bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterson, Sybil Agatha
Authors: Frank Dionne V.
Published: October 2021

Sybil Agatha Patterson—AA (July 9, 1924–December 5, 2017) was a Guyanese social work pioneer known across the Anglophone Caribbean region for her contributions to social work education, community development, and women’s rights activism. In 1986, the Government of Guyana awarded her the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) for her contributions to social work, women’s research studies, and women’s development programs. Sybil Patterson was also a scholar and an adviser on social development to governments, the region’s nongovernmental sector, and international organizations. Her noble contributions to social work education and practice in Guyana impacted many professionals, who resultantly called her the matriarch of social work.
Morphological characterization of trichomes shows enormous variation in shape, density and dimensions across the leaves of 14 Solanum species
Authors: Watts Sakshi , Kariyat Rupesh
Published: October 2021

Trichomes are the epidermal appendages commonly observed on plant surfaces including leaves, stem and fruits. Plant trichomes have been well studied as a structural plant defence designed to protect plants against abiotic and biotic stressors such as UV rays, temperature extremities and herbivores. Trichomes are primarily classified into glandular and non-glandular trichomes, based on the presence or absence of a glandular head. The plant genus Solanum is the largest genus of family Solanaceae that houses ~3500 species of ecological and economic importance have a diverse set of trichomes that vary in density and morphology. However, due to the incomplete and contradictory classification system, trichomes have subjective names and have been largely limited to be grouped into glandular or non-glandular types. Through this study, we did a complete workup to classify and characterize trichomes on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surface of 14 wild and domesticated species of the genus Solanum. Using electron microscopy, statistical analyses and artistic rendition, we examined finer details of trichomes and measured their density and dimensions to compile a detailed data set which can be of use for estimating the variation in trichome types, and their density, with consequences for understanding their functional roles. Our study is the first of its kind that provides us with a better and well-defined classification, density and dimension analysis to complete the morphological classification of trichomes on both leaf surfaces of a diverse range of members in Solanum genus.
Population-scale detection of non-reference sequence variants using colored de Bruijn graphs
Authors: Krannich Thomas , White W Timothy J , Niehus Sebastian , Holley Guillaume , Halldórsson Bjarni V , Kehr Birte
Published: October 2021

Motivation

With the increasing throughput of sequencing technologies, structural variant (SV) detection has become possible across tens of thousands of genomes. Non-reference sequence (NRS) variants have drawn less attention compared with other types of SVs due to the computational complexity of detecting them. When using short-read data, the detection of NRS variants inevitably involves a de novo assembly which requires high-quality sequence data at high coverage. Previous studies have demonstrated how sequence data of multiple genomes can be combined for the reliable detection of NRS variants. However, the algorithms proposed in these studies have limited scalability to larger sets of genomes.

Results

We introduce PopIns2, a tool to discover and characterize NRS variants in many genomes, which scales to considerably larger numbers of genomes than its predecessor PopIns. In this article, we briefly outline the PopIns2 workflow and highlight our novel algorithmic contributions. We developed an entirely new approach for merging contig assemblies of unaligned reads from many genomes into a single set of NRS using a colored de Bruijn graph. Our tests on simulated data indicate that the new merging algorithm ranks among the best approaches in terms of quality and reliability and that PopIns2 shows the best precision for a growing number of genomes processed. Results on the Polaris Diversity Cohort and a set of 1000 Icelandic human genomes demonstrate unmatched scalability for the application on population-scale datasets.

Availability and implementation

The source code of PopIns2 is available from https://github.com/kehrlab/PopIns2.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The PERCEIVE quantitative study: PrEdiction of Risk and Communication of outcome following major lower-limb amputation: protocol for a collaboratiVE study
Authors: Gwilym Brenig L , Waldron Cherry-Ann , Thomas-Jones Emma , Preece Ryan , Milosevic Sarah , Brookes-Howell Lucy , Pallmann Philip , Harris Debbie , Massey Ian , Burton Jo , Stewart Philippa , Samuel Katie , Jones Sian , Cox David , Edwards Adrian , Twine Chris , Bosanquet David C ,   Vascular and Endovascular Research Network, Ambler G K , Benson R , Dattani N , Dovell G , Forsythe R , Hitchman L , Nandhra S , Onida S , Saratzis A , Shalhoub J
Published: October 2021

Background

Accurate prediction of outcomes following surgery with high morbidity and mortality rates is essential for informed shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. It is unknown how accurately healthcare professionals predict outcomes following major lower-limb amputation (MLLA). Several MLLA outcome-prediction tools have been developed. These could be valuable in clinical practice, but most require validation in independent cohorts before routine clinical use can be recommended. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of healthcare professionals’ predictions of outcomes in adult patients undergoing MLLA for complications of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) or diabetes. Secondary aims include the validation of existing outcome-prediction tools.

Method

This study is an international, multicentre prospective observational study including adult patients undergoing a primary MLLA for CLTI or diabetes. Healthcare professionals’ accuracy in predicting outcomes at 30-days (death, morbidity and MLLA revision) and 1-year (death, MLLA revision and ambulation) will be evaluated. Sixteen existing outcome-prediction tools specific to MLLA will be examined for validity. Data collection began on 1 October 2020; the end of follow-up will be 1 May 2022. The C-statistic, Hosmer–Lemeshow test, reclassification tables and Brier score will be used to evaluate the predictive performance of healthcare professionals and prediction tools, respectively.

Study registration and dissemination

This study will be registered locally at each centre in accordance with local policies before commencing data collection, overseen by local clinician leads. Results will be disseminated to all centres, and any subsequent presentation(s) and/or publication(s) will follow a collaborative co-authorship model.
One Market to Rule Them All: How Financial Integration Influenced Inequality in the European Union
Authors: Burghof Hans-Peter , Gehrung Marcel
Published: October 2021

Financial integration is seen as a major driver of economic growth and wealth. Its effects on income inequality have been analyzed for the bank branch deregulation in the USA and foreign bank entry in India. Another prominent example of financial integration and liberalization, so far, has been ignored: the introduction and progression of the European Single Market. By using a difference-in-difference design, we investigate the effects of the Single Banking License introduced in 1993 on economic growth and several inequality measures. This directive abolished any cross-country restrictions on banks in EU Member States and allowed them to freely branch into other Member States. This constitutes a fundamental change in the competitive environment of financial markets. We show that the European Single Financial Market positively influenced economic growth across a variety of subsamples of EU Member States. The effects on income inequality indicate that inequality across states was reduced. Additional regressions with the unemployment rate and top and bottom 20% income shares support this finding and show a reduction of unemployment in previously less developed countries accompanied by an increase in the bottom income shares across all Member States. (JEL codes: D63, E44, G21 and O11).
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine-Breakthrough Infections Requiring Hospitalization in Mayo Clinic Florida Through August 2021
Authors: Bosch Wendelyn , Cowart Jennifer B , Bhakta Shivang , Carter Rickey E , Wadei Hani M , Shah Sadia Z , Sanghavi Devang K , Pollock Benjamin D , Neville Matthew R , Oman Sven P , Speicher Leigh , Scindia Ameya D , Matson Mark W , Moreno Franco Pablo
Published: October 2021

We characterized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough cases admitted to a single center in Florida. With the emergence of delta variant, an increased number of hospitalizations was seen due to breakthrough infections. These patients were older and more likely to have comorbidities. Preventive measures should be maintained even after vaccination.
Patient-reported vs. physician-estimated symptoms before and after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V , Manandhar Pratik , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Vekstein Andrew M , Kosinski Andrzej S , Spertus John A , Cohen David J
Published: October 2021

Aims

In contrast to patient-reported health status measures (such as the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire), the New York Heart Association class is based on a physician's assessment of heart failure symptoms and functional limitations on behalf of the patient. We sought to determine the concordance and predictors of physician under- and overestimation of symptoms prior to and after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and results

The analytic cohort included 172 667 patients within the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry who underwent transfemoral TAVR. At baseline, physicians underestimated patients’ symptoms in 47.4%, correctly assessed symptoms in 26.6%, and overestimated symptoms in 26.0%. At 30 days after TAVR, these proportions were 22.8%, 50.3%, and 26.9%, respectively. Using nominal logistic regression with random intercepts to account for within-hospital clustering, we found that physicians were more likely to incorrectly estimate patients’ symptoms when patients were older, women, had a prior stroke, had severe lung disease, had atrial fibrillation, or were more obese. There was marked variability in the rates of underestimation, correct estimation, and overestimation across the 641 sites.

Conclusion

Among patients undergoing treatment for severe aortic stenosis, physicians estimate patients’ symptoms and functional status poorly both prior to and after TAVR, with different patterns. These findings emphasize the need to collect patient-reported health status to more reliably assess the benefits of TAVR in routine clinical practice.
Outcomes in very low birthweight infants with severe congenital heart defect following cardiac surgery within the first year of life
Authors: Boos Vinzenz , Berger Felix , Cho Mi-Young , Photiadis Joachim , Bührer Christoph , Pfitzer Constanze
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Very low birthweight (<1500 g, VLBW) infants with severe congenital heart defect (CHD) are at increased risk for perinatal and operative mortality. This study aims to describe morbidity, long-term mortality and neuro-developmental outcome in early childhood in VLBW infants who received cardiac surgery for severe CHD within 1 year after birth.

METHODS

Monocentric observational study on VLBW infants with severe CHD born between 2008 and 2017. Neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years corrected age was defined as cognitive deficit, cerebral palsy or major neurosensory deficit.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients were included. Twenty-one (87.5%) infants underwent cardiac surgery with hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass (median temperature 30.3°C, interquartile range 27.0–32.0°C) at a median age of 96 (40–188) days. Seven (29.2%, 95% confidence interval 14.9–49.2%) patients died within the first year after cardiac surgery. Survival rates decreased with increasing STAT mortality category of the surgical procedure. Neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years of corrected age was found in 9 out of 17 (52.9%) surviving infants, with 8 infants (47.1%) presenting with a cognitive deficit or delay and 4 infants (23.5%) being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Survival without neuro-developmental impairment was 29.2% (n = 7, 95% confidence interval 14.9–49.2%) in the entire study cohort. Eighty percent of the newborns with dextro-transposition of the great arteries, but no patient with univentricular anatomy, survived without neuro-developmental impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual VLBW infants with severe CHD may develop well despite the high combined risk for adverse outcomes. The type of cardiac malformation may affect early- and long-term outcomes.
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditures and Health Care Services Use Among Older Americans With Cognitive Impairment: Results From the 2008–2016 Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Jenkins Derek , Stickel Ariana , González Hector M , Tarraf Wassim
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives

The evidence base on health services use and cost burdens associated with transition to severe cognitive impairment (SCI) and dementia is underdeveloped. We examine how the change in cognitive impairment status influences nursing home use, hospitalizations, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures.

Research Design and Methods

We use prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study (2007/2008–2015/2016) on adults 70 years and older meeting research criteria for cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) at baseline (unweighted n = 1,692) to fit 2-part models testing how reversion to normal cognition, stability (CIND maintenance), and transition into SCI/dementia influence change in yearly nursing home use, hospitalizations, and OOP expenditures.

Results

Over 8 years, 5.9% reverted, 15.9% remained CIND, 14.9% transitioned to SCI/dementia, and 63.3% died. We observed substantial increases in the propensity of any nursing home use which were particularly pronounced among those who transitioned or died during follow-up and similar but less pronounced differences in patterns of inpatient hospitalizations. Average baseline OOP spending was similar among reverters ($1156 [95% confidence interval = 832–1,479]), maintainers ($1,145 [993–1,296]), and transitioners ($1,385 [1,041–1,730]). Individuals who died during follow-up spent $2,529 (2,101–2,957). By the eighth year of follow-up, spending among reverters increased to $1,402 (869–1,934) and $2,188 (1,402–2,974) and $8,988 (5,820–12,157) for maintainers and transitioners, respectively. Average spending at the wave preceding death was $7,719 (4,345–11,094). Estimates were only partly attenuated through adjustment to covariables.

Discussion and Implications

A better understanding of variations in health services use and cost burdens among individuals with mild cognitive impairment can help guide targeted care and financial planning.
Aneuploidy rates and morphokinetic parameters of embryos cultured in distinct culture media: a sibling oocyte study
Authors: Quinn Molly M , Marsh Philip , Ribeiro Salustiano , Simbulan Rhodel K , Hickman Cristina , Berntsen Jørgen , Rosen Mitchell P
Published: October 2021

STUDY QUESTION

Do embryos from sibling oocytes assigned to distinct single-step media culture systems demonstrate differences in early embryo development, morphokinectics or aneuploidy rates?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Embryo quality, morphokinetic parameters and aneuploidy rates from trophectoderm biopsy were similar between sibling embryos cultured in distinct media systems from the time of gamete isolation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Studies on the effect of commercially available embryo culture media systems have demonstrated inconsistent impact on human embryonic development, morphokinetics, aneuploidy rates and clinical outcomes. In addition, these studies have been primarily randomized at the level of the embryo or the patient to culture media.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Prospective sibling oocyte cohort derived from 200 subjects undergoing IVF at a tertiary academic medical center between February 2018 and November 2019.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Sibling oocytes were allocated to Global® or SAGE® media system based upon laterality of ovary from which they were retrieved. All embryos were cultured in a time-lapse incubator. Blastocysts underwent trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using next-generation sequencing.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

One hundred twenty-seven subjects (n = 127) had paired blastocysts for biopsy in each culture media system. There was no difference in top quality blastocyst formation (47.1 ± 31.0 vs 48.1 ± 27.2%; P = 0.87) nor aneuploidy rate (62.3 ± 34.0 vs 56.1 ± 34.4%; P = 0.07) for sibling embryos cultured in Global versus SAGE media system. Embryo morphokinetic parameters including time to each cell division from two cells (t2) to eight cells (t8), time to morula stage (tM), time to blastocele formation (tSB), time to fully formed blastocyst (tB) and time to expansion of the blastocyst (tEB) were similar between paired blastocysts from each culture media system.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Pregnancy outcomes and offspring health data were not available for analysis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Commercially available culture media may not have a differential impact on embryo development and blastocyst aneuploidy rate when patient and stimulation-related factors are held constant.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(s)

There was no external funding for this study. C.H. is owner of a consultancy company, IVF Professionals, Chief Scientific Officer at Apricity, Executive Director at TMRW and co-owner and shareholder of Aria Fertility. She has received speaker fees, consulting fees and travel support from Cooper Surgical and Vitrolife. J.B. is an employee and shareholder of vitrolife.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.
The abortion jurisprudence in Brazil: An analysis of ADPF 54 from feminist equality-based perspectives
Authors: Penteado Taís
Published: October 2021

Building on the feminist legal theory-driven analysis of equality-based approaches to voluntary abortion, this article offers a critical reading of the Brazilian Supreme Court decision on ADPF 54, the constitutional lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the application of the legislation that prohibits abortion in cases of fetal anencephaly. The article first presents the arguments and then offers feminist equality-based counterpoints that bring some vulnerabilities of the decision to the forefront. The article argues that, from the perspectives adopted, the arguments presented by the justices in ADPF 54 do not disrupt the logic that underlies the abortion prohibition norm and end up legitimizing it. Second, the principles used can be viewed skeptically. By missing inequality issues that permeate reproduction, the principles obscure power relations and as such, become potential tools for furthering inequalities. We conclude the article by delineating how, despite being cited only timidly as a precedent, ADPF 54 still resonates in other minor cases put before the Brazilian Supreme Court, imbuing them with the same set of problems. Having in mind the vulnerabilities of the arguments, the article makes a tentative normative assessment on how the use of a substantive equality principle as an analytical tool and guide for interpretation could mitigate the problems and offer responses with emancipatory potential.
Incidence, follow-up and outcomes of incidental abdominal aortic aneurysms in computed tomography
Authors: Sevil Fehim Can , Tort Mehmet , Özer Gökaslan Çiğdem , Sevil Hülya , Becit Necip
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) that were incidentally diagnosed by computed tomography applied for different reasons and to discuss the risk factors that may cause AAA.

METHODS

A total of 5396 abdominal computed tomography examinations were performed, and the 103 incidentally detected AAAs were included in the study. Patients with and without AAA were compared in terms of age, gender, thoracic and abdominal aortic diameters and comorbid diseases.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the AAAs was 1.9%. Old age and male gender were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.001). The reason for applying computed tomography in 52 (50.5%) patients with AAA was associated with malignancy. In the evaluation of all patients in the study, the aortic diameter was determined to be larger in patients with malignancy than in patients without malignancy (18.07 ± 4.1 mm vs 17.7 ± 3.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). The thoracic aortic diameter was wider in patients with AAA compared to that in patients without AAA (37.2 ± 3.9 mm vs 33.9 ± 5.2 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). The presence of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and a history of smoking in patients with AAA was significantly different from that of patients without AAA (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of hyperlipidaemia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.52 and P = 0.15, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening of older men with diseases such as malignancy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease for AAA is important for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
HIV-1-RNA and total HIV-1-DNA loads in the genital compartment in men receiving dolutegravir- versus darunavir-based combined ART (cART) regimens during primary HIV infection
Authors: Mariaggi Alice-Andrée , Bauer Rebecca , Charre Caroline , Gardiennet Elise , Meiffredy Vincent , Ajana Faiza , Lacombe Karine , Pialoux Gilles , Cua Eric , Rouzioux Christine , Meyer Laurence , Cheret Antoine , Avettand-Fenoel Véronique
Published: October 2021

Background

Dolutegravir is a widespread integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI) recommended for treatment of primary HIV infection (PHI). PHI is a high-risk stage for sexual transmission because of the high viral load in semen. Yet dolutegravir concentrations in semen are lower than in blood during chronic treatment.

Objectives

To compare the kinetics of HIV-RNA and total HIV-DNA in the genital compartment in subjects receiving either tenofovir/emtricitabine/dolutegravir or tenofovir/emtricitabine/darunavir/cobicistat as a first-line combined ART (cART) at the time of PHI.

Patients and methods

Eighteen subjects receiving tenofovir/emtricitabine/dolutegravir and 19 receiving tenofovir/emtricitabine/darunavir/cobicistat enrolled in the ANRS169 OPTIPRIM-2 trial participated in the genital substudy.

Results

Between week (W) 0 and W2 HIV-RNA in seminal plasma (SP) decreased by 1 log10 copies/mL. Undetectable SP HIV-RNA was achieved in similar proportions between the two regimens at each timepoint. Overall, eight patients still presented detectable HIV-RNA or HIV-DNA in semen at W48; 15.4% and 28.6% presented detectable HIV-RNA and 9.1% and 14.3% presented detectable HIV-DNA in dolutegravir- and darunavir-based cART groups, respectively, with no significant difference.

Conclusions

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we showed that a dolutegravir-based regimen initiated as soon as PHI reduces HIV-RNA and HIV-DNA with no difference compared with a control group receiving a darunavir-based regimen. Although the viral purge in semen seems longer after treatment in PHI than CHI, due to high viral loads, early dolutegravir-based treatment initiation permits a major decay of both viral particles and infected cells in semen, efficiently reducing the high risk of transmission during PHI.
Past, present, and future research of digital twin for smart manufacturing
Authors: Son Yoo Ho , Kim Goo-Young , Kim Hyeon Chan , Jun Chanmo , Noh Sang Do
Published: October 2021

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is a growing focus on digital twin (DT) in order to advance toward smart manufacturing. Thus, researchers have conducted numerous studies on DT and extensively developed related technologies. There are many studies that apply and analyse DT to actual manufacturing sites for the realization of a smart factory, but it is necessary to clearly consider which part of DT is applied and what function it performs in manufacturing. As such, this study analysed and classified prior literature based on various phases of product lifecycle management, an application field of DT in manufacturing, and the hierarchy level axis of Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0, the target scope of DT. Accordingly, this study identified research trends in the past and present as well as analysed and identified the major functions of DT (prototyping, pilot testing, monitoring, improvement, and control). Through a gab study on the inadequate aspects of past and present researches, this study proposes directions for future studies on DT and a system architecture that can perform all the functions of DT.
Signaling in the “Before” Model of Final Offer Arbitration
Authors: Farmer Amy , Pecorino Paul
Published: October 2021

We develop a signaling model of final offer arbitration (FOA) in which the informed party makes the final settlement demand to the uninformed party. In FOA, each party submits a proposal to an arbitrator and if no agreement is reached, the arbitrator must select one of the two submitted proposals. We analyze a “before” model of FOA in which all settlement activity occurs prior to the exchange of proposals. We characterize the pure strategy separating, equilibrium associated with this game. Relative to a model of conventional arbitration (CA), the pure strategy separating equilibrium is associated with a higher dispute rate because weak player types have an enhanced incentive to bluff in this setting. This result continues to hold in semi-pooling equilibria. Thus our model is consistent with a higher dispute rate in FOA compared to CA. We also compare the incentive to engage in costly voluntary disclosure and costly discovery (JEL K4, C7, J52).
Representative Bureaucracy and Organizational Justice in Mediation
Authors: Hibbard Patrick F , Blomgren Amsler Lisa , Jackman Michael Scott
Published: October 2021

Studies of representative bureaucracy (RB) argue public organizations reflective of the public they serve exhibit better outcomes, especially when serving underrepresented groups. RB theory attributes improved outcomes either to the actions representative bureaucrats take (active representation), or a greater perception of trust and legitimacy toward them by service recipients (symbolic representation), largely treating active and symbolic representation as separate phenomena. We explore the intricate relationship between bureaucracies and the populations they serve by observing the cross-influence between active and symbolic representation, as revealed by self-reported outcomes in discrimination complaints (N = 1,372) referred for voluntary mediation in the United States Postal Service, the REDRESS© program, a context in which mediators are highly limited in representing a claimant’s interests given the requirement of impartiality. In exit surveys measuring employee perceptions of organizational justice, we observed the impact of race and gender representation by gauging changes in reported satisfaction when a mediator’s race or gender matched the nature of the complaint in cases of race or sex discrimination and sexual harassment, via multivariate regression estimation. These analyses support RB theory regarding sexual harassment complaints, where complainants rated outcomes significantly more favorably for female mediators. We found a negative correlation between female mediators and sex discrimination complaints, as well as African American mediators and race discrimination complainants. To explain this discrepancy, we argue that interactions between symbolic and active representation determine the expectations and perceptions placed on bureaucrats. When a bureaucrat does not meet those expectations, service recipients tend to have a more negative view of organizational justice outcomes.
Rhamnetin: a review of its pharmacology and toxicity
Authors: Medeiros Débora Lima , Lima Edson Thiago Gomes , Silva Jefferson Campos , Medeiros Mônica Alves , Pinheiro Elayne Bessa Ferreira
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Numerous natural products, including rhamnetin, have been studied in recent years owing to the need for new herbal remedies to treat different illnesses. This study aimed to review the salient properties of rhamnetin and its pharmacological potential and possible toxicological effects.

Key findings

A search carried out in the ScienceDirect database using the term ‘rhamnetin’ yielded 573 articles published between 1977 and 2021. However, only those studies that mentioned pharmacological activity of rhamnetin were included in this study. As a result of this selection process, this study included reports that describe rhamnetin as a secondary metabolite with several pharmacological properties.

Rhamnetin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxychromen-4-one) is a secondary metabolite, belonging to the flavonoid class, present in various plants and fruits; it has different pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activity. However, conclusive results on the toxicology of rhamnetin have not been reported yet. Therefore, further research is needed to gather detailed information about the effects of rhamnetin.
The cell biology of zinc
Authors: Clemens Stephan
Published: October 2021

Nearly 10% of all plant proteins belong to the zinc (Zn) proteome. They require Zn either for catalysis or as a structural element. Most of the protein-bound Zn in eukaryotic cells is found in the cytosol. The fundamental differences between transition metal cations in the stability of their complexes with organic ligands, as described by the Irving–Williams series, necessitate buffering of cytosolic Zn (the ‘free Zn’ pool) in the picomolar range (i.e. ~6 orders of magnitude lower than the total cellular concentration). Various metabolites and peptides, including nicotianamine, glutathione, and phytochelatins, serve as Zn buffers. They are hypothesized to supply Zn to enzymes, transporters, or the recently identified sensor proteins. Zn2+ acquisition is mediated by ZRT/IRT-like proteins. Metal tolerance proteins transport Zn2+ into vacuoles and the endoplasmic reticulum, the major Zn storage sites. Heavy metal ATPase-dependent efflux of Zn2+ is another mechanism to control cytosolic Zn. Spatially controlled Zn2+ influx or release from intracellular stores would result in dynamic modulation of cellular Zn pools, which may directly influence protein–protein interactions or the activities of enzymes involved in signaling cascades. Possible regulatory roles of such changes, as recently elucidated in mammalian cells, are discussed.
The Gaia–ESO Survey: Membership probabilities for stars in 63 open and 7 globular clusters from 3D kinematics
Authors: Jackson R J , Jeffries R D , Wright N J , Randich S , Sacco G , Bragaglia A , Hourihane A , Tognelli E , Degl’Innocenti S , Prada Moroni P G , Gilmore G , Bensby T , Pancino E , Smiljanic R , Bergemann M , Carraro G , Franciosini E , Gonneau A , Jofré P , Lewis J , Magrini L , Morbidelli L , Prisinzano L , Worley C , Zaggia S , Tautvaišiene G , Gutiérrez Albarrán M L , Montes D , Jiménez-Esteban F
Published: October 2021

Spectroscopy from the final internal data release of the Gaia–ESO Survey (GES) has been combined with Gaia EDR3 to assign membership probabilities to targets observed towards 63 Galactic open clusters and 7 globular clusters. The membership probabilities are based chiefly on maximum likelihood modelling of the 3D kinematics of the targets, separating them into cluster and field populations. From 43 211 observed targets, 13 985 are identified as highly probable cluster members (P > 0.9), with an average membership probability of 0.993. The addition of GES radial velocities successfully drives down the fraction of false positives and we achieve better levels of discrimination in most clusters over the use of astrometric data alone, especially those at larger distances. Since the membership selection is almost purely kinematic, the union of this catalogue with GES and Gaia is ideal for investigating the photometric and chemical properties of clusters as a function of stellar mass, age, and Galactic position.
White dwarfs identified in LAMOST Data Release 5
Authors: Guo Jincheng , Zhao Jingkun , Zhang Huawei , Zhang Jiajun , Bai Yu , Walters Nikolay , Yang Yong , Liu Jifeng
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we report white dwarfs identified in the 5th Data Release of the Large Area Multi-Object fibre Spectroscopic Telescope, including spectral types of DA, DB, DC, DZ, and so on. There are 2 625 DA spectra of 2 281 DA stars, 182 DB spectra of 166 DB stars, 62 DC spectra of 58 DC stars, 36 DZ spectra of 33 DZ stars and many other types identified, in addition to our previous paper (Data Release 2). Among those sources, 393 DA stars and 46 DB stars are new identifications after cross-matching with the literature. In order to select DA candidates, we use the classification result from the LAMOST pipeline, colour-colour cut method and a random forest machine learning method. For DBs, since there is no template for DB in the pipeline model, a random forest machine learning method is chosen to select candidates. All the WD candidates have been visually checked individually. The parameters of effective temperature, surface gravity, mass, and cooling age have been estimated for relatively high signal-to-noise ratio DAs and DBs. The peaks of the DA and DB mass distributions are found to be around 0.62 M⊙ and 0.65 M⊙, respectively. Finally, the data and method we used to select white dwarf candidates for the second phase of LAMOST survey are also addressed in this paper.
Magnetic loading of magnetars’ flares
Authors: Lyutikov Maxim
Published: October 2021

Magnetars, the likely sources of fast radio bursts, produce both steady highly relativistic magnetized winds and occasional ejection events. We demonstrate that the requirement of conservation of the magnetic flux dominates the overall dynamics of magnetic explosions. This is missed in conventional hydrodynamic models of the ejections as expanding shell with parametrically added magnetic field, as well as one-dimensional models of magnetic disturbances. Magnetic explosions from magnetars come into force balance with the pre-flare wind close to the light cylinder. They are then advected quietly with the wind or propagate as electromagnetic disturbances. No powerful shock waves are generated in the wind.
Study of chemically peculiar stars – I. High-resolution spectroscopy and K2 photometry of Am stars in the region of M44
Authors: Joshi Santosh , Trust Otto , Semenko E , Williams P E , Lampens P , De Cat P , Vermeylen L , Holdsworth D L , García R A , Mathur S , Santos A R G , Mkrtichian D , Goswami A , Cuntz M , Yadav A P , Sarkar M , Bhatt B C , Kahraman Aliçavuş F , Nhlapo M D , Lund M N , Goswami P P , Savanov I , Jorissen A , Jurua E , Avvakumova E , Dmitrienko E S , Chakradhari N K , Das M K , Chowdhury S , Abedigamba O P , Yakunin I , Letarte B , Karinkuzhi D
Published: October 2021

We present a study based on the high-resolution spectroscopy and K2 space photometry of five chemically peculiar stars in the region of the open cluster M44. The analysis of the high-precision photometric K2 data reveals that the light variations in HD 73045 and HD 76310 are rotational in nature and caused by spots or cloud-like co-rotating structures, which are non-stationary and short-lived. The time-resolved radial velocity measurements, in combination with the K2 photometry, confirm that HD 73045 does not show any periodic variability on time-scales shorter than 1.3 d, contrary to previous reports in the literature. In addition to these new rotational variables, we discovered a new heartbeat system, HD 73619, where no pulsational signatures are seen. The spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric analyses indicate that HD 73619 belongs to the peculiar Am class, with either a weak or no magnetic field, considering the 200-G detection limit of our study. The least-squares deconvolution profiles for HD 76310 indicate a complex structure in its spectra, suggesting that this star is either part of a binary system or surrounded by a cloud shell. When placed in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, all studied stars are evolved from the main sequence and situated in the δ Scuti instability strip. This work is relevant for further detailed studies of chemically peculiar stars, for example on inhomogeneities (including spots) in the absence of magnetic fields and the origin of the pulsational variability in heartbeat systems.
EANO, SNO and Euracan consensus review on the current management and future development of intracranial germ cell tumors in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Frappaz Didier , Dhall Girish , Murray Matthew J , Goldman Stuart , Faure Conter Cecile , Allen Jeffrey , Kortmann Rolf Dieter , Haas-Kogen Daphne , Morana Giovanni , Finlay Jonathan , Nicholson James C , Bartels Ute , Souweidane Mark , Schönberger Stefan , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Robertson Patricia , Albanese Assunta , Alapetite Claire , Czech Thomas , Lau Chin C , Wen Patrick , Schiff David , Shaw Dennis , Calaminus Gabriele , Bouffet Eric
Published: October 2021

The incidence of intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) is much lower in European and North American (E&NA) than in Asian population. However, E&NA cooperative groups have simultaneously developed with success treatment strategies with specific attention paid to long-term sequelae. Neurological sequelae may be reduced by establishing a diagnosis with an endoscopic biopsy and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum analysis, deferring the need to perform a radical surgery. Depending on markers and/or histological characteristics, patients are treated as either germinoma or non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT). Metastatic disease is defined by a positive CSF cytology and/or distant drops in craniospinal MRI. The combination of surgery and/or chemotherapy and radiation therapy is tailored according to grouping and staging. With more than 90% 5-year event-free survival (EFS), localized germinomas can be managed without aggressive surgery, and benefit from chemotherapy followed by whole ventricular irradiation with local boost. Bifocal germinomas are treated as non-metastatic entities. Metastatic germinomas may be cured with craniospinal irradiation. With a 5-year EFS over 70%, NGGCT benefit from chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery in case of residual disease, and some form of radiotherapy. Future strategies will aim at decreasing long-term side effects while preserving high cure rates.
Looking beyond traditional nutrients: the role of bioactives and the food matrix on health
Authors: Cifelli Christopher J
Published: October 2021

The unique physical-chemical properties of foods directly impact their digestion and absorption. Dairy foods are key components of healthy eating patterns because they provide protein and essential vitamins and minerals to the diet. Additionally, scientific evidence has shown that the benefits of milk and dairy foods on health are due to the overall composition of the whole food rather than its individual nutrients. Indeed, the unique bioactive components of milk and dairy products are integral to the health benefits attributed to dairy foods. A better understanding of the dairy matrix and the protein- and fat-derived bioactive components of milk and dairy products will help inform evidence-based dietary guidance.
Stress responses and epigenomic instability mark the loss of somatic embryogenesis competence in grapevine
Authors: Dal Santo Silvia , De Paoli Emanuele , Pagliarani Chiara , Amato Alessandra , Celii Mirko , Boccacci Paolo , Zenoni Sara , Gambino Giorgio , Perrone Irene
Published: October 2021

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents the most appropriate tool for next-generation breeding methods in woody plants such as grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). However, in this species, the SE competence is strongly genotype-dependent and the molecular basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. We explored the genetic and epigenetic basis of SE in grapevine by profiling the transcriptome, epigenome, and small RNAome of undifferentiated, embryogenic, and non-embryogenic callus tissues derived from two genotypes differing in competence for SE, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. During the successful formation of embryonic callus, we observed the upregulation of epigenetic-related transcripts and short interfering RNAs in association with DNA hypermethylation at transposable elements in both varieties. Nevertheless, the switch to nonembryonic development matched the incomplete reinforcement of transposon silencing, and the evidence of such effect was more apparent in the recalcitrant Cabernet Sauvignon. Transcriptomic differences between the two genotypes were maximized already at early stage of culture where the recalcitrant variety expressed a broad panel of genes related to stress responses and secondary metabolism. Our data provide a different angle on the SE molecular dynamics that can be exploited to leverage SE as a biotechnological tool for fruit crop breeding.
Organizing your space: The potential for integrating spatial transcriptomics and 3D imaging data in plants
Authors: Cox Jr Kevin L , Gurazada Sai Guna Ranjan , Duncan Keith E , Czymmek Kirk J , Topp Christopher N , Meyers Blake C
Published: October 2021

Plant cells communicate information for the regulation of development and responses to external stresses. A key form of this communication is transcriptional regulation, accomplished via complex gene networks operating both locally and systemically. To fully understand how genes are regulated across plant tissues and organs, high resolution, multi-dimensional spatial transcriptional data must be acquired and placed within a cellular and organismal context. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) typically provides a two-dimensional spatial analysis of gene expression of tissue sections that can be stacked to render three-dimensional data. For example, X-ray and light-sheet microscopy provide sub-micron scale volumetric imaging of cellular morphology of tissues, organs, or potentially entire organisms. Linking these technologies could substantially advance transcriptomics in plant biology and other fields. Here, we review advances in ST and 3D microscopy approaches and describe how these technologies could be combined to provide high resolution, spatially organized plant tissue transcript mapping.
Mother-to-child HIV-2 transmission: comparison with HIV-1 and evaluation of factors influencing the rate of transmission. A systematic review
Authors: ter Schiphorst Emelie , Hansen Kamille Carstens , Holm Mette , Hønge Bo Langhoff
Published: October 2021

A review and collection of data on HIV-2 mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is absent in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a pooled estimate of the rate of HIV-2 MTCT and to identify factors influencing the rate of transmission. PubMed and EMBASE were used to identify eligible publications using a sensitive search strategy. All publications until February 2021 were considered; 146 full-text articles were assessed. Observational studies describing the rate of HIV-2 MTCT in a defined HIV-2 infected study population were included. Other publication types and studies describing HIV-1 or dually infected populations were excluded. Nine studies consisting of 901 mother-child pairs in West Africa, France and Portugal were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled rate estimate of HIV-2 MTCT for antiretroviral therapy-naïve women was 0.2% (95% CI 0.03 to 1.47%), considerably lower than that for HIV-1. The levels of maternal HIV RNA and CD4 cell count were positively related to the vertical transmission rate. Maternal HIV-2 infection did not significantly affect perinatal mortality. It was concluded that the vertical transmission of HIV-2 is lower than that of HIV-1. Maternal viral load and CD4 cell count appear to influence the rate of HIV-2 MTCT.
Current status of hepatitis C virus among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Egypt
Authors: Elsharkawy Aisha , Alem Shereen Abdel , Cordie Ahmed , Mohamed Rahma , Meshaal Safa , Esmat Gamal
Published: October 2021

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is increasing due to their similar routes of transmission. Co-infection poses a big challenge. Information on the prevalence of HCV infection in Egyptian HIV individuals is scarce.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1004 HIV individuals who were recruited from July 2018 to March 2019. Blood samples obtained from HIV individuals were subsequently screened for HCV antibodies using the Murex anti-HCV (version 4) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. HCV RNA was performed only on anti-HCV antibody–positive samples. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HCV seroprevalence using SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

Among 1004 participants, 349 exhibited a positive result for anti-HCV antibodies (34.8% [95% confidence interval 31.81 to 37.8]). The most commonly self-reported risk factor of HIV infection by the co-infected participants was intravenous drug use (IDU) (303/349 [86.8%]). In multinomial analysis, risk factors identified as statistically associated with HCV seroprevalence include IDU, history of surgical operations and dental procedures and HIV viral load (p<0.001, 0.032, <0.001 and 0.006, respectively). Under combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the proportion of HIV mono-infected individuals with an undetectable HIV viral load was significantly higher than those with co-infection (p<0.0007). We also found that HIV–HCV co-infected participants exhibited significantly higher CD4+ cell counts than those with HIV mono-infection (p=0.04).

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV–HCV co-infection is higher in Egypt compared with other countries in Africa. It is essential to screen all HIV-infected patients for HCV infection for early identification, counselling and initiation of anti-HCV treatment.
Salvaging Exposed Cochlear Implants
Authors: Arab Khalid , Altamimi Lamees , Al-Otaibi Haya , Kattan Abdullah , Gelidan Adnan G.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The cochlear implant (CI) procedure is one of the most efficient surgical options for the management of patients suffering from severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Notably, CI exposure is one of the most commonly reported complications. Herein, we report our experience in the management of three patients with CIs complicated by implant exposure.

Methods:

We present a retrospective review-based case series of three patients with exposed CIs requiring soft tissue coverage who were referred to plastic surgery care. These patients underwent their CI procedures at a university hospital specializing in ear, nose, and throat, after which they were referred for plastic surgery care at our university hospital for reconstruction after exposure. Each patient was managed through different surgical techniques based on the size, site, and condition of the surrounding tissue. The management options are discussed in this article.

Results:

Three patients with exposed cochlear implants were treated with different surgical techniques. During the 1-year follow-up period, the patients made an uneventful recovery with fully functional cochlear implants.

Conclusions:

The management of CI extrusion with local scalp flaps can constitute an effective and reliable option to salvage CI with a good prognosis and a lower incidence of exposure recurrence. Optimal results for establishing effective soft tissue coverage can be achieved by choosing the appropriate technique according to the clinical presentation.