bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for chemo- photodynamic combination cancer therapy
Authors: Zhu Liuying , Zhang Weiwei , Song Ping , Li Wanzhen , Chen Xiaolu , Ge Fei , Gui Lin , Yang Kai , Tao Yugui , Guocheng Du
Published: April 2022

Traditional chemotherapy remains the primary cancer treatment, but it shows low enrichment and non-specificity. Hence, we have designed a multifunctional nanocarrier based on glutathione (GSH)-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Firstly, disulfide bonds were linked on the surface of mesoporous silica. Then, doxorubicin (DOX) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) were co-loaded into the pores. Finally, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) coated the nanoparticles to obtain the DOX/Ce6@MSN-SS-CMCS (DOX/Ce6@MSC) nanocarrier. The synthesized DOX/Ce6@MSC showed good monodispersity, dimensional stability, and consistent spectral characteristics. DOX/Ce6@MSC could effectively enter cancer cells and successfully deliver drugs. Under 660 nm laser irradiation, DOX/Ce6@MSC exhibited an effective photodynamic therapy effect that resists MCF-7 cells by triggering reactive oxygen species production. Thereby, it could efficiently inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell death. Anticancer analysis of tumor-bearing mice demonstrates that the DOX/Ce6@MSC combination treatment induced cell apoptosis effectively and showed an excellent antitumor effect in vivo. Therefore, DOX/Ce6@MSC nano-drug delivery system could be an effective strategy in cancer treatment.
A problem on distance matrices of subsets of the Hamming cube
Authors: Doust Ian , Wolf Reinhard
Published: April 2022

Let

D
D

denote the distance matrix for an

n
+
1

n+1

point metric space

(
X
,
d
)

(X,d)

. In the case that

X
X

is an unweighted metric tree, the sum of the entries in

D

−
1

D^{-1}

is always equal to

2

/

n

2/n

. Such trees can be considered as affinely independent subsets of the Hamming cube

H
n

H_n

, and it was conjectured that the value

2

/

n

2/n

was minimal among all such subsets. In this paper we confirm this conjecture and give a geometric interpretation of our result which applies to any subset of

H
n

H_n

.
scGraph: a graph neural network-based approach to automatically identify cell types
Authors: Yin Qijin , Liu Qiao , Fu Zhuoran , Zeng Wanwen , Zhang Boheng , Zhang Xuegong , Jiang Rui , Lv Hairong
Published: April 2022

Motivation

Single-cell technologies play a crucial role in revolutionizing biological research over the past decade, which strengthens our understanding in cell differentiation, development and regulation from a single-cell level perspective. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is one of the most common single cell technologies, which enables probing transcriptional states in thousands of cells in one experiment. Identification of cell types from scRNA-seq measurements is a fundamental and crucial question to answer. Most previous studies directly take gene expression as input while ignoring the comprehensive gene–gene interactions.

Results

We propose scGraph, an automatic cell identification algorithm leveraging gene interaction relationships to enhance the performance of the cell-type identification. scGraph is based on a graph neural network to aggregate the information of interacting genes. In a series of experiments, we demonstrate that scGraph is accurate and outperforms eight comparison methods in the task of cell-type identification. Moreover, scGraph automatically learns the gene interaction relationships from biological data and the pathway enrichment analysis shows consistent findings with previous analysis, providing insights on the analysis of regulatory mechanism.

Availability and implementation

scGraph is freely available at https://github.com/QijinYin/scGraph and https://figshare.com/articles/software/scGraph/17157743.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interventions targeting postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials and narrative discussion
Authors: Duff Ann-Marie , Lambe Gerard , Donlon Noel E , Donohoe Claire L , Brady Anne-Marie , Reynolds John V
Published: April 2022

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) represent the most common complications after esophageal cancer surgery. The lack of a uniform reporting nomenclature and a severity classification has hampered consistency of research in this area, including the study of interventions targeting prevention and treatment of PPCs. This systematic review focused on RCTs of clinical interventions used to minimize the impact of PPCs. Searches were conducted up to 08/02/2021 on MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and the COCHRANE library for RCTs and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 339 citations, with a pooled dataset of 1,369 patients and 14 RCTs, were included. Heterogeneity of study design and outcomes prevented meta-analysis. PPCs are multi-faceted and not fully understood with respect to etiology. The review highlights the paucity of high-quality evidence for best practice in the management of PPCs. Further research in the area of intraoperative interventions and early postoperative ERAS standards is required. A consistent uniform for definition of pneumonia after esophagectomy and the development of a severity scale appears warranted to inform further RCTs and guidelines.
An unexpected guest: a green microalga associated with the arsenic-tolerant shrub Acacia farnesiana
Authors: Alcántara-Martínez Nemi , Figueroa-Martínez Francisco , Rivera-Cabrera Fernando , Volke-Sepúlveda Tania
Published: April 2022

The best-known plant endophytes include mainly fungi and bacteria, but there are also a few records of microalgae growing endophytically in vascular land plants, some of which belong to the genus Coccomyxa. In this study, we isolated a single-celled photosynthetic microorganism from the arsenic-tolerant shrub Acacia farnesiana, thus we hypothesized that it is an endophytic arsenic-tolerant microalga. The microorganism was identified as belonging to the genus Coccomyxa, and the observation of algal cells within the root tissues strongly suggests its endophytic nature. The alga's tolerance to arsenate (AsV) and its influence on the fitness of A. farnesiana in the presence of AsV were evaluated. Coccomyxa sp. can tolerate up to 2000 µM of AsV for periods shorter than 10 days, however, AsV-tolerance decreased significantly in longer exposure periods. The association with the microalga increased the pigment content in aboveground tissues of A. farnesiana seedlings exposed to AsV for 50 days, without changes in plant growth or arsenic accumulation. This work describes the association, probably endophytic, between an angiosperm and a microalga, confirming the ability of the genus Coccomyxa to form associations with land plants and broadening the known variety of plant endophytes.
Three-year follow-up of a multi-component community-driven health promotion intervention in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Amalie Krogh , Toft Ulla , Bloch Paul
Published: April 2022

The article presents a follow-up study of a multi-component community-driven health promotion intervention in Denmark. The study examines the perceptions and actions of professional stakeholders 3 years after completion of a 19 months intervention period addressing healthy living, well-being and social engagement among families with young children living in three rural communities on the Danish island of Bornholm. The intervention was implemented within the framework of Project Health and Local Community, also referred to as Project SoL. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with diverse professional stakeholders of the project. They represented local government, public institutions, private enterprises, civil society organizations and local mass media. The interviews addressed the extent to which the project had sustained its influence on professional stakeholders’ perceptions and actions following project completion. Efforts were made to understand if persisting influences were value-based and/or manifested as concrete community-driven actions. The study showed that the project had succeeded in sustaining a positive long-term post-intervention influence among informants regarding the values and principles of the project. Despite their sustained motivation and preparedness to continue implementing coordinated community-driven actions this was severely hampered by lack of coordination after project completion. Instead, some of the stakeholders continued developing and implementing actions based on the values and principles of the project within the framework of their own professional networks. The article discusses the structural factors that are required to sustain complex community-driven interventions and the need to reconsider the nature of external support to community development from being project-based to integrated, strategic and long term.
Cavopulmonary support with a modified cannulation technique in a failing Fontan patient
Authors: Michel Sebastian G , Menon Ares K , Haas Nikolaus A , Hörer Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Failing Fontan patients present a unique challenge for mechanical circulatory support. We report on a 17-year-old patient with Fontan failure and preserved ventricular function who underwent mechanical cavopulmonary support using a novel cannulation technique.
Changes in haemodynamics during single lung transplantation under venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Oishi Hisashi , Matsuda Yasushi , Ejima Yutaka , Toyama Hiroaki , Hirama Takashi , Watanabe Tatsuaki , Watanabe Yui , Niikawa Hiromichi , Noda Masafumi , Okada Yoshinori
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use on the haemodynamics during single lung transplantation (SLT) and postoperative course.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients who underwent SLT for end-stage lung diseases in our lung transplant centre between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. The recipients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of intraoperative ECMO. No type of ECMO was intra-operatively used in the patients of the no use of ECMO (NO ECMO) group. The patients in the venoarterial (VA) and VV ECMO groups were put on VA and VV ECMO during the surgery, respectively. The data were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

There were 13 SLT cases in the NO ECMO group, 23 SLT cases in the VA ECMO group and 11 SLT cases in the VV ECMO group. Re-exploration for bleeding was performed in 3 (13.0%) recipients in the VA ECMO group. No recipients required re-exploration in the other groups. In the NO ECMO group, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was significantly elevated during the main pulmonary artery clamp on the SLT side and it was decreased in the VA ECMO group because of the bypass flow. Interestingly, systolic PAP was significantly decreased in the VV ECMO group as well.

CONCLUSIONS

VV ECMO decreases the PAP during SLT, which could be a choice for extracorporeal life support during lung transplant surgery for patients, even those with pulmonary hypertension.
Attachment Style and Burn Pain
Authors: Nyland Jennifer E , Escolas Hollie D , Archuleta Debra , Aden James K , Escolas Sandra M
Published: April 2022

Pain management is a challenge when treating patients with burn injuries. Understanding the behavioral and interpersonal aspects of the experience of burn pain may aid in its management. Attachment style—which influences how an individual relates to other people—is one aspect that may affect the experience of burn pain. Past research has shown a relationship between an individual’s attachment style and certain types of pain and disorders. The study builds upon that past work to investigate specifically how attachment style affects the experience of acute burn pain. Participants were at least 18 years old and admitted to an American Burn Association verified burn center with burns encompassing 30% or less TBSA. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and a standardized measure of adult attachment style. Data regarding use of analgesics, daily pain scores, and burn-related information were collected through medical chart review. Participants who reported a secure attachment style required less pain medication and reported less pain compared with participants who reported an insecure attachment style. There was no difference in burn-related variables between participants with secure and insecure attachment styles, suggesting that these differences were not due to burn-related factors. Attachment, therefore, may play a role in an individual’s perception of acute burn pain, which impacts analgesic requirements needed to manage the pain. These results have potential implications for the use of psychosocial interventions to reduce the experience of pain and the amount of pain medication needed to manage acute burn pain.
Landscape Genomics to Enable Conservation Actions: The California Conservation Genomics Project
Authors: Shaffer H Bradley , Toffelmier Erin , Corbett-Detig Russ B , Escalona Merly , Erickson Bjorn , Fiedler Peggy , Gold Mark , Harrigan Ryan J , Hodges Scott , Luckau Tara K , Miller Courtney , Oliveira Daniel R , Shaffer Kevin E , Shapiro Beth , Sork Victoria L , Wang Ian J
Published: April 2022

The California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP) is a unique, critically important step forward in the use of comprehensive landscape genetic data to modernize natural resource management at a regional scale. We describe the CCGP, including all aspects of project administration, data collection, current progress, and future challenges. The CCGP will generate, analyze, and curate a single high-quality reference genome and 100–150 resequenced genomes for each of 153 species projects (representing 235 individual species) that span the ecological and phylogenetic breadth of California’s marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. The resulting portfolio of roughly 20 000 resequenced genomes will be analyzed with identical informatic and landscape genomic pipelines, providing a comprehensive overview of hotspots of within-species genomic diversity, potential and realized corridors connecting these hotspots, regions of reduced diversity requiring genetic rescue, and the distribution of variation critical for rapid climate adaptation. After 2 years of concerted effort, full funding ($12M USD) has been secured, species identified, and funds distributed to 68 laboratories and 114 investigators drawn from all 10 University of California campuses. The remaining phases of the CCGP include completion of data collection and analyses, and delivery of the resulting genomic data and inferences to state and federal regulatory agencies to help stabilize species declines. The aspirational goals of the CCGP are to identify geographic regions that are critical to long-term preservation of California biodiversity, prioritize those regions based on defensible genomic criteria, and provide foundational knowledge that informs management strategies at both the individual species and ecosystem levels.
Role of resection for extrahepatopulmonary metastases of colon cancer
Authors: Mishina Takuya , Uehara Kay , Ogura Atsushi , Murata Yuki , Aiba Toshisada , Mizuno Takashi , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Ebata Tomoki
Published: April 2022

Background

Although surgical resection for liver or lung metastases of colorectal cancer has been widely accepted, the use of this approach for extrahepatopulmonary metastases remains debatable due to the systemic nature of the disease. The aim of this study was to clarify the utility of resection along with perioperative chemotherapy for patients with extrahepatopulmonary metastases of colon cancer.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-arm study at a single institution. Forty-two patients with resectable extrahepatopulmonary metastases who underwent metastasectomy with curative intent between 2009 and 2018 at Nagoya University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes measured were overall and relapse-free survival.

Results

The most common metastatic site was the peritoneum (n = 31), followed by the distant lymph nodes (n = 10), ovary (n = 1) and spleen (n = 1), with overlaps. Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapies were administered to 22 and 8 patients, respectively; the remaining 14 patients received surgery alone. R0 resection was achieved in 36 patients (85.7%). The 5-year overall survival and 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 58.6% and 33.8%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, R1 resection was associated with a poor relapse-free survival rate (P = 0.02). In the multivariate analysis, the absence of perioperative chemotherapy was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival rates (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Surgical resection benefited selected patients with extrahepatopulmonary metastases with favorable long-term survival outcomes. Surgery alone without systemic chemotherapy is likely to bring poor outcome; therefore, preoperative induction might be promising to keep up with chemotherapy.
Liverwort oil bodies: diversity, biochemistry, and molecular cell biology of the earliest secretory structure of land plants
Authors: Romani Facundo , Flores Jorge R , Tolopka Juan Ignacio , Suárez Guillermo , He Xiaolan , Moreno Javier E
Published: April 2022

Liverworts are known for their large chemical diversity. Much of this diversity is synthesized and enclosed within oil bodies (OBs), a synapomorphy of the lineage. OBs contain the enzymes to biosynthesize and store large quantities of sesquiterpenoids and other compounds while limiting their cytotoxicity. Recent important biochemical and molecular discoveries related to OB formation, diversity, and biochemistry allow comparison with other secretory structures of land plants from an evo-devo perspective. This review addresses and discusses the most recent advances in OB origin, development, and function towards understanding the importance of these organelles in liverwort physiology and adaptation to changing environments. Our mapping of OB types and chemical compounds to the current liverwort phylogeny suggests that OBs were present in the most recent common ancestor of liverworts, supporting that OBs evolved as the first secretory structures in land plants. Yet, we require better sampling to define the macroevolutionary pattern governing the ancestral type of OB. We conclude that current efforts to find molecular mechanisms responsible for the morphological and chemical diversity of secretory structures will help understand the evolution of each major group of land plants, and open new avenues in biochemical research on bioactive compounds in bryophytes and vascular plants.
A single substitution inVacuolar protein sorting 4is responsible for resistance toWatermelon mosaic virusin melon
Authors: Agaoua Aimeric , Rittener Vincent , Troadec Christelle , Desbiez Cécile , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Moquet Frédéric , Dogimont Catherine
Published: April 2022

In plants, introgression of genetic resistance is a proven strategy for developing new resistant lines. While host proteins involved in genome replication and cell to cell movement are widely studied, other cell mechanisms responsible for virus infection remain under investigated. Endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) play a key role in membrane trafficking in plants and are involved in the replication of several plant RNA viruses. In this work, we describe the role of the ESCRT protein CmVPS4 as a new susceptibility factor to the Potyvirus Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) in melon. Using a worldwide collection of melons, we identified three different alleles carrying non-synonymous substitutions in CmVps4. Two of these alleles were shown to be associated with WMV resistance. Using a complementation approach, we demonstrated that resistance is due to a single non-synonymous substitution in the allele CmVps4P30R. This work opens up new avenues of research on a new family of host factors required for virus infection and new targets for resistance.
Effect of environmental signals on growth and development in mosses
Authors: Mohanasundaram Boominathan , Pandey Sona
Published: April 2022

Plants perceive a multitude of environmental signals and stresses, and integrate their response to them in ways that culminate in modified phenotypes, optimized for plant survival. This ability of plants, known as phenotypic plasticity, is found throughout evolution, in all plant lineages. For any given environment, the specifics of the response to a particular signal may vary depending on the plants’ unique physiology and ecological niche. The bryophyte lineage, including mosses, which diverged from the vascular plants ~450–430 million years ago, represent a unique ecological and phylogenetic group in plant evolution. Several aspects of the moss life cycle, their morphology including the presence of specialized tissue types and distinct anatomical features, gene repertoires and networks, as well as the habitat differ significantly from those of vascular plants. To evaluate the outcomes of these differences, we explore the phenotypic responses of mosses to environmental signals such as light, temperature, CO2, water, nutrients, and gravity, and compare those with what is known in vascular plants. We also outline knowledge gaps and formulate testable hypotheses based on the contribution of anatomical and molecular factors to specific phenotypic responses.
Visualization of in vivo protein–protein interactions in plants
Authors: Strotmann Vivien I , Stahl Yvonne
Published: April 2022

Molecular processes depend on the concerted and dynamic interactions of proteins, either by one-on-one interactions of the same or different proteins or by the assembly of larger protein complexes consisting of many different proteins. Here, not only the protein–protein interaction (PPI) itself, but also the localization and activity of the protein of interest (POI) within the cell is essential. Therefore, in all cell biological experiments, preserving the spatio-temporal state of one POI relative to another is key to understanding the underlying complex and dynamic regulatory mechanisms in vivo. In this review, we examine some of the applicable techniques to measure PPIs in planta as well as recent combinatorial advances of PPI methods to measure the formation of higher order complexes with an emphasis on in vivo imaging techniques. We compare the different methods and discuss their benefits and potential pitfalls to facilitate the selection of appropriate techniques by providing a comprehensive overview of how to measure in vivo PPIs in plants.
Climate and genetic data enhancement using deep learning analytics to improve maize yield predictability
Authors: Sarzaeim Parisa , Muñoz-Arriola Francisco , Jarquín Diego
Published: April 2022

Despite efforts to collect genomics and phenomics (‘omics’) and environmental data, spatiotemporal availability and access to digital resources still limit our ability to predict plants’ response to changes in climate. Our goal is to quantify the improvement in the predictability of maize yields by enhancing climate data. Large-scale experiments such as the Genomes to Fields (G2F) are an opportunity to provide access to ‘omics’ and climate data. Here, the objectives are to: (i) improve the G2F ‘omics’ and environmental database by reducing the gaps of climate data using deep neural networks; (ii) estimate the contribution of climate and genetic database enhancement to the predictability of maize yields via environmental covariance structures in genotype by environment (G×E) modeling; and (iii) quantify the predictability of yields resulting from the enhancement of climate data, the implementation of the G×E model, and the application of three trial selection schemes (i.e. randomization, ranking, and precipitation gradient). The results show a 12.1% increase in predictability due to climate and ‘omics’ database enhancement. The consequent enhancement of covariance structures evidenced in all train–test schemes indicated an increase in maize yield predictability. The largest improvement is observed in the ‘random-based’ approach, which adds environmental variability to the model.
Auxin receptors as integrators of developmental and hormonal signals during reproductive development in pea
Authors: Ozga Jocelyn A , Jayasinghege Charitha P A , Kaur Harleen , Gao Lingchao , Nadeau Courtney D , Reinecke Dennis M
Published: April 2022

Auxins regulate many aspects of plant growth and development. In pea, three of the five TIR1/AFB members (PsTIR1a, PsTIR1b, and PsAFB2) have been implicated in auxin-related responses during fruit/seed development; however, the roles of PsAFB4 and PsAFB6 in these processes are unknown. Using yeast two-hybrid assays, we found that all five pea TIR1/AFB receptor proteins interacted with the pea AUX/IAAs PsIAA6 and/or PsIAA7 in an auxin-dependent manner, a requirement for functional auxin receptors. All five auxin receptors are expressed in young ovaries (pericarps) and rapidly developing seeds, with overlapping and unique developmental and hormone-regulated gene expression patterns. Pericarp PsAFB6 expression was suppressed by seeds and increased in response to deseeding, and exogenous hormone treatments suggest that seed-derived auxin and deseeding-induced ethylene are involved in these responses, respectively. Ethylene-induced elevation of pericarp PsAFB6 expression was associated with 4-Cl-IAA-specific reduction in ethylene responsiveness. In developing seeds, expression of PsTAR2 and PsYUC10 auxin biosynthesis genes was associated with high auxin levels in seed coat and cotyledon tissues, and PsAFB2 dominated the seed tissue transcript pool. Overall, auxin receptors had overlapping and unique developmental and hormone-regulated gene expression patterns during fruit/seed development, suggesting mediation of diverse responses to auxin, with PsAFB6 linking auxin and ethylene signaling.
Usefulness of Sōna Aspergillus Galactomannan LFA with digital readout as diagnostic and as screening tool of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients. Data from a multicenter prospective study performed in Argentina
Authors: Giusiano Gustavo , Fernández Norma B , Vitale Roxana G , Alvarez Christian , Ochiuzzi María Eugenia , Santiso Gabriela , Cabeza Matías Sebastián , Tracogna Fernanda , Farías Luciana , Afeltra Javier , Noblega Luciana María , Giuliano Carla Valeria , Garcia-Effron Guillermo
Published: April 2022

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) incidence varies depending on the country. Serum galactomannan quantification is a promising diagnostic tool since samples are easy to obtain with low biosafety issues. A multicenter prospective study was performed to evaluate the CAPA incidence in Argentina and to assess the performance of the lateral flow assay with digital readout (Sōna Aspergillus LFA) as a CAPA diagnostic and screening tool. The correlation between the values obtained with Sōna Aspergillus LFA and Platelia® EIA was evaluated. In total, 578 serum samples were obtained from 185 critically ill COVID patients. CAPA screening was done weekly starting from the first week of ICU stay. Probable CAPA incidence in critically ill patients was 10.27% (19/185 patients when LFA was used as mycological criteria) and 9% (9/100 patients when EIA was used as mycological criteria). We found a very good correlation between the two evaluated galactomannan quantification methods (overall agreement of 92.16% with a Kappa statistic value of 0.721). CAPA diagnosis (>0.5 readouts in LFA) were done during the first week of ICU stay in 94.7% of the probable CAPA patients. The overall mortality was 36.21%. CAPA patients' mortality and length of ICU stay were not statistically different from for COVID (non-CAPA) patients (42.11 vs 33.13% and 29 vs 24 days, respectively). These indicators were lower than in other reports. LFA-IMMY with digital readout is a reliable tool for early diagnosis of CAPA using serum samples in critically ill COVID patients. It has a good agreement with Platelia® EIA.

Lay Summary

The incidence of COVID-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in critically-ill Argentinian patients was established (10.27%). Serum galactomannan quantification was useful as a screening tool for this mycosis. A good agreement between Platelia® EIA and Sōna Aspergillus LFA is reported.
The rotation of planet-hosting stars
Authors: Sibony Yves , Helled Ravit , Feldmann Robert
Published: April 2022

Understanding the distribution of angular momentum during the formation of planetary systems is a key topic in astrophysics. Data from the Kepler and Gaia missions allow to investigate whether stellar rotation is correlated with the presence of planets around Sun-like stars. Here, we perform a statistical analysis of the rotation period of 493 planet-hosting stars. These are matched to a control sample, without detected planets, with similar effective temperatures, masses, radii, metallicities, and ages. We find that planet-hosting stars rotate on average 1.63 ± 0.40 d slower. The difference in rotation is statistically significant both in samples including and not including planets confirmed by radial velocity follow-up observations. We also analyse the dependence of rotation distribution on various stellar and planetary properties. Our results could potentially be explained by planet detection biases depending on the rotation period of their host stars in both RV and transit methods. Alternatively, they could point to a physical link between the existence of planets and stellar rotation, emphasizing the need to understand the role of angular momentum in the formation and evolution planetary systems.
Where outflows meet inflows: gas kinematics in SSA22 Ly α blob 2 decoded by advanced radiative transfer modelling
Authors: Li Zhihui , Steidel Charles C , Gronke Max , Chen Yuguang , Matsuda Yuichi
Published: April 2022

We present new spectroscopic observations of Ly α (Ly α) Blob 2 (z ∼ 3.1). We observed extended Ly α emission in three distinct regions, where the highest Ly α surface brightness (SB) centre is far away from the known continuum sources. We searched through the MOSFIRE slits that cover the high Ly α SB regions, but were unable to detect any significant nebular emission near the highest SB centre. We further mapped the flux ratio of the blue peak to the red peak and found it is anticorrelated with Ly α SB with a power-law index of ∼ –0.4. We used radiative transfer models with both multiphase, clumpy, and shell geometries and successfully reproduced the diverse Ly α morphologies. We found that most spectra suggest outflow-dominated kinematics, while 4/15 spectra imply inflows. A significant correlation exists between parameter pairs, and the multiphase, clumpy model may alleviate previously reported discrepancies. We also modelled Ly α spectra at different positions simultaneously and found that the variation of the inferred clump outflow velocities can be approximately explained by line-of-sight projection effects. Our results support the ‘central powering  + scattering’ scenario, i.e. the Ly α photons are generated by a central powering source and then scatter with outflowing, multiphase H  i gas while propagating outwards. The infalling of cool gas near the blob outskirts shapes the observed blue-dominated Ly α profiles, but its energy contribution to the total Ly α luminosity is less than 10 per cent, i.e. minor compared to the photoionization by star-forming galaxies and/or AGNs.
Supernovae and photoionizing feedback in spiral arm molecular clouds
Authors: Bending Thomas J R , Dobbs Clare L , Bate Matthew R
Published: April 2022

We explore the interplay between supernovae and the ionizing radiation of their progenitors in star-forming regions. The relative contributions of these stellar feedback processes are not well understood, particularly on scales greater than a single star-forming cloud. We focus predominantly on how they affect the interstellar medium. We re-simulate a 500 pc2 region from previous work that included photoionization and add supernovae. Over the course of 10 Myr, more than 500 supernovae occur in the region. The supernova remnants cool very quickly in the absence of earlier photoionization, but form much larger and more spherical hot bubbles when photoionization is present. Overall, the photoionization has a significantly greater effect on gas morphology and the sites of star formation. However, the two processes are comparable when looking at their effect on velocity dispersion. When combined, the two feedback processes increase the velocity dispersions by more than the sum of their parts, particularly on scales above 5 pc.
Is Terzan 5 the remnant of a building block of the Galactic bulge? Evidence from APOGEE
Authors: Taylor Dominic J , Mason Andrew C , Schiavon Ricardo P , Horta Danny , Nataf David M , Geisler Doug , Kisku Shobhit , Phillips Siân G , Cohen Roger E , Fernández-Trincado José G , Beers Timothy C , Bizyaev Dmitry , García-Hernández Domingo Aníbal , Lane Richard R , Longa-Peña Penélope , Minniti Dante , Muñoz Cesar , Pan Kaike , Villanova Sandro
Published: April 2022

It has been proposed that the globular cluster-like system Terzan 5 is the surviving remnant of a primordial building block of the Milky Way bulge, mainly due to the age/metallicity spread and the distribution of its stars in the α–Fe plane. We employ Sloan Digital Sky Survey data from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment to test this hypothesis. Adopting a random sampling technique, we contrast the abundances of 10 elements in Terzan 5 stars with those of their bulge field counterparts with comparable atmospheric parameters, finding that they differ at statistically significant levels. Abundances between the two groups differ by more than 1σ in Ca, Mn, C, O, and Al, and more than 2σ in Si and Mg. Terzan 5 stars have lower [α/Fe] and higher [Mn/Fe] than their bulge counterparts. Given those differences, we conclude that Terzan 5 is not the remnant of a major building block of the bulge. We also estimate the stellar mass of the Terzan 5 progenitor based on predictions by the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments suite of cosmological numerical simulations, concluding that it may have been as low as ∼3 × 108 M⊙ so that it was likely unable to significantly influence the mean chemistry of the bulge/inner disc, which is significantly more massive (∼1010 M⊙). We briefly discuss existing scenarios for the nature of Terzan 5 and propose an observational test that may help elucidate its origin.
Distal coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: experience on CT coronary angiography in 176 children
Authors: Singhal Manphool , Pilania Rakesh Kumar , Jindal Ankur Kumar , Gupta Aman , Sharma Avinash , Guleria Sandesh , Johnson Nameirakpam , Maralakunte Muniraju , Vignesh Pandiarajan , Suri Deepti , Sandhu Manavjit Singh , Singh Surjit
Published: April 2022

Objective

Precise evaluation of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) in Kawasaki disease (KD) is essential. The aim of this study is to determine role of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) for detection of CAAs in distal segments of coronary arteries in patients with KD.

Methods

CTCA findings of KD patients with distal coronary artery involvement were compared with those on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during the period 2013–21.

Results

Among 176 patients with KD who underwent CTCA (128-Slice Dual Source scanner), 23 (13.06%) had distal CAAs (right coronary—15/23; left anterior descending—14/23; left circumflex—4/23 patients). CTCA identified 60 aneurysms—37 proximal (36 fusiform; 1 saccular) and 23 distal (17 fusiform; 6 saccular); 11 patients with proximal aneurysms had distal contiguous extension; 9 patients showed non-contiguous aneurysms in both proximal and distal segments; 4 patients showed distal segment aneurysms in absence of proximal involvement of same coronary artery; 4 patients had isolated distal CAAs. On TTE, only 40 aneurysms could be identified. Further, distal CAAs could not be identified on TTE. CTCA also identified complications (thrombosis, mural calcification and stenosis) that were missed on TTE.

Conclusions

CAAs can, at times, occur in distal segments in isolation and also in association with, or extension of, proximal CAAs. CTCA demonstrates CAAs in distal segments of coronary arteries, including branches, in a significant number of children with KD—these cannot be detected on TTE. CTCA may therefore be considered as a complimentary imaging modality in children with KD who have CAAs on TTE.
The effectiveness of corticosteroid injectionversusnight splints for carpal tunnel syndrome: 24-month follow-up of a randomized trial
Authors: Burton Claire , Rathod-Mistry Trishna , Blackburn Steven , Blagojevic-Bucknall Milica , Chesterton Linda , Davenport Graham , Dziedzic Krysia , Higginbottom Adele , Jowett Sue , Myers Helen , Oppong Raymond , van der Windt Danielle , Hay Elaine , Roddy Edward
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This follow-up study of the INSTinCTS (INjection vs SplinTing in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) trial compared the effects of corticosteroid injection (CSI) and night splinting (NS) for the initial management of mild-to-moderate CTS on symptoms, resource use and carpal tunnel surgery, over 24 months.

Methods

Adults with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomized 1:1 to a local corticosteroid injection or a night splint worn for 6 weeks. Outcomes at 12 and 24 months included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), hand/wrist pain intensity numeric rating scale (NRS), the number of patients referred for and undergoing CTS surgery, and healthcare utilization. A cost–utility analysis was conducted.

Results

One hundred and sixteen participants received a CSI and 118 a NS. The response rate at 24 months was 73% in the CSI arm and 71% in the NS arm. By 24 months, a greater proportion of the CSI group had been referred for (28% vs 20%) and undergone (22% vs 16%) CTS surgery compared with the NS group. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in BCTQ score or pain NRS at 12 or 24 months. CSI was more costly [mean difference £68.59 (95% CI: −120.84, 291.24)] with fewer quality-adjusted life-years than NS over 24 months [mean difference −0.022 (95% CI: −0.093, 0.045)].

Conclusion

Over 24 months, surgical intervention rates were low in both groups, but less frequent in the NS group. While there were no differences in the clinical effectiveness of CSI and NS, initial treatment with CSI may not be cost-effective in the long-term compared with NS.
Controversies in rheumatology: ultrasound for monitoring of RA—do we need it?
Authors: Hammer Hilde Berner , Caporali Roberto
Published: April 2022

Clinical joint examination is the cornerstone for evaluation of patients with RA. However, since large discrepancies have been shown even between experienced rheumatologists in evaluation of joint inflammation, and tender joints may have limited value in reflecting inflammation, US has in recent decades been introduced in the clinical assessments of RA patients. US has high accordance with other imaging modalities and enables detection of clinically difficult pathologies and contributes to assessments of joints difficult to evaluate clinically. However, there is no general agreement on the optimal use of US in rheumatology, and the prevalence of machines as well as the level of experience differs greatly between countries. In addition, standardized use of US in treat-to-target follow-up of RA patients was found not to have any added value. Thus, how to use US in monitoring of RA patients is open for debate. The present article will discuss the pros and cons for using US in the clinical setting.
Perioperative Pain Management Issues Unique to Older Adults Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Shellito Adam D. , Dworsky Jill Q. , Kirkland Patrick J. , Rosenthal Ronnie A. , Sarkisian Catherine A. , Ko Clifford Y. , Russell Marcia M.
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

The older population is growing and with this growth, there is a parallel rise in the operations performed on this vulnerable group. The perioperative pain management strategy for older adults is unique and requires a team-based approach for provision of high-quality surgical care.

Methods:

Literature search was performed using PubMed in addition to review of relevant protocols and guidelines from geriatric, surgical, and anesthesia societies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized trials, observational studies, and society guidelines were summarized in this review.

Management:

The optimal approach to pain management for older adults undergoing surgery involves addressing all phases of perioperative care. Preoperative assessment of patients' cognitive function and presence of chronic pain may impact the pain management plan. Consideration should be also be given to intraoperative strategies to improve pain control and minimize both the dose and side effects from opioids (eg, regional anesthetic techniques). A multimodal postoperative pain management strategy minimizing opioids is crucial to providing adequate pain control while minimizing elderly-specific complications such as postoperative delirium and functional decline. Finally, pain management does not stop after the older adult patient leaves the hospital. Both discharge planning and postoperative clinic follow-up provide important opportunities for collaboration and intervention.

Conclusions:

An opioid-sparing pain management strategy for older adults can be accomplished with a comprehensive and collaborative interdisciplinary strategy addressing all phases of perioperative care.
Prolonged Opioid Use following Hand Surgery: A Systematic Review and Proposed Criteria
Authors: Moura Steven P. , Nicholson Showly , Hoftiezer Yannick Albert J. , Lans Jonathan , Chen Neal C. , Eberlin Kyle R.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Prolonged opioid use after surgery has been a contributing factor to the ongoing opioid epidemic. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the definitions of prolonged opioid use in prior literature and propose appropriate criteria to define postoperative prolonged opioid use in hand surgery.

Methods:

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines 130 studies were included for review. The primary outcome was the timepoint used to define prolonged opioid use following surgery. The proportion of patients with prolonged use and risk factors for prolonged use were also collected for each study. Included studies were categorized based on their surgical specialty.

Results:

The most common timepoint used to define prolonged opioid use was 3 months (n = 86, 67.2% of eligible definitions), ranging from 1 to 24 months. Although 11 of 12 specialties had a mean timepoint between 2.5 and 4.17 months, Spine surgery was the only outlier with a mean of 6.90 months. No correlation was found between the definition’s timepoint and the rates of prolonged opioid use.

Conclusions:

Although a vast majority of the literature reports similar timepoints to define prolonged postoperative opioid use, these studies often do not account for the type of procedures being performed. We propose that the definitions of postoperative prolonged opioid use should be tailored to the level and duration of pain for specific procedures. We present criteria to define prolonged opioid use in hand surgery.
FOLDABLE CAPSULAR VITREOUS BODY IMPLANTATION FOR COMPLICATED RETINAL DETACHMENT CAUSED BY SEVERE OCULAR TRAUMA
Authors: Li Meili , Tang Yu , Li Suyan , Zhang Zhengpei , Guan Lina , Li Jie , Xu Jing , Ji Sujuan
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

To explore the effectiveness, safety and psychological impact of foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) implantation for complicated retinal detachment caused by severe ocular trauma.

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-arm, surgical interventional case series study. A standard 3-port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the FCVB was implanted into the vitreous cavity. Observed indicators, including the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal reattachment, complications, and patient satisfaction, were analyzed to evaluate the study.

Results:

A total of 28 cases (eyes) were enrolled, with a mean follow-up of 16.93 ± 9.67 months and an average age of 51.11 ± 10.14 years, including 22 men (78.57%). The FCVB was successfully implanted, and the retina was reattached in all cases. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved in 7 cases, and remained unchanged in 21 cases (P > 0.05). The average IOP was 7.01 ± 2.43 mmHg before surgery and 8.54 ± 2.93 mmHg after surgery (P < 0.05). Complications such as FCVB displacement, endophthalmitis, secondary glaucoma, silicone oil emulsification, and escape did not occur during the follow-up period. Patients with FCVB implantation are highly satisfied. Most patients feel hope, positive, and optimistic about life.

Conclusion:

Foldable capsular vitreous body implantation for complicated retinal detachment caused by severe ocular trauma is effective and safe, and it allows patients to face life positively and optimistically.
The Effect and Optimal Timing of Extracorporeal Shock-wave Intervention to Patients with Spasticity After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ou-Yang Liang-Jun , Chen Po-Huang , Lee Cho-Hao , Li Tsung-Ying , Wu Yung-Tsan , Jhou Hong-Jie , Yu Tung-Yang
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study investigated the efficacy of ESWT as well as the optimal intervention timing for ESWT for patients with spasticity after stroke.

Design

A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in different electronic databases. We performed a meta-analysis to measure the effect of ESWT versus sham interventions on spasticity and limb functionality. The meta-regression analysis was performed to determine the adequate intervention timing of ESWT. The follow-up period of the outcomes was divided into the short (<2 weeks), mid (>2 weeks and ≤ 4 weeks), and long (>4 weeks and ≤ 3 months) terms.

Results

Thirteen studies with 677 participants were evaluated. Spasticity significantly improved throughout the follow-up duration. Limb functionality significantly improved in the short-term follow-up period. The meta-regression analysis showed that patients with stroke duration less than 45 months may be benefited from ESWT in improving limb function in all follow-up periods.

Conclusion

ESWT is an effective method for reducing spasticity in patients with stroke, and the effect could be maintained for up to 3 months. Its effects on limb functionality could persist for at least 2 weeks. Patients who had stroke for less than 45 months may have significant benefit from ESWT in all follow-up periods.