bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Health among HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men in Lebanon: A Comparison between Native and Immigrant/Refugee Communities
Authors: Maatouk Ismael , Assi Moubadda , Jaspal Rusi
Published: May 2021

Unlike native gay and bisexual male (GBM), immigrant/refugee GBM in Lebanon have an added vulnerability to poor sexual health. The objective was to compare sexual health variables between these two communities. GBM who are immigrants/refugees were more likely to report non-university level of education, heterosexual marriage, engagement in sex work, past diagnosis of syphilis, healthcare and employment stigma, lower STI knowledge, and a higher number of male sex partners. Being foreign and feeling sufficiently informed about STIs were indicators of STI knowledge. This study highlights the roles of education and immigrant/refugee status in STI knowledge in migrant GBM in Lebanon.
Examining Interviewers’ Ratings of Respondents’ Health: Does Location in the Survey Matter for Interviewers’ Evaluations of Respondents?
Authors: Garbarski Dana , Schaeffer Nora Cate , Dykema Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Interviewers’ ratings of survey respondents’ health (IRH) are a promising measure of health to include in surveys as a complementary measure to self-rated health. However, our understanding of the factors contributing to IRH remains incomplete. This is the first study to examine whether and how it matters when in the interview interviewers evaluate respondents’ health in a face-to-face survey, in an experiment embedded in the UK Innovation Panel Study. We find that interviewers are more likely to rate the respondent’s health as “excellent” when IRH is rated at the end of the interview compared to the beginning. Drawing from the continuum model of impression formation, we examined whether associations between IRH and relevant covariates vary depending on placement in interview. We find that across several characteristics of interviewers and respondents, only the number of interviews completed by interviewers varies by IRH assessment location in its effect on IRH. We also find evidence that interviewer variance is lower when IRH is assessed prior to compared to after the interview. Finally, the location of IRH assessment does not impact the concurrent or predictive validity of IRH. Overall, the results suggest that in a general population study with some health questions, there may be benefits to having interviewers rate respondents’ health at the beginning of the interview (rather than at the end as in prior research) in terms of lower interviewer variance, particularly in the absence of interviewer training that mitigates the impact of within-study experience on IRH assessments.
Photometric cross-calibration of the SDSS Stripe 82 Standard Stars catalogue with Gaia EDR3, and comparison with Pan-STARRS1, DES, CFIS, and GALEX catalogues
Authors: Thanjavur Karun , Ivezić Željko , Allam Sahar S , Tucker Douglas L , Smith J Allyn , Gwyn Stephen
Published: May 2021

We extend the SDSS Stripe 82 Standard Stars catalogue with post-2007 SDSS imaging data. This improved version lists averaged SDSS ugriz photometry for nearly a million stars brighter than r ∼ 22 mag. With 2–3 times more measurements per star, random errors are 1.4–1.7 times smaller than in the original catalogue, and about three times smaller than for individual SDSS runs. Random errors in the new catalogue are $\lesssim$0.01 mag for stars brighter than 20.0, 21.0, 21.0, 20.5, and 19.0 mag in u, g, r, i, and z-bands, respectively. We achieve this error threshold by using the Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3) Gmag photometry to derive grey photometric zeropoint corrections, as functions of RA and Declination, for the SDSS catalogue, and use the Gaia BP–RP colour to derive corrections in the ugiz bands, relative to the r-band. The quality of the recalibrated photometry, tested against Pan-STARRS1, DES, CFIS, and GALEX surveys, indicates spatial variations of photometric zeropoints ≦ 0.01 mag (rms), with typical values of 3–7 millimag in the RA, and 1–2 millimag in the Declination directions, except for $\lesssim$6 millimag scatter in the u-band. We also report a few minor photometric problems with other surveys considered here, including a magnitude-dependent ∼0.01 mag bias between 16 ≤ GGaia ≤ 20 in the Gaia EDR3. Our new, publicly available catalogue offers robust calibration of ugriz photometry below 1 per cent level, and will be helpful during the commissioning of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time.
Accurate distances to Galactic globular clusters through a combination of Gaia EDR3, HST, and literature data
Authors: Baumgardt H , Vasiliev E
Published: May 2021

We have derived accurate distances to Galactic globular clusters by combining data from the Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3) with distances based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data and literature-based distances. We determine distances either directly from the Gaia EDR3 parallaxes, or kinematically by combining line-of-sight velocity dispersion profiles with Gaia EDR3 and HST-based proper motion velocity dispersion profiles. We furthermore calculate cluster distances from fitting nearby subdwarfs, whose absolute luminosities we determine from their Gaia EDR3 parallaxes, to globular cluster main sequences. We finally use HST-based stellar number counts to determine distances. We find good agreement in the average distances derived from the different methods down to a level of about 2 per cent. Combining all available data, we are able to derive distances to 162 Galactic globular clusters, with the distances to about 20 nearby globular clusters determined with an accuracy of 1 per cent or better. We finally discuss the implications of our distances for the value of the local Hubble constant.
Understanding the extreme luminosity of DES14X2fna
Authors: Grayling M , Gutiérrez C P , Sullivan M , Wiseman P , Vincenzi M , González-Gaitán S , Tucker B E , Galbany L , Kelsey L , Lidman C , Swann E , Smith M , Frohmaier C , Carollo D , Glazebrook K , Lewis G F , Möller A , Hinton S R , Uddin S A , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Avila S , Bertin E , Bhargava S , Brooks D , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , De Vicente J , Desai S , Diehl H T , Doel P , Everett S , Ferrero I , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hoyle B , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lima M , MacCrann N , Marshall J L , Martini P , Miquel R , Morgan R , Palmese A , Paz-Chinchón F , Plazas A A , Romer A K , Sánchez C , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Serrano S , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Soares-Santos M , Suchyta E , Tarle G , Thomas D , To C , Varga T N , Walker A R , Wilkinson R D ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: May 2021

We present DES14X2fna, a high-luminosity, fast-declining Type IIb supernova (SN IIb) at redshift z = 0.0453, detected by the Dark Energy Survey (DES). DES14X2fna is an unusual member of its class, with a light curve showing a broad, luminous peak reaching Mr ≃ −19.3 mag 20 d after explosion. This object does not show a linear decline tail in the light curve until ≃60 d after explosion, after which it declines very rapidly (4.30 ± 0.10 mag 100 d−1 in the r band). By fitting semi-analytic models to the photometry of DES14X2fna, we find that its light curve cannot be explained by a standard 56Ni decay model as this is unable to fit the peak and fast tail decline observed. Inclusion of either interaction with surrounding circumstellar material or a rapidly-rotating neutron star (magnetar) significantly increases the quality of the model fit. We also investigate the possibility for an object similar to DES14X2fna to act as a contaminant in photometric samples of SNe Ia for cosmology, finding that a similar simulated object is misclassified by a recurrent neural network (RNN)-based photometric classifier as an SN Ia in ∼1.1–2.4 per cent of cases in DES, depending on the probability threshold used for a positive classification.
Tree-based solvers for adaptive mesh refinement code flash – II: radiation transport module TreeRay
Authors: Wünsch Richard , Walch Stefanie , Dinnbier František , Seifried Daniel , Haid Sebastian , Klepitko Andre , Whitworth Anthony P , Palouš Jan
Published: May 2021

The treatment of radiative transfer with multiple radiation sources is a critical challenge in simulations of star formation and the interstellar medium (ISM). In this paper, we present the novel TreeRay method for solving general radiative transfer problems, based on reverse ray-tracing combined with tree-based accelerated integration. We implement TreeRay in the adaptive mesh refinement code flash, as a module of the tree solver developed by Wünsch et al. However, the method itself is independent of the host code and can be implemented in any grid-based or particle-based hydrodynamics code. A key advantage of TreeRay is that its computational cost is independent of the number of sources, making it suitable for simulations with many point sources (e.g. massive star clusters) as well as simulations where diffuse emission is important. A very efficient communication and tree-walk strategy enable TreeRay to achieve almost ideal parallel scalings. TreeRay can easily be extended with sub-modules to treat radiative transfer at different wavelengths and to implement related physical processes. Here, we focus on ionizing radiation and use the on-the-spot approximation to test the method and its parameters. The ability to set the tree solver time-step independently enables the speedy calculation of radiative transfer in a multiphase ISM, where the hydrodynamic time-step is typically limited by the sound speed of the hot gas produced in stellar wind bubbles or supernova remnants. We show that complicated simulations of star clusters with feedback from multiple massive stars become feasible with TreeRay.
Repeated pattern of gamma-ray flares in the light curve of the blazar 3C 279
Authors: Blinov D , Jorstad S G , Larionov V M , MacDonald N R , Grishina T , Kopatskaya E , Larionova E , Larionova L , Morozova D , Nikiforova A , Savchenko S , Troitskaya Y , Troitsky I
Published: May 2021

The optical polarization plane of some blazars occasionally exhibits smooth hundred degree long rotations. Multiple theoretical models have been proposed to explain the nature of such events. A deterministic origin of these rotations, however, remains uncertain. We aim to find repeating patterns of flares in gamma-ray light curves of blazars, which accompany optical polarization plane rotations. Such patterns have been predicted to occur by one of the models explaining this phenomenon. For the blazar 3C 279, where multiple polarization plane rotations have been reported in the literature, we obtain the Fermi-LAT gamma-ray light curve and analyse its intervals adjacent to polarization plane rotations. We find a complex characteristic pattern of flares in the gamma-ray light curve that is repeated during periods adjacent to three large amplitude EVPA rotation events in 3C 279. We discover a ‘hidden EVPA rotation’, which can only be seen in the relative Stokes parameters plane and that occurred simultaneously with the fourth repetition of the pattern. This finding strongly favours the hypothesis of emission features propagating in the jet as the reason of optical polarization plane rotations. Furthermore, it is compatible with the hypothesis of a sheath in the jet comprised of more slowly propagating emission features.
s-process enrichment of ultrafaint dwarf galaxies
Authors: Tarumi Yuta , Suda Takuma , van de Voort Freeke , Inoue Shigeki , Yoshida Naoki , Frebel Anna
Published: May 2021

We study the production of barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) in ultrafaint dwarf (UFDs) galaxies. Both r- and s- processes produce these elements, and one can infer the contribution of the r-process from the characteristic r-process abundance pattern, whereas the s-process contribution remains largely unknown. We show that the current s-process yield from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is not sufficient to explain the Ba and Sr abundances observed in UFDs. Production of these elements would need to be efficient from the beginning of star formation in the galaxies. The discrepancy of nearly or more than 1 dex is not reconciled even if we consider s-process in super-AGB stars. We consider a possible resolution by assuming rotating massive stars (RMSs) and electron-capture supernovae (ECSNe) as additional contributors. We find that the RMSs could be the origin of Ba in UFDs if ∼10 per cent of massive stars are rotating at 300 km s−1. As for ECSNe, we argue that their fraction is less than 2 per cent of core-collapse supernova. It narrows the progenitor mass-range to ${\lesssim}0.1\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ at −3 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ −2. We also explore another resolution by modifying the stellar initial mass function (IMF) in UFDs and find a top-light IMF model that reproduces the observed level of Ba-enrichment. Future observations that determine or tightly constrain the europium and nitrogen abundances are crucial to identify the origin of Ba and Sr in UFDs.
The Gaia view of the Cepheus flare
Authors: Szilágyi Máté , Kun Mária , Ábrahám Péter
Published: May 2021

We present a new census of candidate pre-main-sequence stars in the Cepheus flare star-forming region, based on Gaia EDR3 parallaxes, proper motions, and colour–magnitude diagrams. We identified new candidate members of the previously known young stellar groups associated with NGC 7023, L1177, L1217/L1219, L1228, L1235, and L1251. We studied the 3D structure of the star-forming complex and the distribution of tangential velocities of the young stars. The young stellar groups are located between 330 and 368 pc from the Sun, divided into three kinematic subgroups, and have ages between 1 and 5 million yr. The results confirm the scenario of propagating star formation, suggested by previous studies. In addition to the bulk pre-main-sequence star population between 330 and 370 pc, there is a scattered and more evolved pre-main-sequence population around 150–180 pc. We found new candidate members of the nearby Cepheus Association, and identified a new moving group of 46, 15–20 million yr old pre-main-sequence stars located at a distance of 178 pc, around the A0-type star HD 190833. A few pre-main-sequence stars are located at 800–900 pc, indicative of star-forming regions associated with the Galactic local arm above the Galactic latitude of +10°.
Modelling low charge ions in the solar atmosphere
Authors: Dufresne R P , Del Zanna G , Storey P J
Published: May 2021

Extensions have been made recently to the coronal approximation for the purpose of modelling line emission from carbon and oxygen in the lower solar atmosphere. The same modelling is used here for other elements routinely observed in the solar transition region: N, Ne, Mg, Si, and S. The modelling includes the effects of higher densities suppressing dielectronic recombination and populating long lived, metastable levels; the presence of metastable levels typically causes effective ionization rates to increase and recombination rates to decrease. Processes induced by the radiation field, namely photoionization and photoexcitation, have been included, along with charge transfer, which occurs when electrons are exchanged during atom–ion and ion–ion collisions. The resulting ion balances are shown, and indicate significant changes compared to the frequently employed coronal approximation. The effect on level populations within ions caused by photoexcitation is also assessed. To give an illustration of how line emission could be altered by these processes, selected line contribution functions are presented at the end.
Adaptive Proteome Diversification by Nonsynonymous A-to-I RNA Editing in Coleoid Cephalopods
Authors: Shoshan Yoav , Liscovitch-Brauer Noa , Rosenthal Joshua J C , Eisenberg Eli
Published: May 2021

RNA editing by the ADAR enzymes converts selected adenosines into inosines, biological mimics for guanosines. By doing so, it alters protein-coding sequences, resulting in novel protein products that diversify the proteome beyond its genomic blueprint. Recoding is exceptionally abundant in the neural tissues of coleoid cephalopods (octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes), with an over-representation of nonsynonymous edits suggesting positive selection. However, the extent to which proteome diversification by recoding provides an adaptive advantage is not known. It was recently suggested that the role of evolutionarily conserved edits is to compensate for harmful genomic substitutions, and that there is no added value in having an editable codon as compared with a restoration of the preferred genomic allele. Here, we show that this hypothesis fails to explain the evolutionary dynamics of recoding sites in coleoids. Instead, our results indicate that a large fraction of the shared, strongly recoded, sites in coleoids have been selected for proteome diversification, meaning that the fitness of an editable A is higher than an uneditable A or a genomically encoded G.
Bacterial Evolutionary Precursors of Eukaryotic Copper–Zinc Superoxide Dismutases
Authors: Wright Gareth S A
Published: May 2021

Internalization of a bacteria by an archaeal cell expedited eukaryotic evolution. An important feature of the species that diversified into the great variety of eukaryotic life visible today was the ability to combat oxidative stress with a copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) enzyme activated by a specific, high-affinity copper chaperone. Adoption of a single protein interface that facilitates homodimerization and heterodimerization was essential; however, its evolution has been difficult to rationalize given the structural differences between bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes. In contrast, no consistent strategy for the maturation of periplasmic bacterial CuZnSODs has emerged. Here, 34 CuZnSODs are described that closely resemble the eukaryotic form but originate predominantly from aquatic bacteria. Crystal structures of a Bacteroidetes bacterium CuZnSOD portray both prokaryotic and eukaryotic characteristics and propose a mechanism for self-catalyzed disulfide maturation. Unification of a bacterial but eukaryotic-like CuZnSOD along with a ferredoxin-fold MXCXXC copper-binding domain within a single polypeptide created the advanced copper delivery system for CuZnSODs exemplified by the human copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1. The development of this system facilitated evolution of large and compartmentalized cells following endosymbiotic eukaryogenesis.
Litocranius walleri(Artiodactyla: Bovidae)
Authors: Bärmann Eva V , Klappert Ariana N , Chen Augustin
Published: May 2021

Litocranius walleri (Brooke, 1878) is a bovid commonly called the gerenuk. It is a medium-sized antelope closely related to gazelles and springbok, but unlike these it has low-crowned teeth. L. walleri is the only species in the genus Litocranius. It is commonly found in dry thornbush savannah in northeastern Africa, where it feeds almost exclusively on thorny shrubs and trees while frequently using a bipedal stance. L. walleri is classified as “Near Threatened” (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) because its population trends are decreasing.
Overview of approved and upcoming vaccines for SARS-CoV-2: a living review
Authors: Alderson Jennifer , Batchelor Vicky , O’Hanlon Miriam , Cifuentes Liliana , Richter Felix Clemens , Kopycinski Jakub ,   The Oxford-Cardiff COVID-19 Literature Consortium
Published: May 2021

The rapid design and implementation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines is testament to a successfully coordinated global research effort. While employing a variety of different technologies, some of which have been used for the first time, all approved vaccines demonstrate high levels of efficacy with excellent safety profiles. Despite this, there remains an urgent global demand for coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines that require further candidates to pass phase 3 clinical trials. In the expectation of SARS-CoV-2 becoming endemic, researchers are looking to adjust the vaccine constructs to tackle emerging variants. In this review, we outline different platforms used for approved vaccines and summarize latest research data with regards to immunogenicity, dosing regimens and efficiency against emerging variants.
Tools for Assessing Cell-Cycle Progression in Plants
Authors: Echevarría Clara , Gutierrez Crisanto , Desvoyes Bénédicte
Published: May 2021

Estimation of cell-cycle parameters is crucial for understanding the developmental programs established during the formation of an organism. A number of complementary approaches have been developed and adapted to plants to assess the cell-cycle status in different proliferative tissues. The most classical methods relying on metabolic labeling are still very much employed and give valuable information on cell-cycle progression in fixed tissues. However, the growing knowledge of plant cell-cycle regulators with defined expression pattern together with the development of fluorescent proteins technology enabled the generation of fusion proteins that function individually or in conjunction as cell-cycle reporters. Together with the improvement of imaging techniques, in vivo live imaging to monitor plant cell-cycle progression in normal growth conditions or in response to different stimuli has been possible. Here, we review these tools and their specific outputs for plant cell-cycle analysis.
A Three-Dimensional Scanning System for Digital Archiving and Quantitative Evaluation of Arabidopsis Plant Architectures
Authors: Kunita Itsuki , Morita Miyo Terao , Toda Masashi , Higaki Takumi
Published: May 2021

A plant’s architecture contributes to its ability to acquire resources and reduce mechanical load. Arabidopsis thaliana is the most common model plant in molecular biology, and there are several mutants and transgenic lines with modified plant architecture regulation, such as lazy1 mutants, which have reversed angles of lateral branches. Although some phenotyping methods have been used in larger agricultural plants, limited suitable methods are available for three-dimensional reconstruction of Arabidopsis, which is smaller and has more uniform surface textures and structures. An inexpensive, easily adopted three-dimensional reconstruction system that can be used for Arabidopsis is needed so that researchers can view and quantify morphological changes over time. We developed a three-dimensional reconstruction system for A. thaliana using the visual volume intersection method, which uses a fixed camera to capture plant images from multiple directions while the plant slowly rotates. We then developed a script to autogenerate stack images from the obtained input movie and visualized the plant architecture by rendering the output stack image using the general bioimage analysis software. We successfully three-dimensionally and time-sequentially scanned wild-type and lazy1 mutant A. thaliana plants and measured the angles of the lateral branches. This non-contact, non-destructive method requires no specialized equipment and is space efficient, inexpensive and easily adopted by Arabidopsis researchers. Consequently, this system will promote three- and four-dimensional phenotyping of this model plant, and it can be used in combination with molecular genetics to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate Arabidopsis architecture.
Secondary Nummular Headache: A New Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: García-Iglesias Cristina , Martínez-Badillo Cristina , García-Azorín David , Trigo-López Javier , Martínez-Pías Enrique , Guerrero-Peral Ángel Luis
Published: May 2021

Background

Nummular headache (NH) is defined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) by the presence of localized pain circumscribed to a small round area of the scalp, not better accounted by any other diagnosis. As in many other primary headache disorders, secondary cases might occur. To date, 13 secondary cases have been published. We aim to present a long series of secondary NH and review the literature of symptomatic NH.

Patients and methods

Retrospective analysis of an observational prospective cohort in a headache unit located in a tertiary hospital. We included patients that fulfilled ICHD criteria and were attributed to a secondary cause. We describe the clinical characteristics, the underlying causes, and the response to treatment.

Results

We included 274 NH patients; eight of them (2.9%) were considered secondary. In one patient the underlying cause was subcutaneous, as for six cases the lesion was located in the bone (two hemangiomas, one osteoma, three different types of cysts), and in one was intracranial but closely related with internal diploe (cavernoma). Among our patients with secondary NH, a preventive therapy was not always needed and, when required, gabapentin or onabotulinumtoxinA were used with positive response.

Conclusions

Secondary NH phenotype overlaps primary NH. Therefore, we recommend routine imaging study in every NH patient. Concerning treatment, it was not necessary to remove the underlying lesion to control the pain and many cases responded to the same prophylactics as primary NH cases.
ON THE POSSIBILITY TO RESOLVE GADOLINIUM- AND CERIUM-BASED CONTRAST AGENTS FROM THEIR CT NUMBERS IN DUAL-ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Malusek Alexandr , Henriksson Lilian , Eriksson Peter , Dahlström Nils , Carlsson Tedgren Åsa , Uvdal Kajsa
Published: May 2021

Cerium oxide nanoparticles with integrated gadolinium have been proved to be useful as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. Of question is their performance in dual-energy computed tomography. The aims of this work are to determine (1) the relation between the computed tomography number and the concentration of the I, Gd or Ce contrast agent and (2) under what conditions it is possible to resolve the type of contrast agent. Hounsfield values of iodoacetic acid, gadolinium acetate and cerium acetate dissolved in water at molar concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 mM were measured in a water phantom using the Siemens SOMATOM Definition Force scanner; gadolinium- and cerium acetate were used as substitutes for the gadolinium-integrated cerium oxide nanoparticles. The relation between the molar concentration of the I, Gd or Ce contrast agent and the Hounsfield value was linear. Concentrations had to be sufficiently high to resolve the contrast agents.
DNA Barcodes Combined with Multilocus Data of Representative Taxa Can Generate Reliable Higher-Level Phylogenies
Authors: Talavera Gerard , Lukhtanov Vladimir , Pierce Naomi E , Vila Roger
Published: May 2021

Taxa are frequently labeled incertae sedis when their placement is debated at ranks above the species level, such as their subgeneric, generic, or subtribal placement. This is a pervasive problem in groups with complex systematics due to difficulties in identifying suitable synapomorphies. In this study, we propose combining DNA barcodes with a multilocus backbone phylogeny in order to assign taxa to genus or other higher-level categories. This sampling strategy generates molecular matrices containing large amounts of missing data that are not distributed randomly: barcodes are sampled for all representatives, and additional markers are sampled only for a small percentage. We investigate the effects of the degree and randomness of missing data on phylogenetic accuracy using simulations for up to 100 markers in 1000-tips trees, as well as a real case: the subtribe Polyommatina (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a large group including numerous species with unresolved taxonomy. Our simulation tests show that when a strategic and representative selection of species for higher-level categories has been made for multigene sequencing (approximately one per simulated genus), the addition of this multigene backbone DNA data for as few as 5–10% of the specimens in the total data set can produce high-quality phylogenies, comparable to those resulting from 100% multigene sampling. In contrast, trees based exclusively on barcodes performed poorly. This approach was applied to a 1365-specimen data set of Polyommatina (including ca. 80% of described species), with nearly 8% of representative species included in the multigene backbone and the remaining 92% included only by mitochondrial COI barcodes, a phylogeny was generated that highlighted potential misplacements, unrecognized major clades, and placement for incertae sedis taxa. We use this information to make systematic rearrangements within Polyommatina, and to describe two new genera. Finally, we propose a systematic workflow to assess higher-level taxonomy in hyperdiverse groups. This research identifies an additional, enhanced value of DNA barcodes for improvements in higher-level systematics using large data sets. [Birabiro; DNA barcoding; incertae sedis; Kipepeo; Lycaenidae; missing data; phylogenomic; phylogeny; Polyommatina; supermatrix; systematics; taxonomy]
Nanopore/Illumina Hybrid Genome Sequence Resource for Corynespora cassiicola Strain XJ Infecting Rubber Tree in China
Authors: Xu Chao , Xue Caiying , Hou Mengyuan , Geng Yuehua , Zang Rui , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Meng
Published: May 2021

Corynespora cassiicola is a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus that can infect a broad range of plant hosts. Corynespora leaf fall, caused by C. cassiicola, is one of the major diseases on rubber tree in China. This disease is having an increasing affect on natural rubber production worldwide. In this study, by combining the Nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies, we present the chromosome-scale genome sequence of the rubber tree-sampled C. cassiicola strain XJ collected in the subtropical region of China. The assembly consists of 23 scaffolds (N50 = 4.62 Mb) with an estimated genome size of 44.42 Mb (only 166 non-ATCG bases) and 16,108 protein-coding genes. The genome will provide a valuable resource for further research on the pathogenesis and comparative genomics of C. cassiicola on rubber tree and other hosts.
Pulmonary Aspiration of Gastric Contents: A Closed Claims Analysis
Authors: Warner Mark A. , Meyerhoff Karen L. , Warner Mary E. , Posner Karen L. , Stephens Linda , Domino Karen B.
Published: May 2021

Background

Perioperative pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents has been associated with severe morbidity and death. The primary aim of this study was to identify outcomes and patient and process of care risk factors associated with gastric aspiration claims in the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project. The secondary aim was to assess these claims for appropriateness of care. The hypothesis was that these data could suggest opportunities to reduce either the risk or severity of perioperative pulmonary aspiration.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were anesthesia malpractice claims in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project that were associated with surgical, procedural, or obstetric anesthesia care with the year of the aspiration event 2000 to 2014. Claims involving pulmonary aspiration were identified and assessed for patient and process factors that may have contributed to the aspiration event and outcome. The standard of care was assessed for each claim.

Results

Aspiration of gastric contents accounted for 115 of the 2,496 (5%) claims in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project that met inclusion criteria. Death directly related to pulmonary aspiration occurred in 66 of the 115 (57%) aspiration claims. Another 16 of the 115 (14%) claims documented permanent severe injury. Seventy of the 115 (61%) patients who aspirated had either gastrointestinal obstruction or another acute intraabdominal process. Anesthetic management was judged to be substandard in 62 of the 115 (59%) claims.

Conclusions

Death and permanent severe injury were common outcomes of perioperative pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents in this series of closed anesthesia malpractice claims. The majority of the patients who aspirated had either gastrointestinal obstruction or acute intraabdominal processes. Anesthesia care was frequently judged to be substandard. These findings suggest that clinical practice modifications to preoperative assessment and anesthetic management of patients at risk for pulmonary aspiration may lead to improvement of their perioperative outcomes.

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Hesperetin regulates transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition -mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cell
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Han , Hu Zhiqiang , Ma Kang , Wang Hui
Published: May 2021

Hesperetin is an abundant flavonoid in citrus fruits, and be confirmed to possess a chemo-preventive effect on cancer. Migration and invasion are the main causes of death of cervical cancer patients, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can directly contribute to malignant phenotypes of tumor cells. The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of hesperetin on EMT-mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads pathway. Cell viability, cell migration and invasion ability, and cell morphology were evaluated and monitored using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assays, Transwell assays and optical microscope, respectively. The change of EMT marker protein E-cadherin and N-cadherin was assessed by immunofluorescence assay, whereas the protein expression of EMT bio-marker and TGF-β1/Smads pathway were detected through western blot analysis. In conclusion, hesperetin can suppress EMT-mediated invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting abnormal activation of TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The study provides an experimental basis for the prevention of the invasion and migration of cervical cancer.
Aurora kinase inhibitor VX-680 enhances sensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells to cisplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Kou Junting , Wang Xuewei , Wei Yuan , Zhao Rong , Wang Xiuli , He Jiefeng , Li Xiaozhong , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: May 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is malignant cancer with a high mortality rate. Cisplatin is one of the most potent chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of ESCC. However, chemoresistance and severe adverse effects of cisplatin become major obstacles to clinical utility. The combination treatment with molecule-targeted drugs and chemotherapy agents is a promising treatment strategy for cancer to improve antineoplastic responses. VX-680 is a potent inhibitor of Aurora kinases. This study was performed to investigate if VX-680 and cisplatin can synergistically inhibit the malignant behavior of ESCC cells. The results obtained from 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide assay and combination index analysis demonstrated that the combination of VX-680 and cisplatin synergistically enhanced cytotoxic effects in ESCC cells. 2-(4-Amidinophenyl)-6-indolecarbamidine dihydrochloride staining and western blot analysis suggested that VX-680 increased cisplatin-mediated cell apoptosis. Further analysis revealed that VX-680 combined with cisplatin could attenuate cell migration and angiogenesis confirmed by wound-healing assay and tube formation assay. Subsequently, VX-680 and cisplatin combined treatment significantly promoted cell-cell cohesion, and reduced cell-extracellular matrix interaction, as analyzed by the cell dissociation assay and cell-matrix attachment assay. In addition, the combination of VX-680 and cisplatin markedly decreased the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p-RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase compared to VX-680 or cisplatin only treatment. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest that the combination of VX-680 and cisplatin could exert a synergistic antitumor effect in ESCC cells and this combination might represent a promising therapeutic strategy against ESCC.
Effects of a Debriefing Workshop for Simulation Educators in Nursing
Authors: Roh Young Sook
Published: May 2021

Simulation educators play an essential role in debriefing to induce learning outcomes following a simulation activity. Training programs are needed to ensure and maintain the simulation educator's debriefing competency. This study aimed to identify the effects of a 4-hour debriefing workshop on knowledge, debriefing competency, and satisfaction. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The debriefing workshop consisted of a lecture, a practicum for debriefing competency rating (peer evaluation, learner evaluation), a presentation, and a group discussion. A convenience sample of 22 simulation educators completed a self-administered questionnaire. The pretest-posttest difference in knowledge and debriefing competency was analyzed using a paired t test. The results indicated that simulation educators had a higher posttest than pretest knowledge score. Training also significantly improved the overall elements of the perceived simulation educator debriefing competency. The simulation educators were generally satisfied with the debriefing workshop. The debriefing workshop positively affected the simulation educators' knowledge, debriefing competency, and satisfaction. Further study is needed to identify the translational effects of a faculty development program regarding debriefing on learner outcomes.
A Case of Elsberg Syndrome in the Setting of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Abrams Rory M. C. , Desland Fiona , Lehrer Helaina , Yeung Anne , Tse Winona , Young James J. , Mendu Damodara R. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Shin Susan C.
Published: May 2021

Elsberg syndrome is a rare cause of lumbosacral radiculitis with concomitant thoracic and lumbosacral myelitis that can be seen after an acute or reactivated viral infection. After the initial coronavirus surge in New York City, a 68-year-old man developed progressive lower extremity weakness and a defined sensory level at the lower abdomen. He had highly elevated SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies despite an absence of preceding COVID-19 symptoms. Serial electrodiagnostic testing revealed absent lower extremity late responses, with otherwise normal distal sensorimotor conductions. Electromyography revealed active neurogenic changes and reduced motor unit recruitment in the L3–L4 myotomes. Treatment with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin was followed by minimal clinical improvement but re-emergence of the lower extremity late responses on electrodiagnostic testing. We report here, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of suspected COVID-19–associated Elsberg syndrome, which expands the spectrum of neuromuscular manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and sheds light on ways to approach diagnostic and treatment options for these patients.
(Absence of) Association Between Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Therapy and Urinary Tract Infection in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Heidemann Jana , Tanislav Christian , Kostev Karel
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study is to identify a potential association of urinary tract infections (UTI) in a large population of patients receiving oral anticoagulation therapy treated in general practices in Germany. This study contains patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who received at least one prescription of either non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA) within January 2015 and December 2018. The incidence of UTI was examined cumulatively on the basis of Kaplan–Meier methods and was complemented by incidence rates measured in cases per 1000 patient years. Sex-stratified Cox regressions were conducted to examine possible associations in specific sex groups. The study comprised 26,934 patients receiving NOAC therapy and 8121 patients treated with VKA agents. Within a period of 5 years, slightly more NOAC than VKA users were diagnosed with UTI (20.3% vs. 19.3%), whereas the incidence rate was slightly higher in patients receiving NOAC therapy than in those under VKA treatment (50.8 cases vs. 50.5 cases in 1000 patient years). There was no significant association between direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists and infections of the urinary tract. Our study did not identify any significant association between therapy with direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K anticoagulants and UTI in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in general practices in Germany. Because current findings regarding the risk of UTI in patients receiving oral anticoagulation therapy remain limited and contradictory, further investigations including a broad patient population are necessary to determine patients at risk for UTI and reconcile conflicting evidence.
Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Vasopressor-associated Symmetric Peripheral Gangrene
Authors: Stoehr Jenna R. , Kearney Aaron M. , Massie Jonathan P. , Ko Jason H. , Dumanian Gregory A.
Published: May 2021

Symmetric peripheral gangrene (SPG) affects peripheral tissues of critically ill patients and can have severe disfiguring and debilitating effects. It can occur in the setting of multiple conditions, and it is associated with the use of vasopressors. There are no evidence-based treatments available for patients who develop SPG. Botulinum toxin has emerged as a potential therapy in vasospastic disorders, and we hypothesized that it may be used in the treatment of tissue ischemia in critically ill patients on vasopressors. We present a case of a patient who developed vasopressor-associated SPG and who experienced complete resolution after local injection with botulinum toxin. While the action of botulinum toxin on skeletal muscle is best understood, it has also been demonstrated to attenuate the release of multiple vasoconstrictive factors that impact vascular smooth muscle and modulate calcium and nitric oxide. These effects may result in vasodilation and improvement of cutaneous ischemia when injected locally. Clinicians may consider this local therapy in the treatment of vasopressor-associated symmetric peripheral gangrene.
The 2020 Facial Transplantation Update: A 15-Year Compendium
Authors: Diep Gustave K. , Berman Zoe P. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Ramly Elie P. , Boczar Daniel , Trilles Jorge , Rodriguez Colon Ricardo , Chaya Bachar F. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: May 2021

Over the past 15 years, landmark achievements have established facial transplantation (FT) as a feasible reconstructive option for otherwise irreparable craniofacial defects. However, as the field matures and long-term outcomes begin to emerge, FT teams around the world are now facing new challenges. Data for this review were identified by searches of the PubMed/MEDLINE database from inception through August 2020. All English-language articles pertaining to FT were included. Significant advances in candidate selection, technology, operative technique, posttransplant care, and immunosuppressive management have contributed to the tremendous expansion of the field, culminating in the execution in the past 3 years of 2 facial re-transplantations, and most recently the world’s first successful combined face and double hand transplant in August 2020. Despite these achievements, the allograft donor pool remains limited, with long wait times, requiring surgical experimentation with cross-sex FT. Immunosuppressive management has improved, but significant adverse events continue to be reported. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on the healthcare system, with various implications for the practice of reconstructive transplantation. In this article, we provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date FT review, highlighting fundamental lessons learned and recent advancements, while looking toward the challenges ahead. Over the past 15 years, extensive multidisciplinary efforts have been instrumental to the establishment of FT as a feasible reconstructive option. As novel challenges are beginning to emerge, continued collaborative and multispecialty research efforts are needed to further this field.
Political Advocacy from Plastic Surgery Trainees in the United States
Authors: Kozusko Steven D. , Lopez Joseph , Sheck Casey G. , Greco Gregory A.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Legislature directly impacts the practice of physicians across multiple specialties. The goal of our study is to investigate the political engagement and opinions of plastic surgery trainees, and how they perceive legislation impacts future practice.

Methods:

A 24-question survey was designed and distributed to all program directors and Resident Council members within the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This initiative was driven by the board and directors and supported by the Resident Council. The Resident Council is a trainee-driven committee within the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that communicates with the Board of Directors.

Results:

This survey generated a 10.3% response rate with 118 responses out of 1143 trainees in ACGME accredited institutions. When asked in an open-ended fashion to list the most important reason why one planned to vote in the 2020 election, only 6.8% listed healthcare as a factor. Eighty-four percent of respondents believe that their vote impacts future legislation and regulation. Ninety-four percent strongly agree or agree that political legislation affects reimbursement.

Conclusions:

With only 10.3% of trainees responding, there is a concern that political activity is not a priority for plastic surgery trainees. Plastic surgery trainees are attending summits, meeting with politicians, writing letters, and attending fundraisers. Respondents are overwhelmingly voting and planning to vote in elections, though few list healthcare as a reason. A future goal must be to motivate trainees to consider the intersection between healthcare and plastic surgery.
Modified Chondrocutaneous Flaps for Middle Helical Rim Defects
Authors: Lawson Abby M. , Geisler Emily L. , Leach Garrison A. , Granger Peter M. , Holcombe Travis C.
Published: May 2021

This article describes a unique approach for reconstruction of large helical rim defects. By raising bilateral chondrocutaneous flaps of the helical rim while including a semicircular chondrocutaneous excision of the adjacent scapha and antihelix, large defects can be repaired with minimal loss to the overall external ear circumference. This is a technically simple and reliable method that has resulted in excellent cosmetic outcomes and minimal morbidity in our practice.
Enhanced surgical technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of intraocular lenses
Authors: Gabai Andrea , Zeppieri Marco , Toneatto Giacomo , Salati Carlo
Published: May 2021

A simplified intrascleral fixation technique involving implantation of the Carlevale intraocular lens (IOL) in the posterior chamber is described, which lodges the T-shaped IOL haptics in the scleral wall, not requiring scleral flaps. This surgical modification reduces operative time, limits iatrogenic damage to the sclera, and avoids friction between haptics and the conjunctiva, which may cause conjunctival erosion and infection in the long term. 13 patients with crystalline lens or IOL dislocation/subluxation had surgery to implant the Carlevale IOL in the posterior chamber. Mean corrected distance visual acuity preoperatively was 0.75 ± 0.5 logMAR (range, 0.2 to 1.5 logMAR) and improved to 0.28 ± 0.3 logMAR (range, 0 to 1.0 logMAR) postoperatively. Complications rarely occurred and were not sight-threatening. The sutureless scleral fixation of the Carlevale IOL using the modified surgical technique may represent a safe and effective procedure to restore visual function in patients with damaged zonular–capsular support.