bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart acoustic 3D cell construct assembly with high-resolution
Authors: Hu Xuejia , Zheng Jingjing , Hu Qinghao , Liang Li , Yang Dongyong , Cheng Yanxiang , Li Sen-Sen , Chen Lu-Jian , Yang Yi
Published: June 2022

Precise and flexible three-dimensional (3D) cell construct assembly using external forces or fields can produce micro-scale cellular architectures with intercellular connections, which is an important prerequisite to reproducing the structures and functions of biological systems. Currently, it is also a substantial challenge in the bioengineering field. Here, we propose a smart acoustic 3D cell assembly strategy that utilizes a 3D printed module and hydrogel sheets. Digitally controlled six wave beams offer a high degree of freedom (including wave vector combination, frequency, phase, and amplitude) that enables versatile biomimetic micro cellular patterns in hydrogel sheets. Further, replaceable frames can be used to fix the acoustic-built micro-scale cellular structures in these sheets, enabling user-defined hierarchical or heterogeneous constructs through layer-by-layer assembly. This strategy can be employed to construct vasculature with different diameters and lengths, composed of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. These constructs can also induce controllable vascular network formation. Overall, the findings of this work extend the capabilities of acoustic cell assembly into 3D space, offering advantages including innovative, flexible, and precise patterning, and displaying great potential for the manufacture of various artificial tissue structures that duplicate in vivo functions.
Investigation of the interaction between NS-DBD plasma-induced vortexes and separated flow over a swept wing
Authors: LIU 刘 Bei 备 , LIANG 梁 Hua 华 , ZHENG 郑 Borui 博睿
Published: June 2022

The effect of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (NS-DBD) plasma flow separation control is closely related to the actuation frequency, because it involves the interaction between plasma-induced vortexes and separated flow. In order to study the mechanism of NS-DBD plasma flow separation control over a swept wing, especially the influence of the actuation frequency, at first, experimental studies of the actuation frequencies at 100 Hz are conducted to validate the numerical simulation method. Then, numerical studies of different actuation frequencies which are 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz, respectively are conducted. The interaction between the plasma-induced vortexes and the separated flow is analyzed. Results show that there is a range of the actuation frequency which includes the frequency (160 Hz) calculated by the average aerodynamic chord length to make the control effect good, but when the actuation frequencies are too low (50 Hz) or too high (1000 Hz), the control effect will get worse. The former is because plasma-induced vortexes disappear in a period within an actuation cycle; the latter is because plasma-induced vortexes cannot develop completely, resulting in a weak vortex intensity.
Estimation of the lifespan distribution of gold nanoparticles stabilized with lipoic acid by accelerated degradation tests and wiener process
Authors: Sánchez-Santamaría Betania , Mederos Boris , Cornejo-Monroy Delfino , Molina-Arredondo Rey David , Castaño Víctor M
Published: June 2022

Accelerated degradation tests (ADT) are widely used in the manufacturing industry to obtain information on the reliability of components and materials, by degrading the lifespan of the product by applying an acceleration factor that damage to the material. The main objective is to obtain fast information which is modeled to estimate the characteristics of the material life under normal conditions of use and to save time and expenses. The purpose of this work is to estimate the lifespan distribution of gold nanoparticles stabilized with lipoic acid (GNPs@LA) through accelerated degradation tests applying sodium chloride (NaCl) as an acceleration factor. For this, the synthesis of GNPs@LA was carried out, a constant stress ADT (CSADT) was applied, and the non-linear Wiener process was proposed with random effects, error measures, and different covariability for the adjustment of the degradation signals. The information obtained with the test and analysis allows us to obtain the life distribution in GNPs@LA, the results make it possible to determine the guaranteed time for possible commercialization and successful application based on the stability of the material. In addition, for the evaluation and selection of the model, the Akaike and Bootstrapping criteria were used.
Patterned Outcomes, Unpatterned Counterfactuals, and Spurious Results: Perinatal Health Outcomes Following COVID-19
Authors: Gemmill Alison , Casey Joan A , Margerison Claire E , Zeitlin Jennifer , Catalano Ralph , Bruckner Tim A
Published: June 2022

The epidemiologic literature estimating the indirect or secondary effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnant people and gestation continues to grow. Our assessment of this scholarship, however, leads us to suspect that the methods most commonly used may lead researchers to spurious inferences. This suspicion arises because the methods do not account for temporal patterning in perinatal outcomes when deriving counterfactuals, or estimates of the outcomes had the pandemic not occurred. We illustrate the problem in 2 ways. First, using monthly data from US birth certificates, we describe temporal patterning in 5 commonly used perinatal outcomes. Notably, for all but 1 outcome, temporal patterns appear more complex than much of the emerging literature assumes. Second, using data from France, we show that using counterfactuals that ignore this complexity produces spurious results. We recommend that subsequent investigations on COVID-19 and other perturbations use widely available time-series methods to derive counterfactuals that account for strong temporal patterning in perinatal outcomes.
A new perspective: Practice-enhancing publications about the medication-use process in ambulatory care in 2020
Authors: Gazda Nicholas P , Vest Tyler A , Peek Grayson K , Eckel Stephen F
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This article identifies, prioritizes, and summarizes published literature on the ambulatory care medication-use process (ACMUP) from calendar year 2020 that can impact ambulatory pharmacy practice.

The medication-use process is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment and was reimagined to focus on new innovations and advancements in ambulatory pharmacy practice. The ACMUP is defined in this article as having the following components: transitions of care, prescribing and collaborative practice, accessing care, adherence, and monitoring and quality. Articles evaluating at least one step of the ACMUP were assessed for their usefulness toward practice improvement. A PubMed search covering calendar year 2020 was conducted in January 2021 using targeted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords and the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals, providing a total of 9,433 articles. A thorough review identified 65 potentially practice-enhancing articles: 14 for transitions of care, 19 for prescribing and collaborative practice, 10 for adherence, 6 for accessing care, and 16 for monitoring and quality. Ranking of the articles for importance by peers led to the selection of key articles from each category. The highest-ranked articles are briefly summarized, with a mention of why each article is important. The other articles are listed for further review and evaluation.

Conclusion

It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice. This article is the first to define and evaluate the currently published literature pertinent to the ACMUP. As healthcare continues to advance and care shifts to ambulatory settings, the ACMUP will continue to be a crucial process to evaluate.
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Pathological Scars: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Xuan-Jun , Liu Wen-Hui , Fang Shao-Wen , Zhou Xin-Long , Xu Jia-Xiang , Li Guang-Shuai
Published: June 2022

Background

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies have shown promising effects on pathological scars, but the comparative effectiveness of laser and IPL therapies has not yet been studied.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare and rank the efficacy of laser and IPL therapies to determine the most effective treatment method for pathological scars.

Methods

Relevant studies published up to February 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. We defined Vancouver Scar Scale score as the primary outcome. Both frequentist and Bayesian approaches were used to perform a network meta-analysis.

Results

We included 25 trials with a total of 1688 participants. The rankings based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve for the Vancouver Scar Scale score based on the Bayesian approach suggested IPL + CO2 (96.43%) > pulsed dye laser (PDL) + 1064-nm Nd:YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser (86.21%) > PDL + CO2 (82.15%) > CO2 (58.97%) > 1064-nm Nd:YAG (57.03%) > PDL (52%) > 532-nm Nd:YAG (33.28%) > Er:YAG + IPL (28.38%) > Er:YAG (26.56%) > IPL (15.03%) > control (13.97%). The ranking results based on the frequentist approach were basically consistent with those based on the Bayesian approach.

Conclusions

The results of the network meta-analysis showed that the combination of IPL and CO2 laser has the highest probability of being the most effective intervention. However, our conclusions must be interpreted with caution due to the relatively few evaluation indicators included in our study. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are required to confirm our conclusions.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography to Demonstrate Dark and Light Adaptation in a Live Moth
Authors: Berry Simon
Published: June 2022

To work effectively, the eyes of nocturnal insects have a problem they must overcome. During the night, the light levels are low, so their eyes need to be very sensitive; but they also need a way of adapting to environmental light conditions, and protecting those sensitive organs, if a bright light is encountered. Human eyes have a pupil that changes size to regulate light input to the eye. Moths (Lepidoptera) use a light absorbing pigment that moves position to limit the light within the eye. This pigment migration is difficult to record because it is a dynamic process and will only occur in a live moth. This paper presents the first use of Ocular Coherence Tomography as a method of viewing anatomical detail in a compound eye. This is noninvasive and does not harm the insect. To demonstrate the effectiveness, this article documents the dynamic process of light adaptation within a moth’s eye.
Transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation for very early bioprosthetic tricuspid stenosis secondary to pacemaker lead entrapment: a case report
Authors: Saad Shaukat Muhammad Hamza , Stys Julia , Stys Adam , Stys Tomasz
Published: June 2022

Background

Tricuspid stenosis (native and prosthetic) is rare. Redo-sternotomy for isolated tricuspid replacement is associated with a higher risk. The efficacy and durability of transcatheter valve implantation for severe tricuspid stenosis are unclear.

Case summary

Successful tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation (Edwards 26 mm Ultra) was performed to exteriorize a retained, unextractable pacemaker lead causing very early surgical bioprosthetic valve dysfunction in a 66-year-old Caucasian woman. The original indication for surgical replacement was pacemaker lead-related severe tricuspid regurgitation. History of CABG and subsequent surgical replacement rendered the risk of a third sternotomy and open-heart surgery prohibitive.

Conclusion

Successful reduction in the severity of bioprosthetic tricuspid stenosis and improvement of right heart failure with transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation was observed. Percutaneous tricuspid valve implantation could be considered an alternative to redo-sternotomy for severe bioprosthetic tricuspid stenosis.
Case report of an S-ICD implantation for secondary prevention in a patient with complex congenital heart disease, dextrocardia, and situs solitus
Authors: Wiedmann Felix , De Simone Raffaele , Rose Peter , Karck Matthias , Gorenflo Matthias , Frey Norbert , Schmidt Constanze
Published: June 2022

Background

Dextrocardia is a congenital anomaly in which the apex of the heart is abnormally located on the right side of the chest. Situs solitus describes viscera that are in the normal position, with the stomach on the left side. In these patients, implantation of transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can be limited by anatomical abnormalities commonly associated with this condition.

Case summary

We present the case of a young female patient with absent right atrioventricular connection, morphologically left systemic ventricle, muscular restrictive ventricular septal defect, and dextrocardia with situs solitus who was indicated for secondary prophylactic ICD implantation after resuscitation for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Due to a bilateral bidirectional Glenn anastomosis, transvenous access via the vena cava superior to the right ventricle could not be achieved. For this reason, we successfully implanted a subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) with an individually optimized right parasternal electrode position. Potential complications of epimyocardial implantation via re-thoracotomy could thus be circumvented.

Discussion

In patients with complex congenital heart disease, the S-ICD is an effective method of preventing sudden cardiac death. Our case report demonstrates the feasibility of left S-ICD implantation even in the presence of dextrocardia with situs solitus.
Upper crustal structure at the KTB drilling site from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Qorbani Ehsan , Kolínský Petr , Bianchi Irene , Zigone Dimitri , Bokelmann Götz
Published: June 2022

In this study, we show results from ambient noise tomography around the KTB (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland), a continental deep drilling site located at the western edge of the Bohemian Massif, within the Variscan belt of Europe. At the KTB site, crustal rocks have been drilled down to 9 km depth. Before the drilling activity started, several active seismic surveys had been performed to explore its surroundings during the 1980s and early 1990s, in the frame of an extensive exploration of the area aimed at unravelling the characteristics of the continental lower crust that is exposed at surface in this location. Despite the exploration campaigns held at and around the KTB drilling site, there are important targets that are worth further investigation; these are related in particular to the obduction of lower crustal units to the surface, and to the mechanism of orogenic processes in general. Here we present a new 3-D shear wave velocity model of the area from cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise. The model is obtained by a unique data set composed of 2 yr of continuous data recorded at nine 3-component temporary stations (installed from July 2012 to July 2014) located on top and around the drilling site, and together with the data from 19 permanent stations throughout the region. This paper is focusing on the upper crustal layers, and we show velocity variations at short scales that correlate well with known geological structures in the region of the KTB site, at the surface and at depth. These are used to discuss features that are less well-resolved at present.
The Evolution of Mechanical Properties of Conifer and Angiosperm Woods
Authors: Higham Timothy E , Schmitz Lars , Niklas Karl J
Published: June 2022

The material properties of the cells and tissues of an organism dictate, to a very large degree, the ability of the organism to cope with the mechanical stresses induced by externally applied forces. It is, therefore, critical to understand how these properties differ across diverse species and how they have evolved. Herein, a large data base (N = 84 species) for the mechanical properties of wood samples measured at biologically natural moisture contents (i.e., “green wood”) was analyzed to determine the extent to which these properties are correlated across phylogenetically diverse tree species, to determine if a phylogenetic pattern of trait values exists, and, if so, to assess whether the rate of trait evolution varies across the phylogeny. The phylogenetic comparative analyses presented here confirm previous results that critical material properties are significantly correlated with one another and with wood density. Although the rates of trait evolution of angiosperms and gymnosperms (i.e., conifers) are similar, the material properties of both clades evolved in distinct selective regimes that are phenotypically manifested in lower values across all material properties in gymnosperms. This observation may be related to the structural differences between gymnosperm and angiosperm wood such as the presence of vessels in angiosperms. Explorations of rate heterogeneity indicate high rates of trait evolution in wood density in clades within both conifers and angiosperms (e.g., Pinus and Shorea). Future analyses are warranted using additional data given these preliminary results, especially because there is ample evidence of convergent evolution in the material properties of conifers and angiosperm wood that appear to experience similar ecological conditions.
Antimicrobial stewardship using electronic prescribing systems in hospital settings: a scoping review of interventions and outcome measures
Authors: Jenkins J A , Pontefract S K , Cresswell K , Williams R , Sheikh A , Coleman J J
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To identify interventions implemented in hospital electronic prescribing systems and the outcome measures used to monitor their impact.

Methods

We systematically searched CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Medline using keywords in three strands: (i) population: hospital inpatient or emergency department; (ii) intervention: electronic prescribing functionality; and (iii) outcome: antimicrobial stewardship. The interventions were grouped into six themes: alerts, order sets, restriction of access, mandated documentation, embedded guidelines and automatic prescription stop. The outcome measures were organized into those that measure the quality or quantity of prescribing or clinical decision support (CDS) activity. The impact of each intervention reported was grouped into a positive, negative or no change.

Results

A total of 28 studies were eligible for inclusion. There were 28 different interventions grouped into the six themes. Alerts visible to the practitioner in the electronic health record (EHR) were most frequently implemented (n = 11/28). Twenty different outcome measures were identified, divided into quality (n = 13/20) and quantity outcomes (n = 4/20) and CDS activity (n = 3/20). One-third of outcomes reported across the 28 studies showed positive change (34.4%, n = 42/122) and 61.4% (n = 75/122) showed no change.

Conclusions

The most frequently implemented interventions were alerts, the majority of which were to influence behaviour or decision-making of the practitioner within the EHR. Quality outcomes were most frequently selected by researchers. The review supports previous research that larger well-designed randomized studies are needed to investigate the impact of interventions on AMS and outcome measures to be standardized.
Significant UK Environmental Law Cases 2021–22
Authors: Helme Ned , Boukraa Adam , David Stephanie , Leydon Eleanor
Published: June 2022

This article comments on significant UK environmental law cases for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. It begins with an overarching introduction focussing on the standard of review in environmental claims in the public law context and drawing attention to tension on the domestic bench on matters of approach. It then addresses a selection of significant cases in the fields of climate change (both inside and outside the environmental impact assessment regime), strategic environmental assessment, habitats, species, discretion under section 31(2A) of the Senior Courts Act 1981, representative actions under CPR Rule 19.6, waste, licensing and human rights.
Movement and Distribution of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) Adults Under Different Temperature Differences in Different Lengths of Horizontal Grain Columns
Authors: Anukiruthika T , Jayas Digvir S , Jian Fuji
Published: June 2022

Understanding insect movement and distribution is critical for developing an effective insect pest management protocol. Movement and distribution of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) in response to nominal temperature differences of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C in 1- and 2-m horizontal columns filled with 12.5% moisture content wheat were studied in 24, 48, and 72 h of movement times. In the wheat columns without temperature differences, adults had a diffusion distribution pattern caused by their random movement. Adults showed bias movement to the warmer grain in wheat columns with temperature differences and preferred the warmer grain regardless of the magnitude of temperature differences in less than 24 h. Their distribution did not have significant differences among different movement times in 1- or 2-m columns. About 40% of adults moved to the warmer wheat located at 0.4 to 0.5 m in the 1 m column but did not move to the warmer wheat located at 0.9 to 1 m in the 2-m column. Therefore, length of grain column influenced detection of warmer grain by insects. Adults under different temperatures had a similar response as that under linear temperature gradients.
Sperm Limitation Produces Male Biased Offspring Sex Ratios in the Wasp, Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Holditch Z G , Ochoa K N , Greene S , Allred S , Baranowski J , Shuster S M
Published: June 2022

Haplo-diploid sex determination in the parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis (Walker), allows females to adjust their brood sex ratios. Females influence whether ova are fertilized, producing diploid females, or remain unfertilized, producing haploid males. Females appear to adjust their brood sex ratios to minimize ‘local mate competition,’ i.e., competition among sons for mates. Because mating occurs between siblings, females may optimize mating opportunities for their offspring by producing only enough sons to inseminate daughters when ovipositing alone, and producing more sons when superparasitism is likely. Although widely accepted, this hypothesis makes no assumptions about gamete limitation in either sex. Because sperm are used to produce daughters, repeated oviposition could reduce sperm supplies, causing females to produce more sons. In contrast, if egg-limited females produce smaller broods, they might use fewer sperm, making sperm limitation less likely. To investigate whether repeated oviposition and female fertility influence gamete limitation within females, we created two treatments of six mated female wasps, which each received a series of six hosts at intervals of 24 or 48 h. All females produced at least one mixed-sex brood (63 total broods; 3,696 offspring). As expected, if females became sperm-limited, in both treatments, brood sex ratios became increasingly male-biased with increasing host number. Interhost interval did not affect brood size, total offspring number, or sex ratio, indicating females did not become egg limited. Our results support earlier studies showing sperm depletion affects sex allocation in N. vitripennis¸ and could limit adaptive sex ratio manipulation in these parasitoid wasps.
Parameter inference with non-linear galaxy clustering: accounting for theoretical uncertainties
Authors: Knabenhans Mischa , Brinckmann Thejs , Stadel Joachim , Schneider Aurel , Teyssier Romain
Published: June 2022

We implement euclidemulator (version 1), an emulator for the non-linear correction of the matter power spectrum, into the Markov chain Monte Carlo forecasting code montepython. We compare the performance of halofit, hmcode, and euclidemulator1, both at the level of power spectrum prediction and at the level of posterior probability distributions of the cosmological parameters, for different cosmological models and different galaxy power spectrum wavenumber cut-offs. We confirm that the choice of the power spectrum predictor has a non-negligible effect on the computed sensitivities when doing cosmological parameter forecasting, even for a conservative wavenumber cut-off of $0.2\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$. We find that euclidemulator1 is on average up to 17 per cent more sensitive to the cosmological parameters than the other two codes, with the most significant improvements being for the Hubble parameter of up to 42 per cent and the equation of state of dark energy of up to 26 per cent, depending on the case. In addition, we point out that the choice of the power spectrum predictor contributes to the risk of computing a significantly biased mean cosmology when doing parameter estimations. For the four tested scenarios we find biases, averaged over the cosmological parameters, of between 0.5σ and 2σ (from below 1σ up to 6σ for individual parameters). This paper provides a proof of concept that this risk can be mitigated by taking a well-tailored theoretical uncertainty into account as this allows to reduce the bias by a factor of 2 to 5, depending on the case under consideration, while keeping posterior credibility contours small: the standard deviations are amplified by a factor of ≤1.4 in all cases.
Use of rituximab, temozolomide, and radiation in recurrent and refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma in the Philippines: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Batara Julette Marie F , Apor Almira Doreen Abigail O , Mojica Christianne V , Mondia Mark Willy L
Published: June 2022

Background

Refractory disease in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may occur despite adequate initial treatment. There is currently no standard of care for relapsed and recurrent PCSNL. No study to date documents using a combined regimen of radiotherapy, temozolomide, and rituximab. This study aimed to present the clinical course and outcomes of patients with recurrent or refractory disease who were given a combination of radiation, temozolomide, and rituximab.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was employed to evaluate data from recurrent or refractory PCNSL patients who were treated with radiation, temozolomide, and rituximab in two tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. Baseline demographics, treatment regimen, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen patients with a median age of 56 years were included, 11 with refractory disease and 4 with recurrent disease. Patients with bulky disease received either whole brain radiotherapy or partial field radiotherapy with rituximab and temozolomide given during radiation and for 6 months after radiation. Overall response rate to salvage therapy was 93.3% (14/15). Median overall survival from initial diagnosis was not reached (median follow-up: 84 months). Mortality rate was 33.3% (5/15), but only 2 out of 5 mortalities were from disease progression. There were only two reported cases of mild allergic reactions to rituximab, which did not result in treatment interruption.

Conclusion

Rituximab, temozolomide, and radiotherapy can be considered as an effective and safe salvage therapy for relapsed and recurrent central nervous system lymphoma.
Mass flows and their behaviors in the SS 433–W 50 system
Authors: Inoue Hajime
Published: June 2022

We propose a scenario to interpret the overall observational features of the SS 433–W 50 system. The most unique features of SS 433 are the presence of the precessing, mildly relativistic jets and the obscuration of the central engine, which are considered to be due to a supercritical accretion on to the central compact object. The jets are likely to be ejected from the innermost region of the accretion flow. The concept of the accretion ring (Inoue, 2021, PASJ, 73, 795) is applied to the outer boundary of the accretion flow and the ring is supposed to have a precession. The accretion ring is expected to extend a two-layer outflow of a thin excretion disk and a thick excretion flow, as well as the accretion flow. The thin excretion disk is discussed as eventually forming the optically thick excretion belt along the Roche lobe around the compact object, contributing to the obscuration of the central engine. The thick excretion flow is likely to turn to the supersonic wind (disk wind) with the terminal velocity of ∼108 cm s−1 and to collide with the supernova remnant (SNR) matter at the distance of ∼1018 cm. The interactions of the jets with the disk wind are considered to cause the features of the jets observed at the distances of 1014–1015 cm and ∼1017 cm. Finally, it is discussed that the jets are braked by the SNR matter at the distance of ∼10 pc and the momentum carried by the jet is transferred to the SNR matter shoved by the jet. The SNR matter pushed to the inside of the precession cone is expected to gather along the cone axis and to form the elongated structures in the east and west directions from the main W 50 structure.
CsAAP7.2 is involved in the uptake of amino acids from soil and the long-distance transport of theanine in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Li Fang , Lv Chengjia , Zou Zhongwei , Duan Yu , Zhou Junjie , Zhu Xujun , Ma Yuanchun , Zhang Zhaoliang , Fang Wanping
Published: June 2022

Tea plant roots can uptake both inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ and NO3−) and organic nitrogen (amino acids) from the soil. These amino acids are subsequently assimilated into theanine and transported to young shoots through the xylem. Our previous study showed that CsLHT1 and CsLHT6 transporters take up amino acids from the soil, and CsAAPs participate in the transport of theanine. However, whether other amino acid transporters are involved in this process remains unknown. In this study, we identified two new CsAAPs homologous to CsAAP7, named CsAAP7.1 and CsAAP7.2. Heterologous expression of CsAAP7.1 and CsAAP7.2 in the yeast mutant 22Δ10α showed that CsAAP7.2 had the capacity to transport theanine and other amino acids, whereas CsAAP7.1 had no transport activity. Transient expression of the CsAAP7.2-GFP fusion protein in tobacco leaf epidermal cells confirmed its localization to the endoplasmic reticulum. Tissue-specific analysis showed that CsAAP7.2 was highly expressed in roots and stems. In addition, CsAAP7.2 overexpression lines were more sensitive to high concentrations of theanine due to the high accumulation of theanine in seedlings. Taken together, these findings suggested that CsAAP7.2 plays an important role in the uptake of amino acids from soil and the long-distance transport of theanine. These results provide valuable tools for nitrogen nutrition studies and enrich our understanding of theanine transport in tea plants.
VThe Early Sixteenth Century
Authors: Smith Edward
Published: June 2022

This chapter has five sections: 1. General: Drama and Prose; 2. General: Verse; 3. More; 4. Skelton; 5. Wyatt.
Role of Nitric Oxide of Bacterial Origin in the Medicago truncatula–Sinorhizobium meliloti Symbiosis
Authors: Ruiz Bryan , Sauviac Laurent , Brouquisse Renaud , Bruand Claude , Meilhoc Eliane
Published: June 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small ubiquitous gaseous molecule that has been found in many host-pathogen interactions. NO has been shown to be part of the defense arsenal of animal cells and more recently of plant cells. To fight this molecular weapon, pathogens have evolved responses consisting of adaptation to NO or degradation of this toxic molecule. More recently, it was shown that NO could also be produced by the pathogen and contributes likewise to the success of the host cell infection. NO is also present during symbiotic interactions. Despite growing knowledge about the role of NO during friendly interactions, data on the specificity of action of NO produced by each partner are scarce, partly due to the multiplicity of NO production systems. In the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between the soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and the model legume Medicago truncatula, NO has been detected at all steps of the interaction, where it displays various roles. Both partners contribute to NO production inside the legume root nodules where nitrogen fixation occurs. The study focuses on the role of bacterial NO in this interaction. We used a genetic approach to identify bacterial NO sources in the symbiotic context and to test the phenotype in planta of bacterial mutants affected in NO production. Our results show that only denitrification is a source of bacterial NO in Medicago nodules, giving insight into the role of bacteria-derived NO at different steps of the symbiotic interaction.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Improving Cognitive Function of Older Adults With a History of Cancer Using Nonpharmacologic Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Simone Abigail , Blackwood Jennifer
Published: June 2022

Background:

Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) refers to changes in cognitive functioning that occurs as a result of cancer treatment including radiation, hormone therapy, surgery, and most often, chemotherapy. While various nonpharmacologic interventions for cognitive impairments have been studied in younger adults with a history of cancer and in older adult populations without cancer, limited information is available regarding nonpharmacologic interventions for older adults with a history of cancer.

Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current nonpharmacologic interventions for older adults with CRCD.

Data Sources:

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase.

Study Selection:

Articles meeting inclusion criteria were appraised by 2 reviewers independently. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment was used to assess study quality.

Data Extraction:

The search located 3441 articles; 4 met inclusion criteria.

Data Synthesis:

Nonpharmacologic interventions addressed the cognitive processes of executive function (n = 2), attention (n = 1), learning/memory (n = 2), perceptual-motor (n = 1), and global cognitive function (n = 3). Two studies used exercise-based interventions and 2 employed cognitive training interventions to address CRCD.

Discussion and Limitations:

Although improvements in CRCD were found, the interventions used and measure type suggested a high degree of variability challenging the ability to make recommendations for the use of these nonpharmacologic interventions without completion of further studies.

Conclusions:

As promising evidence has been reported of the effect of aerobic exercise and cognitive training interventions on CRCD in both young survivors of cancer and older adults without cancer, further study is needed to replicate those benefits in older adults with CRCD.
Is seizure disorder a risk factor for complications following surgical treatment of hip dysplasia in the pediatric population?
Authors: Quan Theodore , Pizzarro Jordan , Mcdaniel Lea , Manzi Joseph E. , Agarwal Amil R. , Chen Frank R. , Tabaie Sean
Published: June 2022

The impact of seizure disorders on pediatric patients who undergo hip dysplasia surgery has yet to be elucidated. This study focused on identifying the effect of seizure disorders on the incidence of complications following surgical management of hip dysplasia. Pediatric patients undergoing surgical treatment for hip dysplasia from 2012 to 2019 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Patients were divided into two cohorts: patients with and patients without a seizure disorder. Patient demographics, comorbidities and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Of 10 853 pediatric patients who underwent hip dysplasia surgery, 8117 patients (74.8%) did not have a seizure disorder whereas 2736 (25.2%) had a seizure disorder. Bivariate analyses revealed that compared to patients without a seizure disorder, patients with a seizure disorder were at increased risk of developing surgical site infections, pneumonia, unplanned reintubation, urinary tract infection, postoperative transfusion, sepsis, extended operation time and length of stay and readmission (P < 0.05 for all). Following adjustment for patient demographics and comorbidities on multivariate analysis, there were no differences in any postoperative complications between pediatric patients with and without a seizure disorder. There were no differences in 30-day postoperative complications in patients with and without a seizure disorder. Due to potential decreased bone mineral density as an effect of antiepileptic drugs and the risk of femur fracture during surgery for hip dysplasia, pediatric patients with a seizure disorder should be closely monitored as they may be more susceptible to injury. Level of Evidence: III
The future of long-acting agents for preexposure prophylaxis
Authors: Flexner Charles
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

The main reason for the failure of oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens for HIV is poor adherence. Intramuscular cabotegravir was recently approved for PrEP, and a number of other long-acting antiretroviral formulations and products are currently in clinical development. This includes subcutaneous and intravenous injections, implants, and microarray (microneedle) patches, as well as extended duration oral drugs. The success and future uptake of these products will depend on a variety of factors.

Recent findings

Long-acting delivery of antiretroviral agents for PrEP confers significant advantages over short-acting oral delivery. This is exemplified by the superior efficacy of intramuscular cabotegravir given every eight weeks as compared to daily oral co-formulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. There is also evidence for PrEP efficacy for a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody given intravenously every eight weeks. One of the leading candidates for long-acting PrEP, islatravir, was being studied as a monthly oral drug or a nonerodable subcutaneous implant inserted for up to 12 months. However, clinical studies of this agent were put on hold in late 2021 because of unanticipated lymphopenia.

Long-acting antiretroviral products have substantial promise for PrEP and have particular advantages over daily oral drugs based mainly on improved adherence. However, there are barriers to further uptake that include the need for more intensive interaction with systems of healthcare delivery, greater expense and complexity of implementation, and unexpected long-term toxicities.
Broadly neutralizing antibodies for treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Awan Seemal F. , Happe Myra , Hofstetter Amelia R. , Gama Lucio
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

Anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are promising agents in the fight against the AIDS epidemic. Multiple bNAbs have been already evaluated in clinical trials with encouraging results. This review discusses the use of bNAbs for the prevention and treatment of HIV-1 infection, focusing on manufactured products that have been evaluated in clinical settings.

Recent findings

More than 17 bNAbs have been evaluated for safety and pharmacokinetics in humans. The vast majority presented a well tolerated profile and were generally well tolerated. Serum half-life varied from 12 to 73.5 days and can be improved by the addition of mutations to the Fc regions. Results from the antibody-mediated prevention (AMP) study show that VRC01, a CD4-binding-site bNAb, was effective at preventing the acquisition of sensitive HIV-1 strains but did not prevent the acquisition of strains whose in vitro sensitivity to the antibody had an IC80 of more than 1 μg/ml. New bNAb combinations to improve coverage are currently being evaluated.

In this review, we discuss the current landscape of HIV-1 bNAbs in clinical development. We also present the current strategies employed to improve the breadth, potency, serum half-life, effector function and administration of these compounds.
Association of ambulatory blood pressure with aortic valve and coronary artery calcification
Authors: Sawayama Yuichi , Hisamatsu Takashi , Kadota Aya , Torii Sayuki , Kondo Keiko , Fujiyoshi Akira , Higo Yosuke , Harada Akiko , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Miura Katsuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu
Published: June 2022

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the effect of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) on aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC), which are subclinical atherosclerotic diseases.

Methods:

In this population-based, cross-sectional study, we assessed office BP, mean ambulatory BP (24-h, awake, and asleep), and variability of ambulatory BP, as determined by the coefficient of variation (awake and asleep). AVC and CAC were quantified using an Agatston score (>0) based on computed tomography scanning. We calculated relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with a 1-standard deviation increment in each BP index for the presence of AVC and CAC using a multivariate-adjusted Poisson regression with robust error variance.

Results:

Of 483 participants (mean age: 66.8 years), 154 (31.9%) and 310 (64.2%) had AVC and CAC, respectively. The presence of AVC was associated with office systolic BP (SBP; RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03–1.28), awake diastolic BP (DBP) variability (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.25), and asleep SBP variability (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03–1.27). The presence of CAC was associated with office SBP (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15), mean 24-h SBP (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16), mean awake SBP (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17), mean asleep SBP (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13), and asleep SBP variability (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13).

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the association of ambulatory BP indices with both AVC and CAC, but with different effects on their presences.
Association of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts in China: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: An Hang , Jin Ming , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Le , Zhang Yali , Li Hongtian , Liu Jianmeng , Ye Rongwei , Li Nan
Published: June 2022

Background:

The associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are not consistent or based on case–control study design. We hypothesize that OFCs and NSOFCs are associated with hypertensive disease in pregnancy.

Methods:

Data were collected from the Project for Neural Tube Defects Prevention (1993–1996), a large population-based cohort study conducted in two southern provinces of China. We used a system to record all births after 20 complete gestational weeks, including live births and stillbirths, and all structural congenital anomalies regardless of gestational week. A total of 200 215 singleton live births without other external birth defects were finally included.

Results:

The incidence of NSOFCs was 20.2 per 10 000 for the whole population, and 20.5 and 39.2 per 10 000 for women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, respectively. Compared with the nonpreeclampsia group, preeclampsia was associated with an increased risk of NSOFCs [adjusted risk ratio (RR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–3.20], cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) [adjusted RR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.37–3.65], and cleft lip and palate (CLP) [adjusted RR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.45–4.67] but not cleft lip only (CLO) [adjusted RR = 1.66, 95% CI 0.68–4.07] or cleft palate only (CPO) [adjusted RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.27–4.45]. No associations were observed between gestational hypertension and any types of NSOFCs.

Conclusion:

Our study supported that among hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, only preeclampsia increased the risk of NSOFCs and its subtypes (CL/P and CLP).
Disparities between determinants of impaired vascular structure and function in young people with primary hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Azukaitis Karolis , Sinha Manish D. , Obrycki Łukasz , Pac Michał , Bjelakovic Bojko , Jankauskiene Augustina , Litwin Mieczysław
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Early effects of primary hypertension on arterial structure and function in children and young people (CYP) and their determinants remain elusive. We aimed to review independent determinants of carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), carotid wall cross-sectional area (WCSA) and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in CYP with primary hypertension.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of studies reporting multivariable analysis of cfPWV, cIMT and WCSA in CYP (up to 25 years of age) with primary hypertension. Literature search was performed in PubMed database and 13, 12 and two articles including 3860 (age range 4–25 years, 50% male individuals), 2038 children (5–25 years, 55% male individuals) and 136 children (5–17 years, 85% male individuals) were selected for final analysis of cfPWV, cIMT and WCSA, respectively.

Results:

Ninety and 86% of the studies reported higher cfPWV and cIMT in CYP with elevated blood pressure (BP) compared with normotensive controls. Different indices of BP were positively associated with cfPWV in 92% of studies, whereas BMI showed association in 31%. Carotid IMT associated with BP indices in 50% and with BMI in 25% of the studies. WCSA was studied longitudinally and its improvement associated with decrease in measures of central obesity.

Conclusion:

We found a disparity between the determinants of structural and functional impairment of arterial tree in CYP with primary hypertension. In contrast to cIMT and WCSA, increase of cfPWV is almost exclusively determined by BP.
Home blood pressure monitoring schedule: optimal and minimum based on 2122 individual participants’ data
Authors: Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Ntineri Angeliki , Niiranen Teemu J. , Lindroos Annika , Jula Antti , Schwartz Claire , Kollias Anastasios , Andreadis Emmanuel A. , McManus Richard J. , Stergiou George S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Home blood pressure (HBP) monitoring has become a primary method for hypertension diagnosis and management. This analysis aimed to investigate the optimal and minimum schedule for HBP monitoring.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data was performed, which involved HBP and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring in adults performed within the context of clinical studies in Finland, Greece and UK. Participants with six to seven HBP monitoring days and at least 12 HBP readings were included. The stability of HBP was assessed by evaluating the average value of an increasing number of readings and its variability (SD). Its association with awake ABP was also assessed.

Results:

Data from 2122 participants were analysed (mean age 53.9 ± 11.3 years, males 53%, treated 34%). A progressive HBP decline was observed in succeeding days, reaching a plateau after day 3. Day 1 HBP was higher than in the next days by about 2.8/1.4 mmHg (systolic/diastolic, P < 0.001). In a 3-day HBP monitoring schedule, the exclusion of day 1 reduced average HBP and SD, with a clinically important HBP decline in 115 participants (5%) and different hypertension diagnosis in 120 participants (6%). For schedules including more than three HBP monitoring days, the exclusion of day 1 had negligible impact. The 3-day average HBP was strongly correlated with awake ABP, with a little improvement thereafter.

Conclusion:

These data support the recommendation for 7 days of HBP monitoring with a minimum of 3 days. Readings of the first day should be discarded, particularly when the minimum 3-day monitoring schedule is obtained (average readings of second and third day).