bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete resection of the iliac vascular system during pelvic exenteration: an evolving surgical approach to lateral compartment excision
Authors: Rajendran S , Brown K G M , Solomon M J , Austin K K S , Lee P J , Robinson D , Steffens D
Published: February 2021

Tumour infiltration of the lateral pelvic compartment has previously been associated with the highest rate of involved resection margins and carries significant risk of morbidity. In this study, consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration at a single centre between 1994 and 2019 who required en bloc resection of the common or external iliac artery or vein were included.The results demonstrate that complete resection of the iliac vascular system, including resection and reconstruction of the common and external iliac vessels, can be performed safely during pelvic exenteration with oncological outcomes comparable to more central tumours.
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) contributes to impaired cardiac function and immune cell recruitment in post-ischemic heart failure
Authors: de Lucia Claudio , Grisanti Laurel A , Borghetti Giulia , Piedepalumbo Michela , Ibetti Jessica , Lucchese Anna Maria , Barr Eric W , Roy Rajika , Okyere Ama Dedo , Murphy Haley Christine , Gao Erhe , Rengo Giuseppe , Houser Steven R , Tilley Douglas G , Koch Walter J
Published: February 2021

Aims 

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of heart failure (HF) worldwide. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is upregulated in failing human myocardium and promotes maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy in animal models. However, the role of GRK5 in ischemic heart disease is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether myocardial GRK5 plays a critical role post-MI in mice and included the examination of specific cardiac immune and inflammatory responses.

Methods and results 

Cardiomyocyte-specific GRK5 overexpressing transgenic mice (TgGRK5) and non-transgenic littermate control (NLC) mice as well as cardiomyocyte-specific GRK5 knockout mice (GRK5cKO) and wild type (WT) were subjected to MI and, functional as well as structural changes together with outcomes were studied. TgGRK5 post-MI mice showed decreased cardiac function, augmented left ventricular dimension and decreased survival rate compared to NLC post-MI mice. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as fetal gene expression were increased post-MI in TgGRK5 compared to NLC mice. In TgGRK5 mice, GRK5 elevation produced immuno-regulators that contributed to the elevated and long-lasting leukocyte recruitment into the injured heart and ultimately to chronic cardiac inflammation. We found an increased presence of pro-inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages as well as neutrophils, macrophages and T-lymphocytes at 4-days and 8-weeks respectively post-MI in TgGRK5 hearts. Conversely, GRK5cKO mice were protected from ischemic injury and showed reduced early immune cell recruitment (predominantly monocytes) to the heart, improved contractility and reduced mortality compared to WT post-MI mice. Interestingly, cardiomyocyte-specific GRK2 transgenic mice did not share the same phenotype of TgGRK5 mice and did not have increased cardiac leukocyte migration and cytokine or chemokine production post-MI.

Conclusions 

Our study shows that myocyte GRK5 has a crucial and GRK-selective role on the regulation of leucocyte infiltration into the heart, cardiac function and survival in a murine model of post-ischemic HF, supporting GRK5 inhibition as a therapeutic target for HF.
Subclinical Pulmonary Involvement in Active IBD Responds to Biologic Therapy
Authors: Ellrichmann M , Bethge J , Boesenkoetter J , Conrad C , Noth R , Bahmer T , Nikolaus S , Aden K , Zeissig S , Schreiber S
Published: February 2021

Objective

Increased mortality from respiratory diseases was observed in epidemiological studies of patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] as a potentially underestimated extraintestinal manifestation. We therefore investigated the presence of pulmonary manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and the potential effect of tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] inhibitors on pulmonary function tests [PFT] in a prospective, longitudinal study.

Methods

In all, 92 consecutive patients with IBD (49 Crohn´s disease [CD], 43 UC) and 20 healthy controls were recruited. Fifty patients with IBD were in remission, and 42 had active disease with 22 of these being examined before and 6 weeks after initiating anti-TNF therapy. Pulmonary function tests [PFT] were evaluated using the Medical Research Council [MRC] dyspnoea index and a standardized body plethysmography. IBD activity was assessed using Harvey-Bradshaw index for CD and partial Mayo score for UC. Data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM].

Results

Patients with active IBD showed significant reduction of PFT. Forced expiration [Tiffeneau index] values [FEV1%] were significantly reduced in IBD patients with active disease [78.8 ± 1.1] compared with remission [86.1 ± 0.9; p = 0.0002] and with controls [87.3 ± 1.3; p = 0.001]. Treatment with anti-TNF induced a significant relief in obstruction [p = 0.003 for FEV1% in comparison with baseline levels]. The level of pulmonary obstruction significantly correlated with clinical inflammation scores [HBI or Mayo].

Conclusions: Patients

with active IBD present with significant obstructive abnormalities in their PFTs. Obstruction is related to inflammatory activity, with anti-TNF improving PFTs. Pulmonary obstruction and possibly chronic bronchopulmonary inflammation is an overlooked problem in active IBD that is probably obscured by intestinal symptoms.
The Effect of Diet Interacting With Temperature on the Development Rate of a Noctuidae Quinoa Pest
Authors: Quispe-Tarqui Reinaldo , Yujra Pari Janneth , Callizaya Condori Franz , Rebaudo François
Published: February 2021

The quinoa pest Copitarsia incommoda (Walker, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a cause of significant damage, and it is thus critical for Andean countries to have access to phenological models to maintain production and food safety. These models are key components in pest control strategies in the context of global warming and in the development of sustainable production integrating agroecological concepts. Phenological models are mainly based on outlining the relationship between temperature and development rate. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of protein content within the diet (artificial diet; artificial diet with −20% protein; artificial diet with +20% protein; natural quinoa diet) and temperature (12, 16.9, 19.5, 22.7, 24.6°C) as drivers of the development rate. Our study supports the literature, since temperature was found to be the main driver of the development rate. It highlights the significant role played by protein content and its interaction with temperature (significant effects of temperature, diet, and diet:temperature on development time using GLMs for all foraging life stages). We discuss the implications of such drivers of the development rate for implementing and applying phenological models that may benefit from including factors other than temperature. While performance curves such as development rate curves obtained from laboratory experiments are still a useful basis for phenological development, we also discuss the need to take into account the heterogeneity of the insect response to environmental factors. This is critical if pest control practices are to be deployed at the optimal time.
Severe tricuspid regurgitation: prognostic role of right heart remodelling and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Schneider Matthias , König Andreas , Geller Welf , Dannenberg Varius , Winter Max-Paul , Binder Thomas , Hengstenberg Christian , Mascherbauer Julia , Goliasch Georg
Published: February 2021

Aims

Left heart diseases (LHDs) are the main driving forces for the development of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Therefore, in most cases, the true prognostic value of TR remains concealed by concomitant LHD. This study aimed to analyse right heart remodelling in patients with TR without other valve disease and with normal systolic left ventricular function (sysLVF), and to stratify its prognostic value in the presence (dPH, maximal TR velocity signal (TRVmax) ≥ 3.5 m/s in echocardiography) or absence (nsPH, TRVmax < 3.5m/s) of concomitant pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods and results 

We performed an observational analysis of all patients diagnosed with TR in the absence of other valve disease and reduced sysLVF at our institution between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2013. Five-year mortality was chosen as endpoint. The final cohort entailed 29 979 consecutive patients (median age 60 years, interquartile range 46–70), 49.9% were male, mean follow-up was 95±49 months. Severe TR was present in 790 patients (2.6%). In dPH and in nsPH, severe TR was associated with an excess 5-year mortality that was even more pronounced in the dPH group (58.2% vs. 43.6%, P = 0.001). In nsPH, right ventricular dysfunction predicted mortality. In dPH, mortality was independent of presence or absence of right heart dilatation or dysfunction.

Conclusion

Severe TR without concomitant left heart valve disease or LV systolic dysfunction was a rare disease in this large-scale all-comer population and is associated with an unfavourable prognosis. The differentiation of patients with nsPH and dPH is essential as they present with different patterns of right heart remodelling and with different long-time outcomes.
Efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kapetanović Aldin , Theodorou Christina I , Bergé Stefaan J , Schols Jan G J H , Xi Tong
Published: February 2021

Background

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a non-surgical treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency. However, there is limited evidence concerning its efficacy.

Objectives

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of MARPE in late adolescents and adults by assessing success rate and skeletal and dental transverse maxillary expansion, as well as treatment duration, dental and periodontal side effects and soft tissue effects.

Search methods

Seven electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov) without limitations in November 2020.

Selection criteria

Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies on patients from the age of 16 onwards with transverse maxillary deficiency who were treated with MARPE and which included any of the predefined outcomes.

Data collection and analysis

Inclusion eligibility screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently in duplicate. When possible, exploratory meta-analyses of mean differences (MDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted, followed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis of the evidence quality.

Results

Eight articles were included: two prospective and six retrospective observational studies. One study had a moderate risk of bias, whereas seven studies had a serious risk of bias. GRADE quality of evidence was very low. MARPE showed a high success rate (mean: 92.5%; 95%CI: 88.7%–96.3%), resulting in a significant skeletal width increase (MD: 2.33 mm; 95%CI: 1.63 mm–3.03 mm) and dental intermolar width increase (MD: 6.55 mm; 95%CI: 5.50 mm–7.59 mm). A significant increase in dental tipping, a decrease in mean buccal bone thickness and buccal alveolar height, as well as nasal soft tissue change was present (P < 0.05). The mean duration of expansion ranged from 20 to 126 days.

Limitations

One of the main drawbacks was the lack of high-quality prospective studies in the literature.

Conclusions and implications

MARPE is a treatment modality that is associated with a high success rate in skeletal and dental maxillary expansion. MARPE can induce dental and periodontal side effects and affect peri-oral soft tissues. Given the serious risk of bias of the included studies, careful data interpretation is necessary and future research of higher quality is strongly recommended.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020176618).

Funding

No grants or any other support funding were received.
Scandcleft randomized trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: impact of maxillary dental agenesis on craniofacial growth and dental arch relationship in 8 year olds
Authors: Rizell Sara , Küseler Annelise , Heliövaara Arja , Skaare Pål , Brinck Eli , Bellardie Haydn , Mooney Jeanette , Mølsted Kirsten , Karsten Agneta , Sæle Paul , Chalien Midia Najar , Marcusson Agneta , Eyres Philip , Shaw William , Semb Gunvor
Published: February 2021

Background

It is suggested that dental agenesis affects maxillary protrusion and dental arch relationship in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). In addition, an association between the need for orthognathic surgery and dental agenesis is reported.

Aim

The aim was to study the impact of maxillary dental agenesis on craniofacial growth and dental arch relationship in 8-year-old children with UCLP.

Subjects and methods

The sample consisted of individuals with UCLP from Scandcleft randomized trials. The participants had available data from diagnosis of maxillary dental agenesis as well as cephalometric measurements (n = 399) and GOSLON assessment (n = 408) at 8 years of age.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found for ANB between individuals with agenesis of two or more maxillary teeth (mean 1.52°) in comparison with those with no or only one missing maxillary tooth (mean 3.30° and 2.70°, respectively). Mean NSL/NL was lower among individuals with agenesis of two or more maxillary teeth (mean 9.90°), in comparison with individuals with no or one missing maxillary tooth (mean 11.46° and 11.45°, respectively). The number of individuals with GOSLON score 4–5 was 47.2% in the group with two or more missing maxillary teeth and 26.1% respectively 26.3% in the groups with no or one missing maxillary tooth. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison between individuals with no agenesis or with agenesis solely of the cleft-side lateral.

Conclusion

Maxillary dental agenesis impacts on craniofacial growth as well as dental arch relationship and should be considered in orthodontic treatment planning.
An RNA-interference screen in Drosophila to identify ZAD-containing C2H2 zinc finger genes that function in female germ cells
Authors: Shapiro-Kulnane Laura , Bautista Oscar , Salz Helen K
Published: February 2021

The zinc finger-associated domain (ZAD) is present in over 90 C2H2 zinc finger (ZNF) proteins. Despite their abundance, only a few ZAD-ZNF genes have been characterized to date. Here, we systematically analyze the function of 68 ZAD-ZNF genes in Drosophila female germ cells by performing an in vivo RNA-interference screen. We identified eight ZAD-ZNF genes required for oogenesis, and based on further characterization of the knockdown phenotypes, we uncovered defects broadly consistent with functions in germ cell specification and/or survival, early differentiation, and egg chamber maturation. These results provide a candidate pool for future studies aimed at functionalization of this large but poorly characterized gene family.
Genome assembly and annotation of the California harvester antPogonomyrmex californicus
Authors: Bohn Jonas , Halabian Reza , Schrader Lukas , Shabardina Victoria , Steffen Raphael , Suzuki Yutaka , Ernst Ulrich R , Gadau Jürgen , Makałowski Wojciech
Published: February 2021

The harvester ant genus Pogonomyrmex is endemic to arid and semiarid habitats and deserts of North and South America. The California harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus is the most widely distributed Pogonomyrmex species in North America. Pogonomyrmex californicus colonies are usually monogynous, i.e. a colony has one queen. However, in a few populations in California, primary polygyny evolved, i.e. several queens cooperate in colony founding after their mating flights and continue to coexist in mature colonies. Here, we present a genome assembly and annotation of P. californicus. The size of the assembly is 241 Mb, which is in agreement with the previously estimated genome size. We were able to annotate 17,889 genes in total, including 15,688 protein-coding ones with BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) completeness at a 95% level. The presented P. californicus genome assembly will pave the way for investigations of the genomic underpinnings of social polymorphism in the number of queens, regulation of aggression, and the evolution of adaptations to dry habitats.
Roles for RNA export factor, Nxt1, in ensuring muscle integrity and normal RNA expression in Drosophila
Authors: van der Graaf Kevin , Jindrich Katia , Mitchell Robert , White-Cooper Helen
Published: February 2021

The mRNA export pathway is responsible for the transport of mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and thus is essential for protein production and normal cellular functions. A partial loss of function allele of the mRNA export factor Nxt1 in Drosophila shows reduced viability and sterility. A previous study has shown that the male fertility defect is due to a defect in transcription and RNA stability, indicating the potential for this pathway to be implicated in processes beyond the known mRNA transport function. Here we investigate the reduced viability of Nxt1 partial loss of function mutants, and describe a defect in growth and maintenance of the larval muscles, leading to muscle degeneration. RNA-seq revealed reduced expression of a set of mRNAs, particularly from genes with long introns in Nxt1 mutant carcass. We detected differential expression of circRNA, and significantly fewer distinct circRNAs expressed in the mutants. Despite the widespread defects in gene expression, muscle degeneration was rescued by increased expression of the costamere component tn (abba) in muscles. This is the first report of a role for the RNA export pathway gene Nxt1 in the maintenance of muscle integrity. Our data also links the mRNA export pathway to a specific role in the expression of mRNA and circRNA from common precursor genes, in vivo.
AXIOME3: Automation, eXtension, and Integration Of Microbial Ecology
Authors: Min Daniel , Doxey Andrew C , Neufeld Josh D
Published: February 2021

Background

Advances in high-throughput sequencing accessibility have democratized small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence data collection, coincident with an increasing availability of computational tools for sequence data processing, multivariate statistics, and data visualization. However, existing tools often require programming ability and frequent user intervention that may not be suitable for fast-paced and large-scale data analysis by end user microbiologists who are unfamiliar with the Linux command line environment or who prefer interactions with a GUI. Here we present AXIOME3, which is a completely redeveloped AXIOME pipeline that streamlines small subunit ribosomal RNA data analysis by managing QIIME2, R, and Python-associated analyses through an interactive web interface.

Findings

AXIOME3 comes with web GUI to improve usability by simplifying configuration processes and task status tracking. Internally, it uses an automated pipeline that is wrapped around QIIME2 to generate a range of outputs including amplicon sequence variant tables, taxonomic classifications, phylogenetic trees, biodiversity metrics, and ordinations. The extension module for AXIOME3 provides advanced data visualization tools such as principal coordinate analysis, bubble plots, and triplot ordinations that can be used to visualize interactions between a distance matrix, amplicon sequence variant taxonomy, and sample metadata.

Conclusions

Because repeat analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA amplicon sequence data is challenging for those who have limited experience in command line environments, AXIOME3 now offers rapid and user-friendly options within an automated pipeline, with advanced data visualization tools and the ability for users to incorporate additional analyses easily through extension. AXIOME3 is completely open source (https://github.com/neufeld/AXIOME3, https://github.com/neufeld/AXIOME3-GUI), and researchers are encouraged to modify and redistribute the package.
High-resolution Bayesian spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) quasi-3-D Vs model of Utah FORGE site with a dense geophone array
Authors: Zhang Hao , L. Pankow Kristine
Published: February 2021

We expand the application of spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) from typical 1-D Vs profiles to quasi-3-D imaging via Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion (BMCI) using a dense nodal array (49 nodes) located at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site. Combinations of 4 and 9 geophones in subarrays provide for 36 and 25 1-D Vs profiles, respectively. Profiles with error bars are determined by calculating coherency functions that fit observations in a frequency range of 0.2–5 Hz. Thus, a high-resolution quasi-3-D Vs model from the surface to 2.0 km depth is derived and shows that surface-parallel sedimentary strata deepen to the west, consistent with a 3-D seismic reflection survey. Moreover, the resulting Vs profile is consistent with a Vs profile derived from distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data located in a borehole at the FORGE site. The quasi-3-D velocity model shows that the base of the basin dips ∼22° to the west and topography on the basement interface coincident with the Mag Lee Wash suggests that the bedrock interface is an unconformity.
The Crime of Genocide in General Assembly Resolutions: Legal Foundations and Effects
Authors: Ramsden Michael
Published: February 2021

The past decade has seen increased scholarly attention on the practice and latent potential of the United Nations General Assembly (‘Assembly’) to secure accountability for atrocity crimes. This increased focus has arisen primarily due to growing frustration over permanent member deadlock in the Security Council in the face of documented atrocities. One aspect of this nascent research agenda yet to be analysed is the invocation of the crime of genocide in Assembly resolutions and practice. Studies have shown the Security Council to have applied the genocide label selectively and only where aligned with the permanent members’ interests. Can the same be said about the Assembly? This article tracks the use of the genocide norm in Assembly resolutions, revealing two major functions: prescriptive and quasi-judicial. It notes that Resolution 96(I) (1946) has had a pervasive influence on the development of the crime of genocide. Still, later attempts in the Assembly to develop the genocide definition have enjoyed less success. Although the Assembly has been beset with political selectivity in the use of the genocide label, the rise of commissions of inquiry in UN practice can usefully augment a closer dialogue between their outputs and Assembly resolutions, as recent resolutions concerning alleged crimes against the Rohingya show.
Density-independent mortality at early life stages increases the probability of overlooking an underlying stock–recruitment relationship
Authors: Zimmermann Fabian , Enberg Katja , Mangel Marc
Published: February 2021

Beverton and Holt’s (1957. On the dynamics of exploited fish populations. UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Fisheries Investigations, 2: 533 pp.) monograph contributed a widely used stock–recruitment relationship (BH-SRR) to fisheries science. However, because of variation around a presumed relationship between spawning biomass and recruits, the BH-SRR is often considered inadequate and approached merely as a curve-fitting exercise. The commonly used and simplified version of the BH-SRR has eclipsed the fact that in their classic monograph, the derivation accounted for mechanistic recruitment processes, including multi-stage recruitment with explicit cohort-dependent and -independent mortality terms that represent competition between recruits and extrinsic, cohort-independent factors such as the environment or predation as two independent sources of mortality. The original BH-SRR allows one to recreate recruitment patterns that correspond to observed ones. Doing so shows that variation in density-independent mortality increases the probability of overlooking an underlying stock–recruitment relationship. Intermediate coefficients of variation in mortality (75–100%) are sufficient to mask stock–recruitment relationships and recreate recruitment time series most similar to empirical data. This underlines the importance of variation in survival for recruitment and that Beverton and Holt’s work still provides a fundamental and useful tool to model the dynamics of populations.
Invariant Subvarieties With Small Dynamical Degree
Authors: Matsuzawa Yohsuke , Meng Sheng , Shibata Takahiro , Zhang De-Qi , Zhong Guolei
Published: February 2021

Let $f:X\to X $ be a dominant self-morphism of an algebraic variety. Consider the set $\Sigma _{f^{\infty }}$ of $f$-periodic subvarieties of small dynamical degree (SDD), the subset $S_{f^{\infty }}$ of maximal elements in $\Sigma _{f^{\infty }}$, and the subset $S_f$ of $f$-invariant elements in $S_{f^{\infty }}$. When $X$ is projective, we prove the finiteness of the set $P_f$ of $f$-invariant prime divisors with SDD and give an optimal upper bound $$\begin{align*} &\sharp P_{f^n}\le d_1(f)^n(1+o(1))\end{align*}$$as $n\to \infty $, where $d_1(f)$ is the 1st dynamic degree. When $X$ is an algebraic group (with $f$ being a translation of an isogeny), or a (not necessarily complete) toric variety, we give an optimal upper bound $$\begin{align*} &\sharp S_{f^n}\le d_1(f)^{n\cdot\dim(X)}(1+o(1))\end{align*}$$as $n \to \infty $, which slightly generalizes a conjecture of S.-W. Zhang for polarized $f$.
Adapting sorghum sowing date and genotype maturity to seasonal rainfall variation in a temperate region
Authors: Carcedo Ana J P , Cejas Emilia , Gambin Brenda L
Published: February 2021

Reducing sorghum yield gaps depends on the capacity to identify combinations of genetics and management that best suit region and seasonal conditions. Using simulated and empirical data, we explored how the combination of different sowing dates and genotype maturity respond to specific water stress patterns common across a temperate region (Argentina Pampas). This region was recently characterized by three water stress patterns (or environmental types, ENVTs). These ENVTs are: pre-flowering stress, low terminal stress and grain-filling stress. In the north and central regions, significant ENVT × sowing date interaction for yield (P < 0.05) indicated that sowing date should be chosen depending on the prevailing seasonal ENVT. This drought escape strategy increased yields by 4068–5049 kg ha−1. In the southern region, early sowings had the highest yields independently of the ENVT. Genotype maturity effect was less important, although early materials increased yield by 438–923 kg ha−1 (5–25 %) relative to the intermediate genotype, depending on the region. Under low terminal or grain-filling stress, early sowings gave the highest yields via increased accumulated biomass and/or harvest index. Under pre-flowering stress, delaying the sowing dates increased final yields via improved harvest index. Later sowings provided a conservative strategy for reducing risk in the north and central east regions, while for the central west and southern regions the sowing date should be as early as possible. We provided information to improve sorghum management decisions and guide breeding in temperate regions.
PRO: Carbapenems should be used for ALL infections caused by ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Paterson David L , Isler Burcu , Harris Patrick N A
Published: February 2021

Ceftriaxone resistance in the Enterobacterales is typically the result of production of ESBLs or AmpC β-lactamases. The genes encoding these enzymes are often co-located with other antibiotic resistance genes leading to resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Carbapenems are stable to ESBLs and AmpC giving them reliable in vitro activity against producers of these β-lactamases. In contrast, piperacillin/tazobactam and amoxicillin/clavulanate are compromised by co-production of OXA-1, which is not inhibited by tazobactam or clavulanate. These in vitro findings provide an explanation for the MERINO trial outcomes, where 3.7% (7/191) randomized to meropenem died compared with 12.3% (23/187) randomized to piperacillin/tazobactam as definitive treatment of bloodstream infection due to ceftriaxone-resistant organisms. No randomized trials have yet put cefepime and carbapenems head to head, but some observational studies have shown worse outcomes with cefepime. We argue that carbapenems are the antibiotics of choice for ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales.
Measurement of Available Carbohydrates in Cereal and Cereal Products, Dairy Products, Vegetables, Fruit, and Related Food Products and Animal Feeds: First Action 2020.07
Authors: McCleary Barry V , McLoughlin Ciara
Published: February 2021

Background

The level of available carbohydrates in our diet is directly linked to two major diseases: obesity and Type II diabetes. Despite this, to date there is no method available to allow direct and accurate measurement of available carbohydrates in human and animal foods.

Objective

The aim of this research was to develop a method that would allow simple and accurate measurement of available carbohydrates, defined as non-resistant starch, maltodextrins, maltose, isomaltose, sucrose, lactose, glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Method

Non-resistant (digestible) starch is hydrolyzed to glucose and maltose by pancreatic α-amylase (PAA) and amyloglucosidase at pH 6.0 with shaking or stirring at 37°C for 4 h. Sucrose, lactose, maltose, and isomaltose are completely hydrolyzed by specific enzymes to their constituent monosaccharides, which are then measured using pure enzymes in a single reaction cuvette.

Results

A method has been developed that allows the accurate measurement of available carbohydrates in all cereal, vegetable, fruit, food, and feed products, including dairy products.

Conclusions

A single-laboratory validation was performed on a wide range of food and feed products. The inter-day repeatability (RSDr, %) was <3.58% (w/w) across a range of samples containing 44.1–88.9% available carbohydrates. The LOD and LOQ obtained were 0.054% (w/w) and 0.179% (w/w), respectively. The method is all inclusive, specific, robust, and simple to use.

Highlights

A unique method has been developed for the direct measurement of available carbohydrates, entailing separate measurement of glucose, fructose, and galactose, information of value in determining the glycemic index of foods.
Determination of Enzymatic Hydrolysis Efficiency in Detection of Cannabis Use by UPLC–MS-MS
Authors: Kul Aykut , Sagirli Olcay
Published: February 2021

Cannabis is still the most widely used illegal plant in the world. However, cannabis use is prohibited in many countries. After cannabis use, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is metabolized in the liver to 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) and most undergo glucuronidation. THC-COOH and THC-COOH glucuronide are excreted in the urine. The total concentration of THC-COOH in the urine sample is measured to determine cannabis use. The total concentration is determined after enzymatic or alkaline hydrolysis. In this study, comparing enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency is presented comprehensively together with the method developed for the determination of total THC-COOH in the urine. Also, the method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency Guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. The method has rapid hydrolysis time (20 min), rapid analysis time (5 min) and simple sample preparation. The lower limit of quantitation of the developed method was 1 ng/mL for THC-COOH. The calibration curve of THC-COOH was between 1 and 2,000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient >0.99. Also, the method was applied to real patient’s urine. We think that the results will provide a new perspective on enzymatic hydrolysis optimization studies.
Increasing Prevalence and Direct Health Care Cost of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Adults: A Population-Based Study From a Western Canadian Province
Authors: Osei Jessica Amankwah , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Fowler Sharyle A , Muhajarine Nazeem , Kaplan Gilaad G , Lix Lisa M
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Our study aimed to calculate the prevalence and estimate the direct health care costs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and test if trends in the prevalence and direct health care costs of IBD increased over two decades in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative health data of Saskatchewan between 1999/2000 and 2016/2017 fiscal years. A validated case definition was used to identify prevalent IBD cases. Direct health care costs were estimated in 2013/2014 Canadian dollars. Generalized linear models with generalized estimating equations tested the trend. Annual prevalence rates and direct health care costs were estimated along with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results

In 2016/2017, 6468 IBD cases were observed in our cohort; Crohn’s disease: 3663 (56.6%), ulcerative colitis: 2805 (43.4%). The prevalence of IBD increased from 341/100,000 (95%CI 340 to 341) in 1999/2000 to 664/100,000 (95%CI 663 to 665) population in 2016/2017, resulting in a 3.3% (95%CI 2.4 to 4.3) average annual increase. The estimated average health care cost for each IBD patient increased from $1879 (95%CI 1686 to 2093) in 1999/2000 to $7185 (95%CI 6733 to 7668) in 2016/2017, corresponding to an average annual increase of 9.5% (95%CI 8.9 to 10.1).

Conclusions

Our results provide relevant information and analysis on the burden of IBD in Saskatchewan. The evidence of the constant increasing prevalence and health care cost trends of IBD needs to be recognized by health care decision-makers to promote cost-effective health care policies at provincial and national levels and respond to the needs of patients living with IBD.
Predicting cybersickness based on user’s gaze behaviors in HMD-based virtual reality
Authors: Chang Eunhee , Kim Hyun Taek , Yoo Byounghyun
Published: February 2021

Cybersickness refers to a group of uncomfortable symptoms experienced in virtual reality (VR). Among several theories of cybersickness, the subjective vertical mismatch (SVM) theory focuses on an individual’s internal model, which is created and updated through past experiences. Although previous studies have attempted to provide experimental evidence for the theory, most approaches are limited to subjective measures or body sway. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the SVM theory on the basis of the participant’s eye movements and investigate whether the subjective level of cybersickness can be predicted using eye-related measures. 26 participants experienced roller coaster VR while wearing a head-mounted display with eye tracking. We designed four experimental conditions by changing the orientation of the VR scene (upright vs. inverted) or the controllability of the participant’s body (unrestrained vs. restrained body). The results indicated that participants reported more severe cybersickness when experiencing the upright VR content without controllability. Moreover, distinctive eye movements (e.g. fixation duration and distance between the eye gaze and the object position sequence) were observed according to the experimental conditions. On the basis of these results, we developed a regression model using eye-movement features and found that our model can explain 34.8% of the total variance of cybersickness, indicating a substantial improvement compared to the previous work (4.2%). This study provides empirical data for the SVM theory using both subjective and eye-related measures. In particular, the results suggest that participants’ eye movements can serve as a significant index for predicting cybersickness when considering natural gaze behaviors during a VR experience.
Ceo Pay and the Rise of Relative Performance Contracts: A Question of Governance?
Authors: Bell Brian , Pedemonte Simone , Van Reenen John
Published: February 2021

We exploit the large rise in relative performance awards in the United Kingdom over the last two decades to investigate whether these contracts improve the alignment between CEO pay and firm performance. We first document that corporate governance appears to be stronger when institutional ownership is greater. Then, using hand-collected data from annual reports on explicit contracts, we show that (1) CEO pay still responds more to increases in the firms’ stock performance than to decreases, and, importantly, this asymmetry is stronger when corporate governance is weak as measured by low institutional ownership; and (2) “pay for luck” persists as remuneration increases with random positive shocks, even when the CEO has equity awards that explicitly condition on firm performance relative to peer firms in the same sector. A major reason why relative performance contracts do not eliminate pay for luck is that CEOs who fail to meet the terms of their past performance awards are able to obtain more generous new equity rewards in the future in weakly governed firms. We show the mechanism operates both through the quantum of shares and the structure of new contracts. These findings suggest that reforms to the formal structure of CEO pay contracts are unlikely to align incentives in the absence of strong corporate governance.
Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma of the liver in a newborn with incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell: description of a new association
Authors: Gasparella Paolo , Singer Georg , Arneitz Christoph , Benesch Martin , Sorantin Erich , Kampelmühler Eva , Schemmer Peter , Till Holger
Published: February 2021

The perinatal management of newborns with giant omphaloceles requires careful suspicion concerning ‘unexpected’ associated malformations. We describe a newborn with a combination of incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell consisting of giant omphalocele, anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and pericardial absence complicated by a hepatic rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH). A giant omphalocele was detected prenatally. Postnatally, staged closure of the omphalocele was planned. A mass of the liver was noted and (mis-)taken for a hematoma. In the further course, the baby developed cardiorespiratory insufficiency due to a central CDH which was excised. Subsequently, staged closure of the omphalocele became impossible. Specific workup revealed a mass in the left liver lobe. The mass was resected and the abdominal wall defect repaired. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of an RICH. The surgical treatment of newborns with giant omphaloceles requires a multidisciplinary neonatal support and an elaborate pediatric surgical armamentarium to cope with additional malformations.
Face-on structure of barlenses and boxy bars: an insight from spectral dynamics
Authors: Smirnov Anton A , Tikhonenko Iliya S , Sotnikova Natalia Ya
Published: February 2021

Based on the spectral analysis of individual orbits of stars from different N-body models, we show that the face-on morphology of the so-called ‘face-on peanut’ bars (boxy bars) and barlenses is supported by different types of orbits. For ‘face-on peanut’ bars, the so-called boxy orbits come to the fore, and they are responsible for the unusual morphology of the bar in the central regions. In the models with compact bulges, the bars show a barlens morphology in their central parts. We found that the barlens supporting orbits come in two types, one of which gives a square-like shape and the other have a rosette-like shape in the frame co-rotating with the bar. Such a shape is typical for orbits around stable loop orbits in nearly axisymmetric potentials only slightly distorted by the bar. They were already known from some of the previous studies but their role in barlens shaping was barely investigated. Although quite simple, the rosette-like orbits are found to be the main building block of a barlens in our models. The detailed analysis of all bar orbits also allowed us to distinguish the x2 orbital family and isolate the structure supported by orbits trapped around this family. The x2 family is well-known, but, apparently, for the first time in N-body models we have revealed the structure it supports by means of spectral dynamics and highlight its contribution to the barlens. We found that the x2 family population increases with an increase in central matter concentration.
The VVV open cluster project. Near-infrared sequences of NGC 6067, NGC 6259, NGC 4815, Pismis 18, Trumpler 23, and Trumpler 20
Authors: Peña Ramírez K , González-Fernández C , Chené A-N , Ramírez Alegría S
Published: February 2021

Open clusters are central elements of our understanding of the Galactic disc evolution, as an accurate determination of their parameters leads to an unbiased picture of our Galaxy’s structure. Extending the analysis towards fainter magnitudes in cluster sequences has a significant impact on the derived fundamental parameters, such as extinction and total mass. We perform a homogeneous analysis of six open stellar clusters in the Galactic disc using kinematic and photometric information from the Gaia DR2 and VVV surveys: NGC 6067, NGC 6259, NGC 4815, Pismis 18, Trumpler 23, and Trumpler 20. We implement two coarse-to-fine characterization methods: first, we employ Gaussian mixture models to tag fields around each open cluster in the proper motion space, and then we apply an unsupervised machine learning method to make the membership assignment to each cluster. For the studied clusters, with ages in the ∼120–1900 Myr range, we report an increase of ∼45 per cent new member candidates on average in our sample. The data-driven selection approach of cluster members makes our catalogue a valuable resource for testing stellar evolutionary models and for assessing the cluster low-to-intermediate mass populations. This study is the first of a series intended to homogeneously reveal open cluster near-infrared sequences.
Rapid destruction of planetary debris around white dwarfs through aeolian erosion
Authors: Rozner Mor , Veras Dimitri , Perets Hagai B
Published: February 2021

The discovery of numerous debris discs around white dwarfs (WDs) gave rise to extensive study of such discs and their role in polluting WDs, but the formation and evolution of these discs is not yet well understood. Here, we study the role of aeolian (wind) erosion in the evolution of solids in WD debris discs. Aeolian erosion is a destructive process that plays a key role in shaping the properties and size distribution of planetesimals, boulders, and pebbles in gaseous protoplanetary discs. Our analysis of aeolian erosion in WD debris discs shows that it can also play an important role in these environments. We study the effects of aeolian erosion under different conditions of the disc and its erosive effect on planetesimals and boulders of different sizes. We find that solid bodies smaller than $\sim \! 5 \, \rm {km}$ will be eroded within the short disc lifetime. We compare the role of aeolian erosion in respect to other destructive processes such as collisional fragmentation and thermal ablation. We find that aeolian erosion is the dominant destructive process for objects with radius $\lesssim \! 10^3 \, \rm {cm}$ and at distances $\lesssim \! 0.6 \, \mathrm{R}_\odot$ from the WD. Thereby, aeolian erosion constitutes the main destructive pathway linking fragmentational collisions operating on large objects with sublimation of the smallest objects and Poynting–Robertson drag, which leads to the accretion of the smallest particles on to the photosphere of WDs, and the production of polluted WDs.
τ9 Eri: a bright pulsating magnetic Bp star in a 5.95-d double-lined spectroscopic binary
Authors: Woodcock K , Wade G A , Kochukhov O , Sikora J , Pigulski A
Published: February 2021

τ9 Eri is a Bp star that was previously reported to be a single-lined spectroscopic binary. Using 17 ESPaDOnS spectropolarimetric (Stokes V) observations, we identified the weak spectral lines of the secondary component and detected a strong magnetic field in the primary. We performed orbital analysis of the radial velocities of both components to find a slightly eccentric orbit (e = 0.129) with a period of 5.95382(2) d. The longitudinal magnetic field (Bℓ) of the primary was measured from each of the Stokes V profiles, with typical error bars smaller than 10 G. Equivalent widths (EWs) of least-squares deconvolution profiles corresponding to only the Fe lines were also measured. We performed frequency analysis of both the Bℓ and EW measurements, as well as of the Hipparcos, SMEI, and TESS photometric data. All sets of photometric observations produce two clear, strong candidates for the rotation period of the Bp star: 1.21 and 3.82 d. The Bℓ and EW measurements are consistent with only the 3.82-d period. We conclude that HD 25267 consists of a late-type Bp star (M = $3.6_{-0.2}^{+0.1}~\mathrm{ M}_\odot$, T = $12580_{-120}^{+150}$ K) with a rotation period of 3.82262(4) d orbiting with a period of 5.95382(2) d with a late-A/early-F type secondary companion (M = 1.6 ± 0.1 M⊙, T = $7530_{-510}^{+580}$ K). The Bp star’s magnetic field is approximately dipolar with i = 41 ± 2°, β = 158 ± 5°, and Bd = 1040 ± 50 G. All evidence points to the strong 1.209912(3)-d period detected in photometry, along with several other weaker photometric signals, as arising from g-mode pulsations in the primary.
Impact of magnetic activity on inferred stellar properties of main-sequence Sun-like stars
Authors: Thomas Alexandra E L , Chaplin William J , Basu Sarbani , Rendle Ben , Davies Guy , Miglio Andrea
Published: February 2021

The oscillation frequencies observed in Sun-like stars are susceptible to being shifted by magnetic activity effects. The measured shifts depend on a complex relationship involving the mode type, the field strength, and spatial distribution of activity, as well as the inclination angle of the star. Evidence of these shifts is also present in frequency separation ratios that are often used when inferring global properties of stars in order to avoid surface effects. However, one assumption when using frequency ratios for this purpose is that there are no near-surface perturbations that are non-spherically symmetric. In this work, we studied the impact on inferred stellar properties when using frequency ratios that are influenced by non-homogeneous activity distributions. We generate several sets of artificial oscillation frequencies with various amounts of shift and determine stellar properties using two separate pipelines. We find that for asteroseismic observations of Sun-like targets we can expect magnetic activity to affect mode frequencies that will bias the results from stellar modelling analysis. Although for most stellar properties this offset should be small, typically less than 0.5 per cent in mass, estimates of age and central hydrogen content can have an error of up to 5 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. We expect a larger frequency shift and therefore larger bias for more active stars. We also warn that for stars with very high or low inclination angles, the response of modes to activity is more easily observable in the separation ratios and hence will incur a larger bias.