bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jadomycins: A potential chemotherapy for multi‐drug resistant metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Bonitto Esther P. , McKeown Brendan T. , Goralski Kerry B.
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer causes the most cancer fatalities in women worldwide. Approximately one‐third of breast cancers metastasize, or spread from primary tumors to other tissues, and have a 70% 5‐year mortality rate. Current breast cancer treatments like doxorubicin and paclitaxel become ineffective when breast cancer cells develop multi‐drug resistance and overexpress ATP‐binding cassette transporters, as the transporters cause a substantial efflux of the chemotherapies. Jadomycins, a group of molecules isolated from Streptomyces venezuelae ISP5230, are shown to be cytotoxic against a variety of cancers, especially breast cancer. Furthermore, jadomycins retain their cytotoxic properties in multi‐drug resistant breast cancer cells, as they are not expelled through ATP‐binding cassette transporters. Here, we describe the research that supports the potential use of jadomycins as a novel chemotherapy in the treatment of multi‐drug resistant, metastatic breast cancer. We present the supportive findings, as well as the mechanisms of action investigated thus far. These include copper‐mediated reactive oxygen species generation, aurora B kinase inhibition, and topoisomerase IIα and IIβ inhibition. We also suggest future directions of jadomycin research, which will help to determine if jadomycins can be used as a breast cancer chemotherapy in clinical practice.
Administrative Support
Authors: Alcantara Gabriel , Chao Nelson J.
Published: October 2021

A comprehensive cancer center is supported with an administrative infrastructure that facilitates the overall planning, management, and organization in the delivery of the center’s cancer care. This chapter explores the various administrative functions that are integral to the development and implementation of a comprehensive cancer center. Core administrative functions include, but are not limited to, strategic program planning and development, financial management, human resources management, operations management, space and facilities planning, compliance to regulatory and accreditation standards, and facilitation of access/intake functions for new patients entering the center for care. Depending on size of the cancer center and whether it is a freestanding institution, affiliated with an academic medical center, or part of a hospital or health system, the administrative infrastructure can vary in the extent to which operations are centralized versus decentralized. The optimal framework for administrative management can be scaled incrementally as the cancer center grows.
68Ga-EMP-100 PET/CT—a novel ligand for visualizing c-MET expression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma—first in-human biodistribution and imaging results
Authors: Mittlmeier Lena M. , Todica Andrei , Gildehaus Franz-Josef , Unterrainer Marcus , Beyer Leonie , Brendel Matthias , Albert Nathalie L. , Ledderose Stephan T. , Vettermann Franziska J. , Schott Melanie , Rodler Severin , Marcon Julian , Ilhan Harun , Cyran Clemens C. , Stief Christian G. , Staehler Michael , Bartenstein Peter
Published: October 2021

Background

68Ga-EMP-100 is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) ligand that directly targets tumoral c-MET expression. Upregulation of the receptor tyrosin kinase c-MET in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is correlated with overall survival in metastatic disease (mRCC). Clinicopathological staging of c-MET expression could improve patient management prior to systemic therapy with for instance inhibitors targeting c-MET such as cabozantinib. We present the first in-human data of 68Ga-EMP-100 in mRCC patients evaluating uptake characteristics in metastases and primary RCC.

Methods

Twelve patients with mRCC prior to anticipated cabozantinib therapy underwent 68Ga-EMP-100 PET/CT imaging. We compared the biodistribution in normal organs and tumor uptake of mRCC lesions by standard uptake value (SUVmean) and SUVmax measurements. Additionally, metastatic sites on PET were compared to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and the respective, quantitative PET parameters were assessed and then compared inter- and intra-individually.

Results

Overall, 87 tumor lesions were analyzed. Of these, 68/87 (79.3%) were visually rated c-MET-positive comprising a median SUVmax of 4.35 and SUVmean of 2.52. Comparing different tumor sites, the highest uptake intensity was found in tumor burden at the primary site (SUVmax 9.05 (4.86–29.16)), followed by bone metastases (SUVmax 5.56 (0.97–15.85)), and lymph node metastases (SUVmax 3.90 (2.13–6.28)) and visceral metastases (SUVmax 3.82 (0.11–16.18)). The occurrence of visually PET-negative lesions (20.7%) was distributed heterogeneously on an intra- and inter-individual level; the largest proportion of PET-negative metastatic lesions were lung and liver metastases. The highest physiological 68Ga-EMP-100 accumulation besides the urinary bladder content was seen in the kidneys, followed by moderate uptake in the liver and the spleen, whereas significantly lower uptake intensity was observed in the pancreas and the intestines.

Conclusion

Targeting c-MET expression, 68Ga-EMP-100 shows distinctly elevated uptake in mRCC patients with partially high inter- and intra-individual differences comprising both c-MET-positive and c-MET-negative lesions. Our first clinical results warrant further systemic studies investigating the clinical use of 68Ga-EMP-100 as a biomarker in mRCC patients.
Clinical determinants of long-term survival in metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Koch Elias A. T. , Petzold Anne , Wessely Anja , Dippel Edgar , Erdmann Michael , Heinzerling Lucie , Hohberger Bettina , Knorr Harald , Leiter Ulrike , Meier Friedegund , Mohr Peter , Rahimi Farnaz , Schell Beatrice , Schlaak Max , Terheyden Patrick , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Ugurel Selma , Utikal Jochen , Vera Julio , Weichenthal Michael , Ziller Fabian , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V.
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to identify prognostic factors in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) that were associated with long-term survival in a real-world setting. A total of 94 patients with metastatic UM were included from German skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg). Data were analyzed for the response to treatment, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS). Prognostic factors were explored with univariate Cox regression, log-rank, and χ2-tests. Identified factors were subsequently validated after the population was divided into two cohorts of short-term survival (< 2 years OS, cohort A, n = 50) and long-term survival (> 2 years OS, cohort B, n = 44). A poor ECOG performance status (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–3.9) and elevated serum LDH (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–3.8) were associated with a poor OS, whereas a good response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB, p < 0.001), radiation therapy (p < 0.001), or liver-directed treatments (p = 0.01) were associated with a prolonged OS. Long-term survivors (cohort B) showed a higher median number of organs affected by metastasis (p < 0.001), while patients with liver metastases only were more common in cohort A (40% vs. 9%; p = 0.002). A partial response to ICB was observed in 16% (12/73), being 21% (8/38) for combined ICB, 17% (1/6) for single CTLA4 inhibition, and 10% (3/29) for single PD1 inhibition. One complete response occurred in cohort B with combined ICB. We conclude that the response to ICB and the presence of extrahepatic disease were favorable prognostic factors for long-term survival.
Distributed synthesis of sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Bogdanov Vladimir , Soltisz Andrew M. , Moise Nicolae , Sakuta Galina , Orengo Benjamin Hernandez , Janssen Paul M. L. , Weinberg Seth H. , Davis Jonathan P. , Veeraraghavan Rengasayee , Györke Sandor
Published: October 2021

It is widely assumed that synthesis of membrane proteins, particularly in the heart, follows the classical secretory pathway with mRNA translation occurring in perinuclear regions followed by protein trafficking to sites of deployment. However, this view is based on studies conducted in less-specialized cells, and has not been experimentally addressed in cardiac myocytes. Therefore, we undertook direct experimental investigation of protein synthesis in cardiac tissue and isolated myocytes using single-molecule visualization techniques and a novel proximity-ligated in situ hybridization approach for visualizing ribosome-associated mRNA molecules for a specific protein species, indicative of translation sites. We identify here, for the first time, that the molecular machinery for membrane protein synthesis occurs throughout the cardiac myocyte, and enables distributed synthesis of membrane proteins within sub-cellular niches where the synthesized protein functions using local mRNA pools trafficked, in part, by microtubules. We also observed cell-wide distribution of membrane protein mRNA in myocardial tissue from both non-failing and hypertrophied (failing) human hearts, demonstrating an evolutionarily conserved distributed mechanism from mouse to human. Our results identify previously unanticipated aspects of local control of cardiac myocyte biology and highlight local protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes as an important potential determinant of the heart’s biology in health and disease.
Viscosity of evolving magmas: a case study of the Glass House Mountains, Australia
Authors: Webb Sharon L.
Published: October 2021

The viscosity of the remelted rock compositions of the Glass House Mountains, SE Queensland, Australia, has been determined via micro-penetration in the high-viscosity regime (108–1013 Pa s). The heat capacity of these melts has also been determined from room temperature to above the glass transition. The combination of these two data sets allows the fitting of the viscosity data by the Adam-Gibbs equation using the configurational heat capacity Cpconf(Tg12) and configurational entropy Sconf(Tg12). The resulting fit parameters allow the robust extrapolation of the viscosity data to higher temperature and viscosities of 10–4 Pa s. This data can now be used in the discussion of the emplacement of the magmas of the plugs, laccoliths, sills and dykes that form the Glass House Mountains complex and the plate motion and the plume responsible for the volcano plugs. The large increase in viscosity of the evolving magma and the resulting decrease in discharge rate of the volcanic vents suggest that very little magma appeared as extrusive lavas or pyroclastic material and that the Glass House Mountains are mainly remnants of intrusive bodies exposed by erosion.
The invasive herb Lupinus polyphyllus can reduce plant species richness independently of local invasion age
Authors: Prass Marju , Ramula Satu , Jauni Miia , Setälä Heikki , Kotze D. Johan
Published: October 2021

The ecological impacts of invasive species may change or accumulate with time since local invasion, potentially inducing further changes in communities and the abiotic environment. Yet, time since invasion is rarely considered when investigating the ecological impacts of invasive non-native species. To examine the effect of time since invasion on the ecological impacts ofLupinus polyphyllus, a perennial nitrogen-fixing herb, we surveyed vascular plant communities in the presence and absence ofL. polyphyllusin young, intermediate, and old semi-natural grassland sites (ca. 5, 10, 15 years representing both time since lupine invasion and plant community age). We analyzed vascular plant community composition, vascular plant species richness, and the cover of various ecological plant groups andL. polyphyllus. In contrast to our hypotheses, we found no change in the mean cover ofL. polyphyllus(about 35%) with time since local invasion, and an ordination did not suggest marked changes in plant community composition.L. polyphylluswas associated with lower species richness in invaded plant communities but this effect did not change with time since invasion. Invaded plant communities were also associated with lower occurrence of generalist, oligotrophic (low-nutrient-adapted) and copiotrophic (nutrient-demanding) species but no temporal dynamics were detected. We conclude that even the intermediate cover ofL. polyphylluscan reduce plant species richness, but the ecological impact caused by this invader might not dramatically change or accumulate with time since invasion.
Distinct DNA Methylation Patterns of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Bongaarts Anika , Mijnsbergen Caroline , Anink Jasper J. , Jansen Floor E. , Spliet Wim G. M. , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. , Coras Roland , Blümcke Ingmar , Paulus Werner , Gruber Victoria E. , Scholl Theresa , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Feucht Martha , Kotulska Katarzyna , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Caporalini Chiara , Giordano Flavio , Genitori Lorenzo , Söylemezoğlu Figen , Pimentel José , Jones David T. W. , Scicluna Brendon P. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Mühlebner Angelika , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: October 2021

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a monogenic disorder caused by mutations in either theTSC1orTSC2gene, two key regulators of the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex pathway. Phenotypically, this leads to growth and formation of hamartomas in several organs, including the brain. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are low-grade brain tumors commonly associated with TSC. Recently, gene expression studies provided evidence that the immune system, the MAPK pathway and extracellular matrix organization play an important role in SEGA development. However, the precise mechanisms behind the gene expression changes in SEGA are still largely unknown, providing a potential role for DNA methylation. We investigated the methylation profile of SEGAs using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (SEGAsn = 42, periventricular controln = 8). The SEGA methylation profile was enriched for the adaptive immune system, T cell activation, leukocyte mediated immunity, extracellular structure organization and the ERK1 & ERK2 cascade. More interestingly, we identified two subgroups in the SEGA methylation data and show that the differentially expressed genes between the two subgroups are related to the MAPK cascade and adaptive immune response. Overall, this study shows that the immune system, the MAPK pathway and extracellular matrix organization are also affected on DNA methylation level, suggesting that therapeutic intervention on DNA level could be useful for these specific pathways in SEGA. Moreover, we identified two subgroups in SEGA that seem to be driven by changes in the adaptive immune response and MAPK pathway and could potentially hold predictive information on target treatment response.
Realism and Political Normativity
Authors: Sleat Matt
Published: October 2021

A prevailing understanding of realism, chiefly among its critics, casts realists as those who seek a ‘distinctively political normativity’, where this is interpreted as meaning nonmoral in kind. Moralists, on this account, are those who reject this and believe that political normativity remains moral. Critics have then focused much of their attention on demonstrating that the search for a nonmoral political normativity is doomed to fail which, if right, would then seem to fatally undermine the realist endeavour. This paper makes the case that casting the difference between realism and moralism in these terms is a mistake, one which overlooks the substantial body of realist work which is clear that it has no such aspirations to develop a nonmoral political normativity. The hope is that in drawing attention to this mistake a line can be drawn under these unhelpful debates, and we can move on to more fruitful constructive and critical discussions between realists and their critics.
3D characterisation of hydrogen environmentally assisted cracking during static loading of AA7449-T7651
Authors: De Francisco Unai , Beckmann Felix , Moosmann Julian , Larrosa Nicolas O. , Peel Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

In this investigation, synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used to perform 3D in situ observations of crack initiation and growth during hydrogen environmentally assisted cracking (HEAC) in tensile samples of AA7449-T7651. Two smooth tensile samples with a 1 mm diameter gauge section were held at a fixed displacement ($$\approx 30$$

≈
30

% of yield stress) in warm, moist air ($$\approx 76\,^\circ $$

≈
76

∘

C, 73% relative humidity). The samples were then imaged repeatedly using X-ray tomography until they fractured completely. The tomograms showing the nucleation and evolution of intergranular cracks were correlated with electron microscopy fractographs. This enabled the identification of crack initiation sites and the characterisation of the crack growth behaviour relative to the microstructure. The samples were found to fracture within an environmental exposure time of 240 min. Some cracks in both samples nucleated within an exposure time of 80 min (33–40% of the total lifetime). Many cracks were found to nucleate both internally and at the sample surface. However, only superficial cracks contributed to the final fracture surface as they grew faster owing to the direct environmental exposure and the larger crack opening. HEAC occurred prominently via brittle intergranular cracking, and cracks were found to slow down when approaching grain boundary triple junctions. Additionally, crack shielding from nearby cracks and the presence of coarse Al–Cu–Fe particles at the grain boundaries were also found to temporarily reduce the crack growth rates. After prolonged crack growth, the HEAC cracks displayed ductile striations and transgranular fracture, revealing a change in the crack growth mechanism at higher stress intensity factors.
Assessment of the correlation of the tear breakup time with quality of vision and dry eye symptoms after SMILE surgery
Authors: Palme Christoph , Mulrine Fiona , McNeely Richard N. , Steger Bernhard , Naroo Shehzad A. , Moore Jonathan E.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

It is well reported that dry eye symptoms can increase after many refractive surgery procedures. This study aims to provide a clinical understanding of the correlation of fluorescein tear film breakup time (FTBUT) with quality of vision (QoV) and dry eye symptoms following small incision lenticule extraction surgery (SMILE).

Methods

Patients electing to have SMILE surgery were subdivided into 2 groups: Group 1 included short preoperative FTBUTs of 3 to 6 seconds (s); Group 2 included long FTBUTs of ≥ 8 s. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, FTBUT, QoV and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires were recorded 1 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty-nine subjects were included in each group. There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between the 2 groups at both the 1- and 6-month postoperative assessments. FTBUT remained significantly lower in group 1. Oxford staining was initially higher for group 1 at 1 month (P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference at 6 months (P = 0.180). There was no significant difference in QoV or OSDI scores between the 2 groups at both postoperative visits.

Conclusions

Low preoperative FTBUT (3–6 s) does not appear to negatively affect postoperative visual outcomes or results in a greater likelihood of dry eye symptoms and poor ocular surface compared to eyes with a longer preoperative FTBUT. These results suggest that a low preoperative FTBUT does not necessarily increase the likelihood of poor visual acuity, dry eyes symptoms, or poor ocular surface outcomes following SMILE surgery.
Analysis of the uncharted, druglike property space by self-organizing maps
Authors: Takács Gergely , Sándor Márk , Szalai Zoltán , Kiss Róbert , Balogh György T.
Published: October 2021

Physicochemical properties are fundamental to predict the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of drug candidates. Easily calculated descriptors such as molecular weight and logP have been found to correlate with the success rate of clinical trials. These properties have been previously shown to highlight a sweet-spot in the chemical space associated with favorable pharmacokinetics, which is superior against other regions during hit identification and optimization. In this study, we applied self-organizing maps (SOMs) trained on sixteen calculated properties of a subset of known drugs for the analysis of commercially available compound databases, as well as public biological and chemical databases frequently used for drug discovery. Interestingly, several regions of the property space have been identified that are highly overrepresented by commercially available chemical libraries, while we found almost completely unoccupied regions of the maps (commercially neglected chemical space resembling the properties of known drugs). Moreover, these underrepresented portions of the chemical space are compatible with most rigorous property filters applied by the pharma industry in medicinal chemistry optimization programs. Our results suggest that SOMs may be directly utilized in the strategy of library design for drug discovery to sample previously unexplored parts of the chemical space to aim at yet-undruggable targets.

Graphic abstract
What is Qualitative in Research
Authors: Aspers Patrik , Corte Ugo
Published: October 2021

In this text we respond and elaborate on the four comments addressing our original article. In that piece we define qualitative research as an “iterative process in which improved understanding to the scientific community is achieved by making new significant distinctions resulting from getting closer to the phenomenon studied.” In light of the comments, we identify three positions in relation to our contribution: (1) to not define qualitative research; (2) to work with one definition for each study or approach of “qualitative research” which is predominantly left implicit; (3) to systematically define qualitative research. This article elaborates on these positions and argues that a definition is a point of departure for researchers, including those reflecting on, or researching, the fields of qualitative and quantitative research. The proposed definition can be used both as a standard of evaluation as well as a catalyst for discussions on how to evaluate and innovate different styles of work.
The disclosure function of the U.S. patent system: evidence from the PTDL program and extreme snowfall
Authors: Martens Tim
Published: October 2021

Are retail investors using uncurated disclosures in form of patents for their investment decisions? This study uses the investment decisions of retail investors and variation in the local availability of patent information to answer this question. The variation comes from changes in the locations of U.S. Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries over time. I find a strong increase in the local trading volume of stocks after the release of a patent in counties that have easier access to patent information. In addition, trades made by retail investors with easier access to this information yield higher returns, compared to trades made by other investors. These results indicate that disclosures of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office facilitate the dissemination of patent information to retail investors. Furthermore, these results suggest that retail investors complement traditional curated disclosures with uncurated disclosures in form of patents.
How much state ownership do hybrid firms need for better performance?
Authors: Nguyen Bach , Do Hoa , Le Chau
Published: October 2021

Hybrid ownership—sharing partial business ownership with the state—is a new form of political connections that entrepreneurs in developing countries may employ to improve their access to key resources. This study investigates hybrid ownership as a strategic decision of entrepreneurs running small businesses in Vietnam—a transition economy. Utilising the resource dependence theory and legitimacy viewpoint, we propose and evidently show that increased state ownership in hybrid firms leads to improved performance. However, increasing state ownership beyond a minority share threshold harms firm performance due to the presence of agency costs. Also, the involvement of the state in firm governance reduces the benefits gained from having state ownership.

Plain English Summary

Is the more the better? How much state ownership really matters for hybrid firms to enhance their performance? More state ownership means more access to resources and privileges; but too much state ownership may reduce firm efficiency due to its poor governance. Analysing more than one million observations of small businesses in Vietnam, this study offers three insightful implications. First, for academics, institutional conditions should be considered when investigating political connections, especially in an emerging market context. Second, for practitioners, political connections in the form of hybrid ownership when being held at an adequate level can boost firm performance. However, an exceeding level of state ownership in hybrid firms may become harmful. Third, for policymakers, we suggest that forming hybrid business ownership with the private sector helps firms make use of state-owned resources. This collaboration is a win-win solution as long as the state ownership remains at an adequate level.
The epistemic value of independent lies: false analogies and equivocations
Authors: Harris Margherita
Published: October 2021

Here I critically assess an argument put forward by Kuorikoski et al. (Br J Philos Sci, 61(3):541–567, 2010) for the epistemic import of model-based robustness analysis. I show that this argument is not sound since the sort of probabilistic independence on which it relies is unfeasible. By revising the notion of probabilistic independence imposed on the models’ results, I introduce a prima-facie more plausible argument. However, despite this prima-facie plausibility, I show that even this new argument is unsound in most if not all cases of model-based robustness analysis. This I do to demonstrate that the epistemic import of model-based robust analysis cannot be satisfactorily defended on the basis of probabilistic independence.
Determining push-off forces in speed skating imitation drills
Authors: Krumm Dominik , Kuske Nicolas , Neubert Maja , Buder Jens , Hamker Fred , Odenwald Stephan
Published: October 2021

Speed skating takes place on ice rinks and is, therefore, dependent on seasonal conditions. To be able to train all year round, training in the summer months, when no ice rinks are available, consists mainly of athletics and endurance training as well as imitation drills. Imitation drills are exercises, e.g. on a slide board, which imitate the actual skating movement. To objectively evaluate the quality of the execution of these exercises, key performance indicators such as push-off forces need to be quantified. The aim of this work was to determine the push-off forces during speed skating imitation drills using pressure insoles in combination with machine-learning methods. A slide board is usually not instrumented. Here, the slide board was equipped with force plates to record the target variables, i.e. the push-off forces. The input variables to determine the push-off forces were recorded using plantar pressure insoles and triaxial accelerometers. Seven participants took part in the study. Two different machine-learning algorithms were compared. A non-linear deep neural network model and a linear multiple variable regression model. The models were trained using the obtained force–time curves. The linear regression model proved sufficient to predict the push-off forces. The relative difference between the measured and modelled maximum push-off force remained below 5%. This approach, based on a mobile and low-cost measurement system, allows a quantitative analysis of the athlete’s technique/performance. Therefore, we expect the instrument to be a helpful tool for the training of speed skaters.
Nog steeds ‘gewoon’ wetenschap
Authors: Mulders Peter F.A.
Published: October 2021

Samenvatting

Voor u ligt weer het volgende nummer van Tijdschrift voor Urologie. Dit keer met de abstracts van de Najaarsvergadering van de NVU. We zijn er inmiddels aan gewend dat we elkaar minder vaak zien, dat de interactie nog steeds veelal digitaal is en dat er nog steeds wetenschap wordt bedreven. Interessant is het om te zien of de inhoud van de abstracts anders is geworden. De urologische praktijk wél. Hoe? Dat weten we nog niet in detail. Andere prioriteiten, andere volgorde?
Safe Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singhal Rishi , Dickerson Luke , Sakran Nasser , Pouwels Sjaak , Chiappetta Sonja , Weiner Sylvia , Purkayastha Sanjay , Madhok Brij , Mahawar Kamal
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had an enormous impact on all aspects of healthcare, but its effect on patients needing surgery and surgeons has been disproportionate. In this review, we aim to understand the impact of the pandemic on surgical patients and teams. We compiled the emerging data on pre-operative screening methods, vaccinations, safe-surgery pathways and surgical techniques and make recommendations for evidence-based safe-surgical pathways. We also present surgical outcomes for emergency, oncological and benign surgery in the context of the pandemic. Finally, we attempt to address the impact of the pandemic on patients, staff and surgical training and provide perspectives for the future.

Recent Findings

Surgical teams have developed consensus guidelines and established research priorities and safety precautions for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence supports that surgery in patients with a peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection carries substantial risks, but risk mitigation strategies are effective at reducing harm to staff and patients.

Summary

Surgery has increased risk for patients and staff, but this can be mitigated effectively, especially for elective surgery. Elective surgery can be safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic employing the strategies discussed in this review.
Bats (Plecotus auritus) use contact calls for communication among roost mates
Authors: Furmankiewicz Joanna , Jones Gareth
Published: October 2021

Communication between group members is mediated by a diverse range of signals. Contact calls are produced by many species of birds and mammals to maintain group cohesion and associations among individuals. Contact calls in bats are typically relatively low-frequency social calls, produced only for communication. However, echolocation calls (higher in frequency and used primarily for orientation and prey detection) can also facilitate interaction among individuals and location of conspecifics in the roost. We studied calling behaviour of brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) during return to maternity roosts in response to playbacks of social and echolocation calls. We hypothesised that calling by conspecifics would elicit responses in colony members. Bat responses (inspection flights and social calls production) were significantly highest during social call and echolocation call playbacks than during noise (control) playbacks. We suggest that social calling in maternity roosts of brown long-eared bat evolved to maintain associations among roostmates, rather than to find roosts or roostmates, because this species is strongly faithful to roosts and the social groups and roosts are stable over time and space. Living in a stable social group requires recognition of group members and affiliation of social bonds with group members, features that may be mediated by vocal signals.
Risk factors for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity among nursing home staff
Authors: Amin Avnika B. , Kellogg Joseph T. , Adams Carly , Dube William C. , Collins Matthew H. , Lopman Benjamin A. , Johnson Theodore M. , Weitz Joshua , Fridkin Scott K.
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

To estimate prior severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among skilled nursing facility (SNF) staff in the state of Georgia and to identify risk factors for seropositivity as of fall 2020.

Design:

Baseline survey and seroprevalence of the ongoing longitudinal Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention in Nursing Homes study.

Setting:

The study included 14 SNFs in the state of Georgia.

Participants:

In total, 792 SNF staff employed or contracted with participating SNFs were included in this study. The analysis included 749 participants with SARS-CoV-2 serostatus results who provided age, sex, and complete survey information.

Methods:

We estimated unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for potential risk factors and SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. We estimated adjusted ORs using a logistic regression model including age, sex, community case rate, SNF resident infection rate, working at other facilities, and job role.

Results:

Staff working in high-infection SNFs were twice as likely (unadjusted OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.45–3.00) to be seropositive as those in low-infection SNFs. Certified nursing assistants and nurses were 3 times more likely to be seropositive than administrative, pharmacy, or nonresident care staff: unadjusted OR, 2.93 (95% CI, 1.58–5.78) and unadjusted OR, 3.08 (95% CI, 1.66–6.07). Logistic regression yielded similar adjusted ORs.

Conclusions:

Working at high-infection SNFs was a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Even after accounting for resident infections, certified nursing assistants and nurses had a 3-fold higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity than nonclinical staff. This knowledge can guide prioritized implementation of safer ways for caregivers to provide necessary care to SNF residents.
Output variation of trigger-pump sprayers used for individual plant treatments
Authors: Enloe Stephen F. , Leary James K. , Bell Kenzie , Lauer Dwight K.
Published: October 2021

Individual plant treatment (IPT) techniques (e.g., basal bark, cut stump, hack and squirt) are used for woody invasive plant management and often rely on small trigger-pump spray bottles as an economical and efficient way to deliver a herbicide to the target species. Worldwide, plastic suppliers produce many models and designs with a wide range of uses, including pesticide application. However, spray bottle performance has rarely been examined in relation to IPT techniques for operational invasive plant management. We tested 10 commonly available spray bottles for trigger output and variation over repeated strokes. We also examined sustained trigger sprayer performance over a 6-wk period for spray bottles containing water or basal oil carriers blended with amine and ester formulations of triclopyr, respectively. In the first study, we found significant differences in spray output per stroke between almost every bottle tested. Almost all spray bottle brands yielded outputs greater than 1.0 ml per stroke, which exceeds the maximum application amount specified for hack and squirt. Several bottles produced an output of greater than 2.5 ml per stroke. In the second study, the output per stroke was reduced for basal oil mixes, with significant reductions measured for two brands by 21 d and for all three brands tested by 42 d after mixing. These results indicate that consumer-grade trigger sprayers are likely to depreciate rapidly with routine operational use without proper hygiene maintenance. Even then it is likely that these application devices may need to be replaced several times annually. Trigger-pump spray bottles are an economical and practical solution for remote field operations and volunteer weed control activities. These sprayers are most suitable for spray-to-wet techniques such as basal bark and cut-surface treatments but may potentially be less suited for hack and squirt application, which often requires sub-milliliter precision.
Flexible Workers: The Politics of Homework in Postindustrial Britain
Authors: McCarthy Helen
Published: October 2021

This article opens up a new perspective on market liberalism's triumph in the late twentieth century through an examination of the political battles that were fought in Britain over the regulation of homework. Ubiquitous in the late Victorian era, this form of waged labor was curtailed by Edwardian wage regulations but resurged in the 1970s as a result of competition from low-wage economies abroad and fast-changing consumer tastes. Alongside growing use of homeworkers in consumer industries, new information technologies made it increasingly possible for some forms of professional work to move into the home. This article explores the debates that swirled around these different forms of homework, pitting antipoverty campaigners, feminists, and activists against ministers, employers, and civil servants. It shows how Conservative and New Labour governments failed to recognize the structural similarities between Victorian-style “sweated” labor and the emerging world of telework, freelancing, and self-employment, and how the intellectual excitement generated by Britain's transition toward a postindustrial future dovetailed with the New Right commitment to deregulation and the creation of “flexible” labor markets. A brief comparison with homework in the United States underlines the value of local, particular histories to our larger understanding of ideological change in modern societies.
Folding-like techniques for CAT(0) cube complexes
Authors: BEN–ZVI MICHAEL , KROPHOLLER ROBERT , LYMAN RYLEE ALANZA
Published: October 2021

In a seminal paper, Stallings introduced folding of morphisms of graphs. One consequence of folding is the representation of finitely-generated subgroups of a finite-rank free group as immersions of finite graphs. Stallings’s methods allow one to construct this representation algorithmically, giving effective, algorithmic answers and proofs to classical questions about subgroups of free groups. Recently Dani–Levcovitz used Stallings-like methods to study subgroups of right-angled Coxeter groups, which act geometrically on CAT(0) cube complexes. In this paper we extend their techniques to fundamental groups of non-positively curved cube complexes.
Vi snakker sådan: An analysis of the Danish discourse-pragmatic markersådan
Authors: Schoning Christian , Helder Jørn , Diskin-Holdaway Chloé
Published: October 2021

The last three decades have witnessed increasing interest in discourse-pragmatic markers (DPMs), both with regards to their high frequency in spoken discourse and their multifunctionality in interaction. Most studies have centered on English, with studies on Danish restricted to a handful of previous interactional discourse analyses. This paper is a preliminary investigation of the Danish wordsådan(commonly glossed as ‘such’ or ‘like this/that’). A qualitative, form-based, discourse analytic approach is undertaken on over 40 minutes of naturally occurring Danish talk to argue thatsådanqualifies as a DPM. In service of textual, subjective, and intersubjective macro-functions,sådanillustrates; exemplifies; marks hesitation; approximates a quantity; mitigates, hedges, or softens; and allows self-correction or self-repair. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications forsådan’s place in the Danish DPM system and our understanding of DPMs across languages.
Informationsbedürfnisse pflegender Angehöriger zu neuen Technologien der häuslichen Versorgung bei Demenz
Authors: Stark Anna Lea , Heumann Marcus , Dockweiler Christoph
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Neue Technologien können Angehörige bei der häuslichen Versorgung von Personen mit Demenz unterstützen, sind jedoch vielen unbekannt. Um das Informationsdefizit abzubauen, müssen die von den Angehörigen benötigten Informationen erfasst werden. Ziel: Die Studie verfolgt das Ziel, die Informationsbedürfnisse Angehöriger zu neuen Technologien der häuslichen Versorgung bei Demenz zu untersuchen, wobei Erfahrungen bei vergangenen Recherchen und künftige Informationsbedürfnisse berücksichtigt werden. Methode: Es wurden episodische Interviews mit acht pflegenden Angehörigen von Personen mit Demenz geführt und anlehnend an das thematische Kodieren ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Angehörige nutzten für technikbezogene Recherchen medienbasierte sowie interpersonale Informationsquellen und machten dabei heterogene Erfahrungen. Die recherchierten Informationsinhalte und Auslöser der Recherchen variierten zwischen den Befragten. Die Menge verfügbarer Online-Informationen stellte z. T. ein Hindernis dar. Mit Blick auf künftige Informationsbedürfnisse kommt der Diversität von Informationskanälen und der Informationsqualität eine hohe Bedeutung zu. Schlussfolgerungen: Die individuellen situationsspezifischen Bedürfnisse der Angehörigen müssen bei der Entwicklung neuer Informations- und Beratungsangebote berücksichtigt werden, damit Informationsdefizite abgeschafft und die Potenziale neuer Technologien bei der Versorgung von Personen mit Demenz ausgeschöpft werden können. Es bedarf weiterer Forschung zu den Informationsbedürfnissen von Personen mit Demenz.
Life After a Supereruption
Authors: Beurteaux Danielle
Published: October 2021

Once a massive volcanic eruption is finished, the underlying system can remain active for thousands of years. New research illuminates how supereruption cycles work.
The Contribution of Drifting Snow to Cloud Properties and the Atmospheric Radiative Budget Over Antarctica
Authors: Hofer Stefan , Amory Charles , Kittel Christoph , Carlsen Tim , Le Toumelin Louis , Storelvmo Trude
Published: October 2021

The Antarctic Ice Sheet experiences perpetual katabatic winds, transporting snow, and moisture from the interior towards the periphery. However, the impacts of Antarctic moisture and drifting snow on cloud structure and surface energy fluxes have not been widely investigated. Here, we use a regional climate model with a newly developed drifting snow scheme to show that accounting for drifting snow notably alters the spatial distribution, vertical structure and radiative effect of clouds over Antarctica. Overall, we find that accounting for drifting snow leads to a greater cloud cover providing an increase of +2.74 Wm−2 in the surface radiative energy budget. Additionally, a comparison with 20 weather stations reveals a 2.17 Wm−2 improvement in representing the radiative energy fluxes. Our results highlight the need to study the impact of drifting snow processes on the future evolution of clouds, the surface energy budget and the vertical atmospheric structure over Antarctica.
Experimental Determination of Ion Acoustic Wave Dispersion Relation With Interferometric Analysis
Authors: Vech Daniel , Malaspina David M. , Cattell Cynthia , Schwartz Steven J. , Ergun Robert E. , Klein Kristopher G. , Kromyda Lily , Chasapis Alexandros
Published: October 2021

In this paper we study electrostatic waves with time‐dependent frequency features in the terrestrial foreshock. These short (0.1–0.3 s) duration waves are characterized by a significant frequency drift where the peak wave power shifts from a few hundred Hz to 2–4,000 Hz in a few hundred milliseconds. Based on the electric field data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) we have identified 46 of these wave packets. Using four spacecraft timing approach we find that these waves have a propagation direction pointing upstream. However, their plasma frame velocity is less than the solar wind speed, therefore they are eventually convected downstream toward the bow shock. We use the double‐probes of MMS and present an interferometric analysis, which allows us to obtain the dispersion relation of these waves and directly compare them to theoretical ones. We show that the measured dispersion relations are in good agreement with Doppler shifted ion acoustic waves and discuss potential mechanisms related to impulsive reflected ions that may allow the growth of these waves and cause time‐dependent frequency features.
Seasonal and Dust‐Related Variations in the Dayside Thermospheric and Ionospheric Compositions of Mars Observed by MAVEN/NGIMS
Authors: Yoshida Nao , Terada Naoki , Nakagawa Hiromu , Brain David A. , Sakai Shotaro , Nakamura Yuki , Benna Mehdi , Masunaga Kei
Published: October 2021

We report seasonal and dust‐related variations in neutral and ion species (CO2, O, and N2, and CO2+, O2+, O+, and N+, respectively) in the dayside Martian upper atmosphere between altitudes of ∼150 and ∼250 km observed by the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer aboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft. The sinusoidal seasonal variations in CO2+ and O2+ densities are clearly identified, while that of O+ is less discernible. These observed variations in ion densities are well reproduced by a photochemical equilibrium model for CO2+ and O+ densities when we combine them with solar cycle variations. Furthermore, we find a decrease in O, O+, and O2+ densities in the whole altitude range at Ls = 342–346 in MY 33 during a regional dust event. The decrease in O density would lead to decreases in O+ and O2+ densities in the ionosphere through ion‐neutral reactions. Observed variations in ion and neutral species associated with the season and a regional dust storm are also confirmed in pressure coordinates. Observations show that the CO2+/O+ ratio at a given pressure level in the ionosphere varies by a factor of ∼3, which can modify the composition of ion outflow from the Martian atmosphere.
Association study of candidate DNA-repair gene variants and acute graft versus host disease in pediatric patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Uppugunduri C. R. S. , Huezo-Diaz Curtis P. , Nava T. , Rezgui M. A. , Mlakar V. , Mlakar S. Jurkovic , Waespe N. , Théoret Y. , Gumy-Pause F. , Bernard F. , Chalandon Y. , Boelens J. J. , Bredius R. G. M. , Dalle J. H. , Nath C. , Corbacioglu S. , Peters C. , Bader P. , Shaw P. , Bittencourt H. , Krajinovic M. , Ansari M.
Published: October 2021

Acute Graft versus Host Disease (aGvHD) grades 2–4 occurs in 15–60% of pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The collateral damage to normal tissue by conditioning regimens administered prior to allo-HSCT serve as an initial trigger for aGvHD. DNA-repair mechanisms may play an important role in mitigating this initial damage, and so the variants in corresponding DNA-repair protein-coding genes via affecting their quantity and/or function. We explored 51 variants within 17 DNA-repair genes for their association with aGvHD grades 2–4 in 60 pediatric patients. The cumulative incidence of aGvHD 2–4 was 12% (n = 7) in the exploratory cohort. MGMT rs10764881 (G>A) and EXO rs9350 (c.2270C>T) variants were associated with aGvHD 2–4 [Odds ratios = 14.8 (0 events out of 40 in rs10764881 GG group) and 11.5 (95% CI: 2.3–191.8), respectively, multiple testing corrected p ≤ 0.001]. Upon evaluation in an extended cohort (n = 182) with an incidence of aGvHD 2–4 of 22% (n = 40), only MGMT rs10764881 (G>A) remained significant (adjusted HR = 2.05 [95% CI: 1.06–3.94]; p = 0.03) in the presence of other clinical risk factors. Higher MGMT expression was seen in GG carriers for rs10764881 and was associated with higher IC50 of Busulfan in lymphoblastoid cells. MGMT rs10764881 carrier status could predict aGvHD occurrence in pediatric patients undergoing allo-HSCT.