bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac computed tomography following Watchman FLX implantation: device-related thrombus or device healing?
Authors: Kramer Anders Dahl , Korsholm Kasper , Jensen Jesper Møller , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Peelukhana Srikara , Herbst Thomas , Horton Rodney , Kar Saibal , Saw Jacqueline , Alkhouli Mohamad , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: November 2022

Aims

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is increasingly utilized during follow-up after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Hypoattenuated thickening (HAT) is a common finding and might represent either benign device healing or device-related thrombosis (DRT). The appearance and characteristics of HAT associated with the Watchman FLX have not been previously described. Therefore, we sought to investigate cardiac CT findings during follow-up after Watchman FLX implantation with a focus on HAT and DRT.

Methods and results

Retrospective single-centre, observational study including all patients with successful Watchman FLX implantation and follow-up cardiac CT between March 2019 and September 2021 (n = 244). Blinded analysis of CT images was performed describing the localization, extent, and morphology of HAT and correlated to imaging and histology findings in a canine model. Relevant clinical and preclinical ethical approvals were obtained.

Overall, HAT was present in 156 cases (64%) and could be classified as either subfabric hypoattenuation (n = 59), flat sessile HAT (n = 78), protruding sessile HAT (n = 16), or pedunculated HAT (n = 3). All cases of pedunculated HAT and five cases of protruding sessile HAT were considered as high-grade HAT (n = 7). Subfabric hypoattenuation and flat sessile HAT correlated with device healing and endothelialization in histological analysis of explanted devices.

Conclusion

Subfabric hypoattenuation and flat sessile HAT are frequent CT findings for Watchman FLX, likely representing benign device healing and endothelialization. Pedunculated HAT and protruding HAT are infrequent CT findings that might represent DRT.
Haemodynamic performance of 16–20-mm extracardiac Goretex conduits in adolescent Fontan patients at rest and during simulated exercise
Authors: Rijnberg Friso M , van ‘t Hul Luca C , Hazekamp Mark G , van den Boogaard Pieter J , Juffermans Joe F , Lamb Hildo J , Terol Espinosa de Los Monteros Covadonga , Kroft Lucia J M , Kenjeres Sasa , le Cessie Saskia , Jongbloed Monique R M , Westenberg Jos J M , Roest Arno A W , Wentzel Jolanda J
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVES

To date, it is not known if 16–20-mm extracardiac conduits are outgrown during somatic growth from childhood to adolescence. This study aims to determine total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) haemodynamics in adolescent Fontan patients at rest and during simulated exercise and to assess the relationship between conduit size and haemodynamics.

METHODS

Patient-specific, magnetic resonance imaging-based computational fluid dynamic models of the TCPC were performed in 51 extracardiac Fontan patients with 16–20-mm conduits. Power loss, pressure gradient and normalized resistance were quantified in rest and during simulated exercise. The cross-sectional area (CSA) (mean and minimum) of the vessels of the TCPC was determined and normalized for flow rate (mm2/l/min). Peak (predicted) oxygen uptake was assessed.

RESULTS

The median age was 16.2 years (Q1–Q3 14.0–18.2). The normalized mean conduit CSA was 35–73% smaller compared to the inferior and superior vena cava, hepatic veins and left/right pulmonary artery (all P < 0.001). The median TCPC pressure gradient was 0.7 mmHg (Q1–Q3 0.5–0.8) and 2.0 (Q1–Q3 1.4–2.6) during rest and simulated exercise, respectively. A moderate–strong inverse non-linear relationship was present between normalized mean conduit CSA and TCPC haemodynamics in rest and exercise. TCPC pressure gradients of ≥1.0 at rest and ≥3.0 mmHg during simulated exercise were observed in patients with a conduit CSA ≤ 45 mm2/l/min and favourable haemodynamics (<1 mmHg during both rest and exercise) in conduits ≥125 mm2/l/min. Normalized TCPC resistance correlated with (predicted) peak oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracardiac conduits of 16–20 mm have become relatively undersized in most adolescent Fontan patients leading to suboptimal haemodynamics.
Masked by the mean: immigrants in school and differential effects on student achievements
Authors: Borgen Solveig T
Published: November 2022

Immigrant inflows to Europe have changed student compositions in and across schools. Despite the strong intuition that peers matter for student outcomes, a comprehensive literature finds nil or moderate effects of immigrant peers. This study explores three reasons for this mismatch. First, it uses quantile regressions to reveal whether estimates on the average of the outcome mask differential effects across the outcome distribution. Second, it estimates the effect of attending schools with different immigrant shares, which is a composite of peer effects and the effects of school traits. Third, it compares the effects on teacher-assigned grades and objective standardized tests to explore whether the effects of immigrant share are influenced by teachers’ grading practices. The results show that high achievers in schools with higher immigrant shares get better grades from their teachers, likely because they are assessed relative to peers with lower academic and socioeconomic levels. However, they show no sign of improved test scores. In contrast, low achievers obtain better test scores when having immigrant peers and this academic improvement is not explained by the general academic and socioeconomic level among peers. The findings demonstrate that effects on the mean outcome mask differential effects across outcome distributions.
Linked generations: child’s transition into unemployment and parents’ mental well-being
Authors: Albertini Marco , Piccitto Giorgio
Published: November 2022

Unemployment has a negative effect on the mental well-being of individuals who experience it. The well-being of the partners and children of these individuals is also negatively affected by this transition. Little is known, however, on the effect of the transition into unemployment on the mental well-being of the parents of unemployed people. This article analyses the association between child’s transition into unemployment and parents’ minor psychiatric morbidity, using the General Health Questionnaire score as a proxy. The effects of the length of the unemployment spell and the specific pathway into unemployment are investigated. Eventually, the moderating role of the national level of unemployment is also explored. Data from the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society are used. The results of the analyses indicate that child’s transition into unemployment has a small, statistically significant, negative effect on mothers’ mental well-being, whereas the effect on fathers’ distress is negligible. The association between mother’s mental well-being and child’s unemployment does not vary by the duration of the unemployment spell, or by the specific path into unemployment (from employment, studentship, or other inactive status). Differently, the negative effect of child’s unemployment on mother’s well-being is larger at higher levels of unemployment at the country level.
U-shaped relationship between apolipoprotein A1 levels and mortality risk in men and women
Authors: Faaborg-Andersen Christian C , Liu Chang , Subramaniyam Veerappan , Desai Shivang R , Sun Yan V , Wilson Peter W F , Sperling Laurence S , Quyyumi Arshed A
Published: November 2022

Background

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) is the principal protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Although low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are known to be associated with greater cardiovascular risk, recent studies have also shown heightened mortality risk at very high HDL-C levels.

Aims

To investigate the sex-specific association between elevated ApoA1 levels and adverse outcomes, and their genetic basis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of United Kingdom Biobank participants without coronary artery disease at enrollment was performed. The primary exposure was serum ApoA1 levels. The primary and secondary outcome measures were cardiovascular and all-cause death, respectively.

Results

In 402 783 participants followed for a median of 12.1 years, there was a U-shaped relationship between ApoA1 levels and both cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality, after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals in the highest decile of ApoA1 levels (1.91–2.50 g/L) demonstrated higher cardiovascular (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.37, P < 0.0022) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07–1.21, P < 0.0001) compared with those within the lowest risk eighth decile (1.67–1.75 g/L). The U-shaped relationship was present in both sexes, though more pronounced in men. Sensitivity analyses showed that cardiovascular mortality rates were higher in those with greater alcohol intake (P < 0.004). Adjustment for polygenic variation associated with higher ApoA1 levels did not attenuate the effect of very high ApoA1 levels on mortality. In the sub-group with very elevated HDL-C levels (> 80 mg/dL in men, > 100 mg/dL in women), there was no association between ApoA1 levels and mortality.

Conclusion

Both very low and very elevated ApoA1 levels are associated with higher cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
Period effects in the risk of labour market marginalization among refugees in Sweden: a register-based cohort study
Authors: Kirchner Stefanie , Amin Ridwanul , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Cullen Alexis E , Gémes Katalin , Helgesson Magnus , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: November 2022

Background

Changes in Swedish national insurance policies over time and/or migration-related health inequalities may influence the risk for labour market marginalization (LMM) in refugees as compared to the Swedish-born host population. This study aimed to investigate potential period effects in the association between refugee status and the risk of LMM and explore any differences by country of birth, age and duration of residence.

Methods

Using national registers, three cohorts including all Swedish residents during 1999, 2004 and 2009 were followed for 4 years (cohort 2000, 2005 and 2010). Cox regression models were used to examine associations between refugee status and LMM defined as long-term unemployment (>180 days annually) and disability pension. The analyses were adjusted for socio-demographic factors, morbidities and labour market-related factors. Stratified analyses were run for age, country of birth and duration of residence.

Results

Across the cohorts, hazard ratios (HRs) were higher for long-term unemployment [2000: HR = 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.96–2.01; 2005: HR = 2.30; 95% CI: 2.27–2.33; 2010: HR = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.75–2.81] for refugees compared to Swedish-born but not for disability pension. HRs for long-term unemployment were highest among refugees aged 25–34 and 35–44 years, from Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq and refugees with a shorter duration of residence.

Conclusions

The risk of long-term unemployment appears to have increased for refugees over time. Particularly some refugee subgroups experienced more difficulties. These findings highlight ongoing disparities for refugees and implicate on a broader scale that changes in policies such as stricter regulations in the insurance or healthcare system might adversely affect them.
The Polo kinase Cdc5 is regulated at multiple levels in the adaptation response to telomere dysfunction
Authors: Coutelier Héloïse , Ilioaia Oana , Le Peillet Jeanne , Hamon Marion , D’Amours Damien , Teixeira Maria Teresa , Xu Zhou
Published: November 2022

Telomere dysfunction activates the DNA damage checkpoint to induce a cell cycle arrest. After an extended period of time, however, cells can bypass the arrest and undergo cell division despite the persistence of the initial damage, a process called adaptation to DNA damage. The Polo kinase Cdc5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential for adaptation and for many other cell cycle processes. How the regulation of Cdc5 in response to telomere dysfunction relates to adaptation is not clear. Here, we report that Cdc5 protein level decreases after telomere dysfunction in a Mec1-, Rad53- and Ndd1-dependent manner. This regulation of Cdc5 is important to maintain long-term cell cycle arrest but not for the initial checkpoint arrest. We find that both Cdc5 and the adaptation-deficient mutant protein Cdc5-ad are heavily phosphorylated and several phosphorylation sites modulate adaptation efficiency. The PP2A phosphatases are involved in Cdc5-ad phosphorylation status and contribute to adaptation mechanisms. We finally propose that Cdc5 orchestrates multiple cell cycle pathways to promote adaptation.
A novel de novo FEM1C variant is linked to neurodevelopmental disorder with absent speech, pyramidal signs and limb ataxia
Authors: Dubey Abhishek Anil , Krygier Magdalena , Szulc Natalia A , Rutkowska Karolina , Kosińska Joanna , Pollak Agnieszka , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Kmieć Tomasz , Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska Maria , Pokrzywa Wojciech , Płoski Rafał
Published: November 2022

The principal component of the protein homeostasis network is the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Ubiquitination is mediated by an enzymatic cascade involving, i.e. E3 ubiquitin ligases, many of which belong to the cullin-RING ligases family. Genetic defects in the ubiquitin-proteasome system components, including cullin-RING ligases, are known causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using exome sequencing to diagnose a pediatric patient with developmental delay, pyramidal signs and limb ataxia, we identified a de novo missense variant c.376G>C; p.(Asp126His) in the FEM1C gene encoding a cullin-RING ligase substrate receptor. This variant alters a conserved amino acid located within a highly constrained coding region and is predicted as pathogenic by most in silico tools. In addition, a de novo FEM1C mutation of the same residue p.(Asp126Val) was associated with an undiagnosed developmental disorder, and the relevant variant (FEM1CAsp126Ala) was found to be functionally compromised in vitro. Our computational analysis showed that FEM1CAsp126His hampers protein substrate binding. To further assess its pathogenicity, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that the FEM-1Asp133His animals (expressing variant homologous to the FEM1C p.(Asp126His)) had normal muscle architecture yet impaired mobility. Mutant worms were sensitive to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb but not levamisole (acetylcholine receptor agonist), showing that their disabled locomotion is caused by synaptic abnormalities and not muscle dysfunction. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence from an animal model suggesting that a mutation in the evolutionarily conserved FEM1C Asp126 position causes a neurodevelopmental disorder in humans.
Multi-decadal changes in the at-sea distribution and abundance of black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatrosses in the southwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sojitra Milan , Woehler Eric J , Lea Mary-Anne , Wotherspoon Simon
Published: November 2022

Many long-term studies have reported changes in seabird abundance and distribution in response to climate change and various anthropogenic activities. However, a greater understanding of how species are responding to change over large spatial and temporal scales are required—particularly at high latitudes such as the Southern Ocean. We examined black-browed Thalassarche melanophris (BBAL) and light-mantled sooty Phoebetria palpebrata albatross (LMSA) observations spanning over 50 years. Both species have a wide-ranging distribution in a rapidly changing Southern Ocean. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to investigate environmental drivers of their abundance and occurrence. Our results show that climate indices, sea surface temperature and sea surface height are the main drivers influencing the distribution and abundance of both species. The abundance of BBAL southeast of Australia was observed to be decreased substantially whereas no significant change was observed in the abundance of LMSA. Both species demonstrated contrasting distributions along their latitudinal gradient with BBAL showing early stages of a southward range shift. Our analyses suggest that responses to climate change are species-specific. These rare, long-term data have provided an understanding of species’ responses to past changes in the marine environment and can provide critical information for future conservation and management.
Midterm performance of decellularized equine pericardium in congenital heart surgery
Authors: Weixler Viktoria H M , Kuschnerus Kira , Romanchenko Olga , Ovroutski Stanislav , Cho Mi-Young , Berger Felix , Sigler Matthias , Sinzobahamvya Nicodème , Photiadis Joachim , Murin Peter
Published: November 2022

Objective

The goal was to report the midterm performance of decellularized equine pericardium used for repair of various congenital heart defects in the paediatric population.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing patch implants between 2016 and 2020 was performed. Patch quality, surgical handling, haemostasis and early patch-related complications were studied in all patients. Midterm performance was observed in patients with ≥12 months follow-up and an intact patch at discharge (without reoperation/stent implant).

Results

A total of 201 patients with a median age of 2.5 years [interquartile range: 0.6-6.5] underwent 207 procedures at 314 implant locations. The patch was used in the following numbers/locations: 171 for pulmonary artery (PA) augmentation, 36 for aortic repair, 35 for septal defect closure, 22 for valvular repair and 50 at other locations. Early/30-day mortality was 6.5%. Early patch-related reoperations/stent implants occurred in 28 locations (8.9%). No patch-related complications were noted except for bleeding in 3 locations (1%). Follow-up for ≥ 12 months was available for 132 patients/200 locations. During a median follow-up of 29.7 months [interquartile range: 20.7-38.3], 53 patch-related reoperations/catheter reinterventions occurred (26.5%), with the majority in the PA position (88.7%, 47/53). Overall 12- and 24-months freedom from patch-related reoperation/catheter reintervention per location was 91.5% (95% confidence interval: 86.7%-94.6%) and 85.2% (95% confidence interval: 78.9%-89.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

Decellularized equine pericardium used for repair of various congenital heart defects showed acceptable midterm performance. The range of reoperation/reintervention rates was similar to those observed with other xenogeneic materials in previously reported articles, occurring most frequently after PA augmentation.
Degeneration of Log Calabi–Yau Pairs via Log Canonical Places
Authors: Chen Guodu , Zhou Chuyu
Published: November 2022

Let $(X,\Delta )$ be a projective log canonical Calabi–Yau pair and $L$ an ample ${\mathbb {Q}}$-line bundle on $X$, we show that there is a correspondence between lc places of $(X,\Delta )$ and weakly special test configurations of $(X,\Delta ; L)$.
Rebel Child Soldiering and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Authors: Faulkner Christopher M , Welsh Blair
Published: November 2022

Why do some rebel groups perpetrate sexual violence in armed conflict while others do not? A growing literature explores factors impacting the occurrence of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). We contribute to this literature, arguing that the composition of rebel groups can provide insight into patterns of sexual violence. We contend rebel groups that use child soldiers, and especially those that rely heavily on coercive child recruitment practices, are more prone to engage in wartime sexual violence than groups who do not recruit minors. While children are rarely the ideal soldier, they have become a crucial resource for many rebel groups. Yet, their recruitment can impact internal group dynamics. Sexual violence can serve as a tool for conditioning children to violence, intragroup cohesion-building, and an instrument for combatting defection. We test this argument with data on 245 rebel groups active in armed conflicts between 1989 and 2011. We supplement the quantitative analyses with an illustrative case study on the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone. Our results suggest groups that recruit child soldiers are more likely to inflict CRSV. This effect is magnified when children are recruited forcibly.
Like, share, and remember: Facebook memorial Pages as social capital resources
Authors: Navon Sarit , Noy Chaim
Published: November 2022

This study focuses on users’ practices involved in creating and maintaining Facebook memorial Pages by adapting the theoretical perspective of the social capital approach. It examines 18 Pages in Israel, which are dedicated to ordinary people who died in nonordinary circumstances. We employ qualitative analysis based on a digital ethnography conducted between 2018 and 2021. Our findings show how memorial Pages serve as social capital resources for admin users. Admins negotiate Facebook affordances when creating, designing, and maintaining such Pages. They discursively position the deceased as a respectable public figure worth remembering and their followers, who are otherwise strangers, as vital partners in this process. The resources followers provide range from economic capital and practical support to solidarity and emotional support. Finally, we point at the perceived connection users make between visible/measurable online engagement (Like, Share, Follow), and cognitive or emotive implications—public memory, recognition, and esteem.
Postmortem 7T MRI for guided histopathology and evaluation of cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Lahna David , Roese Natalie , Woltjer Randy , Boespflug Erin L , Schwartz Daniel , Grinstead John , Dodge Hiroko H , Wall Rachel , Kaye Jeffrey A , Rooney William D , Silbert Lisa C
Published: November 2022

Postmortem (PM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can serve as a bridge between in vivo imaging and histology by connecting MRI observed macrostructural findings to histological staining and microstructural changes. Data were acquired from 20 formalin-fixed brains including T2, T1, PD, and T2*-weighted images of left hemispheres and 6-mm-thick coronal slices. Tissue slices were bisected, aligned to MR images and used to guide histological sampling. Markers of myelin and oligodendroglia alterations were semiquantitatively rated and compared within white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and normal-appearing white matter. Tissue priors were created from 3T in vivo data and used to guide segmentation of WMH. PM WMH and hemisphere volumes were compared to volumes derived from in vivo data. PM T2 WMH and T1 hemisphere volumes were correlated with in vivo 3T FLAIR WMH and T1 hemisphere volumes. WMH showed significant myelin loss, decreased GFAP expression and increased vimentin expression. MR-visible perivascular spaces and cortical microvascular lesions were successfully captured on histopathological sections. PM MRI can quantify cerebrovascular disease burden and guide tissue sampling, allowing for more comprehensive characterization of cerebrovascular disease that may be used to study etiologies of age-related cognitive change.
Stroh formalism for various types of materials and deformations
Authors: Hwu Chyanbin , Becker Wilfried
Published: November 2022

The Stroh formalism is a complex variable formulation developed originally for solving the problems of two-dimensional linear anisotropic elasticity. By separation of the third variable for the linear variation of displacements along the thickness direction, it was proved to be applicable for the problems with coupled stretching-bending deformation. By the Radon transform which maps a three-dimensional solid to a two-dimensional plane, it can be applied to the three-dimensional deformation. By the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle, it is also valid for the viscoelastic materials in the Laplace domain. By expansion of the matrix dimension, it can be generalized to the coupled-field materials such as piezoelectric, piezomagnetic and magneto-electro-elastic materials. By introducing a small perturbation on the material constants, it can also be applied to the degenerate materials such as isotropic materials. Thus, in this paper, the Stroh formalism for several different types of materials (anisotropic elastic, piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, magneto-electro-elastic, viscoelastic) and deformations (two-dimensional, coupled stretching-bending, three-dimensional) are organized together and presented in the same mathematical form.
Effectiveness and use of avalanche airbags in mortality reduction among winter-recreationists
Authors: Di Stefano Lucia Laura , Della Libera Bianca , Rodi Paolo
Published: November 2022

Background/objective

The number of backcountry skiers and snowboarder surged in the last years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as ski resorts shut down. Inevitably, this led to an increase in avalanche-related injuries and death. As avalanche rescue device, avalanche airbags are increasingly becoming part of the standard winter mountaineering equipment. This study provides a review of the available data and an updated perspective on avalanche airbags, discussing their function and efficacy to reduce mortality and their limitations.

Results

Causes of death in individuals caught by avalanches are multiple. Airbags seem to reduce mortality by decreasing the chances of critical burial, the most determining risk factor. However, there is a scarcity of reliable scientific research on the topic, and the way in which airbags reduce mortality and to what extent is still debated. Several elements seem to influence airbags efficacy, and their use still yields several limitations linked to manufacturing, proper use, users education and risk compensation.

Conclusions

Avalanche airbags seem to be an important tool in reducing mortality in the backcountry expeditions. However, more research and standardized data collection are needed to fill the knowledge gap, and mountain communities should promote adequate education of winter-recreationists on how to prevent and react to an avalanche and on the correct use of airbags in combination with already available tools such as transceivers, probes and shovels; and manufacturing companies should ensure higher efficacy of the survival avalanche equipment for better prevention of burial, asphyxia and trauma.
Drought response in Arabidopsis displays synergistic coordination between stems and leaves
Authors: Thonglim Ajaree , Bortolami Giovanni , Delzon Sylvain , Larter Maximilian , Offringa Remko , Keurentjes Joost J B , Smets Erik , Balazadeh Salma , Lens Frederic
Published: November 2022

The synergy between drought-responsive traits across different organs is crucial in the whole-plant mechanism influencing drought resilience. These organ interactions, however, are poorly understood, limiting our understanding of drought response strategies at the whole-plant level. Therefore, we need more integrative studies, especially on herbaceous species that represent many important food crops but remain underexplored in their drought response. We investigated inflorescence stems and rosette leaves of six Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance, and combined anatomical observations with hydraulic measurements and gene expression studies to assess differences in drought response. The soc1ful double mutant was the most drought-tolerant genotype based on its synergistic combination of low stomatal conductance, largest stomatal safety margin, more stable leaf water potential during non-watering, reduced transcript levels of drought stress marker genes, and reduced loss of chlorophyll content in leaves, in combination with stems showing the highest embolism resistance, most pronounced lignification, and thickest intervessel pit membranes. In contrast, the most sensitive Cvi ecotype shows the opposite extreme of the same set of traits. The remaining four genotypes show variations in this drought syndrome. Our results reveal that anatomical, ecophysiological, and molecular adaptations across organs are intertwined, and multiple (differentially combined) strategies can be applied to acquire a certain level of drought tolerance.
Self-consistent nanoflare heating in model active regions: MHD avalanches
Authors: Reid J , Threlfall J , Hood A W
Published: November 2022

Straightened cylindrical models of coronal loops have been standard for decades, and shown to support nanoflare-like heating, but the influence of geometric curvature in models upon the heating produced has not been discussed in depth. Heating, its spatiotemporal distributions, and the associated mechanisms responsible are discussed, and compared with those from straightened models of a coronal loop. Previously, magnetohydrodynamic avalanches have been generalized to curved loops, and shown to be viable. From that study, the associated heating is analysed and discussed in depth. Heating is seen to arise from processes originally instigated, yet not dominated, by magnetic reconnection, producing bursty, aperiodic nanoflares, dispersed evenly throughout the corona, but with a modest bias away from footpoints. One novelty arising is the simultaneous yet independent occurrence of nanoflare-like events at disjoint sites along individual strands, anticipating some features recently seen in ‘campfires’ by Solar Orbiter. With a view to future refinements in the model and to the inclusion of additional physical effects, the implications of this analysis are discussed.
Assessment of the distribution of Ruditapes spp. in northern Mediterranean sites using morphological and genetic data
Authors: Mahé Mathilde , Aurelle Didier , Poggiale Jean Christophe , Mayot Nicolas
Published: November 2022

In the 1970s, Ruditapes philippinarum was introduced to France at Arcachon Bay for aquaculture. At present, in Europe, R. philippinarum is often found in place of the native species Ruditapes decussatus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of these two species along the northern Mediterranean coastline using morphological and morphometric analysis. The sampling period was between June and December 2018. Among the 11 French sites, only 2 contained R. philippinarum, whereas only the indigenous species was present at the other sites. Genetic analyses were used to confirm species identity and to confirm this distribution. A site in Italy, Pialassa Baiona, was also added to the sample. This analysis of Ruditapes from multiple French sites and one Italian site highlights species-level differences in shell morphology between R. decussatus and R. philippinarum. The intraspecific morphometric analysis showed the presence of different groups depending on spatial scales (i.e. at the large scale, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, and on the small scale, that is within the Berre lagoon in France. No relationship between morphometric and genetic variation was found. This suggests that the differences in the shell shape of Ruditapes are driven by local environmental conditions.
Routine Donor and Recipient Screening for Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma Species in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Vijayvargiya Prakhar , Esquer Garrigos Zerelda , Kennedy Cassie C , Daly Richard C , Wylam Mark E , Patel Robin , Beam Elena
Published: November 2022

Background

Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum may cause post-transplant infections in lung transplant recipients. We evaluated routine pretransplant screening for these Mollicutes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of lung transplant recipients at our tri-site institution from 01/01/2015 to 11/15/2019. M. hominis and/or Ureaplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on pretransplant recipient urine specimens and donor bronchial swabs at the time of transplantation. Development of Mollicute infection and hyperammonemia syndrome (HS) was recorded.

Results

A total of 268 patients underwent lung transplantation during the study period, of whom 105 were screened with at least 1 Mollicute PCR. Twelve (11%) screened positive; 10 donors, 1 recipient, and 1 both. Among positive donors, 3 were positive for M. hominis, 5 for U. urealyticum, and 4 for U. parvum. Preemptive therapy included doxycycline, levofloxacin, and/or azithromycin administered for 1–12 weeks. Despite therapy, 1 case of M. hominis mediastinitis and 1 case of HS associated with Ureaplasma infection occurred, both donor-derived. Of those screened before transplant, cases with positive screening were more likely (P < 0.05) to develop Mollicute infection despite treatment (2/12, 17%) than those who screened negative (1/93, 1%).

Conclusions

Pretransplant recipient urine screening had a low yield and was not correlated with post-transplant Mollicute infection, likely because most M. hominis and U. parvum/urealyticum infections in lung transplant recipients are donor-derived. Routine donor bronchus swab PCR for M. hominis, U. urealyticum, and U. parvum followed by preemptive therapy did not obviously impact the overall incidence of Mollicute infection or HS in this cohort.
A Systematic Review of Decision Aids in Hematologic Malignancies: What Are Currently Available and What Are We Missing?
Authors: Zhao Janice , Abdallah Maya , Sanapala Chandrika , Watson Erin , LoCastro Marissa , Castillo Daniel A , Richardson Daniel , LeBlanc Thomas W , Loh Kah Poh
Published: November 2022

Background

Patient decision aids (PDAs) are tools designed to facilitate decision-making. In this systematic review, we summarized existing studies on the development and evaluation of PDAs for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Patients and Methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched for articles in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included studies, abstracts, and clinical trial protocols available in English involving PDAs for patients age ≥18 diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy and/or their caregivers. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 5281 titles/abstracts screened, 15 were included: 1 protocol, 7 abstracts, and 7 full-texts. Six were PDA developmental studies, 6 were pilot studies, and 3 were randomized trials. PDA formats included electronic with web content, videos, and/or audio, questionnaires, bedside instruments, and a combination of various formats. Average participant age ranged from 36.0 to 62.4 years. Patients and caregivers identified efficacy, adverse effects, cost, and quality of life as important decision-making factors. PDAs were associated with increased knowledge and patient satisfaction as well as decreased decisional conflict and attitudinal barriers. Research on PDAs for adult patients with hematologic malignancies and their caregivers is limited. Among the studies, PDAs appear to support patients in shared decision-making.

Conclusion

While current literature examining the use of PDAs for adults with hematologic malignancies is limited, the positive impact of PDAs on shared decision-making and patient outcomes warrants additional research in this field.
Structural insight into the activation of an Arabidopsis organellar C-to-U RNA editing enzyme by active site complementation
Authors: Toma-Fukai Sachiko , Sawada Yuto , Maeda Ayako , Shimizu Hikaru , Shikanai Toshiharu , Takenaka Mizuki , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: November 2022

RNA-binding pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins catalyze hundreds of cytidine to uridine RNA editing events in plant organelles; these editing events are essential for proper gene expression. More than half of the PPR-type RNA editing factors, however, lack the DYW cytidine deaminase domain. Genetic analyses have suggested that their cytidine deaminase activity arises by association with a family of DYW1-like proteins that contain an N-terminally truncated DYW domain, but their molecular mechanism has been unclear. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Arabidopsis thaliana DYW1 deaminase domain at 1.8 Å resolution. DYW1 has a cytidine deaminase fold lacking the PG box. The internal insertion within the deaminase fold shows an α-helical fold instead of the β-finger reported for the gating domain of the A. thaliana ORGANELLE TRANSCRIPT PROCESSING 86. The substrate-binding pocket is incompletely formed and appears to be complemented in the complex by the E2 domain and the PG box of the interacting PPR protein. In vivo RNA editing assays corroborate the activation model for DYW1 deaminase. Our study demonstrates the common activation mechanism of the DYW1-like proteins by molecular complementation of the DYW domain and reconstitution of the substrate-binding pocket.
Differences in healthy lifestyle habits in university students as a function of academic area
Authors: García-Pérez Laura , Villodres Gracia Cristina , Muros José Joaquín
Published: November 2022

Background

It is known that the promotion and acquisition of healthy attitudes is a key factor depending on the academic training provided by the university studies on which students are enrolled.The aim of the present research is to analyse and compare lifestyle habits and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as a function of academic training.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with a volunteer convenience sample of 707 undergraduate participants aged (21.98 ± 3.50 years). Students were divided into four different groups according to their area of academic training. Socio-demographic variables, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA) engagement and HRQoL were recorded.

Results

PA and sport science students reported better scores in PA (6342.39 ± 2313.99 metabolic equivalents [METs]; P = 0.000), MD adherence (6.33 ± 2.69; P = 0.000) and HRQoL in physical and mental health (MH; 54.85 ± 9.18; 53.70 ± 13.6; P = 0.000). In contrast, non-health-related sciences (NHRS) students reported the lowest scores on assessed items. Students with a medium/high monthly salary reported better MD adherence (6.16 ± 3.07; P = 0.012). In addition, females reported better scores (6.41 ± 2.65; P = 0.000) than males. Further, males indicated better perceptions of MH (46.52 ± 18.84; P = 0.014). Moreover, university students with a high level of MD adherence were revealed to engage in more PA (5181.17 ± 2813.35 METs; P = 0.000) and have better HRQoL with regards to both physical (54.76 ± 8.84; P = 0.000) and MH (48.11 ± 16.73; P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Outcomes point to differences in MD adherence, PA and HRQoL according to academic training. NHRS students who did not know healthy habits reported lower scores for all studied items. This indicates the need for health interventions at universities.
Risk-Taking and Asymmetric Learning in Boom and Bust Markets
Authors: Kieren Pascal , Müller-Dethard Jan , Weber Martin
Published: November 2022

An increasing number of studies depart from the rational expectations assumption to reconcile survey expectations with asset prices. While surveys are helpful to establish a link between subjective beliefs and investment decisions, precise inference about how investors depart from rational expectations can be challenging without relying on strong assumptions. In this article, we provide direct experimental evidence of how systematic distortions in investors’ expectations affect their risk-taking across market cycles. As mechanism, we identify an asymmetry in how individuals update their expectations across boom and bust markets. The documented mechanism is consistent with survey data and provides important implications for recently proposed asset pricing models.
Doing Intimacy in Pandemic Times: Findings of a Large-Scale Survey Among Singles in Japan
Authors: KOTTMANN Nora , DALES Laura
Published: November 2022

Singles—here understood as unmarried or never married individuals—are a growing subset of the Japanese population that has not received discrete attention in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article addresses the ways in which the pandemic and its associated interventions—calls for social distancing, self-restraint, or the avoidance of the ‘3Cs’—affect singles’ (non)familial personal relationships and practices of intimacy (platonic and romantic), as well as perceptions of singlehood and ‘solo activities’ (sorokatsu). Based on exploratory analyses of data from an original cross-sectional online survey conducted in early 2021 (n = 4.000; unmarried residents of Japan aged 25–49 years), we show that while practices of intimacy are changing throughout the pandemic, the changes are less dramatic than we anticipated. In addition, changes are highly gendered and seem to support contemporary media and public discourse on how individuals are managing COVID-life and its concomitant uncertainties. We see two diachronic developments: an increase in social isolation and distress on the one hand, and an increase in acceptance of being single and doing ‘solo activities’ on the other. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the ways that singlehood, marital status, and extra-familial relationships are shaped, and shape the experiences of this pandemic.
Global Spread Dynamics and Intrinsic Evolutionary Dynamics of Apple Chlorotic Leaf Spot Virus Whole-Genome Sequences over the Last 30 Years
Authors: Sang Haiyang , Ren Caixia , Chen Niu , Xiang Benchun , Zheng Yinying
Published: November 2022

Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV; genus Trichovirus) is an economically important virus. Approximately 101 ACLSV whole-genome sequences were obtained from NCBI and used to explore the evolutionary dynamics of ACLSV. The time to the most recent common ancestor of ACLSV based on BEAST analysis appeared on an apple host from Canada in 1918 and then spread around the world in three ways concurrent with host spread. The maximum clade credibility tree of ACLSV shows that the mean evolution rate was 4.92 × 10−4 substitutions per site per year (subs/site/year), and we found that, during host evolution, the rate of evolution was mostly 2.31 × 10−4 to 2.72 × 10−4 subs/site/year. The rate of geographic evolution was 5.51 × 10−4 to 6.17 × 10−4 subs/site/year. To further explore the intrinsic changes in ACLSV during the process of geographic and host spread, we explored the secondary structural changes of the ACLSV coat protein (CP), which were mainly concentrated in four regions—20 to 40, 70 to 90, 120 to 140, and 180 to 193—which are related to the presence or absence and change in length of the β-turn, β strand, coil, and α helix, respectively. We then explored the codon usage preference within the CP across the migration pathways of ACLSV. These comprehensive analyses not only reveal the changes in ACLSV in the last 30 years but also further elucidate the intrinsic evolutionary dynamics of ACLSV. This is also the first report on the intrinsic evolutionary dynamics of ACLSV.
Cardiac surgery, ICU sedation, and delirium: is dexmedetomidine the silver bullet?
Authors: Smith Wendy , Whitlock Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Delirium is a marker of acute brain insufficiency and a harbinger of poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Despite success preventing delirium by nonpharmacologic measures, the incidence in the postcardiac surgical ICU population remains high. Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2 agonist, is a plausible preventive agent with sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, sympatholytic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is the subject of very active study in cardiac surgery populations.

Recent findings

Recent trials, including DEXACET (2019), DECADE (2020), LOWDEXDEL (2021), and DIRECT (2022) individually, failed to show a benefit for dexmedetomidine and highlighted associated risks. Meta-analyses have offered conflicting results, highlighting the complexity of delirium, and likely interaction of multiple etiological pathways; those that concluded benefit often were driven by trials at high risk of bias. Meta-analyses excluding biased trials currently suggest no benefit for dexmedetomidine over control in unselected cardiac surgical populations.

Although using dexmedetomidine to prevent delirium in unselected cardiac surgical patients is not supported by current evidence, there remains hope that it may offer benefits in highly selected populations, and further trials are ongoing.
Distress Tolerance in the Comorbid Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Population
Authors: Wilson Sarah C. , Shaffer Jonathan A. , Wachholtz Amy B.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The risk of opioid addiction among people with chronic pain is elevated in those using opioids to self-medicate physical or emotional pain or distress. The purpose of this study is to test the main effect of distress tolerance (DT) on opioid use disorder (OUD) status in people with chronic pain, and the potential moderating effect of DT in the relationship between known addiction risk factors and the development of OUD.

Methods

One hundred twenty people with chronic pain were recruited to 1 of 3 groups according to their opioid use status (ie, current methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone for OUD [n = 60], history of OUD but current prolonged opioid abstinence [n = 30, meanabstinence = 121 weeks, SD = 23.3], and opioid naive [n = 30]). Participants completed self-report measures and a cold pressor task. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to test if DT associated with OUD status in people with chronic pain and to compare DT to other known indicators of OUD risk. Multinomial linear regression analyses were used to test the moderation effects of DT on the relationship between various risk factors and OUD in people with chronic pain.

Results

Analyses revealed that DT was significantly related to OUD status but did not moderate the effects of most OUD risk factors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that decreasing distress (eg, pain levels, craving responses, etc) may be more effective than improving tolerance to distress for the comorbid chronic pain and OUD population.
Conversion of Symptomatic Ankle Arthrodesis Nonunion to Total Ankle Arthroplasty Using Patient-specific Instrumentation and Computer-assisted Surgery Guides: A Case Report
Authors: Iturregui Jose M. , Haupt Edward T.
Published: November 2022

A 69-year-old woman developed a painful ankle fusion nonunion and underwent conversion to a total ankle replacement. Preoperative navigation was performed using a computed tomography scan and computer modeling system to develop patient-specific instrumentation and surgery guides. We described the navigation process of a fixed-bearing, computer-guided total ankle implant when performing an ankle arthrodesis takedown due to symptomatic nonunion and converting to a total ankle arthroplasty. The use of this technology is relatively new, and, in this case, preoperative navigation allowed for precise implant planning while accounting for the osseous deformities from previous implants, which already fixated the ankle joint.

Level of Evidence: Level IV.