bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b are required for the production and differentiation of cortical projection neurons
Authors: Du Heng , Wang Ziwu , Guo Rongliang , Yang Lin , Liu Guoping , Zhang Zhuangzhi , Xu Zhejun , Tian Yu , Yang Zhengang , Li Xiaosu , Chen Bin
Published: December 2021

The generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons are extensively regulated by interactive programs of transcriptional factors. Here, we report the cooperative functions of transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b in regulating the development of cortical projection neurons. Among the cells derived from the cortical neural stem cells, Bcl11a is expressed in the progenitors and the projection neurons, while Bcl11b expression is restricted to the projection neurons. Using conditional knockout mice, we show that deficiency of Bcl11a leads to reduced proliferation and precocious differentiation of cortical progenitor cells, which is exacerbated when Bcl11b is simultaneously deleted. Besides defective neuronal production, the differentiation of cortical projection neurons is blocked in the absence of both Bcl11a and Bcl11b: Expression of both pan-cortical and subtype-specific genes is reduced or absent; axonal projections to the thalamus, hindbrain, spinal cord, and contralateral cortical hemisphere are reduced or absent. Furthermore, neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch is accelerated in the Bcl11a-CKO and Bcl11a/b-DCKO mice. Bcl11a likely regulates neurogenesis through repressing the Nr2f1 expression. These results demonstrate that Bcl11a and Bcl11b jointly play critical roles in the generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons and in controlling the timing of neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch.
Reconstructing rapid natural vision with fMRI-conditional video generative adversarial network
Authors: Wang Chong , Yan Hongmei , Huang Wei , Li Jiyi , Wang Yuting , Fan Yun-Shuang , Sheng Wei , Liu Tao , Li Rong , Chen Huafu
Published: December 2021

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have made significant progress in reconstructing perceived visual content, which advanced our understanding of the visual mechanism. However, reconstructing dynamic natural vision remains a challenge because of the limitation of the temporal resolution of fMRI. Here, we developed a novel fMRI-conditional video generative adversarial network (f-CVGAN) to reconstruct rapid video stimuli from evoked fMRI responses. In this model, we employed a generator to produce spatiotemporal reconstructions and employed two separate discriminators (spatial and temporal discriminators) for the assessment. We trained and tested the f-CVGAN on two publicly available video-fMRI datasets, and the model produced pixel-level reconstructions of 8 perceived video frames from each fMRI volume. Experimental results showed that the reconstructed videos were fMRI-related and captured important spatial and temporal information of the original stimuli. Moreover, we visualized the cortical importance map and found that the visual cortex is extensively involved in the reconstruction, whereas the low-level visual areas (V1/V2/V3/V4) showed the largest contribution. Our work suggests that slow blood oxygen level-dependent signals describe neural representations of the fast perceptual process that can be decoded in practice.
Direct Methylation for Determination of Fatty Acids in Coffee Samples by GC-FID
Authors: de Fátima Bortolato Piccioli Angélica , Ferreira Cintia Stefhany Ripke , dos Santos Patrícia Daniele Silva , Senes Carlos Eduardo Rubio , Visentainer Jesuí Vergílio , Santos Oscar Oliveira
Published: December 2021

The direct methylation method developed in this work for coffee samples allowed the determination of fatty acids using smaller sample amounts (100 mg), lower solvent volumes (5 mL) and shorter experimental run time (~12 min). Hence, the experiments are more economical and collaborate with green chemistry, besides favoring the health of the analyst who handles a smaller amount of solvents in a short period. Design Expert software was employed to determine the optimal concentration of the acid and base (0.7 e 1.75 molL−1) and evaluate the sonication time (5 min for both procedures). The experiments were carried out on different coffee samples in which the fat content ranging from 10.18% to 14.86%. The relative standard deviation values for intraday and interday were 2.78% and 7.8%, respectively, confirming the good precision of the proposed method for fatty acid derivatization.
Education and Employment Trajectories in NEPS-ADIAB: The Survey Data of the National Educational Panel Study Linked to Administrative Data of the Institute for Employment Research
Authors: Bachbauer Nadine , Wolf Clara , Fuß Daniel
Published: December 2021

NEPS-ADIAB is a large-scale data product from Germany that provides a unique source for the empirical analysis of life course research questions. It is jointly administered by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories. NEPS-ADIAB includes survey data from the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) and administrative data from the IAB, combined at the individual level using a record linkage procedure. While the NEPS data cover issues such as educational trajectories and decisions, competencies and skills, learning environments, attitudes, etc., the administrative data consist of detailed employment histories dating back to 1975, plus extensive information on establishments. The linkage of both data collections results in a considerable research potential. NEPS-ADIAB is particularly suitable for analyses of the nexus between educational and employment careers, short- and long-term returns to education, transitions from school to vocational training and working life, adult education and lifelong learning, as well as discontinuities in professional careers due to parenthood or unemployment. Contextual characteristics about establishments as well as geographic indicators can additionally be taken into account. The regularly updated and expanded NEPS-ADIAB data are accessible to the entire scientific community free of charge via on-site and remote access.
Ethanol yield calculations in biorefineries
Authors: Bermejo Pamela Magalí , Badino Alberto , Zamberlan Luciano , Raghavendran Vijayendran , Basso Thiago Olitta , Gombert Andreas Karoly
Published: December 2021

The ethanol yield on sugar during alcoholic fermentation allows for diverse interpretation in academia and industry. There are several different ways to calculate this parameter, which is the most important one in this industrial bioprocess and the one that should be maximized, as reported by Pereira, Rodrigues, Sonego, Cruz and Badino (A new methodology to calculate the ethanol fermentation efficiency at bench and industrial scales. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018; 57: 16182–91). On the one hand, the various methods currently employed in industry provide dissimilar results, and recent evidence shows that yield has been consistently overestimated in Brazilian sugarcane biorefineries. On the other hand, in academia, researchers often lack information on all the intricate aspects involved in calculating the ethanol yield in industry. Here, we comment on these two aspects, using fuel ethanol production from sugarcane in Brazilian biorefineries as an example, and taking the work of Pereira, Rodrigues, Sonego, Cruz and Badino (A new methodology to calculate the ethanol fermentation efficiency at bench and industrial scales. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018; 57: 16182–91.) as a starting point. Our work is an attempt to demystify some common beliefs and to foster closer interaction between academic and industrial professionals from the fermentation sector. Pereira, Rodrigues, Sonego, Cruz and Badino (A new methodology to calculate the ethanol fermentation efficiency at bench and industrial scales. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018; 57: 16182–91).
CUT&RUN identifies centromeric DNA regions of Rhodotorula toruloides IFO0880
Authors: Schultz J Carl , Cao Mingfeng , Mejia Andrea , Zhao Huimin
Published: December 2021

Rhodotorula toruloides has been increasingly explored as a host for bioproduction of lipids, fatty acid derivatives and terpenoids. Various genetic tools have been developed, but neither a centromere nor an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), both necessary elements for stable episomal plasmid maintenance, has yet been reported. In this study, cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (CUT&RUN), a method used for genome-wide mapping of DNA–protein interactions, was used to identify R. toruloides IFO0880 genomic regions associated with the centromeric histone H3 protein Cse4, a marker of centromeric DNA. Fifteen putative centromeres ranging from 8 to 19 kb in length were identified and analyzed, and four were tested for, but did not show, ARS activity. These centromeric sequences contained below average GC content, corresponded to transcriptional cold spots, were primarily nonrepetitive and shared some vestigial transposon-related sequences but otherwise did not show significant sequence conservation. Future efforts to identify an ARS in this yeast can utilize these centromeric DNA sequences to improve the stability of episomal plasmids derived from putative ARS elements.
Response of Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) and Coexisting Natives to Competition, Shade, and Flooding
Authors: Ajala Olaniyi O , Kidd Kathryn R , Oswald Brian P , Weng Yuhui , Stovall Jeremy P
Published: December 2021

A greenhouse experiment was designed to determine the interactive effect of light, flooding, and competition on the growth and performance of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera [L.] Roxb.) and three tree species native to the southeastern United States: water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.), sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall). The experiment used a factorial design that received two treatments: light (low irradiance or high irradiance) and flood (nonflooded and flooded) regimes. In the nonflooded and high irradiance treatment, changes in the growth (ground diameter, number of leaves, and total biomass) indicated that growth metrics of tallow were highest when growing with sugarberry and water tupelo but decreased when tallow was in competition with green ash. In contrast, competition with tallow reduced the height, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of water tupelo. The results showed that tallow had lower growth metrics when in competition with green ash at no apparent decrease in the growth of green ash except for growth rate. Our results suggest that tallow may be less competitive with certain native species and underplanting may be a possible opportunity for improving the success rates of native tree species establishment in areas prone to tallow invasion.
Long-Term Comparison of 7 SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assays in the North Zealand Covid-19 Cohort
Authors: Wiwe Elias F , Carlsson Elin R , Rasmussen Christina L , Rasmussen Pernille , Ougaard Robert , Hansen Steen I , Schiøler Thomas , Kristiansen Søren , Hansen Young B , Hillig Thore
Published: December 2021

Background

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody assays have been approved through Emergency Use Authorization and require further evaluation of sensitivity and specificity in clinical laboratory settings prior to implementation.

Methods

We included 1733 samples from 375 PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2–positive individuals of the North Zealand Covid-19 Cohort in an 8-month period. We investigated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity against consensus and PCR and interassay agreement over time for 5 SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays [Roche-nucleocapsid (NC)-total, Roche-receptor binding domain (RBD)-total, Siemens-RBD-IgG, Siemens-RBD-total, Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS)-RBD-IgG] commercially available on automated platforms and 2 ELISA assays (TFS-RBD-total, Wantai-RBD-total).

Results

Early interassay discrepancy in up to 49% of samples decreased steadily during the first 18 days. By day 18, all assays had reached a plateau between 82.3% and 90.5% seropositivity compared to PCR. Assays ranked by closest agreement with the consensus model beyond day 18 (sensitivity/specificity against consensus) were as follows: Roche-RBD-total, 99.8%/100.0%; Wantai-RBD-total, 99.8%/99.7%; Roche-NC-total, 97.8%/100.0%; Siemens-RBD-total, 98.0%/98.7%; TFS-RBD-total, 96.9%/99.7%; TFS-RBD-IgG, 91.5%/100.0%; and Siemens-RBD-IgG, 94.6%/89.9%. We found that 7.8% of PCR-positive patients remained seronegative in all assays throughout the study.

Conclusions

All included assays had sensitivities against consensus >90% past day 18. For the current recommended use of antibody assays to detect former, undocumented Covid-19, our data suggest the use of total antibody assays rather than IgG-specific assays due to higher long-term sensitivity. Finally, a nonresponding subpopulation of 7.8% in our cohort with persistent seronegative results raises concern of a possible substantial number of people with continued low protection following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Pilot Verification of a Novel Approach to Remove Electrophoretic Interference of the Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Daratumumab
Authors: Baloda Vandana , Shurin Michael R , Wheeler Sarah E
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The advent of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (tmAbs) in treatment of multiple myeloma poses unique challenges for the clinical laboratory. These tmAbs may appear as a detectable monoclonal protein by electrophoretic methods resulting in misinterpretation or inability to measure therapeutic responses in some patients, and there are currently limited techniques for identifying interference. In this study we performed a preliminary assessment of the SPIFE anti-daratumumab (SPIFE anti-Dara) reagent to determine whether it would be a feasible aid in resolving the interference of tmAbs with serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE).

Methods

We performed a pilot study with 20 serum samples and clinical correlates. All samples had a characteristic daratumumab electrophoretic pattern (cathodal IgG/κ). A pre-electrophoretic sample treatment was performed with SPIFE anti-Dara. The reagent is a derivatized anti-Dara that forms multiple antibody/daratumumab complexes. SPE and IFE technical procedures were performed on Helena SPIFE 3000 according to the manufacturer instructions.

Results

Of the 20 patients, 14 patients were identified to be on daratumumab therapy. In 14/14 of cases, the daratumumab interference was successfully removed both from SPE and IFE assays. Disease associated M-protein was still visible after pretreatment, and quantification of M-protein may be possible with the use of SPIFE anti-Dara procedure.

Discussion

SPIFE anti-Dara is a promising method to remove the interference of therapeutic monoclonal antibody daratumumab with SPE and IFE results in clinical laboratories and warrants further assessment.
Cancer Conspicuity on Low-energy Images of Contrast-enhanced Mammography Compared With 2D Mammography
Authors: Konstantopoulos Christina , Mehta Tejas S , Brook Alexander , Dialani Vandana , Mehta Rashmi , Fein-Zachary Valerie , Phillips Jordana
Published: December 2021

Objective

Low-energy (LE) images of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) have been shown to be noninferior to digital mammography. However, our experience is that LE images are superior to 2D mammography. Our purpose was to compare cancer appearance on LE to 2D images.

Methods

In this IRB-approved retrospective study, seven breast radiologists evaluated 40 biopsy-proven cancer cases on craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) LE images and recent 2D images for cancer visibility, confidence in margins, and conspicuity of findings using a Likert scale. Objective measurements were performed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) estimated from regions of interest placed on tumor and background parenchyma. Reader agreement was evaluated using Fleiss kappa. Per-reader comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon test and overall comparisons used three-way analysis of variance.

Results

Low-energy images showed improved performance for visibility (CC LE 4.0 vs 2D 3.5, P < 0.001 and MLO LE 3.7 vs 2D 3.5, P = 0.01), confidence in margins (CC LE 3.2 vs 2D 2.8, P < 0.001 and MLO LE 3.1 vs 2D 2.9, P < 0.008), and conspicuity compared to tissue density compared to 2D mammography (CC LE 3.6 vs 2D 3.2, P < 0.001 and MLO LE 3.5 vs 2D 3.2, P < 0.001). The average CNR was significantly higher for LE than for digital mammography (CC 2.1 vs 3.2, P < 0.001 and MLO 2.1 vs 3.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that cancers may be better visualized on the LE CEM images compared with the 2D digital mammogram.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Access to IBD Care: Proceedings From a National IBD Access Summit
Authors: MacDonald Sonja , Heisler Courtney , Mathias Holly , Mirza Raza , MacMillan Mark , Borgaonkar Mark , Rohatinsky Noelle , Jones Jennifer L
Published: December 2021

Background

Canada has among the highest incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. While access to IBD specialty care can have a direct impact on health-related outcomes, the complexity of accessing IBD specialty care within Canada is not well understood and presents a barrier to implementation and evaluation of IBD specialty care.

Aim

The IBD Summit was held in partnership with Crohn’s & Colitis Canada to identify barriers and facilitators of IBD specialty care by exploring the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders of IBD care across Canada.

Results

A total of 20 key stakeholders attended, including gastroenterologists, patients, researchers and policymakers. Perceptions and experiences of stakeholders were transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed. Three key categories relating to access to IBD care arose: (1) inadequate system structure, (2) process inefficiencies and (3) using outcomes to guide system change. The IBD Summit identified similar perceptions and experiences among stakeholders and across provinces, highlighting common barriers and facilitators that transcended provincial and health care system boundaries.

Conclusions

Key suggestions identify the clinical importance of comprehensive integrated multidisciplinary care approaches with enhanced communication between patient and health care providers, greater information sharing among team members, streamlined referral and triage processes, and improved incorporation of best practice into clinical care. Stakeholders across Canada and in other countries may benefit from the suggestions presented herein, as well as the successful use of collaborative and inclusive methods of gathering the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Modeling Bid and Ask Price Dynamics with an Extended Hawkes Process and Its Empirical Applications for High-Frequency Stock Market Data
Authors: Lee Kyungsub , Seo Byoung Ki
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a versatile model for the dynamics of the best bid and ask prices using an extended Hawkes process. The model incorporates the zero intensities of the spread-narrowing processes at the minimum bid–ask spread, spread-dependent intensities, possible negative excitement, and nonnegative intensities. We apply the model to high-frequency best bid and ask price data from U.S. stock markets. The empirical findings demonstrate a spread-narrowing tendency, excitations of the intensities caused by previous events, the impact of flash crashes, characteristic trends in fast trading over time, and the different features of market participants in the various exchanges.
The Role of Jumps in Realized Volatility Modeling and Forecasting
Authors: Caporin Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

Building on an extensive empirical analysis, I investigate the relevance of jumps and signed variations in predicting realized volatility. I show that properly accounting for intra-day volatility patterns and staleness sensibly reduces the identified jumps, in particular for low and moderate liquidity assets. Modeling realized variance using jumps and intra-day return sign improves the in-sample fit of commonly adopted specifications, irrespective of assets liquidity. From a forecasting perspective, the empirical evidence I report shows that most models, independently from their flexibility, are statistically equivalent in many cases. These results are confirmed with different samples, assets liquidity level, forecast horizons, and possible transformations of the dependent and explanatory variables.
Cyanogenesis in cassava and its molecular manipulation for crop improvement
Authors: McMahon Jennifer , Sayre Richard , Zidenga Tawanda
Published: December 2021

While cassava is one of the most important staple crops worldwide, it has received the least investment per capita consumption of any of the major global crops. This is in part due to cassava being a crop of subsistence farmers that is grown in countries with limited resources for crop improvement. While its starchy roots are rich in calories, they are poor in protein and other essential nutrients. In addition, they contain potentially toxic levels of cyanogenic glycosides which must be reduced to safe levels before consumption. Furthermore, cyanogens compromise the shelf life of harvested roots due to cyanide-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and associated production of reactive oxygen species that accelerate root deterioration. Over the past two decades, the genetic, biochemical, and developmental factors that control cyanogen synthesis, transport, storage, and turnover have largely been elucidated. It is now apparent that cyanogens contribute substantially to whole-plant nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis in roots. The essential role of cyanogens in root nitrogen metabolism, however, has confounded efforts to create acyanogenic varieties. This review proposes alternative molecular approaches that integrate accelerated cyanogen turnover with nitrogen reassimilation into root protein that may offer a solution to creating a safer, more nutritious cassava crop.
Development and validation of a nomogram for renal involvement in primary Sjögren syndrome patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Huang Xinshi , Wang Xiaobing , Yu Dinglai
Published: December 2021

Objective

To establish and validate a nomogram for individualized prediction of renal involvement in pSS patients.

Methods

A total of 1293 patients with pSS from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2008 and January 2020 were recruited and analyzed retrospectively. The patients were randomly divided into development set (70%, n = 910) and validation set (30%, n = 383). The univariable and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the risk factors of renal involvement in pSS. Based on the regression β coefficients derived from multivariate logistic analysis, an individualized nomogram prediction model was developed and subsequently evaluated by AUC and calibration plot.

Results

Multivariate logistic analysis showed that hypertension, anemia, albumin, uric acid, anti-Ro52, hematuria, and ChisholmMason grade were independent risk factors of renal involvement in pSS. The AUC were 0.797 and 0.750, respectively, in development set and validation set. The calibration plot showed nomogram had a strong concordance performance between the prediction probability and the actual probability.

Conclusion

The individualized nomogram for pSS patients those who had renal involvement could be used by clinicians to predict the risk of pSS patients developing into renal involvement and improve early screening and intervention.
Deep learning methods in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis from plain pelvic radiographs
Authors: Üreten Kemal , Maraş Yüksel , Duran Semra , Gök Kevser
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to develop a computer-aided diagnosis method to assist physicians in evaluating sacroiliac radiographs.

Methods

Convolutional neural networks, a deep learning method, were used in this retrospective study. Transfer learning was implemented with pre-trained VGG-16, ResNet-101 and Inception-v3 networks. Normal pelvic radiographs (n = 290) and pelvic radiographs with sacroiliitis (n = 295) were used for the training of networks.

Results

The training results were evaluated with the criteria of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and precision calculated from the confusion matrix and AUC (area under the ROC curve) calculated from ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. Pre-trained VGG-16 model revealed accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision and AUC figures of 89.9%, 90.9%, 88.9%, 88.9% and 0.96 with test images, respectively. These results were 84.3%, 91.9%, 78.8%, 75.6 and 0.92 with pre-trained ResNet-101, and 82.0%, 79.6%, 85.0%, 86.7% and 0.90 with pre-trained inception-v3, respectively.

Conclusions

Successful results were obtained with all three models in this study where transfer learning was applied with pre-trained VGG-16, ResNet-101 and Inception-v3 networks. This method can assist clinicians in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis, provide them with a second objective interpretation and also reduce the need for advanced imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging.
Defining the Therapeutic Singing Voice: Further Examination of the Everyday Singing Practices of Music Therapists
Authors: Bingham Martina C , Schwartz Elizabeth K , Meadows Anthony
Published: December 2021

Twelve music therapists were observed working clinically in 3 to 5 of their music therapy sessions and subsequently interviewed about their clinical work in order to further examine and define the essential characteristics of therapeutic singing in music therapy clinical practice. Observational and interview data were analyzed separately using procedures consistent with qualitative content analysis and then integrated to provide a comprehensive picture of these singing practices. Analysis of these data revealed 3 interrelated dimensions of therapeutic singing that were integrated into the larger realization of therapeutic singing: (1) foundational vocal skills, (2) vocal engagement, and (3) authenticity. Implications for the education and training of music therapy students, vocal health, and a reevaluation of the American Music Therapy Association’s competencies contextualize these findings for the profession as a whole.
Systematic review of first responder post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions
Authors: Tan Leona , Petrie Katherine , Deady Mark , Bryant Richard A , Harvey Samuel B
Published: December 2021

Background

First responder populations, such as emergency services and the military, report elevated levels of mental health problems. Although post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial support interventions are widely implemented within these services, its effectiveness in preventing the development of mental disorders is unclear.

Aims

To systematically assess which, if any, post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions are effective at preventing the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and common mental disorders (CMD) amongst military and emergency service worker (ESW) settings.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted by searching four databases for any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled trials of post-deployment or post-incident interventions. The primary outcomes assessed were differences in symptoms of PTSD and CMD. Study quality was examined using the Downs and Black checklist. Pooled effect sizes and 95% CI were calculated using random-effects modelling for main meta-analyses, planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Results

From 317 articles, seven RCTs were included in the final meta-analysis. Interventions identified included psychological debriefing, screening, stress education, team-based skills training and a peer-delivered risk assessment. A very small but significant effect was found for team-based skills training in reducing CMD symptoms. Some evidence was also found for team cohesion training in reducing both PTSD and CMD.

Conclusions

Limited evidence was found for post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions within military and ESW populations. More high-quality studies, particularly among ESW settings, are urgently needed to determine how to better prevent the development of trauma related disorders after exposure.
How to Deal with Executive Secrecy? Opposition Perspectives and Practices in the German Bundestag
Authors: Riese Dorothee
Published: December 2021

Opposition parties in parliamentary democracies act as controllers of the executive. Consequently, executive secrecy should be a pressing issue as it deprives them of information for public scrutiny. This article investigates how parliamentary opposition parties and individual politicians discuss executive secrecy using the example of the German Bundestag. Given disagreement about secrecy’s legitimacy, especially in actual political practice, the article systematises opposition strategies. The analysis reveals two distinct ones: active cooperation strategies, where opposition parties cooperate with the governing majority to legally define secrecy’s framework and oversight, and passive coping strategies where MPs develop scrutiny practices that function despite secrecy.
Characteristics of patients with axial spondyloarthritis by geographic regions: PROOF multicountry observational study baseline results
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis , Sieper Joachim , Akar Servet , Muñoz-Fernández Santiago , Haibel Hildrun , Hojnik Maja , Ganz Fabiana , Inman Robert D
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To compare demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with axial SpA (axSpA) across geographic regions.

Methods

Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Multicountry Registry of Clinical Characteristics (PROOF) is an observational study that enrolled recently diagnosed (≤1 year) axSpA patients fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria from rheumatology clinical practices in 29 countries across six geographic regions. Demographics and disease-related parameters were collected. Here we present baseline data for patients who were classified as radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) confirmed by central reading.

Results

Of the 2170 patients enrolled, 1553 were classified based on central evaluation of sacroiliac radiographs [r-axSpA: 1023 (66%); nr-axSpA: 530 (34%)]. Patients with nr-axSpA had a significantly higher occurrence of enthesitis (40% vs 33%), psoriasis (10% vs 5%) and IBD (4% vs 2%) vs r-axSpA patients. Significant differences in axSpA characteristics were observed between geographic regions. The highest occurrence of peripheral arthritis (60%), enthesitis (52%) and dactylitis (12%) was in Latin America, and the lowest was in Canada (9%, 9% and 2%, respectively). The occurrence of uveitis and psoriasis was highest in Canada (18% and 14%, respectively) and lowest in China (6% and <1%, respectively). IBD was highest in Arabia (21%), and no cases were observed in China. In multivariable analysis adjusted for factors potentially affecting peripheral and extramusculoskeletal manifestations, geographic regions still exhibited significant differences in frequencies of uveitis (P < 0.01), psoriasis (P < 0.0001) and peripheral arthritis (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The multinational PROOF study of axSpA patients showed significant regional differences in peripheral and extramusculoskeletal manifestations of SpA, which could be considered in management guidelines and clinical trials.
The FATIGUE-PRO: a new patient-reported outcome instrument to quantify fatigue in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Morel Thomas , Cano Stefan , Bartlett Susan J , Gordon Caroline , Haier Birgit , Regnault Antoine , Schneider Matthias , Stach Christian , Cleanthous Sophie
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to implement a patient-centred and evidence-based approach to develop a novel patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to measure fatigue in patients with SLE.

Methods

A three-step mixed methods psychometric (MMP) approach was followed. Steps comprised first draft item generation and review using interview data; evaluation and refinement of second draft items using mixed methods data, including interview and quantitative data from a phase 2 clinical study in SLE analysed using Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) analysis; and evaluation of the final FATIGUE-PRO items using RMT and complementary Classical Test Theory (CTT) analyses. Guided by MMP criteria, a team of clinicians and outcome-measurement experts assessed evidence to inform instrument development.

Results

Step 1 culminated in 55 items (n = 39 patients interviewed). Their refinement in step 2 using mixed methods evidence led to the final FATIGUE-PRO instrument comprising 31 items across three scales of fatigue: physical fatigue (9 items), mental and cognitive fatigue (11 items) and susceptibility to fatigue (11 items). Qualitative (n = 43 patients) and quantitative (n = 106 patients) evidence strongly supported the scales’ content comprehensiveness and targeting, item quality and fit, conceptual uniqueness and appropriateness of the response scale. The FATIGUE-PRO further benefited from excellent reliability (RMT: 0.92–0.94 and CTT: 0.95–0.96) and supportive evidence of construct validity from assessments against other PROs.

Conclusion

The conceptual advances, comprehensive coverage and strong psychometric properties of the FATIGUE-PRO will significantly advance the measurement and management of fatigue in SLE, both in clinical trials and routine practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT02804763
Photosynthesis in response to salinity and submergence in two Rhizophoraceae mangroves adapted to different tidal elevations
Authors: Wang C-W , Wong S-L , Liao T-S , Weng J-H , Chen M-N , Huang M-Y , Chen C-I
Published: December 2021

Mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable to rising sea levels. When the sea level rises, the plants are exposed to increased salinity and tidal submergence. In Taiwan, the mangrove species Kandelia obovata and Rhizophora stylosa grow in different habitats and at different elevations. To understand the response of photosynthesis to salinity and submergence in mangroves adapted to different tidal elevations, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured in K. obovata and R. stylosa under different salinity (20 and 40‰) and submergence treatments. The period of light induction of photosynthesis for the two mangrove species was >60 min. In the induction process, the increase in photosystem efficiency was faster than the increase in stomatal opening, but CO2 fixation efficiency was restricted by stomatal conductance. The constraint of stomatal opening speed is related to the conservative water-use strategy developed in response to mangrove environments. Submergence increased the photosynthetic rate of K. obovata, but not that of R. stylosa. Although R. stylosa was more salt tolerant than K. obovata, R. stylosa was not submergence tolerant in a high-salinity environment, which may be the reason for the higher intertidal elevations observed for R. stylosa in comparison with K. obovata. The photosynthetic rate and energy-dependent quenching (qE) of the two mangroves presented a negative relationship with photoinhibition, and high-salt treatment simultaneously reduced photosynthetic rate and qE. A decrease in the photosynthetic rate increased excess energy, whereas a decrease in qE decreased photoprotection; both increased photoinhibition. As the degree of photoinhibition can be easily measured in the field, it is a useful ecological monitoring index that provides a suitable reference for mangrove restoration, habitat construction and ecological monitoring.
SGT1-Specific Domain Mutations Impair Interactions with the Barley MLA6 Immune Receptor in Association with Loss of NLR Protein
Authors: Chapman Antony V. E. , Elmore J. Mitch , McReynolds Maxwell , Walley Justin W. , Wise Roger P.
Published: December 2021

The Mla (Mildew resistance locus a) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an effective model for cereal immunity against fungal pathogens. Like many resistance proteins, variants of the MLA coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (CC-NLR) receptor often require the HRS complex (HSP90, RAR1, and SGT1) to function. However, functional analysis of Sgt1 has been particularly difficult, as deletions are often lethal. Recently, we identified rar3 (required for Mla6 resistance 3), an in-frame Sgt1ΔKL308-309 mutation in the SGT1-specific domain, that alters resistance conferred by MLA but without lethality. Here, we use autoactive MLA6 and recombinant yeast-two-hybrid strains with stably integrated HvRar1 and HvHsp90 to determine that this mutation weakens but does not entirely disrupt the interaction between SGT1 and MLA. This causes a concomitant reduction in MLA6 protein accumulation below the apparent threshold required for effective resistance. The ΔKL308-309 deletion had a lesser effect on intramolecular interactions than alanine or arginine substitutions, and MLA variants that display diminished interactions with SGT1 appear to be disproportionately affected by the SGT1ΔKL308-309 mutation. We hypothesize that those dimeric plant CC-NLRs that appear unaffected by Sgt1 silencing are those with the strongest intermolecular interactions with it. Combining our data with recent work in CC-NLRs, we propose a cyclical model of the MLA-HRS resistosome interactions.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2022.
Genomics and Informatics, Conjoined Tools Vital for Understanding and Protecting Plant Health
Authors: Kang Seogchan , Kim Ki-Tae , Choi Jaeyoung , Kim Hyun , Cheong Kyeongchae , Bandara Ananda , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: December 2021

Genomics’ impact on crop production continuously expands. The number of sequenced plant and microbial species and strains representing diverse populations of individual species rapidly increases thanks to the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies. Their genomic blueprints revealed candidate genes involved in various functions and processes crucial for crop health and helped in understanding how the sequenced organisms have evolved at the genome level. Functional genomics quickly translates these blueprints into a detailed mechanistic understanding of how such functions and processes work and are regulated; this understanding guides and empowers efforts to protect crops from diverse biotic and abiotic threats. Metagenome analyses help identify candidate microbes crucial for crop health and uncover how microbial communities associated with crop production respond to environmental conditions and cultural practices, presenting opportunities to enhance crop health by judiciously configuring microbial communities. Efficient conversion of disparate types of massive genomics data into actionable knowledge requires a robust informatics infrastructure supporting data preservation, analysis, and sharing. This review starts with an overview of how genomics came about and has quickly transformed life science. We illuminate how genomics and informatics can be applied to investigate various crop health-related problems using selected studies. We end the review by noting why community empowerment via crowdsourcing is crucial to harnessing genomics to protect global food and nutrition security without continuously expanding the environmental footprint of crop production.
Local Recurrence of Melanoma Is Higher After Wide Local Excision Versus Mohs Micrographic Surgery or Staged Excision: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pride Renee L.D. , Miller Christopher J. , Murad M. Hassan , Erwin Patricia J. , Brewer Jerry D.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Complete removal of melanoma is a primary goal of excision, and local recurrence is one measure to evaluate the efficacy of surgical technique.

OBJECTIVE

To compare published local recurrence rates for melanoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) or staged excision versus wide local excision (WLE).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Search of 6 databases identified comparative and noncomparative studies that reported local recurrence rates after MMS, staged excision, or WLE for melanoma. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) from comparative studies and event rates from noncomparative studies.

RESULTS

Of the 71 studies included (16,575 patients), 12 were comparative studies (2,683 patients) and 56 were noncomparative studies (13,698 patients). Comparative studies showed increased recurrence after WLE compared with MMS or staged excision (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.6) and compared with MMS alone (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8–5.9). Pooled data from comparative and noncomparative studies showed a local recurrence rate of 7% after WLE (95% CI, 5%–11%), 3% after staged excision (95% CI, 2%–4%), and less than 1% after MMS (95% CI, 0%–1%). Statistical heterogeneity was moderate to high.

CONCLUSION

Local recurrence of melanoma is significantly lower after MMS (<1%) and staged excision (3%) compared with WLE (7%).
Treatment Options and Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nail Unit: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ning Anne Y. , Levoska Melissa A. , Zheng David X. , Carroll Bryan T. , Wong Christina Y.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Nail squamous cell carcinoma (nSCC) is the most common nail unit malignancy. However, no studies to date have evaluated treatment options for nSCC based on recurrence data while controlling for invasion.

OBJECTIVE

To identify temporal trends in nSCC treatment modalities and compare treatment outcomes based on invasion.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The authors performed a systematic review of articles published on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus from inception to April 2020 reporting treatment of nSCC. The primary outcome was disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Reports of nSCC treatments have increased in the past decade. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the most common treatment reported overall. The lowest recurrence rates for in situ nSCC were seen with wide surgical excision (WSE) and MMS. For invasive disease, the recurrence rates were lowest with amputation, MMS, and WSE.

CONCLUSION

Complete surgical excision of nSCC with either WSE or MMS is associated with lower recurrence rates than limited excision and nonsurgical therapies, regardless of degree of invasion. The prognostic significance of in situ versus invasive disease remains unclear. Confirmation of complete excision may improve outcomes. Digital amputation is indicated for nSCC with bone invasion. Prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to directly compare surgical modalities for nSCC.
Speech Perception Performance Growth and Benchmark Score Achievement After Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Nassiri Ashley M. , Wallerius Katherine P. , Lohse Christine M. , Marinelli John P. , Saoji Aniket A. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Neff Brian A. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Compare speech perception performance growth and benchmark score achievement among adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients with single-sided deafness (SSD) versus bilateral moderate to profound hearing loss.

Study Design:

Retrospective matched cohort analysis.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Adults with SSD or bilateral moderate to profound hearing sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation from 2014 to 2019.

Interventions:

Cochlear implantation.

Main outcome measures:

Time-to-benchmark speech perception score (CNC, AzBio in quiet) and speech performance within first postoperative year.

Results:

Thirty-three SSD patients were matched to 66 bilateral hearing loss patients (referent cohort) for duration of deafness and preoperative ipsilateral CNC scores. Although SSD patients were more likely to achieve benchmark CNC scores more quickly compared with matched referents, this difference did not reach statistical significance (HR 1.72; 95% CI 0.78–3.82; p = 0.18). AzBio scores showed similar trends (HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.66–2.98; p = 0.38). At last follow-up, the SSD cohort had lower CNC (median 54% vs. 62%; p = 0.019) and AzBio scores (median 72% vs. 84%; p = 0.029) compared to the referent cohort.

Conclusions:

No significant difference in speech perception performance growth (i.e., time-to-benchmark speech perception score) was identified between SSD and bilateral hearing loss CI recipients, although patients with bilateral hearing loss achieved higher scores in the implanted ear within the first year of follow-up.
No COVID-19 in Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)
Authors: van Rijssen L. Bengt , Derks Wynia , Hoffmans Ruth , van Looij Marjolein A. , van Maanen J. Peter , van Monsjou Hester S. , Nyst Heike J. , van Rijn Peter M. , Vermeeren Lenka , de Vries Nico , Ravesloot Madeline J.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Various case reports have described sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Our aim was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 in patients with SSNHL.

Methods:

All consecutive patients with audiometric confirmed SSNHL between November 2020 and March 2021 in a Dutch large inner city teaching hospital were included. All patients were tested for COVID-19 by polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) and awaited the results in quarantine.

Results:

Out of 25 patients, zero (0%) tested positive for COVID-19. Two patients had previously tested positive for COVID-19: at three and eight months prior to the onset of hearing loss.

Conclusions:

This is the largest series to date investigating COVID-19 in SSNHL patients. In this series there is no apparent relationship between SSNHL and COVID-19.