bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards patient-specific prediction of conduction abnormalities induced by transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a combined mechanistic modelling and machine learning approach
Authors: Galli Valeria , Loncaric Filip , Rocatello Giorgia , Astudillo Patricio , Sanchis Laura , Regueiro Ander , De Backer Ole , Swaans Martin , Bosmans Johan , Ribeiro Joana Maria , Lamata Pablo , Sitges Marta , de Jaegere Peter , Mortier Peter
Published: August 2021

Aims

Post-procedure conduction abnormalities (CA) remain a common complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), highlighting the need for personalized prediction models. We used machine learning (ML), integrating statistical and mechanistic modelling to provide a patient-specific estimation of the probability of developing CA after TAVI.

Methods and results

The cohort consisted of 151 patients with normal conduction and no pacemaker at baseline who underwent TAVI in nine European centres. Devices included CoreValve, Evolut R, Evolut PRO, and Lotus. Preoperative multi-slice computed tomography was performed. Virtual valve implantation with patient-specific computer modelling and simulation (CM&S) allowed calculation of valve-induced contact pressure on the anatomy. The primary composite outcome was new onset left or right bundle branch block or permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) before discharge. A supervised ML approach was applied with eight models predicting CA based on anatomical, procedural and mechanistic data. CA occurred in 59% of patients (n = 89), more often after mechanical than first or second generation self-expanding valves (68% vs. 60% vs. 41%). CM&S revealed significantly higher contact pressure and contact pressure index in patients with CA. The best model achieved 83% accuracy (area under the curve 0.84) and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1-score of 100%, 62%, 76%, 100%, and 82%.

Conclusion

ML, integrating statistical and mechanistic modelling, achieved an accurate prediction of CA after TAVI. This study demonstrates the potential of a synergetic approach for personalizing procedure planning, allowing selection of the optimal device and implantation strategy, avoiding new CA and/or PPI.
One-year impact of bariatric surgery on left ventricular mechanics: results from the prospective FatWest study
Authors: Grymyr Lisa M D , Nadirpour Saied , Gerdts Eva , Nedrebø Bjørn G , Hjertaas Johannes Just , Matre Knut , Cramariuc Dana
Published: August 2021

Aims

Patients with severe obesity are predisposed to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, increased myocardial oxygen demand, and impaired myocardial mechanics. Bariatric surgery leads to rapid weight loss and improves cardiovascular risk profile. The present prospective study assesses whether LV wall mechanics improve 1 year after bariatric surgery.

Methods and results

Ninety-four severely obese patients [43 ± 10 years, 71% women, body mass index (BMI) 41.8 ± 4.9 kg/m2, 57% with hypertension] underwent echocardiography before, 6 months and 1 year after gastric bypass surgery in the FatWest (Bariatric Surgery on the West Coast of Norway) study. We assessed LV mechanics by midwall shortening (MWS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV power/mass as 0.222 × cardiac output × mean blood pressure (BP)/LV mass, and myocardial oxygen demand as the LV mass-wall stress-heart rate product. Surgery induced a significant reduction in BMI, heart rate, and BP (P < 0.001). Prevalence of LV hypertrophy fell from 35% to 19% 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001). The absolute value of GLS improved by—4.6% (i.e. 29% increase in GLS) while LV ejection fraction, MWS, and LV power/mass remained unchanged. In multivariate regression analyses, 1 year improvement in GLS was predicted by lower preoperative GLS, larger mean BP, and BMI reduction (all P < 0.05). Low 1-year MWS was associated with female sex, preoperative hypertension, and higher 1-year LV relative wall thickness and myocardial oxygen demand (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In severely obese patients, LV longitudinal function is largely recovered one year after bariatric surgery due to reduced afterload. LV midwall mechanics does not improve, particularly in women and patients with persistent LV geometric abnormalities.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT01533142, 15 February 2012.
Effect of evolocumab on acute arterial events across all vascular territories : results from the FOURIER trial
Authors: Oyama Kazuma , Giugliano Robert P , Tang Minao , Bonaca Marc P , Saver Jeffrey L , Murphy Sabina A , Ruzza Andrea , Keech Anthony C , Sever Peter S , Sabatine Marc S , Bergmark Brian A
Published: August 2021

Aims

We assessed the impact of the proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab on acute arterial events across all vascular territories, including coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular beds, in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods and results

In the FOURIER trial, 27 564 patients with stable ASCVD on statin therapy were randomly assigned to evolocumab or placebo. Acute arterial events were a composite of acute coronary (coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction, or urgent coronary revascularization), cerebrovascular (ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or urgent cerebral revascularization), or peripheral vascular (acute limb ischaemia, major amputation, or urgent peripheral revascularization) events. Of the 2210 first acute arterial events, 74% were coronary, 22% were cerebrovascular, and 4% were peripheral vascular. Evolocumab reduced first acute arterial events by 19% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81 [95% confidence interval 0.74–0.88]; P < 0.001), with significant individual reductions in acute coronary (HR 0.83 [0.75–0.91]), cerebrovascular (HR 0.77 [0.65–0.92]), and peripheral vascular (HR 0.58 [0.38–0.88]) events. There were 3437 total events (first plus recurrent), with evolocumab reducing total events by 24% (incidence rate ratio 0.76 [0.69–0.85]). The magnitude of reduction in acute arterial events with evolocumab numerically increased over time, with a 16% reduction (HR 0.84 [0.75–0.95]) in the first year followed by a 24% reduction (HR 0.76 [0.67–0.85]) thereafter.

Conclusion

The addition of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab to statin therapy reduced acute arterial events across all vascular territories with a robust effect over time, indicating a pan-vascular impact of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy on these acute and clinically meaningful events.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01764633.
A Prospective Study on Child Abuse and Elder Mistreatment: Assessing Direct Effects and Associations With Depression and Substance Use Problems During Adolescence and Middle Adulthood
Authors: Herrenkohl Todd I , Roberto Karen A , Fedina Lisa , Hong Sunghyun , Love Jasmine
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

We examined the prospective association between 2 measures of child abuse, one based on official child welfare records and the other based on parent self-reports, and the perpetration of elder mistreatment by an adult child. We also examined measures of adolescent and adult depression and substance use problems as predictors of elder mistreatment.

Research Design and Methods

Data are from a prospective study that began in the 1970s with a sample of children aged 18 months to 6 years of age. Analyses draw on data collected when child participants were in preschool and elementary school, when they were adolescents, and as adults at midlife (at ages 36 and 46, on average). Results are from bivariate correlations and multivariable path models in which variables from different life stages were entered in steps to assess their prediction of elder mistreatment.

Results

All variables were significantly correlated with elder mistreatment. In a final path model, parent self-reports of physical child abuse remained a significant, unique predictor of elder mistreatment. Adolescent and adult substance use problems were also statistically significant.

Discussion and Implications

Few longitudinal studies have tracked patterns of abuse over time and relationships. Findings suggest that child abuse is a risk factor for the perpetration of elder mistreatment by an adult child. Substance use problems may also increase the risk for the perpetration of elder mistreatment. Further longitudinal research is needed to replicate and extend these findings in order to advance prevention and intervention programs and policies.
The Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility: A Novel Functional Assessment That Discriminates Service Members Diagnosed With Concussion From Controls
Authors: Cecchini Amy Seal , Prim Julianna , Zhang Wanqing , Harrison Courtney H , McCulloch Karen L
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Return-to-duty (RTD) readiness assessment for service members (SM) following concussion requires complex clinical considerations. The Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility (POWAR-TOTAL) is a functional assessment which improves on previous laboratory-based RTD assessments.

Methods

Sixty-four SM diagnosed with concussion and 60 healthy control (HC) SM participated in this study. Group differences were analyzed to validate the POWAR-TOTAL. The High-level Mobility Assessment Test (HiMAT) was used to examine concurrent construct validity. An exploratory logistic regression analysis examined predictive validity.

Results

The groups were demographically well-matched except for educational level. POWAR-TOTAL measures were statistically significantly different between the groups with moderate to large effect sizes. Concussed participants were less likely to be able to complete all trials of the POWAR-TOTAL. Motor scores correlated highly with HiMAT scores. POWAR-TOTAL motor task performance and membership in the control group was significantly associated with self-reported physical readiness to deploy.

Conclusion

The POWAR-TOTAL is a clinically feasible, military relevant assessment that is sensitive to differences between concussed and HC SM. This analysis supports the discriminant and construct validity of the POWAR-TOTAL, and may be useful for medical providers evaluating RTD readiness for SM who have sustained a concussion.
Evaluation of Supranormal Spirometry Values With an Obstructive Ratio for Airway Hyperreactivity
Authors: Untisz John R , Huprikar Nikhil A , Walter Robert J , McCann Edward T , Morris Michael J
Published: August 2021

Background

Published guidelines on spirometry interpretation suggest an elevated FVC and FEV1 > 100% of predicted with an obstructive ratio may represent a physiological variant. Further evidence is needed on whether this finding indicates symptomatic airways obstruction and what additional evaluation should be done.

Methods

Participants were prospectively enrolled to undergo additional testing for a technically adequate spirometry study with an FEV1 > 90% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal, based on 95th percentile confidence intervals. Further testing consisted of full pulmonary function testing, impulse oscillometry (IOS), post-bronchodilator testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and methacholine challenge testing (MCT).

Results

A total of 49 patients meeting entry criteria enrolled and completed testing. Thirty-three were considered symptomatic based on clinical indications for initial testing and 16 were considered asymptomatic. Baseline pulmonary function test values were not different between groups while IOS R5 values (% predicted) were higher in the symptomatic group (126.5 ± 0.37 vs 107.1 ± 0.31). Bronchodilator responsiveness on PFT or IOS was infrequent in both groups. There was a 29% positivity rate for MCT in the symptomatic group compared to one borderline study in asymptomatic participants. FeNO was similar for symptomatic, 26.17 ± 31.3 ppb, compared to asymptomatic, 22.8 ± 13.5 ppb (p = 0.93). The dysanapsis ratio was higher in the symptomatic (0.15 ± 0.03) compared to the asymptomatic (0.13 ± 0.02) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Normal FEV1 > 90% of predicted and obstructive indices may not represent a normal physiological variant in all patients. In symptomatic patients, a positive MCT and elevated baseline IOS values were more common than in asymptomatic patients with similar PFT characteristics. These findings suggest that clinicians should still evaluate for airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with exertional dyspnea with airway obstruction and FEV1 > 90% of predicted and consider alternative diagnoses to include a normal physiologic variant if non-reactive.
The supernova remnant populations of the galaxies NGC 45, NGC 55, NGC 1313, NGC 7793: luminosity and excitation functions
Authors: Kopsacheili M , Zezas A , Leonidaki I , Boumis P
Published: August 2021

We present a systematic study of the supernova remnant (SNR) populations in the nearby galaxies NGC 45, NGC 55, NGC 1313, and NGC 7793 based on deep H $\rm {\alpha }$ and [S ii] imaging. We find 42 candidate and 51 possible candidate SNRs based on the [S ii]/H $\rm {\alpha }$>0.4 criterion, 81 of which are new identifications. We derive the H $\rm {\alpha }$ and the joint [S ii]–H $\rm {\alpha }$ luminosity functions after accounting for incompleteness effects. We find that the H $\rm {\alpha }$ luminosity function of the overall sample is described with a skewed Gaussian with a mean equal to $\rm \log (L_{H\alpha }/10^{36}\, erg\, s^{-1})=0.07$ and $\rm \sigma (\log (L_{H\alpha }/10^{36}\, erg\, s^{-1}))=0.58$. The joint [S ii]–H $\rm {\alpha }$ function is parametrized by a skewed Gaussian along the log([S ii]$\rm /10^{36}\, erg\, s^{-1}) = 0.88 \times \log (L_{H\alpha }/10^{36}\, erg\, s^{-1}) - 0.06$ line and a truncated Gaussian with $\rm \mu (\log (L_{[S\, II]}/10^{36})) = 0.024$ and $\rm \sigma (\log (L_{[S\, II]}/10^{36})) = 0.14$, on its vertical direction. We also define the excitation function as the number density of SNRs as a function of their [S ii]/H $\rm {\alpha }$ ratios. This function is represented by a truncated Gaussian with a mean at −0.014. We find a sub-linear [S ii]–H $\rm {\alpha }$ relation indicating lower excitation for the more luminous objects.
Deep crustal heating for realistic compositions of thermonuclear ashes
Authors: Shchechilin N N , Gusakov M E , Chugunov A I
Published: August 2021

The deep crustal heating, associated with exothermal nuclear reactions, is believed to be a key parameter for describing the thermal evolution of accreting neutron stars. In this paper, we present the first thermodynamically consistent calculations of the crustal heating for realistic compositions of thermonuclear ashes. In contrast to previous studies based on the traditional approach, we account for neutron hydrostatic/diffusion (nHD) equilibrium condition imposed by superfluidity of neutrons in a major part of the inner crust and rapid diffusion in the remaining part of the inner crust. We apply a simplified reaction network to model nuclear evolution of various multi-component thermonuclear burning ashes (superburst, KEPLER, and extreme rp-process ashes) in the outer crust and calculate the deep crustal heating energy release Q, parametrized by the pressure at the outer–inner crust interface, Poi. Using the general thermodynamic arguments, we set a lower limit on Q, Q ≳ 0.13−0.2 MeV per baryon (an actual value depends on the ash composition and the employed mass model).
Deep learning for estimating parameters of gravitational waves
Authors: Singh Shashwat , Singh Amitesh , Prajapati Ankul , Pathak Kamlesh N
Published: August 2021

In recent years, improvements in deep learning (DL) techniques towards gravitational wave (GW) astronomy have led to a significant rise in the development of various classification algorithms that have been successfully employed to extract GWs of binary black hole merger events from noisy time-series data. However, the success of these models is constrained by the length of time sample and the class of GW source: black hole binaries and neutron star binaries to some extent. In this work, we intended to advance the boundaries of DL techniques using convolutional neural networks, to go beyond binary classification and predict the physical parameters of the events. We aim to propose an alternative method that can be employed for real-time detection and parameter prediction. The DL model we present has been trained on 12s of data to predict the GW source parameters if detected. During training, the maximum accuracy attained was 90.93 per cent, with a validation accuracy of 89.97 per cent.
Terrestrial planet formation in a circumbinary disc around a coplanar binary
Authors: Childs Anna C , Martin Rebecca G
Published: August 2021

With N-body simulations, we model terrestrial circumbinary planet (CBP) formation with an initial surface density profile motivated by hydrodynamic circumbinary gas disc simulations. The binary plays an important role in shaping the initial distribution of bodies. After the gas disc has dissipated, the torque from the binary speeds up the planet formation process by promoting body–body interactions but also drives the ejection of planet building material from the system at an early time. Fewer but more massive planets form around a close binary compared to a single star system. A sufficiently wide or eccentric binary can prohibit terrestrial planet formation. Eccentric binaries and exterior giant planets exacerbate these effects as they both reduce the radial range of the stable orbits. However, with a large enough stable region, the planets that do form are more massive, more eccentric, and more inclined. The giant planets remain on stable orbits in all our simulations suggesting that giant planets are long-lived in planetary systems once they are formed.
A new role for SR1 from Bacillus subtilis: regulation of sporulation by inhibition of kinA translation
Authors: Ul Haq Inam , Brantl Sabine , Müller Peter
Published: August 2021

SR1 is a dual-function sRNA from Bacillus subtilis. It inhibits translation initiation of ahrC mRNA encoding the transcription activator of the arginine catabolic operons. Base-pairing is promoted by the RNA chaperone CsrA, which induces a slight structural change in the ahrC mRNA to facilitate SR1 binding. Additionally, SR1 encodes the small protein SR1P that interacts with glyceraldehyde-3P dehydrogenase A to promote binding to RNase J1 and enhancing J1 activity. Here, we describe a new target of SR1, kinA mRNA encoding the major histidine kinase of the sporulation phosphorelay. SR1 and kinA mRNA share 7 complementary regions. Base-pairing between SR1 and kinA mRNA decreases kinA translation without affecting kinA mRNA stability and represses transcription of the KinA/Spo0A downstream targets spoIIE, spoIIGA and cotA. The initial interaction between SR1 and kinA mRNA occurs 10 nt downstream of the kinA start codon and is decisive for inhibition. The sr1 encoded peptide SR1P is dispensable for kinA regulation. Deletion of sr1 accelerates sporulation resulting in low quality spores with reduced stress resistance and altered coat protein composition which can be compensated by sr1 overexpression. Neither CsrA nor Hfq influence sporulation or spore properties.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Drainage Increases With Gravity and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Pulsations: Benchtop Model
Authors: Koueik Joyce , Iskandar Bermans J , Yang Zhe , Kraemer Mark R , Armstrong Stephanie , Wakim Victor , Broman Aimee Teo , Medow Joshua , Luzzio Christopher , Hsu David A
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

There have been few improvements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt technology since John Holter introduced the silicon valve, with overdrainage remaining a major source of complications.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand why valves are afflicted by supra-normal CSF flow rates. We present in Vitro benchtop analyses of flow through a differential pressure valve under simulated physiological conditions.

METHODS

The pseudo-ventricle benchtop valve testing platform that comprises a rigid pseudo-ventricle, compliance chamber, pulsation generator, and pressure sensors was used to measure flow rates through a differential pressure shunt valve under the following simulated physiological conditions: orientation (horizontal/vertical), compliance (low/medium/high), and pulsation generator force (low/medium/high).

RESULTS

Our data show that pulse pressures are faithfully transmitted from the ventricle to the valve, that lower compliance and higher pulse generator forces lead to higher pulse pressures in the pseudo-ventricle, and that both gravity and higher pulse pressure lead to higher flow rates. The presence of a valve mitigates but does not eliminate these higher flow rates.

CONCLUSION

Shunt valves are prone to gravity-dependent overdrainage, which has motivated the development of gravitational valves and antisiphon devices. This study shows that overdrainage is not limited to the vertical position but that pulse pressures that simulate rhythmic (eg, cardiac) and provoked (eg, Valsalva) physiological CSF pulsations increase outflow in both the horizontal and vertical positions and are dependent on compliance. A deeper understanding of the physiological parameters that affect intracranial pressure and flow through shunt systems is prerequisite to the development of novel valves.
Traceless enzymatic protein synthesis without ligation sites constraint
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Schmidt Marcel , Zhu Tong , Yang Xinyu , Feng Jing , Tian Yu’e , Cui Yinglu , Nuijens Timo , Wu Bian
Published: August 2021

Protein synthesis and semisynthesis offer immense promise for life sciences and have impacted pharmaceutical innovation. The absence of a generally applicable method for traceless peptide conjugation with a flexible choice of junction sites remains a bottleneck for accessing many important synthetic targets, however. Here we introduce the PALME (protein activation and ligation with multiple enzymes) platform designed for sequence-unconstrained synthesis and modification of biomacromolecules. The upstream activating modules accept and process easily accessible synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins, avoiding the challenges associated with preparation and manipulation of activated peptide substrates. Cooperatively, the downstream coupling module provides comprehensive solutions for sequential peptide condensation, cyclization and protein N/C-terminal or internal functionalization. The practical utility of this methodology is demonstrated by synthesizing a series of bioactive targets ranging from pharmaceutical ingredients to synthetically challenging proteins. The modular PALME platform exhibits unprecedentedly broad accessibility for traceless protein synthesis and functionalization, and holds enormous potential to extend the scope of protein chemistry and synthetic biology.
Nutritional screening tool for critically ill children: a systematic review
Authors: Ventura Julia C , Silveira Taís T , Bechard Lori , McKeever Liam , Mehta Nilesh M , Moreno Yara M F
Published: August 2021

Context

Nutritional screening tools (NSTs) are used to identify patients who are at risk of nutritional status (NS) deterioration and associated clinical outcomes. Several NSTs have been developed for hospitalized children; however, none of these were specifically developed for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patients.

Objective

A systematic review of studies describing the development, application, and validation of NSTs in hospitalized children was conducted to critically appraise their role in PICU patients.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 11, 2020.

Data Extraction

The review included 103 studies that applied NSTs at hospital admission. The NST characteristics collected included the aims, clinical setting, variables, and outcomes. The suitability of the NSTs in PICU patients was assessed based on a list of variables deemed relevant for this population.

Data Analysis

From 19 NSTs identified, 13 aimed to predict NS deterioration. Five NSTs were applied in PICU patients, but none was validated for this population. NSTs did not include clinical, NS, laboratory, or dietary variables that were deemed relevant for the PICU population.

Conclusion

None of the available NSTs were found to be suitable for critically ill children, so a new NST should be developed for this population. AQ6

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020167898.
Technology-based nutrition interventions using the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review
Authors: Benajiba Nada , Dodge Elizabeth , Khaled Meghit Boumédiène , Chavarria Enmanuel A , Sammartino Cara J , Aboul-Enein Basil H
Published: August 2021

Context

Over the past 2 decades, overweight and obesity rates have increased exponentially, along with related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The Mediterranean Diet (MDiet) has been suggested as a potential way to mitigate the health burdens related to overweight and obesity.

Objective

For this review, the literature on MDiet-focused digital interventions was examined to determine efficacy, best practices, and potential limitations.

Data Sources

The search was conducted across 15 databases for relevant publications published through April 2020 in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Italian.

Data Extraction

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed using a combination of keywords and phrases and evaluated independently for relevance, merit, and inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data Analysis

The systematic literature review resulted in 15 articles that met the search criteria. Ten interventions were delivered online, and 5 were delivered via smartphone using an app. The majority of online MDiet-focused interventions were effective, particularly when modeled after evidence-based and best-practice online nutrition education interventions. Such interventions also are effective for promoting positive health behaviors and health outcomes, such as increased physical activity, increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a lower total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio.

Conclusion

Technology-based interventions to educate and promote adherence to the MDiet are successful in helping individuals achieve the stated outcomes. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of MDiet interventions delivered via smartphone apps.
Lady Milborough’s Dinner Party
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

LOUIS TREVELYAN went down to his club in Pall Mall, the Acrobats,* and there heard a rumour that added to his anger against Colonel Osborne. The Acrobats was a very distinguished club, into which it was now difficult for a young man to...
Shewing How the Quarrel Progressed
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TREVELYAN got back to his own house at about three, and on going into the library, found on his table a letter to him addressed in his wife’s handwriting. He opened it quickly, hoping to find that promise which he had demanded, and resolving that...
Miss Jemima Stanbury, of Exeter
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

MISS JEMIMA STANBURY, the aunt of our friend Hugh, was a maiden lady, very much respected, indeed, in the city of Exeter.* It is to be hoped that no readers of these pages will be so un-English as to be unable to appreciate...
‘I Know it Will Do’
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

MISS STANBURY carried her letter all the way to the chief post-office in the city, having no faith whatever in those little subsidiary receiving houses which are established in different parts of the city. As for the iron pillar boxes* which had been...
Lady Milborough as Ambassador
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

‘OF course, I know you are right,’ said Nora to her sister;—‘right as far as Colonel Osborne is concerned; but nevertheless you ought to give way.’

‘And be trampled upon?’ said Mrs. Trevelyan.

‘Yes; and be trampled upon, if he should trample on you;—which, however,...
The Honourable Mr. Glascock
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

BY the end of July Mrs. Trevelyan with her sister was established in the Clock House, at Nuncombe Putney, under the protection of Hugh’s mother; but before the reader is made acquainted with any of the circumstances of their life there, a few words must...
Bozzle, The Ex-Policeman
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

WHEN Mr. Trevelyan had gone through the miserable task of breaking up his establishment in Curzon Street, and had seen all his furniture packed, including his books, his pictures, and his pet Italian ornaments, it was necessary that he should go and live somewhere. He...
Shewing how Colonel Osborne Went to Nuncombe Putney
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

COLONEL OSBORNE was expected at Nuncombe Putney on the Friday, and it was Thursday evening before either Mrs. Stanbury or Priscilla was told of his coming. Emily had argued the matter with Nora, declaring that she would make the communication herself, and that she would...
Hugh Stanbury Smokes His Pipe
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

NORA ROWLEY, when she went to bed, after her walk to Niddon Park in company with Hugh Stanbury, was full of wrath against him. But she could not own her anger to herself, nor could she even confess to herself,—though she was breaking her heart,—that...
Great Tribulation
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TREVELYAN’S letter to his wife fell like a thunderbolt among them at Nuncombe Putney. Mrs. Trevelyan was altogether unable to keep it to herself;— indeed she made no attempt at doing so. Her husband had told her that she was to be banished from the...
Mr. Gibson’s Good Fortune
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

‘I’LL bet you half-a-crown, my lad, you’re thrown over at last, like the rest of them. There’s nothing she likes so much as taking some one up in order that she may throw him over afterwards.’ It was thus that Mr. Bartholomew Burgess cautioned his...
Miss Stanbury and Mr. Gibson Become Two
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THERE came to be a very gloomy fortnight at Miss Stanbury’s house in the Close. For two or three days after Mr. Gibson’s dismissal at the hands of Miss Stanbury herself, Brooke Burgess was still in the house, and his presence saved Dorothy from the...
Laburnum Cottage
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THERE had been various letters passing, during the last six weeks, between Priscilla Stanbury and her brother, respecting the Clock House at Nuncombe Putney. The ladies at Nuncombe had, certainly, gone into the Clock House oh the clear understanding that the expenses of the establishment...
Trevelyan at Venice
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TREVELYAN passed on moodily and alone from Turin to Venice, always expecting letters from Bozzle, and receiving from time to time the dispatches which that functionary forwarded to him, as must be acknowledged, with great punctuality. For Mr. Bozzle did his work, not only with...
The American Minister
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IN the second week in October, Mr. Glascock returned to Florence, intending to remain there till the weather should have become bearable at Naples. His father was said to be better, but was in such a condition as hardly to receive much comfort from his...
About Fishing, and Navigation, and Head-Dresses
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE feud between Miss Stanbury and Mr. Gibson raged violently in Exeter, and produced many complications which were very difficult indeed of management. Each belligerent party felt that a special injury had been inflicted upon it. Mr. Gibson was quite sure that he had been...
Mr. Brooke Burgess After Supper
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

BROOKE BURGESS was a clerk in the office of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in London, and as such had to do with things very solemn, grave, and almost melancholy. He had to deal with the rents of episcopal properties, to correspond with clerical claimants,...
Withered Grass
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

WHEN Caroline Spalding perceived how direct an attempt had been made by her sister to take the poetess away, in order that she might thus be left alone with Mr. Glascock, her spirit revolted against the manoeuvre, and she took herself away amidst the crowd....
Dorothy at Home
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

DOROTHY was received at home with so much affection and such expressions of esteem as to afford her much consolation in her misery. Both her mother and her sister approved of her conduct. Mrs. Stanbury’s approval was indeed accompanied by many expressions of regret as...
Another Struggle
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

SIR MARMADUKE and Lady Rowley were to reach England about the end of March or the beginning of April, and both Mrs. Trevelyan and Nora Rowley were almost sick for their arrival. Both their uncle and aunt had done very much for them, had been...
Sir Marmaduke at His Club
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

SIR MARMADUKE had come away from his brother-in-law the parson in much anger, for Mr. Outhouse, with that mixture of obstinacy and honesty which formed his character, had spoken hard words of Colonel Osborne, and words which by implication had been hard also against Emily...
Major Magruder’s Committee
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

SIR MARMADUKE could not go out to Willesden on the morning after Lady Rowley’s return from River’s Cottage, because on that day he was summoned to attend at twelve o’clock before a Committee of the House of Commons, to give his evidence and the fruit...
Sir Marmaduke at Willesden
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

ON the next day Sir Marmaduke purposed going to Willesden. He was in great doubt whether or no he would first consult that very eminent man Dr. Trite Turbury, as to the possibility, and,—if possible,—as to the expediency, of placing Mr. Trevelyan under some control....
Shewing What Nora Rowley Thought About Carriages
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

SIR MARMADUKE, on his return home from Dr. Turbury’s house, found that he had other domestic troubles on hand over and above those arising from his elder daughter’s position. Mr. Hugh Stanbury had been in Manchester Street during his absence, and had asked for him,...
Mr. Glascock is Master
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

CAROLINE SPALDING, when she received Nora’s letter, was not disposed to give much weight to it. She declared to herself that the girl’s unpremeditated expression of opinion was worth more than her studied words. But she was not the less grateful or the less loving...
Mrs. French’s Carving Knife
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

DURING these days there were terrible doings at Exeter. Camilla had sworn that if Mr. Gibson did not come to, there should be a tragedy, and it appeared that she was inclined to keep her word. Immediately after the receipt of her letter from Mr....
Mr. Glascock’s Marriage Completed
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE Glascock marriage was a great affair in Florence;—so much so, that there were not a few who regarded it as a strengthening of peaceful relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, and who thought that the Alabama claims and the question of...
Lady Rowley Conquered
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

WHEN the Rowleys were back in London, and began to employ themselves on the terrible work of making ready for their journey to the Islands, Lady Rowley gradually gave way about Hugh Stanbury. She had become aware that Nora would not go back with them,—unless...
Four O’Clock in The Morning
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

ANOTHER week went by and Sir Marmaduke had even yet not surrendered. He quite understood that Nora was not to go back to the Islands. And had visited Mr. and Mrs. Outhouse at St. Diddulph’s in order to secure a home for her there, if...
Trevelyan Discourses on Life
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

STANBURY made his journey without pause or hindrance till he reached Florence, and as the train for Siena made it necessary that he should remain there for four or five hours, he went to an inn, and dressed and washed himself, and had a meal,...
A Real Christian
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IN the meantime the Rowleys were gone. On the Monday after the departure of Stanbury for Italy, Lady Rowley had begun to look the difficulty about Nora in the face, and to feel that she must do something towards providing the poor girl with a...
Acquitted
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

DURING this time, while Hugh was sitting with his love under the oak trees at Monkhams, and Dorothy was being converted into Mrs. Brooke Burgess in Exeter Cathedral, Mrs. Trevelyan was living with her husband in the cottage at Twickenham. Her life was dreary enough,...
Capitalism: obituary and resurrection
Authors: Monga Célestin
Published: August 2021

Despite its structural flaws and excesses, its regularly prophesized demise and foretold death, capitalism has remained predominant worldwide because under the appropriate institutional framework it offers the most viable path for optimal industrial upgrading, structural transformation, and economic development. In this article, I discuss a particular vulnerability of capitalism, that is, its high propensity to produce major risks, which exacerbates inequality and social tensions. I analyse the differential set of risk-coping options between poor households and non-poor. I then focus on African versions of capitalism, which reflect the peculiar historicity of the continent, marked by centuries of foreign domination, pervasive violence, randomness in economic policy-making, and power struggles not arbitrated by constitutional or legal means. I highlight the root causes of the distorted, extraverted, and largely ineffective forms of capitalism in vogue in Africa and suggest a policy framework for resurrecting capitalism.
Decomposing the sources of SARS-CoV-2 fitness variation in the United States
Authors: Kepler Lenora , Hamins-Puertolas Marco , Rasmussen David A
Published: August 2021

The fitness of a pathogen is a composite phenotype determined by many different factors influencing growth rates both within and between hosts. Determining what factors shape fitness at the host population-level is especially challenging because both intrinsic factors like pathogen genetics and extrinsic factors such as host behavior influence between-host transmission potential. This challenge has been highlighted by controversy surrounding the population-level fitness effects of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome and their relative importance when compared against non-genetic factors shaping transmission dynamics. Building upon phylodynamic birth–death models, we develop a new framework to learn how hundreds of genetic and non-genetic factors have shaped the fitness of SARS-CoV-2. We estimate the fitness effects of all amino acid variants and several structural variants that have circulated in the United States between February 2020 and March 2021 from viral phylogenies. We also estimate how much fitness variation among pathogen lineages is attributable to genetic versus non-genetic factors such as spatial heterogeneity in transmission rates. Before September 2020, most fitness variation between lineages can be explained by background spatial heterogeneity in transmission rates across geographic regions. Starting in late 2020, genetic variation in fitness increased dramatically with the emergence of several new lineages including B.1.1.7, B.1.427, B.1.429 and B.1.526. Our analysis also indicates that genetic variants in less well-explored genomic regions outside of Spike may be contributing significantly to overall fitness variation in the viral population.
Endophytic Microbiome Variation Among Single Plant Seeds
Authors: Bintarti A. F. , Sulesky-Grieb A. , Stopnisek N. , Shade A.
Published: August 2021

Like other plant compartments, the seed harbors a microbiome. The members of the seed microbiome are the first to colonize a germinating seedling, and they may initiate the trajectory of microbiome assembly for the next plant generation. Therefore, the members of the seed microbiome are important for the dynamics of plant microbiome assembly and the vertical transmission of potentially beneficial symbionts. However, it remains challenging to assess the microbiome at the individual seed level (and, therefore, for the future individual plants) due to low endophytic microbial biomass, seed exudates that can select for particular members, and high plant and plastid contamination of resulting reads. Here, we report a protocol for extracting microbial DNA from an individual seed (common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris) with minimal disruption of host tissue, which we expect to be generalizable to other medium- and large-seed plant species. We applied this protocol to determine the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) V4 and rRNA internal transcribed spacer 2 amplicon composition and examine the variability of individual seed harvested from replicate common bean plants grown under standard, controlled conditions to maintain health. Using DNA extractions from individual seeds, we compared seed-to-seed, pod-to-pod, and plant-to-plant microbiomes, and found the highest microbiome variability at the plant level. This suggests that several seeds from the same plant could be pooled for microbiome assessment, given experimental designs that apply treatments at the parent plant level. This study adds protocols and insights to the growing toolkit of approaches to understand the plant-microbiome engagements that support the health of agricultural and environmental ecosystems.
Comparison of clinical pharmacogenetic recommendations across therapeutic areas
Authors: Shugg Tyler , Pasternak Amy L. , Luzum Jasmine A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Evaluations from pharmacogenetics implementation programs at major US medical centers have reported variability in the clinical adoption of pharmacogenetics across therapeutic areas. A potential cause for this variability may involve therapeutic area-specific differences in published pharmacogenetics recommendations to clinicians. To date, however, the potential for differences in clinical pharmacogenetics recommendations by therapeutic areas from prominent US guidance sources has not been assessed. Accordingly, our objective was to comprehensively compare essential elements from clinical pharmacogenetics recommendations contained within Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration drug labels and clinical practice guidelines from US professional medical organizations across therapeutic areas.

Methods

We analyzed clinical pharmacogenetics recommendation elements within Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration drug labels and professional clinical practice guidelines through 05/24/19.

Results

We identified 606 unique clinical pharmacogenetics recommendations, with the most recommendations involving oncology (217 recommendations), hematology (79), psychiatry (65), cardiovascular (43) and anesthetic (37) medications. Within our analyses, we observed considerable variability across therapeutic areas within the following essential pharmacogenetics recommendation elements: the recommended clinical management strategy; the relevant genetic biomarkers; the organizations providing pharmacogenetics recommendations; whether routine genetic screening was recommended; and the time since recommendations were published.

Conclusions

On the basis of our results, we infer that observed differences in clinical pharmacogenetics recommendations across therapeutic areas may result from specific factors associated with individual disease states, the associated genetic biomarkers, and the characteristics of the organizations providing recommendations.
Elevated S100A9 in preeclampsia induces soluble endoglin and IL-1β secretion and hypertension via the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Ozeki Ayae , Oogaki Yuka , Henmi Yuka , Karasawa Tadayoshi , Takahashi Masafumi , Takahashi Hironori , Ohkuchi Akihide , Shirasuna Koumei
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Maternal systemic and placental inflammatory responses participate in the pathogenesis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific syndrome, although the role of inflammation remains unclear. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the control of sterile inflammation involved in preeclampsia. In the present study, we hypothesized that S100A9, as major alarmin, are associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and induction of a preeclampsia-like phenotype in pregnant mice.

Methods:

Plasma were taken from normal pregnant women and preeclampsia patients. Human placental tissues, trophoblast cell line Sw.71 cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with S100A9 with or without inhibitors associated with NLRP3 inflammasome. Pregnant mice were administered S100A9.

Results:

S100A9 was elevated in plasma and released from placentas of preeclampsia patients. S100A9 activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in IL-1β secretion, by human placental tissues and trophoblasts. In addition, secretion of soluble endoglin, a main contributor to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, is regulated via S100A9-stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the human placenta and HUVECs. S100A9 administration significantly elevated maternal blood pressure and neutrophil accumulation within the placentas of pregnant mice, and both were significantly decreased in Nlrp3-knock out pregnant mice.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrated that S100A9 acts as a danger signal to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in the placenta, associating with hypertension during pregnancy.
Factors Associated With the Work Productivity of Japanese Working Pregnant Women
Authors: Wada Aya , Nakamura Yasuka , Tsuno Yoko Sumikawa , Nagasaka Keiko , Kawajiri Maiko , Takeishi Yoko , Yoshida Mikako , Yoshizawa Toyoko
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Working pregnant women experience physical and psychosocial changes, which are associated with two aspects of work productivity: presenteeism and absenteeism. We examined the factors that affect these two aspects.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in April to May 2019 through an online survey. Participants were 450 working women who were pregnant for the first time.

Results:

Occupational stress (job overload sβ: 0.14, suitable jobs sβ: 0.16); physical conditions, such as pregnancy complications (sβ: 0.32) and gestational period (sβ: 0.18); and adjustment status in the workplace due to pregnancy, such as pregnancy disclosure (sβ: 0.11) and pregnancy discrimination (sβ: 0.18), were related to presenteeism. Meanwhile, pregnancy complications were the only factor associated with absenteeism (sβ: 0.32; all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In addition to physical condition support, support for psychosocial conditions in the workplace is required.