bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aesthetic Surgery in Plastic Surgery Academia
Authors: Perdikis Galen , Eaves Felmont F , Glassman Gabriella E , Walker Sallie , Huang Li-Ching , Mast Bruce , Damitz Lynn , Rubin J Peter , Serletti Joseph M , Hansen Juliana , Potochny John , Kenkel Jeffery , Taub Peter J , Sobczyk Sara , Gilman Robert H , Saint-Cyr Michel Hector , Cederna Paul
Published: August 2020

Background

Aesthetic surgery is a critical component of academic plastic surgery. As institutions are placing increased focus on aesthetic surgery, there is an opportunity to identify factors that facilitate the creation and maintenance of successful aesthetic plastic surgery programs.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to conduct a national survey to evaluate the current state of academic aesthetic surgery and to identify factors that contribute to success.

Methods

A REDCap 122-question survey was developed and validated by members of the Academic Aesthetic Surgery Roundtable (AASR). The national survey was distributed to department chairs and division chiefs with active ACGME-approved plastic surgery programs (n = 92). Responses underwent Pearson’s chi-squared, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and postselection inference analyses. AASR members convened to interpret data and identify best practices.

Results

Responses were received from 64 of 92 queries (69.6%). The multivariate analysis concluded traits associated with successful academic aesthetic surgery practices included the presence of aesthetic surgery–focused, full-time faculty whose overall practice includes >50% aesthetic surgery (P = 0.040) and nonphysician aesthetic practitioners who provide injection services (P = 0.025). In the univariate analysis, factors associated with strong aesthetic surgery training programs included resident participation in faculty aesthetic clinics (P = 0.034), aesthetic research (P = 0.006), and discounted resident aesthetic clinics (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The growth of academic aesthetic surgery practices represents a significant opportunity for advancement of resident training, departmental financial success, and diversification of faculty practices. By identifying and sharing best practices and strategies, academic aesthetic surgery practices can be further enhanced.
Cadaveric Dissections to Determine Surface Landmarks Locating the Facial Artery for Filler Injections
Authors: Tansatit Tanvaa , Kenny Elizabeth , Phumyoo Thirawass , Jitaree Benrita
Published: August 2020

Background

The facial artery is a high-risk structure when performing filler injections at the nasolabial fold, buccal, and mandibular regions.

Objectives

This study aimed to establish reference landmarks locating the course of the facial artery and its essential branches.

Methods

Thirty-one embalmed cadavers were enrolled in this study. The course of the facial artery was observed in regard to the following reference points: masseter insertion, oral commissure, and common bony landmarks. The corner of the mouth was utilized as the landmark to measure the turning point of the facial artery.

Results

Seven points were established to identify the course and turning point of the facial artery. These included the anterior masseteric, lateral mental, infraorbital, medial canthal, basal alar, post-modiolar (PMP), and supra-commissural (SCP) points. The course of the facial artery deviates at least twice at the lateral mental points and at the SCP or PMP. The facial artery appeared more medially when the artery turned at the PMP and SCP. It presented through the lateral channel if the turning point was solely at the PMP. Wherever the facial artery deviates, it can be divided into 3 segments: the mandibular, buccal, and nasolabial segments. The arterial course may deviate laterally from the mouth corner towards PMP. The nasolabial segment may also deviate laterally to the basal alar point at the alar grove for 0.5 to 1 cm.

Conclusions

The deviation of facial artery closely relates with mandibular, buccal, and nasolabial segments. It is essential in avoiding arterial injury for physicians and surgeons who perform procedures in these areas.
The five digits of the giraffe metatarsal
Authors: Yohe Laurel R , Solounias Nikos
Published: August 2020

Evolution has shaped the limbs of hoofed animals in specific ways. In artiodactyls, it is the common assumption that the metatarsal is composed of the fusion of digits III and IV, whereas the other three digits have been lost or are highly reduced. However, evidence from the fossil record and internal morphology of the metatarsal challenges these assumptions. Furthermore, only a few taxonomic groups have been analysed. In giraffes, we discovered that all five digits are present in the adult metatarsal and are highly fused and modified rather than lost. We examined high-resolution micro-computed tomography scans of the metatarsals of two mid and late Miocene giraffid fossils and the extant giraffe and okapi. In all the Giraffidae analysed, we found a combination of four morphologies: (1) four articular facets; (2) four or, in most cases, five separate medullary cavities internally; (3) a clear, small digit I; and (4) in the two fossil taxa of unknown genus, the presence of external elongated grooves where the fusions of digits II and V have taken place. Giraffa and Okapia, the extant Giraffidae, show a difference from all the extinct taxa in having more flattened digits tightly packed together, suggesting convergent highly fused digits despite divergent ecologies and locomotion. These discoveries provide evidence that enhances our understanding of how bones fuse and call into question current hypotheses of digit loss.
Morphological evolution in the ant reproductive caste
Authors: Divieso Raquel , Silva Thiago S R , Pie Marcio R
Published: August 2020

The evolution of eusociality has led to considerable changes in the general hymenopteran body plan. In particular, the evolution of reproductive division of labour caused the worker caste to be largely freed from the demands involved in reproduction. As a consequence, workers were able to evolve highly specialized morphologies for foraging and colony maintenance, whereas the reproductive caste became specialized for reproduction. Despite these important changes, little is known about the general patterns of morphological evolution within the ant reproductive caste. Our goals here were to characterize morphological variation in the ant reproductive caste and to test whether different sexes display variation in their evolutionary rates. We obtained measurements of 897 specimens from a total of 678 ant species. The shapes of the size distributions were similar between sexes, with queens being larger than males in all traits except for eye length. Contrary to the expectation based on Rensch’s rule, although queens were larger, the degree of dimorphism increased with body size. Finally, there was strong evidence for an accelerated tempo of morphological evolution in queens in relation to males. These results represent the first comprehensive treatment of morphological variation in the ant reproductive caste and provide important new insights into their evolution.
Resective surgery prevents progressive cortical thinning in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Galovic Marian , de Tisi Jane , McEvoy Andrew W , Miserocchi Anna , Vos Sjoerd B , Borzi Giuseppe , Cueva Rosillo Juana , Vuong Khue Anh , Nachev Parashkev , Duncan John S , Koepp Matthias J
Published: August 2020

Focal epilepsy in adults is associated with progressive atrophy of the cortex at a rate more than double that of normal ageing. We aimed to determine whether successful epilepsy surgery interrupts progressive cortical thinning. In this longitudinal case-control neuroimaging study, we included subjects with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) before (n = 29) or after (n = 56) anterior temporal lobe resection and healthy volunteers (n = 124) comparable regarding age and sex. We measured cortical thickness on paired structural MRI scans in all participants and compared progressive thinning between groups using linear mixed effects models. Compared to ageing-related cortical thinning in healthy subjects, we found progressive cortical atrophy on vertex-wise analysis in TLE before surgery that was bilateral and localized beyond the ipsilateral temporal lobe. In these regions, we observed accelerated annualized thinning in left (left TLE 0.0192 ± 0.0014 versus healthy volunteers 0.0032 ± 0.0013 mm/year, P < 0.0001) and right (right TLE 0.0198 ± 0.0016 versus healthy volunteers 0.0037 ± 0.0016 mm/year, P < 0.0001) presurgical TLE cases. Cortical thinning in these areas was reduced after surgical resection of the left (0.0074 ± 0.0016 mm/year, P = 0.0006) or right (0.0052 ± 0.0020 mm/year, P = 0.0006) anterior temporal lobe. Directly comparing the post- versus presurgical TLE groups on vertex-wise analysis, the areas of postoperatively reduced thinning were in both hemispheres, particularly, but not exclusively, in regions that were affected preoperatively. Participants who remained completely seizure-free after surgery had no more progressive thinning than that observed during normal ageing. Those with postoperative seizures had small areas of continued accelerated thinning after surgery. Thus, successful epilepsy surgery prevents progressive cortical atrophy that is observed in TLE and may be potentially neuroprotective. This effect was more pronounced in those who remained seizure-free after temporal lobe resection, normalizing the rate of atrophy to that of normal ageing. These results provide evidence of epilepsy surgery preventing further cerebral damage and provide incentives for offering early surgery in refractory TLE.
Immunity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: blurred lines between excessive inflammation and inefficient immune responses
Authors: Béland Louis-Charles , Markovinovic Andrea , Jakovac Hrvoje , De Marchi Fabiola , Bilic Ervina , Mazzini Letizia , Kriz Jasna , Munitic Ivana
Published: August 2020

Despite wide genetic, environmental and clinical heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disease targeting motoneurons, neuroinflammation is a common finding. It is marked by local glial activation, T cell infiltration and systemic immune system activation. The immune system has a prominent role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, hence some of them, including some types of cancer, are successfully targeted by immunotherapeutic approaches. However, various anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have failed. This prompted increased scrutiny over the immune-mediated processes underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Perhaps the biggest conundrum is that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis exhibits features of three otherwise distinct immune dysfunctions—excessive inflammation, autoimmunity and inefficient immune responses. Epidemiological and genome-wide association studies show only minimal overlap between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and autoimmune diseases, so excessive inflammation is usually thought to be secondary to protein aggregation, mitochondrial damage or other stresses. In contrast, several recently characterized amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked mutations, including those in TBK1, OPTN, CYLD and C9orf72, could lead to inefficient immune responses and/or damage pile-up, suggesting that an innate immunodeficiency may also be a trigger and/or modifier of this disease. In such cases, non-selective immunosuppression would further restrict neuroprotective immune responses. Here we discuss multiple layers of immune-mediated neuroprotection and neurotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Particular focus is placed on individual patient mutations that directly or indirectly affect the immune system, and the mechanisms by which these mutations influence disease progression. The topic of immunity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is timely and relevant, because it is one of the few common and potentially malleable denominators in this heterogenous disease. Importantly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression has recently been intricately linked to patient T cell and monocyte profiles, as well as polymorphisms in cytokine and chemokine receptors. For this reason, precise patient stratification based on immunophenotyping will be crucial for efficient therapies.
Transforming growth factor beta orchestrates PD-L1 enrichment in tumor-derived exosomes and mediates CD8 T-cell dysfunction regulating early phosphorylation of TCR signalome in breast cancer
Authors: Chatterjee Soumya , Chatterjee Annesha , Jana Samir , Dey Subhasis , Roy Himansu , Das Mrinal Kanti , Alam Jahirul , Adhikary Anindya , Chowdhury Abhisek , Biswas Anupam , Manna Debasis , Bhattacharyya Arindam
Published: August 2020

Tumor cells promote immune evasion through upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) that binds with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) on cytotoxic T cells and promote dysfunction. Though therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD1 antibody has remarkable effects on different type of cancers it is less effective in breast cancer (BC). Hence, more details understanding of PD-L1-mediated immune evasion is necessary. Here, we report BC cells secrete extracellular vesicles in form of exosomes carry PD-L1 and are highly immunosuppressive. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) present in tumor microenvironment orchestrates BC cell secreted exosomal PD-L1 load. Circulating exosomal PD-L1 content is highly correlated with tumor TGF-β level. The later also found to be significantly associated with CD8+CD39+, CD8+PD1+ T-cell phenotype. Recombinant TGF-β1 dose dependently induces PD-L1 expression in Texos in vitro and blocking of TGF-β dimmed exosomal PD-L1 level. PD-L1 knocked down exosomes failed to suppress effector activity of activated CD8 T cells like tumor exosomes. While understanding its effect on T-cell receptor signaling, we found siPD-L1 exosomes failed to block phosphorylation of src family proteins, linker for activation of T cells and phosphoinositide phospholipase Cγ of CD8 T cells more than PD-L1 exosomes. In vivo inhibition of exosome release and TGF-β synergistically attenuates tumor burden by promoting Granzyme and interferon gamma release in tumor tissue depicting rejuvenation of exhausted T cells. Thus, we establish TGF-β as a promoter of exosomal PD-L1 and unveil a mechanism that tumor cells follow to promote CD8 T-cell dysfunction.
Interplay between 5-HT4 Receptors and GABAergic System within CA1 Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Lecouflet Pierre , Roux Candice M , Potier Brigitte , Leger Marianne , Brunet Elie , Billard Jean-Marie , Schumann-Bard Pascale , Freret Thomas
Published: August 2020

The type 4 serotonin receptor (5-HT4R) is highly involved in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Behavioral studies have shown a beneficial effect of its activation and conversely reported memory impairments by its blockade. However, how modulation of 5HT4R enables modifications of hippocampal synaptic plasticity remains elusive. To shed light on the mechanisms at work, we investigated the effects of the 5-HT4R agonist RS67333 on long-term potentiation (LTP) within the hippocampal CA1 area. Although high-frequency stimulation-induced LTP remained unaffected by RS67333, the magnitude of LTP induced by theta-burst stimulation was significantly decreased. This effect was blocked by the selective 5-HT4R antagonist RS39604. Further, 5-HT4R-induced decrease in LTP magnitude was fully abolished in the presence of bicuculline, a GABAAR antagonist; hence, demonstrating involvement of GABA neurotransmission. In addition, we showed that the application of a GABABR antagonist, CGP55845, mimicked the effect of 5-HT4R activation, whereas concurrent application of CGP55845 and RS67333 did not elicit an additive inhibition effect on LTP. To conclude, through investigation of theta burst induced functional plasticity, we demonstrated an interplay between 5-HT4R activation and GABAergic neurotransmission within the hippocampal CA1 area.
Vasculitis due to Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis: A Cohort Study of 40 Swedish Patients
Authors: Höper Linnea , Skoog Elisabet , Stenson Martin , Grankvist Anna , Wass Linda , Olsen Björn , Nilsson Kenneth , Mårtensson Andreas , Söderlind Jacob , Sakinis Augustinas , Wennerås Christine
Published: August 2020

Background

Candidatus (Ca.) Neoehrlichia (N.) mikurensis is an emerging tick-borne pathogen of humans that is closely related to Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species. This strict intracellular bacterium escapes detection by routine microbiologic diagnostic methods such as blood culture, leading to considerable under-diagnosis of the infectious disease it causes, neoehrlichiosis.

Methods

Here, we describe the vascular and thromboembolic events afflicting a series of 40 patients diagnosed with neoehrlichiosis in Sweden during a 10-year period (2009–2019).

Results

The majority of the patients (60%) developed vascular events ranging from repeated thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, transitory ischemic attacks, to arteritis. Younger age was a risk factor for vascular complications. In contrast, there was no difference in the incidence of vascular events between immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. However, there were qualitative differences, such that deep vein thrombosis exclusively afflicted the immunosuppressed patients, whereas arteritis was restricted to the immunocompetent persons. We also present the case histories of two patients who developed vasculitis mimicking polyarteritis nodosa and giant cell arteritis. Both were cured by doxycycline treatment.

Conclusions

Ca. N. mikurensis infection should be considered in patients living in tick-endemic areas of Europe and northern Asia who present with atypical vascular and/or thromboembolic events. Early diagnosis and antibiotics targeting this emerging infectious agent can eradicate the infection and prevent the development of new vascular events.
Efavirenz Pharmacogenetics and Weight Gain Following Switch to Integrase Inhibitor–Containing Regimens
Authors: Leonard Michael A , Cindi Zinhle , Bradford Yuki , Bourgi Kassem , Koethe John , Turner Megan , Norwood Jamison , Woodward Beverly , Erdem Husamettin , Basham Rebecca , Baker Paxton , Rebeiro Peter F , Sterling Timothy R , Hulgan Todd , Daar Eric S , Gulick Roy , Riddler Sharon A , Sinxadi Phumla , Ritchie Marylyn D , Haas David W
Published: August 2020

Background

Unwanted weight gain affects some people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are prescribed integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). Mechanisms and risk factors are incompletely understood.

Methods

We utilized 2 cohorts to study pharmacogenetics of weight gain following switch from efavirenz- to INSTI-based regimens. In an observational cohort, we studied weight gain at 48 weeks following switch from efavirenz- to INSTI-based regimens among patients who had been virologically suppressed for at least 2 years at a clinic in the United States. Associations were characterized with CYP2B6 and UGT1A1 genotypes that affect efavirenz and INSTI metabolism, respectively. In a clinical trials cohort, we studied weight gain at 48 weeks among treatment-naive participants who were randomized to receive efavirenz-containing regimens in AIDS Clinical Trials Group studies A5095, A5142, and A5202 and did not receive INSTIs.

Results

In the observational cohort (n = 61), CYP2B6 slow metabolizers had greater weight gain after switch (P = .01). This was seen following switch to elvitegravir or raltegravir, but not dolutegravir. UGT1A1 genotype was not associated with weight gain. In the clinical trials cohort (n = 462), CYP2B6 slow metabolizers had lesser weight gain at week 48 among participants receiving efavirenz with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (P = .001), but not those receiving efavirenz with abacavir (P = .65). Findings were consistent when stratified by race/ethnicity and by sex.

Conclusions

Among patients who switched from efavirenz- to INSTI-based therapy, CYP2B6 genotype was associated with weight gain, possibly reflecting withdrawal of the inhibitory effect of higher efavirenz concentrations on weight gain. The difference by concomitant nucleoside analogue is unexplained.
Polyphony of domestic dog whines and vocal cues to body size
Authors: Sibiryakova Olga V , Volodin Ilya A , Volodina Elena V
Published: August 2020

In domestic dogs Canis familiaris, vocal traits have been investigated for barks and growls, and the relationship between individual body size and vocal traits investigated for growls, with less corresponding information for whines. In this study, we examined the frequency and temporal traits of whines of 20 adult companion dogs (9 males, 11 females), ranging in body mass from 3.5 to 70.0 kg and belonging to 16 breeds. Dog whines (26–71 per individual, 824 in total) were recorded in conditioned begging contexts modeled by dog owners. Whines had 3 independent fundamental frequencies: the low, the high and the ultra-high that occurred singly as monophonic calls or simultaneously as 2-voice biphonic or 3-voice polyphonic calls. From the smallest to largest dog, the upper frequency limit varied from 0.24 to 2.13 kHz for the low fundamental frequency, from 2.95 to 10.46 kHz for the high fundamental frequency and from 9.99 to 23.26 kHz for the ultra-high fundamental frequency. Within individuals, the low fundamental frequency was lower in monophonic than in biphonic whines, whereas the high fundamental frequency did not differ between those whine types. All frequency variables of the low, high, and ultra-high fundamental frequencies correlated negatively with dog body mass. For duration, no correlation with body mass was found. We discuss potential production mechanisms and sound sources for each fundamental frequency; point to the acoustic similarity between high-frequency dog whines and rodent ultrasonic calls and hypothesize that ultra-high fundamental frequencies function to allow private, “tete-a-tete” communication between members of social groups.
Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) have characteristic skin microbiota that may be shaped by cutaneous skin peptides and the environment
Authors: Loudon A H , Kurtz A , Esposito E , Umile T P , Minbiole K P C , Parfrey L W , Sheafor B A
Published: August 2020

Global amphibian declines due to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) have led to questions about how amphibians defend themselves against skin diseases. A total of two amphibian defense mechanisms are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a component of amphibian innate immune defense and symbiotic skin bacteria, which can act in synergy. We characterized components of these factors in four populations of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) to investigate their role in disease defense. We surveyed the ability of their AMPs to inhibit Bd, skin bacterial community composition, skin metabolite profiles and presence and intensity of Bd infection. We found that AMPs from R. luteiventris inhibited Bd in bioassays, but inhibition did not correlate with Bd intensity on frogs. R. luteiventris had two prevalent and abundant core bacteria: Rhizobacter and Chryseobacterium. Rhizobacter relative abundance was negatively correlated with AMP's ability to inhibit Bd, but was not associated with Bd status itself. There was no relationship between metabolites and Bd. Bacterial communities and Bd differ by location, which suggests a strong environmental influence. R. luteiventris are dominated by consistent core bacteria, but also house transient bacteria that are site specific. Our emergent hypothesis is that host control and environmental factors shape the microbiota on R. luteiventris.
Carotenoid metabolism in mitochondrial function
Authors: Lu Peiran , Wong Siau Yen , Wu Lei , Lin Dingbo
Published: August 2020

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that are found in most eukaryotic organisms. It is broadly accepted that mitochondria originally evolved from prokaryotic bacteria, e.g. proteobacteria. The mitochondrion has its independent genome that encodes 37 genes, including 13 genes for oxidative phosphorylation. Accumulative evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are not only the powerhouse of the cells by supplying adenosine triphosphate, but also exert roles as signalling organelles in the cell fate and function. Numerous factors can affect mitochondria structurally and functionally. Carotenoids are a large group of fat-soluble pigments commonly found in our diets. Recently, much attention has been paid in carotenoids as dietary bioactives in mitochondrial structure and function in human health and disease, though the mechanistic research is limited. Here, we update the recent progress in mitochondrial functioning as signalling organelles in human health and disease, summarize the potential roles of carotenoids in regulation of mitochondrial redox homeostasis, biogenesis, and mitophagy, and discuss the possible approaches for future research in carotenoid regulation of mitochondrial function.
Alterations of Lipid Metabolism With Age and Weight in Companion Dogs
Authors: Hoffman Jessica M , Kiklevich J Veronika , Klavins Kristaps , Valencak Teresa G , Austad Steven N
Published: August 2020

The companion dog has recently been promoted as powerful translational model of aging. However, while dogs share environments with their human owners and develop many of the same age-related morbidities, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that drive their health and longevity. In addition, dogs have a well described phenotypic pattern in which small dogs live significantly longer than large dogs, such that weight can be used as a crude proxy for longevity. To investigate this pattern, we completed a small lipidomics study on 41 dogs in the Birmingham, Alabama, United States, area to determine individual circulating lipids that were associated with age and body weight. We discovered that sphingomyelins were significantly higher in large, short-lived dogs, independent of age, and triglycerides were higher in older dogs of all sizes. Our results point towards physiological differences that may explain a portion of the variation in longevity seen in companion dogs.
Circulating Procollagen Type III N-Terminal Peptide and Physical Function in Adults from the Long Life Family Study
Authors: Santanasto Adam J , Cvejkus Ryan K , Wojczynski Mary K , Marron Megan M , Schupf Nicole , Christensen Kaare , Thyagarajan Bharat , Zmuda Joseph M
Published: August 2020

Background

Circulating levels of procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) may reflect increased fibrosis of skeletal muscle and other tissues with aging. Herein, we tested if P3NP was associated with baseline and 7-year change in physical function.

Method

Participants (n = 400) were from the Long Life Family Study, a study of exceptional familial longevity. Plasma P3NP concentration was measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (inter-assay coefficient of variation <5.5%). At baseline and 7-year follow-up visits, physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 0–12), which consists of gait speed, balance, and chair-rise tests. Grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. The association between log-transformed P3NP and physical function was examined using generalized estimating equations adjusted for familial relatedness, age, sex, height, weight, lifestyle characteristics, liver function, kidney function, lung function, and chronic disease prevalence.

Results

Participants were aged 73.1 ± 15.2 years (range: 39–104), 54% female, had body mass index of 26.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2, and gait speeds of 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s. One standard deviation higher log-transformed P3NP was related to worse baseline SPPB score (β = −0.9points), gait speed (β = −0.05m/s), chair-rises per-second (β = −0.46chair-rises/10 seconds), and grip strength (β = −2.0kg; all p < .001). Higher P3NP was also associated with greater declines in gait speed (β = −1.41, p < .001) and transitioning to being unable to perform chair-rises (β = 0.41, p < .001) after 7 years.

Conclusion

Plasma P3NP may be a strong, novel biomarker of current and future physical function. Future research is needed to extend our findings to other cohorts and determine mechanisms underlying these associations.
Tracking earthquake sequences in real time: application of Seismicity-Scanning based on Navigated Automatic Phase-picking (S-SNAP) to the 2019 Ridgecrest, California sequence
Authors: Tan Fengzhou , Kao Honn , Nissen Edwin , Visser Ryan
Published: August 2020

Recent improvements in seismic data processing techniques have enhanced our ability to detail the evolution of major earthquake sequences in space and time. One such advance is new scanning algorithms that allow large volumes of waveform data to be analysed automatically, removing human biases and inefficiencies that inhibit standardized monitoring. The Seismicity-Scanning based on Navigated Automatic Phase-picking (S-SNAP) workflow has previously been shown to be capable of producing high-quality earthquake catalogues for injection-induced seismicity monitoring. In this study, we modify the original S-SNAP workflow to enable it to delineate the spatiotemporal distribution of major earthquake sequences in real time. We apply it to the 2019 Ridgecrest, southern California earthquake sequence, which culminated in an Mw 6.4 foreshock on July 4 and an Mw 7.1 main shock on July 6 and generated tens of thousands of smaller earthquakes. Our catalogue—which spans the period 2019 June 1 to July 16—details the spatiotemporal evolution of the sequence, including early foreshocks on July 1 and accelerating foreshocks on July 4, a seismicity gap before the main shock around its epicentre, seismicity on discrete structures within a broad fault zone and triggered earthquakes outside the main fault zone. We estimate the accuracy and false detection rate of the S-SNAP catalogue based on the reviewed catalogue reported by Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and our own visual inspection. We demonstrate the advantages of S-SNAP over a generalized automatic earthquake monitoring software, Seiscomp3, and a customized real-time earthquake information system for southern California, TriNet. In comparison, the S-SNAP catalogue contains five times more events than the Seiscomp3 catalogue and 1.4–2.2 times as many events per hour as the TriNet catalogue at most times. In addition, S-SNAP is more likely to solve phase association ambiguities correctly and provide a catalogue with consistent quality through time. S-SNAP would be beneficial to both routine network operations and the earthquake review process.
The rise of the sugar trade and sugar consumption in early British America, 1650–1720*
Authors: Goodall Mimi
Published: August 2020

This article draws on new archival sources to explore how sugar pervaded British North America much earlier that previous scholarly literature has suggested. Sugar arrived in North America with the very first colonists, and was widely available to a variety of consumers across the socio-economic spectrum. The product was foundational to the development of the North American economic world – in the creation of rum distilleries, grocers’ shops and through the use of commodity money. While sugar brought North American colonists closer to Britain through similar consumption patterns and a shared sense of taste, it also began to pull the two countries apart. By 1733, sugar had become a central source of tension between the colony and the metropole; it allowed colonists’ economic relationships to spread much further than Britain, and consequently, as America’s sweet tooth developed, its relationship with Britain began to decay.
Worldwide Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Survey
Authors: Bernstein Charles N , Ng Siew C , Banerjee Rupa , Steinwurz Flavio , Shen Bo , Carbonnel Franck , Hamid Saeed , Sood Ajit , Yamamoto-Furusho Jesus K , Griffiths Anne , Benchimol Eric I , Travis Simon , Lopes Susana , Rubin David T , Kaplan Gilaad G , Armstrong David , Gearry Richard ,   IBD-Emerging Nations Consortium and the WGO IBD Task Force on COVID-19, Rahman M Masudur , Mohsin Mostafa N , Vieira Andrea , Salgado Nayara Carvalho , Machado Marta Brenner , Wu Hao , Mak Joyce W Y , Miao Ying-Lei , Abdullah Murdani , Chowers Yehuda , Ogutu Elly , Devani Smita , Yang Suk-Kyun , Omar Mahmoud , Goh K L , Hilmi Ida , Raja Ali Raja Affendi , Aye Than Than , Wai Tin Moe , Joshi Neeraj , Abbas Zaigham , Magro Fernando , Sollano Jose , Torres Esther A , Mohiuddin Syed Adnan , Diculescu Mircea , Almadi Majid , Ong David , Watermeyer Gillian , Metthananda Navarathne , Wei Shuchen , Limsrivilai Julajak , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Pisepongsa Pises , Kochhar Gursimran , Rodríguez Ximena , Viet Dao
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 either because of their underlying disease or its management. Guidance has been presented on the management of persons with IBD in the time of this pandemic by different groups. We aimed to determine how gastroenterologists around the world were approaching the management of IBD.

Methods

Members of the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) IBD Task Force contacted colleagues in countries largely beyond North America and Europe, inviting them to review the WGO website for IBD and COVID-19 introduction, with links to guideline documents, and then to respond to 9 ancillary open-ended management questions.

Results

Fifty-two gastroenterologists from 33 countries across 6 continents completed the survey (April 14 to May 16, 2020). They were all adhering for the most part to published guidelines on IBD management in the COVID-19 era. Some differences and reductions in services related to access, and some related to approach within their communities in terms of limiting virus spread. In particular, most gastroenterologists reduced in-person clinics (43 of 52), limited steroid use (47 of 51), limited elective endoscopy (45 of 52), and limited elective surgeries (48 of 51). If a patient was diagnosed with COVID-19, immunomodulatory therapy was mostly held.

Conclusions

In most countries, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the approach to persons with IBD. The few exceptions were mostly based on low burden of COVID-19 in individual communities. Regardless of resources or health care systems, gastroenterologists around the world took a similar approach to the management of IBD.
Toward Molecular Imaging of Intestinal Pathology
Authors: Le Fur Mariane , Zhou Iris Y , Catalano Onofrio , Caravan Peter
Published: August 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined by a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, with intestinal fibrosis being a major complication. The etiology of IBD remains unknown, but it is thought to arise from a dysregulated and excessive immune response to gut luminal microbes triggered by genetic and environmental factors. To date, IBD has no cure, and treatments are currently directed at relieving symptoms and treating inflammation. The current diagnostic of IBD relies on endoscopy, which is invasive and does not provide information on the presence of extraluminal complications and molecular aspect of the disease. Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography enterography (CTE), magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and hybrid modalities have demonstrated high accuracy for the diagnosis of IBD and can provide both functional and morphological information when combined with the use of molecular imaging probes. This review presents the state-of-the-art imaging techniques and molecular imaging approaches in the field of IBD and points out future directions that could help improve our understanding of IBD pathological processes, along with the development of efficient treatments.
Schisto and Ladders version 2: a health educational board game to support compliance with school-based mass drug administration with praziquantel – a pilot study
Authors: Ejike Cynthia Uchechukwu , Oluwole Akinola Stephen , Omitola Olaitan Olamide , Bayegun Adedotun Ayodeji , Shoneye Islamiat Yetunde , Akeredolu-Ale Bolanle Idowu , Idowu Oluwafunmilayo Aduke , Mafiana Chiedu Felix , Ekpo Uwem Friday
Published: August 2020

Background

We redesigned the Schisto and Ladders health educational board game and evaluated its potential to encourage compliance to school-based mass drug administration with praziquantel.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy-five children from six schools who rejected praziquantel treatment were divided into intervention and control groups. Before the intervention, preassessment interviews were conducted on their knowledge about praziquantel treatment and schistosomiasis. The Schisto and Ladders version 2 game as an intervention, and the Snakes and Ladders game as a control, were played for 6 mo. Postassessment interviews, including focus group discussions, were conducted.

Results

At preassessment, 0/98 (0.0%) children in the intervention group had heard of praziquantel compared with 2/177 (1.1%) in the control group. Similarly, 0/98 (0.0%) children in the intervention group did not know that praziquantel does not kill compared with 4/177 (2.3%) in the control group. The postassessment showed that 53/78 (67.9%) in the intervention group were aware of praziquantel compared with 2/177 (1.1%) in the control group (p=0.000). Similarly, 53 (69.7%) in the intervention group knew about the safety of praziquantel compared with 0/177 (0.0%) in the control group (p=0.000). Sixty-four children (65.3%) from the intervention group sought praziquantel treatment after the trial.

Conclusions

Schisto and Ladders version 2 is a useful sensitisation tool with which to encourage compliance to praziquantel treatment in schools.
Implementation of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing combined with routine infectious disease bedside consultation in clinical practice (RAST-ID): a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Valentin Thomas , Koenig Elisabeth , Prattes Juergen , Wunsch Stefanie , Loizenbaur Tobias , Krause Robert , Zollner-Schwetz Ines
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Recently, EUCAST released guidelines for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) directly from positive blood culture bottles. The aim of our prospective single-centre clinical study was to assess the proportion of readable results and errors compared with routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the clinical consequences drawn by infectious disease (ID) physicians from RAST results during same-day bedside consultation.

Methods

All positive blood cultures suitable for RAST from January to December 2019 were included and RAST results at 4 and 6 h compared with standard disc diffusion. The real-life impact of RAST on clinical decisions was assessed during same-day ID bedside consultation.

Results

The proportion of readable RAST results was significantly higher after 6 h of incubation compared with after 4 h (881/930 versus 642/847; P < 0.0001). Major and very major errors were rare (17/642 after 4 h and 12/881 after 6 h; P = 0.087). ID consultation was performed in 134 patients after the RAST result. Antimicrobial treatment was changed in 73 patients and 84 additional measures (i.e. imaging studies, surgery, additional resistance testing) were ordered in 62 patients.

Conclusions

RAST according to EUCAST methods was easy to implement with a low number of major and very major errors after 6 h of incubation. ID physicians performing bedside consultations frequently used this information to change antimicrobial treatment and recommended additional measures.
The National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C): Rationale, design, infrastructure, and deployment
Authors: Haendel Melissa A , Chute Christopher G , Bennett Tellen D , Eichmann David A , Guinney Justin , Kibbe Warren A , Payne Philip R O , Pfaff Emily R , Robinson Peter N , Saltz Joel H , Spratt Heidi , Suver Christine , Wilbanks John , Wilcox Adam B , Williams Andrew E , Wu Chunlei , Blacketer Clair , Bradford Robert L , Cimino James J , Clark Marshall , Colmenares Evan W , Francis Patricia A , Gabriel Davera , Graves Alexis , Hemadri Raju , Hong Stephanie S , Hripscak George , Jiao Dazhi , Klann Jeffrey G , Kostka Kristin , Lee Adam M , Lehmann Harold P , Lingrey Lora , Miller Robert T , Morris Michele , Murphy Shawn N , Natarajan Karthik , Palchuk Matvey B , Sheikh Usman , Solbrig Harold , Visweswaran Shyam , Walden Anita , Walters Kellie M , Weber Griffin M , Zhang Xiaohan Tanner , Zhu Richard L , Amor Benjamin , Girvin Andrew T , Manna Amin , Qureshi Nabeel , Kurilla Michael G , Michael Sam G , Portilla Lili M , Rutter Joni L , Austin Christopher P , Gersing Ken R ,   the N3C Consortium
Published: August 2020

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses societal challenges that require expeditious data and knowledge sharing. Though organizational clinical data are abundant, these are largely inaccessible to outside researchers. Statistical, machine learning, and causal analyses are most successful with large-scale data beyond what is available in any given organization. Here, we introduce the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C), an open science community focused on analyzing patient-level data from many centers.

Materials and Methods

The Clinical and Translational Science Award Program and scientific community created N3C to overcome technical, regulatory, policy, and governance barriers to sharing and harmonizing individual-level clinical data. We developed solutions to extract, aggregate, and harmonize data across organizations and data models, and created a secure data enclave to enable efficient, transparent, and reproducible collaborative analytics.

Results

Organized in inclusive workstreams, we created legal agreements and governance for organizations and researchers; data extraction scripts to identify and ingest positive, negative, and possible COVID-19 cases; a data quality assurance and harmonization pipeline to create a single harmonized dataset; population of the secure data enclave with data, machine learning, and statistical analytics tools; dissemination mechanisms; and a synthetic data pilot to democratize data access.

Conclusions

The N3C has demonstrated that a multisite collaborative learning health network can overcome barriers to rapidly build a scalable infrastructure incorporating multiorganizational clinical data for COVID-19 analytics. We expect this effort to save lives by enabling rapid collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and data scientists to identify treatments and specialized care and thereby reduce the immediate and long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Overwintering, Host-Plant Selection, and Insecticide Susceptibility of Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): A Major Insect Pest of Nursery Production Systems
Authors: Herrick Nathan J , Cloyd Raymond A
Published: August 2020

Systena frontalis (F.) is a major insect pest of nursery production systems in the Midwest and Northeastern regions of the United States with the adults feeding on plant leaves, which reduces salability. However, there is conflicting information on overwintering, and no information on host-plant selection or insecticide susceptibility of S. frontalis adults. Therefore, we conducted a series of experiments under greenhouse, laboratory, and field conditions from 2015 to 2019. The overwintering experiment was isolated in a greenhouse to assess adult emergence from growing medium of containerized plants collected from a wholesale nursery. We found that S. frontalis overwinters in growing medium based on adults captured on yellow sticky cards and the presence of adults on new plant growth. Host-plant selection experiments were conducted at the wholesale nursery and under laboratory conditions to determine feeding selection based on S. frontalis adult feeding damage on whole plants using a foliar damage ranking scale for different cultivars of Itea virginica L., Hydrangea paniculata Siebold, Weigela florida (Bunge), and Cornus sericea L., plants. We found that S. frontalis adults exhibited no preference for the leaves of the plant species or cultivars tested in the field or laboratory. Insecticide efficacy experiments were conducted under field and laboratory conditions. In the field experiments, the insecticides acetamiprid, dinotefuran, and Isaria fumosorosea (Wize) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) provided better protection of plants from S. frontalis adult feeding than the untreated check. In the laboratory experiments, the acetamiprid and pyrethrins with canola oil treatments provided the highest percent S. frontalis adult mortality.
Barriers to end-of-life discussion with advanced cancer patient as perceived by oncologists, certified/specialized nurses in cancer nursing and medical social workers
Authors: Kimura Yasutaka , Hosoya Miki , Toju Kyoko , Shimizu Chikako , Morita Tatsuya
Published: August 2020

Objective

The objectives of this study were to identify barriers to end-of-life discussion with advanced cancer patients and their families as perceived by oncologists, certified/specialized nurses in cancer nursing (hereafter, collectively referred to as ‘nurses’) and medical social workers, as well as to clarify their opinions about effective strategies to facilitate end-of-life discussion.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was distributed to 4354 medical professionals working at 402 designated regional cancer hospitals in Japan. Responses were obtained from 494 oncologists (valid response rate 30.7%), 993 nurses (46.7%) and 387 medical social workers (48.1%).

Results

Among the barriers to end-of-life discussion with advanced cancer patients, factors related to patients and families, such as ‘Family members’ difficulty accepting loved one’s poor prognosis’, were recognized as the most important issues, which was the common view shared across the three types of medical professionals who participated in this study. Nurses and medical social workers were significantly more likely than oncologists to recognize as important issues ‘Health care team disagreement about goals of care’ and ‘Lack of training to have conversations for end-of-life discussion’. To facilitate end-of-life discussion, ‘providing mental and emotional support for the patients and their families after end-of-life discussion’ was needed most as perceived by the respondents regardless of their profession.

Conclusions

Barriers impeding end-of-life discussion were factors related to patients and their families, and oncologists’ close cooperation with nurses and medical social workers is important in providing emotional support for patients and families. To facilitate end-of-life discussion, it is important to share information on patients’ prognosis and goals for treatment among oncologists and other medical professionals, as well as strengthen communication skill of these medical professions.