bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative Management of Acute Appendicitis In The Era Of COVID 19: A Multicenter prospective observational study at The United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hashmi Fatima Y. AL , Zuabi Abeer Al , Hachim Ibrahim Yaseen , Mannaerts Guido H.H. , Bekdache Omar
Published: October 2020

Background

Since its emergence in December 2019, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in a profound impact on the health care system worldwide. We propose herein to evaluate the impact of implementing conservative management as an alternative approach to surgical appendectomy in the treatment of proven acute appendicitis during COVID19 pandemic.

Methods

Our study is a prospective multicenter study that includes a cohort of 160 patients admitted to the surgical departments in both Tawam Hospital and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the period from February 2020 till July 2020.

Results

Our results showed that 56 of our patients (35%) were treated conservatively, while the other 104 (65%) underwent operative management. There was a significant decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) (2.32± 0.83 days) among the first group compared to the second (2.8± 1.47 days). Also, short term follow-up showed that 90% of those patients did not require further operative intervention or developed any serious complications. Out of the 110 patients that were swapped for COVID19, nine (8.18%) were confirmed to be positive. Our protocol was to avoid surgical management for COVID19 positive patients unless indicated. This resulted in (8/9) of COVID19 positive patients to be treated conservatively. Follow up was achieved by using telemedicine-based follow-up with the aim of empowering social distancing and reducing risk of viral exposure to patients as well as the health care providers. In conclusion, our results showed that the implementation of conservative management in treating patients with acute appendicitis who were COVID19 positive is a safe and feasible approach that maybe essential in reducing viral transmission risks as well as avoiding operative risks on COVID19 positive patients.
A small interfering RNA (siRNA) database for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Medeiros Inácio Gomes , Khayat André Salim , Stransky Beatriz , dos Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista , de Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , de Souza Jorge Estefano Santana
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly transformed into a global pandemic, for which a demand for developing antivirals capable of targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and blocking the activity of its genes has emerged. In this work, we propose a database of SARS-CoV-2 targets for siRNA approaches, aiming to speed the design process by providing a broad set of possible targets and siRNA sequences. Beyond target sequences, it also displays more than 170 features, including thermodynamic information, base context, target genes and alignment information of sequences against the human genome, and diverse SARS-CoV-2 strains, to assess whether siRNAs targets bind or not off-target sequences. This dataset is available as a set of four tables in a single spreadsheet file, each table corresponding to sequences of 18, 19, 20, and 21 nucleotides length, respectively, aiming to meet the diversity of technology and expertise among labs around the world concerning siRNAs design of varied sizes, more specifically between 18 and 21nt length. We hope that this database helps to speed the development of new target antivirals for SARS-CoV-2, contributing to more rapid and effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DNA methylation landscape of multiple myeloma shows extensive inter- and intrapatient heterogeneity that fuels transcriptomic variability
Authors: Derrien Jennifer , Guérin-Charbonnel Catherine , Gaborit Victor , Campion Loïc , Devic Magali , Douillard Elise , Roi Nathalie , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Decaux Olivier , Facon Thierry , Mallm Jan-Philipp , Eils Roland , Munshi Nikhil C. , Moreau Philippe , Herrmann Carl , Magrangeas Florence , Minvielle Stéphane
Published: October 2020

Background

Cancer evolution depends on epigenetic and genetic diversity. Historically, in multiple myeloma (MM), subclonal diversity and tumor evolution have been investigated mostly from a genetic perspective.

Results

Here, we combined the notions of epipolymorphism and epiallele switching to analyze DNA methylation heterogeneity in MM patients. We show that MM is characterized by the continuous accumulation of stochastic methylation at the promoters of development-related genes. High entropy change is associated with poor outcomes and depends predominantly on partially methylated domains (PMDs). These PMDs, which represent the major source of inter- and intrapatient DNA methylation heterogeneity in MM, are linked to other key epigenetic aberrations, such as CpG island (CGI)/transcription start site (TSS) hypermethylation and H3K27me3 redistribution as well as 3D organization alterations. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that intratumor methylation heterogeneity was associated with low-level expression and high variability.

Conclusion

We propose that disordered methylation in MM is responsible for high epigenetic and transcriptomic instability allowing tumor cells to adapt to environmental changes by tapping into a pool of evolutionary trajectories.
Liquid Nitrogen Storage of Hybridoma Cells
Authors: Greenfield Edward A.
Published: October 2020

Hybridoma and myeloma cell lines can be stored by slowly freezing cells in an appropriate solution of nutrients and a cryoprotectant such as glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In this protocol, cells are centrifuged at 4°C, resuspended in cold freezing solution (10% DMSO in FBS), and then transferred to an appropriate freezing vial. The vials are slowly frozen to −70°C in Styrofoam racks and then stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2). Cells stored in LN2 will remain viable for years. Once a frozen vial has been removed from LN2 storage, it should be thawed as described, grown out into log phase, and refrozen.
Working with Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs) and Other High-Capacity Vectors
Authors: Heintz Nathaniel , Gong Shiaoching
Published: October 2020

Genetic targeting of specific cell types is fundamentally important for modern molecular-genetic studies. The development of simple methods to engineer high-capacity vectors—in particular, bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs)—for the preparation of transgenic lines that accurately express a gene of interest has resulted in commonplace usage of transgenic techniques in a wide variety of experimental systems. Here we provide a brief description of each of the four major types of large-capacity vectors, with a focus on the use of BAC vectors.
Trade and jobs in South Africa: a case of skilled vs unskilled workers
Authors: Mazorodze Brian Tavonga
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose is to establish the impact of trade on manufacturing employment in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Two techniques, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) and the Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE), are applied on a panel dataset comprising 26 three-digit manufacturing industries with data observed between 1970 and 2016.

Findings

The impact of trade on employment is miniscule at best and insignificant at worst once the study controls for cross-sectional dependency. This is true for both skilled and unskilled workers. Employment of skilled workers is explained by remuneration while employment of unskilled workers is explained by output dynamics.

Practical implications

Trade is widely attacked for causing labour market disruption through job losses. This hypothesis is not supported by data for South Africa as no link is confirmed between trade and employment of skilled and unskilled workers.

Originality/value

Estimating the trade and employment link for skilled and unskilled workers while controlling for both endogeneity and cross-sectional dependency.
Calculating complex‐valued P‐wave first‐arrival traveltimes in attenuative vertical transversely isotropic media with an irregular surface
Authors: Wang Mengxiu , Chen Jingyi , Zhao Zhencong , Hu Wenyi
Published: October 2020

The complex‐valued first‐arrival traveltime can be used to describe the properties of both velocity and attenuation as seismic waves propagate in attenuative elastic media. The real part of the complex‐valued traveltime corresponds to phase arrival and the imaginary part is associated with the amplitude decay due to energy absorption. The eikonal equation for attenuative vertical transversely isotropic media discretized with rectangular grids has been proven effective and precise to calculate the complex‐valued traveltime, but less accurate and efficient for irregular models. By using the perturbation method, the complex‐valued eikonal equation can be decomposed into two real‐valued equations, namely the zeroth‐ and first‐order traveltime governing equations. Here, we first present the topography‐dependent zeroth‐ and first‐order governing equations for attenuative VTI media, which are obtained by using the coordinate transformation from the Cartesian coordinates to the curvilinear coordinates. Then, we apply the Lax–Friedrichs sweeping method for solving the topography‐dependent traveltime governing equations in order to approximate the viscosity solutions, namely the real and imaginary parts of the complex‐valued traveltime. Several numerical tests demonstrate that the proposed scheme is efficient and accurate in calculating the complex‐valued P‐wave first‐arrival traveltime in attenuative VTI media with an irregular surface.
VdNop12, containing two tandem RNA recognition motif domains, is a crucial factor for pathogenicity and cold adaption in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Zhang Jun , Cui Weiye , Abdul Haseeb Hafiz , Guo Wei
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have reported the ability of fungi to overwinter in soil or on crop debris under different environmental conditions, but how fungi adapt to chilling is still largely unknown. In this study, we have identified and characterized the RNA binding protein (RBP) (VdNop12) by screening an Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation‐mediated insertional mutational library of Verticillium dahliae. We determined that this protein was essential to the pathogen for virulence on cotton plants. VdNop12 contains two tandem RNA recognition motif domains, and its orthologs are widely distributed in filamentous fungi. Mutants produced by disruption of VdNop12 showed defects in vegetative growth, conidiation and cell wall integrity. The mutant also showed an increase in sensitivity to low temperature, as compared to the wildtype and complementation strains. Yeast complementation assay showed that VdNop12 could functionally restore the growth phenotype of ΔScNop12 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 15°C. We demonstrated that the VdNop12 is localized in the nucleus, and its loss resulted in the downregulated expression of several genes related to cAMP‐PKA and MAPK pathways in V. dahliae. Our results demonstrated a crucial role of RBPs in the regulation of morphology, cold adaption, and pathogenic development in V. dahliae.
BAGS: An automated Barcode, Audit & Grade System for DNA barcode reference libraries
Authors: Fontes João T. , Vieira Pedro E. , Ekrem Torbjørn , Soares Pedro , Costa Filipe O.
Published: October 2020

Biodiversity studies greatly benefit from molecular tools, such as DNA metabarcoding, which provides an effective identification tool in biomonitoring and conservation programmes. The accuracy of species‐level assignment, and consequent taxonomic coverage, relies on comprehensive DNA barcode reference libraries. The role of these libraries is to support species identification, but accidental errors in the generation of the barcodes may compromise their accuracy. Here, we present an R‐based application, Barcode, Audit & Grade System (BAGS) (https://github.com/tadeu95/BAGS), that performs automated auditing and annotation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences libraries, for a given taxonomic group of animals, available in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). This is followed by implementing a qualitative ranking system that assigns one of five grades (A to E) to each species in the reference library, according to the attributes of the data and congruency of species names with sequences clustered in barcode index numbers (BINs). Our goal is to allow researchers to obtain the most useful and reliable data, highlighting and segregating records according to their congruency. Different tests were performed to perceive its usefulness and limitations. BAGS fulfils a significant gap in the current landscape of DNA barcoding research tools by quickly screening reference libraries to gauge the congruence status of data and facilitate the triage of ambiguous data for posterior review. Thereby, BAGS has the potential to become a valuable addition in forthcoming DNA metabarcoding studies, in the long term contributing to globally improve the quality and reliability of the public reference libraries.
Microbial and transcriptional differences elucidate atopic dermatitis heterogeneity across skin sites
Authors: Ottman Noora , Barrientos‐Somarribas Mauricio , Fyhrquist Nanna , Alexander Helen , Wisgrill Lukas , Olah Peter , Tsoka Sophia , Greco Dario , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Soumelis Vassili , Schröder Jens M. , Kere Juha , Nestle Frank O. , Barker Jonathan , Ranki Annamari , Lauerma Antti , Homey Bernhard , Andersson Björn , Alenius Harri
Published: October 2020

It is well established that different sites in healthy human skin are colonized by distinct microbial communities due to different physiological conditions. However, few studies have explored microbial heterogeneity between skin sites in diseased skin, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) lesions. To address this issue, we carried out deep analysis of the microbiome and transcriptome in the skin of a large cohort of AD patients and healthy volunteers, comparing two physiologically different sites: upper back and posterior thigh. Microbiome samples and biopsies were obtained from both lesional and nonlesional skin to identify changes related to the disease process. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct disease‐related gene expression profiles depending on anatomical location, with keratinization dominating the transcriptomic signatures in posterior thigh, and lipid metabolism in the upper back. Moreover, we show that relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with disease severity in the posterior thigh, but not in the upper back. Our results suggest that AD may select for similar microbes in different anatomical locations—an "AD‐like microbiome," but distinct microbial dynamics can still be observed when comparing posterior thigh to upper back. This study highlights the importance of considering the variability across skin sites when studying the development of skin inflammation.
Part 1: Artificial intelligence technology in surgery
Authors: Tan Lorwai , Tivey David , Kopunic Helena , Babidge Wendy , Langley Sally , Maddern Guy
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence technology in surgery.
A prospective comparison of four methods for preventing pacemaker pocket infections
Authors: Li Yao‐Dong , MaiMaiTiABuDuLa MaiMaiTiMin , Cao Gui‐Qiu , MaiMaiTiAiLi MaiMaiTiMin , Zhou Xian‐Hui , Lu Yan‐Mei , Zhang Jiang‐Hua , Xing Qiang , Wu Chuang‐Ju , Feng Min , Zhang Ge‐Ge , Tang Bao‐Peng
Published: October 2020

This study aims to evaluate four pacemaker pocket cleaning methods for preventing implantation‐related infections. This single‐center trial prospectively randomized 910 patients undergoing first‐time pacemaker implantation or replacement into four pocket cleaning methods: hemocoagulase (group A, n = 228), gentamicin (group B, n = 228), hemocoagulase plus gentamicin (group C, n = 227), and normal saline (group D, n = 227). Before implanting the pacemaker battery, the pockets were cleaned with gauze presoaked in the respective cleaning solutions. Then, these patients were followed up to monitor the occurrence of infections for 1 month after implantation. Twelve implantation‐related infections occurred in 910 patients (1.32%): four patients from group A (1.75%), three patients from group B (1.32%), two patients from group C (0.88%), and three patients from group D (1.32%) (P > .05). Furthermore, two patients developed bloodstream infections (0.22%), and both of these patients were associated with pocket infection (one patient was from group A, while the other patient was from group C, respectively). No cases of infective endocarditis occurred. The differences in the number of infections in these study groups were not statistically significant. The application of hemocoagulase, gentamicin, hemocoagulase plus gentamicin, or normal saline on the presoaked gauze before implantation was equally effective in preventing pocket‐associated infections.
Reasoned action approach and compliance with recommended behaviours to prevent the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in the UK
Authors: Norman Paul , Wilding Sarah , Conner Mark
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To examine associations between demographics, people’s beliefs, and compliance with behaviours recommended by the UK government to prevent the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus that causes COVID‐19.

Design

A two‐wave online survey conducted one week apart during the national lockdown (April, 2020).

Measures

A sample of 477 UK residents completed baseline measures from the reasoned action approach (experiential attitudes, instrumental attitudes, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, capacity, autonomy, and intention) and perceived susceptibility for each of the following recommended behaviours: limiting leaving home, keeping at least 2 m away from other people when outside and when inside shops, not visiting or meeting friends or other family members, and washing hands when returning home. Self‐reported compliance with each of the recommended behaviours was assessed one week later.

Results

Rates of full compliance with the recommended behaviours ranged from 31% (keeping at least 2 m away from other people when inside shops) to 68% (not visiting or meeting friends or other family members). Capacity was a significant predictor of compliance with each of the five recommended behaviours. Increasing age and intentions were also predictive of compliance with three of the behaviours.

Conclusions

Interventions to increase compliance with the recommended behaviours to prevent the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, especially those relating to social distancing, need to bolster people’s intentions and perceptions of capacity. This may be achieved through media‐based information campaigns as well as environmental changes to make compliance with such measures easier. Such interventions should particularly target younger adults.
The science and engineering of stem cell‐derived organoids‐examples from hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic tissues
Authors: Ogoke Ogechi , Maloy Mitchell , Parashurama Natesh
Published: October 2020

The field of organoid engineering promises to revolutionize medicine with wide‐ranging applications of scientific, engineering, and clinical interest, including precision and personalized medicine, gene editing, drug development, disease modelling, cellular therapy, and human development. Organoids are a three‐dimensional (3D) miniature representation of a target organ, are initiated with stem/progenitor cells, and are extremely promising tools with which to model organ function. The biological basis for organoids is that they foster stem cell self‐renewal, differentiation, and self‐organization, recapitulating 3D tissue structure or function better than two‐dimensional (2D) systems. In this review, we first discuss the importance of epithelial organs and the general properties of epithelial cells to provide a context and rationale for organoids of the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. Next, we develop a general framework to understand self‐organization, tissue hierarchy, and organoid cultivation. For each of these areas, we provide a historical context, and review a wide range of both biological and mathematical perspectives that enhance understanding of organoids. Next, we review existing techniques and progress in hepatobiliary and pancreatic organoid engineering. To do this, we review organoids from primary tissues, cell lines, and stem cells, and introduce engineering studies when applicable. We discuss non‐invasive assessment of organoids, which can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms and enable improved assays for growth, metabolism, and function. Applications of organoids in cell therapy are also discussed. Taken together, we establish a broad scientific foundation for organoids and provide an in‐depth review of hepatic, biliary and pancreatic organoids.
Plasma proteome profiles treatment efficacy of incretin dual agonism in diet‐induced obese female and male mice
Authors: Sachs Stephan , Niu Lili , Geyer Philipp , Jall Sigrid , Kleinert Maximilian , Feuchtinger Annette , Stemmer Kerstin , Brielmeier Markus , Finan Brian , DiMarchi Richard D. , Tschöp Matthias H. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai , Mann Matthias , Müller Timo D. , Hofmann Susanna M.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Unimolecular peptides targeting the receptors for glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) (GLP‐1/GIP co‐agonist) have been shown to outperform each single peptide in the treatment of obesity and cardiometabolic disease in preclinical and clinical trials. By combining physiological treatment endpoints with plasma proteomic profiling (PPP), we aimed to identify biomarkers to advance non‐invasive metabolic monitoring of compound treatment success and exploration of ulterior treatment effects on an individual basis.

Materials and methods

We performed metabolic phenotyping along with PPP in body weight‐matched male and female diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice treated for 21 days with phosphate‐buffered saline, single GIP and GLP‐1 mono‐agonists, or a GLP‐1/GIP co‐agonist.

Results

GLP‐1R/GIPR co‐agonism improved obesity, glucose intolerance, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dyslipidaemia with superior efficacy in both male and female mice compared with mono‐agonist treatments. PPP revealed broader changes of plasma proteins after GLP‐1/GIP co‐agonist compared with mono‐agonist treatments in both sexes, including established and potential novel biomarkers for systemic inflammation, NAFLD and atherosclerosis. Subtle sex‐specific differences have been observed in metabolic phenotyping and PPP.

Conclusions

We herein show that a recently developed unimolecular GLP‐1/GIP co‐agonist is more efficient in improving metabolic disease than either mono‐agonist in both sexes. PPP led to the identification of a sex‐independent protein panel with the potential to monitor non‐invasively the treatment efficacies on metabolic function of this clinically advancing GLP‐1/GIP co‐agonist.
The incidence of non‐ampullary duodenal cancer in Japan: The first analysis of a national cancer registry
Authors: Yoshida Masao , Yabuuchi Yohei , Kakushima Naomi , Kato Motohiko , Iguchi Mikitaka , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Kanetaka Kengo , Uraoka Toshio , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Sho Masayuki ,   Japan Duodenal Cancer Guideline Committee
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim

Although duodenal cancer is rare, no epidemiological research on this disease has been conducted in Asian countries. We aimed to elucidate the incidence and clinical features of duodenal cancer in Japan using a large‐scale national database.

Methods

Data of patients with primary duodenal cancer diagnosed from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, were extracted from the Japanese national cancer registry. Excluding malignant neoplasm of the Vater's ampulla, we calculated the incidence among the population as a crude number of patients with duodenal cancer divided by the total Japanese population in 2016. We performed multivariate analyses using logistic regression models to identify risk factors for advanced cancer, defined as metastatic cancer or local invasion to adjacent organs.

Results

Data on 3005 patients were included. The incidence of duodenal cancer was 23.7 per 1 000 000 person‐years. In total, 56.4% of cases were detected at the localized stage. In the localized cancer group, endoscopic resection was more frequently performed (48.0%), whereas in the advanced cancer group, surgery and chemotherapy were the major treatment options (39.3% and 41.5%, respectively). Multivariate analyses identified age ≥80 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.489; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.113–1.992; P = 0.007), incidental detection (OR, 2.325; CI, 1.623–3.331; P < 0.0001), and precise examination for symptomatic patients (OR, 10.561; CI, 7.416–15.042; P < 0.0001) as independent risk factors for advanced cancer.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the incidence of duodenal cancer in Japan. However, localized cancer was the major tumor stage at detection, resulting in a high rate of endoscopic resection.
Trichloroacetic acid 35% as a therapeutic line for localized patchy alopecia areata in comparison with intralesional steroids: Clinical and trichoscopic evaluation
Authors: Mahgoub Doaa A. , Dhannoon Tamarah I. , El‐Mesidy Marwa S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Intralesional corticosteroids (ILCs) is the first‐line therapy for patients older than 10 years having patchy alopecia areata, however some patients do not respond effectively.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of a chemical peel trichloro acetic acid (TCA 35%) in comparison to ILCs.

Patients/Methods

Twenty‐two patients with two patches of alopecia areata were included. Two treatment modalities with ILCs and topical TCA 35% were performed in two randomly selected patches. Three sessions were done, 3 weeks apart and were followed‐up for three months. Evaluation was done using Mac Donald Hull and Norris grading system and by counting trichoscopic parameters in each patch.

Results

Both ILCs and TCA 35% treated patches showed measurable improvement with no statistically significant difference between the results of the two modalities (p>0.05) at different times of the study. Yellow dots, black dots, exclamation marks and dystrophic hair were all reduced by 100%, 82.0%, 100% and 88.3% in ILCs treated patches and by 70.4%, 69.1%, 100% and 75.0% in TCA treated patches, respectively.

Conclusion

Topical TCA 35% is an effective and safe treatment for the treatment of AA without serious side effects, despite the slower response when compared to ILCs.
The generalizability of water‐deficit on bacterial community composition; Site‐specific water‐availability predicts the bacterial community associated with coast redwood roots
Authors: Willing Claire E. , Pierroz Grady , Coleman‐Derr Devin , Dawson Todd E.
Published: October 2020

Experimental drought has been shown to delay the development of the root microbiome and increase the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, however, the generalizability of these findings to natural systems or other diverse plant hosts remains unknown. Bacterial cell wall thickness and growth morphology (e.g., filamentous or unicellular) have been proposed as traits that may mediate bacterial responses to environmental drivers. Leveraging a natural gradient of water‐availability across the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) range, we tested three hypotheses: (a) that site‐specific water‐availability is an important predictor of bacterial community composition for redwood roots and rhizosphere soils; (b) that there is relative enrichment of Actinobacteria and other monoderm bacterial groups within the redwood microbiome in response to drier conditions; and (c) that bacterial growth morphology is an important predictor of bacteria response to water‐availability, where filamentous taxa will become more dominant at drier sites compared to unicellular bacteria. We find that both α‐ and β‐diversity of redwood bacterial communities is partially explained by water‐availability and that Actinobacterial enrichment is a conserved response of land plants to water‐deficit. Further, we highlight how the trend of Actinobacterial enrichment in the redwood system is largely driven by the Actinomycetales. We propose bacterial growth morphology (filamentous vs. unicellular) as an additional mechanism behind the increase in Actinomycetales with increasing aridity. A trait‐based approach including cell‐wall thickness and growth morphology may explain the distribution of bacterial taxa across environmental gradients and help to predict patterns of bacterial community composition for a wide range of host plants.
Remnant‐Preserving Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Over Remnant Fibers Using a Figure‐of‐Four Position and a Posterior Trans‐Septal Portal
Authors: Xiong Yi‐lin , Su Chao , Kuang Shi‐da , Zhao Xin , Li Yu‐sheng , Xiao Wen‐feng , Zhu He‐yuan , Liu Wei‐jie , Gao Shu‐guang
Published: October 2020

Anatomic tunnel formation and remnant preservation are the recent trends in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. However, it is difficult to observe the anatomical PCL footprint and perform the operation in the process of remnant‐preserving PCL reconstruction. This study describes a single‐bundle, transtibial PCL reconstruction technique with anatomic graft passage over the remnant PCL fibers. A femoral tunnel of PCL is created at 2 mm medial to the roof of the intercondylar notch and 3 mm proximal to the margin of the articular cartilage. The tibial insertion of PCL is observed using a figure‐of‐four position through a posterior trans‐septal portal. A tibial bone tunnel is made below the distal center portion of the tibial insertion of residual PCL fibers. The graft is passed over the PCL through the tibial bone tunnel, the space between the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the residual PCL fibers, to the femoral socket and is fixed by the EndoButton and screw. This technique is able to ensure a reasonable intra‐articular length and optimal isometry. It has been applied in patients with PCL rupture and posterior instability of the knee joint, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Our technology provides a valuable new treatment option for PCL rupture. Future comparative studies are needed to further clarify its beneficial effect.
Targeting Ontological Security: Information Warfare in the Modern Age
Authors: Bolton Derek
Published: October 2020

Recent studies have made great strides looking at the implications that the human need for ontological security has for politics and International Relations. However, less attention has been paid to how actors might target this need. While Steele and Mattern both examine the possible manipulation of subjectivity, this article turns to the concept of information warfare (IW) to broaden the view of how, and to what end, this is pursued. Congruently, by elaborating upon how the digitalization of society has increased the potential to influence and manipulate cognition and emotion, OS strengthens current literature on IW. It argues that by covertly perverting the information landscape, IW can alter how events are connected to national narratives, influencing policy by making certain options appear more/less shameful, or it can unravel the bonds of society by polarizing domestic narrative debates, purposely sowing ontological insecurity. This provides a firmer understanding of the strategic implications interference can have generally and of Russia's interference into the 2016 U.S. election specifically. Therefore, by viewing facets of IW as part of a range of tactics employed to manipulate/undermine subjectivity, a more nuanced understanding of interstate relations subsequently emerges.
Effect of farm management on topsoil organic carbon and aggregate stability in water: A case study from Southwest England, UK
Authors: Collier Sarah M. , Green Sophie M. , Inman Alex , Hopkins David W. , Kendall Hazel , Jahn Molly M. , Dungait Jennifer A. J.
Published: October 2020

There are few reliable data sets to inspire confidence in policymakers that soil organic carbon (SOC) can be measured on farms. We worked with farmers in the Tamar Valley region of southwest England to select sampling sites under similar conditions (soil type, aspect and slope) and management types. Topsoils (2–15 cm) were sampled in autumn 2015, and percentage soil organic matter (%SOM) was determined by loss on ignition and used to calculate %SOC. We also used the stability of macroaggregates in cold water (WSA) (‘soil slaking’) as a measure of ‘soil health’ and investigated its relationship with SOC in the clay‐rich soils. %SOM was significantly different between management types in the order woodland (11.1%) = permanent pasture (9.5%) > ley‐arable rotation (7.7%) = arable (7.3%). This related directly to SOC stocks that were larger in fields under permanent pasture and woodland compared with those under arable or ley‐arable rotation whether corrected for clay content (F = 8.500, p < .0001) or not (F = 8.516, p < .0001). WSA scores were strongly correlated with SOC content whether corrected for clay content (SOCadj R2 = .571, p < .0001) or not (SOCunadj R2 = 0.490, p = .002). Time since tillage controlled SOC stocks and WSA scores, accounting for 75.5% and 51.3% of the total variation, respectively. We conclude that (1) SOC can be reliably measured in farmed soils using accepted protocols and related to land management and (2) WSA scores can be rapidly measured in clay soils and related to SOC stocks and soil management.
Development and characterization of six novel microsatellite markers for honey bee parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae)

Authors: Duan Xin-le , Zhao Bi-an , Liu Ying , Xiong Man-qiong , He Nan , Huang Shao-kang , Huang Wei-fone , Li Jiang-hong
Published: October 2020

The Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite and the most serious biotic threat to honey bee and apiculture worldwide. Genetic types of V. destructor determine its ability of transmission and pathogenicity. Population genetics tools could supply useful information for comprehensive management of the mite. In this study, transcriptome information of V. destructor was analyzed for mining more polymorphic microsatellite markers for the population genetics investigation with further experimental verified. A total of 83,711 unigenes were assembled with the N50 length of 1,826 bp and the GC content of 40.03%. A total of 27,775 potential microsatellite loci were identified in 18,563 unigenes. The di-nucleotide and mono-nucleotide were most abundant repeat motifs and the most dominant di-nucleotides and mono-nucleotide repeat motifs were A/T and AT/TA. Forty-two of sixty randomly selected microsatellite loci were successfully amplified. Six of them were confirmed to be polymorphic in five V. destructor geographical populations. Our result showed transcriptomic data provide valuable resources for molecular marker development, and these novel microsatellite loci would be valuable in facilitating population genetic and evolutionary of V. destructor and related species.
Development and Cross-Validation of a Prediction Equation for Estimating Percentage Body Fat From Body Mass Index in Young People With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bertapelli Fabio , Agiovlasitis Stamatis , Motl Robert W. , Soares Roberto A. , de Barros-Filho Marcos M. , do Amaral-Junior Wilson D. , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate an equation for estimating percentage body fat (%BF) from body mass index and other potential independent variables among young persons with intellectual disability. Participants were 128 persons with intellectual disability (62 women; age 16–24 years) split between development (n = 98) and cross-validation (n = 30) samples. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry served as the reference method for %BF. An equation including 1/body mass index and sex (0 = male; 1 = female) was highly accurate in estimating %BF (p < .001; R2 = .82; standard error of estimate  = 5.22%). Mean absolute and root mean square errors were small (3.1% and 3.9%, respectively). A Bland–Altman plot indicated nearly zero mean difference between actual and predicted %BF with modest 95% confidence intervals. The prediction equation was %BF = 56.708 − (729.200 × [1/body mass index]) + (12.134 × sex). Health care professionals may use the prediction equation for monitoring %BF among young people with intellectual disability.
Risk of complicated birth at term in nulliparous and multiparous women using routinely collected maternity data in England: cohort study
Authors: Jardine Jennifer , Blotkamp Andrea , Gurol-Urganci Ipek , Knight Hannah , Harris Tina , Hawdon Jane , van der Meulen Jan , Walker Kate , Pasupathy Dharmintra
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To determine the rate of complicated birth at term in women classified at low risk according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline for intrapartum care (no pre-existing medical conditions, important obstetric history, or complications during pregnancy) and to assess if the risk classification can be improved by considering parity and the number of risk factors.

Design

Cohort study using linked electronic maternity records.

Participants

276 766 women with a singleton birth at term after a trial of labour in 87 NHS hospital trusts in England between April 2015 and March 2016.

Main outcome measure

A composite outcome of complicated birth, defined as a birth with use of an instrument, caesarean delivery, anal sphincter injury, postpartum haemorrhage, or Apgar score of 7 or less at five minutes.

Results

Multiparous women without a history of caesarean section had the lowest rates of complicated birth, varying from 8.8% (4879 of 55 426 women, 95% confidence interval 8.6% to 9.0%) in those without specific risk factors to 21.8% (613 of 2811 women, 20.2% to 23.4%) in those with three or more. The rate of complicated birth was higher in nulliparous women, with corresponding rates varying from 43.4% (25  805 of 59 413 women, 43.0% to 43.8%) to 64.3% (364 of 566 women, 60.3% to 68.3%); and highest in multiparous women with previous caesarean section, with corresponding rates varying from 42.9% (3426 of 7993 women, 41.8% to 44.0%) to 66.3% (554 of 836 women, 63.0% to 69.5%).

Conclusions

Nulliparous women without risk factors have substantially higher rates of complicated birth than multiparous women without a previous caesarean section even if the latter have multiple risk factors. Grouping women first according to parity and previous mode of birth, and then within these groups according to presence of specific risk factors would provide greater and more informed choice to women, better targeting of interventions, and fewer transfers during labour than according to the presence of risk factors alone.
Menstrual cycle regularity and length across the reproductive lifespan and risk of premature mortality: prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yi-Xin , Arvizu Mariel , Rich-Edwards Janet W , Stuart Jennifer J , Manson JoAnn E , Missmer Stacey A , Pan An , Chavarro Jorge E
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether irregular or long menstrual cycles throughout the life course are associated with all cause and cause specific premature mortality (age <70 years).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Nurses’ Health Study II (1993-2017).

Participants

79 505 premenopausal women without a history of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes and who reported the usual length and regularity of their menstrual cycles at ages 14-17 years, 18-22 years, and 29-46 years.

Main outcome measures

Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all cause and cause specific premature mortality (death before age 70 years) were estimated from multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During 24 years of follow-up, 1975 premature deaths were documented, including 894 from cancer and 172 from cardiovascular disease. Women who reported always having irregular menstrual cycles experienced higher mortality rates during follow-up than women who reported very regular cycles in the same age ranges. The crude mortality rate per 1000 person years of follow-up for women reporting very regular cycles and women reporting always irregular cycles were 1.05 and 1.23 for cycle characteristics at ages 14-17 years, 1.00 and 1.37 for cycle characteristics at ages 18-22 years, and 1.00 and 1.68 for cycle characteristics at ages 29-46 years. The corresponding multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for premature death during follow-up were 1.18 (95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.37), 1.37 (1.09 to 1.73), and 1.39 (1.14 to 1.70), respectively. Similarly, women who reported that their usual cycle length was 40 days or more at ages 18-22 years and 29-46 years were more likely to die prematurely than women who reported a usual cycle length of 26-31 days in the same age ranges (1.34, 1.06 to 1.69; and 1.40, 1.17 to 1.68, respectively). These relations were strongest for deaths related to cardiovascular disease. The higher mortality associated with long and irregular menstrual cycles was slightly stronger among current smokers.

Conclusions

Irregular and long menstrual cycles in adolescence and adulthood are associated with a greater risk of premature mortality (age <70 years). This relation is slightly stronger among women who smoke.
Efficacy of low-load blood flow restricted resistance EXercise in patients with Knee osteoarthritis scheduled for total knee replacement (EXKnee): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jørgensen Stian Langgård , Bohn Marie Bagger , Aagaard Per , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Up to 20% of patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) surgery report no or suboptimal pain relief after TKR. Moreover, despite chances of recovering to preoperative functional levels, patients receiving TKR have demonstrated persistent deficits in quadriceps strength and functional performance compared with healthy age-matched adults. We intend to examine if low-load blood flow restricted exercise (BFRE) is an effective preoperative method to increase functional capacity, lower limb muscle strength and self-reported outcomes after TKR. In addition, the study aims to investigate to which extent preoperative BFRE will protect against surgery-related atrophy 3 months after TKR.

Methods

In this multicentre, randomised controlled and assessor blinded trial, 84 patients scheduled for TKR will be randomised to receive usual care and 8 weeks of preoperative BFRE or to follow usual care-only. Data will be collected before randomisation, 3–4 days prior to TKR, 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months after TKR. Primary outcome will be the change in 30 s chair stand test from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Key secondary outcomes will be timed up and go, 40 me fast-paced walk test, isometric knee extensor and flexor strength, patient-reported outcome and selected myofiber properties.

Intention-to-treat principle and per-protocol analyses will be conducted. A one-way analysis of variance model will be used to analyse between group mean changes. Preintervention-to-postintervention comparisons will be analysed using a mixed linear model. Also, paired Student’s t-test will be performed to gain insight into the potential pretraining-to-post-training differences within the respective training or control groups and regression analysis will be used for analysation of associations between selected outcomes.

Ethical approval

The trial has been accepted by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics (Journal No 10-72-19-19) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (Journal No 652164). All results will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals regardless of positive, negative or inconclusive results.

Trial registration number

NCT04081493.
ABO blood group and the risk of aortic disease: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zindovic Igor , Edgren Gustaf , Nozohoor Shahab , Majeed Ammar
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To analyse the association between ABO blood group and aortic disease using data on blood donors and transfused patients from Sweden.

Design

This was a retrospective study using data from the Swedish portion of the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions Database. The association between ABO blood group and aortic disease was analysed using log-linear Poisson regression models and presented as incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Setting

Swedish population-based study.

Participants

The study cohort consisted of 1 164 561 Swedish blood donors and 961 637 transfused patients with a combined follow-up time of 29 390 649 person-years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

IRRs of aortic events (ie, aortic aneurysms and/or aortic dissections) in relation to patient blood group.

Results

A total of 20 684 aortic events occurred during the study period. Non-O donors and patients had similar incidence of aortic events when compared with blood group O donors and patients with an IRR of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93–1.04) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.97–1.03), respectively. There were no differences between non-O and blood group O individuals when aortic dissections and aortic aneurysms were analysed separately. Blood group B conferred a lower risk of aortic aneurysms in the patient cohort when compared with blood group O (IRR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96).

Conclusions

In the present study, there were no statistically significant associations between ABO blood group and the risk of aortic disease. A possible protective effect of blood group B was observed in the patient cohort but this finding requires further investigation.
Decolonising qualitative research to explore the experiences of Manitoba’s urban Indigenous population living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and bariatric surgery
Authors: Hardy Krista , Clouston Kathleen , Zmudzinski Marta , Fowler-Woods Melinda , Shingoose Geraldine , Fowler-Woods Amanda , Daeninck Felicia , Hatala Andrew , Vergis Ashley
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are growing global health concerns associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditures. Due to histories of colonisation and contemporary marginalisation, Canada’s Indigenous populations are disproportionately burdened by obesity, T2DM and many other chronic illnesses. Culturally appropriate research on experiences and outcomes of Indigenous patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Canada is scarce. This qualitative study protocol will use a decolonising approach guided by an Indigenous Elder to explore the perspectives and experiences of urban Indigenous Manitobans with respect to T2DM, obesity and bariatric surgery. This knowledge will guide the development and implementation of culturally sensitive bariatric care.

Methods and analysis

Sequential sharing circles (SSCs) and semistructured conversational interviews that have been purposefully designed to be culturally relevant with the guidance of an Indigenous Elder and advisory group (IAG) will be carried out in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Indigenous adults who are obese (body mass index >35 kg/m2), have T2DM and live in an urban centre will be recruited. Three groups will be investigated: (1) those who have had bariatric surgery; (2) those on the wait list for bariatric surgery and (3) those not associated with a bariatric surgery programme. Each group of 10–12 participants will be guided through a semistructured script led by an Indigenous Elder. Elder-facilitated conversational interviews will also be completed following the SSCs. All content will be audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis will be used to identify emerging patterns using a constructive grounded theory approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board. Findings will inform the development and implementation of culturally sensitive programmes at Manitoba’s Centre for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals, at obesity and Indigenous health conferences, and knowledge sharing ceremonies.