bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aguascalientes: one of the hottest chronic kidney disease (CKD) hotspots in Mexico and a CKD of unknown aetiology mystery to be solved
Authors: Villalvazo Priscila , Carriazo Sol , Martin-Cleary Catalina , Ortiz Alberto
Published: July 2021

In a recent issue of Clinical Kidney Journal (CKJ), Gutierrez-Peña et al. reported a high incidence and prevalence of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This contradicts Global Burden of Disease estimates, which should be updated. A key component of this high burden of CKD relates to young people ages 20–40 years in whom the cause of CKD was unknown [CKD of unknown aetiology (CKDu)]. The incidence of kidney replacement therapy in this age group in Aguascalientes is among the highest in the world, second only to Taiwan. However, high-altitude Aguascalientes, with a year-round average temperature of 19°C, does not fit the geography of other CKDu hotspots. Furthermore, kidney biopsies in young people showed a high prevalence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Potential causes of CKDu in Aguascalientes include the genetic background (no evidence, although podocytopathy genes should be explored) and environmental factors. The highest prevalence of CKD was found in Calvillo, known for guava farming. Thus guava itself, known to contain bioactive, potentially nephrotoxic molecules and pesticides, should be explored. Additionally, there are reports of water sources in Aguascalientes contaminated with heavy metals and/or pesticides. These include fluoride (increased levels found in Calvillo drinking water) as well as naturally occurring arsenic, among others. Fluoride may accumulate in bone and cause kidney disease years later, and maternal exposure to excess fluoride may cause kidney disease in offspring. We propose a research agenda to clarify the cause of CKDu in Aguascalientes that should involve international funders. The need for urgent action to identify and stem the cause of the high incidence of CKD extends to other CKD hotspots in Mexico, including Tierra Blanca in Veracruz and Poncitlan in Jalisco.
Mechanical ventilation at the time of heart transplantation and associations with clinical outcomes
Authors: Miller P Elliott , Mullan Clancy W , Chouairi Fouad , Sen Sounok , Clark Katherine A , Reinhardt Samuel , Fuery Michael , Anwer Muhammad , Geirsson Arnar , Formica Richard , Rogers Joseph G , Desai Nihar R , Ahmad Tariq
Published: July 2021

Aims

The impact of mechanical ventilation (MV) at the time of heart transplantation is not well understood. In addition, MV was recently removed as a criterion from the new US heart transplantation allocation system. We sought to assess for the association between MV at transplantation and 1-year mortality.

Methods and results

We utilized the United Network for Organ Sharing database and included all adult, single organ heart transplantations from 1990 to 2019. We utilized multivariable logistic regression adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and markers of clinical acuity. We identified 60 980 patients who underwent heart transplantation, 2.4% (n = 1431) of which required MV at transplantation. Ventilated patients were more likely to require temporary mechanical support, previous dialysis, and had a shorter median waitlist time (21 vs. 95 days, P < 0.001). At 1 year, the mortality was 33.7% (n = 484) for ventilated patients and 11.7% (n = 6967) for those not ventilated at the time of transplantation (log-rank P < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, patients requiring MV continued to have a substantially higher 90-day [odds ratio (OR) 3.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.79–3.66, P < 0.001] and 1-year mortality (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 2.36–3.03, P < 0.001). For those that survived to 90 days, the adjusted mortality at 1 year continued to be higher (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16–1.89, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

We found a strong association between the presence of MV at heart transplantation and 90-day and 1-year mortality. Future studies are needed to identify which patients requiring MV have reasonable outcomes, and which are associated with substantially poorer outcomes.
Concerns about the use of digoxin in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Bugiardini Raffaele , Cenko Edina , Yoon Jinsung , van der Schaar Mihaela , Kedev Sasko , Gale Chris P , Vasiljevic Zorana , Bergami Maria , Miličić Davor , Zdravkovic Marija , Krljanac Gordana , Badimon Lina , Manfrini Olivia
Published: July 2021

Aims

The use of digitalis has been plagued by controversy since its initial use. We aimed to determine the relationship between digoxin use and outcomes in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) complicated by heart failure (HF) accounting for sex difference and prior heart diseases.

Methods and results

Of the 25 187 patients presenting with acute HF (Killip class ≥2) in the International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes Archives (NCT04008173) registry, 4722 (18.7%) received digoxin on hospital admission. The main outcome measure was all-cause 30-day mortality. Estimates were evaluated by inverse probability of treatment weighting models. Women who received digoxin had a higher rate of death than women who did not receive it [33.8% vs. 29.2%; relative risk (RR) ratio: 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.37]. Similar odds for mortality with digoxin were observed in men (28.5% vs. 24.9%; RR ratio: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.10–1.32). Comparable results were obtained in patients with no prior coronary heart disease (RR ratio: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.45 in women and RR ratio: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06–1.39 in men) and those in sinus rhythm at admission (RR ratio: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15–1.54 in women and RR ratio: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.45 in men).

Conclusion

Digoxin therapy is associated with an increased risk of early death among women and men with ACS complicated by HF. This finding highlights the need for re-examination of digoxin use in the clinical setting of ACS.
The Virtuous Cycle of Agreement
Authors: Louis Philippos , Núñez Matías , Xefteris Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

Collective choice mechanisms are used by groups to reach decisions in the presence of diverging preferences. But can the employed mechanism affect the degree of post-decision actual agreement (i.e., preference homogeneity) within a group? And if so, which are the features of the choice mechanisms that matter? Since it is difficult to address these questions in natural settings, we employ a theory-driven experiment where, after the group collectively decides on an issue, individual preferences can be properly elicited. We find that decision mechanisms that promote consensual behaviour generate substantially higher levels of post-decision actual agreement compared to outcome-wise identical procedures that incentivise subjects to exaggerate their differences.
Gain in net survival from hypertension control over the last half-century
Authors: Lantelme Pierre , Moulayat Chahinaz , Courand Pierre-Yves , Mouly-Bertin Carine , Debouzy-Berge Constance , Rial Marie-Odile , Iwaz Jean , Harbaoui Brahim , Riche Benjamin , Rabilloud Muriel
Published: July 2021

Aims

This study determined whether the improvements in hypertension management over the last five decades have influenced subjects’ prognosis.

Methods and results 

The study considered 5693 eligible subjects seen January 1969 to February 1991 (follow-up until December 2003) or January 1995 to October 2014 (follow-up until July 2016) in an all-grade hypertension reference centre. Missing data or incomplete follow-ups led to exclude 1036 subjects (18%). The outcome was all-cause death. An adjusted modelling of the excess mortality rate assessed subjects’ net survival over five inclusion periods to allow for the increase in life expectancy of the general population during the same periods. The analysis of 4657 records (mean age: 47 years; 43.2% women) showed that the proportion of subjects with grade 3 hypertension decreased significantly from 43.3% (1142) to only 6.3% (22) over the five periods and that the net survival improved in men and women regardless of the hypertension grade; i.e. the gain in net survival at 15 years was estimated at 12.3% (95% confidence interval: 8.1–22.3). The 15-year restricted mean survival was estimated at 13 years over the first period and 14.8 years over the last period, which is nearly a 2-year gain in life expectancy at 15 years.

Conclusion 

Since the 70s and the advent of modern management, the excess mortality of hypertensive subjects (vs. the general population) was markedly reduced. Within a context of trivialization of blood pressure measurement and reluctance to long-term treatments, physicians should consider this advantage and use it to promote blood pressure control.
Epicardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease: a single-centre experience over 12 years
Authors: Darma Angeliki , Bertagnolli Livio , Weber Alexander , Dinov Borislav , Torri Federica , Lurz Julia Anna , Shamloo Alireza Sepehri , Dagres Nikolaos , Bollmann Andreas , Hindricks Gerhard , Arya Arash
Published: July 2021

Aims

Epicardial ablation has risen to an essential part of the treatment of ventricular tachycardias (VTs). In this study, we report the efficacy, risks, and current trends of epicardial ablation in structural heart disease as reported in a tertiary single centre over a 12-year period.

Methods and results

Two hundred and thirty-six patients referred for VT ablation underwent a successful epicardial access and were included in the analysis (89% non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, 90% males, mean age 60 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 38.4%). After performing epicardial ablation the clinical VTs were eliminated in 87% of the patients and 71% of the cohort achieved freedom from VT during 22-month follow-up. Twelve patients (5%) suffered major procedure-related complications. Until the end of follow-up 47 (20%) patients died, 9 (4%) underwent a left ventricular assist device implantation and 10 (4%) patients received a heart transplantation. Antiarrhythmic drugs at baseline and during follow-up were independent predictors of VT recurrence. Atrial fibrillation, renal dysfunction, worse New York Heart Association class, and antiarrhythmic drugs at follow-up were associated with worse survival in our cohort.

Conclusion

In this large tertiary single-centre experience, percutaneous epicardial access was feasible in the large majority of the cohort with acceptably low complications rates. A combined endo-/epicardial approach resulted in 87% acute and 71% long-term success. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of routine combined endo-/epicardial ablation in these complex cardiomyopathies.
Estimation of forest canopy structure and understory light using spherical panorama images from smartphone photography
Authors: Arietta A Z Andis
Published: July 2021

Accurate estimates of forest canopy structure are central for a wide range of ecological studies. Hemispherical photography (HP) is a popular tool to estimate canopy attributes. However, traditional HP methods require expensive equipment, are sensitive to exposure settings, and produce limited resolution which dramatically affects the accuracy of gap fraction estimates. As an alternative, hemispherical images can be extracted from spherical panoramas produced by many smartphone camera applications. I compared hemispherical photos captured with a digital single lens reflex camera and 180° lens to those extracted from smartphone spherical panoramas (SSP). The SSP HP method leverages built-in features of current generation smartphones to produce sharper images of higher resolution, resulting in more definition of fine canopy structure. Canopy openness and global site factor from SSP HP are highly correlated with traditional methods (R2 > 0.9), while leaf area index estimates are lower, especially in more closed canopies where traditional methods fail to capture fine gaps.
Genome archaeology of two laboratory Salmonella enterica enterica sv Typhimurium
Authors: Zaworski Julie , Dagva Oyut , Kingston Anthony W , Fomenkov Alexey , Morgan Richard D , Bossi Lionello , Raleigh Elisabeth A
Published: July 2021

The Salmonella research community has used strains and bacteriophages over decades, exchanging useful new isolates among laboratories for the study of cell surface antigens, metabolic pathways and restriction-modification (RM) studies. Here we present the sequences of two laboratory Salmonella strains (STK005, an isolate of LB5000; and its descendant ER3625). In the ancestry of LB5000, segments of ∼15 and ∼42 kb were introduced from Salmonella enterica sv Abony 803 into S. enterica sv Typhimurium LT2, forming strain SD14; this strain is thus a hybrid of S. enterica isolates. Strains in the SD14 lineage were used to define flagellar antigens from the 1950s to the 1970s, and to define three RM systems from the 1960s to the 1980s. LB5000 was also used as a host in phage typing systems used by epidemiologists. In the age of cheaper and easier sequencing, this resource will provide access to the sequence that underlies the extensive literature.
Discovery of new vascular disrupting agents based on evolutionarily conserved drug action, pesticide resistance mutations, and humanized yeast
Authors: Garge Riddhiman K , Cha Hye Ji , Lee Chanjae , Gollihar Jimmy D , Kachroo Aashiq H , Wallingford John B , Marcotte Edward M
Published: July 2021

Thiabendazole (TBZ) is an FDA-approved benzimidazole widely used for its antifungal and antihelminthic properties. We showed previously that TBZ is also a potent vascular disrupting agent and inhibits angiogenesis at the tissue level by dissociating vascular endothelial cells in newly formed blood vessels. Here, we uncover TBZ’s molecular target and mechanism of action. Using human cell culture, molecular modeling, and humanized yeast, we find that TBZ selectively targets only 1 of 9 human β-tubulin isotypes (TUBB8) to specifically disrupt endothelial cell microtubules. By leveraging epidemiological pesticide resistance data and mining chemical features of commercially used benzimidazoles, we discover that a broader class of benzimidazole compounds, in extensive use for 50 years, also potently disrupt immature blood vessels and inhibit angiogenesis. Thus, besides identifying the molecular mechanism of benzimidazole-mediated vascular disruption, this study presents evidence relevant to the widespread use of these compounds while offering potential new clinical applications.
Bereavement From COVID-19, Gender, and Reports of Depression Among Older Adults in Europe
Authors: Wang Haowei , Verdery Ashton M , Margolis Rachel , Smith-Greenaway Emily
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has left older adults around the world bereaved by the sudden death of relatives and friends. We examine if COVID-19 bereavement corresponds with older adults’ reporting depression in 27 countries and test for variations by gender and country context.

Method

We analyze the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe COVID-19 data collected between June and August 2020 from 51,383 older adults (age 50–104) living in 27 countries, of whom 1,363 reported the death of a relative or friend from COVID-19. We estimate pooled multilevel logit regression models to examine if COVID-19 bereavement is associated with self-reported depression and worsening depression, and we test whether national COVID-19 mortality rates moderate these associations.

Results

COVID-19 bereavement is associated with significantly higher probabilities of both reporting depression and reporting worsened depression among older adults. Net of one’s own personal loss, living in a country with the highest COVID-19 mortality rate is associated with women’s reports of worsened depression but not men’s. However, the country’s COVID-19 mortality rate does not moderate associations between COVID-19 bereavement and depression.

Discussion

COVID-19 deaths have lingering mental health implications for surviving older adults. Even as the collective toll of the crisis is apparent, bereaved older adults are in particular need of mental health support.
Excess membrane binding of monomeric alpha-, beta- and gamma-synuclein is invariably associated with inclusion formation and toxicity
Authors: Kim Tae-Eun , Newman Andrew J , Imberdis Thibaut , Brontesi Lisa , Tripathi Arati , Ramalingam Nagendran , Fanning Saranna , Selkoe Dennis , Dettmer Ulf
Published: July 2021

α-Synuclein (αS) has been well-documented to play a role in human synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). First, the lesions found in PD/DLB brains—Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites—are rich in aggregated αS. Second, genetic evidence links missense mutations and increased αS expression to familial forms of PD/DLB. Third, toxicity and cellular stress can be caused by αS under certain experimental conditions. In contrast, the homologs β-synuclein (βS) and γ-synuclein (γS) are not typically found in Lewy bodies/neurites, have not been clearly linked to brain diseases and have been largely non-toxic in experimental settings. In αS, the so-called non-amyloid-β component of plaques (NAC) domain, constituting amino acids 61–95, has been identified to be critical for aggregation in vitro. This domain is partially absent in βS and only incompletely conserved in γS, which could explain why both homologs do not cause disease. However, αS in vitro aggregation and cellular toxicity have not been firmly linked experimentally, and it has been proposed that excess αS membrane binding is sufficient to induce neurotoxicity. Indeed, recent characterizations of Lewy bodies have highlighted the accumulation of lipids and membranous organelles, raising the possibility that βS and γS could also become neurotoxic if they were more prone to membrane/lipid binding. Here, we increased βS and γS membrane affinity by strategic point mutations and demonstrate that these proteins behave like membrane-associated monomers, are cytotoxic and form round cytoplasmic inclusions that can be prevented by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase.
Integrative Studies of Sexual Selection in Manakins, a Clade of Charismatic Tropical Birds
Authors: Alfonso Camilo , Jones Blake C , Vernasco Ben J , Moore Ignacio T
Published: July 2021

The neotropical manakins (family Pipridae) provide a great opportunity for integrative studies of sexual selection as nearly all of the 51 species are lek-breeding, an extreme form of polygyny, and highly sexually dimorphic both in appearance and behavior. Male courtship displays are often elaborate and include auditory cues, both vocal and mechanical, as well as visual elements. In addition, the displays are often extremely rapid, highly acrobatic, and, in some species, multiple males perform coordinated displays that form the basis of long-term coalitions. Male manakins also exhibit unique neuroendocrine, physiological, and anatomical adaptations to support the performance of these complex displays and the maintenance of their intricate social systems. The Manakin Genomics Research Coordination Network (Manakin RCN, https://www.manakinsrcn.org) has brought together researchers (many in this symposium and this issue) from across disciplines to address the implications of sexual selection on evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology in manakins. The objective of this paper is to present some of the most pertinent and integrative manakin research as well as introducing the papers presented in this issue. The results discussed at the manakin symposium, part of the 2021 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Conference, highlight the remarkable genomic, behavioral, and physiological adaptations as well as the evolutionary causes and consequences of strong sexual selection pressures that are evident in manakins.
Medicines management at home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study exploring the UK patient/carer perspective
Authors: Garfield Sara , Wheeler Carly , Boucher Charles , Etkind Mike , Lloyd Jill , Norton John , Ogunleye Della , Taylor Alex , Williams Marney , Grimes Tamasine , Kelly Dervla , Franklin Bryony Dean
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To explore home medicine practices and safety for people shielding and/or over the age of 70 during the COVID-19 pandemic and to create guidance, from the patient/carer perspective, for enabling safe medicine practices for this population.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 50 UK participants who were shielding and/or over the age of 70 and who used medicines for a long-term condition, using telephone or video conferencing. Participants were recruited through personal/professional networks and through patient/carer organisations. Participants were asked about their experiences of managing medicines during the pandemic and how this differed from previous practices. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Key findings

Patients’ and their families’ experiences of managing medicines safely during the pandemic varied greatly. Analysis suggests that this was based on the patient’s own agency, the functioning of their medicines system pre-pandemic and their relationships with family, friends, community networks and pharmacy staff. Medicine safety issues reported included omitted doses and less-effective formulations being used. Participants also described experiencing high levels of anxiety related to obtaining medicines, monitoring medicines and feeling at risk of contracting COVID-19 while accessing healthcare services for medicine-related issues. Effects of the pandemic on medicines adherence were reported to be positive by some and negative by others.

Conclusions

Pharmacy staff have a key role to play by establishing good relationships with patients and their families, working with prescribers to ensure medicines systems are as joined up as possible, and signposting to community networks that can help with medicines collection.
Characterizing the Relationship Between Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Survival on Cry3Bb1-Expressing Corn and Larval Development Metrics
Authors: Reinders Jordan D , Wangila David S , Robinson Emily A , French B Wade , Meinke Lance J
Published: July 2021

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a significant pest of field corn, Zea mays L. (Poales: Poaceae), across the United States Corn Belt. Widespread adoption and continuous use of corn hybrids expressing the Cry3Bb1 protein to manage the western corn rootworm has resulted in greater than expected injury to Cry3Bb1-expressing hybrids in multiple areas of Nebraska. Single-plant bioassays were conducted on larval western corn rootworm populations to determine the level of resistance present in various Nebraska counties. The results confirmed a mosaic of susceptibility to Cry3Bb1 across Nebraska. Larval development metrics, including head capsule width and fresh weight, were measured to quantify the relationship between the level of resistance to Cry3Bb1 and larval developmental rate. Regression and correlation analyses indicate a significant positive relationship between Cry3Bb1 corrected survival and both larval development metrics. Results indicate that as the level of resistance to Cry3Bb1 within field populations increases, mean head capsule width and larval fresh weight also increase. This increases our understanding of western corn rootworm population dynamics and age structure variability present in the transgenic landscape that is part of the complex interaction of factors that drives resistance evolution. This collective variability and complexity within the landscape reinforces the importance of making corn rootworm management decisions based on information collected at the local level.
Effect of BG-Lures on the Male Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) Sound Trap Capture Rates
Authors: Staunton Kyran M , Goi Joelyn , Townsend Michael , Ritchie Scott A , Crawford Jacob E , Snoad Nigel , Karl Stephan , Burkot Thomas R
Published: July 2021

With global expansion of the two main vectors of dengue, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, Diptera: Culicidae), there is a need to further develop cost-effective and user-friendly surveillance tools to monitor the population dynamics of these species. The abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus, and associated bycatch captured by Male Aedes Sound Traps (MASTs) and BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps that were unbaited or baited with BG-Lures were compared in Cairns, Australia and Madang, Papua New Guinea. Mean male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus catch rates in MASTs did not significantly differ when deployed with BG-Lures. Similarly, males of both these species were not sampled at statistically different rates in BGS traps with or without BG-Lures. However, MASTs with BG-Lures caught significantly less male Ae. aegypti than BGS traps baited with BG-Lures in Cairns, and MASTs without BG-Lures caught significantly more male Ae. albopictus than BGS traps without BG-Lures in Madang. Additionally, BG-Lures significantly increased female Ae. aegypti catch rates in BGS traps in Cairns. Lastly, bycatch capture rates in BGS traps were not significantly influenced by the addition of the BG-Lures. While this study provides useful information regarding the surveillance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in these locations, further development and investigation is required to successfully integrate an olfactory lure into the MAST system.
Timing of Aspirin Use Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Shiyu , Xie Wenhui , Fan Yihan , Zhou Liya
Published: July 2021

Background

Exposure of aspirin has been associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, but aspirin use in relation to CRC patients’ mortality remains undetermined. It is necessary to quantify the association between aspirin use and CRC mortality.

Methods

Two authors independently searched the electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from 1947 through April 25, 2020. All observational studies assessing the association between different timing of aspirin use and CRC mortality were included. The effect size on study outcomes was calculated using random-effect model and presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of included studies were also assessed.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Prediagnosis aspirin use was not associated with CRC-specific mortality (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.05) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.31). A statistically significant association between continued aspirin use and improvement in both CRC-specific mortality (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.81) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.93) was observed. Postdiagnosis use of aspirin was associated only with reduced all-cause mortality (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.94).

Conclusions

Continued aspirin use before and after CRC diagnosis has the most advantage regarding the improvement of CRC mortality. Nevertheless, further prospective trials and mechanistic studies are highly warranted.
Colon angiolipoma with intussusception resected by laparoscopy-assisted surgery: a case report
Authors: Kimura Akiharu , Morinaga Nobuhiro , Tajima Kohei , Ogata Kyoichi , Kato Hiroyuki , Sohda Makoto , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Angiolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that often occur under the skin of the upper extremity or thoracic and abdominal walls. Angiolipomas of the digestive tract are rare. Here, we describe a case of transverse colon angiolipoma with intussusception resected by laparoscopy-assisted surgery. A 50-year-old woman visited a family hospital with complaints of left lower abdominal pain and bloody stool. Colonoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor in her left colon. She was referred to our hospital for further examination. Computed tomography revealed a low-density tumor with intussusception in the left transverse colon. Elective surgery was planned for this patient because there were no alarming symptoms such as ileus or obstruction. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery and partial resection of the left transverse colon were performed. The histopathological diagnosis was angiolipoma of the colon. Angiolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that rarely occur in the digestive tract. Thus, accurate preoperative diagnosis is difficult.
‘Departure from a Sinking World’: Jewish Emigration from Austria between 1933 and 1938
Authors: Anderl Gabriele
Published: July 2021

Hitler’s rise to power in Germany in 1933 was a highly alarming signal for the Austrian Jewish population. Many recognized the seriousness of the situation and considered emigrating, but only some of them did so. The reactions were influenced by a number of factors—age, gender, family background, further socialization, private, professional, and organizational networks, financial situation, the role of religion, the attitude towards Zionism, and political convictions. For the vast majority who did not emigrate before 1938, a lack of awareness of the danger cannot always be assumed.

Antisemitism in Austria was almost always a factor in the decision to emigrate. The difficult economic situation in the interwar period had a particularly strong impact on the Jewish population due to discrimination in professional life. The Austrofascist regime did not enact antisemitic laws, but did not protect Jews from various forms of attack. Members of the banned left-wing parties were threatened with prosecution and internment—a motive for flight.

I try to find out how much scope for action, how much agency, Austrian Jews possessed during the period from 1933 to 1938. I investigate the factors that led to the decision of individuals to emigrate and the circumstances that encouraged or hindered the realization of such plans—in a time when nobody could foresee the Shoah. Since the bare figures on Jewish emigration during this period do not allow any insight into personal motifs, we remain largely dependent on individual testimonies.
Are economic growth and well-being compatible? Welfare reform and life satisfaction in Japan
Authors: Sarracino Francesco , O’Connor Kelsey J , Ono Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Whether economic growth improves the human lot is a matter of conditions. We focus on Japan, a country which shifted in the 1990s from a pattern of rampant economic growth and stagnant well-being, to one of modest growth and increasing well-being. We discuss concurrent policy reforms and analyse the changes in well-being. In particular, we assess whether the correlates of the increase in well-being are consistent with those expected from the reforms. We apply Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition to World Values Survey data. Results show that improved conditions for the elderly, parents and women, that is the primary groups targeted by the reforms, correlate with well-being increases. This evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that social safety nets can make economic growth compatible with sustained increases in well-being.
Advances in Cell Wall Matrix Research with a Focus on Mixed-Linkage Glucan
Authors: Kim Sang-Jin , Brandizzi Federica
Published: July 2021

Mixed β(1,3;1,4)-linkage glucan (MLG) is commonly found in the monocot lineage, at particularly high levels in the Poaceae family, but also in the evolutionally distant genus, Equisetum. MLG has several properties that make it unique from other plant cell wall polysaccharides. It consists of β1,4-linked polymers of glucose interspersed with β1,3-linkages, but the presence of β1,3-linkages provides quite different physical properties compared to its closest form of the cell wall component, cellulose. The mechanisms of MLG biosynthesis have been investigated to understand whether single or multiple enzymes are required to build mixed linkages in the glucan chain. Currently, MLG synthesis by a single enzyme is supported by mutagenesis analyses of cellulose synthase-like F6, the major MLG synthase, but further investigation is needed to gather mechanistic insights. Because of transient accumulation of MLG in elongating cells and vegetative tissues, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the role of MLG in the plant cell wall. Studies have been carried out to identify gene expression regulators during development and light cycles as well as enzymes involved in MLG organization in the cell wall. A role of MLG as a storage molecule in grains is evident, but the role of MLG in vegetative tissues is still not well understood. Characterization of a cell wall component is difficult due to the complex heterogeneity of the plant cell wall. However, as detailed in this review, recent exciting research has made significant impacts in the understanding of MLG biology in plants.
Frequency of flow limitation using airflow shape
Authors: Mann Dwayne L , Georgeson Thomas , Landry Shane A , Edwards Bradley A , Azarbarzin Ali , Vena Daniel , Hess Lauren B , Wellman Andrew , Redline Susan , Sands Scott A , Terrill Philip I
Published: July 2021

Study Objectives

The presence of flow limitation during sleep is associated with adverse health consequences independent of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI), but remains extremely challenging to quantify. Here we present a unique library and an accompanying automated method that we apply to investigate flow limitation during sleep.

Methods

A library of 117,871 breaths (N = 40 participants) were visually classified (certain flow limitation, possible flow limitation, normal) using airflow shape and physiological signals (ventilatory drive per intra-esophageal diaphragm EMG). An ordinal regression model was developed to quantify flow limitation certainty using flow-shape features (e.g. flattening, scooping); breath-by-breath agreement (Cohen’s ƙ); and overnight flow limitation frequency (R2, %breaths in certain or possible categories during sleep) were compared against visual scoring. Subsequent application examined flow limitation frequency during arousals and stable breathing, and associations with ventilatory drive.

Results

The model (23 features) assessed flow limitation with good agreement (breath-by-breath ƙ = 0.572, p < 0.001) and minimal error (overnight flow limitation frequency R2 = 0.86, error = 7.2%). Flow limitation frequency was largely independent of AHI (R2 = 0.16) and varied widely within individuals with OSA (74[32–95]%breaths, mean[range], AHI > 15/h, N = 22). Flow limitation was unexpectedly frequent but variable during arousals (40[5–85]%breaths) and stable breathing (58[12–91]%breaths), and was associated with elevated ventilatory drive (R2 = 0.26–0.29; R2 < 0.01 AHI v. drive).

Conclusions

Our method enables quantification of flow limitation frequency, a key aspect of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing that is independent of the AHI and often unavailable. Flow limitation frequency varies widely between individuals, is prevalent during arousals and stable breathing, and reveals elevated ventilatory drive.

Clinical trial registration: The current observational physiology study does not qualify as a clinical trial.
“This Is a Union of Values”: The Rise of the LGBTI Rights Norm as Part of the EU’s Identity Construction
Authors: Eigenmann Laura
Published: July 2021

Since the early 1990s, the EU has increasingly institutionalized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights and more recently started to use them as a symbol for its modern and progressive identity. This article investigates this development, focusing on EU actors and institutions. Combining a genealogical analysis with the analysis of current discursive struggles around LGBTI rights within EU institutions, it shows that the rise of LGBTI rights is closely intertwined with the search for a common European identity, shared values, and attempts to strengthen solidarity in times when right-wing, nationalist, and Eurosceptic movements are increasingly challenging the EU’s legitimacy.
Bioassays to screen the toxicity in drinking water samples collected in Brazilian rural area
Authors: Brucker Natália , Menezes Charlene , Charão Mariele Feiffer , da Silva Laura Cé , Sant’anna Oliveira Talitha Stella , Menezes Júlia M , Muller Isadora , Gioda Adriana , de Carvalho Bruna Rafaela Fretag , de Castro Paz Calheiros Octávio , Rizzetti Tiele Medianeira , Zanella Renato , Garcia Solange Cristina
Published: July 2021

Agriculture activities have increased the concentration of pesticides and metals in the environment. The excessive use of pesticides can generate an environmental impact and contribute to the development of human diseases. This study aimed to determine the presence of pesticides and metals in water samples collected in the Brazilian rural area in two different periods (before and after pesticide application) and to evaluate the alternative bioassays Lactuca sativa, Allium cepa, and Caenorhabditis elegans to monitoring toxicity in human drinking water samples. Eight sites in the rural area were selected and water samples were collected in two different periods of the year (before and after pesticide application). The presence of the pesticides was determinated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and metals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The potential toxicity of the water samples was performed with three different alternatives in vivo models (L. sativa, A. cepa, and C. elegans). Fifty-seven pesticides were analyzed and, according to the results, the most found ones were clomazone, atrazine, tebuconazole, metconazole, pyrimethanil, and carbofuran-3-hydroxide, which is a metabolic degradation product of insecticide carbofuran. The most detected metals were Cu, Cr, Mg, Fe, and Mn. The assays with L. sativa and A. cepa showed alterations in the period after pesticide application, while C. elegans presented changes in both periods compared to the same collection sites. These results indicate that bioassays, especially C. elegans, could be complementary and useful tools for monitoring the toxicity in drinking water samples.
Plasma and Urinary Amino Acid Profile in Children with Infantile Tremor Syndrome
Authors: Dileep Satya K , Attri Savita Verma , Sharawat Indar Kumar , Vaidya Pankaj C , Mehra Nancy , Patial Ajay , Sankhyan Naveen , Singhi Pratibha D
Published: July 2021

Background

Infantile Tremor Syndrome (ITS) is a disorder of infancy, and characterized by developmental delay and/or regression, pallor, skin hyperpigmentation and hypopigmented hair. It is commonly seen in infants in whom exclusive breastfeeding is given inappropriately for longer durations than recommended. ITS is predominantly reported from the Indian subcontinent and in children from a lower socioeconomic background. It is a clinical diagnosis and vitamin B12 deficiency is the most commonly accepted etiology of this entity.

Objectives

The primary objectives of study were to compare the plasma and urine amino acid levels among children with ITS spectrum with those of healthy children. The secondary objectives were to compare the plasma and urine amino acid levels among children with ITS and Pre-ITS.

Study design

This cross-sectional, observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Participants

A total of 50 children aged < 36 months with ITS/Pre-ITS were enrolled. Children with Pre-ITS and ITS were compared with healthy age-matched study subjects.

Results

Thirty-nine (78%) cases and twelve (24%) healthy children had low serum vitamin B12 levels. Folate levels were normal in all the controls, while only one case had folate deficiency. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the values of 32 amino acids in plasma. Among 44 urinary amino acids, levels of 30 amino acids were significantly different in the cases compared with the controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Several changes in amino acids in the children suffering from ITS were observed. These changes may be a reflection of the metabolic derangements in ITS.
Sugarcane Smut, Caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, a Major Disease of Sugarcane: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Bhuiyan Shamsul A. , Magarey Robert C. , McNeil Meredith D. , Aitken Karen S.
Published: July 2021

Sugarcane smut caused by the fungus Sporisorium scitamineum is one of the major diseases of sugarcane worldwide, causing significant losses in productivity and profitability of this perennial crop. Teliospores of this fungus are airborne, can travel long distances, and remain viable in hot and dry conditions for >6 months. The disease is easily recognized by its long whiplike sorus produced on the apex or side shoots of sugarcane stalks. Each sorus can release ≤100 million teliospores in a day; the spores are small (≤7.5 µ) and light and can survive in harsh environmental conditions. The airborne teliospores are the primary mode of smut spread around the world and across cane-growing regions. The most effective method of managing this disease is via resistant varieties. Because of the complex genomic makeup of sugarcane, selection for resistant traits is difficult in sugarcane breeding programs. In recent times, the application of molecular markers as a rapid tool of discarding susceptible genotypes early in the selection program has been investigated. Large effect resistance loci have been identified and have the potential to be used for marker-assisted selection to increase the frequency of resistant breeding lines in breeding programs. Recent developments in omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) have contributed to our understanding and provided insights into the mechanism of resistance and susceptibility. This knowledge will further our understanding of smut and its interactions with sugarcane genotypes and aid in the development of durable resistant varieties.
Functional Profile of Systemic and Intrathecal Cebranopadol in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Ding Huiping , Trapella Claudio , Kiguchi Norikazu , Hsu Fang-Chi , Caló Girolamo , Ko Mei-Chuan
Published: July 2021

Background

Cebranopadol, a mixed nociceptin/opioid receptor full agonist, can effectively relieve pain in rodents and humans. However, it is unclear to what degree different opioid receptor subtypes contribute to its antinociception and whether cebranopadol lacks acute opioid-associated side effects in primates. The authors hypothesized that coactivation of nociceptin receptors and μ receptors produces analgesia with reduced side effects in nonhuman primates.

Methods

The antinociceptive, reinforcing, respiratory-depressant, and pruritic effects of cebranopadol in adult rhesus monkeys (n = 22) were compared with μ receptor agonists fentanyl and morphine using assays, including acute thermal nociception, IV drug self-administration, telemetric measurement of respiratory function, and itch-scratching responses.

Results

Subcutaneous cebranopadol (ED50, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.8 to 4.6] μg/kg) potently produced antinociception compared to fentanyl (15.8 [14.6 to 17.1] μg/kg). Pretreatment with antagonists selective for nociceptin and μ receptors, but not δ and κ receptor antagonists, caused rightward shifts of the antinociceptive dose–response curve of cebranopadol with dose ratios of 2 and 9, respectively. Cebranopadol produced reinforcing effects comparable to fentanyl, but with decreased reinforcing strength, i.e., cebranopadol (mean ± SD, 7 ± 3 injections) versus fentanyl (12 ± 3 injections) determined by a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. Unlike fentanyl (8 ± 2 breaths/min), systemic cebranopadol at higher doses did not decrease the respiratory rate (17 ± 2 breaths/min). Intrathecal cebranopadol (1 μg) exerted full antinociception with minimal scratching responses (231 ± 137 scratches) in contrast to intrathecal morphine (30 μg; 3,009 ± 1,474 scratches).

Conclusions

In nonhuman primates, the μ receptor mainly contributed to cebranopadol-induced antinociception. Similar to nociceptin/μ receptor partial agonists, cebranopadol displayed reduced side effects, such as a lack of respiratory depression and pruritus. Although cebranopadol showed reduced reinforcing strength, its detectable reinforcing effects and strength warrant caution, which is critical for the development and clinical use of cebranopadol.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Top 10 Pearls for the Recognition, Evaluation, and Management of Maternal Sepsis
Authors: Shields Andrea , de Assis Viviana , Halscott Torre
Published: July 2021

Maternal sepsis is an obstetric emergency and a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition in a pregnant or postpartum patient can be a challenge as the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy may mask the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Bedside assessment tools may aid in the detection of maternal sepsis. Timely and targeted antibiotic therapy and fluid resuscitation are critical for survival in patients with suspected sepsis. Once diagnosed, a search for etiologies and early application of source control measures will further reduce harms. If the patient is in septic shock or not responding to initial treatment, multidisciplinary consultation and escalation of care is necessary. Health care professionals should be aware of the unique complications of sepsis in critically ill pregnant and postpartum patients, and measures to prevent poor outcomes in this population. Adverse pregnancy outcomes may occur in association with sepsis, and should be anticipated and prevented when possible, or managed appropriately when they occur. Using a standardized approach to the patient with suspected sepsis may reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
The Feasibility of C1-C2 Screw-rod Fixation in the Children 5 Years of Age and Younger
Authors: Burkhardt Benedikt W. , Podolski Wladislaw , Pitzen Tobias R. , Ruf Michael
Published: July 2021

Background:

Atlantoaxial fixation is technically challenging in younger children. The C1-C2 screw-rod fixation technique is established for adults but limited data about the clinical and radiographical outcome for the treatment of children with 5 years of age or younger is available.

Methods:

All files of children who were consecutively treated for spinal disorders were reviewed. Inclusion criteria for further evaluation were: 0 to 5 years of age at initial procedure; detailed surgical report of a posterior C1-C2 fusion with mass lateral and pedicle screw-rod fixation as described by Harms; a minimum clinical and radiographical follow-up of 24 months. The postoperative and last follow-up computed tomography scan and radiographs were used to assess the positioning and stability of the C1-C2 screw-rod construct.

Results:

Eleven patients (3 boys) with a mean age of 46 months (range: 8 to 66 mo) fulfilled inclusion criteria and were evaluated retrospectively. The mean clinical and radiographical follow-up was 79 months (range: 24 mo to 170 mo). The diagnosis was atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (4 cases), C1-C2 instability with subluxation (3 cases), atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum (1 case), type II odontoid fracture (1 case), traumatic odontoid epiphysiolysis (1 case), and traumatic rupture of the transverse ligament with C1 subluxation (1 case). Intraoperatively and postoperatively no new neurovascular or vascular complication occurred. C1 lateral mass screws were placed correctly in all cases. Twenty-two C2 pedicle screws were placed correctly (85.7%), and 3 screws showed penetration of the pedicle wall (14.3%). No implant revision, implant failure, and pseudarthrosis were noted. Loss of correction was noted in 1 patient with unilateral C1-C2 fixation and a repeated dorsal fusion procedures were performed. A repeat procedure for implant removal and segmental release was performed in 3 patients to increase the axial rotation of the head.

Conclusions:

The C1-C2 screw-rod fixation is a safe technique that achieves solid fixation of the atlantoaxial complex in young children with various disorders. The technique preserves the joint and allows for segmental release via implant removal.