual characteristics also influence whether officials trust research findings enough to apply them when formulating and implementing health policies. This research can help inform the design of context-sensitive knowledge translation and exchange strategies to advance the goals of evidence-based public health, particularly in settings where direct engagement is difficult to achieve.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) clinical subtypes and CTCF site methylation status flanking the CTG expansion are mutant allele length-dependent
Authors: Morales Fernando , Corrales Eyleen , Zhang Baili , Vásquez Melissa , Santamaría-Ulloa Carolina , Quesada Hazel , Sirito Mario , Estecio Marcos R , Monckton Darren G , Krahe Ralf
Published: August 2021

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex disease with a wide spectrum of symptoms. The exact relationship between mutant CTG repeat expansion size and clinical outcome remains unclear. DM1 congenital patients (CDM) inherit the largest expanded alleles, which are associated with abnormal and increased DNA methylation flanking the CTG repeat. However, DNA methylation at the DMPK locus remains understudied. Its relationship to DM1 clinical subtypes, expansion size and age-at-onset is not yet completely understood. Using pyrosequencing-based methylation analysis on 225 blood DNA samples from Costa Rican DM1 patients, we determined that the size of the estimated progenitor allele length (ePAL) is not only a good discriminator between CDM and non-CDM cases (with an estimated threshold at 653 CTG repeats), but also for all DM1 clinical subtypes. Secondly, increased methylation at both CTCF sites upstream and downstream of the expansion was almost exclusively present in CDM cases. Thirdly, levels of abnormal methylation were associated with clinical subtype, age and ePAL, with strong correlations between these variables. Fourthly, both ePAL and the intergenerational expansion size were significantly associated with methylation status. Finally, methylation status was associated with ePAL and maternal inheritance, with almost exclusively maternal transmission of CDM. In conclusion, increased DNA methylation at the CTCF sites flanking the DM1 expansion could be linked to ePAL, and both increased methylation and the ePAL could be considered biomarkers for the CDM phenotype.
Maternal education and cognitive development in 15 European very-preterm birth cohorts from the RECAP Preterm platform
Authors: Sentenac Mariane , Benhammou Valérie , Aden Ulrika , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Bakker Leonhard A , Bakoy Hannah , Barros Henrique , Baumann Nicole , Bilsteen Josephine Funck , Boerch Klaus , Croci Ileana , Cuttini Marina , Draper Elizabeth , Halvorsen Thomas , Johnson Samantha , Källén Karin , Land Tuuli , Lebeer Jo , Lehtonen Liisa , Maier Rolf F , Marlow Neil , Morgan Andrei , Ni Yanyan , Raikkonen Katri , Rtimi Anass , Sarrechia Iemke , Varendi Heili , Vollsaeter Maria , Wolke Dieter , Ylijoki Milla , Zeitlin Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies are sparse and inconclusive about the association between maternal education and cognitive development among children born very preterm (VPT). Although this association is well established in the general population, questions remain about its magnitude among children born VPT whose risks of medical and developmental complications are high. We investigated the association of maternal education with cognitive outcomes in European VPT birth cohorts.

Methods

We used harmonized aggregated data from 15 population-based cohorts of children born at <32 weeks of gestational age (GA) or <1500 g from 1985 to 2013 in 13 countries with information on maternal education and assessments of general development at 2–3 years and/or intelligence quotients between 4 and 15 years. Term-born controls (≥37 weeks of GA) were available in eight cohorts. Maternal education was classified as: low (primary/lower secondary); medium (upper secondary/short tertiary); high (bachelor’s/higher). Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) in cognitive scores were estimated (reference: high educational level) for children assessed at ages 2–3, 4–7 and 8–15 years.

Results

The study included 10 145 VPT children from 12 cohorts at 2–3 years, 8829 from 12 cohorts at 4–7 years and 1865 children from 6 cohorts at 8–15 years. Children whose mothers had low, compared with high, educational attainment scored lower on cognitive measures [pooled unadjusted SMDs: 2–3 years = −0.32 (95% confidence intervals: −0.43 to −0.21); 4–7 years = −0.57 (−0.67; −0.47); 8–15 years = −0.54 (−0.72; −0.37)]. Analyses by GA subgroups (<27 vs ≥27 weeks) in children without severe neonatal morbidity and term controls yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Across diverse settings and regardless of the degree of prematurity, low maternal education was associated with lower cognition.
Assessment of ceftolozane/tazobactam stability in elastomeric devices and suitability for continuous infusion via outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Jamieson Conor , Drummond Felicity , Hills Tim , Ozolina Laima , Gilchrist Mark , Seaton R Andrew , Santillo Mark , Wilkinson Alan-Shaun , Allwood Michael C
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the stability of ceftolozane/tazobactam 5 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL solutions for infusion in two elastomeric devices: FOLFusor LV10 (Baxter Healthcare) and Easypump® II (B. Braun Medical Ltd) and determine if an extended shelf life of up to 8 days storage at 2–8°C plus 24 h ‘in use’ at 32°C was achievable.

Methods

Testing was as per the latest NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee Yellow Cover Document (YCD) requirements. A stability-indicating LC method was used for assessing the stability of solutions of ceftolozane/tazobactam at 5 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL (combined concentration of both actives) respectively, tested in two batches in triplicate (n = 3) at five timepoints according to the requirements of the YCD.

Results

Ceftolozane/tazobactam, diluted in 0.9% w/v sodium chloride at 5 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL, degraded during in-use storage at 32°C with <95% remaining after 18 h for some device/concentration combinations and all device/concentration combinations at 24 h, respectively. The data does support extended storage of up to 8 days at 2–8°C plus 12 h at 32°C ‘in-use’ when using either FOLFusor LV10 or Easypump® II devices and is compliant with YCD.

Conclusions

Solutions of ceftolozane/tazobactam can be administered in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services following refrigerated storage for up to 8 days, when limited to a 12 h infusion at in-use temperature of 32°C. For UK OPAT services where twice daily dosing is feasible, our data provides another treatment option for challenging infections. In countries where a 10% loss of ceftolozane/tazobactam is acceptable, a 24 h infusion is supported by the data.
Longitudinal Tracking of Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA) Antibodies in a Quaternary Hospital Laboratory Cohort Reveals Dynamic Antibody Profiles
Authors: Lee Adrian Y S , Brown David A , McDonald David , Lin Ming-Wei
Published: August 2021

Background

Antiextractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENAs) are regarded as diagnostic tests with no established value for serial monitoring. We therefore sought to establish the stability over time of anti-ENAs in a large diagnostic immunopathology laboratory.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who had a serial anti-ENA ordered at the Westmead Hospital (Sydney, Australia) was performed over 24 months. Anti-ENA characterization was performed using line immunoassay, and historical data were available from 2013 onward. The earliest available densitometry readings were compared with the latest available to examine for a change in quantitation or qualitative (serostatus) result (from negative to positive, and vice versa). Medical records were examined for clinical correlations.

Results

A total of 283 patients (24.1%) had serial testing of anti-ENA in the audit period, with each patient having an average of 3.9 ± 2.9 tests each. Most patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus or primary Sjögren’s syndrome. About 25% and 58% of patients had a qualitative and quantitative change, respectively, in at least 1 anti-ENA in the study period. Changes in anti-ENA levels correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and disease activity. Increasing duration between serial tests increased the probability of observing a change in anti-ENA levels.

Conclusion

Certain anti-ENAs are dynamic autoantibodies that may have significance for monitoring disease activity. Laboratories may consider reporting quantitative results. Further disease- and autoantibody-specific studies are required to determine the clinical significance of changes in anti-ENAs.
Development and validation of techniques for phenotyping ST-elevation myocardial infarction encounters from electronic health records
Authors: Somani Sulaiman , Yoffie Stephen , Teng Shelly , Havaldar Shreyas , Nadkarni Girish N , Zhao Shan , Glicksberg Benjamin S
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Classifying hospital admissions into various acute myocardial infarction phenotypes in electronic health records (EHRs) is a challenging task with strong research implications that remains unsolved. To our knowledge, this study is the first study to design and validate phenotyping algorithms using cardiac catheterizations to identify not only patients with a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the specific encounter when it occurred.

Materials and Methods

We design and validate multi-modal algorithms to phenotype STEMI on a multicenter EHR containing 5.1 million patients and 115 million patient encounters by using discharge summaries, diagnosis codes, electrocardiography readings, and the presence of cardiac catheterizations on the encounter.

Results

We demonstrate that robustly phenotyping STEMIs by selecting discharge summaries containing “STEM” has the potential to capture the most number of STEMIs (positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.36, N = 2110), but that addition of a STEMI-related International Classification of Disease (ICD) code and cardiac catheterizations to these summaries yields the highest precision (PPV = 0.94, N = 952).

Discussion and Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrate that the incorporation of percutaneous coronary intervention increases the PPV for detecting STEMI-related patient encounters from the EHR.
Natural language processing for automated annotation of medication mentions in primary care visit conversations
Authors: Ganoe Craig H , Wu Weiyi , Barr Paul J , Haslett William , Dannenberg Michelle D , Bonasia Kyra L , Finora James C , Schoonmaker Jesse A , Onsando Wambui M , Ryan James , Elwyn Glyn , Bruce Martha L , Das Amar K , Hassanpour Saeed
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study is to build and evaluate a natural language processing approach to identify medication mentions in primary care visit conversations between patients and physicians.

Materials and Methods

Eight clinicians contributed to a data set of 85 clinic visit transcripts, and 10 transcripts were randomly selected from this data set as a development set. Our approach utilizes Apache cTAKES and Unified Medical Language System controlled vocabulary to generate a list of medication candidates in the transcribed text and then performs multiple customized filters to exclude common false positives from this list while including some additional common mentions of the supplements and immunizations.

Results

Sixty-five transcripts with 1121 medication mentions were randomly selected as an evaluation set. Our proposed method achieved an F-score of 85.0% for identifying the medication mentions in the test set, significantly outperforming existing medication information extraction systems for medical records with F-scores ranging from 42.9% to 68.9% on the same test set.

Discussion

Our medication information extraction approach for primary care visit conversations showed promising results, extracting about 27% more medication mentions from our evaluation set while eliminating many false positives in comparison to existing baseline systems. We made our approach publicly available on the web as an open-source software.

Conclusion

Integration of our annotation system with clinical recording applications has the potential to improve patients’ understanding and recall of key information from their clinic visits, and, in turn, to positively impact health outcomes.
Well-Being and Health
Authors: Kim Richard , Haybron Daniel M
Published: August 2021

This introduction to the special issue on well-being and health explores the ways that philosophical inquiry into well-being can play a productive role in understanding health and medicine. We offer an explanation of the concept of well-being, central theories of well-being, and how these key topics, along with other cutting-edge issues such as disability and cross-cultural reflections, can contribute to the discourse on the nature of health and medicine. We also provide brief overviews of the essays in this special issue and highlight the significant philosophical implications they have for understanding both well-being and health.
Can the Future-Like-Ours Argument Survive Ontological Scrutiny?
Authors: Adams Matthew , Rimell Nicholas
Published: August 2021

We argue that the future-like-ours argument against abortion rests on an important assumption. Namely, in the first trimester of an aborted pregnancy, there exists something that would have gone on to enjoy conscious mental states, had the abortion not occurred. To accommodate this assumption, we argue, a proponent of the future-like-ours argument must presuppose that there is ontic vagueness. We anticipate the objection that our argument achieves “too much” because it also applies mutatis mutandis to conscious humans. We respond by showing that an explanation can be given for why it is wrong to kill conscious humans that is independent of the underlying metaphysics. Our response brings into focus a reason why—at least in the context of an ethical argument like the future-like-ours argument—appeal to a highly controversial metaphysics is ad hoc. Such metaphysics is not necessary to explain the wrongness of killing conscious humans, only nonconscious fetuses.
Different Pigmentation Risk Loci for High-Risk Monosomy 3 and Low-Risk Disomy 3 Uveal Melanomas
Authors: Mobuchon Lenha , Derrien Anne-Céline , Houy Alexandre , Verrier Thibault , Pierron Gaëlle , Cassoux Nathalie , Milder Maud , Deleuze Jean-François , Boland Anne , Scelo Ghislaine , Cancel-Tassin Géraldine , Cussenot Olivier , Rodrigues Manuel , Noirel Josselin , Machiela Mitchell J , Stern Marc-Henri
Published: August 2021

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM), a rare malignant tumor of the eye, is predominantly observed in populations of European ancestry. UMs carrying a monosomy 3 (M3) frequently relapse mainly in the liver, whereas UMs with disomy 3 (D3) are associated with more favorable outcome. Here, we explored the UM genetic predisposition factors in a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1142 European UM patients and 882 healthy controls .

Methods

We combined 2 independent datasets (Global Screening Array) with the dataset described in a previously published GWAS in UM (Omni5 array), which were imputed separately and subsequently merged. Patients were stratified according to their chromosome 3 status, and identified UM risk loci were tested for differential association with M3 or D3 subgroups. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

We recapitulated the previously identified risk locus on chromosome 5 on CLPTM1L (rs421284: odds ratio [OR] =1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35 to 1.86; P = 1.98 × 10-8) and identified 2 additional risk loci involved in eye pigmentation: IRF4 locus on chromosome 6 (rs12203592: OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.44 to 2.16; P = 3.55 × 10-8) and HERC2 locus on chromosome 15 (rs12913832: OR= 0.57, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.67; P = 1.88 × 10-11). The IRF4 rs12203592 single-nucleotide polymorphism was found to be exclusively associated with risk for the D3 UM subtype (ORD3 = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.87 to 3.97; P = 1.78 × 10-7), and the HERC2 rs12913832 single-nucleotide polymorphism was exclusively associated with risk for the M3 UM subtype (ORM3 = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.79 to 3.29; P = 1.13 × 10-8). However, the CLPTM1L risk locus was equally statistically significant in both subgroups.

Conclusions

This work identified 2 additional UM risk loci known for their role in pigmentation. Importantly, we demonstrate that UM tumor biology and metastatic potential are influenced by patients’ genetic backgrounds.
Hijacking institutional logics in the implementation of a cancer trial
Authors: Holm-Petersen Christina , Møller Anne Mette , Buch Martin Sandberg
Published: August 2021

Practice-based studies have demonstrated how institutional logics function as repertoires of cultural resources that actors may use strategically for professional (re-)positioning. This article focuses on the concept of hijacking based on a qualitative study of the implementation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in specialized cancer palliation. Using the logics-as-resources perspective as theoretical framing, we describe the negotiations and hijacking of logics that followed the introduction of the RCT and the temporary reversal of home logics between professional subgroups in cancer treatment and care. The analysis shows how hijacking unfolds in a highly institutionalized and complex professional healthcare setting characterized by intra-institutional heterogeneity. We contribute to the literature by highlighting how hijacking is related to power differentials and identity work and may contribute to obscuring underlying conflicts, in this case between science and care logics. The article develops our understanding of hijacking as a theoretical concept and an empirical phenomenon.
Thyroid dose estimates for the genome-wide association study of thyroid cancer in persons exposed in Belarus to 131I after the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Drozdovitch Vladimir , Minenko Victor , Kukhta Tatiana , Viarenich Kiryl , Trofimik Sergey , Rogounovitch Tatiana , Nakayama Takafumi , Drozd Valentina , Veyalkin Ilya , Mitsutake Norisato , Ostroumova Evgenia , Saenko Vladimir
Published: August 2021

The Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986 led to a sharp increase in thyroid cancer (TC) incidence in the individuals exposed to radiation in childhood. The major risk factor for TC was exposure to Iodine-131 (131I). Here, we estimated the thyroid doses due to 131I intake for 2041 participants of the genome-wide association study of TC in Belarusian people exposed to radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl accident. The following parameter-values specially developed in this study were used to estimate individual thyroid doses: (i) scaling factors for adjustment of the model-based doses, (ii) age and gender diet to characterize 131I intake, and (iii) area-, age- and gender-specific S-values for the thyroid gland per 131I decay in the thyroid. The most reliable doses were calculated for 103 people with measured 131I thyroid activity (the arithmetic mean of 1.2 Gy, median 0.52 Gy), and 275 individuals with detailed residential history and dietary data (the arithmetic mean of 0.41 Gy, median 0.24 Gy). The arithmetic mean of thyroid doses among all study participants was 0.23 Gy (median 0.082 Gy); the highest individual dose was 9.0 Gy. Special attention was paid to the reliability and validity of the obtained estimates, in particular for the individuals without 131I thyroid activity measurements and individual data on residential history and diet, by comparing those with the doses from other post-Chernobyl epidemiological studies. Overall, the doses estimated in the current study were in reasonable agreement with previously reported thyroid doses. These doses will be used in the genome-wide association study of TC in people exposed in Belarus to 131I after the Chernobyl accident.
Fully laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy, Puestow procedure (with video)
Authors: Gamez B , Buckel S E , Benitez J , Jarufe N
Published: August 2021

Chronic pancreatitis usually requires medical treatment and, in rare cases, surgical intervention. The most frequent cause of consultation is chronic pain that is difficult to manage, and therapeutic options such as endoscopy can resolve most problems without surgery. However, when these options fail, surgical management is necessary. The most common surgery is a lateral pancreatic bypass or Puestow surgery. We present the case of a 31-year-old patient with unspecific abdominal discomfort. Abdominal ultrasonography showed significant dilation of the pancreatic duct (18 mm). Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed an impacted stone in the head of the pancreas and pancreas divisum. Resolution with endoscopy was attempted, but the pancreatic duct could not be accessed due to impacted lithiasis. After discussion in a multidisciplinary committee, surgical treatment was recommended, and a fully laparoscopic Puestow surgery was performed.
Beauty and Power: Beauticians, the Highlander Folk School, and Women’s Professional Networks in the Civil Rights Movement
Authors: Slate Nico
Published: August 2021

In January 1961, fifty-two African American beauticians gathered at the Highlander Folk School, a tiny bastion of racial integration perched in the mountains of Tennessee. They had come to discuss their role in the struggle against American racism. While historians have long acknowledged the importance of gendered networks and women’s organizing within the African American freedom struggle, the history of the beauticians who gathered at Highlander demonstrates the importance of professional networks as a bridge between different local struggles. In their skill at building networks, and their attention to the patient labor required of such building, beauticians were emblematic of the organizing prowess demonstrated by women throughout the civil rights movement. But unlike most African American women, beauticians had the economic independence and social prominence to gain positions of power usually reserved for men. The intersection of their class status and their gendered identity magnified the liminal status of beauticians—and gave that status special power. As they debated their role in the movement, the beauticians who gathered at Highlander struggled to navigate between autonomy and connection, and between participatory democracy and institutional hierarchy. Their struggles reveal the inevitable tension that marked social networks within a movement that challenged not only the forces of white supremacy, but also the inequalities of status and economic power that transcended the color line.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 associated with aircraft travel: a systematic review
Authors: Rosca Elena C , Heneghan Carl , Spencer Elizabeth A , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Onakpoya Igho J , Evans David H , Conly John M , Jefferson Tom
Published: August 2021

Rationale for the review

Air travel may be associated with viruses spread via infected passengers and potentially through in-flight transmission. Given the novelty of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, transmission associated with air travel is based on transmission dynamics of other respiratory viruses. Our objective was to provide a rapid summary and evaluation of relevant data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission aboard aircraft, report policy implications and to highlight research gaps requiring urgent attention.

Methods

We searched four electronic databases (1 February 2020–27 January 2021) and included studies on SARS-CoV-2 transmission aboard aircraft. We assessed study quality based on five criteria and reported important findings.

Key findings

We included 18 studies on in-flight SARS-CoV-2 transmission (130 unique flights) and 2 studies on wastewater from aircraft. The quality of evidence from most published studies was low. Two wastewater studies reported PCR-positive samples with high cycle threshold values (33–39). Index case definition was heterogeneous across studies. The proportion of contacts traced ranged from 0.68 to 100%. Authors traced 2800/19 729 passengers, 140/180 crew members and 8/8 medical staff. Altogether, 273 index cases were reported, with 64 secondary cases. Three studies, each investigating one flight, reported no secondary cases. Secondary attack rate among studies following up >80% of passengers and crew (including data on 10 flights) varied between 0 and 8.2%. The studies reported on the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Two studies performed viral cultures with 10 positive results. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed in individuals from four flights.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted during aircraft travel, but published data do not permit any conclusive assessment of likelihood and extent. The variation in design and methodology restricts the comparison of findings across studies. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting future studies of transmission on aircraft should be developed.
Victory as Defeat: Narrative Subversion of Omride Strength in 1 Kings 20
Authors: Quine Cat
Published: August 2021

This paper argues that 1 Kings 20 is a literary composition that creates an idealized picture of kingship and military victory wherein the king combines with the elders, prophets, and deity to reject the impositions of vassalage and defeat their enemy. Yet, the story subverts the image, and the king is raised up only to be brought down. The result is a didactic reflection on the futility of strong kingship and military victory without appropriate Yahwistic acknowledgement. As such, 1 Kgs 20 appropriately heralds the beginning of the end of the Omride dynasty and undermines any positive associations of military strength they may have had.
Comparing the phenotypic, genotypic, and proteomic identification of Trichosporon species: A globally emerging yeast of medical importance
Authors: Lara Bruna Rossini , de Camargo Bruno Braidotti , Paula Claudete Rodrigues , Junior Diniz Pereira Leite , Garces Hans Garcia , Arnoni Mariana Volpe , Silveira Mônica , Gimenes Viviane Mazo Fávero , Siqueira Lumena Pereira Machado , Takahashi Juliana Possatto Fernandes , Melhem Márcia de Souza Carvalho , Richini-Pereira Virgínia Bodelão , Anversa Laís , Ruiz Luciana da Silva
Published: August 2021

Trichosporon spp. are widely distributed in the nature, comprising species that inhabit different ecological niches and can be found in the water, soil, and body surface of animals and humans. Such microorganisms have been classically associated with superficial infections; however, in the last decades, they have also been related to disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients, behaving as opportunistic agents, which demands rapid and accurate species identification for efficient therapy. Concordance level between the traditional phenotypic method and the molecular technique (gold standard) in the identification of all 59 Trichosporon samples was 59.3%. Identification concordance between MALDI-TOF spectrometry and the molecular technique was 71.2%. No isolate of environmental origin was identifiable by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), and 100% of such environmental isolates were discordant for IGS region sequencing and phenotypic characterization. Both comparisons evidenced greatest concordance in the identification of T. asahii. The species T. debeurmannianum, T. dermatis, T. venhuisii and T. insectorum were not properly identified by both MALDI-TOF MS and the phenotypic technique. MALDI-TOF MS, in particular, seems to be appropriate to investigate yeasts of the genus Trichosporon; however, database updates are still necessary, especially for species that are not common in the clinical routine. With the aim of helping understand the aspects involved in early and accurate diagnosis of infections caused by this opportunistic agent, the present study compared the phenotypic, molecular (IGS region) and mass-spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) identification of 59 yeasts of the genus Trichosporon which had clinical and environmental origin and were kept in a mycology collection.
Effects of lipopeptide biosurfactants on clinical strains of Malassezia furfur growth and biofilm formation
Authors: da Silva Gabrielly Oliveira , Farias Bárbara Cibelle Soares , da Silva Renally Barbosa , Teixeira Edson Holanda , Cordeiro Rossana de Aguiar , Hissa Denise Cavalcante , Melo Vânia Maria Maciel
Published: August 2021

Lipopeptide biosurfactants (LBs) are biological molecules with low toxicity that have aroused growing interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Their chemical structure confers antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against different species. Despite their potential, few studies have demonstrated their capability against Malassezia spp., commensal yeasts which can cause dermatitis and serious infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of biosurfactants produced by new strains of Bacillus subtilis TIM10 and B. vallismortis TIM68 against M. furfur and their potential for removal and inhibition of yeast biofilms. Biosurfactants were classified as lipopeptides by FTIR, and their composition was characterized by ESI-Q-TOF/MS, showing ions for iturin, fengycin, and surfactin, with a greater abundance of surfactin. Through the broth microdilution method, both biosurfactants inhibited the growth of clinical M. furfur strains. Biosurfactant TIM10 showed greater capacity for growth inhibition, with no statistical difference compared to those obtained by the commercial antifungal fluconazole for M. furfur 153DR5 and 154DR8 strains. At minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC-2), TIM10 and TIM68 were able to inhibit biofilm formation, especially TIM10, with an inhibition rate of approximately 90%. In addition, both biosurfactants were able to remove pre-formed biofilm. Both biosurfactants showed no toxicity against murine fibroblasts, even at concentrations above MIC-2. Our results show the effectiveness of LBs in controlling the growth and biofilm formation of M. furfur clinical strains and highlight the potential of these agents to compose new formulations for the treatment of these fungi.
The VMC survey – XLIII. The spatially resolved star formation history across the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Mazzi Alessandro , Girardi Léo , Zaggia Simone , Pastorelli Giada , Rubele Stefano , Bressan Alessandro , Cioni Maria-Rosa L , Clementini Gisella , Cusano Felice , Rocha João Pedro , Gullieuszik Marco , Kerber Leandro , Marigo Paola , Ripepi Vincenzo , Bekki Kenji , Bell Cameron P M , de Grijs Richard , Groenewegen Martin A T , Ivanov Valentin D , Oliveira Joana M , Sun Ning-Chen , van Loon Jacco Th
Published: August 2021

We derive the spatially resolved star formation history (SFH) for a 96 deg2 area across the main body of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), using the near-infrared photometry from the VISTA survey of the Magellanic Clouds (VMC). The data and analyses are characterized by a great degree of homogeneity and a low sensitivity to the interstellar extinction. 756 subregions of size 0.125 deg2 – corresponding to projected sizes of about $296\times 322\, \mathrm{pc}^{2}$ in the LMC – are analysed. The resulting SFH maps, with typical resolution of 0.2–0.3 dex in logarithm of age, reveal main features in the LMC disc at different ages: the patchy star formation at recent ages, the concentration of star formation on three spiral arms and on the Bar up to ages of ∼1.6 Gyr, and the wider and smoother distribution of older populations. The period of most intense star formation occurred roughly between 4 and 0.5 Gyr ago, at rates of $\sim \!0.3\, \mbox{$\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$}\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. We compare young and old star formation rates with the observed numbers of RR Lyrae and Cepheids. We also derive a mean extinction and mean distance for every subregion, and the plane that best describes the spatial distribution of the mean distances. Our results cover an area about 50 per cent larger than the classical SFH maps derived from optical data. Main differences with respect to those maps are lower star formation rates at young ages, and a main peak of star formation being identified at ages slightly younger than 1 Gyr.
A genome-wide screen reveals the involvement of enterobactin-mediated iron acquisition inEscherichia colisurvival during copper stress
Authors: Casanova-Hampton Kaitlin , Carey Alexis , Kassam Sarah , Garner Alyssa , Donati George L , Thangamani Shankar , Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan
Published: August 2021

Copper (Cu) is a key transition metal that is involved in many important biological processes in a cell. Cu is also utilized by the immune system to hamper pathogen growth during infection. However, genome-level knowledge on the mechanisms involved in adaptation to Cu stress is limited. Here, we report the results of a genome-wide reverse genetic screen for Cu-responsive phenotypes in Escherichia coli. Our screen has identified novel genes involved in adaptation to Cu stress in E. coli. We detected multiple genes involved in the biosynthesis and uptake of enterobactin, a siderophore utilized for high-affinity TonB-dependent acquisition of iron (Fe), as critical players in survival under Cu intoxication. We demonstrated the specificity of Cu-dependent killing by chelation of Cu and by genetic complementation of tonB. Notably, TonB is involved in protection from Cu in both laboratory and uropathogenic strains of E. coli. Cu stress leads to increased expression of the genes involved in Fe uptake, indicating that Fur regulon is derepressed during exposure to excess Cu. Trace element analyses revealed that Fe homeostasis is dysregulated during Cu stress. Taken together, our data supports a model in which lack of enterobactin-dependent Fe uptake leads to exacerbation of Cu toxicity, and elucidates the intricate connection between the homeostasis of Cu and Fe in a bacterial cell.
Intracranially injectable multi-siRNA nanomedicine for the inhibition of glioma stem cells
Authors: Manju Cheripelil Abraham , Jeena Kottarapat , Ramachandran Ranjith , Manohar Maneesh , Ambily Anna Mathew , Sajesh Koythatta Meethalveedu , Gowd Genekehal Siddaramana , Menon Krishnakumar , Pavithran Keechilat , Pillai Ashok , Nair Shantikumar V , Koyakutty Manzoor
Published: August 2021

Background

Nanoparticle siRNA-conjugates are promising clinical therapeutics as indicated by recent US-FDA approval. In glioma stem cells (GSC), multiple stemness associated genes were found aberrant. We report intracranially injectable, multi-gene-targeted siRNA nanoparticle gel (NPG) for the combinatorial silencing of 3 aberrant genes, thus inhibiting the tumorogenic potential of GSCs.

Methods

NPG loaded with siRNAs targeted against FAK, NOTCH-1, and SOX-2 were prepared by the self-assembly of siRNAs with protamine–hyaluronic acid combination. Electron microscopy, DLS, and agarose gel electrophoresis were used for the physicochemical characterization. Cell transfection and gene-silencing efficiency were studied using human mesenchymal stem cells and rat C6 glioma-derived GSCs. Neurosphere inhibition was tested in vitro using GSCs derived from C6 cell line and glioma patient samples. Patient-derived xenograft model and orthotopic rat glioma model were used to test the effect of NPG on in vivo tumorigenicity.

Results

The siRNA nanoparticles with an average size ~ 250 nm and ~ 95% loading efficiency showed cellular uptake in ~95.5% GSCs. Simultaneous gene silencing of FAK, NOTCH-1, and SOX-2 led to the inhibition of neurosphere formation by GSCs, whereas normal stem cells remained unaffected and retained neuronal differentiation capability. GBM PDX models manifested significant impairment in the tumorigenic potential of NPG treated GSCs. Intracranial injection of NPG inhibited tumor growth in orthotopic rat brain tumor model.

Conclusion

Intracranially injectable n-siRNA NPG targeted to multiple stem-cell signaling impairs glioma initiation capabilities of GSCs and inhibited tumor growth in vivo.
Worldwide impacts of atmospheric vapor pressure deficit on the interannual variability of terrestrial carbon sinks
Authors: He Bin , Chen Chen , Lin Shangrong , Yuan Wenping , Chen Hans W , Chen Deliang , Zhang Yafeng , Guo Lanlan , Zhao Xiang , Liu Xuebang , Piao Shilong , Zhong Ziqian , Wang Rui , Tang Rui
Published: August 2021

Interannual variability of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon sink is substantially regulated by various environmental variables and highly dominates the interannual variation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Thus, it is necessary to determine dominating factors affecting the interannual variability of the carbon sink to improve our capability of predicting future terrestrial carbon sinks. Using global datasets derived from machine-learning methods and process-based ecosystem models, this study reveals that the interannual variability of the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was significantly negatively correlated with net ecosystem production (NEP) and substantially impacted the interannual variability of the atmospheric CO2 growth rate (CGR). Further analyses found widespread constraints of VPD interannual variability on terrestrial gross primary production (GPP), causing VPD to impact NEP and CGR. Partial correlation analysis confirms the persistent and widespread impacts of VPD on terrestrial carbon sinks compared to other environmental variables. Current Earth system models underestimate the interannual variability in VPD and its impacts on GPP and NEP. Our results highlight the importance of VPD for terrestrial carbon sinks in assessing ecosystems’ responses to future climate conditions.