bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging issues in genomic selection
Authors: Misztal Ignacy , Aguilar Ignacio , Lourenco Daniela , Ma Li , Steibel Juan Pedro , Toro Miguel
Published: March 2021

Genomic selection (GS) is now practiced successfully across many species. However, many questions remain, such as long-term effects, estimations of genomic parameters, robustness of genome-wide association study (GWAS) with small and large datasets, and stability of genomic predictions. This study summarizes presentations from the authors at the 2020 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) symposium. The focus of many studies until now is on linkage disequilibrium between two loci. Ignoring higher-level equilibrium may lead to phantom dominance and epistasis. The Bulmer effect leads to a reduction of the additive variance; however, the selection for increased recombination rate can release anew genetic variance. With genomic information, estimates of genetic parameters may be biased by genomic preselection, but costs of estimation can increase drastically due to the dense form of the genomic information. To make the computation of estimates feasible, genotypes could be retained only for the most important animals, and methods of estimation should use algorithms that can recognize dense blocks in sparse matrices. GWASs using small genomic datasets frequently find many marker-trait associations, whereas studies using much bigger datasets find only a few. Most of the current tools use very simple models for GWAS, possibly causing artifacts. These models are adequate for large datasets where pseudo-phenotypes such as deregressed proofs indirectly account for important effects for traits of interest. Artifacts arising in GWAS with small datasets can be minimized by using data from all animals (whether genotyped or not), realistic models, and methods that account for population structure. Recent developments permit the computation of P-values from genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), where models can be arbitrarily complex but restricted to genotyped animals only, and single-step GBLUP that also uses phenotypes from ungenotyped animals. Stability was an important part of nongenomic evaluations, where genetic predictions were stable in the absence of new data even with low prediction accuracies. Unfortunately, genomic evaluations for such animals change because all animals with genotypes are connected. A top-ranked animal can easily drop in the next evaluation, causing a crisis of confidence in genomic evaluations. While correlations between consecutive genomic evaluations are high, outliers can have differences as high as 1 SD. A solution to fluctuating genomic evaluations is to base selection decisions on groups of animals. Although many issues in GS have been solved, many new issues that require additional research continue to surface.
Melatonin-induced changes in the bovine vaginal microbiota during maternal nutrient restriction
Authors: Messman Riley D , Contreras-Correa Zully E , Paz Henry A , Lemley Caleb O
Published: March 2021

Altering the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota has proved challenging, with recent studies deeming the microbiota dynamic due to few overall changes being found. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine whether gestational age, endogenous progesterone, maternal nutrient restriction, or dietary melatonin altered the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota. Brangus heifers (n = 29) from timed artificial insemination to day 240 of gestation were used; at day 160 of gestation, heifers were assigned to either an adequate (ADQ; n = 14; 100% NRC requirements) or restricted (RES; n = 15; 60% NRC requirements) nutritional plane and were either supplemented with dietary melatonin (MEL; n = 15) or not supplemented (CON; n = 14). Samples for vaginal microbiota analysis were taken on day 0 (prior to artificial insemination), day 150 (prior to dietary treatments), and day 220 of gestation (60 d post-treatment initiation) using a double guarded culture swab. The vaginal bacterial overall community structure was determined through sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. Alpha diversity was compared via 2-way ANOVA; β diversity was compared via PERMANOVA. The linear discriminant analysis for effect size (LEfSe) pipeline was utilized for analysis of taxonomic rank differences between bacterial communities. Gestational age, progesterone concentration, and maternal nutritional plane did not alter α or β diversity of the vaginal microbiota. However, gestational age resulted in compositional changes at the order, family, and genus level. Moreover, dietary melatonin supplementation did not alter α diversity of the vaginal microbiota but did alter β diversity (P = 0.02). Specifically, melatonin altered the composition at the genus level and increased the prevalence of aerobic bacteria in the vaginal tract. To date, melatonin is the first hormone associated with altering the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota.
Drones That Deliver: Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption Deployed via Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles in U.S. Cranberries
Authors: Luck Brian D , Chasen Elissa M , Williams Parker J , Steffan Shawn A
Published: March 2021

Cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)) and blackheaded fireworm (Rhopobota naevana Hubner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)) threaten cranberry production annually by causing significant fruit damage. Up to four pesticide applications are made each year to control these insects, which are costly to producers and elevate pesticide residues in fruit. Pheromone-based mating disruption technology can provide control of these pests in cranberry production, with the potential to minimize, or eliminate, pesticide applications. In 2016, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) was investigated to apply a thick paraffin emulsion containing insect sex pheromones. Traditional agricultural equipment is not capable of applying the paraffin emulsion to cranberry beds due to the product’s viscous, paste-like consistency. The first objective of this study was to retrofit an UAV (octocopter) with a novel extrusion device that had been engineered to deliver the pheromone-loaded paraffin at regular intervals during flight. The second objective was to confirm adequate distribution of the pheromones by measuring the mating disruption efficacy by monitoring male moth trap catches. The UAV was able to fly autonomously along a prescribed itinerary, deploying the paraffin product uniformly; however, the increased mass of the retrofitted UAV limited flight times to ~12 min. The number of male cranberry fruitworm and blackheaded fireworm moths caught in lure-baited traps were reduced in the paraffin-treated beds compared with untreated beds, indicating adequate distribution of the pheromones. The UAV-applied pheromones concept could be developed into a production scale application method in the future, although issues of battery life and lifting capacity will need to be resolved.
The ICC Is NOT a Slice of Cheese
Authors: Dothan Shai
Published: March 2021

In an article published a few years ago, my friend Jakob Holtermann compared the International Criminal Court (ICC) to a slice of Swiss cheese. The metaphor is meant to indicate that the ICC operates as a filter that deters some of the criminals left undeterred by national criminal law systems. This is true. But the metaphor also suggests that the ICC would only deter extra criminals and would not damage the deterrence achieved by preceding filters, which is false. This article explains why.
Patients’ adherence to topical antiglaucoma medications in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Khaled Arwa , Makki Soha , Almaghaslah Dalia , Al-Qahtani Masoud , Siddique Ayesha
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Adherence to glaucoma medications is a central factor to control intraocular pressure and manage glaucoma effectively. This study aims to assess the level of adherence of glaucoma patients to ocular hypotensive agents and determine factors contributing to non-adherence in the Aseer region.

Methods

This was a single-centre, prospective cross-sectional study carried out in Aseer Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a customized questionnaire adapted from the Morisky, Green and Levine Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MGLS).

Key findings

Of the 102 glaucoma patients, 63 (61.8%) were non-adherent to their glaucoma medications. About 48 (76.2%) of them reported that they have no background information about glaucoma. Older participants (37, 58.7%; >50 years) showed a low adherence level compared with the younger individuals. Contributing factors to non-adherence include forgetting the dose time (32, 50.8%), illiteracy (31, 49.2%; P = 0.313), economic problems (26, 41.3%; P = 0.286) and lack of information about prescribed medications (15, 23.8%; P = 0.188).

Conclusions

No significant relationship was found between medication adherence and patient’s demographic data or their background knowledge about glaucoma. Despite the need for improving the glaucoma patient’s knowledge of their disease and the importance of medication adherence, an additional strategy as alerts by smartwatches should be encouraged to improve the adherence level.
Management of infected nasal dermoid cysts and sinuses
Authors: Bishop Ryan , Sheehan Cameron , Walz Patrick , Kern Charlemagne , Elmaraghy Charles
Published: March 2021

This study investigates outcomes of surgical management of pediatric patients with nasal dermoids with prior infection. A retrospective review at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a large free-standing pediatric hospital in the Midwestern USA, was performed. Patients were identified by the Current Procedural Terminology codes 30124 (simple excision of dermoid cyst) and 30125 (complex excision of nasal dermoid cyst) from 2011 to 2016. Demographic, imaging data, surgical findings, microbiological data and recurrence rates were collected for these patients. Descriptive statistical investigation was performed. In total, 14 patients were identified, 4 of the 14 patients (28.5%) had recurrent infection and required additional surgery. Three of seven patients required incision and drainage prior to definitive excision. One of seven patients in the infected group had recurrence. Prior infection does not increase the recurrence rate and almost half of the patients required I&D prior to definitive management.
Appendiceal neurofibroma in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1 and recurrent abdominal infections from ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report
Authors: Greenberg Anya L , Choi Won-Tak , Shaked Oren , Lee Anthony T , Berrahou Iman K , Jacques Line G , Lebares Carter C
Published: March 2021

Appendiceal neurofibromas are exceedingly rare, with neither experimental nor observational data to support evidence-based diagnosis or treatment. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) complicated by aqueductal stenosis and resultant hydrocephalus needing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). She presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was found to have abnormalities in the right hemiabdomen on cross-section imaging, also a Staphylococcus epidermidis growth at the distal portion of the VPS. She was initially treated with two rounds of intravenous antibiotics and VPS removal without improvement. She ultimately underwent an appendectomy, which revealed pathologic evidence of NF. The appendectomy was key to ruling out malignancy, addressing further symptoms and preventing future malignant transformation. This case highlights the importance of including appendiceal neurofibromas in the differential diagnoses of abdominal pain in patients with NF1.
Understanding IIIF image usage based on server log analysis
Authors: Nishioka Chifumi , Nagasaki Kiyonori
Published: March 2021

Numerous libraries and museums have adopted the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) that promotes mutual use of images among different institutions. In a IIIF-compatible digital collection, images are retrieved via IIIF Image API (Application Programming Interface), wherein regions of images can be specified. Thus, it is possible to investigate image usage in detail by examining the image regions that have been requested. In this article, we propose a log analysis method to measure the image usage and to visualize the analysis outcomes. Specifically, we employ the number of accesses to each pixel and visualize the results using heat maps. Given that a pixel is the smallest image unit, we apply herein a fine-grained analysis. The analysis method can be used in different applications including research tools in which researchers examine images and heat maps that show which regions of the images have already been examined by collaborators.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Patients With Healthcare Facility–Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Eberly Matthew D , Susi Apryl , Adams Daniel J , Love Christopher S , Nylund Cade M
Published: March 2021

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has become a rising public health threat. Our study aims to characterize the epidemiology and measure the attributable cost, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality of healthcare facility–onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) among patients in the U.S. Military Health System (MHS).

Methods

We performed a case–control and cross-sectional inpatient study of HO-CDI using MHS database billing records. Cases included those who were at least 18 years of age admitted to a military treatment facility with a stool sample positive for C. difficile obtained >3 days after admission. Risk factors in the preceding year were identified. Patient case-mix adjusted outcomes including in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost were evaluated by high-dimensional propensity score adjusted logistic regression.

Results

Among 474,518 admissions within the MHS from 2008 to 2015, we identified 591 (0.12%) patients with HO-CDI and found a significant increase in the trend of HO-CDI over the 7-year study period (P < .001). Patients with HO-CDI had significantly higher hospitalization cost (attributable difference $66,044, P < .001), prolonged hospital stay (attributable difference 12.4 days, P < 0.001), and increased odds of in-hospital mortality (case-mix adjusted odds ratio 1.98; 95% CI, 1.43-2.74).

Conclusions

Healthcare facility–onset Clostridioides difficile infection is rising in patients within the MHS and is associated with increased length of stay, hospital costs, and in-hospital mortality. We identified a significantly increased burden of hospitalization among patients admitted with HO-CDI, highlighting the importance of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives aimed at decreasing the spread of this pathogen.
Clustering and halo abundances in early dark energy cosmological models
Authors: Klypin Anatoly , Poulin Vivian , Prada Francisco , Primack Joel , Kamionkowski Marc , Avila-Reese Vladimir , Rodriguez-Puebla Aldo , Behroozi Peter , Hellinger Doug , Smith Tristan L
Published: March 2021

Cold Dark Matter with cosmological constant (ΛCDM) cosmological models with early dark energy (EDE) have been proposed to resolve tensions between the Hubble constant $H_0=100\, h$ km ṡ−1Ṁpc−1 measured locally, giving h ≈ 0.73, and H0 deduced from Planck cosmic microwave background (CMB) and other early-Universe measurements plus ΛCDM, giving h ≈ 0.67. EDE models do this by adding a scalar field that temporarily adds dark energy equal to about 10 per cent of the cosmological energy density at the end of the radiation-dominated era at redshift z ∼ 3500. Here, we compare linear and non-linear predictions of a Planck-normalized ΛCDM model including EDE giving h = 0.728 with those of standard Planck-normalized ΛCDM with h = 0.678. We find that non-linear evolution reduces the differences between power spectra of fluctuations at low redshifts. As a result, at z = 0 the halo mass functions on galactic scales are nearly the same, with differences only 1–2 per cent. However, the differences dramatically increase at high redshifts. The EDE model predicts 50 per cent more massive clusters at z = 1 and twice more galaxy-mass haloes at z = 4. Even greater increases in abundances of galaxy-mass haloes at higher redshifts may make it easier to reionize the universe with EDE. Predicted galaxy abundances and clustering will soon be tested by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations. Positions of baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAOs) and correlation functions differ by about 2 per cent between the models – an effect that is not washed out by non-linearities. Both standard ΛCDM and the EDE model studied here agree well with presently available acoustic-scale observations, but the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and Euclid measurements will provide stringent new tests.
Discovery of tidal debris stars from G1/Mayall II in M31
Authors: Gregg Michael D , West Michael J , Lemaux Brian C , Küpper Andreas H W
Published: March 2021

The object Mayall II or G1 is the brightest globular cluster belonging to M31. Because of its extreme properties for a globular cluster, it has been speculated that G1 is the remnant nucleus of a dwarf galaxy that has been stripped by the tidal field of M31. Using the Keck DEIMOS spectrograph, we have conducted a survey for tidally stripped stars from G1, obtaining a sample of 351 stellar velocities over ∼320 sq. arcmin of sky centred on G1. 13 are within $25~{\, \rm km\, s^{-1}\, }$ of the systemic velocity of G1, and exhibit spatial and velocity correlations consistent with being dynamically associated with G1, and all 13 are well outside the tidal radius of the cluster. These 13 stars could be either (i) the remnants of an almost completely evaporated stellar envelope or (ii) G1 member stars lost through tidal interaction with M31. Estimates of the implied mass-loss rate based on our data suggest a short dissolution time-scale for G1, thus favouring the stellar envelope hypothesis for the origin of the tidal tail stars, or, at the very least, an advanced stage of cluster dissolution. In either case, G1 and by extension compact stellar systems in general have likely played a significant role in building the halo of M31.
Photometric observations of NGC 281: detection of 228 variable stars
Authors: Lata Sneh , Pandey A K , Pandey J C , Panwar Neelam , Paul Paulomi
Published: March 2021

We identify 228 periodic variables in the region of young open cluster NGC 281 using time series photometry carried out from 1 m class ARIES telescopes, Nainital. The cluster membership of these identified variables is determined on the basis of colour–magnitude, two colour diagrams, and kinematic data. A total of 81 variable stars are found to be members of the cluster NGC 281. Of 81 variables, 30 and 51 are probable main-sequence and pre-main-sequence members, respectively. This study classifies main-sequence variable stars into different variability types according to their periods of variability, shape of light curves, and location in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. These identified main-sequence variables could be β Cep, δ Scuti, slowly pulsating B type, and new class variables. Among 51 pre-main-sequence variables, majority of them are weak line T Tauri stars. The remaining 147 variables could belong to the field population. The variability characteristics of the field population indicate that these variables could be RR Lyrae, δ Scuti, and binaries-type variables.
emerge: constraining merging probabilities and time-scales of close galaxy pairs
Authors: O’Leary Joseph A , Moster Benjamin P , Krämer Eva
Published: March 2021

Theoretical models are vital for exploring the galaxy merger process, which plays a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies. Recent advances in modelling have placed tight constraints on the build-up of stellar material in galaxies across cosmic time. Despite these successes, extracting the merger rates from observable data remains a challenge. Differences in modelling techniques, combined with limited observational data, drive conflicting conclusions on the merging time-scales of close pairs. We employ an empirical model for galaxy formation that links galaxy properties to the growth of simulated dark matter haloes, along with mock light-cone galaxy catalogues, to probe the dependences of pair merging probabilities and merging time-scales. In this work, we demonstrate that the pair merging probabilities are best described by a logistic function and that mean merging time-scales can be well approximated by a linear relation in the projected separation and line of sight velocity difference in observed pairs. Together, our fitting formulas can accurately predict merger rates from galaxy pairs to at least z ∼ 4 under a wide variety of pair selection criteria. Additionally, we show that some commonly used pair selection criteria may not represent a suitable sample of galaxies to reproduce underlying merger rates. Finally, we conclude from our analysis that observation time-scales are primarily driven by dynamics and are not strongly impacted by the star formation properties of the component galaxies.
Understanding the Origins of Loss of Protein Function by Analyzing the Effects of Thousands of Variants on Activity and Abundance
Authors: Cagiada Matteo , Johansson Kristoffer E , Valanciute Audrone , Nielsen Sofie V , Hartmann-Petersen Rasmus , Yang Jun J , Fowler Douglas M , Stein Amelie , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: March 2021

Understanding and predicting how amino acid substitutions affect proteins are keys to our basic understanding of protein function and evolution. Amino acid changes may affect protein function in a number of ways including direct perturbations of activity or indirect effects on protein folding and stability. We have analyzed 6,749 experimentally determined variant effects from multiplexed assays on abundance and activity in two proteins (NUDT15 and PTEN) to quantify these effects and find that a third of the variants cause loss of function, and about half of loss-of-function variants also have low cellular abundance. We analyze the structural and mechanistic origins of loss of function and use the experimental data to find residues important for enzymatic activity. We performed computational analyses of protein stability and evolutionary conservation and show how we may predict positions where variants cause loss of activity or abundance. In this way, our results link thermodynamic stability and evolutionary conservation to experimental studies of different properties of protein fitness landscapes.
Exons and introns exhibit transcriptional strand asymmetry of dinucleotide distribution, damage formation and DNA repair
Authors: Heilbrun Elisheva E , Merav May , Adar Sheera
Published: March 2021

Recent cancer sequencing efforts have uncovered asymmetry in DNA damage induced mutagenesis between the transcribed and non-transcribed strands of genes. Here, we investigate the major type of damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), which are formed primarily in TT dinucleotides. We reveal that a transcriptional asymmetry already exists at the level of TT dinucleotide frequency and therefore also in CPD damage formation. This asymmetry is conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates and is completely reversed between introns and exons. We show the asymmetry in introns is linked to the transcription process itself, and is also found in enhancer elements. In contrast, the asymmetry in exons is not correlated to transcription, and is associated with codon usage preferences. Reanalysis of nucleotide excision repair, normalizing repair to the underlying TT frequencies, we show repair of CPDs is more efficient in exons compared to introns, contributing to the maintenance and integrity of coding regions. Our results highlight the importance of considering the primary sequence of the DNA in determining DNA damage sensitivity and mutagenic potential.
Maize decrease in DNA methylation 1 targets RNA-directed DNA methylation on active chromatin
Authors: Long Jincheng , Liu Jinghan , Xia Aiai , Springer Nathan M. , He Yan
Published: March 2021

DNA methylation plays vital roles in repressing transposable element activity and regulating gene expression. The chromatin-remodeling factor Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation across diverse plant species, and is required for RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) to maintain mCHH islands in maize (Zea mays). However, the mechanisms by which DDM1 is involved in RdDM are not well understood. In this work, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing to ascertain the genome-wide occupancy of ZmDDM1 in the maize genome. The results revealed that ZmDDM1 recognized an 8-bp-long GC-rich degenerate DNA sequence motif, which is enriched in transcription start sites and other euchromatic regions. Meanwhile, 24-nucleotide siRNAs and CHH methylation were delineated at the edge of ZmDDM1-occupied sites. ZmDDM1 co-purified with Argonaute 4 (ZmAGO4) proteins, providing further evidence that ZmDDM1 is a component of RdDM complexes in planta. Consistent with this, the vast majority of ZmDDM1-targeted regions co-localized with ZmAGO4-bound genomic sites. Overall, our results suggest a model that ZmDDM1 may be recruited to euchromatic regions via recognition of a GC-rich motif, thereby remodeling chromatin to provide access for RdDM activities in maize.
Patterns of Childcare Use for Young Children within Women’s Work/Family Pathways: A Group-Based Multi-Trajectory Modeling Approach
Authors: Shattuck Rachel M
Published: March 2021

Approximately 65 percent of US mothers with children aged six and under are employed. Although their ability to maintain employment generally depends on nonparental childcare, childcare has been relatively little-studied as it relates to mothers’ employment in the United States. With the NLSY97 (N = 2,108), I track childcare use, employment, second births, and coresidential partnership among women who are initially employed following a first birth. I use Group-Based Multi-Trajectory Modeling to identify the five most common pathways by which women combine and sequence these behaviors. I investigate the sociodemographic characteristics predicting each pathway. Three groups of women maintain high or moderate employment and make high use of childcare while their children are young: highly employed, partnered mothers who have a second birth (closely aligned with the privileged “having it all” norm); highly employed mothers of one child, about half of whom are single; and moderately employed (some full-time, some part-time) primarily single mothers who have a second birth. Two groups of women make less use of childcare when initially employed: partnered mothers who have a second birth and largely exit the labor force (closely aligned with the privileged “stay-at-home-mom” norm), and primarily single mothers with some part-time employment and one child. White and Hispanic women, and those with Bachelor’s degrees, are most likely to mirror the “having it all” norm. White women and those with Bachelor’s degrees are most likely to mirror the “stay-at-home mom” norm. I argue that improved access to adequate, affordable childcare could help to offset gender, socioeconomic, and race/ethnic employment disparities in the United States.
The Mental Health Consequences of Vicarious Adolescent Police Exposure
Authors: Turney Kristin
Published: March 2021

Police stops are a pervasive form of criminal justice contact among adolescents, particularly adolescents of color, that have adverse repercussions for mental health. Yet, the mental health consequences of adolescent police stops likely proliferate to parents of adolescents exposed to this form of criminal justice contact. In this article, I conceptualize adolescent police stops as a stressor, drawing on the stress process perspective to examine how and under what conditions this form of criminal justice contact damages the mental health of adolescents’ mothers. The results, based on data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, suggest three conclusions. First, the mental health consequences of adolescent police stops proliferate, increasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety among adolescents’ mothers. These relationships persist across modeling strategies that adjust for observed confounders, including adolescent characteristics such as delinquency and substance use. Second, the relationship between adolescent police stops and mothers’ mental health is contingent, concentrated among mothers with prior exposure to the criminal justice system (either via themselves or their adolescents’ fathers). Third, mothers’ emotional support buffers the relationship between adolescent police stops and mothers’ mental health. Taken together, this research highlights the role of police exposure as a stressor that is experienced vicariously and that has contingent consequences and, accordingly, documents the expansive and proliferating repercussions of police contact. Given the concentration of police contact among marginalized adolescents, including adolescents of color, these findings highlight another way the criminal justice system exacerbates structural inequalities.
Brain reactivity to humorous films is affected by insomnia
Authors: Sanz-Arigita Ernesto , Daviaux Yannick , Joliot Marc , Dilharreguy Bixente , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Bioulac Stéphanie , Taillard Jacques , Philip Pierre , Altena Ellemarije
Published: March 2021

Study objectives

Emotional reactivity to negative stimuli has been investigated in insomnia, but little is known about emotional reactivity to positive stimuli and its neural representation.

Methods

We used 3 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine neural reactivity during the presentation of standardized short, 10- to 40-seconds, humorous films in patients with insomnia (n = 20, 18 females, aged 27.7 +/− 8.6 years) and age-matched individuals without insomnia (n = 20, 19 females, aged 26.7 +/− 7.0 years) and assessed humor ratings through a visual analog scale. Seed-based functional connectivity was analyzed for the left and right amygdalas (lAMYG and rAMYG, respectively) networks: group-level mixed-effects analysis (FLAME; FMRIB Software Library [FSL]) was used to compare amygdala connectivity maps between groups.

Results

fMRI seed-based analysis of the amygdala revealed stronger neural reactivity in patients with insomnia than in controls in several brain network clusters within the reward brain network, without humor rating differences between groups (p = 0.6). For lAMYG connectivity, cluster maxima were in the left caudate (Z = 3.88), left putamen (Z = 3.79), and left anterior cingulate gyrus (Z = 4.11), whereas for rAMYG connectivity, cluster maxima were in the left caudate (Z = 4.05), right insula (Z = 3.83), and left anterior cingulate gyrus (Z = 4.29). Cluster maxima of the rAMYG network were correlated with hyperarousal scores in patients with insomnia only.

Conclusions

The presentation of humorous films leads to increased brain activity in the neural reward network for patients with insomnia compared with controls, related to hyperarousal features in patients with insomnia, in the absence of humor rating group differences. These novel findings may benefit insomnia treatment interventions.

Clinical trial

The Sleepless Brain: Neuroimaging Support for a Differential Diagnosis of Insomnia (SOMNET). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02821234; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02821234.
Cyclic di‐GMP sensing histidine kinase PdtaS controls mycobacterial adaptation to carbon sources
Authors: Hariharan Vignesh Narayan , Yadav Rahul , Thakur Chandrani , Singh Albel , Gopinathan Renu , Singh Devendra Pratap , Sankhe Gaurav , Malhotra Vandana , Chandra Nagasuma , Bhatt Apoorva , Saini Deepak Kumar
Published: March 2021

Cell signaling relies on second messengers to transduce signals from the sensory apparatus to downstream signaling pathway components. In bacteria, one of the most important and ubiquitous second messenger is the small molecule cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP). While the biosynthesis, degradation, and regulatory pathways controlled by c‐di‐GMP are well characterized, the mechanisms through which c‐di‐GMP controls these processes are not entirely understood. Herein we present the report of a c‐di‐GMP sensing sensor histidine kinase PdtaS (Rv3220c), which binds to c‐di‐GMP at submicromolar concentrations, subsequently perturbing signaling of the PdtaS‐PdtaR (Rv1626) two‐component system. Aided by biochemical analysis, genetics, molecular docking, FRET microscopy, and structural modelling, we have characterized the binding of c‐di‐GMP in the GAF domain of PdtaS. We show that a pdtaS knockout in Mycobacterium smegmatis is severely compromised in growth on amino acid deficient media and exhibits global transcriptional dysregulation. The perturbation of the c‐di‐GMP‐PdtaS‐PdtaR axis results in a cascade of cellular changes recorded by a multiparametric systems’ approach of transcriptomics, unbiased metabolomics, and lipid analyses.
Osteosynthesis Using the Anatomical Plate With Grasping Arms for Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Technical Trick and Clinical Experience
Authors: Furuhata Ryogo , Takahashi Masaaki , Matsumura Noboru , Morioka Hideo
Published: March 2021

Plate fixation is an established method of treating distal clavicle fractures. However, it is often difficult to maintain the reduction of distal fragments with conventional plates, especially in cases where the distal fragments are small or comminuted. This study aimed to introduce a technical trick and clinical experience of osteosynthesis using an anatomical nonlocking plate with grasping arms (SCORPION NEO plate) for unstable distal clavicle fractures. During fixation, distal fragments are grasped by the plate arms and fixed with 2 screws. We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients who underwent osteosynthesis for unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer type 2 and 5) using a SCORPION NEO plate. Patients were divided into 2 groups: type unstable 1, where the trapezoid ligament adhered to a distal fragment, and type unstable II (UII), where the trapezoid ligament adhered to a third fragment detached from a distal fragment. Although delayed union, plate loosening, plate-related pain, infection, and stiffness were observed in 2 (4.9%), 2 (4.9%), 3 (7.3%), 1 (2.4%), and 1 patient (2.4%), respectively; all fractures united at the time of final follow-up. Operating time for the UII group was significantly longer than that for the UI group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative complications and coracoclavicular distance ratios at the time of bone union. Our results demonstrated that osteosynthesis with the anatomical plate with grasping arms could be a viable option in the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures, especially in cases where distal fragments are not contiguous with the trapezoid ligament.
Surgical Site Complications in Open Pronation-Abduction Ankle Fracture–Dislocations With Medial Tension Failure Wounds
Authors: Martin Case W. , Ryan James C. , Bullock Travis S. , Cabot John H. , Makhani Ahmed A. , Griffin Leah P. , Zelle Boris A.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To examine the incidence of surgical site complications associated with pronation-abduction ankle fracture–dislocations with an open medial tension wound.

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Accredited Level-1 trauma center.

Patients/Participants:

Forty-eight open pronation-abduction ankle fracture–dislocations with medial tension failure wounds treated at our institution from 2014 to 2016.

Intervention:

Immediate irrigation and debridement along with surgical stabilization of open ankle fracture–dislocation.

Main Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome measure was deep surgical site infection. Secondary outcome measures included other surgical site complications and adverse radiographic events.

Results:

A total of 5 patients (10.4%) developed a deep surgical site infection requiring additional surgical debridement. One of the patients with a deep surgical site infection required a below-knee amputation as a result of sepsis. Adverse radiographic outcomes included 3 fibular nonunions (6.3%), 3 implant failures related to syndesmotic fixations (6.3%), one periimplant fracture (2.1%), and postoperative collapse of the tibial plafond in 3 patients (6.3%).

Conclusions:

Open pronation-abduction ankle fracture–dislocations with medial tension failure wounds remain a challenging and potentially devastating injury. Our study suggests that with appropriate surgical debridement, early stabilization, and primary wound closure, acceptable outcomes with a relatively low risk of surgical site complications can be achieved.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Acute Compartment Syndrome in Type IIIB Open Tibial Shaft Fractures Using a 2-Stage Orthoplastic Approach
Authors: Al-Hourani Khalid , Stoddart Michael , Pearce Oliver , Riddick Andrew , Khan Umraz , Kelly Michael B.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To determine the rate of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in a series of patients with Gustilo–Anderson type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures that were treated using a specific 2-stage orthoplastic protocol.

Design:

Consecutive cohort study.

Patients/Participants:

Ninety-three (n = 93) consecutive patients with a type IIIB open tibial shaft fracture (OTA/AO-42) treated using a 2-stage orthoplastic approach, between August 2015 and January 2018. After exclusions, 83 (n = 83) were eligible for analysis.

Intervention:

Colloid resuscitation and 2-stage orthoplastic reconstruction of type IIIB open tibial shaft fracture. Stage 1 consists of “3-vessel view” early debridement and temporary internal fixation, with stage 2 consisting of a single-stage fix and flap.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Rate of ACS. Secondary outcomes included early/late sequelae of missed ACS, deep infection, arterial injury, nonunion, and flap failure.

Results:

Eighty-three (n = 83) patients were included for analysis. The median age was 45.4 years [interquartile range (IQR) 35] with a median follow-up of 1.6 years (IQR 0.8). The median number of operations was 2.0 (IQR 4). For the primary outcome, there were a total of 0 (0/83) patients who required fasciotomy or developed early/late clinical sequelae of missed ACS. Six (6/83, 7.2%) patients developed deep infection, 18 patients (18/83, 21.7%) experienced nonischemic arterial injury, 5 patients (5/83, 6.0%) experienced nonunion, with 4 patients (4/83, 4.8%) experiencing flap failure. Diabetes was the only variable associated with deep infection (P = 0.025) and nonunion (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients with type IIIB open tibial shaft fractures treated with colloid resuscitation and a 2-stage orthoplastic protocol, which includes early “3-vessel view” exposure and debridement, do not appear to develop ACS. Furthermore, no sequelae of missed compartment syndrome was observed at final follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Microbiological Evaluation of Opened Saline Bottles for Scleral Lens Use and Hygiene Habits of Scleral Lens Patients
Authors: Jeong Moon , Lee Karen L. , She Rosemary C. , Chiu Gloria B.
Published: March 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

Scleral lenses have become a widely used treatment option for patients with irregular corneas and ocular surface disease. Successful wear entails use of a nonpreserved saline solution to fill the lens before application on the eye.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to evaluate solution from opened bottles of multidose preservative-free saline for microbiological growth and to better understand study participant hygiene habits while handling these bottles for scleral lens wear.

METHODS

Eligible study participants in this single-center prospective study were patients who routinely used multidose preservative-free saline solution for scleral lens rinsing and filling. Study participants completed a 12-question survey regarding their scleral lens hygiene habits and donated their opened multidose preservative-free saline bottle (PuriLens Plus; The Lifestyle Company, Inc., Freehold, NJ), which was processed for bacterial and fungal cultures.

RESULTS

Thirty-five participants (19 males, 16 females) with ages ranging from 6 to 81 years (mean, 47.9 years) were included. Indications for scleral lens wear included those with irregular corneas and ocular surface disease. The overall rate of microbial contamination among saline samples was 62.9% (n = 22). Twenty-one different microorganisms were identified. The survey responses did not differ significantly (P > .05) for any of the questions with regard to likelihood of positive culture. There were no significant age or sex differences between participants with positive or negative culture results. No significant differences were found between isolation of specific microorganisms and any of the survey responses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that off-label multidose preservative-free saline commonly used to rinse and fill scleral lenses before application on the eye may become contaminated with microorganisms once the bottle has been opened. Eye care practitioners and scleral lens patients should be aware of these potential contaminations and prioritize lens, hand, and environmental hygiene to minimize the risk of ocular complications.
Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses and Water Exposure: Practices and Perceptions
Authors: Steele Kelsy R. , Wagner Heidi , Lai Nicky , Zimmerman Aaron B.
Published: March 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides insight into the current recommendations, clinical behaviors, and risk assessments of eye care professionals on the topic of rigid contact lens exposure to tap water. This knowledge may motivate professional organizations to develop initiatives to educate eye care professionals on the dangers of contact lens exposure to water.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice patterns and risk perceptions of eye care professionals regarding gas-permeable contact lens exposure to tap water.

METHODS

A branched-logic survey was started by 320 clinicians, vision scientists, and industry personnel and was fully completed by 272 participants. The survey queried participants about their current practices, recommendations, and perceptions of risk regarding exposure of gas-permeable contact lenses to tap water.

RESULTS

Of those who prescribe gas-permeable contact lenses, 57.4% reported rinsing lenses with tap water, whereas only 32.7% reported engaging in this same behavior in front of patients. Of those who reported never rinsing lenses with tap water, 85.6% indicated that rinsing lenses with water increases infection risk, whereas 52.1% of those who rinse lenses with water reported the same perceived risk (P < .001). Of all participants, 60% indicated that wearing contact lenses while showering increases infection risk, and 50.2% of all participants advised patients to avoid this behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

A discrepancy exists between perceptions of risk concerning exposure of contact lenses to water and both clinical practices and patient education provided by professionals.
Barriers and Facilitators to Obtaining Eyeglasses for Vulnerable Patients in a Michigan Free Clinic
Authors: Killeen Olivia J. , Cho Juno , Newman-Casey Paula Anne , Kana Lulia , Woodward Maria A.
Published: March 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

Uncorrected refractive error is the main cause of visual impairment globally. Understanding barriers and facilitators underserved individuals face in obtaining eyeglasses will help address high rates of uncorrected refractive error.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to obtaining eyeglasses among low-income patients in Michigan.

METHODS

Participants older than 18 years with hyperopia, myopia, or presbyopia and without active eye disease, severe mental illness, or cognitive impairment at Hope Clinic, Ypsilanti, Michigan, were included in this study. The participants answered a sociodemographic survey and underwent autorefraction and an interview. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two investigators.

RESULTS

Interviews were completed by 43 participants, and 30 participants' interviews were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation age of 30 participants was 55 ± 12 years, 70% were female, 57% were African American, 40% had high school diploma or less, 57% earned less than U.S. $25,000 per year, 93% had worn glasses previously, and 87% had some medical insurance. Uncorrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.73 ± 0.61; best-corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.16 ± 0.21. Thematic saturation was reached after 25 transcripts. Top barriers to using eyeglasses were cost (312 mentions, 29 participants), negative experiences with eyeglasses (263, 29), and limited access to eye care (175, 27). Top facilitators were positive experiences with glasses (230, 29), easy access to eyeglasses (143, 27), and availability of transportation (65, 27). Most participants (97%, 29) reported being negatively impacted by uncorrected refractive error. Most (97%, 29) were skeptical about obtaining eyeglasses online because of possible prescription problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Key barriers to correcting uncorrected refractive error in our community span across multiple health domains but are predominately rooted in external factors such as cost and access to vision care. Online eyeglasses may address access issues, but many participants were uncomfortable or unable to obtain glasses online.
Contact Lens Adaption in Neophytes
Authors: Pucker Andrew D. , Steele Kelsy , Rueff Erin , Franklin Quentin X. , McClure Kate , Savla Keyur , Walline Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

Clinicians commonly either recommend patients begin contact lens (CL) wear full time or suggest that patients should gradually increase their wear times during the first few days of wear. This study found no differences between these two wear schedules, suggesting that patient preference may be the best schedule.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any clinical differences in neophyte, 2-week, reusable soft CL wearers who were randomized to either a full-time or a gradually increasing wear time schedule.

METHODS

This was an investigator-masked, three-visit, randomized, clinical trial. Participants were randomized to wear their CLs full time starting on the first day or gradually starting with 2 hours of wear on the first day and increasing wear by 2 hours each day until 8 hours or more of wear per day was achieved. Symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index and visual analog scale) and ocular surface signs (tear breakup time, extent of corneal staining, and Schirmer test I) were evaluated at each visit.

RESULTS

A total of 25 participants were randomized, with 21 participants completing at least 1 week of follow-up. Completed participants had a mean ± standard deviation age of 23.5 ± 3.0 years, and 48% were female. No significant between-group differences were found when comparing the full-time and gradual wear time schedule groups at 2 weeks (all, P > .32): Ocular Surface Disease Index (10.8 ± 8.5 vs. 16.3 ± 18.8), visual analog scale (89.0 ± 9.7 vs. 81.8 ± 18.7), tear breakup time (11.7 ± 7.0 vs. 9.8 ± 2.7), extent of corneal staining (0.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5), or Schirmer test I (15.9 ± 8.8 vs. 21.2 ± 12.5).

CONCLUSIONS

No between-group differences were found for any metric evaluated, which suggests that the best wear schedule may be the one that best suits the neophyte CL wearer's lifestyle.