bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of organ dysfunction assessment scores following pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: O'Connor Chinyere , Munoz Flor M. , Gazzaneo Maria C. , Melicoff Ernestina , Das Shailendra , Lam Fong , Coss‐Bu Jorge A.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Organ dysfunction (OD) after lung transplantation can reflect preoperative organ failure, intraoperative acute organ damage and post‐operative complications. We assessed two OD scoring systems, both the PEdiatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) and the pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) scores, in recognizing risk factors for morbidity as well as recipients with prolonged post‐transplant morbidity.

Design

Medical records of recipients from January 2009 to March 2016 were reviewed. PELOD and pSOFA scores were calculated on post‐transplant days 1‐3. Risk factors assessed included cystic fibrosis (CF), prolonged surgical time and worst primary graft dysfunction (PGD) score amongst others. Patients were classified into three groups based on their initial scores (group A) and subsequent trends either uptrending (group B) or downtrending (group C). Morbidity outcomes were compared between these groups.

Results

Total 98 patients were enrolled aged 0–20 years. Risk factors for higher pSOFA scores ≥ 5 on day 1 included non‐CF diagnosis and worst PGD scores (p = .0006 and p = .03, respectively). Kruskal Wallis analysis comparing pSOFA group A versus B versus C scores showed significantly prolonged ventilatory days (median 1 vs. 4 vs. 2, p = .0028) and ICU days (median 4 vs. 10 vs. 6, p = .007). Similarly, PELOD group A versus B versus C scores showed significantly prolonged ventilatory days (1 vs. 5 vs. 2, p = < .0001).

Conclusion

Implementing pSOFA scores bedside is a more effective tool compared to PELOD in identifying risk factors for worsened OD post‐lung transplant and can be valuable in providing direction on morbidity outcomes in the ICU.
Effect of heat treatment on the variable amplitude fatigue life and microstructure of the novel bioinspired Ti‐6Al‐4V thin tubes fabricated using Selective Laser Melting process
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Hiremath Somashekhar S. , Kenchappa Nagesha Bommanahalli
Published: December 2022

In this study, thin tubes are mimicked based on the architecture of Euplectella aspergillum and studied for fatigue performance under variable amplitude loading. The thin tubes are fabricated with Ti‐6Al‐4V material using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. SLM printed components are always subjected to residual stresses, which can reduce fatigue performance of the components. Heat treatment effect on the fatigue performance, microstructure, and residual stress is studied. Complex geometry and sharp corners in the bioinspired tubes result in stress concentration, which further reduces the fatigue performance. The value of residual stresses at the sharp corners is dependent on the height of the tube, thickness of struts, and intersection of different struts. Heat treatment significantly reduces the residual stresses and increases the fatigue life of the thin tubes; however, strength decreases after heat treatment. Heat‐treated thin tubes showed a higher concentration of (α + β) phase, which results in decreased residual stress and improved ductility of the thin tubes. Advanced bionic thin tubes can be used for lightweight crash boxes, sandwich panels, bio‐implants, grid stiffened structures, etc.
The role of emotions during mergers and acquisitions: A review of the past and a glimpse into the future
Authors: Klok Yoeri , Kroon David P. , Khapova Svetlana N.
Published: December 2022

Research on emotions during different phases of the merger and acquisition (M&A) process (i.e., pre‐M&A, during M&A and post‐M&A) has increased exponentially over the past three decades. However, few attempts have been made to integrate the findings. By systematically reviewing research on emotions during M&As published over the past 30 years, this paper aims to contribute to filling this gap. We organized our findings using a process framework, addressing emotional triggers, the nature of emotions and their dynamics, effects and management. Our review reveals several oversights in research on emotions during M&As, such as the emotional dynamics between the different M&A phases and the role of positive emotions. To address these oversights, future research is encouraged to (a) study emotions following a process‐oriented perspective on M&As and include the (interrelationships between) different M&A phases, (b) address the emergence of emotional heterogeneity and homogeneity among organizational members during these phases, (c) investigate the widespread effects of positive emotions and take into account various levels of emotion and (d) explore how emotions can be successfully managed. The paper concludes with a discussion of how these research directions can advance research on emotions during the M&A process.
Global biogeography of ant social parasites: Exploring patterns and mechanisms of an inverse latitudinal diversity gradient
Authors: Gray Kyle W. , Rabeling Christian
Published: December 2022

Aim

One of the most consistent global biogeographic patterns is the latitudinal diversity gradient where species richness peaks within the equatorial tropics and decreases towards the poles. Here, we explore the global biogeography of socially parasitic ant species, which comprises the most diverse group of social parasites in the Hymenoptera. We test the biogeographic hypothesis that ant social parasites are distributed along an inverse latitudinal diversity gradient (iLDG) by peaking in diversity outside of the equatorial tropics, which would contrast with the biogeographic pattern observed in free‐living, non‐parasitic ant species.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Methods

We assembled a comprehensive biogeographic dataset consisting of 6001 geographic distribution records for all 371 taxonomically described socially parasitic ant species. We used phylogenetic and taxonomic studies to estimate the number of independent evolutionary origins of ant social parasitism to directly compare species richness with the number of species representing independent evolutionary origins of social parasitism across a latitudinal gradient. In addition, we compared ant social parasite diversity across biogeographic regions using rarefaction to account for different sampling efforts. Finally, we tested for a correlation between latitude and the proportion of ant social parasite species within regional ant faunae.

Results

The geographic distribution records and the inferred 91 independent evolutionary origins of socially parasitic life histories in ants show that both species richness and the number of species representing independent evolutionary origins of social parasitism peak in the northern hemisphere outside of the equatorial tropics. Based on rarefaction curves, northern latitude regions harbour the most ant social parasite species, but the diversity of independent evolutionary origins is not significantly different between northern and southern hemispheres. The proportion of ant social parasite species within regional faunae is tightly correlated with latitude only in the northern hemisphere.

Main conclusions

The iLDG of ant social parasites contrasts with the biogeographic pattern observed in free‐living, non‐parasitic ant species and appears to be driven by large species radiations as well as by the presence of specialized life histories exclusive to the northern hemisphere.
Sexual selection drives the coevolution of male and female reproductive traits in Peromyscus mice
Authors: Weber William David , Fisher Heidi S.
Published: December 2022

When females mate with multiple partners within a single reproductive cycle, sperm from rival males may compete for fertilization of a limited number of ova, and females may bias the fertilization of their ova by particular sperm. Over evolutionary timescales, these two forms of selection shape both male and female reproductive physiology when females mate multiply, yet in monogamous systems, post‐copulatory sexual selection is weak or absent. Here, we examine how divergent mating strategies within a genus of closely related mice, Peromyscus, have shaped the evolution of reproductive traits. We show that in promiscuous species, males exhibit traits associated with increased sperm production and sperm swimming performance, and females exhibit traits that are predicted to limit sperm access to their ova including increased oviduct length and a larger cumulus cell mass surrounding the ova, compared to monogamous species. Importantly, we found that across species, oviduct length and cumulus cell density are significantly correlated with sperm velocity, but not sperm count or relative testes size, suggesting that these female traits may have coevolved with increased sperm quality rather than quantity. Taken together, our results highlight how male and female traits evolve in concert and respond to changes in the level of post‐copulatory sexual selection.
The counter‐reparative impacts of South Africa's reparations gap: victims as reparations ‘experts’ and the role of victims’ organizations
Authors: PARK AUGUSTINE S. J. , SANTOS MADALENA
Published: December 2022

This article offers a victim‐centric analysis of reparations relating to apartheid in South Africa. We identify a multi‐dimensional ‘reparations gap’, which refers to the disconnect between victims and the state in relation to reparations, including the meanings attributed to reparations, and the perception, evaluation, and experience of reparations. The reparations gap has had profoundly ‘counter‐reparative’ impacts on the relationship between victims and the government. Appreciating victims as reparations ‘experts’ with unique knowledge rooted in lived experience, this article explores their narratives of the ongoing need for reparations, specifically relating to a nexus of historically induced structural and systemic injustice. The article calls for the comprehensive and continuous participation of victims and their organizations to close the reparations gap.
Noonan syndrome: Neuroimaging findings and morphometric analysis of the cranium base and posterior fossa in children
Authors: Ayaz Ercan , Yıldırım Ruken , Çelebi Canan , Ozalkak Servan
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

There are a few studies regarding intracranial findings in neonates with Noonan syndrome (NS); however, there are no quantitative analyses in a pediatric population. The aim of this study was to find characteristic intracranial abnormalities and to quantitatively analyze the posterior fossa and cranium base in children with NS.

Methods

A total of 30 patients (11 females and 19 males, mean age 13.1 ± 4.3 years) were retrospectively identified between July 2017 and June 2022. Twenty‐one patients had MRI. Age at MRI examination, sex, genetic mutations, and clinical findings were noted. In patients with MRI, the presence of white matter lesions, basal ganglia lesions, corpus callosum abnormalities, sellar/parasellar lesions, and tonsillar ectopia was noted. For morphometric analysis, cerebellar diameter, vermis and clivus heights, cranial base, tentorial and infratentorial angles, and McRae's and Twining's lines were each measured twice by two radiologists individually.

Results

The most common lesions were focal white matter lesions, followed by abnormalities of the splenium of the corpus callosum. The cerebellar diameter, vermis and clivus heights, Twining's line, and infratentorial angle were significantly smaller; cranial base angle and tentorial angle were significantly larger in NS (p < .05). Interrater and intrarater agreements were the highest for cerebellar diameter and the lowest for tentorial angle measurements.

Conclusion

Children with NS had characteristic callosal and tentorial findings and neuroimaging findings similar to other RASopathies. This study also shows that a small posterior fossa and flattening of the cranial base are present in children with NS, which may aid in diagnosis.
Prevalence and prognostic role of L wave and selected clinical and echocardiographic variables in dogs with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Romito Giovanni , Darida Stefana , Valente Carlotta , Poser Helen , Contiero Barbara , Cipone Mario , Guglielmini Carlo
Published: December 2022

Background

Information regarding the frequency of L waves and their prognostic relevance in dogs with secondary atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether L waves occur and ascertain their prognostic role, as well as the role of other clinical and echocardiographic variables in dogs with AF.

Animals

Fifty‐five dogs with AF associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Retrospective, multicenter observational study. In addition to L waves analysis, other clinical and echocardiographic variables, including type of antiarrhythmic treatment, were evaluated. A survival analysis was performed to test for predictors of cardiac death and all‐cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

L waves were evident in 33/55 dogs (60%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 47%‐72%) but their presence did not influence outcome. Increased left ventricular end‐systolic diameter normalized for body weight (LVSDn) was a significant predictor of both cardiac death (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.18‐16.54;P = .03) and all‐cause mortality (HR = 9.39, 95% CI = 2.49‐35.32;P < .001). Heart rate assessed during echocardiography (Echo‐HR) represented an additional significant predictor of cardiac death (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.01;P = .04) and all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.01;P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

L waves occurred frequently in dogs with AF, but held no prognostic relevance. Conversely, LVSDn and Echo‐HR represented independent predictors of negative outcome in these animals.
Genomic data and common garden experiments reveal climate‐driven selection on ecophysiological traits in two Mediterranean oaks
Authors: Ramírez‐Valiente José Alberto , Solé‐Medina Aida , Robledo‐Arnuncio Juan José , Ortego Joaquín
Published: December 2022

Improving our knowledge of how past climate‐driven selection has acted on present‐day trait population divergence is essential to understand local adaptation processes and improve our predictions of evolutionary trajectories in the face of altered selection pressures resulting from climate change. In this study, we investigated signals of selection on traits related to drought tolerance and growth rates in two Mediterranean oak species (Quercus faginea and Q. lusitanica) with contrasting distribution ranges and climatic niches. We genotyped 182 individuals from 24 natural populations of the two species using restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing and conducted a thorough functional characterization in 1602 seedlings from 21 populations cultivated in common garden experiments under contrasting watering treatments. Our genomic data revealed that both Q. faginea and Q. lusitanica have very weak population genetic structure, probably as a result of high rates of pollen‐mediated gene flow among populations and large effective population sizes. In contrast, common garden experiments showed evidence of climate‐driven divergent selection among populations on traits related to leaf morphology, physiology and growth in both species. Overall, our study suggests that climate is an important selective factor for Mediterranean oaks and that ecophysiological traits have evolved in drought‐prone environments even in a context of very high rates of gene flow among populations.
How to perform a nonbasic action
Authors: Kelley Mikayla
Published: December 2022

Some actions we perform “just like that” without taking a means, e.g., raising your arm or wiggling your finger. Other actions—the nonbasic actions—we perform by taking a means, e.g., voting by raising your arm or illuminating a room by flipping a switch. A nearly ubiquitous view about nonbasic action is that one's means to a nonbasic action constitutes the nonbasic action, as raising your arm constitutes voting or flipping a switch constitutes illuminating a room. In this paper, I challenge this view. I argue that one's means to a nonbasic action can cause rather than constitute it. In the process, we gain a clearer understanding of the scope of our agency—one that includes mental actions such as judgment and decision—and the pluralistic nature of basic features of action including control, purposefulness, and agent participation.
Shared decision‐making with adults transitioning to long‐term care: A scoping review
Authors: Egan Caroline , Naughton Corina , Caples Maria , Mulcahy Helen
Published: December 2022

Background

Transitions to long‐term care are challenging for individuals and often associated with a loss of autonomy. Positive experiences are noted, especially when decisions involve the individual in a person‐centred way which are respectful of the person's human rights. One approach which facilitates self‐determination during a transitional period is shared decision‐making, but there is a lack of clarity on the nature and extent of research evidence in this area.

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and document research related to shared decision‐making and transitioning to long‐term care.

Methods

A comprehensive search in CINAHL, Medline and Psych‐info identified papers which included evidence of shared decision‐making during transitions to a long‐term care setting. The review following the JBI and PAGER framework for scoping reviews. Data were extracted, charted and analysed according to patterns, advances, gaps, research recommendations and evidence for practice.

Results

Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria. A body of knowledge was identified encompassing the pattern advancements in shared decision‐making during transitions to long‐term care, representing developments in both the evidence base and methodological approaches. Further patterns offer evidence of the facilitators and barriers experienced by the person, their families and the professional's involved.

Conclusions

The evidence identified the complexity of such decision‐making with efforts to engage in shared decision‐making often constrained by the availability of resources, the skills of professionals and time. The findings recognise the need for partnership and person‐centred approaches to optimise transitions. The review demonstrates evidence of approaches that can inform future practice and research to support all adult populations who may be faced with a transitional decision to actively participate in decision‐making.
Use of multiple imputation in supersampled nested case‐control and case‐cohort studies
Authors: Borgan Ørnulf , Keogh Ruth H. , Njøs Aleksander
Published: December 2022

Nested case‐control and case‐cohort studies are useful for studying associations between covariates and time‐to‐event when some covariates are expensive to measure. Full covariate information is collected in the nested case‐control or case‐cohort sample only, while cheaply measured covariates are often observed for the full cohort. Standard analysis of such case‐control samples ignores any full cohort data. Previous work has shown how data for the full cohort can be used efficiently by multiple imputation of the expensive covariate(s), followed by a full‐cohort analysis. For large cohorts this is computationally expensive or even infeasible. An alternative is to supplement the case‐control samples with additional controls on which cheaply measured covariates are observed. We show how multiple imputation can be used for analysis of such supersampled data. Simulations show that this brings efficiency gains relative to a traditional analysis and that the efficiency loss relative to using the full cohort data is not substantial.
A 1‐min double embedding method for small tissue specimens preserves comedone histology and eliminates the need for punch biopsies
Authors: Xu De‐Tian , Zheng Yan , Shi Yu , Jin Hua , Liu Wei , Wang Xiu‐Li
Published: December 2022

Background

It is difficult to preserve the structure and microbial distribution inside comedonal plugs during routine processing.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal method to preserve the comedonal corneum plug structure and inherent microorganisms thereby eliminating the need to perform punch biopsies in relevant studies.

Methods

Corneum plugs were extracted from comedones of acne vulgaris patients. Primary embedding using either a 2% agarose, 2% agar, 25% gelatin, or 2% agar + 2.5% gelatin solution was subsequently performed and the results compared. The specimens were then fixed, waxed, sectioned, and examined by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopies to observe the structures and microorganisms within the plugs.

Results

Both the 25% gelatin and 2% agarose solutions successfully preserved the structural integrity of corneum plugs and the inherent microorganisms. When considering other factors such as thermostability, reusability, and convenience, the 25% gelatin solution was the superior choice among the four materials.

Conclusion

We report a simple and effective method for double embedding comedonal plugs and other small tissue specimens. The technique preserves the structure and microbial distribution in situ within comedonal corneum plugs, eliminates the need for punch biopsies. This method may also be applied to other tiny and fragile tissue specimens, thereby enabling a potentially wide array of future large‐scale investigations and alleviated patients’ pain.
The healthy donor effect and survey participation, becoming a donor and donor career
Authors: Brodersen Thorsten , Rostgaard Klaus , Lau Cathrine Juel , Juel Knud , Erikstrup Christian , Nielsen Kasper Rene , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Titlestad Kjell , Sækmose Susanne G. , Pedersen Ole B. V. , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: December 2022

Background

The healthy donor effect (HDE) is a selection bias caused by the health criteria blood donors must meet. It obscures investigations of beneficial/adverse health effects of blood donation and complicates the generalizability of findings from blood donor cohorts. To further characterize the HDE we investigated how self‐reported health and lifestyle are associated with becoming a blood donor, lapsing, and donation intensity. Furthermore, we examined differences in mortality based on donor status.

Study Design and Methods

The Danish National Health Survey was linked to the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT) database and Danish register data. Logistic‐ and normal regression was used to compare baseline characteristics and participation. Poisson regression was used to investigate future donation choices. Donation intensity was explored by the Anderson‐Gill model and Poisson regression. Mortality was investigated using Poisson regression.

Results

Blood donors were more likely to participate in the surveys, OR = 2.45 95% confidence interval (2.40–2.49) than non‐donors. Among survey participants, better self‐reported health and healthier lifestyle were associated with being or becoming a blood donor, donor retention, and to some extent donation intensity, for example, current smoking conveyed lower likelihood of becoming a donor, OR = 0.70 (0.66–0.75). We observed lower mortality for donors and survey participants, respectively, compared with non‐participating non‐donors.

Conclusion

We provide evidence that blood donation is associated with increased likelihood to participate in health surveys, possibly a manifestation of the HDE. Furthermore, becoming a blood donor, donor retention, and donation intensity was associated with better self‐reported health and healthier lifestyles.
Principles of gene regulation quantitatively connect DNA to RNA and proteins in bacteria
Authors: Balakrishnan Rohan , Mori Matteo , Segota Igor , Zhang Zhongge , Aebersold Ruedi , Ludwig Christina , Hwa Terence
Published: December 2022

Protein concentrations are set by a complex interplay between gene-specific regulatory processes and systemic factors, including cell volume and shared gene expression machineries. Elucidating this interplay is crucial for discerning and designing gene regulatory systems. We quantitatively characterized gene-specific and systemic factors that affect transcription and translation genome-wide for
Escherichia coli
across many conditions. The results revealed two design principles that make regulation of gene expression insulated from concentrations of shared machineries: RNA polymerase activity is fine-tuned to match translational output, and translational characteristics are similar across most messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Consequently, in bacteria, protein concentration is set primarily at the promoter level. A simple mathematical formula relates promoter activities and protein concentrations across growth conditions, enabling quantitative inference of gene regulation from omics data.
Competition-level code generation with AlphaCode
Authors: Li Yujia , Choi David , Chung Junyoung , Kushman Nate , Schrittwieser Julian , Leblond Rémi , Eccles Tom , Keeling James , Gimeno Felix , Dal Lago Agustin , Hubert Thomas , Choy Peter , de Masson d’Autume Cyprien , Babuschkin Igor , Chen Xinyun , Huang Po-Sen , Welbl Johannes , Gowal Sven , Cherepanov Alexey , Molloy James , Mankowitz Daniel J. , Sutherland Robson Esme , Kohli Pushmeet , de Freitas Nando , Kavukcuoglu Koray , Vinyals Oriol
Published: December 2022

Programming is a powerful and ubiquitous problem-solving tool. Systems that can assist programmers or even generate programs themselves could make programming more productive and accessible. Recent transformer-based neural network models show impressive code generation abilities yet still perform poorly on more complex tasks requiring problem-solving skills, such as competitive programming problems. Here, we introduce AlphaCode, a system for code generation that achieved an average ranking in the top 54.3% in simulated evaluations on recent programming competitions on the Codeforces platform. AlphaCode solves problems by generating millions of diverse programs using specially trained transformer-based networks and then filtering and clustering those programs to a maximum of just 10 submissions. This result marks the first time an artificial intelligence system has performed competitively in programming competitions.
Catalytic asymmetric C–H insertion reactions of vinyl carbocations
Authors: Nistanaki Sepand K. , Williams Chloe G. , Wigman Benjamin , Wong Jonathan J. , Haas Brittany C. , Popov Stasik , Werth Jacob , Sigman Matthew S. , Houk K. N. , Nelson Hosea M.
Published: December 2022

From the preparation of pharmaceuticals to enzymatic construction of natural products, carbocations are central to molecular synthesis. Although these reactive intermediates are engaged in stereoselective processes in nature, exerting enantiocontrol over carbocations with synthetic catalysts remains challenging. Many resonance-stabilized tricoordinated carbocations, such as iminium and oxocarbenium ions, have been applied in catalytic enantioselective reactions. However, their dicoordinated counterparts (aryl and vinyl carbocations) have not, despite their emerging utility in chemical synthesis. We report the discovery of a highly enantioselective vinyl carbocation carbon–hydrogen (C–H) insertion reaction enabled by imidodiphosphorimidate organocatalysts. Active site confinement featured in this catalyst class not only enables effective enantiocontrol but also expands the scope of vinyl cation C–H insertion chemistry, which broadens the utility of this transition metal–free C(sp
3
)–H functionalization platform.
Hero city
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: December 2022

Kharkiv was Ukraine’s science hotbed until Russia attacked. The crippled city refuses to give up
Alzheimer’s drug stirs excitement—and concerns
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer , Piller Charles
Published: December 2022

Antibody slows cognitive decline, but deaths, brain bleeds, and swelling mar results
Physiology and Transcriptional Analysis of ppGpp-Related Regulatory Effects in Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 1628
Authors: Song Yang , Zhang Xiangli , Zhang Zixuan , Shentu Xuping , Yu Xiaoping
Published: December 2022

The ppGpp-mediated stringent response is widely distributed in
Escherichia coli
,
Bacillus subtilis
,
Streptomyces
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, etc. Stringent responses give strains the ability to resist environmental stresses, and survival from nutrition starvation, virulence, long-term persistence, biofilm formation, and gut colonization. ppGpp has many targets in cells and can reprogram DNA replication, transcription, ribosome biogenesis and function, and lipid metabolism.
Resveratrol Increases Sensitivity of Clinical Colistin-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Colistin
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Wang Lingbo , Zhang Ying , Lin Yishuai , Cao Jianming , Xu Chunyan , Chen Liqiong , Wang Yaran , Sun Yao , Zheng Xiangkuo , Liu Yong , Zhou Tieli
Published: December 2022

P. aeruginosa
is a ubiquitous Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide array of life-threatening acute and chronic infections. However, the improper and excessive use of antibiotics has contributed to the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
P. aeruginosa
, even colistin-resistant strains, which presents a major challenge to clinical anti-infection treatment.
Host Genetics and Environment Shape the Composition of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Flynn Jacob K. , Ortiz Alexandra M. , Herbert Richard , Brenchley Jason M.
Published: December 2022

Our data point to the degree to which host genetics can influence GI microbiome composition and suggest, within primate species, that individual host genetics is unlikely to significantly alter the microbiome. These data are important for the development of therapeutics aimed at altering the microbiome within populations of genetically disparate members of primate species.
Optimizing DNA Extraction from Pediatric Stool for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Use in Next-Generation Sequencing Applications
Authors: Ness Tara E. , Meiwes Lennard , Kay Alexander , Mejia Rojelio , Lange Christoph , Farhat Maha , Mandalakas Anna , DiNardo Andrew
Published: December 2022

This is the first study to compare
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
DNA extraction techniques from pediatric stool samples for use with sequencing technologies. It provides an important starting point for other researchers to isolate quality DNA for this purpose to further the field and to continue to optimize protocols and approaches.
Exploring the Relevance between Gut Microbiota-Metabolites Profile and Chronic Kidney Disease with Distinct Pathogenic Factor
Authors: Chen Tso-Hsiao , Cheng Chung-Yi , Huang Chun-Kai , Ho Yi-Hsien , Lin Jung-Chun
Published: December 2022

Gut dysbiosis-altered metabolite association exhibits specific and convincing utility to differentiate CKD associated with distinct pathogenic factor. These results present the validity of pathogenesis-associated markers across healthy participants and high-risk population toward the early screening, prevention, diagnosis, or personalized treatment of CKD.
Systematic Analysis of Lysine Acetylation Reveals Diverse Functions in Azorhizobium caulinodans Strain ORS571
Authors: Liu Yanan , Liu Xiaolin , Dong Xiaoyan , Yin Zhiqiu , Xie Zhihong , Luo Yongming
Published: December 2022

Acetylation is an important modification that regulates protein function and has been found to regulate physiological processes in various bacteria. The physiology of rhizobium
A. caulinodans
ORS571 is regulated by multiple mechanisms both when free living and in symbiosis with the host; however, the regulatory role of acetylation is not yet known.
The Lunar Breccia Dhofar 1442: Noble Gases, Nitrogen, and Carbon Released by Stepwise Combustion and Crushing
Authors: Korochantseva E. V. , Verchovsky A. B. , Korochantsev A. V.
Published: December 2022

Stepwise crushing and combustion methods were applied to study the KREEP-rich lunar breccia Dhofar 1442, the clastic material of which is cemented by porous matrix. The stepwise crushing released significant amount of gases of extraterrestrial origin from gas voids. Argon, nitrogen, and carbon are simultaneously released by stepwise combustion at 1100°С. The simultaneous high-temperature degassing of these gases, as well as the coincidence of С/N ratio and nitrogen and carbon contents in high-temperature combustion steps with those of crushing indicate that the gas carriers are voids in high-temperature phases (in particular, minerals, glasses), which are decomposed/melted at these temperatures. Helium and neon are released from the same positions at lower temperatures. The isotopic composition of neon obtained by stepwise combustion and crushing corresponds to the composition of fractionated solar wind. The fraction of argon in the first crushing steps is higher than that of any other of studied gases. The 40Ar/36Ar in the trapped lunar argon is ~18, which is not consistent with empirical model implying that 40Аr is implanted from lunar atmosphere (McKay et al., 1986; Eugster et al., 2001; Joy et al., 2011). We believe that the entrapment of volatile elements in gas voids of the meteorite Dhofar 1442 was caused by the redistribution of gases from one structural sites into others during impact events that accompanied the cratering, in particular, leading to the formation of the impact melt breccia Dhofar 1442. The trapped gases of the meteorite Dhofar 1442 contain not only typical volatile components (solar, radiogenic, cosmogenic, re-implanted 40Ar) of lunar breccias, but also nitrogen and carbon formed through the oxidation of organic matter of metamorphosed chondrites, which are present in the breccia. With increasing number of strokes and, correspondingly, a degree of crushing, the elemental ratios change. A slight decrease of 4He/20Ne ratio during crushing is likely related to the different diffusion ability and permeability of helium relative to neon under temperature influence and/or to the heterogeneous distribution of these gases in voids of different size. The 4He/36Ar, 20Ne/36Ar, 14N/36Ar, and 12С/36Ar ratios increase by factors of 10–100 during crushing. This can be explained by the combination of dynamically different processes leading to the argon fractionation relative to other gases and uneven redistribution of gases from different positions in voids of different sizes during impact metamorphism.
Effects of pH on Available Cadmium in Calcareous Soils and Culture Substrates
Authors: Gu Jialin , Zou Guoyuan , Su Shiming , Li Shunjiang , Liu Wei , Zhao Huiwei , Liu Liyuan , Jin Liang , Tian Yei , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Yuning , Zhao Tongke , Du Lianfeng , Wei Dan
Published: December 2022

The effect of pH on available Cd in calcareous soils and culture substrate was studied by adding exogenous Cd and artificially adjusting the pH to create different pH conditions. It is expected to provide reference for the control of Cd pollution by adjusting pH. The cadmium chloride was added to the calcareous soil and culture substrate to make the total cadmium content 1.0 mg kg–1. The pH of soil and substrate was adjusted, and then the available cadmium content in soil and cultivation substrate was detected under different pH conditions. The content of available Cd in calcareous soil decreased with increasing pH in the range of pH 3.40 to 8.97, showing a significant negative correlation. At a pH range of 3.03 to 4.37, the available Cd content in the culture substrate increased significantly with increasing pH, while the available Cd content in the culture substrate at a pH range of 4.37 to 9.47 was not significantly different.
Intraoral myeloid sarcoma presenting as toothache and gingival mass
Authors: Sedeta Ephrem , Pokhrel Akriti , Nair Kiron , Gotlieb Vladimir
Published: December 2022

A female patient in her 70s with a medical history of myelodysplastic neoplasm presented to the outpatient department with a 4-month history of toothache, painful gingival swelling and loose teeth that required extractions. Intraoral examination revealed a swelling in the lower anterior portion of the mandible, which displaced her teeth. Incisional biopsy of the gingival lesion revealed dense aggregates of atypical round cells which stained positive for CD43, CD45, CD33 and myeloperoxidase, consistent with myeloid sarcoma. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy displayed hypercellular marrow with immature myeloid elements and 21% myeloblasts by flow cytometry, compatible with diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The patient initially went into remission after treatment but later died of AML relapse after 18 months.
Use of tissue samples in diagnosing diploid triploid mosaicism
Authors: Mahon Oisín , Fox Áine , Lynch Sally Ann , Cunningham Katie
Published: December 2022

Diploid triploid mosaicism (DTM) is a rare genetic condition where there is an extra haploid set of chromosomes in mosaic form. We describe an infant for whom DTM was detected antenatally through amniocentesis. Prenatal counselling suggested a guarded prognosis. The infant’s phenotypic presentation and postnatal course reflect the varied presentation and prognosis associated with DTM. We highlight potential challenges in diagnosing DTM postnatally, with many having normal blood karyotype with 46 chromosomes.
Fibre-optic, electronic pH test device compared with current NHS guidance to confirm nasogastric tube placement
Authors: Earley Tracy , Young Alison , Pringle Shirley , Clarkson Yvonne , Williams Alexandra , Howell Rosemary , Ineson Marcus
Published: December 2022

The clinical objectives of this prospective, random, convenience series were:

1. Compare a novel fibre-optic pH test device (NGPOD) to gastric aspirate and pH testing for nasogastric tube (NGT) confirmation.

2. Determine if the new device reduces the need for chest radiography (chest X-ray, CXR).

Methods

Recruitment of patients over the age of 18, requiring NGT feeding.

Exclusion criteria: oesophageal gastrointestinal surgery within 3 months; all those with partial or total gastrectomy; bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcers; gastric cancer; those with oesophageal varices; those considered to be inappropriate.

The index test, NGPOD, comprises a fine, flexible fibre-optic sensor passed down the NGT, then connected to an electronic device. A green light indicates pH ≤5.5, and a red light if pH is >5.5.

The reference test is withdrawal of gastric aspirate and testing with universal pH indicator strips then comparison to a colour chart. Second-line testing is establishing NGT position by CXR or subjective clinical assessment (SCA) in intensive care unit (ICU).

Results

The analysed data set contained 174 subjects who had undergone 496 tests, 96 initial and 400 repeat NGT checks.

For all patients, NGPOD can reduce the need for CXR or SCA by 21.2%.

In ICU, NGPOD can reduce the need for CXR or SCA by 24.5%.

When performing initial tests, immediately after tube placement, NGPOD can reduce the need for CXR or SCA in 61% of patients.

With repeat testing, NGPOD can reduce the need to progress to CXR or SCA in 16% of tests.

Conclusions

The objective, yes—no result delivered by NGPOD, eliminates the subjective reading of a pH strip colour change, reducing the subjective element. The index test has the opportunity to reduce risk, improve safety and decrease the numbers of patients requiring X-ray. It, therefore, has the potential to reduce never events associated with NGT misplacement.
Income precarity and child and parent weight change during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis of the Ontario Parent Survey
Authors: Anderson Laura N , Yoshida-Montezuma Yulika , Jambon Marc , Smith Brendan T. , Carsley Sarah , Gonzalez Andrea
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe child and parent weight change during the pandemic, overall and by income precarity.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.

Setting

Caregivers of children 0–17 years of age living in Ontario, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic from May 2021 to July 2021.

Participants

A convenience sample of parents (n=9099) with children (n=9667) living in Ontario were identified through crowdsourcing.

Primary outcome measure

Parents recalled, for themselves and their child, whether they lost weight, gained weight or remained the same over the past year. OR and 95% CI were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between income precarity variables and weight loss or gain, adjusted for age, gender and ethnicity.

Results

Overall, 5.5% of children lost weight and 20.2% gained weight. Among adolescents, 11.1% lost weight and 27.1% gained weight. For parents, 17.1% reported weight loss and 57.7% reported weight gain. Parent weight change was strongly associated with child weight change. Income precarity measures, including job loss by both parents (OR=7.81, 95% CI 5.16 to 11.83) and disruption to household food supply (OR=6.05, 95% CI 4.77 to 7.68), were strongly associated with child weight loss. Similarly, job loss by both parents (OR=2.03, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.03) and disruption to household food supply (OR=2.99, 95% CI 2.52 to 3.54) were associated with child weight gain.

Conclusions

Weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic were widespread and income precarity was strongly associated with weight loss and weight gain in children and parents. Further research is needed to investigate the health outcomes related to weight change during the pandemic, especially for youth, and the impacts of income precarity.
Study protocol for an observational cohort evaluating incidence and clinical relevance of perioperative elevation of high-sensitivity troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients undergoing lung resection
Authors: Alonso María , Popova Ekaterine , Martin-Grande Ascencion , Pérez-Vélez Javier , Trujillo Juan Carlos , Gajate Luis , de Miguel Marcos , González-Tallada Anna , Martínez-Téllez Elisabeth , Cladellas-Gutierrez Esther , Planas Georgina , de Pablo Angélica , Parise Diego , Candela-Toha Angel , de Nadal Miriam
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery has been defined as myocardial injury due to ischaemia, with or without additional symptoms or ECG changes occurring during or within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery and mainly diagnosed based on elevated postoperative cardiac troponin (cTn) values. In patients undergoing thoracic surgery for lung resection, only postoperative cTn elevations are seemingly not enough as an independent predictor of cardiovascular complications. After lung resection, troponin elevations may be regulated by mechanisms other than myocardial ischaemia. The combination of perioperative natriuretic peptide measurement together with high-sensitivity cTns may help to identify changes in ventricular function during thoracic surgery. Integrating both cardiac biomarkers may improve the predictive value for cardiovascular complications after lung resection. We designed our cohort study to evaluate perioperative elevation of both high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients undergoing lung resection and to establish a risk score for major cardiovascular postoperative complications.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study, including 345 patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery for lung resection. Cardiac biomarkers such as hs-TnI and NT-proBNP will be measured preoperatively and at postoperatively on days 1 and 2. We will calculate a risk score for major cardiovascular postoperative complications based on both biomarkers’ perioperative changes. All patients will be followed up for 30 days after surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

All participating centres were approved by the Ethics Research Committee. Written informed consent is required for all patients before inclusion. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national or international conference meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04749212.
Burden and trends of multiple sclerosis in China from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Na , Duan Shengnan , Zhong Hua , Jiang Rong , Yuan Ni
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare the burden of multiple sclerosis disease indicators in the Asia-Pacific countries, China and globally through the Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD2019) Database, and to analyse the changes of multiple sclerosis disease burden in China from 1990 to 2019.

Study design

Observational study based on the Global Burden of Disease.

Setting

The relevant incidence, prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates and corresponding age-standardised rates (ASRs) and sociodemographic index (SDI) in China, globally and in Asia-Pacific countries were extracted from the GBD2019 Database to further study the age-standardised incidence, prevalence and mortality, and the relationship between DALY rate and SDI.

Results

Various disease burden indicators of multiple sclerosis in China are at low level in the world, and the prevalence, incidence and DALY rates have slowly increased from 1990 to 2019. During this period, the age-standardised prevalence rate (ASPR) of multiple sclerosis in China showed an upward trend, while the age-standardised death rate (ASDR), age-standardised DALY rate (ASR-DALY) and age-standardised incidence rate all decreased to varying degrees, which were roughly consistent with the global amplitude changes, and all indicators are similar to most countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As the value of the SDI increases, the ASPR of multiple sclerosis was trending upward, and the ASDR was trending downward.

Conclusion

Compared with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China is in a low state of disease burden indicators. However, as a developing country and the most populous country in the world, the total number of patients is not small, and as a rare disease, the treatment cost is relatively expensive, and the treatment cost of the complications caused by the disease is not low. The construction of the medical security system should be strengthened to reduce its burden on individuals, families and society.
DOES CARBON EMISSION, ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND INCOME MATTER? INVESTIGATING FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURE AMONG 61 NATIONS
Authors: AMPON-WIREKO SABINA , ZHOU LULIN , DAUDA LAMINI , XU XINGLONG , LARNYO EBENEZER , KWAME EDMUND NKRUMAH NANA
Published: December 2022

Empirical studies on the effects of carbon emissions on population health are still in their infancy and its true implications have not yet been fully understood. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis on the relationship between carbon emissions, energy consumption, income and public healthcare expenditure in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and non-OECD countries. The empirical research employs the dynamic common correlated effects of mean group (DCCEMG) and two-stage least square estimators. The findings indicate that carbon emissions increase healthcare spending only in non-OECD countries. The relationship between energy consumption and health expenditure varies significantly between OECD and non-OECD countries. Income increases health expenditure; however, the correlation is more robust in the OECD than in non-OECD countries. As a result, the findings recommend that non-OECD governments implement strategic environmental management policies that prioritize clean and healthy air to reduce healthcare costs.