bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative abundance of invasive plants more effectively explains the response of wetland communities to different invasion degrees than phylogenetic evenness
Authors: Sun Kai , Liu Xuan-Shao , Qin Tian-Jian , Jiang Fan , Cai Jing-Fang , Shen Yi-Luan , A Si-Ha , Li Hong-Li
Published: July 2021

Native plant communities are commonly invaded by invasive plants to different degrees. However, the relative contribution of the invasive plant abundance vs. phylogenetic evenness to the responses of wetland communities to different degrees of invasion is still unclear. In addition, whether such contribution varies with environmental conditions such as flooding is also unclear. To address these questions, we chose Alternanthera philoxeroides as the invasive plant, and set up four invasive degrees by changing the community species composition under both flooding and non-flooding conditions. The relative abundance of A. philoxeroides and phylogenetic evenness changed simultaneously with the change in the community invasion degree. The invasion degree significantly affected the individual biomass of A. philoxeroides and some native species. Variation partitioning showed that the relative abundance of A. philoxeroides contributed more to variation in community indicators than phylogenetic evenness, regardless of flooding. Spearman rank correlation test showed that the relative abundance of A. philoxeroides was negatively correlated with the individual biomass of A. philoxeroides and some native species, while the phylogenetic evenness was positively correlated with only a few native species. And their correlation strength and significance were all affected by specific species and flooded environment. In conclusion, our results suggest that the relative abundance of A. philoxeroides can more effectively explain the wetland community response to different invasion degrees than phylogenetic evenness, regardless of flooding.
Factors Associated With Postoperative Opioid Prescribing After Primary Elective Cesarean Section
Authors: Patzkowski Michael S , Hammond Kevin L , Herrera Germaine , Highland Krista B
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Guidelines indicate the need to balance the risks of opioid prescribing with the need to adequately manage pain after cesarean section (CS). Although guidelines suggest the need for tailored opioid prescribing, it is unclear whether providers currently tailor opioid prescribing practices given patient-related factors. Thus, research is needed to first understand post-CS pain management and opioid prescribing. The objective of the present study was to identify factors related to CS discharge opioid prescriptions.

Material and Methods

This retrospective cohort study was approved by the Brooke Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board (San Antonio, Texas; #C.2020.094e) on June 23, 2020. Electronic health record data of healthy adult women undergoing primary elective CS, performed under regional neuraxial anesthesia at a single, academic, tertiary medical center from 2018 to 2019, were included. Multivariable regression examined patient and medical factors associated with post-CS opioid prescriptions.

Results

In the present sample (N = 169), 23% (n = 39) of patients did not use opioids postoperatively, while inpatient and almost all of those patients (n = 36) received a discharge prescription for opioids with a median amount of 225 morphine milligram equivalent doses. There was a lack of evidence indicating that patient and medical factors were associated with discharge opioid dose.

Conclusion

Patient and medical factors were not associated with post-CS opioid prescribing. Larger studies are needed to better elucidate optimal post-CS pain management in the days and months that follow CS. Such findings are needed to better tailor opioid prescribing, consistent with clinical practice guidelines.
Genome Analysis Traces Regional Dispersal of Rice in Taiwan and Southeast Asia
Authors: Alam Ornob , Gutaker Rafal M , Wu Cheng-Chieh , Hicks Karen A , Bocinsky Kyle , Castillo Cristina Cobo , Acabado Stephen , Fuller Dorian , d’Alpoim Guedes Jade A , Hsing Yue-Ie , Purugganan Michael D
Published: July 2021

The dispersal of rice (Oryza sativa) following domestication influenced massive social and cultural changes across South, East, and Southeast (SE) Asia. The history of dispersal across islands of SE Asia, and the role of Taiwan and the Austronesian expansion in this process remain largely unresolved. Here, we reconstructed the routes of dispersal of O. sativa ssp. japonica rice to Taiwan and the northern Philippines using whole-genome resequencing of indigenous rice landraces coupled with archaeological and paleoclimate data. Our results indicate that japonica rice found in the northern Philippines diverged from Indonesian landraces as early as 3,500 years before present (BP). In contrast, rice cultivated by the indigenous peoples of the Taiwanese mountains has complex origins. It comprises two distinct populations, each best explained as a result of admixture between temperate japonica that presumably came from northeast Asia, and tropical japonica from the northern Philippines and mainland SE Asia, respectively. We find that the temperate japonica component of these indigenous Taiwan populations diverged from northeast Asia subpopulations at about 2,600 BP, whereas gene flow from the northern Philippines had begun before ∼1,300  BP. This coincides with a period of intensified trade established across the South China Sea. Finally, we find evidence for positive selection acting on distinct genomic regions in different rice subpopulations, indicating local adaptation associated with the spread of japonica rice.
Triplex-forming properties and enzymatic incorporation of a base-modified nucleotide capable of duplex DNA recognition at neutral pH
Authors: Rusling David A
Published: July 2021

The sequence-specific recognition of duplex DNA by unmodified parallel triplex-forming oligonucleotides is restricted to low pH conditions due to a necessity for cytosine protonation in the third strand. This has severely restricted their use as gene-targeting agents, as well as for the detection and/or functionalisation of synthetic or genomic DNA. Here I report that the nucleobase 6-amino-5-nitropyridin-2-one (Z) finally overcomes this constraint by acting as an uncharged mimic of protonated cytosine. Synthetic TFOs containing the nucleobase enabled stable and selective triplex formation at oligopurine-oligopyrimidine sequences containing multiple isolated or contiguous GC base pairs at neutral pH and above. Moreover, I demonstrate a universal strategy for the enzymatic assembly of Z-containing TFOs using its commercially available deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate. These findings seek to improve not only the recognition properties of TFOs but also the cost and/or expertise associated with their chemical syntheses.
Roles of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Tateishi-Karimata Hisae , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: July 2021

Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Expression of tumour suppressor genes is suppressed by mutations or epigenetic silencing, whereas for neurodegenerative disease-related genes, nucleic acid-based effects may be presented through loss of protein function due to erroneous protein sequences or gain of toxic function from extended repeat transcripts or toxic peptide production. These diseases are triggered by damaged genes and proteins due to lifestyle and exposure to radiation. Recent studies have indicated that transient, non-canonical structural changes in nucleic acids in response to the environment can regulate the expression of disease-related genes. Non-canonical structures are involved in many cellular functions, such as regulation of gene expression through transcription and translation, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, and DNA recombination. Transcripts generated from repeat sequences of neurodegenerative disease-related genes form non-canonical structures that are involved in protein transport and toxic aggregate formation. Intracellular phase separation promotes transcription and protein assembly, which are controlled by the nucleic acid structure and can influence cancer and neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings may aid in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review the influence of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in disease-related genes on disease onset and progression.
capCLIP: a new tool to probe translational control in human cells through capture and identification of the eIF4E–mRNA interactome
Authors: Jensen Kirk B , Dredge B Kate , Toubia John , Jin Xin , Iadevaia Valentina , Goodall Gregory J , Proud Christopher G
Published: July 2021

Translation of eukaryotic mRNAs begins with binding of their m7G cap to eIF4E, followed by recruitment of other translation initiation factor proteins. We describe capCLIP, a novel method to comprehensively capture and quantify the eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E) ‘cap-ome’ and apply it to examine the biological consequences of eIF4E–cap binding in distinct cellular contexts. First, we use capCLIP to identify the eIF4E cap-omes in human cells with/without the mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin, complex 1) inhibitor rapamycin, there being an emerging consensus that rapamycin inhibits translation of TOP (terminal oligopyrimidine) mRNAs by displacing eIF4E from their caps. capCLIP reveals that the representation of TOP mRNAs in the cap-ome is indeed systematically reduced by rapamycin, thus validating our new methodology. capCLIP also refines the requirements for a functional TOP sequence. Second, we apply capCLIP to probe the consequences of phosphorylation of eIF4E. We show eIF4E phosphorylation reduces overall eIF4E–mRNA association and, strikingly, causes preferential dissociation of mRNAs with short 5′-UTRs. capCLIP is a valuable new tool to probe the function of eIF4E and of other cap-binding proteins such as eIF4E2/eIF4E3.
Choline and docosahexaenoic acid during the first 1000 days and children’s health and development in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Bragg Megan G , Prado Elizabeth L , Stewart Christine P
Published: July 2021

Choline and DHA are nutrients that, when provided during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years, may have beneficial effects on child neurodevelopment as well as related health factors, including birth outcomes and child growth, morbidity, and inflammation. Because these nutrients are found mainly in animal-source foods, they may be lacking in the diets of pregnant and lactating women and young children in low- and middle-income countries, potentially putting children at risk for suboptimal development and health. Prior reviews of these nutrients have mainly focused on studies from high-income countries. Here, a narrative review is presented of studies describing the pre- and postnatal roles of choline, docosahexaenoic acid, and a combination of the 2 nutrients on child neurodevelopment, birth outcomes, growth, morbidity, and inflammation in low- and middle-income countries. More studies are needed to understand the specific, long-term effects of perinatal choline and docosahexaenoic acid intake in various contexts.
Functional Analysis of Poplar Sombrero-Type NAC Transcription Factors Yields a Strategy to Modify Woody Cell Wall Properties
Authors: Akiyoshi Nobuhiro , Ihara Ayumi , Matsumoto Tomoko , Takebayashi Arika , Hiroyama Ryoko , Kikuchi Jun , Demura Taku , Ohtani Misato
Published: July 2021

Woody cells generate lignocellulosic biomass, which is a promising sustainable bioresource for wide industrial applications. Woody cell differentiation in vascular plants, including the model plant poplar (Populus trichocarpa), is regulated by a set of NAC family transcription factors, the VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN (VND), NAC SECONDARY CELL WALL THICKENING PROMOTING FACTOR (NST)/SND, and SOMBRERO (SMB) (VNS)-related proteins, but the precise contributions of each VNS protein to wood quality are unknown. Here, we performed a detailed functional analysis of the poplar SMB-type VNS proteins PtVNS13–PtVNS16. PtVNS13–PtVNS16 were preferentially expressed in the roots of young poplar plantlets, similar to the Arabidopsis thalianaSMB gene. PtVNS13 and PtVNS14, as well as the NST-type PtVNS11, suppressed the abnormal root cap phenotype of the Arabidopsis sombrero-3 mutant, whereas the VND-type PtVNS07 gene did not, suggesting a functional gap between SMB- or NST-type VNS proteins and VND-type VNS proteins. Overexpressing PtVNS13–PtVNS16 in Arabidopsis seedlings and poplar leaves induced ectopic xylem-vessel-like cells with secondary wall deposition, and a transient expression assay showed that PtVNS13–16 transactivated woody-cell-related genes. Interestingly, although any VNS protein rescued the pendant stem phenotype of the Arabidopsis nst1-1 nst3-1 mutant, the resulting inflorescence stems exhibited distinct cell wall properties: poplar VNS genes generated woody cell walls with higher enzymatic saccharification efficiencies compared with Arabidopsis VNS genes. Together, our data reveal clear functional diversity among VNS proteins in woody cell differentiation and demonstrate a novel VNS-based strategy for modifying woody cell wall properties toward enhanced utilization of woody biomass.
Quercetin fail to protect against the neurotoxic effects of chronic homocysteine administration on motor behavior and oxidative stress in the adult rat’s cerebellum
Authors: Thaimory Mohaddeseh , Goudarzi Iran , Lashkarbolouki Taghi , Abrari Kataneh
Published: July 2021

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an excitatory amino acid that contains thiol group and derives from the methionine metabolism. It increases vulnerability of the neuronal cells to excitotoxic and oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) effects on rat cerebellum and the possible protective role of quercetin administration in Hcy-treated rats, using behavioral and biochemical analyzes. To this end, the adult male rats were divided randomly into the control group that received vehicle, Hcy group received Hcy (400 μg/kg), Hcy + Que group received Hcy + quercetin (50 mg/kg), quercetin group received quercetin for 14 days. On Day 14 after the final treatment, lipid peroxidation level, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were evaluated in the cerebellum. After completion of treatment, the rat’s performance on rotarod and locomotor activity was evaluated. The results showed that Hcy treatment elicited cerebellar lipid peroxidation, impaired locomotor activity and increased latency to fall on the rotarod. Quercetin failed to attenuate significantly motoric impairment, increased significantly the cerebellar lipid peroxidation and GPx activity in the Hcy + Que group. Our results suggest that Hcy induced cerebellar toxicity and quercetin had no significant protective effects against Hcy toxicity in the cerebellum of adult rats.
Concept Analysis of the Empowerment of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Using a Hybrid Model
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Shin Nayeon
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to conceptualize the empowerment of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) using a hybrid model. In the final phase, “perceived competence and knowledge on lifestyle management,” “sense of control of one's own health care,” “self-acceptance to change,” and “motivation for voluntary behavior” were identified as intrapersonal aspects; “information search,” “active communication between patients and health care professionals,” and “supportive relationships” were identified as interactional aspects; “self-management in one's life” and “coping behavior with disease” were identified as behavioral aspects. A concept accurately reflecting CAD characteristics may facilitate the implementation of risk factor management.
Technique: Dorsal Spanning Wrist Plate
Authors: Senehi Rebecca , Walsh John
Published: July 2021

The dorsal spanning wrist plate is an important tool in the treatment of comminuted, intra-articular, and displaced distal radius fractures (OTA/AO C3). The dorsal spanning plate allows for secondary bone healing in patients when it is not possible to achieve a stable reduction through a standard plate due to polytrauma, fracture morphology, degree of comminution, and/or poor native bone biology.
Dorsal Thompson: Approach to the Proximal Radial Shaft
Authors: Murphy Meredith , Teasdall Robert J. , Comadoll Shea , Aneja Arun
Published: July 2021

Treatment principles in the management of radial shaft fractures, congruent with all fracture care, are to restore anatomy and function of the limb. Radial shaft fractures are unique in that preserving the anatomic bow of the radius, which allows for its rotation around the ulna during pronation and supination, is essential for proper function. The 2 main approaches for exposure of the proximal or middle third radial diaphyseal fractures are the volar “Henry” and the dorsal “Thompson.” This article highlights the benefits of the dorsal Thompson approach, describes the key points of the operative technique, which allow for protection of the posterior interosseous nerve, and provides an overview of the measurable outcomes when using this approach. In the accompanying video, the steps of operative exposure to the proximal radial shaft with careful avoidance of the posterior interosseous nerve are demonstrated.
Management of Open Segmental Tibial Fractures
Authors: Hundal Rajbir S. , Weick Jack , Hake Mark
Published: July 2021

Open segmental tibial fractures are difficult injuries fraught with potential for complications. Delays or missteps in treatment and soft tissue coverage can lead to disastrous outcomes. This article and the accompanying video demonstrate an example of a timely, team-based approach for management of an open segmental tibial shaft fracture with complex osseous fixation and soft tissue reconstruction.
Impact of Clinician Recognition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Evidenced-Based Interventions in the Medical ICU
Authors: Kerchberger V. Eric , Brown Ryan M. , Semler Matthew W. , Zhao Zhiguo , Koyama Tatsuki , Janz David R. , Bastarache Julie A. , Ware Lorraine B.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is underrecognized in the ICU, but it remains uncertain if acute respiratory distress syndrome recognition affects evidence-based acute respiratory distress syndrome care in the modern era. We sought to determine the rate of clinician-recognized acute respiratory distress syndrome in an academic medical ICU and understand how clinician-recognized-acute respiratory distress syndrome affects clinical care and patient-centered outcomes.

DESIGN:

Observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Single medical ICU at an academic tertiary-care hospital.

PATIENTS:

Nine hundred seventy-seven critically ill adults (381 with expert-adjudicated acute respiratory distress syndrome) enrolled from 2006 to 2015.

INTERVENTIONS:

Clinician-recognized-acute respiratory distress syndrome was identified using an electronic keyword search of clinical notes in the electronic health record. We assessed the classification performance of clinician-recognized acute respiratory distress syndrome for identifying expert-adjudicated acute respiratory distress syndrome. We also compared differences in ventilator settings, diuretic prescriptions, and cumulative fluid balance between clinician-recognized acute respiratory distress syndrome and unrecognized acute respiratory distress syndrome.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Overall, clinician-recognized-acute respiratory distress syndrome had a sensitivity of 47.5%, specificity 91.1%, positive predictive value 77.4%, and negative predictive value 73.1% for expert-adjudicated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Among the 381 expert-adjudicated acute respiratory distress syndrome cases, we did not observe any differences in ventilator tidal volumes between clinician-recognized-acute respiratory distress syndrome and unrecognized acute respiratory distress syndrome, but clinician-recognized-acute respiratory distress syndrome patients had a more negative cumulative fluid balance (mean difference, –781 mL; 95% CI, [–1,846 to +283]) and were more likely to receive diuretics (49.3% vs 35.7%, p = 0.02). There were no differences in mortality, ICU length of stay, or ventilator-free days.

CONCLUSIONS:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome recognition was low in this single-center study. Although acute respiratory distress syndrome recognition was not associated with lower ventilator volumes, it was associated with differences in behaviors related to fluid management. These findings have implications for the design of future studies promoting evidence-based acute respiratory distress syndrome interventions in the ICU.
Factors Associated With Rebound Hyperthermia After Targeted Temperature Management in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: An Explorative Substudy of the Time-Differentiated Therapeutic Hypothermia in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors Trial
Authors: Holm Aki , Kirkegaard Hans , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Søreide Eldar , Grejs Anders M. , Toome Valdo , Hassager Christian , Rasmussen Bodil S. , Laitio Timo , Storm Christian , Hästbacka Johanna , Skrifvars Markus B.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate rebound hyperthermia following targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest and its impact on functional outcome.

DESIGN:

Post hoc analysis.

SETTING:

Ten European ICUs.

PATIENTS:

Patients included in the time-differentiated therapeutic hypothermia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors trial treated with targeted temperature management at 33°C for 48 or 24 hours. Favorable functional outcome was defined as a Cerebral Performance Category of 1 or 2 at 6 months.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Of 338 included patients, 103 (30%) experienced rebound hyperthermia defined as a maximum temperature after targeted temperature management and rewarming exceeding 38.5°C. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, increasing age (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99; p = 0.02) and severe acute kidney injury within 72 hours of ICU admission (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.91; p = 0.03) were associated with less rebound hyperthermia, whereas male gender (odds ratio, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.34–11.57; p = 0.01), highest C-reactive protein value (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07; p = 0.02), and use of mechanical chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.10–3.67; p = 0.02) were associated with more rebound hyperthermia. Patients with favorable functional outcome spent less time after rewarming over 38.5°C (2.5% vs 6.3%; p = 0.03), 39°C (0.14% vs 2.7%; p < 0.01), and 39.5°C (0.03% vs 0.71%; p < 0.01) when compared with others. Median time to rebound hyperthermia was longer in the unfavorable functional outcome group (33.2 hr; interquartile range, 14.3–53.0 hr vs 6.5 hr; interquartile range, 2.2–34.1; p < 0.01). In a predefined multivariate binary logistic regression model, rebound hyperthermia was associated with decreased odds of favorable functional outcome (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.79).

CONCLUSIONS:

One-third of targeted temperature management patients experience rebound hyperthermia, and it is more common in younger male patients with an aggravated inflammatory response and those treated with a mechanical chest compression device. Later onset of rebound hyperthermia and temperatures exceeding 38.5°C associate with unfavorable outcome.
Involvement of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Decreased Vasopressor Response Following Trauma/Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Mazor Rafi , Dos Santos Fernando , Li Joyce B. , Aletti Federico , Schmid-Schonbein Geert , Kistler Erik B.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Refractory vascular failure due to the inability of vascular smooth muscle to respond to vasoconstrictors such as phenylephrine is a final common pathway for severe circulatory shock of any cause, including trauma/hemorrhagic shock. Increased inflammation, Toll-like receptor 4 activation, and decreased response of the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors which control vascular tone have been reported in trauma/hemorrhagic shock.

HYPOTHESIS:

In trauma/hemorrhagic shock, Toll-like receptor 4 activation contributes to vascular failure via decreased bioavailability of adrenergic receptors.

DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS:

Trauma/hemorrhagic shock was induced in Wistar rats (laparotomy combined with mean arterial pressure at 40 mm Hg for 90 min followed by 2 hr resuscitation with Lactated Ringers solution). To inhibit Toll-like receptor 4, resatorvid (TAK-242) and resveratrol were used, and plasma was collected. Smooth muscle cells were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/mL) or plasma. Inflammatory cytokines were screened using dot-blot. Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor κB activation and cellular localization of the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor were measured by immunofluorescence imaging and Western blot analysis. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 was used to knock out Toll-like receptor 4, and calcium influx following stimulation with phenylephrine was recorded.

MAIN RESULTS:

Trauma/hemorrhagic shock caused a decreased response to phenylephrine, whereas Toll-like receptor 4 inhibition improved blood pressure. Trauma/hemorrhagic shock plasma activated the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB pathway in smooth muscle cells. Double labeling of Toll-like receptor 4 and the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor showed that these receptors are colocalized on the cell membrane. Activation of Toll-like receptor 4 caused cointernalization of both receptors. Calcium influx was impaired in cells incubated with trauma/hemorrhagic shock plasma but restored when Toll-like receptor 4 was knocked out or inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS:

Activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 desensitizes vascular smooth muscle cells to vasopressors in experimental trauma/hemorrhagic shock by reducing the levels of membrane alpha-1 adrenergic receptor.
A Case of Dissecting Cellulitis which Was Initially Suspected to Be a Trichilemmal Cyst
Authors: Masuda Yashumitsu , Kuwahara Masamitsu , Ando Junji , Miyata Riyo , Harada Masayuki , Takeuchi Mika , Kanagawa Saori , Mashiba Kumi , Yurugi Satoshi
Published: July 2021

We treat infected cysts on a daily basis, but it is difficult to diagnose similar lesions produced by inflammatory conditions that are not primarily caused by bacteria. Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in disfiguring, painful, and purulent lesions. It often takes a long time to diagnose. The pathophysiology of DCS remains unclear. Various treatments for DCS have been proposed, depending on the severity of the disease. However, none of these treatments are clearly superior to the others. If DCS spreads to the entire occipital region, aggressive surgical treatment may be beneficial in terms of the patient’s quality of life. However, surgical interventions, such as drainage, are not effective at preventing the progression of the disease. Herein, we report the case of a young female patient who developed a cyst in the occipital region. We initially suspected that the lesion was a normal infected trichilemmal cyst. However, DCS was subsequently suspected because the lesion exhibited an unusual course after drainage and debridement. We consider that we made a diagnosis relatively early, but if we had sufficient knowledge about DCS we could have made a diagnosis even earlier by performing debridement sooner. Minocycline was administered for 5 months, which caused the lesion to disappear. After 2 years, no recurrence had been observed.
Novel Endoscopic Transnasal Technique for Anterolateral Thigh Flap Inset Post Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Resection
Authors: Ooi Adrian S.H. , Gill Hargaven S. , Kiong Kimberly L. , Xu Shuhui , Heah Harold H.W.
Published: July 2021

Post-nasopharyngectomy reconstruction for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas has been used for defect coverage and protection of vital structures. With the increasing use of endoscopic transnasal nasopharyngeal extirpation to offset complications faced with open techniques, there is a need for corresponding reconstructive support through a similar approach. We describe a novel endoscopic transnasal anterolateral thigh flap inset technique, combined with a transverse neck incision, in two patients who underwent transnasal nasopharyngectomy. We also include a video presentation of our operative technique. A vastus lateralis fascia free flap was used for one patient, and a vastus lateralis muscle free flap for the other. Both patients were aged 51 years. Mean nasopharyngeal defect size was 20 cm2 (range 12–28 cm2). Average surgical stay was 13.5 days (11–16 days) and flap mucosalization was complete for both patients. No recipient site complications were observed in either patient, although donor site seroma formation was seen in one patient. Average time to speech recovery was 1.5 months (range 1–2 months) for both patients. Time to diet recovery was 2 months for one patient, whereas the other was on long-term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. There were no flap failures or peri-operative mortalities. Endoscopic transnasal anterolateral thigh flap inset to reconstruct the nasopharyngeal space is an effective technique that confers reduced morbidity and potentially better outcomes compared with open techniques.
Aesthetic Eyelid Measurements of “Beautiful People”: Gender Differences and Application for Thyroid Eye Disease Patients
Authors: Evans Jacob A. , Shaheen Mohammed S. , Clark Thomas J. E. , Shriver Erin M.
Published: July 2021

Background:

There remains a paucity of studies investigating measurements of periocular structures of people popularly seen as “beautiful.” Such measurements may be helpful in establishing postoperative goals and measuring aesthetic outcomes. This study (1) identifies aesthetic measurements of the periocular structures in idealized celebrities, (2) determines gender differences in such measurements, and (3) compares these measurements to patients who underwent surgical repair of upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease.

Methods:

Digital analysis of 38 celebrity photographs in People’s “Most Beautiful People” and “Sexiest Man Alive” was performed to measure image-derived (denoted with an “i”) margin reflex distance (iMRD1), tarsal platform show (iTPS), brow fat span (iBFS), and iTPS:iBFS ratio. The same analysis was used for 35 women who underwent surgical repair for thyroid eye disease-related upper eyelid retraction.

Results:

Significant gender differences (P < 0.05) were observed in celebrity metrics, with women having higher upper eyelids (longer iMRD1) (3.30 mm versus 2.50 mm), longer iTPS measurements (3.90 mm versus 2.50 mm), and larger iTPS:iBFS values (0.31 versus 0.20). Postoperative thyroid eye disease patients had significantly higher upper eyelids (longer iMRD1s) (4.80 mm versus 3.30 mm), longer iTPS (5.10 mm versus 3.90 mm), and larger iTPS:iBFS (0.37 versus 0.31) than celebrities.

Conclusions:

There are significant gender differences in the periocular metrics of “beautiful people.” Optimal aesthetic outcomes may be more effectively obtained by achieving a preferred range of ratios than by relying on independent measurements. Although aesthetic outcomes are multi-factorial, measurements of “beautiful” people provide helpful guidelines to gauge aesthetic outcomes.
A bibliometric analysis of top 100 most-cited articles in dentistry with author(s) affiliated with Taiwan institutes
Authors: Chen Siao-Han , Huang Ren-Yeong , Huang Liang-Gie , Weng Pei-Wei , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Cheng Chia-Dan , Chen Mei-Chu , Chiang Ho-Sheng , Sung Cheng-En , Tsai Yi-Wen Cathy , Shieh Yi-Shing , Cheng Wan-Chien
Published: July 2021

Background:

Citation analysis can provide a historical perspective in the advancement of research, evolution, and areas of research. Taiwan exhibits rigorous academic and scientific activities in dentistry; however, based on its empirical contribution in research, there is no report in the literature analyzing the top-cited articles published by authors affiliated with Taiwan institutes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the citation characteristics of the top 100 most-cited articles published in dentistry with author(s) affiliated with Taiwan institutes.

Methods:

The Scopus database was used to search the qualified articles with authors from Taiwan published in journals. The bibliometric parameters, including year of publication, study design, research fields, citation half-life, self-citation, institute of origin, and international collaboration were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression in generalized linear model was used to find associate factors related to trends of citation counts.

Results:

The top 100 most-cited articles were determined by analyzing 7667 articles from the Scopus database. The steadily increasing trends were observed in the number and percentage of articles of author(s) affiliated with Taiwan institutes to the world. The most common study design was the in vitro research (55 %). The majority citation half-life is 3-5 and 6-8 years, and self-citation counts were between one to five times (n = 26). The percentage of international collaboration of these most-cited articles was 32%, and the main collaboration country was the United States. By using multivariable linear regression in the generalized linear model, the associated factors, study design, and self-citation were significantly associated with the escalating trends of citation counts.

Conclusion:

This is the first study that provides valuable information in the dentistry regarding the academic activity, and empirical contribution of author(s) affiliated with Taiwan institutes in the world. The trends of citation characteristics were significantly correlated with study design and self-citation of these articles.
Leadership Perspectives on Local Health Department Workforce Development: A Regional Training Needs Assessment
Authors: Kulik Phoebe K. G. , Leider Jonathon P. , Beck Angela J.
Published: July 2021

The public health workforce broadly—across disciplines, tiers, and settings—requires strategic skills to advance population health outcomes. In early 2020, the Region V Public Health Training Center conducted a competency-based training needs assessment survey with all 501 local health departments in the 6-state region, including small agencies that were previously excluded from available national data sources. Health officials or designees from 290 agencies responded (58% response rate) with perspectives regarding the ability of their staff to sufficiently apply strategic skills. Findings highlight training needs among the region's local governmental public health workforce and differences in those needs by the size of population served by the agency. Notable training priorities include the skill domains of Budgeting & Financial Management and Change Management, among others.
Inflammation Disrupts the Brain Network of Executive Function after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zhu Yangzi , Zhou Meiyan , Jia Xiuqin , Zhang Wei , Shi Yibing , Bai Shengjie , Rampes Sanketh , Vizcaychipi Marcela P. , Wu Congyou , Wang Kai , Ma Daqing , Yang Qi , Wang Liwei
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To investigate postoperative functional connectivity (FC) alterations across impaired cognitive domains and their causal relationships with systemic inflammation.

Background:

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiac surgery, and both systemic and neuroinflammation may trigger its development. Whether FC alterations underlying deficits in specific cognitive domains after cardiac surgery are affected by inflammation remains unclear.

Methods:

Seventeen patients, who underwent cardiac valve replacement, completed a neuropsychological test battery and brain MRI scan before surgery and on days 7 and 30 after surgery compared to age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were taken for tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 measurements. Seed-to-voxel FC of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was examined. Bivariate correlation and linear regression models were used to determine the relationships among cognitive function, FC alterations, and cytokines.

Results:

Executive function was significantly impaired after cardiac surgery. At day 7 follow-up, the surgical patients, compared to the controls, demonstrated significantly decreased DLPFC FC with the superior parietal lobe and attenuated negative connectivity in the default mode network, including the angular gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex. The left DLPFC enhanced the connectivity in the right DLPFC and posterior cingulate cortex, all of which were related to the increased tumor necrosis factor-a and decreased executive function up to day 7 after cardiac surgery.

Conclusions:

The decreased FC of executive control network and its anticorrelation with the default mode network may contribute to executive function deficits after cardiac surgery. Systemic inflammation may trigger these transient FC changes and executive function impairments.
Association Between Hospital Volume and Failure to Rescue After Open or Endovascular Repair of Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the VASCUNET and International Consortium of Vascular Registries
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Scali Salvatore , Mao Jialin , Szeberin Zoltán , Thomson Ian , Beiles Barry , Stone David , Sedrakyan Art , Eldrup Nikolaj , Venermo Maarit , Cassar Kevin , Altreuther Martin , Boyle Jonathan R. , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Beck Adam W. , Mani Kevin
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To investigate the association between hospital volume and failure to rescue (FtR), after open repair (OAR), and endovascular repair (EVAR) of intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) among centers participating in the VASCUNET and International Consortium of Vascular Registries.

Summary of Background Data:

FtR (ie, in-hospital death following major complications) is a composite end-point representing the inability to treat complications effectively and prevent death.

Methods:

Using data from 8 vascular registries, complication and mortality rates after intact AAA repair were examined (n = 60,273; EVAR-43,668; OAR-16,605). A restricted analysis using pooled data from 4 countries (Australia, Hungary, New Zealand, and USA) reporting data on all postoperative complications (bleeding, stroke, cardiac, respiratory, renal, colonic ischemia) was performed to identify risk-adjusted association between hospital volume and FtR.

Results:

The most frequently reported complications were cardiac (EVAR-3.0%, OAR-8.9%) and respiratory (EVAR-1.0%, OAR-5.7%). In adjusted analysis, 4.3% of EVARs and 18.5% of OARs had at least 1 complication. The overall FtR rate was 10.3% after EVAR and 15.7% after OAR. Subjects treated in the highest volume centers (Q4) had 46% and 80% lower odds of FtR after EVAR (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.34–0.87; P = 0.04) and OAR (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.11–0.44; P < 0.001) when compared to lowest volume centers (Q1), respectively. Colonic ischemia had the highest risk of FtR for both procedures (adjusted predicted risks, EVAR: 27%, 95% CI 14%–45%; OAR: 30%, 95% CI 17%–46%).

Conclusions:

In this multi-national dataset, FtR rate after intact AAA repair with EVAR and OAR is significantly associated with hospital volume. Hospitals in the top volume quartiles achieve the lowest mortality after a complication has occurred.
The thermal environment of sperm affects offspring success: a test of the anticipatory paternal effects hypothesis in the blue mussel
Authors: Lymbery Rowan A. , Kennington W. J. , Evans Jonathan P.
Published: July 2021

There has been an explosion of recent evidence that environments experienced by fathers or their ejaculates can influence offspring phenotypes (paternal effects). However, little is known about whether such effects are adaptive, which would have far-reaching implications for the many species facing rapidly changing environments. For example, some arguments suggest paternal effects might be a source of cross-generational plasticity, preparing offspring to face similar conditions to their father (anticipatory hypothesis). Alternatively, ejaculate-mediated effects on offspring may be non-adaptive by-products of stress. Here, we conduct an experiment to distinguish between these predictions, exposing ejaculates of the externally fertilizing mussel
Mytilus galloprovincialis
to ambient (19°C) and high (24°C) temperatures, then rearing offspring groups in temperatures that match and mismatch those of sperm. We find that, overall, high temperature-treated sperm induced higher rates of normal offspring development and higher success in transitioning to second-stage larvae, which may represent adaptive epigenetic changes or selection on sperm haplotypes. However, the progeny of high temperature-treated sperm did not perform better than those of ambient temperature-treated sperm when rearing temperatures were high. Overall, these findings offer little support for the anticipatory hypothesis and suggest instead that beneficial paternal effects may be eroded when offspring develop under stressful conditions.
Flavobacterium franklandianum sp. nov. and Flavobacterium gawalongense sp. nov., isolated from glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Hong-Can , Yang Lei-Lei , Xin Yu-Hua
Published: July 2021

The genus

Flavobacterium

(family

Flavobacteriaceae

) can be found in diverse environments. In this study, seven novel strains were isolated from glaciers in PR China and subjected to taxonomic research. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the strains belonged to the genus

Flavobacterium

. None of the seven strains grew at temperatures above 22 °C, indicating that they are psychrophilic. Furthermore, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of the seven strains were calculated and indicated that they represented two novel species in

Flavobacterium

. Strain LB3P56T was most closely related to

Flavobacterium soyangense

IMCC26223T (97.70 %) and strain GSP16T was most closely related to

Flavobacterium sinopsychrotolerans

0533T (98.03 %). The ANI values between the two

Flavobacterium

strains and their closest relatives were less than 83.47 %, which was much lower than the threshold for species delineation of 95–96 %. Therefore, we propose two novel species, Flavobacterium franklandianum sp. nov. (LB3P56T=CGMCC 1.11934T=NBRC 113651T) and Flavobacterium gawalongense sp. nov. (GSP16T=CGMCC 1.24642T=NBRC 113664T).
RETRACTED: Comparative genomic analysis of Escherichia coli isolates from cases of bovine clinical mastitis identifies nine specific pathotype marker genes
Authors: Jung Dongyun , Park Soyoun , Ruffini Janina , Dussault Forest , Dufour Simon , Ronholm Jennifer
Published: July 2021

This article has been retracted. The retraction notice can be found at 10.1099/mgen.0.001343

Escherichia coli is a major causative agent of environmental bovine mastitis and this disease causes significant economic losses for the dairy industry. There is still debate in the literature as to whether mammary pathogenic E. coli (MPEC) is indeed a unique E. coli pathotype, or whether this infection is merely an opportunistic infection caused by any E. coli isolate being displaced from the bovine gastrointestinal tract to the environment and, then, into the udder. In this study, we conducted a thorough genomic analysis of 113 novel MPEC isolates from clinical mastitis cases and 100 bovine commensal E. coli isolates. A phylogenomic analysis indicated that MPEC and commensal E. coli isolates formed clades based on common sequence types and O antigens, but did not cluster based on mammary pathogenicity. A comparative genomic analysis of MPEC and commensal isolates led to the identification of nine genes that were part of either the core or the soft-core MPEC genome, but were not found in any bovine commensal isolates. These apparent MPEC marker genes were genes involved with nutrient intake and metabolism [adeQ, adenine permease; nifJ, pyruvate-flavodoxin oxidoreductase; and yhjX, putative major facilitator superfamily (MFS)-type transporter], included fitness and virulence factors commonly seen in uropathogenic E. coli (pqqL, zinc metallopeptidase, and fdeC, intimin-like adhesin, respectively), and putative proteins [yfiE, uncharacterized helix-turn-helix-type transcriptional activator; ygjI, putative inner membrane transporter; and ygjJ, putative periplasmic protein]. Further characterization of these highly conserved MPEC genes may be critical to understanding the pathobiology of MPEC.
Machine Learning Identification of Capsid Mutations to Improve AAV Production Fitness
Authors: Mikos Georgios , Chen Weitong , Suh Junghae
Published: July 2021

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) holds great potential for gene therapy efforts by providing a viable vector. However, current efforts are constrained by a lack of AAV variants that exhibit specific tropisms or immunogenicity and a lack of sustainable industrial projection. Departing from experimental approaches to addressing these issues, we built a model to predict residue mutations to improve AAV production fitness. Our model leverages the evolutionary paradigm and microenvironment characteristics by analyzing structural AAV data without needing domain knowledge or experimental fitness data for AAV as inputs. When testing our model's predictions for AAV2 residue mutations, we found a threefold increase in the percent of mutations yielding variants with better production fitness than wild type compared to random mutations, achieving a p-value of 7.46×10-12. Given these results, our machine learning approach of using structural data to approximate fitness data has the potential to accelerate AAV development.
Understanding the Impact of Sociocultural Gender on Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19: a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Gebhard Caroline E. , Sütsch Claudia , Bengs Susan , Todorov Atanas , Deforth Manja , Buehler Karl Philipp , Meisel Alexander , Schuepbach Reto A. , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Brugger Silvio D. , Acevedo Claudio , Patriki Dimitri , Wiggli Benedikt , Gysi Bianca , Beer Jürg H. , Friedl Andrée , Twerenbold Raphael , Kuster Gabriela M. , Pargger Hans , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Schefold Joerg C. , Spinetti Thibaud , Henze Chiara , Pasqualini Mina , Sager Dominik F. , Mayrhofer Lilian , Grieder Mirjam , Tontsch Janna , Franzeck Fabian , Wendel Garcia Pedro D. , Hofmaenner Daniel A. , Scheier Thomas , Bartussek Jan , Haider Ahmed , Grämer Muriel , Mikail Nidaa , Rossi Alexia , Zellweger Núria , Opic Petra , Portmann Angela , von Känel Roland , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Messerli Michael , Buechel Ronny R. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Treyer Valerie , Siegemund Martin , Held Ulrike , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Gebhard Catherine
Published: July 2021

Background

Women are overrepresented amongst individuals suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Biological (sex) as well as sociocultural (gender) differences between women and men might account for this imbalance, yet their impact on PASC is unknown.

Methods and Findings

By using Bayesian models comprising >200 co-variates, we assessed the impact of social context in addition to biological data on PASC in a multi-centre prospective cohort study of 2927 (46% women) individuals in Switzerland. Women more often reported at least one persistent symptom than men (43.5% vs 32.0% of men, p<0.001) six (IQR 5–9) months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adjusted models showed that women with personality traits stereotypically attributed to women were most often affected by PASC (OR 2.50[1.25-4.98], p<0.001), in particular when they were living alone (OR 1.84[1.25-2.74]), had an increased stress level (OR 1.06[1.03-1.09]), had undergone higher education (OR 1.30[1.08-1.54]), preferred pre-pandemic physical greeting over verbal greeting (OR 1.71[1.44-2.03]), and had experienced an increased number of symptoms during index infection (OR 1.27[1.22-1.33]).

Conclusion

Besides gender- and sex-sensitive biological parameters, sociocultural variables play an important role in producing sex differences in PASC. Our results indicate that predictor variables of PASC can be easily identified without extensive diagnostic testing and are targets of interventions aiming at stress coping and social support.