bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forestalling age-impaired angiogenesis and blood flow by targeting NOX: Interplay of NOX1, IL-6, and SASP in propagating cell senescence
Authors: Li Yao , Kračun Damir , Dustin Christopher M. , El Massry Mohamed , Yuan Shuai , Goossen Christian J. , DeVallance Evan R. , Sahoo Sanghamitra , St. Hilaire Cynthia , Gurkar Aditi U. , Finkel Toren , Straub Adam C. , Cifuentes-Pagano Eugenia , Pagano Patrick J.
Published: October 2021

In an aging population, intense interest has shifted toward prolonging health span. Mounting evidence suggests that cellular reactive species are propagators of cell damage, inflammation, and cellular senescence. Thus, such species have emerged as putative provocateurs and targets for senolysis, and a clearer understanding of their molecular origin and regulation is of paramount importance. In an inquiry into signaling triggered by aging and proxy instigator, hyperglycemia, we show that NADPH Oxidase (NOX) drives cell DNA damage and alters nuclear envelope integrity, inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and cellular senescence in mice and humans with similar causality. Most notably, selective NOX1 inhibition rescues age-impaired blood flow and angiogenesis, vasodilation, and the endothelial cell wound response. Indeed, NOX1i delivery in vivo completely reversed age-impaired hind-limb blood flow and angiogenesis while disrupting a NOX1-IL-6 senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) proinflammatory signaling loop. Relevant to its comorbidity with age, clinical samples from diabetic versus nondiabetic subjects reveal as operant this NOX1-mediated vascular senescence and inflammation in humans. On a mechanistic level, our findings support a previously unidentified role for IL-6 in this feedforward inflammatory loop and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) down-regulation as inversely modulating p65-mediated NOX1 transcription. Targeting this previously unidentified NOX1-SASP signaling axis in aging is predicted to be an effective strategy for mitigating senescence in the vasculature and other organ systems.
No aggregate deforestation reductions from rollout of community land titles in Indonesia yet
Authors: Kraus Sebastian , Liu Jacqueline , Koch Nicolas , Fuss Sabine
Published: October 2021

In Indonesia, 60 million people live within 1 km of state forest. The government of Indonesia plans to grant community titles for 12.7 million hectares of land to communities living in and around forests. These titles allow for using nontimber forest products, practicing agroforestry, operating tourism businesses, and selective logging in designated production zones. Here, we estimate the early effects of the program’s rollout. We use data on the delineation and introduction date of community forest titles on 2.4 million hectares of land across the country. We find that, contrary to the objective of the program, community titles aimed at conservation did not decrease deforestation; if anything, they tended to increase forest loss. In contrast, community titles in zones aimed at timber production decreased deforestation, albeit from higher baseline forest loss rates.
Leishmania
type II dehydrogenase is essential for parasite viability irrespective of the presence of an active complex I
Authors: Duarte Margarida , Ferreira Cleide , Khandpur Gurleen Kaur , Flohr Tamara , Zimmermann Jannik , Castro Helena , Herrmann Johannes M. , Morgan Bruce , Tomás Ana M.
Published: October 2021

Significance

Leishmaniasis is one of the most dangerous, neglected tropical diseases. Oxidative phosphorylation is a known target of antipathogenic therapeutics. Herein, we addressed the contribution of type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH2) and complex I activities to
Leishmania
physiology. Our results provide evidence that
Leishmania
NDH2 is essential throughout the parasites’ life cycle, independently of the presence of a functional complex I. Furthermore, sustained expression of NDH2 renders complex I dispensable. This indicates that NDH2 has unique and essential function(s) in
Leishmania
parasites and validates the enzyme as a promising drug target. Future studies may benefit from the
Leishmania
model to unravel the metabolic advantage of type II NADH dehydrogenases, enlightening the reason for their persistence across evolution.
Bioinspired micro/nanomotor with visible light energy–dependent forward, reverse, reciprocating, and spinning schooling motion
Authors: Tong Jintao , Wang Dalei , Liu Ye , Lou Xin , Jiang Jiwei , Dong Bin , Dong Renfeng , Yang Mingcheng
Published: October 2021

Significance

Light intensity–dependent bidirectional phototaxis is vital for microorganisms (e.g., green algae) to gain energy or escape from damage. Inspired by nature, artificial phototactic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have been developed, which cannot only serve as perfect model systems for nonequilibrium physics but have great potentials in microfluidics and biomedical applications. However, unlike the biological microorganisms that possess the bidirectional phototactic capability by natural evolution, it is still challenging for the artificial MNMs to realize the similar biomimetic phototaxis, which greatly limits their applicability. Here, we innovatively combine the self-diffusiophoresis and self-thermophoresis mechanisms to achieve a visible light–driven MNM, exhibiting bidirectional phototaxis and intriguing light-controlled collective behaviors. These findings thus constitute an important step toward developing biomimetic photoresponsive active systems.
Bundles with even-dimensional spherical space form as fibers and fiberwise quarter pinched Riemannian metrics
Authors: Corro Diego , Garcia Karla , Günther Martin , Kordaß Jan-Bernhard
Published: October 2021

Let

E
E

be a smooth bundle with fiber an

n
n

-dimensional real projective space

R

P
n

\mathbb {R}P^n

. We show that, if every fiber carries a positively curved pointwise strongly

1

/

4

1/4

-pinched Riemannian metric that varies continuously with respect to its base point, then the structure group of the bundle reduces to the isometry group of the standard round metric on

R

P
n

\mathbb {R}P^n

.
Aged 70 and still a child: complexities, strains and gains of older children caring for their (near) centenarian mothers
Authors: Macedo Typhanie , Sousa Liliana , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: October 2021

Background

Longer lives increase the possibility of caring duties, which means that older adults looking after their ageing parents—as well as their own partners—is becoming an increasingly common scenario in developed countries.

Objective

To explore the caregiving demands of very old caregiving dyads and the experience of maintaining the identity of a child at such an advanced age.

Design

Qualitative study.

Subjects

15 participants (four males), all aged 70 or over and caring for their mothers, aged between 95 and 105 years old.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews analysed thematically.

Results

Caregivers are willing to care for their mothers ‘until death tears them apart’, despite the double strains they face, that is more self-limitations and added care receiver need. On a positive side, they feel ‘happy, thankful and proud’ for still having their mothers alive. They also describe that maintaining the identity of a child at such an advanced age was somewhat unthought of and unexpected but an important source of pride.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that these oldest-old caregiving dyads are characterised by a relationship shaped by strong feelings of extended filial love, constituting a family feature that needs further understanding. Findings also underscore the challenges these carers face in dealing with several agents (secondary caregivers) and entities in the care provision.
Marginal Structural Models for Life-Course Theories and Social Epidemiology: Definitions, Sources of Bias, and Simulated Illustrations
Authors: Gilsanz Paola , Young Jessica G , Glymour M Maria , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J , Eng Chloe W , Koenen Karestan C , Kubzansky Laura D
Published: October 2021

Social epidemiology aims to identify social structural risk factors, thus informing targets and timing of interventions. Ascertaining which interventions will be most effective and when they should be implemented is challenging because social conditions vary across the life course and are subject to time-varying confounding. Marginal structural models (MSMs) may be useful but can present unique challenges when studying social epidemiologic exposures over the life course. We describe selected MSMs corresponding to common theoretical life-course models and identify key issues for consideration related to time-varying confounding and late study enrollment. Using simulated data mimicking a cohort study evaluating the effects of depression in early, mid-, and late life on late-life stroke risk, we examined whether and when specific study characteristics and analytical strategies may induce bias. In the context of time-varying confounding, inverse-probability–weighted estimation of correctly specified MSMs accurately estimated the target causal effects, while conventional regression models showed significant bias. When no measure of early-life depression was available, neither MSMs nor conventional models were unbiased, due to confounding by early-life depression. To inform interventions, researchers need to identify timing of effects and consider whether missing data regarding exposures earlier in life may lead to biased estimates.
Flavonoids are involved in phosphorus-deficiency-induced cluster-root formation in white lupin
Authors: Xiong Chuanyong , Li Xiaoqing , Wang Xin , Wang Jingxin , Lambers Hans , Vance Carroll P , Shen Jianbo , Cheng Lingyun
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Initiation of cluster roots in white lupin (Lupinus albus) under phosphorus (P) deficiency requires auxin signalling, whereas flavonoids inhibit auxin transport. However, little information is available about the interactions between P deficiency and flavonoids in terms of cluster-root formation in white lupin.

Methods

Hydroponic and aeroponic systems were used to investigate the role of flavonoids in cluster-root formation, with or without 75 μm P supply.

Key Results

Phosphorus-deficiency-induced flavonoid accumulation in cluster roots depended on developmental stage, based on in situ determination of fluorescence of flavonoids and flavonoid concentration. LaCHS8, which codes for a chalcone synthase isoform, was highly expressed in cluster roots, and silencing LaCHS8 reduced flavonoid production and rootlet density. Exogenous flavonoids suppressed cluster-root formation. Tissue-specific distribution of flavonoids in roots was altered by P deficiency, suggesting that P deficiency induced flavonoid accumulation, thus fine-tuning the effect of flavonoids on cluster-root formation. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited expression of an auxin-responsive DR5:GUS marker, suggesting an interaction of flavonoids and auxin in regulating cluster-root formation.

Conclusions

Phosphorus deficiency triggered cluster-root formation through the regulation of flavonoid distribution, which fine-tuned an auxin response in the early stages of cluster-root development. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cluster-root formation under P deficiency.
The Impact of Race on Speech Perception and Accentedness Judgements in Racially Diverse and Non-diverse Groups
Authors: Kutlu Ethan , Tiv Mehrgol , Wulff Stefanie , Titone Debra
Published: October 2021

Standard varieties are often perceived as morally superior compared with nonstandard varieties (Hill 2008). Consequently, these differences lead to ideologies that racialize nonstandard varieties (Rosa 2016), and increase the negative stereotypes towards nonstandard varieties (Giles and Watson 2013). One outlet of such stereotypes can be observed with speech intelligibility and accentedness judgements. This study examines whether seeing a White or a South Asian face impacts listeners’ perception of American, British, and Indian English and to what extent listeners’ social network diversity plays a role in predicting their perception of speech. Results indicated that intelligibility scores decreased and accentedness judgements increased for all varieties when speech was paired with South Asian faces. However, listeners with less racially diverse social networks had the highest accentedness judgements. Understanding how to account for the emergence and behavioral implications of different English varieties is a pressing question, and these results shed light on how English varieties are perceived. The implications will be discussed in light of language teaching, linguistic practices, and language research.
Photoperiod is an important seasonal selection factor in Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Doria Halina Binde , Caliendo Cosima , Gerber Susanne , Pfenninger Markus
Published: October 2021

Most organisms respond and can adapt to photoperiodic changes. This affects measurable end points like developmental time, survival and fertility. For ectotherms like Chironomus riparius, temperature is the most studied environmental cue regulating their life cycle, whereas photoperiodic influence is neglected. However, the developmental speed between summer and winter seasons of a field population could not be explained solely by temperature variations. Therefore, to have a comprehensive view on how photoperiods influence chironomid’s life cycle, we investigated if it plays a role in their development and if it acts as an important selective pressure on developmental time speed. To this end, first emerged C. riparius were artificially selected for seven generations. Pre-selected and unselected organisms could develop and breed independently under three light regimes: constant light (24:0 L:D), long days (16:8 L:D) and short days (8:16 L:D). Adult emergence, mean and median emergence time and fertility were integrated into the population growth rate to compare fitness. Our findings show that although developmental time is extended under short days, this same condition may exert a selective pressure towards a shorter development. Moreover, by also using photoperiodic clues to anticipate environmental changes, chironomids can potentially adapt to alterations in climate.
1385 “Pre-Op Fasting Times Audit in Colorectal Surgery at A University Teaching Hospital”
Authors: Khan S , Mohideen R , Khan K , Helbren C
Published: October 2021

Aim

Hull University teaching hospitals NHS trust has guidelines for patient fasting times prior to major elective surgery. We aimed to assess the compliance of pre-op fasting times for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Method

An initial and later re-audit was undertaken, prospectively, of 20 consecutive patients admitted for elective colorectal surgery at Castle Hill Hospital. Data was collected on a structured proforma and was completed following patient’s interview, ORMIS (operation room system) and Lorenzo (hospital intranet).

Results

Initial audit demonstrated 10% (2 out of 20) and 5% (1 out of 20) compliance with liquid and solid fasting times, respectively. Following implementation of changes, re-audit demonstrated 60% (12 out of 20) and 0% (0 out of 20) compliance with liquid and solid fasting times respectively

Conclusions

We concluded that liquid fasting times can be improved further by communication between theatre staff and ward. Whilst solid fasting times can be improved but at an expense of losing a theatre space. A further re-audit [planned in a month period.
1403 Leadership and Teamwork in The Major Trauma Service – Implementation of A New Approach to Secondary Surveys
Authors: Jefferies O , Walls A , McKeag P , Houston R , Kealey D
Published: October 2021

Aim

Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) guidelines at a Major Trauma Centre in Northern Ireland state that all patients admitted with Major Trauma should have a secondary survey completed and documented within 24 hours of admission.

Method

All patients admitted with major trauma had their medical notes reviewed on discharge to look for evidence of a documented secondary survey. Two audit cycles were completed. The first from January 2018 to April 2018 (n = 38). Following a quality improvement project with specific interventions to improve compliance, including improved communication behaviours and the implementation of a revised trauma booklet, a second cycle was performed from October 2019 to January 2019 (n = 44)

Results

58% of group 1 and 75% of group 2 had a documented secondary survey within 24 hours of admission. The interventions therefore resulted in an overall 17% increase in the number of secondary surveys completed within 24 hours. Patients admitted under Orthopaedic care had a significant improvement of 26% between cycles to 89% compliance. Cardiothoracics (33% to 40%), Neurosurgery (14% to 43%) and General Surgery (75% to 66%).

Conclusions

A quality improvement drive led by the Orthopaedic team involving the education of doctors, improving communication channels and the introduction of revised trauma documentation, resulted in a significant increase in the number of secondary surveys completed within 24 hours. Patients under the care of Orthopaedics were more likely to have a survey completed compared with other specialties. This highlights the need for more education and engagement of other specialities to increase compliance in secondary surveys.
1432 Simplifying Processes to Improve Rate of Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Knight C , Nalwaya P , Allot R , Aly H
Published: October 2021

Aim

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common healthcare associated infection, complicating 10-15% of operations. These have the potential to cause significant harm to patients, prolong hospital stays and are costly to the NHS. Although the cause is multifactorial, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis plays a role in reducing SSIs. Due to a higher-than-average rate of SSIs at ASPH, an audit was performed to review the use of antibiotics prior to surgery.

Method

Local antibiotic policies for surgical prophylaxis were used as the audit standard. Data was collected prospectively over a two-week period. Recovery nurses filled out a proforma identifying type of surgery, patients’ weight, antibiotics received and dose.

Results

120 datasets were collected. Due to incomplete data, 113 were analysed; 81 patients required prophylactic antibiotics. The audit identified that current practice was not aligned with local policy. Where antibiotic use was indicated, all bar one patient received appropriate antibiotics. The primary issue identified was incorrect gentamicin dosing when a 5mg/kg dose based on creatine clearance was required. Gentamicin was dosed appropriately in 15 out of 49 cases, with 160mg administered in most cases regardless of policy.

Conclusions

Reasons underlying this are likely to be multifactorial, including ototoxicity risk, dose calculation and administration time; at present, the scheduling of theatre cases does not allow for a 30-minute gap from induction of anaesthesia to start of surgery. Working in partnership with the microbiologists we plan to create a gentamicin dose reference chart for display in all anaesthetic rooms to simplify dosing and improve compliance.
1437 Histological Examination in Search of Helicobacter Pylori in Iron Deficiency Anaemia: An Unnecessary Expense?
Authors: Abdallah Y , Maryosh S , Caldwell C , Zia Ahmad , Fellows H
Published: October 2021

Aim

The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend Helicobacter pylori (HP) testing in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This quality improvement project evaluates the utility of histological examination for HP in IDA patients, the consequent expenditure and whether a more cost-effective alternative exists.

Method

A retrospective search was conducted of patients within a four-month period who underwent an oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy (OGD) for IDA. Patients with an identifiable cause of IDA, ferritin >40ug/mL and haemoglobin (Hb) >12g/L in women or > 13g/L in men were excluded. The costings of a single tissue biopsy and HP stool testing were sought from our local departments.

Results

Ninety-nine patients’ results were analysed after exclusions (n = 99/127, 78.0%). All patients had biopsies taken at OGD. On average, three biopsies were obtained per patient. Forty-two patients had no abnormalities visualized on OGD and all ninety-nine patients were HP negative. A single biopsy costs £70; £65 per hematoxylin and eosin based histological examination and £5 per single-use biopsy forceps. Accounting for forty-two patients with macroscopically normal OGDs leads to a total expenditure of £8820. A HP stool test costs £14.

Conclusions

Guidelines recommend HP testing either non-invasively or at OGD as an alternative strategy, based on weak evidence that HP may cause IDA. HP prevalence is falling; histological examination of biopsies obtained at OGD therefore appears expensive and unnecessary. It is more cost effective to perform a stool test in the case of a normal OGD and commence treatment accordingly with biopsies reserved when otherwise clinically indicated and not solely for HP testing.
1494 An Audit on The Management of Adhesional Small Bowel Obstruction at St Helier Hospital
Authors: Rivera Cartland M G , Anjum Z , Saadat S , Studd T , Camprodon R
Published: October 2021

Aim

To compare our current management of adhesional small bowel obstruction (ASBO) with the BMJ best practice treatment algorithm1 and National audit for small bowel obstruction 20172 guidelines and produce a flow chart to aid stasndardised :

Method

Data collected prospectively from the general surgical take list over a three-month.

Results

Thirty-five patients were diagnosed with ASBO. All patients were prescribed IV fluids. Thirty-four (97.1%) and 31 patients (88.6%) received analgesia and anti-emetics, respectively. Twenty-one patients (82.9%) had a NG tube inserted. Five patients (14.3%) underwent laparotomies within 37 hours from time of admission. Thirty patients (85.7%) underwent a trial of conservative management. Twenty-four patients (80%) received water-soluble contrast, of whom 13 (59.1%) were managed successfully. Eight patients (36.3%) failed to resolve and underwent emergency laparotomy within 70 hours from admission. One patient (2.9%) failed conservative management and was palliated.

Conclusions

Our results are in line with national standards. Our first line management for ASBO (analgesia, anti-emetics and NG insertion) could be instituted more promptly. Failure of NG insertion is multifactorial, an improved insertion rate may have further positive impact on conservative management outcome. A step-by-step sequential flow chart could introduce on induction at the beginning of general surgical rotation could help to re-iterate this management.
1508 Acute ENT Clinic Audit
Authors: Bondje S , Tanna R , Stephens J
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The acute ENT clinic is run by the ENT SHO’s and is used to assess and treat patients with a variety of everyday ENT pathology. As a department, we are seeing increasing numbers of patients who have been referred via the community for conditions that do not meet the departmental guidelines as well as noting our clinic is consistently overbooked and overrunning.

Method

A retrospective audit was performed analysing all clinic data between December 2019 and January 2020, specifically looking at patient demographics and reason for referral. The total number of patients per clinic was analysed and compared against ENT UK guidelines for safe clinic numbers, which state that an SHO led acute clinic should have 6 patients maximum.

Results

Over a two-month period, we looked at data from 35 clinics. As per our standard operating practice, children should be seen first in the clinic and this occurred in only 8 clinics (22.9%). Secondly, 8 clinics had appropriately booked a maximum of 6 patients, whilst in 27 clinics (77.2%) there were more than 7 patients booked. Finally, 69.8% of patients had unsuitable referrals as per the guideline.

Conclusions

It is clear from our data that the capacity of the acute clinic does not meet its current demand, and this is something that needs to be addressed to ensure patient safety and to adhere to ENT UK guidance. The implementation of a more stringent referral system will increase patient safety by ensuring patients with appropriate pathology are seen in this clinic.
266 The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Theatre Mortality, Time to Intervention and Length of Stay in the First Phase of National Lockdown at a District General Hospital
Authors: Luo W , Limb R , Aslam A , Kattimani R , Karthikappallil D , Paramasivan A , Waseem M
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the patient population requiring emergency surgery during the first phase of lockdown due to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and compare it to the equivalent population in the same calendar period for 2019. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on emergency operations.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing surgery in emergency theatres at our district general hospital between March 23rd and May 11th in 2019 and 2020. Data collected included demographics (age/gender), National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) category and operation. The primary outcome was 90-day post-operative mortality; secondary outcomes included time to intervention and length of inpatient stay.

Results

132 (2020) versus 141 (2019) patients were included with no significant difference in age (p = 0.676) nor sex (p = 0.230). There was no difference in overall 90-day postoperative mortality (p = 0.196). Notably, time to intervention was faster for NCEPOD code 3 patients in 2020 than in 2019 (p = 0.027). Time to intervention in 2020 was longer for those dying within 90 days post-operatively compared to survivors (p = 0.02). There was no difference in length of stay between the years, both overall and when conducting subgroup analyses by NCEPOD category or procedures (fractured neck of femur (p = 0.776), laparoscopies (p = 0.866), laparotomies (p = 0.252)), except for upper limb trauma (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Patients were appropriately prioritised with no overall change in mortality or length of stay. A national validation audit assessing outcomes of emergency operations during these challenging times would further elucidate risks posed to surgical patients requiring urgent care.
293 A Reflection of Experience Gained in Emergency General Surgery During The COVID-19 Pandemic at A London University Hospital
Authors: Angamuthu N , Gilliland J , Chowdhury S , D'Souza R , Hart C , Knowles J
Published: October 2021

Background

During COVID-19, acute surgical services witnessed an overhaul of practice due to constraints on staff and resource (beds, imaging, and theater) availability. Fear of COVID-19, among general population potentially added to delay in patients seeking medical assistance. This study describes experiences of acute general surgery at a COVID-19 designated tertiary institution wherein elective surgical work was put on hold and emergency on-call rota was modified during the pandemic.

Method

A retrospective analysis (March-April 2019 vs 2020) of the surgical work from a prospectively maintained surgical database during COVID-19 was performed.

Results

Emergency surgical admissions during March 2020 vs 2019 was 106 vs 207. Comparing the workload March-April 2020 vs 2019, emergency referrals were 266 vs 341, operations performed 71 vs 92. 31.5% (84/266) of patients were tested for COVID and 30% (25/84) were positive. Emergency surgery was performed in 71 patients (including appendectomies (28), hernia repair(3), laparotomy(3), Hartman’s procedure(3), hemicolectomy(7) and anterior resection with covering ileostomy(2)). In this group, a male preponderance was noted (M:F 1.84:1), the average age was 43.2 years (6-91), length of stay 4.8 days (<23 hours-34 days). In the operative group, the 30-day mortality was 4.23% (3/71) and the morbidity was 31%.

Conclusions

With local changes, stopping elective services, modifying on-call rota, a surgical department can continue to be functional and offer emergency surgical service for a sustained period during a pandemic. During the COVID pandemic, the average number of referrals, admissions and surgeries were lower when compared to the non-covid period.
1369 Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Emergency General Surgery During the Covid-19 Pandemic Versus Control Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hebding J , Wingfield L , Negreskul Y , Gilmour J
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the surgical community has attempted to address whether it is safe to continue surgery. The aim of this research was to review evidence on emergency general patients operated on during the pandemic compared to patients undergoing emergency surgery during non-pandemic times to determine if operating during the Covid-19 pandemic led to an increased risk of death, length of hospital stay and complications.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was performed. PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Springer Link, Elsevier, and reference lists were analysed for inclusion on 2 January 2021.

Results

Nine studies and 5,022 patients were included. There were no significant differences in the control group vs pandemic group in mean age (52.3yrs vs 51.9yrs, p = 0.67) or gender (44.4% females vs 49.3%, p = 0.173). Pooled analysis of control vs pandemic showed a mortality rate of 1.26% vs 3.06% (CI:-6.58–6.58, p = 1.00). Mean length of hospital stay was 7.9 vs 7.7 days in control v. pandemic (CI: -2.93-3.33, p = 0.87) and post-operative complication rate of 20.2% vs 25.7% (CI -6.4-25.0, p = 0.20), (control vs pandemic). The pandemic group had significantly more operative management (47.0% vs 40.0%, p = 0.03) with no significant difference in laparoscopic vs open technique (46.0% vs 43.6%, p = 0.20).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows there is no statistically significant difference in mortality rate, length of hospital stay and postoperative complication rate between the pandemic and control cohorts in emergency general surgery patients. This data suggests that general emergency surgery should continue in spite of the pandemic with appropriate precautions in place.
Social Workers’ Sensual Bodies during COVID-19: The Suspended, Displaced and Reconstituted Body in Social Work Practice
Authors: Kong Sui-Ting , Noone Catrin , Shears Jane
Published: October 2021

After more than a year living with COVID-19 restrictions, the UK Governments have now published their ‘recovery strategies’ in which social care has been considered as key to plans for post-COVID-19 recovery in England and the devolved nations. Emerging literature has already explored the ethical and practical challenges facing social workers during COVID-19 and how social work practice has been re-created to embrace hybrid ways of working. To add to this discussion, a secondary qualitative data analysis was performed on a subset of data (280 responses submitted by 176 social workers) collected from the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) survey on social work during COVID-19, to explore how social workers’ sensual bodies had been responding to challenges arising from the pandemic. Drawing on sociology of senses and social work literature on tacit knowing and practice wisdom, we will present how social workers’ sensual bodies have been suspended, displaced and re-constituted during the first UK national lockdown, leading to sensual compensation and sensual overload that impacted on social workers’ practice. In striving towards a ‘better normal’, we offer key insights to implement hybrid social work practice and protect against the shortfalls that it might bring to the profession.
Temporal dynamics of intranasal oxytocin in human brain electrophysiology
Authors: Zelenina Marie , Kosilo Maciej , da Cruz Janir , Antunes Marília , Figueiredo Patrícia , Mehta Mitul A , Prata Diana
Published: October 2021

Oxytocin (OT) is a key modulator of human social cognition, popular in behavioral neuroscience. To adequately design and interpret intranasal OT (IN-OT) research, it is crucial to know for how long it affects human brain function once administered. However, this has been mostly deduced from peripheral body fluids studies, or uncommonly used dosages. We aimed to characterize IN-OT’s effects on human brain function using resting-state EEG microstates across a typical experimental session duration. Nineteen healthy males participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, cross-over design of 24 IU of IN-OT in 12-min windows 15 min-to-1 h 42min after administration. We observed IN-OT effects on all microstates, across the observation span. During eyes-closed, IN-OT increased duration and contribution of A and contribution and occurrence of D, decreased duration and contribution of B and C; and increased transition probability C-to-B and C-to-D. In eyes-open, it increased A-to-C and A-to-D. As microstates A and D have been related to phonological auditory and attentional networks, respectively, we posit IN-OT may tune the brain for reception of external stimuli, particularly of social nature—tentatively supporting current neurocognitive hypotheses of OT. Moreover, we contrast our overall results against a comprehensive literature review of IN-OT time-course effects in the brain, highlighting comparability issues.
Legal Standing and Public Interest Litigation— Are All Erga Omnes Breaches Equal?
Authors: Ruys Tom
Published: October 2021

Public interest litigation over erga omnes breaches is commonly associated with abuses that are widespread or systematic, such as cases of genocide or crimes against humanity. By contrast, the prospect of such litigation over more isolated breaches causing harm to specific individuals is mostly ignored. Imagine, however, inter-State proceedings over (proven or alleged) human rights abuses in highly politicized and mediatized cases involving figures such as Julian Assange or Jamal Khashoggi. An alluring prospect to some; lex horrenda for others? The present paper tackles two questions that arise in this context. First, are such proceedings subject to the same admissibility requirements as applicable to the exercise of diplomatic protection (as the ILC has suggested in the past)? Second, is or should public interest litigation be limited to serious and widespread breaches, to the exclusion of more “isolated” ones? With regard to the first question, it is argued that the duty to exhaust local remedies applies mutatis mutandis to public interest litigation, but that the nationality requirement does not. As to the second question, the analysis concludes that a negative answer is in order.
Optimizing Dosing and Fixed-Dose Combinations of Rifampicin, Isoniazid, and Pyrazinamide in Pediatric Patients With Tuberculosis: A Prospective Population Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Denti Paolo , Wasmann Roeland E , van Rie Annelies , Winckler Jana , Bekker Adrie , Rabie Helena , Hesseling Anneke C , van der Laan Louvina E , Gonzalez-Martinez Carmen , Zar Heather J , Davies Gerry , Wiesner Lubbe , Svensson Elin M , McIlleron Helen M
Published: October 2021

Background

In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised dosing guidelines for treatment of childhood tuberculosis. Our aim was to investigate first-line antituberculosis drug exposures under these guidelines, explore dose optimization using the current dispersible fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet of rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide; 75/50/150 mg, and suggest a new FDC with revised weight bands.

Methods

Children with drug-susceptible tuberculosis in Malawi and South Africa underwent pharmacokinetic sampling while receiving first-line tuberculosis drugs as single formulations according the 2010 WHO recommended doses. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling and simulation was used to design the optimal FDC and weight-band dosing strategy for achieving the pharmacokinetic targets based on literature-derived adult AUC0-24h for rifampicin (38.7–72.9), isoniazid (11.6–26.3), and pyrazinamide (233–429 mg ∙ h/L).

Results

In total, 180 children (42% female; 13.9% living with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]; median [range] age 1.9 [0.22–12] years; weight 10.7 [3.20–28.8] kg) were administered 1, 2, 3, or 4 FDC tablets (rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide 75/50/150 mg) daily for 4–8, 8–12, 12–16, and 16–25 kg weight bands, respectively. Rifampicin exposure (for weight and age) was up to 50% lower than in adults. Increasing the tablet number resulted in adequate rifampicin but relatively high isoniazid and pyrazinamide exposures. Administering 1, 2, 3, or 4 optimized FDC tablets (rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide 120/35/130 mg) to children < 6, 6–13, 13–20. and 20–25 kg, and 0.5 tablet in < 3-month-olds with immature metabolism, improved exposures to all 3 drugs.

Conclusions

Current pediatric FDC doses resulted in low rifampicin exposures. Optimal dosing of all drugs cannot be achieved with the current FDCs. We propose a new FDC formulation and revised weight bands.
High-quality genome assembly of an important biodiesel plant, Euphorbia lathyris L
Authors: Wang Mingcheng , Gu Zhijia , Fu Zhixi , Jiang Dechun
Published: October 2021

Caper spurge, Euphorbia lathyris L., is an important energy crop and medicinal crop. Here, we generated a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of caper spurge using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, Illumina sequencing, and Hi-C technology. The final genome assembly was ∼988.9 Mb in size, 99.8% of which could be grouped into 10 pseudochromosomes, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 32.6 and 95.7 Mb, respectively. A total of 651.4 Mb repetitive sequences and 36,342 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome assembly. Comparative genomic analysis showed that caper spurge and castor bean clustered together. We found that no independent whole-genome duplication event had occurred in caper spurge after its split from the castor bean, and recent substantial amplification of long terminal repeat retrotransposons has contributed significantly to its genome expansion. Furthermore, based on gene homology searching, we identified a number of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols. The reference genome presented here will be highly useful for the further study of the genetics, genomics, and breeding of this high-value crop, as well as for evolutionary studies of spurge family and angiosperms.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of Fur-binding sites in the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and PCC 6714
Authors: Riediger Matthias , Hernández-Prieto Miguel A , Song Kuo , Hess Wolfgang R , Futschik Matthias E
Published: October 2021

The Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) is crucial to both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria for the maintenance of iron homeostasis as well as the defence against reactive oxygen species. Based on datasets from the genome-wide mapping of transcriptional start sites and transcriptome data, we identified a high confidence regulon controlled by Fur for the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and its close relative, strain 6714, based on the conserved strong iron starvation response and Fur-binding site occurrence. This regulon comprises 33 protein-coding genes and the sRNA IsaR1 that are under the control of 16 or 14 individual promoters in strains 6803 and 6714, respectively. The associated gene functions are mostly restricted to transporters and enzymes involved in the uptake and storage of iron ions, with few exceptions or unknown functional relevance. Within the isiABC operon, we identified a previously neglected gene encoding a small cysteine-rich protein, which we suggest calling, IsiE. The regulation of iron uptake, storage, and utilization ultimately results from the interplay between the Fur regulon, several other transcription factors, the FtsH3 protease, and the sRNA IsaR1.
Global Warming Could Magnify Insect-Driven Apparent Competition Between Native and Introduced Host Plants in Sub-Antarctic Islands
Authors: Hullé Maurice , Till Milena , Plantegenest Manuel
Published: October 2021

Pristine sub-Antarctic islands terrestrial ecosystems, including many endemic species, are highly threatened by human-induced cosmopolitan plant invasion. We propose that native plant suppression could be further facilitated by the subsequent invasion by generalist pest species that could exacerbate their competitive exclusion through the process of apparent competition. By comparing the biological parameters of an invasive aphid species, Myzus ascalonicus, on one native (Acaena magellanica) and one invasive (Senecio vulgaris) plant species, we showed that survival and fecundity were higher and development time lower on the native plant species than on the invasive one. Moreover, comparing the effect of a temperature increase on the population dynamics of M. ascalonicus on the two plants, we showed that the relative profitability of the native species is further amplified by warming. Hence, while pest population doubling time is 28% higher on the invasive plant under current temperature, it would become 40% higher with an increase in temperature of 3°C. Consequently, our findings demonstrate that global warming could exacerbate competitive exclusion of native plants by invasive plants in sub-Antarctic islands by its indirect effect on the apparent competition mediated by generalist phytophagous pests.
Endocardial and epicardial activation maps for three-dimensional perimitral flutter using a three-dimensional mapping system: a case report
Authors: Arai Tomoyuki , Takahashi Masao , Hojo Rintaro , Fukamizu Seiji
Published: October 2021

Background

Perimitral flutter (PMF) is a macro-reentrant tachycardia, and mitral isthmus (MI) linear ablation is considered to be the preferable mode of treatment. Additionally, PMF can sometimes develop via epicardial connections, including coronary sinus and vein of Marshall. However, there are no reports of three-dimensional (3D) atrial tachycardia (AT) via the intramural tissue.

Case summary

A 78-year-old man underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and AT, including pulmonary vein isolation, left atrial posterior wall isolation, superior vena cava isolation, and MI linear ablation in a total of four procedures. However, AT reoccurred, and he underwent a 5th procedure for AT. Although the MI block line was complete in both the endocardial and epicardial voltage maps, AT indicated PMF. The total activation time did not cover all phases of tachycardia cycle length due to the conduction pathway through the intramural muscle/bundles that could not be mapped with the addition of epicardial mapping. The tachycardia was terminated by ablation at the mitral valve annulus in the 2 o’clock position, where the bundles might have been attached.

Discussion

Both endocardial and epicardial activation maps indicated 3D-PMF, whose circuit included the intramural muscle and bundles in a tachycardia circuit. It is necessary to recognize AT, which is involved via intramural tissues.
The Crossroads of Three Nations: Czechoslovak Ethnic Policy towards Railwaymen and Industrial Workers in Cieszyn Silesia, 1920–1938
Authors: GĄSIOR Grzegorz
Published: October 2021

The abstract for your paper is included below. This will appear onlineonly.

Cieszyn Silesia is a region which was divided between Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1920. Czechoslovakia obtained the industrially developed and strategically important part, which had a large Polish and German population. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the minority policy of the Czechoslovak state administration by focusing on the examples of state-run railway employees and workers in large, mostly private, industrial establishments. It discusses the mechanisms of an ethnic policy that functioned in a particular, distinctive region at the crossroads of three cultures—German, Polish and Czech. Policies towards minorities in Czechoslovakia in the period before the Munich Agreement of 1938 have often been regarded as democratic and tolerant. Nonetheless, the integration of Cieszyn Silesia was a significant challenge for Czechoslovak authorities and their actions were often in contradiction with liberal principles. This paper focuses not on the legislation, but on the practical approaches that contributed to the enhancement of the position of the Czech nation. In the case of both railwaymen and industrial workers, the state authorities took action that had a common goal—the Czechification of the region. The main difference in methods used against both groups depended on the direct dependence of the former (railwaymen) on the state as their employer. In the case of industrial workers, state policies had a less direct impact, but nonetheless created conditions conducive to discriminatory and assimilationist pressures.
Surgical management of failing Fontan circulation: results from 30 cases with 285 patient-years follow-up
Authors: Padalino Massimo A , Ponzoni Matteo , Castaldi Biagio , Leoni Loira , Chemello Liliana , Toscano Giuseppe , Gerosa Gino , Di Salvo Giovanni , Vida Vladimiro L
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Fontan patients are known to suffer from clinical attrition over the years, which has been characterized as Fontan failure. We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of such Fontan patients undergoing surgical management in a 25-year, single-centre experience.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre analysis of patients undergoing surgical treatment for failing Fontan between 1995 and 2020, including any reoperations when ventricular function was preserved, or a heart transplant (HTx), when ventricular contractility was impaired. We analysed survival, indications for surgery and early and late complication rates.

RESULTS

We collected 30 patients (mean age 24.7 years) who required surgery after a mean time of 19.3 years from the original Fontan procedure: Fontan conversion in 21 (70%, extracardiac conduit in 19, lateral tunnel in 2), a HTx in 4 (13.3%) and other reoperations in 5 (16.7%). The most common indications for surgery were tachyarrhythmias (63.3%) and severe right atrial dilatation (63.3%). Overall survival at the 1-, 5-, 10- and 20-year follow-up examinations were 75.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 91.4–60.4%], 75.9% (95% CI: 91.4–60.4%), 70% (95% CI: 78–52%) and 70% (95% CI: 78–52%), respectively. The most frequent complications were postoperative tachyarrhythmias (50%) and late Fontan-associated liver disease (56.5%). HTx and Fontan conversion provided comparably good outcomes compared to other reoperations (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for failing Fontan can be performed effectively with overall good long-term survival. However, early and late morbidities are still a significant burden. Because other reoperations performed when patients presented with contraindications for a HTx have carried high mortality, close clinical follow-up is mandatory, and an earlier indication for Fontan conversion or a HTx is advisable to optimize outcomes.