bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between two anticoagulant regimens to prevent thrombosis in atrial fibrillation: an analysis mediated by transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Fusini L , Maltagliati AC , Alimento ML , Italiano G , Pepi M , Tamborini G , Galli CA
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia causing left atrial appendage thrombosis (LAA-T) which can result in cerebral and systemic embolism. Nowadays, both vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and Direct Oral Anti Coagulants (DOAC) are effective for the prevention of ischaemic stroke in AF. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the best method to detect LAA-T in AF. However, data on the prevalence of LAA-T are lacking.

Purpose. The aim of the study was 1) to evaluate the prevalence of LAA-T in patients affected by AF, receiving different anticoagulation regimens and candidates to cardioversion or catheter ablation 2) to correlate the presence of LAA-T with clinical and echocardiographic data.

Methods. This is an observational, single-center study including 796 patients (73% male) with AF. TEE before cardioversion or catheter ablation was performed in all patients. Patients with mechanical prosthetic valve and severe mitral stenosis were excluded. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to anticoagulation regimen: Group 1 including patients on DOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) and Group 2 including patients on VKA at therapeutic dose.

Results

Group 1 included 369 patients (46%), Group 2 427 (54%). Age, CHA2DS2-VASc score, sex and pathology distribution (lone FA, hypertension, valve disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) were similar in the 2 groups. The overall prevalence of LAA-T was 43 cases (5%). Similar percentage of LAA-T was found regardless of anticoagulation regimen (Group 1: 16 cases, 4%; Group 2: 27 cases, 6%, p = 0.220). No difference in LAA-T prevalence was detected within Group 1 for different DOACs (p = 0.547). Patients with LAA-T were more frequently older (p = 0.023), female (p = 0.001), with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p = 0.002), affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (p = 0.019), valve disease or bioprostetic valve (p = 0.001) regardless of anticoagulation regimen. A total of 697 patients (88%) were scheduled for cardioversion or catheter ablation. Cardioversion was successful in 667 patients (95%) without any ischemic event. Only 1 patient (0.1%) undergoing catheter ablation had a major ischemic event.

Conclusions

Efficacy of anticoagulation with VKA and DOAC is similar in preventing LAA-T in patients with AF. However, despite optimal adherence to a therapeutic regimen, several clinical factors (age, gender, high CHA2DS2-VASc score, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular disease) were associated with higher prevalence of LAA-T. TEE guided approach to cardioversion may prevent the risk of embolic events regardless of anticoagulation regimen used.
Evaluation of non-invasive myocardial work in tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Meimoun P , Vernier A , Stracchi V , Gabrion P , Vibou G , Lachambre P , Clerc J
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterized by the presence of transient left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities (WMA). However, whether systolic performance fully recover is unclear. Non-invasive myocardial work (MW) is a new index of global and regional myocardial performance which has never been described in this setting. Objective: to assess global and regional MW in typical TTC (apical variant). Methods: fifty patients with typical TTC (mean age, 77 ± 10 years, 47 women) were prospectively enrolled and underwent a transthoracic Doppler echocardiography within 24 hours of admission and a median of 32 days at follow-up (FU). MW is derived from the non-invasive strain-pressure loop obtained from the 2D strain data, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive brachial arterial pressure. Constructive MW (CMW), MW index (MWI), MW efficiency (MWE), and wasted work (WW) were measured. Hospital complications (HC) were defined as a composite of heart failure, right ventricular extension, and LV apical thrombus. A control group of 24 patients matched for age and sex without overt cardiovascular disease served as a comparative group. Results: In the TTC group, global and regional MW improved significantly between the two examinations (global, regional apical and medial CMW, MWI, MWE, WW, and regional basal CMW, and MWI, all p < 0.01). The acute apical –basal gradient of MW inverted at FU. In TTC, global CMW and MWI were significantly correlated to acute LV systolic function parameters and their change, and were significantly impaired in patients with HC (n = 13) (all, p < 0.01). At FU, despite total recovery of WMA, global and regional MW was significantly reduced in TTC by comparison to the control group (p < 0.01 for all components), although hemodynamics, LV ejection fraction, and 2D global longitudinal strain were similar (all, p = NS). Conclusion: Global and regional myocardial performance is transiently impaired in typical TTC and significantly associated to HC. And despite total recovery of WMA, subtle dysfunction of myocardial performance persist at FU.
Use of myocardial work for multiparametric detection of subclinical anthracycline cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients
Authors: Di Lisi D , Manno G , Immordino FA , Intravaia R , Calcullo D , Alagna G , Lunetta M , Russo A , Novo G
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The aim of our study was to assess subclinical cardiac effects of anthracyclines (ANTs) in women treated for breast cancer (BC).

Methods

We enrolled 46 female patients with BC undergoing adjuvant treatment with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy (CT) followed by taxane (paclitaxel/docetaxel).  Patients underwent physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) and standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) including evaluation of diastolic and systolic function, measured as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) expressed as global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global work waste (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE). The parameters were measured at baseline (T0) and at 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) follow up.

Results

All patients completed the chemotherapy cycles. No significant cardiovascular adverse events were observed during treatment. Neither 2D left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) nor E/e’ ratio evaluation at TDI were significantly changed after treatment. Conversely, GLS was significantly reduced at T1 and T2 since baseline  (GLS - 19,99 % IQR -20,6 -19,3 % at T0 vs -17,88 % IQR -18,8 -16,9 % at T1, p< 0,00 1 and -16,71 % IQR 17,6 -15,7 % at T2, p< 0,001). Consensually, a significant reduction in myocardial work was also measured (GWI 2115 mmHg% IQR 1888 – 2342 mmHg%  at T0 vs 1714 mmHg% IQR 1557 – 1870 mmHg% at T1, p< 0,0001 and 1694 mmHg% IQR 1482 – 1907 mmHg% at T2, p< 0,0001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that evaluation of myocardial work allows very early detection of subclinical cardiac damage induced by chemotherapy, consensually to the reduction of the GLS. A multiparametric assessment of the myocardial function, including myocardial work and GLS, could improve the accuracy of risk stratification of cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing ANTs treatment.
Characterization of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake pattern in infective endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: San S , Itii IE , Lim PL
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (18-FDG-PET/CT) has been included in the modified Duke criteria to improve the diagnosis of prosthetic valvular endocarditis. However, accuracy of 18-FDG-PET/CT have only been validated in patients with a surgical prosthesis and limited data exist for infective endocarditis related to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (IE-TAVI).

Methods

The study prospectively included 45 patients who underwent 18-FDG-PET/CT after TAVI. The population was divided in two groups. The control group included 31 consecutive patients who perfomed a 18-FDG-PET/CT at one after TAVI implantation. The endocarditis group included 14 consecutive patients admitted for IE-TAVI suspicion. The final diagnosis of IE-TAVI was established by the Endocarditis-Team after 3-month follow-up.

Results

In the control group, 77% (n = 24/31) of patients did not present 18-FDG uptake at one month. 18-FDG uptake was more observed in patients with a conduction abnormality after TAVI (71% [n = 5/7] vs. 17% [n = 4/24], p = 0.01). In the endocarditis group, 18-FDG-PET/CT was positive in all definite-IE (n = 7) and one with rejected-IE (n = 7). Interestingly, the latter patient presented conduction abdormality after TAVI. The SUVmax and the SUV ratio were similar in definite-IE and positive control examinations. In contrast, all uptakes in definite-IE were focal with small spots of uptake (<25% of the aortic valve circumference) whereas 18-FDG uptake was large and unique (>50% of the aortic valve circumference) in control and rejected-IE.

Conclusion

Positive 18-FDG-PET/CT examination is uncommon one month after TAVI procedure and the 18-FDG uptake pattern can be easily differentiated from definite-IE. These results indicate that 18-FDG-PET/CT may be used before the 3 months after TAVI procedure to accurately identify IE-TAVI.

Abstract Figure.
From Social Assistance to Self-Sufficiency: Low Income Work as a Stepping Stone
Authors: Boschman Sanne , Maas Ineke , Vrooman J Cok , Kristiansen Marcus H
Published: February 2021

Welfare reforms often focus on stimulating employment among benefit recipients, based on the theoretical mechanism that the performance of low income work will serve as a stepping stone towards financial self-sufficiency. Alternative theories, however, argue that the acceptance of low income work will reduce job search intensity and can signal low productivity, and therefore will not enable people to support themselves. Using longitudinal administrative data and discrete time linear probability models, we follow all social assistance recipients in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2015, and analyse whether, and for whom, low income work functions as a stepping stone towards sustainable self-sufficiency. We find that social assistance recipients are more likely to become self-sufficient when they are active in low income work. This stepping stone effect applies in particular to benefit recipients with limited work experience, a higher educational level, a shorter duration of welfare receipt and to those who belong to the native Dutch majority. The type of employment also matters: low income work through temporary employment agencies is found to be the most effective stepping stone towards self-sufficiency.
Genome-wide quantitative trait loci mapping on Verticillium wilt resistance in 300 chromosome segment substitution lines from Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Rashid Md Harun or , Li Peng-tao , Chen Ting-ting , Palanga Koffi Kibalou , Gong Wan-kui , Ge Qun , Gong Ju-wu , Liu Ai-ying , Lu Quan-wei , Diouf Latyr , Sarfraz Zareen , Jamshed Muhammad , Shi Yu-zhen , Yuan You-lu
Published: February 2021

Cotton Verticillium wilt (VW) is a devastating disease seriously affecting fiber yield and quality, and the most effective and economical prevention measure at present is selection and extension of Gossypium varieties harboring high resistance to VW. However, multiple attempts to improve the VW resistance of the most widely cultivated upland cottons have made little significant progress. The introduction of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) provide the practical solutions for merging the superior genes related with high yield and wide adaptation from Gossypium hirsutum and VW resistance and the excellent fiber quality from Gossypium barbadense. In this study, 300 CSSLs were chosen from the developed BC5F3:5 CSSLs constructed from CCRI36 (G. hirsutum) and Hai1 (G. barbadense) to conduct quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of VW resistance, and a total of 40 QTL relevant to VW disease index (DI) were identified. Phenotypic data were obtained from a 2-year investigation in two fields with two replications per year. All the QTL were distributed on 21 chromosomes, with phenotypic variation of 1.05%–10.52%, and 21 stable QTL were consistent in at least two environments. Based on a meta-analysis, 34 novel QTL were identified, while 6 loci were consistent with previously identified QTL. Meanwhile, 70 QTL hotspot regions were detected, including 44 novel regions. This study concentrates on QTL identification and screening for hotspot regions related with VW in the 300 CSSLs, and the results lay a solid foundation not only for revealing the genetic and molecular mechanisms of VW resistance but also for further fine mapping, gene cloning and molecular designing in breeding programs for resistant cotton varieties.
Novel Two-Component System-Like Elements Reveal Functional Domains Associated with Restriction–Modification Systems and paraMORC ATPases in Bacteria
Authors: Bellieny-Rabelo Daniel , Pretorius Willem J S , Moleleki Lucy N
Published: February 2021

Two-component systems (TCS) are important types of machinery allowing for efficient signal recognition and transmission in bacterial cells. The majority of TCSs utilized by bacteria is composed of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) and a cognate response regulator (RR). In the present study, we report two newly predicted protein domains—both to be included in the next release of the Pfam database: Response_reg_2 (PF19192) and HEF_HK (PF19191)—in bacteria which exhibit high structural similarity, respectively, with typical domains of RRs and HKs. Additionally, the genes encoding for the novel predicted domains exhibit a 91.6% linkage observed across 644 genomic regions recovered from 628 different bacterial strains. The remarkable adjacent colocalization between genes carrying Response_reg_2 and HEF_HK in addition to their conserved structural features, which are highly similar to those from well-known HKs and RRs, raises the possibility of Response_reg_2 and HEF_HK constituting a new TCS in bacteria. The genomic regions in which these predicted two-component systems-like are located additionally exhibit an overrepresented presence of restriction–modification (R–M) systems especially the type II R–M. Among these, there is a conspicuous presence of C-5 cytosine-specific DNA methylases which may indicate a functional association with the newly discovered domains. The solid presence of R–M systems and the presence of the GHKL family domain HATPase_c_3 across most of the HEF_HK-containing genes are also indicative that these genes are evolutionarily related to the paraMORC family of ATPases.
Distinct error rates for reference and nonreference genotypes estimated by pedigree analysis
Authors: Wang Richard J , Radivojac Predrag , Hahn Matthew W
Published: February 2021

Errors in genotype calling can have perverse effects on genetic analyses, confounding association studies, and obscuring rare variants. Analyses now routinely incorporate error rates to control for spurious findings. However, reliable estimates of the error rate can be difficult to obtain because of their variance between studies. Most studies also report only a single estimate of the error rate even though genotypes can be miscalled in more than one way. Here, we report a method for estimating the rates at which different types of genotyping errors occur at biallelic loci using pedigree information. Our method identifies potential genotyping errors by exploiting instances where the haplotypic phase has not been faithfully transmitted. The expected frequency of inconsistent phase depends on the combination of genotypes in a pedigree and the probability of miscalling each genotype. We develop a model that uses the differences in these frequencies to estimate rates for different types of genotype error. Simulations show that our method accurately estimates these error rates in a variety of scenarios. We apply this method to a dataset from the whole-genome sequencing of owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) in three-generation pedigrees. We find significant differences between estimates for different types of genotyping error, with the most common being homozygous reference sites miscalled as heterozygous and vice versa. The approach we describe is applicable to any set of genotypes where haplotypic phase can reliably be called and should prove useful in helping to control for false discoveries.
MB-GAN: Microbiome Simulation via Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Rong Ruichen , Jiang Shuang , Xu Lin , Xiao Guanghua , Xie Yang , Liu Dajiang J , Li Qiwei , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: February 2021

Background

Trillions of microbes inhabit the human body and have a profound effect on human health. The recent development of metagenome-wide association studies and other quantitative analysis methods accelerate the discovery of the associations between human microbiome and diseases. To assess the strengths and limitations of these analytical tools, simulating realistic microbiome datasets is critically important. However, simulating the real microbiome data is challenging because it is difficult to model their correlation structure using explicit statistical models.

Results

To address the challenge of simulating realistic microbiome data, we designed a novel simulation framework termed MB-GAN, by using a generative adversarial network (GAN) and utilizing methodology advancements from the deep learning community. MB-GAN can automatically learn from given microbial abundances and compute simulated abundances that are indistinguishable from them. In practice, MB-GAN showed the following advantages. First, MB-GAN avoids explicit statistical modeling assumptions, and it only requires real datasets as inputs. Second, unlike the traditional GANs, MB-GAN is easily applicable and can converge efficiently.

Conclusions

By applying MB-GAN to a case-control gut microbiome study of 396 samples, we demonstrated that the simulated data and the original data had similar first-order and second-order properties, including sparsity, diversities, and taxa-taxa correlations. These advantages are suitable for further microbiome methodology development where high-fidelity microbiome data are needed.
Food havens not swamps: a strength-based approach to sustainable food environments
Authors: Tonumaipe’a Daysha , Cammock Radilaite , Conn Cath
Published: February 2021

The current paper provides a critical review of food environments’ literature, with a focus on the metaphoric typology that has been developed over recent decades. This has tended to focus understandably on harmful food environments using well-known metaphors: that of food deserts, food swamps and food mirages. The purpose of the review was to consider the current typology in relation to what constitutes healthy food environments, and the implications for population groups in low socioeconomic environments who are often disadvantaged by current food systems and unhealthy food environments. The paper posits a new term, alongside the notion of the food oasis, that of food havens. Oasis indicates a small place of plenty in a setting of scarcity. Haven extends the boundaries of plenty in society by positing places and settings of refuge and safety, even sanctuary from which health and well-being can be attained and supported. We argue for focusing on creating such sustainable food environments so as to proliferate and promote examples of what needs to be done urgently in the fight to transform global food environments for the health of people particularly those that are vulnerable and the planet. Elements of the food haven as proposed in this paper have been drawn from indigenous perspectives—these include Māori and Pacific worldviews. Future research should consider what food environments might look like in different contexts and how we might move away from food swamps and deserts to food oases and havens; and utilize these positive motifs to go further in creating whole sustainable food environments encompassing all of society.
Outcome of Reverse Switching From CT-P13 to Originator Infliximab in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mahmmod Shaden , Schultheiss Johannes P D , van Bodegraven Ad A , Dijkstra Gerard , Gilissen Lennard P L , Hoentjen Frank , Lutgens Maurice W M D , Mahmmod Nofel , van der Meulen–de Jong Andrea E , Smits Lisa J T , Tan Adriaan C I T L , Oldenburg Bas , Fidder Herma H
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and treated with originator infliximab are increasingly being switched to biosimilars. Some patients, however, are “reverse switched” to treatment with the originator. Here we assess the prevalence of reverse switching, including its indication and outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, data on patients with IBD from 9 hospitals in the Netherlands were collected. All adult patients with IBD were included if they previously had been switched from originator infliximab to the biosimilar CT-P13 and had a follow-up time of at least 52 weeks after the initial switch. The reasons for reverse switching were categorized into worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse effects, or loss of response to CT-P13. Drug persistence was analyzed through survival analyses.

Results

A total of 758 patients with IBD were identified. Reverse switching was observed in 75 patients (9.9%). Patients with reverse switching were predominantly female (70.7%). Gastrointestinal symptoms (25.5%) and dermatological symptoms (21.8%) were the most commonly reported reasons for reverse switching. In 9 patients (12.0%), loss of response to CT-P13 was the reason for reverse switching. Improvement of reported symptoms was seen in 73.3% of patients after reverse switching and 7 out of 9 patients (77.8%) with loss of response regained response. Infliximab persistence was equal between patients who were reverse-switched and those who were maintained on CT-P13.

Conclusions

Reverse switching occurred in 9.9% of patients, predominantly for biosimilar-attributed adverse effects. Switching back to originator infliximab seems effective in patients who experience adverse effects, worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, or loss of response after switching from originator infliximab to CT-P13.
Fisher or fisheries scientist?
Authors: Bjordal Åsmund
Published: February 2021

I have the pleasure to invite you on my trip—or rather voyage, from childhood to retirement as a fisheries scientist. We will go fishing, do fishing gear and aquaculture research, provide scientific management advice, and cooperate with developing countries along the way. My advice to young scientists is to build trust, have passion for your work, and make it relevant for sustainable development.
Using Blueprints to promote interorganizational knowledge transfer in digital health initiatives—a qualitative exploration of a national change program in English hospitals
Authors: Williams Robin , Sheikh Aziz , Franklin Bryony Dean , Krasuska Marta , Nguyen Hung The , Hinder Susan , Lane Wendy , Mozaffar Hajar , Mason Kathy , Eason Sally , Potts Henry W W , Cresswell Kathrin
Published: February 2021

Objective

The Global Digital Exemplar (GDE) Program is a national attempt to accelerate digital maturity in healthcare providers through promoting knowledge transfer across the English National Health Service (NHS). “Blueprints”—documents capturing implementation experience—were intended to facilitate this knowledge transfer. Here we explore how Blueprints have been conceptualized, produced, and used to promote interorganizational knowledge transfer across the NHS.

Materials and Methods

We undertook an independent national qualitative evaluation of the GDE Program. This involved collecting data using semistructured interviews with implementation staff and clinical leaders in provider organizations, nonparticipant observation of meetings, and key documents. We also attended a range of national meetings and conferences, interviewed national program managers, and analyzed a range of policy documents. Our analysis drew on sociotechnical principles, combining deductive and inductive methods.

Results

Data comprised 508 interviews, 163 observed meetings, and analysis of 325 documents. We found little evidence of Blueprints being adopted in the manner originally conceived by national program managers. However, they proved effective in different ways to those planned. As well as providing a helpful initial guide to a topic, we found that Blueprints served as a method of identifying relevant expertise that paved the way for subsequent discussions and richer knowledge transfers amongst provider organizations. The primary value of Blueprinting, therefore, seemed to be its role as a networking tool. Members of different organizations came together in developing, applying, and sustaining Blueprints through bilateral conversations—in some circumstances also fostering informal communities of practice.

Conclusions

Blueprints may be effective in facilitating knowledge transfer among healthcare organizations, but need to be accompanied by other evolving methods, such as site visits and other networking activities, to iteratively transfer knowledge and experience.
DNA barcoding enhances large-scale biodiversity initiatives for deep-pelagic crustaceans within the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent waters
Authors: Varela Carlos , Golightly Charles , Timm Laura E , Wilkins Blake , Frank Tamara , Fenolio Danté , Collins Stormie B , Bracken-Grissom Heather D
Published: February 2021

The application of DNA barcoding represents a complementary and efficient approach to identifying specimens at all stages of their life cycle when used in combination with traditional morphological methods. Due to difficulties obtaining samples from the deep sea (> 200 m), these methods have been less frequently applied to deep-water taxa. We used DNA-barcoding techniques to enhance large-scale biodiversity initiatives for deep-pelagic crustaceans within the Gulf of Mexico, a region that has recently been identified as one of the world’s four most hyperdiverse ocean ecosystems. This study was conceptualized in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, which identified major knowledge gaps in our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity. We employed traditional Sanger sequencing and a genomic skimming approach to target the mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit 16S and the protein-coding cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Alongside these molecular approaches, traditional taxonomic investigations allowed for advancements in biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, cryptic species complexes, and distributional records across four abundant and common deep-pelagic orders (Amphipoda, Euphausiacea, Lophogastrida, and Decapoda). DNA barcodes were successfully obtained from 82 species for a total of 158 and 169 new 16S and COI sequences, respectively. Evidence of cryptic diversity has been found in the genera EucopiaDana, 1852 (Lophogastrida) and Allosergestes Judkins & Kensley, 2008 (Decapoda). New records for the Gulf of Mexico of species of LanceolaSay, 1818 (Amphipoda), Eupasiphae Wood-Mason in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1893, PasiphaeaSavigny, 1816, and MeningodoraSmith, 1882 (Caridea) are presented. Preliminary results allow us to reconsider the current classification and evolutionary relationships of several lineages. The urgency to document biodiversity in the deep-pelagic is pressing against a backdrop of future threats including oil spills and deep-sea drilling.
Banks’ Sovereign Exposures: In Search of New Rules
Authors: Baglioni Angelo , Cefalà Francesco
Published: February 2021

In this article, we examine the reform of the prudential treatment of banks’ sovereign exposures with the purpose of introducing risk-sensitive capital charges and limiting home bias. We consider six different options and measure their impact on the common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 82 banks fom 10 euro-area countries, participating in the 2019 European Banking Authority EU-wide transparency exercise and subject to European Central Bank supervision. Our evidence shows that the proposal put forward by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in 2017 is the proposal which leads to the most evenly distributed impact across countries, in terms of CET1 ratio decline. That proposal targets the goals of risk sensitivity and diversification, with two independent instruments: rating-based risk weights and concentration add-ons. As a consequence, it is the only proposal which introduces an incentive for banks located in all countries, whether low rated or high rated, to reduce their home bias. Some proposals focus on one objective only: either risk sensitivity or diversification. Others introduce heavy penalization for banks located in low-rated countries, without addressing the home bias of banks located in high-rated countries. Several options are prone to pro-cyclicality, and we measure this effect by simulating the impact of a two-notch downgrading of high debt countries on the CET1 ratio of banks. Some relevant cross-country effects emerge from our analysis, due to the large cross-country exposures of a few intermediaries.
‘Ordinary’, ‘insignificant’ and ‘useless’ artefacts from Rome and Athens
Authors: Mannoni Chiara
Published: February 2021

The edicts relating to the protection of antiquities and works of art published in the Papal States and in Greece in the nineteenth century were the first inclusive regulations in the world on the management and supervision of cultural heritage. Their aim was to control and reduce the massive exportation of artefacts that had despoiled both countries. However, the continuing stream of exports that followed the issuing of these regulations shows that their impact was limited. Questions of taste and aesthetics were introduced that allowed the disposal of the ‘insignificant’, ‘useless’, ‘multiple’ and ‘ordinary’ pieces considered unworthy of protection. Analysis of several such cases approved for export from Rome and Athens identifies a number of legal loopholes and artistic formulae that were adduced in order to circumvent the edicts, and contributes to an understanding of the impact of new approaches to art history scholarship on both the law and the nineteenth-century art market.
The ALOHA trial: (intra-articular local anaesthetic in hip arthroscopy)—a three-arm randomized trial comparing pre-emptive, high- and low-dose intra-articular local anaesthetic in hip arthroscopy
Authors: Tan Chong O , Tran Phong , Chong Yew Ming , Howard William , Weinberg Laurence
Published: February 2021

Pain after hip arthroscopy is variable and can be severe despite multimodal analgesia. Intra-articular local anaesthetic (IALA) may reduce acute postoperative pain after hip arthroscopy. However, neither its optimum dose nor timing of administration have been systematically evaluated. In 132 patients, a double-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing IALA used during hip arthroscopy was conducted comparing 100 mg ropivacaine given at the end of the procedure (Group L, lose dose), 200 mg ropivacaine at the end of the procedure (Group H, high dose) and 100 mg of ropivacaine given at the beginning and end of the procedure (Group P, pre-emptive). There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups for Numerical Rating Scale-11 pain scores in the recovery room [mean (standard deviation): Group L—2.2 (1.9); Group H—2.3 (2.1); Group P—2.7 (2.5); lowest P = 0.6], or post-recovery room Visual Analogue Scale pain scores at 2, 4 and 6 h. There were also no significant differences in antiemetic usage and requirement for rescue fascia iliaca blockade between the three groups. Compared to a single 100 mg dose of ropivacaine at the end of the procedure, we were unable to demonstrate any advantage of either a higher dose IALA or a pre-emptive dose IALA when multimodal analgesia is used.
Transmission Potential of Zika Virus by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Ae. mediovittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations From Puerto Rico
Authors: Zimler Rebecca A , Yee Donald A , Alto Barry W
Published: February 2021

Recurrence of local transmission of Zika virus in Puerto Rico is a major public health risk to the United States, where mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes mediovittatus (Coquillett) are abundant. To determine the extent to which Ae. mediovittatus are capable of transmitting Zika virus and the influence of viremia, we evaluated infection and transmission in Ae. mediovittatus and Ae. aegypti from Puerto Rico using serial dilutions of infectious blood. Higher doses of infectious blood resulted in greater infection rates in both mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti females were up to twice as susceptible to infection than Ae. mediovittatus, indicating a more effective midgut infection barrier in the latter mosquito species. Aedes aegypti exhibited higher disseminated infection (40–95%) than Ae. mediovittatus (<5%), suggesting a substantial midgut escape barrier in Ae. mediovittatus. For Ae. aegypti, transmission rates were low over a range of doses of Zika virus ingested, suggesting substantial salivary gland barriers.
Characterization of New Molecular Markers of Three Botflies Parasitizing Cervid Hosts
Authors: de la Fuente Ana M , Caparrós Noelia , Mora-Rodríguez José M , Molina María , Aleix-Mata Gaël , Velarde Roser , Fidalgo Luis E , López-Beceiro Ana M , Lorite Pedro , Boos Mathieu , Faure Eva , Pérez Jesús M , Sánchez Antonio
Published: February 2021

Specific identification of oestrid larvae is usually problematic not only when using morphobiometric features, but also when applying molecular criteria, since very few molecular markers have been described for this group of flies. New molecular markers for oestrid are needed for more reliable species identification, diagnostic purposes, and epidemiological surveys; moreover, they can help in phylogenetic reconstruction. Here, we report the characterization of COI, 28S rDNA, ITS1, and ITS2 in Cephenemyia stimulator from roe deer and in Cephenemyia auribarbis and Pharyngomyia picta from red deer. The COI and 28S rDNA are very uniform in length, while the ITSs sequences are highly variable at both intraspecific and interspecific levels. The described ITSs sequences were longer than those described for other dipteran species by the presence of simple repeats and tandem repeat sequences. In C. auribarbis both ITS1 and ITS2 appeared as two variants, one short and the other long. In general, the analyzed markers present low intraspecific genetic variation and high interspecific variation. ITSs showed the greatest amount of intraspecific and interspecific variation. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the characterized sequences differentiate the species and genera of Oestridae.
Nutrient resorption and stoichiometric responses of poplar (Populus deltoids) plantations to N addition in a coastal region of eastern China
Authors: Jiang Dalong , Li Qian , Geng Qinghong , Zhang Menghua , Xu Chonghua , Hu Guoqing , Shen Caiqin , Ruan Honghua , Xu Xia
Published: February 2021

Aims

Leaf nutrient resorption is sensitive to changes in soil nutrients. However, the effects of N deposition on nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) in plant macro-nutrients remain unclear. Poplar (Populus deltoids) is one of the most extensively cultivated hardwood species worldwide. We explored general patterns and dominant drivers of NuRE and stoichiometry of poplar plantations in response to N addition.

Methods

We conducted a 4-year N-addition experiment to explore NuRE and stoichiometric responses to N addition in two poplar (P. deltoids) plantations (8- and 12-year-old stands) in a coastal region of eastern China. We measured soil and foliar (green and senesced leaves) concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) for a series of N addition treatments including N0 (0 kg N ha−1 yr−1), N1 (50 kg N ha−1 yr−1), N2 (100 kg N ha−1 yr−1), N3 (150 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and N4 (300 kg N ha−1 yr−1).

Important Findings

Consistent for (both) 8- and 12-year-old stands, N addition did not affect the NuRE and stoichiometry (with the exception of CaRE and CaRE:MgRE ratio). N resorption efficiency–P resorption efficiency (NRE–PRE) scaling slopes were consistently less than 1.0 under N addition. These results suggest that NRE generally decouples from PRE within each N treatment. Moreover, these results point to robust control of green leaf nutritional status on nutrient resorption processes as indicated by the positive relationships between NuRE and green leaf nutrient concentrations. Our findings provided a direct evidence that growth in 12-year-old poplar plantations was N-limited in the coastal region of eastern China.
Reflections of the transnational capitalist class on the global health: The case of India
Authors: Yavuz Betül
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study aims to explore the transformations in the relation of global health and capitalism during the last three decades and its reflections on the nature of power relations between the state, local and transnational capital in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

Methods

In this study, the effects of the developments in the international political economy after TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) in the global pharmaceutical sector and in the Indian local sector are examined within the framework of the International Relations discipline. In this sense, a historical review of the Global Patent Regime has been made and a literature review has been conducted on the global pharmaceutical industry, drug patents and post-TRIPS agreements. Qualitative research method is used in the study in which the literature review is evaluated in an empirical and theoretical framework.

Key findings

The Global Patent Regime has been constructed for the interests of the transnational capitalist hegemon and in this sense has increased inequality in the global health. However, when the changes created by the global economy in the pharmaceutical sector, cooperation between the Southern countries and state policies are analysed, it is seen that a struggle area has been formed. This struggle adds value to global health in terms of access to medicine.

Conclusions

In transnational capitalism, the emergence of the state in strategic sectors such as the pharmaceutical sector in India indicates a new political and economic power.
Axillary artery and brachial plexus injury secondary to blunt trauma
Authors: Foley James , Elamien Ahmed , McCann Brendan , McMonagle Morgan
Published: February 2021

Rupture of the axillary artery after blunt trauma is an unusual injury, typically occurring in association with anterior dislocation of the shoulder or fracture-dislocation of the surgical head of the humerus. An associated blunt brachial plexus injury will typically accompany such an injury due to its intimate anatomical juxtaposition. We present the case of an elderly female, who presented after a fall from height, onto the outstretched arm, sustaining a combined axillary artery and brachial plexus blunt injury. The patient in this case recovered well post-operatively. The challenge in cases such as this is timely diagnosis and management of the vascular injury. The mechanism of injury combined with the presence or absence of hard signs of vascular injury should alert the clinician with rapid transition to investigation and management where appropriate, to minimise the warm ischaemic time to the upper limb and / or control of haemorrhage. Blunt injuries to the brachial plexus often require a prolonged period of time before accurate recovery can be prognosticated for.
Complex congenital lung malformation resection by uniportal VATS—case report
Authors: Hasenauer Arpad , Forster Céline , Ojanguren Amaya , Gonzalez Michel
Published: February 2021

Bronchial atresia (BA) is a rare congenital pulmonary airway malformation. It is characterized by the focal stenosis of a proximal segmental bronchus associated with peripheral mucus impaction and hyperinflation of the obstructed lung segment. Most cases are identified during neonatal period or childhood. When diagnosed in adults, BA may present with recurrent infections, pneumothorax and destruction of affected parenchyma. Thoracoscopic approach to BA has proved challenging in adult patients because of repeated infections and subsequently, its inflammatory status. Herein we present a case of a 26-year-old female with left side recurrent pneumonia and pneumothorax past history. A chest computed tomography revealed a complex congenital bronchial atresia involving the left upper lobe and basal segments, associated to vascular anomalies. She underwent a successful uniportal VATS left upper lobectomy and resection of basal segments. Uniportal VATS approach is an effective and safe treatment for the management of complex congenital lung malformation.
#Godwin. A discursive analysis and typology of strategic references to the thirties and the Second World War in Flemish MPs’ tweets
Authors: Willaert Tom , Goyvaerts Jana
Published: February 2021

In the wake of a series of late-2019 identitarian conflicts, public discourse in the Belgian region of Flanders was marked by references to the 1930s and 1940s as well as debates about the political appropriateness and significance of such historical allusions. Moving beyond a description of how historical references are condensed in digital political communication, the present article investigates a corpus of tweets sent from accounts of Flemish MPs in order to open up interdisciplinary perspectives on, among others, the dynamics of implicit and explicit accusations of fascism, and the complex, contested fields of speech in which the 1930s and 1940s are evoked on social media. It is thereby argued that (1) on Twitter, terminology associated with the 1930s and 1940s blurs boundaries between present and past, (2) that this conceptual flexibility allows these terms to be deployed in support of a range of political strategies, and (3) that these strategies share prominent accusatory aspects. The paper thus makes an evidence-based contribution to our understanding of how the memory and imagery of the 1930s and the Second World War strategically figure in digital political communication. These findings on online conflict and debate dynamics are supplemented with a methodological reflection on the gains of adopting a localized approach to the analysis of social media texts.
Perceptions of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Among U.S. Army Civilians and Dependents in the Kaiserslautern Military Community: A Mixed-Methods Survey
Authors: Burns Veronica M , Castillo Fritz M , Coldren Rodney L , Prosser Trisha , Howell Renee L , Kabbur Mahendra B
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Influenza is a globally occurring viral respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalizations and death. An influenza outbreak can interfere with combat readiness in a military setting, as the infection can incapacitate soldiers. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent and mitigate seasonal influenza. Although influenza vaccinations for U.S. Army soldiers can be monitored through military health systems, those systems cannot capture DoD civilians and Army dependents who may not use military health services. This study aims to gauge flu vaccine uptake and perceptions in U.S. Army civilians and dependents.

Materials and Methods

An online survey was e-mailed to civilian and dependent enrollees of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The survey contained 24 questions pertaining to demographics, vaccine history, history of the flu, and beliefs toward vaccines. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association between demographic, behavior, and belief factors with vaccine uptake. Free-text answers were coded and categorized by themes.

Results

Over 70% of respondents were vaccinated for the flu. There were differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents regarding their perceptions of barriers to vaccination, benefits of the flu vaccine, severity of flu symptoms, and personal risk of getting ill with the flu. After controlling for confounders, flu vaccination in the previous season and healthcare worker status were associated with increased vaccine uptake, while perceived barriers to influenza vaccination were associated with decreased vaccine uptake.

Conclusions

Flu vaccine uptake may be increased by increasing access to vaccination, promoting vaccination and addressing concerns at the provider level, and engaging positively framed public messaging. Increasing flu vaccine uptake is of particular importance as the flu season approaches during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
Aspirin for Deep-Venous Thrombosis Prophylaxis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: McIntire Sean C , Bernstein Ethan M , Tompane Trevor M , Briggs Avery M , Ferris William J , Renninger Christopher H , McDonald Lucas S , Hurvitz Andrew P
Published: February 2021

Aim

To evaluate whether a daily full-dose aspirin regimen after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction reduces the risk of postoperative symptomatic deep-venous thrombosis (DVT).

Materials and Methods

Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from 2007 to 2016. One thousand two hundred thirty-three patients met inclusion criteria: 821 patients received no chemoprophylaxis and 412 patients received daily full-dose aspirin.

Results

A total of 10 patients, seven receiving no chemoprophylaxis and three using aspirin, sustained a postoperative symptomatic DVT. Calculated adjusted odds ratio for symptomatic postoperative DVT for aspirin versus no chemoprophylaxis was 0.928 (95% CI 0.237-3.629, P value = 0.91). Odds ratio for symptomatic postoperative DVT occurrence among tobacco users versus non-tobacco users was 3.76 (95% CI 1.077-13.124, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

No statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative symptomatic DVT after ACL reconstruction in those who received full-dose aspirin chemoprophylaxis versus those with no chemoprophylaxis. Additionally, there was a significantly increased risk of postoperative symptomatic DVT with tobacco use.
Hot Flashes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Indices Among Women With HIV
Authors: Toribio Mabel , Fulda Evelynne S , Chu Sarah M , Drobni Zsofia D , Awadalla Magid , Cetlin Madeline , Stanley Takara L , North Crystal M , Nelson Michael D , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Szczepaniak Lidia S , Burdo Tricia H , Looby Sara E , Neilan Tomas G , Zanni Markella V
Published: February 2021

Women with HIV (WWH) transitioning through menopause have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In the general population, hot flash burden relates to CVD risk indices. We found higher hot flash burden among women with vs without HIV. Further, among WWH, hot flash burden related to select CVD risk indices.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration

NCT02874703.