bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School recess and pandemic recovery efforts: ensuring a climate that supports positive social connection and meaningful play
Authors: McNamara Lauren
Published: November 2021

As Canada’s schools reopen, attention to healing the school community is essential. Given the considerable stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unsurprising that recent studies find Canadian children’s mental health in decline. As social connection is tightly entwined with children’s mental health, supporting school-based spaces for quality social interactions and play will be an important postpandemic recovery strategy. Children will need opportunities to re-establish positive social connections at school, and informal spaces such as recess and lunch are an ideal time to afford these opportunities. Yet many schoolyards have long been challenged by social conflict that can interfere with children’s need to connect with peers. Therefore, efforts should be directed not only at mitigating the effects of social harm, but also toward ensuring social and physical landscapes that are meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for children and adolescents of all ages. Recommendations for postpandemic recovery are provided.
Control of Microparticle Assembly
Authors: Tang Xun , Grover Martha A.
Published: November 2021

A colloidal system is a large collection of micrometer-sized particles suspended in a liquid, and the state of the system can be measured in real time, using imaging techniques and image processing. The assembly of the particles is driven by interactions between the particles and the surrounding liquid, as well as by external fields, including electromagnetic, flow, and gravitational fields. The dynamics of the many-body system are high-dimensional, nonlinear, and stochastic. However, low-order models are derived in some cases, often using physics-based order parameters, to facilitate studying the system dynamics. With an understanding of the system dynamics, and by manipulating the aforementioned interactions, one can control the assembly process in real time using open-loop and closed-loop feedback control. Theoretical studies and experimental demonstrations of colloidal self-assembly control have been reported, with methods ranging from heuristic rules to model-based optimal feedback control.
Polymorphism in exercise genes and respiratory function in late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Ravaglia Sabrina , Malovini Alberto , Cirio Serena , Danesino Cesare , De Filippi Paola , Moggio Maurizio , Mongini Tiziana , Maggi Lorenzo , Servidei Serena , Vianello Andrea , Toscano Antonio , Tonin Paola , Maioli Maria Antonietta , Parini Rossella , Filosto Massimiliano , Crescimanno Grazia , Arceri Sebastiano , Piran Manuela , Carlucci Annalisa
Published: November 2021

Previous reports evaluated the role of exercise genes in influencing skeletal muscle phenotype and response to ERT in LOPD. Here, we investigate the role of polymorphisms in several exercise gene, focusing on respiratory muscles. ACE-DD and ACTN3-XX polymorphisms, possibly influencing muscle properties and fiber composition, were associated with more severe respiratory phenotypes.
Short-term step reduction reduces citrate synthase activity without altering skeletal muscle markers of oxidative metabolism or insulin-mediated signaling in young males
Authors: Edwards Sophie J. , Shad Brandon J. , Marshall Ryan N. , Morgan Paul T. , Wallis Gareth A. , Breen Leigh
Published: November 2021

Short-term (7 day) step reduction reduces the activity of citrate synthase without altering the total or phosphorylated protein content of key markers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial metabolism and insulin signaling in young healthy males.
A Conflict Risk Analysis of MAV\UAV Flight in Shared Airspace
Authors: Xia ChaoYu , Yang Chun-Rong , Xue Kang , Yan HanBing , Zhong JianHua , Jun Qiu
Published: November 2021

The intelligent auxiliary decision-making (IADM) is emerging as a feasible solution for air traffic control (ATC) to reduce undesirable conflicts in shared airspace; meanwhile, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be operated with enhanced efficiency and safety using IADM. This paper presents the conflict risk framework of the MAV\UAV flight that improves flight safety of MAVs and UAVs in shared airspace. This is accomplished by focusing on two steps: First, determine the minimum safety communication interval between the UAV and controller; second, build a conflict risk model to detect which decision mechanism will minimize risk. Our approach provides a standard model to start with to improve IADM and allow engineers to focus on the operational purpose of MAV/UAV. Results show that our work presented here is practical and straightforward, and it brings an evident engineering application prospect.
Posterior Corneal Asphericity Effect on Postoperative Astigmatism after EDOF Intraocular Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients
Authors: Rabinovich Mark , Guber Ivo , Jessy Niegowski Laëtitia , Aramburu del Boz Ana Maria , Al Khatib Danial , Genestier Jean-Pascal , Bovet Jerome
Published: November 2021

Aim. To assess the impact of posterior corneal asphericity on postoperative astigmatism. Methods. We included retrospectively 70 eyes of 70 patients that underwent cataract surgery. We included data of the Q value, Kmax, K1, K2, astigmatism AL, and ACD. We performed a vectorial analysis to calculate the astigmatic vectors. Results. Seventy eyes were evaluated. 40 eyes were of females (58%) and 30 of males (42%). The average cohort age was 73 ± 8.9 years. Axial length (AL) was 23.5 ± 0.9, anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 3.13 ± 0.3, and the average posterior Q value was −0.35 ± 0.2. The only significant predictive variable for the correction index (CI) was the posterior Q value (r = 0.24,

p

 < 0.05) and for the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) (β = 0.34, r = 0.58,

p

 < 0.05). Conclusion. Posterior corneal surface asphericity significantly influences the surgically induced astigmatism and the overcorrection for cataract patients after Lucidis EDOF IOL implantation.
Secure KNN Classification Scheme Based on Homomorphic Encryption for Cyberspace
Authors: Liu Jiasen , Wang Chao , Tu Zheng , Wang Xu An , Lin Chuan , Li Zhihu
Published: November 2021

With the advent of the intelligent era, more and more artificial intelligence algorithms are widely used and a large number of user data are collected in the cloud server for sharing and analysis, but the security risks of private data breaches are also increasing in the meantime. CKKS homomorphic encryption has become a research focal point in the cryptography field because of its ability of homomorphic encryption for floating-point numbers and comparable computational efficiency. Based on the CKKS homomorphic encryption, this paper implements a secure KNN classification scheme in cloud servers for Cyberspace (CKKSKNNC) and supports batch calculation. This paper uses the CKKS homomorphic encryption scheme to encrypt user data samples and then uses Euclidean distance, Pearson similarity, and cosine similarity to compute the similarity between ciphertext data samples. Finally, the security classification of the samples is realized by voting rules. This paper selects IRIS data set for experimental, which is the classification data set commonly used in machine learning. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the other three similarity algorithms of the IRIS data is around 97% except for the Pearson correlation coefficient, which is almost the same as that in plaintext, which proves the effectiveness of this scheme. Through comparative experiments, the efficiency of this scheme is proved.
Aberrant Expression and Subcellular Localization of ECT2 Drives Colorectal Cancer Progression and Growth
Authors: Cook Danielle R. , Kang Melissa , Martin Timothy D. , Galanko Joseph A. , Loeza Gabriela H. , Trembath Dimitri G. , Justilien Verline , Pickering Karen A. , Vincent David F. , Jarosch Armin , Jurmeister Philipp , Waters Andrew M. , Hibshman Priya S. , Campbell Andrew D. , Ford Catriona A. , Keku Temitope O. , Yeh Jen Jen , Lee Michael S. , Cox Adrienne D. , Fields Alan P. , Sandler Robert S. , Sansom Owen J. , Sers Christine , Schaefer Antje , Der Channing J.
Published: November 2021

ECT2 is an activator of RHO GTPases that is essential for cytokinesis. In addition, ECT2 was identified as an oncoprotein when expressed ectopically in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. However, oncogenic activation of ECT2 resulted from N-terminal truncation, and such truncated ECT2 proteins have not been found in patients with cancer. In this study, we observed elevated expression of full-length ECT2 protein in preneoplastic colon adenomas, driven by increased ECT2 mRNA abundance and associated with APC tumor-suppressor loss. Elevated ECT2 levels were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus of colorectal cancer tissue, suggesting cytoplasmic mislocalization as one mechanism of early oncogenic ECT2 activation. Importantly, elevated nuclear ECT2 correlated with poorly differentiated tumors, and a low cytoplasmic:nuclear ratio of ECT2 protein correlated with poor patient survival, suggesting that nuclear and cytoplasmic ECT2 play distinct roles in colorectal cancer. Depletion of ECT2 reduced anchorage-independent cancer cell growth and invasion independent of its function in cytokinesis, and loss of Ect2 extended survival in a KrasG12D Apc-null colon cancer mouse model. Expression of ECT2 variants with impaired nuclear localization or guanine nucleotide exchange catalytic activity failed to restore cancer cell growth or invasion, indicating that active, nuclear ECT2 is required to support tumor progression. Nuclear ECT2 promoted ribosomal DNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis in colorectal cancer. These results support a driver role for both cytoplasmic and nuclear ECT2 overexpression in colorectal cancer and emphasize the critical role of precise subcellular localization in dictating ECT2 function in neoplastic cells.

Significance:

ECT2 overexpression and mislocalization support its role as a driver in colon cancer that is independent from its function in normal cell cytokinesis.
KMT9 Controls Stemness and Growth of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Berlin Christopher , Cottard Félicie , Willmann Dominica , Urban Sylvia , Tirier Stephan M. , Marx Lisa , Rippe Karsten , Schmitt Mark , Petrocelli Valentina , Greten Florian R. , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Kesselring Rebecca , Metzger Eric , Schüle Roland
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Treatment failure and tumor recurrence due to survival of therapy-resistant cancer stem/initiating cells represent major clinical issues to overcome. In this study, we identified lysine methyltransferase 9 (KMT9), an obligate heterodimer composed of KMT9α and KMT9β that monomethylates histone H4 at lysine 12 (H4K12me1), as an important regulator in colorectal tumorigenesis. KMT9α and KMT9β were overexpressed in colorectal cancer and colocalized with H4K12me1 at promoters of target genes involved in the regulation of proliferation. Ablation of KMT9α drastically reduced colorectal tumorigenesis in mice and prevented the growth of murine as well as human patient-derived tumor organoids. Moreover, loss of KMT9α impaired the maintenance and function of colorectal cancer stem/initiating cells and induced apoptosis specifically in this cellular compartment. Together, these data suggest that KMT9 is an important regulator of colorectal carcinogenesis, identifying KMT9 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Significance:

The H4K12 methyltransferase KMT9 regulates tumor cell proliferation and stemness in colorectal cancer, indicating that targeting KMT9 could be a useful approach for preventing and treating this disease.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Induces Genomic and Transcriptomic Changes in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Javellana Melissa , Eckert Mark A. , Heide Janna , Zawieracz Katarzyna , Weigert Melanie , Ashley Sarah , Stock Elizabeth , Chapel David , Huang Lei , Yamada S. Diane , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Lastra Ricardo R. , Chen Mengjie , Lengyel Ernst
Published: November 2021

The growing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to treat advanced stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) creates an opportunity to better understand chemotherapy-induced mutational and gene expression changes. Here we performed a cohort study including 34 patients with advanced stage IIIC or IV HGSOC to assess changes in the tumor genome and transcriptome in women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RNA sequencing and panel DNA sequencing of 596 cancer-related genes was performed on paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens collected before and after chemotherapy, and differentially expressed genes (DEG) and copy-number variations (CNV) in pre- and post-chemotherapy samples were identified. Following tissue and sequencing quality control, the final patient cohort consisted of 32 paired DNA and 20 paired RNA samples. Genomic analysis of paired samples did not reveal any recurrent chemotherapy-induced mutations. Gene expression analyses found that most DEGs were upregulated by chemotherapy, primarily in the chemotherapy-resistant specimens. AP-1 transcription factor family genes (FOS, FOSB, FRA-1) were particularly upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant samples. CNV analysis identified recurrent 11q23.1 amplification, which encompasses SIK2. In vitro, combined treatment with AP-1 or SIK2 inhibitors with carboplatin or paclitaxel demonstrated synergistic effects. These data suggest that AP-1 activity and SIK2 copy-number amplification are induced by chemotherapy and may represent mechanisms by which chemotherapy resistance evolves in HGSOC. AP-1 and SIK2 are druggable targets with available small molecule inhibitors and represent potential targets to circumvent chemotherapy resistance.

Significance:

Genomic and transcriptomic analyses identify increased AP-1 activity and SIK2 copy-number amplifications in resistant ovarian cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, uncovering synergistic effects of AP-1 and SIK2 inhibitors with chemotherapy.
Expenditures in Young Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma: NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers versus Other Sites
Authors: Wolfson Julie A. , Bhatia Smita , Ginsberg Jill P. , Becker Laura , Bernstein David , Henk Henry J. , Lyman Gary H. , Nathan Paul C. , Puccetti Diane , Wilkes Jennifer J. , Winestone Lena E. , Kenzik Kelly M.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Outcomes among Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients diagnosed between 22 and 39 years are worse than among those diagnosed <21 years, and have not seen the same improvement over time. Treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) mitigates outcome disparities, but may be associated with higher expenditures.

Methods:

We examined cancer-related expenditures among 22- to 39-year-old HL patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2016 using deidentified administrative claims data (OptumLabs Data Warehouse; CCC: n = 1,154; non-CCC: n = 643). Adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and months enrolled, multivariable general linear models modeled average monthly health-plan paid (HPP) expenditures, and incidence rate ratios compared CCC/non-CCC monthly visit rates.

Results:

In the year following diagnosis, CCC patients had higher HPP expenditures ($12,869 vs. $10,688, P = 0.001), driven by higher monthly rates of CCC nontreatment outpatient hospital visits (P = 0.001) and per-visit expenditures for outpatient hospital chemotherapy ($632 vs. $259); higher CCC inpatient expenditures ($1,813 vs. $1,091, P = 0.001) were driven by 3.1 times higher rates of chemotherapy admissions (P = 0.001). Out-of-pocket expenditures were comparable (P = 0.3).

Conclusions:

Young adults with HL at CCCs saw higher health-plan expenditures, but comparable out-of-pocket expenditures. Drivers of CCC expenditures included outpatient hospital utilization (monthly rates of non-therapy visits and per-visit expenditures for chemotherapy).

Impact:

Higher HPP expenditures at CCCs in the year following HL diagnosis likely reflect differences in facility structure and comprehensive care. For young adults, it is plausible to consider incentivizing CCC care to achieve superior outcomes while developing approaches to achieve long-term savings.
Molecular and Pathology Features of Colorectal Tumors and Patient Outcomes Are Associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Its Subspecies animalis
Authors: Borozan Ivan , Zaidi Syed H. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Phipps Amanda I. , Zheng Jiayin , Lee Stephen , Trinh Quang M. , Steinfelder Robert S. , Adams Jeremy , Banbury Barbara L. , Berndt Sonja I. , Brezina Stefanie , Buchanan Daniel D. , Bullman Susan , Cao Yin , Farris Alton B. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Giannakis Marios , Heisler Lawrence E. , Hopper John L. , Lin Yi , Luo Xuemei , Nishihara Reiko , Mardis Elaine R. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Qu Conghui , Reid Emma E.G. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Harlid Sophia , Um Caroline Y. , Hsu Li , Gsur Andrea , Campbell Peter T. , Gallinger Steven , Newcomb Polly A. , Ogino Shuji , Sun Wei , Hudson Thomas J. , Ferretti Vincent , Peters Ulrike
Published: November 2021

Background:

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) activates oncogenic signaling pathways and induces inflammation to promote colorectal carcinogenesis.

Methods:

We characterized F. nucleatum and its subspecies in colorectal tumors and examined associations with tumor characteristics and colorectal cancer–specific survival. We conducted deep sequencing of nusA, nusG, and bacterial 16s rRNA genes in tumors from 1,994 patients with colorectal cancer and assessed associations between F. nucleatum presence and clinical characteristics, colorectal cancer–specific mortality, and somatic mutations.

Results:

F. nucleatum, which was present in 10.3% of tumors, was detected in a higher proportion of right-sided and advanced-stage tumors, particularly subspecies animalis. Presence of F. nucleatum was associated with higher colorectal cancer–specific mortality (HR, 1.97; P = 0.0004). This association was restricted to nonhypermutated, microsatellite-stable tumors (HR, 2.13; P = 0.0002) and those who received chemotherapy [HR, 1.92; confidence interval (CI), 1.07–3.45; P = 0.029). Only F. nucleatum subspecies animalis, the main subspecies detected (65.8%), was associated with colorectal cancer–specific mortality (HR, 2.16; P = 0.0016), subspecies vincentii and nucleatum were not (HR, 1.07; P = 0.86). Additional adjustment for tumor stage suggests that the effect of F. nucleatum on mortality is partly driven by a stage shift. Presence of F. nucleatum was associated with microsatellite instable tumors, tumors with POLE exonuclease domain mutations, and ERBB3 mutations, and suggestively associated with TP53 mutations.

Conclusions:

F. nucleatum, and particularly subspecies animalis, was associated with a higher colorectal cancer–specific mortality and specific somatic mutated genes.

Impact:

Our findings identify the F. nucleatum subspecies animalis as negatively impacting colorectal cancer mortality, which may occur through a stage shift and its effect on chemoresistance.
Validation of Self-reported Cancer Diagnoses Using Medicare Diagnostic Claims in the US Health and Retirement Study, 2000–2016
Authors: Mullins Megan A. , Kler Jasdeep S. , Eastman Marisa R. , Kabeto Mohammed , Wallner Lauren P. , Kobayashi Lindsay C.
Published: November 2021

Background:

The US Health Retirement Study (HRS) is an ongoing population-representative cohort of US adults ages >50 with rich data on health during aging. Self-reported cancer diagnoses have been collected since 1998, but they have not been validated. We compared self-reported cancer diagnoses in HRS interviews against diagnostic claims from linked Medicare records.

Methods:

Using HRS–Medicare linked data, we examined the validity of first incident cancer diagnoses self-reported in biennial interviews from 2000 to 2016 against ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic claim records as the gold standard. Data were from 8,242 HRS participants ages ≥65 with 90% continuous enrollment in fee-for-service Medicare. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and κ for first incident invasive cancer diagnoses (all cancers combined, and each of bladder, breast, colorectal/anal, uterine, kidney, lung, and prostate cancers) cumulatively over the follow-up and at each biennial study interview.

Results:

Overall, self-reports of first incident cancer diagnoses from 2000 to 2016 had 73.2% sensitivity and 96.2% specificity against Medicare claims (κ = 0.73). For specific cancer types, sensitivities ranged from 44.7% (kidney) to 75.0% (breast), and specificities ranged from 99.2% (prostate) and 99.9% (bladder, uterine, and kidney). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to individuals with 100% continuous fee-for-service Medicare enrollment and when restricted to individuals with at least 24 months of Medicare enrollment.

Conclusions:

Self-reported cancer diagnoses in the HRS have reasonable validity for use in population-based research that is maximized with linkage to Medicare.

Impact:

These findings inform the use of the HRS for population-based cancer and aging research.
Bibliometric Trends in Nail Psoriasis Research Publications
Authors: Gregoriou Stamatios , Tsiogka Aikaterini , Rigopoulos Dimitris
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Bibliometric analysis provides an objective assessment of current research patterns and highlights the impact of selected publications in any given scientific discipline. Methods: We sought to provide information about dynamic research trends in nail psoriasis by analyzing the 50 most cited articles on this topic, which were identified utilizing the Scopus citation database. Results: The median number of citations was 79 (range, 60–337) per article. Publication dates ranged from 1969 to 2020, while the majority of articles (46%) were published between 2000 and 2009. The top 50 highly cited articles were published in 19 different journals, with a median impact factor of 5.248 (range, 1.022–16.102). The British Journal of Dermatology published the greatest number of highly cited articles (n = 9). Most publications were original articles, and most cited research topics included medical treatment and correlation of nail psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis. Most publications originated from the USA and UK, while Phoebe Rich and Dennis McGonagle were the two most contributing authors. Conclusion: This analysis provides information about emerging bibliometric trends and may guide future research in the field of nail psoriasis.
Accuracy of Endoscopic Transpapillary Gallbladder Drainage with Liquid-Based Cytology for Gallbladder Disease
Authors: Kawahara Soichiro , Tomoda Takeshi , Kato Hironari , Ueki Toru , Akimoto Yutaka , Harada Ryo , Toji Tomohiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Gallbladder carcinoma is often difficult to distinguish from benign gallbladder diseases. While the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGD) has been reported, these results were obtained retrospectively. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the cytological diagnostic accuracy of ETGD in patients with gallbladder disease. Methods: This single-arm prospective clinical trial included a total of 35 patients scheduled to undergo ETGD between March 2017 and September 2019. A 5F pigtail nasobiliary drainage tube was inserted into the gallbladder, and bile was collected over 5 times; if ETGD failed, a drainage tube was placed into the bile duct. The endpoints were, first, the cytological diagnostic accuracy of ETGD and, second, technical success rates and adverse events. Results: Of the 35 patients, 19 were finally diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. The success rate of ETGD tube insertion was 85.7%, and the morphological pattern of the cystic duct with the angle down and located on the right side had a significantly lower success rate for ETGD than that of other cystic duct patterns (odds ratio, 13.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–143.7; p = 0.02). Cytological samples were collected 5 times on median. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in all patients were 78.9%, 100%, and 88.6%, respectively, while those in 30 patients with successful ETGD were 87.5%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 3 patients: mild pancreatitis in 1 patient and obstructive jaundice in 2 patients; all complications were resolved with conservative therapy. Discussion/Conclusions: Cytology using an ETGD tube is useful in differentiating benign and malignant gallbladder diseases (Clinical Trial Registry No. UMIN000026929).
Current Trauma Care System in Saudi Arabia: Literature Review and a Proposed Action Plan
Authors: Alferdaus Abdallah Mohammad , Shaher Abdulaziz
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia (SA) and worldwide and remains the leading cause of mortality in younger people. We conducted a literature review to assess the current trauma system in SA and formulated an action plan that might help guide leaders and colleagues in implementing a mature trauma system across the country. Methods: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, publications from the World Health Organization (WHO), and American College of Surgeons (ACS) and formal reports from the ministries and authorities in SA. Results: After aligning the trauma care system in SA to the WHO trauma system maturity index (TSMI) and ACS criteria for a mature system, the SA system was found to have many deficiencies in essential components such as national trauma registry or active trauma research activities. Injury prevention and prehospital care are progressing and may be graded as TSMI level III, indicating room for improvement. Regarding the definitive care at hospitals and centers, only 2 centers at Riyadh met the criteria for level I trauma centers. Other regions in SA do not have major trauma centers yet. Overall, the components of the SA trauma care system were graded from levels I to III on the basis of the WHO TSMI and ACS criteria for a mature trauma system. Conclusion: In SA, injury remains the primary cause of death in children and other younger people. Efforts to reduce the prevalence and burden of trauma in SA are progressing. Completion of a nationwide trauma system would be a major step toward achieving that goal. We have proposed an action plan to achieve that goal.
The Influence of Amyloid Burden on Cognitive Decline over 2 years in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hong Yun Jeong , Park Jeong Wook , Lee Si Baek , Kim Seong-Hoon , Kim Yongbang , Ryu Dong-Woo , Park Kyung Won , Yang Dong Won
Published: November 2021

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a self-perceived cognitive worsening without objective cognitive impairment. Due to its heterogeneity and potential risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), baseline biomarkers to predict progression are clinically important. In the present study, cognitive trajectories during a 24-month period were compared between amyloid-positive SCD (A+SCD) and amyloid-negative SCD (A−SCD) subjects, and biomarkers associated with memory decline were investigated. Methods: Data from a prospective cohort study in Korea between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed. SCD subjects ≥50 years of age were eligible. All participants underwent neuropsychological tests, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and florbetaben positron emission tomography scans. Amyloid burden and regional volumes were measured. Cognitive changes corrected for age were compared between A+SCD and A−SCD groups. Biomarkers associated with memory decline were assessed. Results: Forty-seven SCD subjects (69.9 ± 6.7 years, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score 27.5) were enrolled, and 31 completed at least 1 annual follow-up (mean follow-up: 24.7 months). Baseline characteristics except age, hippocampal atrophy, and white matter hyperintensities were similar between A+SCDs (n = 12, 25.6%) and A−SCDs (n = 35). A+SCD subjects showed greater decline in the verbal memory function compared with the A−SCD subjects after adjustment for age. MMSE scores decreased more in the A+SCD (1.1 in the A+SCD; 0.55 in the A−SCD), although it was not statistically significant. Amyloid burden and baseline memory score were associated with memory decline. Conclusions: Within SCD, A+SCD subjects showed faster memory decline compared with the A−SCD subjects and amyloid burden might be associated with future memory decline in SCD.
Efficacy of Phenylalanine- and Tyrosine-Restricted Diet in Alkaptonuria Patients on Nitisinone Treatment: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Teke Kisa Pelin , Eroglu Erkmen Semra , Bahceci Hilal , Arslan Gulten Zumrut , Aydogan Ayca , Karalar Pekuz Ozge Kamer , Yuce Inel Tuba , Ozturk Taylan , Uysal Sezer , Arslan Nur
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Nitisinone used in alkaptonuria (AKU) can result in keratopathy due to strongly increased tyrosine levels. Methods: This study aimed to investigate nutritional status and changes in plasma tyrosine and phenylalanine and urinary homogentisic acid (u-HGA) levels in 8 adult AKU patients (mean age, 56.3 ± 4.7 years) who were on tyrosine/phenylalanine-restricted diet together with 2 mg/day nitisinone. Results: The treatment period was 23.4 ± 6.9 months. Daily dietary protein intake was restricted to 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day. Daily tyrosine intake was restricted to 260–450 mg/day for females and 330–550 mg/day for males. Tyrosine/phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements accounted for an average of 56.1% of daily protein intake. The following assessments were performed: anthropometric and plasma tyrosine level measurements every 2 months; ophthalmological examination every 6 months, and nutritional laboratory analyses and measurements of plasma amino acids and u-HGA once in a year. It was targeted to keep the plasma tyrosine level <500 μmol/L. The plasma tyrosine level was <100 μmol/L before the treatment in all patients and around a mean of 582.5 ± 194.8 μmol/L during the treatment. The diet was rearranged if a plasma tyrosine level of >700 μmol/L was detected. The u-HGA level before and after the 1st year of treatment was 1,429.3 ± 1,073.4 mmol/mol creatinine and 33.6 ± 9.5 mmol/mol creatinine, respectively. None of the patients developed keratopathy or experienced weight loss and protein or micronutrient deficiency. Conclusion: AKU patients should receive tyrosine/phenylalanine-restricted diet for reducing plasma tyrosine level to the safe range. Tyrosine/phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements can be safely used to enhance dietary compliance. Keratopathy and nutrient deficiency should be frequently monitored.
Foley Catheter Tourniquet for Uncontrollable Extra-Uterine Placental Hemorrhage: Description of a Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Hofmeyr George Justus , Majeke Busiwe D. , Nassali Mercy-Nkuba
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Hemorrhage from a partially or fully detached placenta with an advanced abdominal pregnancy can be profuse and catastrophic. The general approach to placental management is removal of “all or nothing.” In the event of acute hemorrhage, attempts to achieve hemostasis quickly are critical. We have found a Foley catheter tourniquet to be useful to control placental hemorrhage or as a temporary tourniquet applied around structures surrounding the implantation site to aid placental removal. We report use of the technique on 4 occasions with good surgical outcomes. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 33-year-old primigravid woman admitted at term with ultrasound diagnosis of breech presentation and placenta previa grade 4. Her preoperative clinical assessment, however, raised suspicion of an abdominal pregnancy. At laparotomy, a live female infant was delivered from the extra-uterine gestation sac, weighing 3,640 g and with Apgar scores of 7 and 6 at 1 and 5 min, respectively. Following delivery, there was profuse bleeding from the partially detached distal portion of the placenta that derived a rich blood supply from the poorly accessible posterior pelvic wall. We applied a novel, simple, and effective surgical technique for minimizing blood loss from the partially detached placenta using a Foley’s catheter tourniquet that was applied between the detached and still attached parts of the placenta. The tourniquet was left in situ and removed at laparotomy 4 days later. The placenta was not removed. The mother and baby did well postoperatively and were discharged after 10 and 21 days, respectively, in good condition. The surgical technique was used in 3 additional cases with good clinical outcomes. Discussion: Use of a Foley catheter as an intraoperative tourniquet has become accepted as a useful technique in obstetric and gynecological surgery. We describe a simple life-saving technique of applying a Foley tourniquet across a partially detached placenta following an advanced extra-uterine pregnancy to control acute hemorrhage. Conclusion: We recommend that surgeons keep in mind the option of intraoperative tourniquets when faced with uncontrollable bleeding as a short-term or medium-term temporizing measure.
Inhalational Versus Intravenous Anesthetic Conditioning for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage–Induced Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Athiraman Umeshkumar , Lele Abhijit V. , Karanikolas Menelaos , Dhulipala Vasu Babu , Jayaraman Keshav , Fong Christine , Kentner Rainer , Sheolal Ravitha , Vellimana Ananth , Gidday Jeffrey M. , Dhar Rajat , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Inhalational anesthetics were associated with reduced incidence of angiographic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Whether intravenous anesthetics provide similar level of protection is not known.

Methods:

Anesthetic data were collected retrospectively for patients with SAH who received general anesthesia for aneurysm repair between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2018, at 2 academic centers in the United States (one employing primarily inhalational and the other primarily intravenous anesthesia with propofol). We compared the outcomes of angiographic vasospasm, DCI, and neurological outcome (measured by disposition at hospital discharge), between the 2 sites, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

We compared 179 patients with SAH receiving inhalational anesthetics at one institution to 206 patients with SAH receiving intravenous anesthetics at the second institution. The rates of angiographic vasospasm between inhalational versus intravenous anesthetic groups were 32% versus 52% (odds ratio, 0.49 [CI, 0.32–0.75];
P
=0.001) and DCI were 21% versus 40% (odds ratio, 0.47 [CI, 0.29–0.74];
P
=0.001), adjusting for imbalances between sites/groups, Hunt-Hess and Fisher grades, type of aneurysm treatment, and American Society of Anesthesiology status. No impact of anesthetics on neurological outcome at time of discharge was noted with rates of good discharge outcome between inhalational versus intravenous anesthetic groups at (78% versus 72%,
P
=0.23).

ConclusionS:

Our data suggest that those who received inhalational versus intravenous anesthetic for ruptured aneurysm repair had significant protection against SAH-induced angiographic vasospasm and DCI. Although we cannot fully disentangle site-specific versus anesthetic effects in this comparative study, these results, when coupled with preclinical data demonstrating a similar protective effect of inhalational anesthetics on vasospasm and DCI, suggest that inhalational anesthetics may be preferable for patients with SAH undergoing aneurysm repair. Additional investigations examining the effect of inhalational anesthetics on other SAH outcomes such as early brain injury and long-term neurological outcomes are warranted.
Temple Run
Authors: Enria Luisa
Published: November 2021

Amongst young people in Freetown, ‘Temple Run’, a mobile phone game that requires the player to run for their life across treacherous obstacles, is used as code for the perilous journey that an increasing number of young Sierra Leoneans made to Europe via Libya. Through ethnographic accounts, the article discusses the role of dreams of migration in Freetown youths’ articulations of a distinctive political imagination through which they at once critique and re-imagine their relation to the state and assert their identity and expectations as Sierra Leonean citizens. These narratives are rooted in everyday experiences of neglect and state violence but also embody a long history in the region of intersections between migration, insecurity, and contestations of power. Exploring migration as discourse, separate from practice, the paper shows how migration imageries become incorporated into expressions of presence rather than simply longings for absence and into normative ideas of citizenship.
Perceptual Organisation Affects Perception and Appreciation of Abstract Art: A Case Study with Black Square and Red Square by Kazimir Malevich
Authors: Sarami Arefe , Afhami Reza , Wagemans Johan
Published: November 2021

Perceptual organisation is hypothesised as a key in the perception and appreciation of abstract art. Here, we investigated how relational and compositional features affected the perception and aesthetic appreciation of Black Square and Red Square by Kazimir Malevich (1915). We studied how (i) the presence and obliquity of the red square and (ii) the relative configuration of the black and red square affected the detectability of the obliquity of the black square in this artwork. Results showed that the simultaneous presence and obliquity of the red square masked the obliquity of the original black square. The likelihood of the black square being incorrectly perceived as an exact square was always maximum in the original configuration and even slight alterations in the original configuration of the work resulted in the obliquity of the black square to be noticed. The original artwork was more aesthetically preferred compared to its alternatives. We argue that the artist may have intentionally set the configuration to mask the obliquity of the black square and maximise the aesthetic preference.
Structure of the secondary xylem and development of a cambial variant in Serjania mexicana (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Rajput Kishore S. , Gondaliya Amit D. , Moya Roger
Published: November 2021

The lianas in the family Sapindaceae are known for their unique secondary growth which differs from climbing species in other plant families in terms of their cambial variants. The present study deals with the stem anatomy of self-supporting and lianescent habit, development of phloem wedges, the ontogeny of cambial variants and structure of the secondary xylem in the stems of Serjania mexicana (L.) Willd. Thick stems (15–20 mm) were characterized by the presence of distinct phloem wedges and tangentially wide neo-formed cambial cylinders. As the stem diameter increases, there is a proportional increase in the number of phloem wedges and neo-formed vascular cylinders. The parenchymatous (pericyclic) cells external to phloem wedges that are located on the inner margin of the pericyclic fibres undergo dedifferentiation, become meristematic and form small segments of cambial cylinders. These cambia extend tangentially into wide and large segments of neoformations. Structurally, the secondary xylem and phloem of the neo-formed vascular cylinders remain similar to the derivatives produced by the regular vascular cambium. The secondary xylem is composed of vessels (wide and narrow), fibres, axial and ray parenchyma cells. The occurrence of perforated ray cells is a common feature in both regular and variant xylem.
Male terminalia morphology of sixteen species of the Drosophila saltans group Sturtevant (Diptera, Drosophilidae)
Authors: ROMAN BRUNA EMILIA , MADI-RAVAZZI LILIAN
Published: November 2021

Male terminalia in insects with internal fertilization evolve more rapidly than other structures. The aedeagus is the most variable structure, making it a valuable diagnostic feature to distinguish species. The saltans group Sturtevant of Drosophila Fallén contains sibling species, that can be distinguished by their aedeagi. Here, we revised and illustrated the morphology of the male terminalia of the following species: Drosophila prosaltans Duda, 1927; D. saltans Sturtevant, 1916; D. lusaltans Magalhães, 1962; D. austrosaltans Spassky, 1957; D. septentriosaltans Magalhães, 1962; D. nigrosaltans Magalhães, 1962; D. pseudosaltans Magalhães, 1956; D. sturtevanti Duda, 1927; D. lehrmanae Madi-Ravazzi et al., 2021; D. dacunhai Mourão & Bicudo, 1967; D. milleri Magalhães, 1962; D. parasaltans Magalhães, 1956; D. emarginata Sturtevant, 1942; D. neoelliptica Pavan & Magalhães in Pavan, 1950; D. neosaltans Pavan & Magalhães in Pavan, 1950 and D. neocordata Magalhães, 1956. We found that phallic structures (e.g., the aedeagus) evolve more rapidly than periphallic structures (e.g., epandrium), being completely different among the subgroups and within them. This rapid evolution may be due to the action of sexual selection or to the potential role of those structures in speciation.
An Interdecadal Change in the Influence of ENSO on the Spring Tibetan Plateau Snow-Cover Variability in the Early 2000s
Authors: Wang Zhibiao , Wu Renguang , Yang Song , Lu Mengmeng
Published: November 2021

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Tibetan Plateau snow cover are important factors in interannual climate variability. The relationship between ENSO and the Tibetan Plateau snow variation is still undetermined. While some studies suggested that ENSO is a key factor of changes in snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau, other studies noted independence between the two. The present study revealed a prominent interdecadal change in the relationship between ENSO and the spring Tibetan Plateau snow-cover variation in the early 2000s. There is a significant positive correlation between ENSO and the spring Tibetan Plateau snow-cover variation in the period 1988–2003, but an obvious negative relationship is detected in the period 2004–19. The interdecadal change in the ENSO–snow relationship is related to the distinct pathway of ENSO influence on the spring Tibetan Plateau snow-cover variation during the two periods. In the period 1988–2003, ENSO induces anomalous convection over the tropical western North Pacific that in turn causes atmospheric circulation and moisture anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau. The resultant winter snow anomalies over the central-eastern Tibetan Plateau persist to the following spring. In the period 2004–19, ENSO induces North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in winter that are maintained to the following spring. The North Atlantic SST anomalies then stimulate the atmospheric circulation anomalies extending to the Tibetan Plateau that induce snow-cover anomalies there in spring. The different processes of ENSO influence lead to opposite anomalies of spring snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau in the two periods.
Age as a Barrier to Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in Patients with Flail Chest
Authors: Wang Naomi , Bachman Katelynn C. , Linden Philip A. , Ho Vanessa P. , Moorman Matthew L. , Worrell Stephanie G. , Argote-Greene Luis M. , Towe Christopher W.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Although randomized trials demonstrate a benefit to surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), SSRF is rarely performed. We hypothesized older patients were less likely to receive SSRF nationally.

Methods

The 2016 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults with flail chest. Comorbidities and receipt of SSRF were categorized by ICD-10 code. Univariable testing and Multivariable regression were performed to determine the association of demographic characteristics and comorbidities to receipt of SSRF.

Results

1021 patients with flail chest were identified, including 244 (23.9%) who received SSRF. Patients ≥70 years were less likely to receive SSRF. (<70 yrs 201/774 [26.0%] vs ≥70 43/247 [17.4%], P = .006) and had higher risk of death (<70 yrs 39/774 [5.0%] vs ≥70 33/247 [13.4%], P < .001) In multivariable modeling, only age ≥70 years was associated with SSRF (OR .591, P = .005).

Conclusion

Despite guideline-based support of SSRF in flail chest, SSRF is performed in <25% of patients. Age ≥70 years is associated with lower rate of SSRF and higher risk of death. Future study should examine barriers to SSRF in older patients.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Patients With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Is Safe and Does Not Delay Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Hanna David N. , Ghani Muhammad O. , Hermina Andrew , Mina Alexander , Bailey Christina E. , Idrees Kamran , Magge Deepa
Published: November 2021

Background

Outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) among patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) depend largely on the extent of peritoneal disease. Since PC is not reliably evaluated with cross-sectional imaging, tumor burden is often evaluated with diagnostic laparoscopy (DLS). The aims of this study are to evaluate the safety of DLS in patients with peritoneal disease and determine if DLS delays time to CRS-HIPEC.

Methods

We performed an institutional retrospective review of 145 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC between 2013 and 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent an electively scheduled DLS prior to CRS-HIPEC and those who did not. Intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with DLS were determined from the surgeon’s operative report. Time from diagnosis of PC to CRS-HIPEC was compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Of the 145 patients available for analysis, 47% (68) underwent DLS and 44% (64) did not. Of all the diagnostic laparoscopies performed, there was 1 (1.5%) intraoperative complication. The duration between diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis and surgery was 4.9 months among patients who underwent DLS prior to CRS-HIPEC and 4.3 months among patients who did not ( P = .79).

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis, diagnostic laparoscopy prior to CRS-HIPEC demonstrated a comparable rate of DLS-associated complications compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies and does not prolong time from diagnosis to CRS-HIPEC. Thus, in patients undergoing evaluation for CRS-HIPEC, diagnostic laparoscopy provides significant value in patient selection without incurring perioperative risk or delay in CRS-HIPEC.