bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O29 IDENTIFYING PREDICTORS OF VENTRAL HERNIA RECURRENCE: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Parker Samuel , Mallet Sue , Quinn Laura , Wood Christopher , Boulton Richard , Jamshaid Shiraz , Erotocritou Marios , Gowda Siri , Collier William , Plumb Andrew , Windsor Alastair , Archer Lucinda , Halligan Steve
Published: December 2021

Aim

Ventral hernias are increasing in prevalence and many recur despite attempted repair. To date, much of the literature is underpowered and divergent. As a result there is limited high quality evidence to inform surgeons succinctly which perioperative variables influence postoperative recurrence. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors of ventral hernia recurrence.

Material and Methods

PubMed was searched for studies reporting prognostic data of ventral hernia recurrence between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2018. Extracted data described hernia type (primary/incisional), definitions of recurrence, methods used to detect recurrence, duration of follow-up, and co-morbidity. Data were extracted for all potential predictors, estimates and thresholds described. Random-effects meta-analysis was used. Bias was assessed with a modified PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool).

Results

Screening of 18 214 abstracts yielded 274 individual studies for inclusion. Hernia recurrence was defined in 66 studies (24.1 per cent), using 41 different unstandardized definitions. Three patient variables (female sex, age 65 years or less, and BMI greater than 25, 30, 35 or 40 kg/m2), five patient co-morbidities (smoking, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ASA grade III–IV, steroid use), two hernia-related variables (incisional/primary, recurrent/primary), six intraoperative variables (biological mesh, bridged repair, open versus laparoscopic surgery, suture versus mesh repair, onlay/retrorectus, intraperitoneal/retrorectus), and six postoperative variables (any complication, surgical-site occurrence, wound infection, seroma, haematoma, wound dehiscence) were identified as significant prognostic factors for hernia recurrence.

Conclusions

This study summarized the current evidence base for predicting ventral hernia recurrence. Results should inform best practice and future research.
O37 CONCOMITANT INTESTINAL RESECTION DOES NOT NEGATIVELY INFLUENCE LONG TERM OUTCOMES FOLLOWING COMPLEX ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Layfield David , Hagan J. , Wright Danette , Slade Dominic
Published: December 2021

Aim

Simultaneous intestinal resection increases infective risks following abdominal wall reconstruction. We investigated the frequency of those risks and its impact on long-term outcomes.

Material and Methods

Analysis of prospectively accrued data from patients undergoing AWR by a single surgeon (01/01/2014–31/12/2020). Comparison between AWR with (IR-AWR) and without (AWR) concomitant intestinal resection. Clinical review was undertaken 6 monthly for 24 months with ongoing telephone follow-up thereafter.

Results

101 repairs were performed within the study period (46 AWR,55 IR-AWR). IR-AWR patients underwent 129 gastrointestinal procedures including 30 gastrointestinal fistula,33 small bowel,19 colonic and 2 gastric resections.

Both groups were similar in terms of smoking status, diabetes, but obesity (BMI>30) was more prevalent in AWR(23/46(50%)vs.16/55(29%); p=0.03). Hernia defects were the same for both groups; AWR median area (range) 511cm2(47–2171 cm2) and IR+AWR 471cm2(50–2827cm2) (p = 0.7).

Post-operative wound infection was more frequent following IR-AWR (20/55(36%) (Superficial incisional=13,deep incisional=6, cavity=1) vs. 6/46(13%)(N = 5,0,1 respectively);Odds ratio(OR)=3.8 (95% CI1.4-10.6); p=0.01). Patients undergoing IR-AWR were also more likely to experience ileus necessitating short-term postoperative parenteral nutrition (OR 3.3(1–10.8); p=0.05) and Clavien Dindo>2 complications (OR4.4 (1.2–16.7); p=0.03). Within IR-AWR cohort there was a single anastomotic complication requiring re-laparotomy and one mesh infection treated with antibiotics.

Median follow-up= 25.2 months(range 1.2–88.8). 14 patients died during follow-up (AWR 7/46(15%), IR-AWR 7/55(13%); p=0.7). 5 were lost to follow-up (3AWR, 2 IR-AWR).

12(26%) AWR and 8(15%) IR-AWR reported either persistent or delayed onset chronic abdominal wall pain post repair(P = 0.14). Recurrent hernias occurred in 7/46(15%) AWR compared with 10/55(18%)IR-AWR(p = 0.5).

Conclusions

Despite more frequent short-term complications in IR-AWR patient outcomes are comparable at 2 years.
O50 ALTERATIONS IN THE ABDOMINAL WALL MUSCULATURE AFTER ENDOSCOPIC ANTERIOR AND OPEN POSTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION
Authors: Oma Erling , Christensen Jan Kim , Daes Jorge , Jorgensen Lars Nannestad
Published: December 2021

Aim

Effects of component separation (CS) on abdominal wall musculature have only been investigated in smaller case series. The study aimed to compare abdominal wall alterations following endoscopic anterior component separation (EACS) or transverse abdominis release (TAR).

Material and Methods

Computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients who underwent open ventral hernia repair with TAR or EACS. Lateral abdominal wall muscle thickness and displacement were compared with preoperative images after bilateral CS and the undivided side postoperatively after unilateral CS.

Results

In total, 105 patients were included. The mean defect width was 12.2 cm. Fifty-five (52%) and 15 (14%) underwent bilateral and unilateral EACS, respectively. Five (5%) and 14 (13%) underwent bilateral and unilateral TAR, respectively. Sixteen (15%) underwent unilateral EACS and contralateral TAR. Complete fascial closure was achieved in 103 (98%) patients. The external oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were significantly laterally displaced with a mean of 2.74 cm (95% CI 2.29-3.19 cm) and 0.82 cm (0.07-1.57 cm) after EACS and TAR, respectively. The combined thickness of the lateral muscles was significantly decreased after EACS (mean decrease 10.5% [5.8-15.6%]) and insignificantly decreased after TAR (mean decrease 2.6% [-4.8-9.5%]), mean reduction difference EACS versus TAR 0.22 cm (-0.01-0.46 cm). One (1%) patient developed an iatrogenic linea semilunaris hernia after EACS. The recurrence rate was 19% after mean 1.7 years follow-up.

Conclusions

The divided muscle was significantly more laterally displaced after EACS compared with TAR. The thickness of the lateral muscles was slightly decreased after EACS and unchanged after TAR.
O52 LAP-T MINI LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUE FOR THE REPAIR OF RECURRENT UMBILICAL HERNIA ON PRIMARILY UNTREATED DIASTASIS
Authors: Pozzi Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Aim

“This retrospective analysis on 1000 cases of Diatasis Recti (DR) complicated by single/multiple, primary/recurrent hernias, all treated with the Laparoscopic Abdominoplasty Technique (LAP-T), aims at evaluating the possible correlation of higher recurrence rate and complications when DR is left untreated”

Material and Methods

“This review on 1000 patients, <65yrs, BMI<30, 3>IRD>12, based on CT Scan/MRI study, showed 235 (23,5%) of them to be recurrent umbilical/midline hernias engaged on untreated RMD, independently from the surgical technique used for primary repair. Re-operation with LAP-T technique, consisted in removal of recurrent hernia and dislocated mesh when present, closure by self-locking running sutures of the hernia defect and the DR. Repair is consolidated placing an intra-peritoneal mesh”

Results

“In all patients, recurrence was repaired, DR reconstructed and abdominal wall anatomy and physiological functionality successfully restored. No intra operative bleeding, seroma formation, chronic pain, nor mesh infection have been recorded. 98% follow up at 12 months, 91% at 24, no recurrences observed”

Conclusions

“Higher incidence of recurrent umbilical/midline hernias observed in this analysis, compared to average recurrence rate reported in literature, suggest that regardless primary repair technique, the repair of the sole hernia engaged on a DR is likely to lead to a recurrent hernia, further midline hernia defects formation and worsening of the DR. A significant correlation between the recurrency after primary umbilical/midline repair when a concomitant RMD is left untreated is likely to lead to a more invasive and complicated re-intervention, higher complication rate and discomfort for the patient”
OV08 TREATMENT OF THE INGUINAL HERNIA USING THE SHOULDICE REPAIR
Authors: Wiggers Theo , Lorenz Ralph
Published: December 2021

Aim

The Shouldice procedure is a layered reconstruction of the posterior wall in inguinal hernia repair and currently the preferred method if the layers of the abdominal wall are of good quality, the wish of the patient for a non-mesh repair and if a mesh method is not possible or available. The correct performance of the reconstruction of the posterior wall is essential part of the operation.

Material and Methods

A life educational video was made with the four-layer reconstruction in detail.

The first layer of the reconstruction starts at the medial corner and the conjoint tendon is sutured to the caudal flap of the transversalis fascia using a continuous non resorbable suture. The second layer of the reconstruction is made by approximating the cranial flap of the transversalis fascia and the posterior part of the inguinal ligament. The third layer starts at the level of the deep internal inguinal ring and approximates the lower border of the internal oblique muscle with the inguinal ligament. The fourth and final layer approximates the internal oblique muscle again with the inguinal ligament.

Results

The four-layer reconstruction after splitting the transversalis fascia is shown in detail since treatment of the hernia sac is like the other techniques.

Conclusions

The instructional video can be used for the resident training as a start in a hernia course followed by the execution on a model before the actual execution on a patient.
OV13 LAPAROSCOPIC APPROACH IN EMERGENCY HERNIA SURGERY: MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION SECONDARY TO STRANGULATED OBTURATOR HERNIA
Authors: Latif Javed , Bhatti Imran , Awan Altaf
Published: December 2021

Aim

Acute small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated obturator hernia is a rare condition, with high rates of morbidity and mortality in the absence of prompt diagnosis and intervention. We aim to describe a case with the above presentation, managed using a minimally-invasive approach with positive outcomes.

Material and Methods

We describe a case of an 82-year-old female who presented with acute small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated obturator hernia on cross-sectional imaging.

Results

The patient underwent emergency surgery using laparoscopic approach for repair of obturator hernia and assessment of obstructed small bowel. Our approach involved identification and reduction of small bowel loop. A transabdominal preperitoneal approach was made to obturator hernia and ischaemic sac was reduced followed by closure of defect with a plug of biologic mesh. A linear segment of ischaemic small bowel was oversewn. Total operative time was 90 minutes.

Conclusions

Minimally-invasive surgery is an important tool in the armamentarium of the acute care surgeon. A laparoscopic approach will reduce the insult of intervention in already physiologically deplete patients. This case demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopy for small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated obturator hernia in the acute setting, requiring advanced laparoscopic skill as demonstrated in this video.
OV18 ENDOSCOPIC RETRO-MUSCULAR REPAIR OF PARASTOMAL HERNIA - A TANTALIZING NEW TECHNIQUE
Authors: Lambrecht Jan Roland
Published: December 2021

Development of retro muscular space with transversus abdominis release has reached maturity in endoscopic surgery. Next-level reconstruction is adaptation to parastomal hernia repair alone or in conjunction with another abdominal wall hernia repair.

We aim to present this extraperitoneal modified mesh technique based on the Sugarbaker principle with video demonstration and share clinical data and results from twenty-four patients operated with this technique within two years from the spring of 2019 to the spring of 2021. 77% patients had para-colostomy hernia and 41% of the patients had accessory repairs for midline or opposite flank hernia. 18% had prophylactic mesh at index operation, 27% were recurrent parastomal hernia and ostomies were formed median 32 months prior to parastomal hernia repair. 72% of the patients were operated robotically and 28% laparoscopically. Median follow up at time for presentation will be 17 months.
Snapshots Quiz
Authors: Beji Hazem , Zribi Slim , Bouassida Mahdi , Touinsi Hassen
Published: December 2021

A 55-year-old man presented acutely with small bowel obstruction. What is shown in the intraoperative photograph?
Within and beyond the visual cortex: brain tumors induce highly sensitive plasticity of visual processing in whole-brain neural functional networks
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Kudulaiti Nijiati , Chen Zelin , Gao Leyan , Hameed N U Farrukh , Feng Rui , Lu Shuo
Published: December 2021

Vision is a key source of information input for humans, which involves various cognitive functions and a great range of neural networks inside and beyond the visual cortex. There has been increasing observation that the cognitive outcomes after a brain lesion cannot be well predicted by the attributes of the lesion itself but are influenced by the functional network plasticity. However, the mechanisms of impaired or preserved visual cognition have not been probed from direct function-execution conditions and few works have observed it on whole-brain dynamic networks. We used high-resolution electroencephalogram recordings from 25 patients with brain tumors to track the dynamical patterns of functional reorganization in visual processing tasks with multilevel complexity. By comparing with 24 healthy controls, increased cortical responsiveness as functional compensation was identified in the early phase of processing, which was highly localized to the visual cortex and functional networks and less relevant to the tumor position. Besides, a spreading wide enhancement in whole-brain functional connectivity was elicited by the visual word-recognition task. Enhanced early rapid-onset cortical compensation in the local functional networks may contribute to largely preserved basic vision functions, and higher-cognitive tasks are vulnerable to impairment but with high sensitivity of functional plasticity being elicited.
Poor Antibody Response to BioNTech/Pfizer Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2–Naive Residents of Nursing Homes
Authors: Pannus Pieter , Neven Kristof Y , De Craeye Stéphane , Heyndrickx Leo , Vande Kerckhove Sara , Georges Daphnée , Michiels Johan , Francotte Antoine , Van Den Bulcke Marc , Zrein Maan , Van Gucht Steven , Schmickler Marie Noëlle , Verbrugghe Mathieu , Matagne André , Thomas Isabelle , Dierick Katelijne , Weiner Joshua A , Ackerman Margaret E , Goriely Stanislas , Goossens Maria E , Ariën Kevin K , Desombere Isabelle , Marchant Arnaud
Published: December 2021

Background

Residents of nursing homes (NHs) are at high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related disease and death and may respond poorly to vaccination because of old age and frequent comorbid conditions.

Methods

Seventy-eight residents and 106 staff members, naive to infection or previously infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), were recruited in NHs in Belgium before immunization with 2 doses of 30 µg BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine at days 0 and 21. Binding antibodies (Abs) to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), spike domains S1 and S2, RBD Ab avidity, and neutralizing Abs against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and B.1.351 were assessed at days 0, 21, 28, and 49.

Results

SARS-CoV-2–naive residents had lower Ab responses to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination than naive staff. These poor responses involved lower levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G to all spike domains, lower avidity of RBD IgG, and lower levels of Abs neutralizing the vaccine strain. No naive residents had detectable neutralizing Abs to the B.1.351 variant. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2–infected residents had high responses to mRNA vaccination, with Ab levels comparable to those in infected staff. Cluster analysis revealed that poor vaccine responders included not only naive residents but also naive staff, emphasizing the heterogeneity of responses to mRNA vaccination in the general population.

Conclusions

The poor Ab responses to mRNA vaccination observed in infection-naive NH residents and in some naive staff members suggest suboptimal protection against breakthrough infection, especially with variants of concern. These data support the administration of a third dose of mRNA vaccine to further improve protection of NH residents against COVID-19.
Re-Conceptualizing Solitude in the Digital Era: From “Being Alone” to “Noncommunication”
Authors: Campbell Scott W , Ross Morgan Q
Published: December 2021

This article revisits the theoretical terrain surrounding solitude to address conceptual, methodological, and practical challenges manifest in the digital era. First, solitude has been approached from a number of different research traditions, resulting in disconnected streams of theory. Furthermore, these streams were developed before the rise of the Internet and mobile media. As a result, solitude is commonly, if not most commonly, conceptualized and measured as a matter of being physically alone. This article re-conceptualizes solitude as “noncommunication” to offer a more contemporary and inclusive perspective, one that uproots it from ideations of physical aloneness and replants it in social aloneness. Whereas previous theory in this area often ignores mediated interaction, we recognize it as a meaningful way for people to connect, with important implications for solitude. Our framework also calls for interrogation of key contextual factors that condition whether and how solitude is experienced in the digital era.
Spillover Effects of Intellectual Property Protection in the Interwar Aircraft Industry
Authors: Hanlon Walker , Jaworski Taylor
Published: December 2021

Can strengthening intellectual property protection for producers of one good affect innovation in other related goods? To answer this question, we exploit a unique policy experiment in the interwar military aircraft industry. Airframe designs had little intellectual property protection before 1926, but changes passed by Congress in 1926 provided airframe manufacturers with enhanced property rights over new designs. We show that granting property rights to airframe producers increased innovation in airframes, but slowed innovation in aero-engines, a complementary good where there was no change in the availability of intellectual property protection. We propose and test a simple theory that explains these patterns.
A novel method of tracheal anastomosis healing using a single submucosal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor: initial report
Authors: Yokote Fumi , Yamauchi Yoshikane , Komura Hiroko , Tanuma Tadashi , Sakao Yukinori , Kawamura Masafumi , Komura Makoto
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

For the technical management of tracheal anastomosis, developing new and simple methods is required to relieve anastomotic tension. This study aimed to investigate whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) only once injected immediately before anastomosis promotes cartilage regeneration at the tracheal anastomosis and whether the regenerated cartilage has the effect of reinforcing the anastomosis in a rabbit model.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits were anaesthetized, and the cervical trachea was exposed through a cervical midline incision, followed by resection of the 10th tracheal cartilage. The rabbits were categorized into 2 groups: the bFGF group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 6). In the former group, bFGF (25 μg) was administered into the submucosal layer of the cartilage using a 27-G needle immediately before tracheal anastomosis. The animals were sacrificed 4 weeks later. Histological, mechanical and biochemical evaluations were performed on this anastomosed trachea.

RESULTS

At 4 weeks of age, the anastomoses were spindle-shaped and displayed maximum diameter at the injection site compared with those in the control group. Histological evaluation showed that cartilage tissue had regenerated between the 9th and 11th tracheal cartilage rings. Tensile test showed that the anastomoses displayed a significantly high strain/stress ratio (P = 0.035). The collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan levels were significantly increased, and the collagen type I level was significantly decreased (P = 0.019, P = 0.013 and P = 0.045, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A new wound-healing concept of airway anastomosis could be provided by the results that single injection of bFGF regenerated tracheal cartilage in rabbits and strengthened the anastomosis by bridging the regenerated and well-matured cartilage. Further investigation of this method will lead to potential clinical applications for reinforcement of tracheal anastomoses.
Natural Disasters and Preferences for Redistribution: The Impact of Collective and Abrupt Disruptions
Authors: Pañeda-Fernández Irene
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the impact on redistributive preferences of one pervasive yet underexplored type of shock: natural disasters. Previous research has focused on smaller, endogenous shocks that do not share two key features of disasters: they are abrupt and collective experiences. The literature on economic shocks suggests they lead to increased demand for redistribution. Nevertheless, disasters are such abrupt ruptures that they could inhibit an increase in demand for redistribution because they may trigger psychological needs to justify the status quo. Further, their collective nature may push people to substitute government-based help for community or religious-based social insurance. In light of these conflicting accounts, I argue that how surprising a disaster is determines whether it is a deterrent or a catalyst of support for redistribution. To test my argument, I link World Values Survey data to information on subnational risk to natural disasters and find that risk of surprising disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis increases demand for redistribution but risk of predictable disasters does not. The relationship is robust to controlling for a series of individual and sub-national district characteristics. An event study of earthquake incidence shows a similar pattern: more surprising earthquakes—those impacting rarely hit districts—drive increases in demand for redistribution.
Tyrosols retrieved from traditionally brewed yeasts assist in tolerance against heavy metals and promote growth of cells
Authors: Nath Bhaskar Jyoti , Das Khanin Kumar , Talukdar Riki , Sarma Hridip Kumar
Published: December 2021

Heavy metals act as co-factors for several microbial enzymes and are required in low concentrations for proper biological functioning of yeasts. Since concentrations beyond permitted threshold can damage cell's functionality and viability, metal tolerance in yeasts towards such heavy metals is therefore desirable during fermentation. Tyrosol, a quorum sensing molecule in yeasts, protects yeasts from oxidative stress induced by various factors, but the performance of the molecule under heavy metal induced stress is not known. In this investigation, metal tolerance of four species of endemic yeasts from northeast India, viz Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida glabrata, isolated from traditional starter culture cakes were tested towards zinc (Zn+2), manganese (Mn+2), cobalt (Co+2) and copper (Cu+2) in presence and absence of tyrosols retrieved from these isolates. The decreasing order of tolerance of isolates were found to be Mn+2 > Zn+2 > Co+2 > Cu+2. Under the influence of tyrosols, isolates showed enhanced growth in their upper metal tolerance limit. C. tropicalis showed enhanced growth (2−48 fold, p<0.0001) in all the tested metal consisting medium (2 mM Zn+2, 5 mM Mn+2, 2 mM Co+2 and 1 mM Cu+2) whilst W. anomalus, C. glabrata, S. cerevisiae showed increased growth (3−17 fold, p<0.0001) in Zn+2 (2 mM), Mn+2 (5 mM) and Cu+2 (1 mM) augmented medium. Overall result suggests that tyrosol exert protective effect under heavy metal induced stress, which could be useful in enhancing the quality of fermented products.
Forest Sector Dependence and Economic Well-Being in Kentucky: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Poudel Kamana , Ochuodho Thomas O
Published: December 2021

Kentucky’s forest sector plays an important role in the state’s economic development through provision of market and nonmarket goods and services as well as the employment. The forest-dependent communities are socio-economically diverse with varying poverty rate levels. An aggregate state-level analysis of the forest sector and its contribution to communities’ well-being masks regional differences in how forest sector dependence is related to the economic well-being of dependent communities. In this research, we divided Kentucky into three regions based on county poverty rates and used common indicators of forest sector dependence and economic well-being to assess this relationship at regional level. We used panel data from 2010 to 2017 and ran fixed effects regression to assess this relationship. Results show that the relationship between secondary wood manufacturing, pulp and paper dependence and per capita income was negative in high-poverty counties whereas the relationship between pulp and paper dependence and per capita income was positive in medium-poverty counties. This reflects high structural difference in economies of medium-poverty counties relative to high-poverty counties. Most of the high-poverty counties are in rural areas with limited job opportunities. Policy interventions on capacity building and workforce training in high-poverty counties is necessary for sustained forest industries in these regions.
DNA cytosine methylation at the lexA promoter of Escherichia coli is stationary phase specific
Authors: Lewis Elizabeth B , Chen Edwin , Culyba Matthew J
Published: December 2021

The bacterial DNA damage response pathway (SOS response) is composed of a network of genes regulated by a single transcriptional repressor, LexA. The lexA promoter, itself, contains two LexA operators, enabling negative feedback. In Escherichia coli, the downstream operator contains a conserved DNA cytosine methyltransferase (Dcm) site that is predicted to be methylated to 5-methylcytosine (5mC) specifically during stationary phase growth, suggesting a regulatory role for DNA methylation in the SOS response. To test this, we quantified 5mC at the lexA locus, and then examined the effect of LexA on Dcm activity, as well as the impact of this 5mC mark on LexA binding, lexA transcription, and SOS response induction. We found that 5mC at the lexA promoter is specific to stationary phase growth, but that it does not affect lexA expression. Our data support a model where LexA binding at the promoter inhibits Dcm activity without an effect on the SOS regulon.
The PINT database: a definitive compilation of absolute palaeomagnetic intensity determinations since 4 billion years ago
Authors: Bono Richard K , Paterson Greig A , van der Boon Annique , Engbers Yael A , Michael Grappone J , Handford Benjamin , Hawkins Louise M A , Lloyd Simon J , Sprain Courtney J , Thallner Daniele , Biggin Andrew J
Published: December 2021

Palaeomagnetic field intensity measurements, derived from rocks with ages that span geological time, provide a crucial constraint on the evolution of Earth’s deep interior and its magnetic environment. The palaeointensity database PINT has been updated to version v.8.0.0  and includes palaeointensity site-mean records spanning an interval from 50 ka to 4.2 Ga, compiling efforts from the palaeomagnetic community spanning from 1959 to the end of 2019. Nearly all site-mean palaeointensity records have been assessed using the qualitative reliability of palaeointensity (quality of palaeointensity, QPI) framework. This updated database brings together and harmonizes prior QPI and PINT compilation efforts into a unified database referred to as the PINT database, incorporating recent efforts since 2014 to assess QPI. The spatio-temporal distribution of the PINT database is analysed, revealing substantial biases towards young records (from the Brunhes chron) in the Northern hemisphere, and intervals with little to no palaeointensity data with a duration of 10s to 100s of millions of years in the Palaeozoic and Precambrian. General QPI compliance is characterized for the PINT database, which shows that the median QPI scores range from 2 to 3 (out of a total possible score of 10), with a positive trend towards increasing QPI scores in studies published after the year 2000. This illustrates an increasing community awareness of what is required to establish confidence in palaeointensity data and an increasing robustness of the large scale interpretations that can be made with these data. We additionally present a description of the long-term average dipole field strength with descriptive statistics for distinct intervals of Earth history.
Communication Interdependence and Cohabitation: The Role of Interpersonal Technologies in Satisfaction and Disillusionment among Couples in Transition
Authors: Sharabi Liesel L , Dorrance-Hall Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

The transition to cohabitation is a major developmental milestone for romantic couples, yet it is linked to myriad negative outcomes. This study extends the communication interdependence perspective (CIP) to understand the role of technology use in relationship transitions (i.e., the transition to cohabitation). Couples (N = 258 individuals) completed an online survey before and after transitioning to cohabitation to test actor and partner effects of technology integration, segmentation, and difficulty transitioning on relationship satisfaction and ambivalence. Results showed that for actors, constructive integration had positive associations and destructive integration had negative associations with relational outcomes. Difficulty transitioning between channels of communication also had negative implications for relationships. Longitudinal results indicated that negative integration patterns could sometimes buffer against relationship disillusionment. Theoretical implications for the CIP and practical implications for couples are discussed.
Bringing to Light the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mucosal Glycosylation as a Key Player
Authors: Leite-Gomes Eduarda , Dias Ana M , Azevedo Catarina M , Santos-Pereira Beatriz , Magalhães Mariana , Garrido Mónica , Amorim Rita , Lago Paula , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo , Pinho Salomé S
Published: December 2021

Colitis-associated cancer is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease remaining an important clinical challenge in terms of diagnosis, screening, and prognosis. Inflammation is a driving factor both in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer, but the mechanism underlying the transition from colon inflammation to cancer remains to be defined. Dysregulation of mucosal glycosylation has been described as a key regulatory mechanism associated both with colon inflammation and colorectal cancer development. In this review, we discuss the major molecular mechanisms of colitis-associated cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the role of glycans expressed at gut epithelial cells, at lamina propria T cells, and in serum proteins in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and its progression to colon cancer, further discussing its potential clinical and therapeutic applications.
Mesalazine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and COVID-19: Hospitalization and Adverse In-Hospital Outcomes Based on Nationwide Data
Authors: Kjeldsen Simon , Nielsen Jan , Mertz Nørgård Bente , Kjeldsen Jens
Published: December 2021

Background

We assessed whether 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), as treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), was associated with an increase in hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 and adverse in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

This was a Danish nationwide register study. The study population consisted of all patients with an IBD diagnosis between March 1, 2010, and March 1, 2020, and living in Denmark on March 1, 2020. Patients with IBD treated with 5-ASA (exposed) were compared with patients not receiving 5-ASA (unexposed).

Results

We identified 60 242 patients with IBD; 15 635 (40.5%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 964 (4.5%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) were exposed to 5-ASA. For patients with UC who were 5-ASA exposed, the hazard ratio of hospitalization was 1.18 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.78). In-hospital outcomes were not statistical significant from those not exposed to 5-ASA (median length of hospital stay 5.6 days vs 7.2 days), mechanical ventilation (0% vs 14%), continuous positive airway pressure (7.9% vs 9.4%), and in-hospital mortality (21.1% vs 17.2%). For patients with CD, the hazard ratio of hospitalization was 2.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.97). We found no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay (7.1 days vs 3.9 days), mechanical ventilation (0% vs 1.8%), use of continuous positive airway pressure (0% vs 1.8%), or in-hospital mortality (0% vs 9%) between exposed and unexposed patients.

Conclusions

Patients with UC, treated with 5-ASA, had no increased risk of hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 or more adverse in-hospital outcomes. In patients with CD, 5-ASA may be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization but not with more adverse in-hospital outcomes.
Regulous Functions over Real Closed Fields
Authors: Kucharz Wojciech , Kurdyka Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

Let $X$ be a quasi-projective algebraic variety over a real closed field $R$, and let $f \colon U \to R$ be a function defined on an open subset $U$ of the set $X(R)$ of $R$-rational points of $X$. Assume that either the function $f$ is locally semialgebraic or the field $R$ is uncountable. If for every irreducible algebraic curve $C \subset X$ the restriction $f|_{U \cap C}$ is continuous and admits a rational representation, then $f$ is continuous and admits a rational representation. There are also suitable versions of this theorem with algebraic curves replaced by algebraic arcs. Heretofore, results of such a type have been known only for $R={\mathbb{R}}$. The transition from ${\mathbb{R}}$ to $R$ is not automatic at all and requires new methods.
SARS-CoV-2 Interference of Influenza Virus Replication in Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Halfmann Peter J , Nakajima Noriko , Sato Yuko , Takahashi Kenta , Accola Molly , Chiba Shiho , Fan Shufang , Neumann Gabriele , Rehrauer William , Suzuki Tadaki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

In hamsters, SARS-CoV-2 infection at the same time as or before H3N2 influenza virus infection resulted in significantly reduced influenza virus titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates. This interference may be correlated with SARS-CoV-2–induced expression of MX1.
Maternal-Fetal Immunologic Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Symptomatic Vulnerable Population: A Prospective Cohort
Authors: Larcade Ramon , DeShea Lise , Lang Gillian A , Caballero Mauricio T , Ferretti Adrian , Beasley William H , Tipple Trent E , Vain Nestor , Prudent Luis , Lang Mark L , Polack Fernando P , Ofman Gaston
Published: December 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionally affects pregnant women and their newborn; however, little is known about variables that modulate maternal-fetal immune response to infection.

Methods

We prospectively studied socioeconomic, biologic, and clinical factors affecting humoral immunity in 87 unvaccinated pregnant women hospitalized in Buenos Aires for symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Results

The number of days between symptom onset and childbirth predicted maternal and newborn virus spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). These findings suggest newborns may benefit less when mothers deliver soon after COVID-19 infection. Similarly, a longer time between symptom onset and birth predicted higher in utero transfer of maternal IgG and its concentration in cord blood. Older gestational age at birth was associated with lower maternal to cord blood IgG ratio. Of women with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, 87% developed RBD-specific IgA responses in breast milk within 96 hours of childbirth. IgA was not significantly associated with time from infection but correlated with maternal serum IgG and placental transfer.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the combined role of biologic, clinical, and socioeconomic variables associated with maternal RBD-specific antibodies and supports early vaccination strategies for COVID-19 in socioeconomically vulnerable pregnant women.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04362956.
Translatable pathways classification (TransPath-C) for inferring processes germane to human biology from animal studies data: example application in neurobiology
Authors: Carroll Molly J , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Perkins Edward J , Lauffenburger Douglas A
Published: December 2021

How to translate insights gained from studies in one organismal species for what is most likely to be germane in another species, such as from mice to humans, is a ubiquitous challenge in basic biology as well as biomedicine. This is an especially difficult problem when there are few molecular features that are obviously important in both species for a given phenotype of interest. Neuropathologies are a prominent realm of this complication. Schizophrenia is complex psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the population. Many genetic factors have been proposed to drive the development of schizophrenia, and the 22q11 microdeletion (MD) syndrome has been shown to dramatically increase this risk. Due to heterogeneity of presentation of symptoms, diagnosis and formulation of treatment options for patients can often be delayed, and there is an urgent need for novel therapeutics directed toward the treatment of schizophrenia. Here, we present a novel computational approach, Translational Pathways Classification (TransPath-C), that can be used to identify shared pathway dysregulation between mouse models and human schizophrenia cohorts. This method uses variation of pathway activation in the mouse model to predict both mouse and human disease phenotype. Analysis of shared dysregulated pathways called out by both the mouse and human classifiers of TransPath-C can identify pathways that can be targeted in both preclinical and human cohorts of schizophrenia. In application to the 22q11 MD mouse model, our findings suggest that PAR1 pathway activation found upregulated in this mouse phenotype is germane for the corresponding human schizophrenia cohort such that inhibition of PAR1 may offer a novel therapeutic target.
Development and application of Cas13a-based diagnostic assay forNeisseria gonorrhoeaedetection and azithromycin resistance identification
Authors: Luo Hao , Chen Wentao , Mai Zhida , Yang Jianjiang , Lin Xiaomian , Zeng Lihong , Pan Yuying , Xie Qinghui , Xu Qingqing , Li Xiaoxiao , Liao Yiwen , Feng Zhanqin , Ou Jiangli , Qin Xiaolin , Zheng Heping
Published: December 2021

Background

Gonorrhoea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has spread worldwide. Strains resistant to most antibiotics, including ceftriaxone and azithromycin, have emerged to an alarming level. Rapid testing for N. gonorrhoeae and its antimicrobial resistance will therefore contribute to clinical decision making for early diagnosis and rational drug use.

Methods

A Cas13a-based assay (specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking; SHERLOCK) was developed for N. gonorrhoeae detection (porA gene) and azithromycin resistance identification (A2059G, C2611T). Assays were evaluated for sensitivity with purified dsDNA and specificity with 17 non-gonococcal strains. Performance of SHERLOCK (porA) was compared with Roche Cobas 4800 using 43 urine samples. Identification of azithromycin resistance mutations (A2059G, C2611T) was evaluated using a total of 84 clinical isolates and 18 urine samples. Lateral flow was tested for this assay as a readout tool. Moreover, we directly assayed 27 urethral swabs from patients with urethritis to evaluate their status in terms of N. gonorrhoeae infection and azithromycin resistance.

Results

The SHERLOCK assay was successfully developed with a sensitivity of 10 copies/reaction, except 100 copies/reaction for A2059G, and no cross-reaction with other species. Comparison of the SHERLOCK assay with the Cobas 4800 revealed 100% concordance within 18 positive and 25 negative urine samples. Of the 84 isolates, 21 strains with azithromycin resistance mutations were distinguished and further verified by sequencing and MIC determination. In addition, 62.96% (17/27) strains from swab samples were detected with no mutant strains confirmed by sequencing.

Conclusions

The SHERLOCK assay for rapid N. gonorrhoeae detection combined with azithromycin resistance testing is a promising method for application in clinical practice.
A nationwide genomic study of clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae in Norway 2001–15: introduction and spread of ESBLs facilitated by clonal groups CG15 and CG307
Authors: Fostervold Aasmund , Hetland Marit A K , Bakksjø Ragna , Bernhoff Eva , Holt Kathryn E , Samuelsen Ørjan , Simonsen Gunnar Skov , Sundsfjord Arnfinn , Wyres Kelly L , Löhr Iren Høyland ,   The Norwegian Study Group on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Tofteland Ståle , Lindemann Paul Christoffer , Handal Nina , Rødland Åshild Marvik , Jakovljev Aleksandra , Åsheim Sandra , Gammelsrud Karianne Wiger , Sandnes Rolf Arne , Weme Einar Tollaksen , Kümmel Angela , Nilsen Einar , Lindstad Belinda Langnes , Hollekim Anne C , Hjetland Reidar , Oseid Anne R , Hafne Liv Jorunn
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To use the nationwide Norwegian surveillance programme on resistant microbes in humans (NORM) to address longitudinal changes in the population structure of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from 2001–15, focusing on the emergence and dissemination of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in Norway.

Methods

Among blood (n = 6124) and urinary tract (n = 5496) surveillance isolates from 2001–15, we used Illumina technology to whole genome sequence 201 ESBL-producing isolates from blood (n = 130) and urine (n = 71), and 667 non-ESBL isolates from blood. Complete genomes for four isolates were resolved with Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

Results

In a highly diverse collection, Klebsiella variicola ssp. variicola caused 24.5% of Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) bacteraemias. ESBL production was limited to K. pneumoniae sensu stricto (98.5%). A diverse ESBL population of 57 clonal groups (CGs) were dominated by MDR CG307 (17%), CG15 (12%), CG70 (6%), CG258 (5%) and CG45 (5%) carrying blaCTX-M-15. Yersiniabactin was significantly more common in ESBL-positive (37.8%) compared with non-ESBL K. pneumoniae sensu stricto isolates (12.7%), indicating convergence of virulence and resistance determinants. Moreover, we found a significantly lower prevalence of yersiniabactin (3.0%, 37.8% and 17.3%), IncFIB (58.7%, 87.9% and 79.4%) and IncFII plasmid replicons (40.5%, 82.8% and 54.2%) in K. variicola ssp. variicola compared with ESBL- and non-ESBL K. pneumoniae sensu stricto isolates, respectively.

Conclusions

The increase in Norwegian ESBL-producing KpSC during 2010–15 was driven by CG307 and CG15 carrying blaCTX-M-15. K. variicola ssp. variicola was a frequent cause of invasive KpSC infection, but rarely carried ESBLs.
The ‘Advance Interference-Like Effect’ of Climate Targets: Fundamental Rights, Intergenerational Equity and the German Federal Constitutional Court
Authors: Minnerop Petra
Published: December 2021

Some climate lawsuits qualify as landmark cases, because they either mark an unexpected turning point in environmental jurisprudence, or they introduce a new conceptual analysis of the law vis-à-vis the global challenge of climate change. The decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court from March 2021 meets both criteria, it has already defined climate policy and law-making in Germany, and it revolutionised the traditional concept of ‘interference’ with fundamental rights under the German Basic Law. This article examines the order and its significance for climate litigation, legislation and constitutional doctrine, and it analyses how international law defines the state’s objective to protect the climate pursuant to Article 20a Basic Law, including for future generations. On that basis, the article argues that the Court's approach towards intergenerational equity remains limited due to the perception of the carbon budget as ‘freedom budget’.
Balancing act between rights holders and platforms given further consideration by CJEU
Authors: Wise Abigail , Ibbetson Sean
Published: December 2021

Court of Justice of the European Union, Frank Peterson v Google LLC, YouTube LLC, YouTube Inc, Google Germany GmbH and Elsevier Inc v Cyando AG, Joined Cases C-682/18 and C683/18, EU:C:2021:503, 22 June 2021

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has provided a non-exhaustive list of factors which are suggested to be taken into account in deciding whether a platform is engaged in acts of communication to the public. The court’s ruling clarifies the scope of the right under Article 3(1) of Directive 2001/29/EC, the availability of the hosting exemption in Article 14(1) of Directive 2000/31/EC and injunctions against intermediaries under Article 8(3) of Directive 2001/29/EC.
Alternatives in Counterfactuals: What IsRightand What IsNot
Authors: Romoli Jacopo , Santorio Paolo , Wittenberg Eva
Published: December 2021

Classical semantics for counterfactuals is based on a notion of minimal change: If ${\textsf {A}}$, would ${\textsf {C}}$ says that the worlds that make ${\textsf {A}}$ true and that are otherwise minimally different from the actual world are ${\textsf {C}}$-worlds. This semantics suffers from a well-known difficulty with disjunctive antecedents (see e.g. Alonso-Ovalle, 2009; Willer, 2018; Santorio, 2018, a.o.). In a recent study, Ciardelli, Zhang, and Champollion (Ciardelli et al., 2018b; henceforth, CZC) present new, related difficulties for the classical approach having to do with unpredicted differences between counterfactuals with De Morgan-equivalent antecedents, and related pattern of inferences. They propose a new semantics for counterfactuals, which builds on inquisitive semantics (see Ciardelli et al., 2018a) and gives up on minimal change. Building on this debate, we report on a series of experiments that investigate the role of overt negation in this data. Our results replicate CZC’s main effects, but they also indicate that those effects are linked to the presence of overt negation. We propose a novel account, based on three key assumptions: (i) the semantics for counterfactuals does involve a notion of minimal change, after all; (ii) the meanings of disjunction and negation are associated with alternatives, which interact with the meaning of counterfactuals; (iii) the alternatives generated by negation are partially determined by the question under discussion (QUD). We compare our account with other existing accounts, including CZC’s own proposal, as well as Schulz (2019) and Bar-Lev & Fox (2020) ones.