bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Holding Immunosuppressive Therapy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Around mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Administration on Humoral Immune Response and Development of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Motwani Kiran K , Hashash Jana G , Farraye Francis A , Kappelman Michael D , Weaver Kimberly N , Zhang Xian , Long Millie D , Cross Raymond K
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

The BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines are efficacious in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; but there is a lack of data examining if holding immunosuppressive therapy around vaccination improves immune response. We studied the effect of holding IBD medications around the time of vaccination on antibody response and breakthrough COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Partnership to Report Effectiveness of Vaccination in populations Excluded from iNitial Trials of COVID is a prospective cohort of individuals with IBD receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Quantitative measurement of anti-receptor binding domain IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was performed 8 weeks after completing a vaccination series.

Results

A total of 1854 patients were included; 59% were on anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] [10% of these on combination therapy], 11% on vedolizumab, and 14% on ustekinumab; 11% of participants held therapy before or after vaccine administration for at least 2 weeks. Antibody levels were similar in participants continuing versus holding anti-TNF monotherapy before or after the second vaccine [BNT162b2: 10 μg/mL vs 8.9 μg/mL; mRNA-1273: 17.5 μg/mL vs 14.5 μg/mL]. Comparable results were seen in those on combination therapy. Antibody titres in those on ustekinumab or vedolizumab were higher compared with anti-TNF users, but there was no significant difference if the drug was held or continued [BNT162b2: 22.5 μg/mL vs 23 μg/mL; mRNA-1273: 88 μg/mL vs 51 μg/mL]. Holding therapy was not associated with decreased rate of COVID-19 infection compared with those not holding therapy [BNT162b2: 28% vs 29%; mRNA-1273: 19% vs 31%].

Conclusion

We recommend continuing IBD medications while receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccination without interruption.
Right ventricular ejection fraction assessed by computed tomography in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Tanaka Tetsu , Sugiura Atsushi , Kavsur Refik , Öztürk Can , Vogelhuber Johanna , Wilde Nihal , Kütting Daniel , Meyer Carsten , Zimmer Sebastian , Grube Eberhard , Bakhtiary Farhad , Nickenig Georg , Weber Marcel
Published: May 2023

Aims

The role of right ventricular function in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is poorly understood. This study investigated the association of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) assessed by cardiac computed tomography (CCT) with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TTVR.

Methods and results

We retrospectively assessed three-dimensional (3D) RVEF by using pre-procedural CCT images in patients undergoing TTVR. RV dysfunction was defined as a CT-RVEF of <45%. The primary outcome was a composite outcome, consisting of all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure, within 1 year after TTVR. Of 157 patients, 58 (36.9%) presented with CT-RVEF <45%. Procedural success and in-hospital mortality were comparable between patients with CT-RVEF <45% and ≥45%. However, CT-RVEF of <45% was associated with a higher risk of the composite outcome (hazard ratio: 2.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.65–5.41; P = 0.001), which had an additional value beyond two-dimensional echocardiographic assessments of RV function to stratify the risk of the composite outcome. In addition, patients with CT-RVEF ≥45% exhibited the association of procedural success (i.e. residual tricuspid regurgitation of ≤2+ at discharge) with a decreased risk of the composite outcome, while this association was attenuated in those with CT-RVEF <45% (P for interaction = 0.035).

Conclusion

CT-RVEF is associated with the risk of the composite outcome after TTVR, and a reduced CT-RVEF might attenuate the prognostic benefit of TR reduction. The assessment of 3D-RVEF by using CCT may refine the patient selection for TTVR.
Impact of statins based on high-risk plaque features on coronary plaque progression in mild stenosis lesions: results from the PARADIGM study
Authors: Park Hyung-Bok , Arsanjani Reza , Sung Ji Min , Heo Ran , Lee Byoung Kwon , Lin Fay Y , Hadamitzky Martin , Kim Yong-Jin , Conte Edoardo , Andreini Daniele , Pontone Gianluca , Budoff Matthew J , Gottlieb Ilan , Chun Eun Ju , Cademartiri Filippo , Maffei Erica , Marques Hugo , Gonçalves Pedro de Araújo , Leipsic Jonathon A , Lee Sang-Eun , Shin Sanghoon , Choi Jung Hyun , Virmani Renu , Samady Habib , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Stone Peter H , Berman Daniel S , Narula Jagat , Shaw Leslee J , Bax Jeroen J , Min James K , Chang Hyuk-Jae
Published: May 2023

Aims

To investigate the impact of statins on plaque progression according to high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaque (HRP) features and to identify predictive factors for rapid plaque progression in mild coronary artery disease (CAD) using serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods and results

We analyzed mild stenosis (25–49%) CAD, totaling 1432 lesions from 613 patients (mean age, 62.2 years, 63.9% male) and who underwent serial CCTA at a ≥2 year inter-scan interval using the Progression of AtheRosclerotic PlAque DetermIned by Computed TomoGraphic Angiography Imaging (NCT02803411) registry. The median inter-scan period was 3.5 ± 1.4 years; plaques were quantitatively assessed for annualized percent atheroma volume (PAV) and compositional plaque volume changes according to HRP features, and the rapid plaque progression was defined by the ≥90th percentile annual PAV. In mild stenotic lesions with ≥2 HRPs, statin therapy showed a 37% reduction in annual PAV (0.97 ± 2.02 vs. 1.55 ± 2.22, P = 0.038) with decreased necrotic core volume and increased dense calcium volume compared to non-statin recipient mild lesions. The key factors for rapid plaque progression were ≥2 HRPs [hazard ratio (HR), 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–3.49; P = 0.042], current smoking (HR, 1.69; 95% CI 1.09–2.57; P = 0.017), and diabetes (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.07–2.22; P = 0.020).

Conclusion

In mild CAD, statin treatment reduced plaque progression, particularly in lesions with a higher number of HRP features, which was also a strong predictor of rapid plaque progression. Therefore, aggressive statin therapy might be needed even in mild CAD with higher HRPs.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02803411
Pericardial late gadolinium enhancement and time to recurrence: a substudy from RHAPSODY, a phase 3 clinical trial of rilonacept in recurrent pericarditis
Authors: Cremer Paul C , Lin David , Luis Sushil A , Petersen John , Abbate Antonio , Jellis Christine L , Kwon Debbie , Brucato Antonio , Fang Fang , Insalaco Antonella , LeWinter Martin , Lewis Basil S , Zou Liangxing , Nicholls Stephen J , Klein Allan L , Imazio Massimo , Paolini John F ,   RHAPSODY Investigators, Abbate Antonio , Abo-Auda Wael , Akhtar Asif , Arad Michael , Atar Shaul , Baibhav Bipul , Bhalla Karan , Brucato Antonio , Collins Sean , Colquhoun David , Cremer Paul , Cross David , Dwivedi Girish , Eisen Alon , Freedberg Nahum , Fuchs Shmuel , Gaddam Eliyazar , Gattorno Marco , Gelfand Eli , Grena Paul , Halabi Majdi , Harris David , Imazio Massimo , Insalaco Antonella , Karim Amin , Klein Allan , Knowlton Kirk , Kontzias Apostolos , Kornberg Robert , Latif Faisal , Leibowitz David , LeWinter Martin , Lin David , Lotan Dor , Lou Pey Wen , Luis S. Allen , Moriel Mady , Nicholls Stephen , Petersen John , Portman Michael , Roberts-Thomson Philip , Schiff Elad , Siegel Robert , Stokes Michael , Sutej Paul , Wittekind Samuel , Witzling Valentin , Zukermann Robert
Published: May 2023

Aims

In this protocol-predefined substudy of the RHAPSODY trial, the primary aim was to assess whether pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was associated with time to pericarditis recurrence.

Methods and results

RHAPSODY was a Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal trial that demonstrated the efficacy of rilonacept in recurrent pericarditis (RP). Patients with a history of multiple RP and an active recurrence were enrolled and had the option to participate in a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging substudy. CMRs were interpreted by a blinded independent core laboratory with prespecified criteria to define pericardial LGE. Compared to patients with trace or mild pericardial LGE (n = 9), patients with moderate or severe pericardial LGE (n = 16) generally had a higher number of recurrent episodes per year (5.3 vs. 3.9) and a higher mean CRP level (3.6 vs. 1.1 mg/dL). Overall, 10/14 (71.4%) who received a placebo had a recurrence compared to 0/11 (0%) who received rilonacept. In patients randomized to placebo who had moderate or severe pericardial LGE, the median time to recurrence was 4.2 weeks compared to 10.7 weeks in patients who had trace or mild pericardial LGE. At the conclusion of the event-driven randomized-withdrawal period, among patients receiving a placebo, 5/7 (71.4%) with trace or mild pericardial LGE and 5/7 (71.4%) with moderate or severe pericardial LGE had a recurrence.

Conclusions

Among patients with multiple RP, these preliminary findings support the concept of pericardial LGE as an imaging biomarker that may inform the duration of treatment and risk of recurrence with cessation of therapy and larger studies should be considered.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT03737110
Perioperative neuromonitoring during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair: a systematic review
Authors: Sef Davorin , Thet Myat Soe , Miskolczi Szabolcs , Velissaris Theodore , De Silva Ravi , Luthra Suvitesh , Turina Marko I
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

While open surgical repair remains the gold standard for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) treatment, there is still no consensus regarding perioperative neuromonitoring technique for prevention of spinal cord ischaemia.

METHODS

In this systematic review, we aimed to explore the effects and practices of neuromonitoring during the open TAAA repair. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Cochrane library and ClinicalTrialsGov until December 2022 was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 535 studies were identified from the literature search, of which 27 studies including a total of 3130 patients met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (21 out of 27, 78%) investigated the feasibility of motor-evoked potentials (MEP), while 15 analysed somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and 2 studies analysed near-infrared spectroscopy during open TAAA repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature suggest that rates of postoperative spinal cord ischaemia can be kept at low levels after open TAAA repair with the adequate precautions and perioperative manoeuvres. Neuromonitoring with MEP provides the surgeon objective criteria to direct selective intercostal reconstruction or other protective anaesthetic and surgical manoeuvres. Simultaneous monitoring of MEP and SSEP is a reliable method that can rapidly detect important findings and direct adequate protective manoeuvres during open TAAA repair.
Empirical Evidence That Complexity Limits Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Burch Christina L , Romanchuk Artur , Kelly Michael , Wu Yingfang , Jones Corbin D
Published: May 2023

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major contributor to bacterial genome evolution, generating phenotypic diversity, driving the expansion of protein families, and facilitating the evolution of new phenotypes, new metabolic pathways, and new species. Comparative studies of gene gain in bacteria suggest that the frequency with which individual genes successfully undergo HGT varies considerably and may be associated with the number of protein–protein interactions in which the gene participates, that is, its connectivity. Two nonexclusive hypotheses have emerged to explain why transferability should decrease with connectivity: the complexity hypothesis (Jain R, Rivera MC, Lake JA. 1999. Horizontal gene transfer among genomes: the complexity hypothesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 96:3801–3806.) and the balance hypothesis (Papp B, Pál C, Hurst LD. 2003. Dosage sensitivity and the evolution of gene families in yeast. Nature 424:194–197.). These hypotheses predict that the functional costs of HGT arise from a failure of divergent homologs to make normal protein–protein interactions or from gene misexpression, respectively. Here we describe genome-wide assessments of these hypotheses in which we used 74 existing prokaryotic whole genome shotgun libraries to estimate rates of horizontal transfer of genes from taxonomically diverse prokaryotic donors into Escherichia coli. We show that 1) transferability declines as connectivity increases, 2) transferability declines as the divergence between donor and recipient orthologs increases, and that 3) the magnitude of this negative effect of divergence on transferability increases with connectivity. These effects are particularly robust among the translational proteins, which span the widest range of connectivities. Whereas the complexity hypothesis explains all three of these observations, the balance hypothesis explains only the first one.
Vision and Hearing Difficulties and Life Expectancy Without ADL/IADL Limitations: Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Zaninotto Paola , Maharani Asri , Di Gessa Giorgio
Published: May 2023

Background

Hearing and vision difficulties are some of the most common deficits experienced by older adults. Having either visual or hearing difficulties increases the risk of comorbidity, disability, and poor quality of life. So far, however, few studies have examined the association between vision and hearing difficulties on life expectancy without activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL (IADL) limitations (LEWL).

Methods

Data came from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the Health and Retirement Study in the United States from 2002 to 2013. The outcome was defined as reporting 2+ limitations with ADL/IADL. Life expectancy was estimated by discrete-time multistate life table models for hearing and vision difficulties separately as well as for combined vision and hearing difficulties by sex and age.

Results

Thirteen percent of men in England and the United States had ADL/IADL limitations, whereas, for women, it was 16% and 19% in England and the United States. At all ages, either vision or hearing difficulty was associated with shorter LEWL compared to no difficulties. Dual sensory difficulty (vision and hearing) reduced LEWL by up to 12 years in both countries. At the ages of 50 and 60 in England, hearing difficulty was associated with fewer years lived without ADL/IADL limitations than vision difficulty. In contrast, in the United States, vision difficulty led to fewer years lived without ADL/IADL limitations than hearing difficulty.

Conclusions

The implementation of strategies to reduce the prevalence and incidence of vision and hearing difficulties has the potential to increase the number of years spent without ADL/IADL limitations.
Regional infrasonic observations from surface explosions – influence of atmospheric variations and realistic terrain
Authors: Blom Philip
Published: May 2023

A pair of 1-ton, conventional surface explosions were conducted at the Nevada National Security Site in the fall of 2020 producing seismoacoustic signatures observable hundreds of kilometres from the source location. Regional infrasonic observations include tropospheric ducting at large distances to the south, a wide stratospheric waveguide with signals observed more than 700 km to the east, and anomalous arrivals in the stratospheric shadow zone. Notable differences in propagation between the events are identified despite the explosions being conducted just two days apart due to a sharp temporal shift in the tropospheric winds as well as structural changes in the stratospheric winds. Propagation simulations of the two events have been completed using a combination of ray tracing and parabolic equation (PE) methods. Simulations have been conducted to quantify the impact of the temporal variations in the atmosphere as well as the influence of terrain on propagation. Temporal variations in reflection locations are found to produce notable changes in downrange propagation due to spatially varying terrain features. Finite frequency effects modelled by the PE are found to predict ensonification not included in corresponding 2D ray tracing simulations. Notable variations in predicted signal amplitude are found due to focusing by along-path and cross-path terrain gradients; though, the later of these is only modelled using fully 3D ray tracing analysis.
Multicentre genetic diversity study of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales: predominance of untypeable pUVA-like blaKPC bearing plasmids
Authors: Simner Patricia J , Bergman Yehudit , Fan Yunfan , Jacobs Emily B , Ramakrishnan Srividya , Lu Jennifer , Lewis Shawna , Hanlon Ann , Tamma Pranita D , Schatz Michael C , Timp Winston , Carroll Karen C
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent public health threat. A better understanding of the molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics of CRE is necessary to limit their dissemination within healthcare settings. We sought to investigate the mechanisms of resistance and spread of CRE within multiple hospitals in Maryland.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, all CRE were collected from any specimen source from The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. The isolates were further characterized using both phenotypic and genotypic approaches, including short- and/or long-read WGS.

Results

From 2016 to 2018, 302 of 40 908 (0.7%) unique Enterobacterales isolates were identified as CRE. Of CRE, 142 (47%) were carbapenemase-producing CRE with KPC (80.3%) predominating among various genera. Significant genetic diversity was identified among all CRE with high-risk clones serving as major drivers of clonal clusters. Further, we found the predominance of pUVA-like plasmids, with a subset harbouring resistance genes to environmental cleaning agents, involved in intergenus dissemination of blaKPC genes.

Conclusions

Our findings provide valuable data to understand the transmission dynamics of all CRE within the greater Maryland region. These data can help guide targeted interventions to limit CRE transmission in healthcare facilities.
Heritability and genetic trend of body weight in dogs of different breeds in Sweden
Authors: Strandberg Erling , Andersson Linda , Emanuelson Ulf , Bjørnvad Charlotte Reinhard , Ringmark Sara , Hedhammar Åke , Höglund Katja
Published: May 2023

High body weight (BW) in dogs has been associated with developmental as well as degenerative diseases, but the heritability of BW in dog breeds is largely unknown. The aim of the current study was to estimate heritability and genetic change (genetic trend) for BW in a range of dog breeds in Sweden. Body weight registrations from 19 dog breeds (with n ranging from 412 to 4,710) of varying body size, type and usage were collected from 2007 to 2016. The average BW of the breeds was 8 to 56 kg. The BW registrations were performed when the dogs were 12 to 24 mo of age (18 to 30 mo for one large-sized breed) in connection with an official radiographic screening program for hip dysplasia. Collected weight records were used to estimate heritability and genetic trends for BW. Several statistical models were used. The preliminary model included the fixed effects of breed (P < 0.001), sex (P < 0.001), year of screening (P < 0.001), litter size (P = 0.06), parity of the dam (P = 0.03) and linear regression on age at screening (P < 0.001), the latter five effects all nested within breed, and the random effects of litter and dam. Season of birth and the quadratic effect of age were also tested, but were not significant (P > 0.10). For the genetic analysis, various mixed linear models were tested within breed with different combinations of random effects; the most complex model included random effects of litter, direct additive, and maternal genetic effects, and maternal permanent environmental effects. The average heritability for BW over all 19 breeds was 51%, with a range of 35% to 70%, and the additive genetic coefficient of variance was around 9%. Maternal heritability was 5% to 9% and litter variance was below 10% with one exception (15% in Shetland Sheepdogs). For nine breeds, there was a genetic trend of increasing BW, whereas seven breeds had a genetic trend of decreasing BW. The largest absolute genetic change over a 10-yr period was around 0.6 kg or about 2% of the mean. In conclusion, given the small genetic changes in spite of the high heritability, it seems that there is generally a very weak selection, if any, for BW in the included dog breeds.
Leucine (and lysine) increased plasma levels of the satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), and phenylalanine of the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) after oral gavages in pigs
Authors: Müller Maximiliano , Xu Chenjing , Navarro Marta , Masiques Nuria Elias , Tilbrook Alan , van Barneveld Robert , Roura Eugeni
Published: May 2023

Excess dietary amino acids (AA) has been associated with reduced feed intake, increased satiation, and extended satiety in pigs. Recent ex vivo studies suggested that satiety peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) and insulinotropic glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), mediated the anorexigenic or insulinotropic effects of Lys, Glu, Phe, Ile, and Leu. However, the ex vivo model limitations require validation in vivo. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of orally administered AA in vivo in pigs. It was hypothesized that oral Lys, Ile, and Leu have an anorexigenic effect via CCK, while Glu and Phe have an insulinotropic effect increasing circulating levels of GLP-1. Eight entire male pigs (Landrace × Large White) of 18.23 ± 1.06 kg of body weight were administered an oral gavage of water (control) or a 3 mmol/kg of Glu, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, or glucose (positive control for GLP-1 release) following an overnight fasting during 5 consecutive days using an incomplete latin square design. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before (−5 min, baseline value) and after the gavage (5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min) to assess CCK and GLP-1 plasma levels. Pigs administered the oral gavage of Leu (P < 0.05), or Lys (P < 0.1) had increased levels of plasma CCK from 0 to 90 min post-gavage when compared to the control. A strong association (P < 0.001) was observed between GLP-1 plasma levels with Phe intake. The impact was significant starting 30 min post-gavage and was sustained until the end of the experiment (90 min post-gavage). Glucose administration increased GLP-1 early after the intake at the 5 min mark (P < 0.1). A positive correlation (P < 0.05, r = 0.89) driven by the impact of Phe at the 60 to 90 min post-gavage was identified between CCK and GLP-1 indicating feedback mechanisms between proximal and distal small intestine. In conclusion, oral gavages of Leu and Lys increased anorexigenic hormone CCK plasma levels in pigs. Phe caused a significant long-lasting increase in incretin GLP-1 plasma levels. Blood CCK and GLP-1 concentrations in Phe gavaged pigs were positively correlated indicating a potential feedback mechanism between proximal (CCK) and distal (GLP-1) small intestine. The present results are compatible with the known anorexigenic effects of excess dietary Leu and Lys, and the insulinotropic effect of Phe in pigs. These results demonstrate the relevance of accurate feed formulation practices particularly in post weaning pigs.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Acute Burn Admissions at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Olawoye Olayinka A , Isamah Chinsunum P , Obadan Izegaegbe O , Ademola Samuel A , Aderibigbe Rotimi O , Michael Afieharo I , Iyun Ayodele O , Oluwatosin Odunayo M
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease and the subsequent pandemic that followed drastically changed human civilization with disruptive effects on health and overall wellbeing of mankind. This disruptive effect has been shown to include changes in epidemiology of burn injuries. This study therefore aimed to determine the impact of covid-19 on acute burn presentation at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. This was a retrospective study carried out between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2021. The period was divided into two: April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 and April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Data obtained from the burn unit registry were analyzed using the Scientific Package For Social Sciences version 25. The only statistically significant finding from this study was the marked reduction in burn ICU admission during the pandemic (P < 0.001). A total of 144 patients presented to the burn intensive care unit at UCH, Ibadan during the period under review with 92 patients in the prepandemic year, and 52 patients in the pandemic year. Patient group from 0- to 9-year-olds representing 42% in prepandemic, and 30.8% in the pandemic period was the most affected age group. Scald was predominantly among the pediatric age group in both groups. Males were more likely to suffer flame burn in both study periods with a near gender equilibration during the pandemic. Burn injury during the pandemic resulted in more total body surface area burned. The lockdown effect of the pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in acute burn admissions at the UCH, Ibadan.
Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence in Practice: Prohibiting or Facilitating Investment in Conflict Affected Areas?
Authors: Aguirre Daniel , Pietropaoli Irene
Published: May 2023

Companies operating or seeking to invest in conflict-affected areas are expected to carry out a heightened human rights due diligence (HRDD) process to identify, address and mitigate their impact on human rights and the conflict. The heightened HRDD process put forward in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and clarified by the UN Working Group constitutes best practice but raises questions regarding implementation. This article explains what heightened HRDD in conflict means in practice. It examines how heightened HRDD expands the business responsibility from identifying and mitigating the impact of its operations on human rights to the impact on the conflict itself. This article draws on lessons from Myanmar, where a military coup in February 2021 caused prominent businesses to leave the country. Would a heightened HRDD process have identified additional risks and discouraged initial investment? Or would it have legitimized investment with a public rights-based, conflict sensitive HRDD process that included a clear exit strategy?
Suppression of the gene encoding PDZ domain-containing protein decreases cold tolerance and overwintering survival of the mosquito, Culex pipiens (Culicidae: Diptera)
Authors: King Bryan , Larsen Mazie , Ikenga Arinze , Sim Cheolho
Published: May 2023

In diapausing mosquitoes, cold tolerance and prolonged lifespan are important features that are crucial for overwintering success. In the mosquito Culex pipiens, we suggest that PDZ domain-containing protein (PDZ) (post synaptic density protein [PSD95], drosophila disc large tumor suppressor [Dlg1], and zonula occludens-1 protein [zo-1]) domain-containing protein is involved with these diapause features for overwintering survival in Culex mosquitoes. The expression level of pdz was significantly higher in diapausing adult females in the early stage in comparison to their nondiapausing counterparts. Suppression of the gene that encodes PDZ by RNA interference significantly decreased actin accumulation in the midgut of early-stage adult diapausing females. Inhibition of pdz also significantly reduced the survivability of diapausing females which indicates that this protein could play a key role in preserving the midgut tissues during early diapause.
The Utility of Performing Anaerobic Blood Cultures in Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Authors: Kato Hiroki , Shoji Kensuke , Jinguji Miyuki , Nishimura Nao , Nakagawa Satoshi , Miyairi Isao
Published: May 2023

Background

Several reports have suggested that routine use of anaerobic blood culture bottles together with aerobic bottles may improve blood culture positivity. However, the information is still limited regarding the utility of anaerobic blood culture bottles in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where bacteremia due to anaerobic bacteria is relatively rare.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a PICU in a tertiary children’s hospital in Japan from May 2016 to January 2020. Patients aged ≤15 years old with bacteremia, for which both aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures were submitted, were included in the study. We investigated whether the positive blood culture cases were from aerobic or anaerobic bottles. We also compared the amount of blood inoculated into culture bottles to determine the effect of blood volume on the rate of detection.

Results

During the study period, a total of 276 positive blood cultures from 67 patients were included in this study. Among the paired blood culture bottles, 22.1% were positive only for the anaerobic bottles. Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae were the most common pathogens that were detected in anaerobic bottles only. Obligate anaerobic bacteria were detected in 2 (0.7%) bottles. There was no significant difference in the amount of blood inoculated into aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles.

Conclusions

The use of anaerobic blood culture bottles in the PICU may increase the detection rate of facultative anaerobic bacteria.
OsBAK2/OsSERK2 expression is repressed by OsBZR1 to modulate brassinosteroid response and grain length in rice
Authors: Du Huaying , Yong Rong , Zhang Jiaqi , Cai Guang , Wang Ruqin , Li Jianbo , Wang Yuji , Zhang Hongsheng , Gao Xiuying , Huang Ji
Published: May 2023

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of polyhydroxylated steroidal phytohormones that are essential for plant growth and development. Rice BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1)-ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASES (OsBAKs) are plasma membrane-localized receptor kinases belonging to the subfamily of leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases. It has been found that in Arabidopsis, BRs induce the formation of a BRI1–BAK1 heterodimer complex and transmit the cascade signal to BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1/bri1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR1 (BZR1/BES1) to regulate BR signaling. Here, in rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica), we found that OsBZR1 binds directly to the promoter of OsBAK2, but not OsBAK1, and represses the expression of OsBAK2 to form a BR feedback inhibition loop. Additionally, the phosphorylation of OsBZR1 by OsGSK3 reduced its binding to the OsBAK2 promoter. The osbak2 mutant displays a typical BR-deficiency phenotype and negative modulates the accumulation of OsBZR1. Interestingly, the grain length of the osbak2 mutant was increased whereas in the cr-osbak2/cr-osbzr1 double mutant, the reduced grain length of the cr-osbzr1 mutant was restored, implying that the increased grain length of osbak2 may be due to the rice somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase-dependent pathway. Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which OsBAK2 and OsBZR1 engage in a negative feedback loop to maintain rice BR homeostasis, facilitating a deeper understanding of the BR signaling network and grain length regulation in rice.
Role of ionizing background on the statistics of metal absorbers in hydrodynamical simulations
Authors: Mallik Sukanya , Srianand Raghunathan , Maitra Soumak , Gaikwad Prakash , Khandai Nishikanta
Published: May 2023

We study the statistical properties of O vi, C iv, and Ne viii absorbers at low-z (i.e. z < 0.5) using Sherwood simulations with ‘WIND’ only and ‘WIND + AGN’ feedback and massive black-II simulation that incorporates both ‘WIND’ i.e. outflows driven by stellar feedback and active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedbacks. For each simulation, by considering a wide range of metagalactic ionizing ultraviolet background (UVB), we show the statistical properties such as distribution functions of column density (N), b-parameter and velocity spread (ΔV90), the relationship between N and b-parameter, and the fraction of Ly α absorbers showing detectable metal lines as a function of N(H i) are influenced by the UVB used. This is because UVB changes the range in density, temperature, and metallicity of gas contributing to a given absorption line. For simulations considered here, we show the difference in some of the predicted distributions between different simulations is similar to the one obtained by varying the UVB for a given simulation. Most of the observed properties of O vi absorbers are roughly matched by Sherwood simulation with ‘WIND + AGN’ feedback when using the UVB with a lower O vi ionization rate. However, this simulation fails to produce observed distributions of C iv and fraction of H i absorbers with detectable metals. Therefore, in order to constrain different feedback processes and/or UVBs, using observed properties of H i and metal ions, it is important to perform simultaneous analysis of various observable parameters.
Efficient formation of massive galaxies at cosmic dawn by feedback-free starbursts
Authors: Dekel Avishai , Sarkar Kartick C , Birnboim Yuval , Mandelker Nir , Li Zhaozhou
Published: May 2023

JWST observations indicate a surprising excess of luminous galaxies at z ∼ 10 and above, consistent with efficient conversion of the accreted gas into stars, unlike the suppression of star formation by feedback at later times. We show that the high densities and low metallicities at this epoch guarantee  a high star formation efficiency (SFE) in the most massive dark-matter haloes. Feedback-free starbursts (FFBs) occur when the free-fall time is shorter than ∼$1\, {\rm Myr}$, below the time for low-metallicity massive stars to develop winds and supernovae. This corresponds to a characteristic density of ∼$3\!\times \!10^3\, {\rm cm}^{-3}$. A comparable threshold density permits a starburst by allowing cooling to star-forming temperatures in a free-fall time. The galaxies within ∼1011 M⊙ haloes at z ∼ 10 are expected to have FFB densities. The halo masses allow efficient gas supply by cold streams in a halo crossing time ∼$80\, {\rm Myr}$. The FFBs gradually turn all the accreted gas into stars in clusters of ∼104–7 M⊙ within galaxies that are rotating discs or shells. The starbursting clouds are insensitive to radiative feedback and are shielded against feedback from earlier stars. We predict high SFE above thresholds in redshift and halo mass, where the density is $10^{3\!-\!4}\, {\rm cm}^{-3}$. The z ∼ 10 haloes of ∼1010.8 M⊙ are predicted to host galaxies of ∼1010 M⊙ with star formation rate ∼$65\,\mathrm{ M}_\odot \, {\rm yr}^{-1}$, blue colours, and sub-kpc sizes. The metallicity is ≤0.1 Z⊙ with little dust, gas, outflows, and hot circumgalactic gas, allowing a top-heavy initial mass function but not requiring it. The compact galaxies with thousands of young FFB clusters may have implications on reionization, black hole growth, and globular clusters.
Synergizing 21 cm and submillimetre surveys during reionization: new empirical insights
Authors: Padmanabhan Hamsa
Published: May 2023

We use the latest results from Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) surveys targeting the ionized carbon [C ii] 158 μm and oxygen [O iii] 88 μm lines, in combination with data-driven predictions for the evolution of neutral hydrogen (H i), to illustrate the prospects for intensity mapping cross-correlations between 21 cm and submillimetre surveys over z ∼ 5 – 7. We work with a data set including the ALPINE and REBELS surveys for [C ii] over z ∼ 4.5 – 7, and ALMA [O iii] detections over z ∼ 6 – 9. The resultant evolution of the [C ii] luminosity–halo mass relation is well described by a double power law at high redshifts, with the best-fitting parameters in good agreement with the results of simulations. The data favour secure detections of the autopower spectrum of [C ii] at all redshifts with an enhanced Fred Young Submillimetre Telescope (FYST)-like configuration. Such an experiment, along with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) will be able to measure the 21 cm - [C ii] cross-correlation power with a signal-to-noise ratio of a few tens to a few hundreds. We find that a balloon-borne experiment improving upon the Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping (EXCLAIM) should be able to detect the 21 cm - [O iii] cross-correlation with the MWA and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-LOW out to z ∼ 7. Our results have implications for constraining the evolution of luminous sources during the mid-to-end stages of reionization.
Detection of the free precession period of the accreting neutron star in 4U 1820–30
Authors: Chen D D , Liu Q Z
Published: May 2023

Detection of free precession is very important for analysing the internal structure of neutron stars. So far, because of the interference of the accretion process, no feasible method has been proposed to detect the precession of accreting neutron stars in both theory and observations. Based on the analysis of archive data from Chandra and the Neutron Star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) of the ultra-compact X-ray binary system 4U 1820–30, we find that the energy spectra have a stable sinusoidal bi-directional oscillation period near 1000 s, no matter which state the X-ray binary system is in. After we fit the energy spectra and carry out Fourier decomposition of the fitting parameters, we find that this period is more steadily emitted from the neutron star. We discuss the possible origin of this period and conclude that the period is most likely the free precession period of the neutron star in 4U 1820–30. Its nutation can result in the seesaw-like periodical bi-directional oscillation we find in this paper.
Innovative insights into extrachromosomal circular DNAs in gynecologic tumors and reproduction
Authors: Wu Ning , Wei Ling , Zhu Zhipeng , Liu Qiang , Li Kailong , Mao Fengbiao , Qiao Jie , Zhao Xiaolu
Published: May 2023

Originating but free from chromosomal DNA, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are organized in circular form and have long been found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Their biogenesis and function are poorly understood as they are characterized by sequence homology with linear DNA, for which few detection methods are available. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed that eccDNAs play crucial roles in tumor formation, evolution, and drug resistance as well as aging, genomic diversity, and other biological processes, bringing it back to the research hotspot. Several mechanisms of eccDNA formation have been proposed, including the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) and translocation–deletion–amplification models. Gynecologic tumors and disorders of embryonic and fetal development are major threats to human reproductive health. The roles of eccDNAs in these pathological processes have been partially elucidated since the first discovery of eccDNA in pig sperm and the double minutes in ovarian cancer ascites. The present review summarized the research history, biogenesis, and currently available detection and analytical methods for eccDNAs and clarified their functions in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. We also proposed the application of eccDNAs as drug targets and liquid biopsy markers for prenatal diagnosis and the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. This review lays theoretical foundations for future investigations into the complex regulatory networks of eccDNAs in vital physiological and pathological processes.
Selfish Corporations
Authors: Colonnelli Emanuele , Gormsen Niels Joachim , McQuade Tim
Published: May 2023

We study how perceptions of corporate responsibility influence policy preferences and the effectiveness of corporate communication when agents have imperfect memory recall. Using a new large-scale survey of U.S. citizens on their support for corporate bailouts, we first establish that the public demands corporations to behave better within society, a sentiment we label “big business discontent.” Using random variation in the order of survey sections and in the exposure to animated videos, we then show that priming respondents to think about corporate responsibility lowers the support for bailouts. This finding suggests that big business discontent influences policy preferences. Furthermore, we find that messages which paint a positive picture of corporate responsibility can “backfire,” as doing so brings attention to an aspect on which the public has negative views. In contrast, reframing corporate bailouts in terms of economic tradeoffs increases support for the policy. We develop a memory-based model of decision-making and communication to rationalize these findings.
Mobile Application for Adhering to Diabetic Foot Self-care
Authors: Marques Antonio Dean Barbosa , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães , Mourão Luana Feitosa , Florêncio Raquel Sampaio , Cestari Virna Ribeiro Feitosa , Garces Thiago Santos , Bruno Nathalia Alves
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of a mobile application for adherence to foot self-care in people with type 2 diabetes at risk for diabetic foot ulcer. A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with people with type 2 diabetes in a secondary healthcare unit. A total of 42 patients were recruited, matched, and allocated into two groups: one (intervention group) undergoing standard nursing consultations and application use and the other (control group) receiving only standard nursing consultations. The outcome variable was the adherence to foot self-care, measured by completing questionnaires on diabetes self-care activities and adherence to foot self-care. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated, in addition to bivariate associations, considering a significance level of P ≤ .05. The intragroup and intergroup analyses regarding diabetes self-care did not show statistical significance; however, the intervention group showed a considerable increase in the frequency of daily assessments (P = .048) and adherence to foot self-care (P = .046). The use of the app, combined with the nursing consultation, increased adherence to foot self-care of people with type 2 diabetes.

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: U1111-1202-6318.
Pharmacological strategies in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning failure: a call to action
Authors: González-Ruiz Francisco J. , Baranda-Tovar Francisco M. , Baeza-Herrera Luis A. , Utrilla-Álvarez José D. , Quirázco-Cordova Ricardo E. , Rojas-Velasco Gustavo
Published: May 2023

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has emerged as a viable alternative for stabilizing and improving critically ill patients in acute cardiovascular diseases. However, the weaning stage has been associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This makes searching for strategies that reduce failure in this final process necessary. Implementing a new approach must be tried and included in our protocols, seeking the patient’s well-being at all times. In this article, the authors discuss their point of view regarding potential pharmacological alternatives and the mechanism of action involved, which could decrease the mortality associated with this therapeutic.
A scientific perspective of how and why Omicron is less severe than SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Parise Rachel , Ramesh Sindhu , Ren Jun , Govindarajulu Manoj Y. , Nadar Rishi M. , Pathak Suhrud , Moore Timothy , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan
Published: May 2023

Omicron is currently the dominant variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Omicron is associated with mild symptoms, although it can cause harmful effects in high-risk patient populations. Omicron and COVID-19 affect multiple organ systems, including the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, ophthalmic system, genitourinary tract, and musculoskeletal system. COVID-19 infects additional organ systems, including the hematological system, hepatobiliary system, renal system, and dermatologic system. The viral-induced complications were compared to discuss the effects of Omicron versus the authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus, revealing less detrimental outcomes for Omicron. Moreover, COVID-19 is more likely to infect older adults, males, and obesity with mild to severe symptoms. Omicron causes mild symptoms in younger populations and overweight females. Data were acquired using PubMed, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and the World Health Organization. COVID-19 and Omicron mechanisms causing organ system-related complications are likely because of the natural immune response to the active infection, the uncontrollable release of cytokines causing cytokine release syndrome, and direct viral damage through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/transmembrane serine protease 2 receptor binding and entrance to the host cell for infection.
PROMs after Lymphatic Reconstructive Surgery: Is There a Correlation between Volume Reduction and Quality of Life?
Authors: Grünherz Lisanne , Barbon Carlotta , Gousopoulos Epameinondas , Uyulmaz Semra , Giovanoli Pietro , Lindenblatt Nicole
Published: May 2023

Background:

Patients with upper limb lymphedema and lower limb lymphedema experience a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that affect quality of life. The benefits of lymphatic reconstructive surgery for patients with lymphedema are undisputed. However, recording volume reduction alone may be insufficient with regard to postoperative outcome because measurements are often inadequate, depend on many factors, and do not reflect improvement in quality of life.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective single center study patients receiving lymphatic reconstructive surgery. Patients received volume measurements preoperatively and at standardized postoperative intervals. To evaluate patient-reported outcomes, patients completed the following questionnaires: LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity Module, quickDASH, SF 36, Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale at the aforementioned intervals.

Results:

We included 55 patients with upper limb lymphedema (24%) and lower limb lymphedema (73%) of lymphedema grades I–III. Patients received lymphovenous anastomosis only (23%), free vascularized lymph node transfer (35%) or a combination of both (42%). Analysis of patient-reported outcome measurements revealed improvements with respect to a broad range of complaints, particularly physical function, symptoms, and psychological well-being. There was no correlation between the extent of volume reduction and improvement in quality of life (Pearson correlation coefficient below ±0.7; P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Based on a broad range of outcome measurements, we observed an improved quality of life in almost all patients, even in those without measurable volume loss of the extremity operated on, which emphasizes the need for a standardized use of patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate the benefits of lymphatic reconstructive surgery.
Septic Arthritis Caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae: A Pediatric Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fukayama Haruka , Myojin Shota , Funaki Takanori , Fukuda Yoshitsugu , Nakamura Tomoo , Ishiguro Akira , Ogimi Chikara
Published: May 2023

We report a healthy 5-year-old boy without apparent risk factors who developed septic arthritis of the hip from Haemohilus parainfluenzae infection. A literature review revealed only 4 pediatric cases of osteoarticular infection caused by this pathogen. To our knowledge, our case may be the first pediatric case of septic arthritis of the hip caused by H. parainfluenzae.