bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal impact on photosynthesis and photoprotection in plants
Authors: Müller Maren , Munné-Bosch Sergi
Published: January 2021

Photosynthesis is not only essential for plants, but it also sustains life on Earth. Phytohormones play crucial roles in developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, due to their role as growth and developmental regulators, as well as their central role in the regulation of photosynthesis. Furthermore, phytohormones play a major role in photoprotection of the photosynthetic apparatus under stress conditions. Here, in addition to discussing our current knowledge on the role of the phytohormones auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and strigolactones in promoting photosynthesis, we will also highlight the role of abscisic acid beyond stomatal closure in modulating photosynthesis and photoprotection under various stress conditions through crosstalk with ethylene, salicylates, jasmonates, and brassinosteroids. Furthermore, the role of phytohormones in controlling the production and scavenging of photosynthesis-derived reactive oxygen species, the duration and extent of photo-oxidative stress and redox signaling under stress conditions will be discussed in detail. Hormones have a significant impact on the regulation of photosynthetic processes in plants under both optimal and stress conditions, with hormonal interactions, complementation, and crosstalk being important in the spatiotemporal and integrative regulation of photosynthetic processes during organ development at the whole-plant level.
The URL1–ROC5–TPL2 transcriptional repressor complex represses the ACL1 gene to modulate leaf rolling in rice
Authors: Fang Jingjing , Guo Tingting , Xie Zhiwei , Chun Yan , Zhao Jinfeng , Peng Lixiang , Zafar Syed Adeel , Yuan Shoujiang , Xiao Langtao , Li Xueyong
Published: January 2021

Moderate leaf rolling is beneficial for leaf erectness and compact plant architecture. However, our understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms of leaf rolling is still limited. Here, we characterized a semi-dominant rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant upward rolled leaf 1 (Url1) showing adaxially rolled leaves due to a decrease in the number and size of bulliform cells. Map-based cloning revealed that URL1 encodes the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) IV family member RICE OUTERMOST CELL-SPECIFIC 8 (ROC8). A single-base substitution in one of the two conserved complementary motifs unique to the 3′-untranslated region of this family enhanced URL1 mRNA stability and abundance in the Url1 mutant. URL1 (UPWARD ROLLED LEAF1) contains an ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression motif and functions as a transcriptional repressor via interaction with the TOPLESS co-repressor OsTPL2. Rather than homodimerizing, URL1 heterodimerizes with another HD-ZIP IV member ROC5. URL1 could bind directly to the promoter and suppress the expression of abaxially curled leaf 1 (ACL1), a positive regulator of bulliform cell development. Knockout of OsTPL2 or ROC5 or overexpression of ACL1 in the Url1 mutant partially suppressed the leaf-rolling phenotype. Our results reveal a regulatory network whereby a transcriptional repression complex composed of URL1, ROC5, and the transcriptional corepressor TPL2 suppresses the expression of the ACL1 gene, thus modulating bulliform cell development and leaf rolling in rice.
In Vivo Amygdala Nuclei Volumes in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders
Authors: Barth Claudia , Nerland Stener , de Lange Ann-Marie G , Wortinger Laura A , Hilland Eva , Andreassen Ole A , Jørgensen Kjetil N , Agartz Ingrid
Published: January 2021

Abnormalities in amygdala volume are well-established in schizophrenia and commonly reported in bipolar disorders. However, the specificity of volumetric differences in individual amygdala nuclei is largely unknown. Patients with schizophrenia disorders (SCZ, N = 452, mean age 30.7 ± 9.2 [SD] years, females 44.4%), bipolar disorders (BP, N = 316, 33.7 ± 11.4, 58.5%), and healthy controls (N = 753, 34.1 ± 9.1, 40.9%) underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Total amygdala, nuclei, and intracranial volume (ICV) were estimated with Freesurfer (v6.0.0). Analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression models, adjusting for age, age2, ICV, and sex, were fitted to examine diagnostic group and subgroup differences in volume, respectively. Bilateral total amygdala and all nuclei volumes, except the medial and central nuclei, were significantly smaller in patients relative to controls. The largest effect sizes were found for the basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, and cortico-amygdaloid transition area (partial η2 > 0.02). The diagnostic subgroup analysis showed that reductions in amygdala nuclei volume were most widespread in schizophrenia, with the lateral, cortical, paralaminar, and central nuclei being solely reduced in this disorder. The right accessory basal nucleus was marginally smaller in SCZ relative to BP (t = 2.32, P = .05). Our study is the first to demonstrate distinct patterns of amygdala nuclei volume reductions in a well-powered sample of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Volume differences in the basolateral complex (lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei), an integral part of the threat processing circuitry, were most prominent in schizophrenia.
Racial, ethnic, and healthcare disparities in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yip Kevin , Navarro-Millán Iris
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

This review highlights the available data describing racial and ethnic health disparities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States from an epidemiological, disease activity, and wider socioeconomic standpoint.

Recent findings

Despite centralized government initiatives to include more underrepresentative minority populations into research, many of the studies that examined rheumatoid arthritis still fail to include sizeable cohorts of races or ethnic groups other than whites. Evidence is slowly mounting that individual, provider, and system-level barriers exist and contribute to unequal care that leads to poorer outcomes amongst patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease, early treatment is crucial to delay functional decline – a narrow window for many minority patients who are disproportionality affected by disability.

To combat the inequality that exists amongst rheumatoid arthritis patients we must focus on why discrepancies exist on every level, system, physician, patient, and illness. Further research is needed to tease the complex interplay between race, social economic status, medical access, and outcomes to explain the disparities found in rheumatoid arthritis.
Evaluation of avascular necrosis risk factors after closed reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip before walking age
Authors: Bozkurt Celal , Sarikaya Baran , Sipahioğlu Serkan , Çetin Baki Volkan , Bekin Sarikaya Pelin Zeynep , Kaptan Ahmet Yiğit , Altay Mehmet Akif
Published: January 2021

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is one of the most important complications after closed reduction and spica cast application in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment. This study aims to put forth the impact of closed reduction age and other factors which can cause AVN. Inclusion criteria of the study were: closed reduction and spica cast application before walking age (12 months) and minimum 2 years duration of follow-up. The presence of femoral head ossific nucleus, International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) score, acetabular indices and AVN were evaluated from radiographies. Hip abduction angles were evaluated on CT images. The absence of the ossific nucleus at the closed reduction time and preoperative IHDI grade were not significant risk factors for AVN (respectively OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 0.99–8.07; P = 0.052; OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 0.85–7.32; P = 0.094). For the patients older than 10 months, (1) the absence of the ossific nucleus was a significant risk factor for grade 2 or higher AVN according to the Bucholz Ogden criteria (P = 0.020) and (2) the higher preoperative IHDI grade (IHDI 3–4) was a significant risk factor for AVN (P = 0.032). AVN of the femoral head was a significant risk factor for fair or poor clinical outcome (P = 0.001). It is not reasonable to wait for radiological visibility of the ossific nucleus to prevent femoral head AVN before applying closed reduction and spica cast, irrespective of the age interval.
Complications of intrathecal baclofen pump treatment in children with spastic cerebral palsy. A comparative analysis of patients weighing over or under 20 kg at the time of implantation
Authors: Tabard-Fougère Anne , Canavese Federico , Steiger Christina N. , De Coulon Geraldo
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of complications in pediatric spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patients weighing less than 20 kg at the time of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump implantation and to compare it with spastic CP patients heavier than 20 kg. Twenty-seven patients with spastic CP (14 males) treated with ITB implantation at our institution between January 2002 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight of the 27 patients had a bodyweight below 20 kg (group A) and 19 had weight above 20 kg (group B). Group A had a significantly more important proportion of patients with the Gross Motor Function Classification System V compared to group B (88 vs. 42%). The median follow-up was respectively 2.5 (1.8–4.6) and 4.6 (1.9–10.0) years in groups A and B. Median age at the time of ITB implantation was 7.4 (2.8–12.8) and 13.7 (6.5–16.8) years in groups A and B (P = 0.002). The proportion of patients with complications or reoperation was NS between groups A and B (P > 0.05). No postoperative infections were recorded in any of the groups. During follow-up, five patients died (63%) in group A and three (16%) in group B (P = 0.049) within 3.8 years on average after ITB implantation. ITB therapy in spastic CP patients weighing less than 20 kg seems to be as well tolerated and effective as it is in heavier (>20 kg) pediatric patients.
An Extramedullary Spacing Block Technique to Restore Native Coronal Limb Alignment in TKA
Authors: Dungy Danton S. , de Jesus Kayla
Published: January 2021

Background:

Historically, the femoral and tibial preparation for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are executed in isolation and then soft tissue releases are used to obtain a balanced knee. We present the clinical outcomes associated with a novel surgical method that links the tibial and femoral resections, avoids soft tissue releases, is performed extramedullary, and does not require special scans, robotics, or rapid prototype blocks.

Materials and Methods:

We measured hip, knee, ankle alignment radiographs preoperatively and postoperatively on 433 consecutive TKAs performed between November 2016 and August 2019. A new surgical technique called the linked and tensioned extramedullary resections (LATER technique) for both extension and flexion gap balancing was utilized without any soft tissue releases.

Results:

One hundred thirty-four knees were found to have severe malalignment preoperatively (≥10 degrees of varus or valgus deformities). The average angular correction was 12 degrees toward neutral alignment. Of the entire cohort, 89.2% of patients reported being completely or mostly satisfied. Patients reported “a lot of improvement” or “back to normal” (92.3%).

Conclusions:

The LATER technique improves coronal alignment following a complex primary TKA. Contemporary TKA can be balanced without ligament releases. The avoidance of intramedullary violation and soft tissue releases decreased intraoperative blood loss and trauma. This technique also avoids the complexities of navigation, the complications associated with fat embolism, and the manufacturing of rapid prototype blocks. The LATER technique of coronally tensioned alignment is simple to use and has excellent patient-reported satisfaction and improvement scores.
Creating a Pathway for Psychosocial Support in Siblings of Youth with a Chronic Illness: Findings from an International Summit
Authors: Long Kristin A. , Patterson Pandora , Fainsilber Katz Lynn , Amaro Christina M. , Alderfer Melissa A.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Serious childhood illnesses such as cancer affect all family members. Siblings experience strong emotions and disruptions to their routines as families reorganize to confront the disease and manage treatment. Addressing siblings' psychosocial needs is a standard of care in pediatric oncology, but siblings' needs are rarely met because of systematic barriers in our health care system. Thus, we aimed to re-envision sibling care. We used an appreciative inquiry approach to inform systematic screening of siblings' psychosocial risk and unmet needs as a first step toward providing appropriate support.

Method:

Sibling-focused researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and families of youth with cancer (N = 29) convened for a 2-day community stakeholder-centered international summit to create a vision for standardizing and optimizing sibling-focused psychosocial screening and assessment as a pathway to care, including crafting a research agenda and articulating best clinical practices.

Results:

Summit attendees created a detailed framework for best practices in universal sibling psychosocial screening and pathways to support. The framework emphasizes links between hospital- and community-based care. It highlights the need to prepare systems to feasibly and effectively attend to siblings' needs and recommends incorporating siblings into family-based psychosocial screening at cancer diagnosis, systematically conducting sibling-focused psychosocial screening during and after cancer treatment, and connecting siblings with community-based resources.

Conclusion:

A systematic approach to sibling psychosocial services expands the idea of family-centered care to include siblings and ensures that siblings' needs are adequately recognized and met. This framework was created in the context of cancer but is applicable across illness groups.
Postpartum recovery: what does it take to get back to a baseline?
Authors: Sultan Pervez , Carvalho Brendan
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Limited guidance exists regarding how to assess postpartum recovery. In this article, we discuss various aspects of inpatient and outpatient postpartum recovery.

Recent findings

The postpartum period for many women includes sleep deprivation, maternal–neonatal bonding, breastfeeding, and integrating a new life into the family unit. Factors which impact inpatient quality of recovery include pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shivering, comfort, mobilization, ability to hold and feed the baby, personal hygiene maintenance, and feeling in control. Outpatient recovery domains include psychosocial distress, surgical/medical factors, feeding and breast health, psychosocial support, pain, physical function, sleep, motherhood experience, infant health, fatigue, appearance / cosmetic factors, sexual function, and cognition. Postpartum recovery is likely to take longer than six weeks; however, no consensus regarding recovery duration exists among professional societies. Obstetric quality of recovery (ObsQoR) is a recommended measure of inpatient postpartum recovery; however, studies are needed to determine the optimum outpatient recovery assessment tool.

Postpartum recovery is an important area that requires clinical and research attention. Future studies should focus on identifying and developing valid, reliable, and responsive measures of recovery as well as tracking and optimizing recovery domains following all delivery modes.

Supplementary video abstract also available

http://links.lww.com/COOG/A65
Update of clinical echocardiographic assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Rahman Mehnaz , Kerut Edmund Kenneth
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has an increasing global prevalence. Diastolic dysfunction is the predominant cause of symptoms, most commonly, exertional dyspnea. Although prevalent, the syndrome is challenging to identify due to the comorbid conditions that can present similarly. This paper will review established, guideline recommended, echocardiographic variables, and pathophysiology.

Recent findings

Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic modality. The latest advances in strain analysis, algorithmic use of multiple parameters, and deeper understanding of exercise hemodynamics have improved our classification of those with HFpEF.

There remains a paucity of therapies with mortality benefit in this subgroup. Thus, improving diagnostic efficacy is important as it can clarify epidemiologic, phenotypic, and pathologic features of HFpEF.
Cardiovascular implications and complications of the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a world upside down
Authors: Manolis Antonis S. , Manolis Theodora A. , Manolis Antonis A. , Melita Helen
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The new pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has produced a global tumult and has overburdened national health systems. We herein discuss the cardiovascular implications and complications of this pandemic analyzing the most recent data clustered over the last several months.

Recent findings

COVID-19 afflicts the cardiovascular system producing acute cardiac injury in 10–20% of cases with mild disease but in greater than 50–60% in severe cases, contributing to patients’ demise. Other cardiovascular complications include arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary embolism and shock. Off-label therapies are being trialed with their own inherent cardiovascular risks, while supportive therapies currently dominate, until more specific and effective antiviral therapies and vaccinations become available. A controversial issue relates to the safety of drugs blocking the renin--angiotensin system as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) homologue, ACE2, serves as the receptor for viral entry into host cells. However, to-date, no harm has been proven for these drugs.

In the cardiovascular system, COVID-19 can induce acute cardiac injury, arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, shock and death, whereas anti-COVID therapies also confer serious cardiovascular side-effects. Ongoing extensive efforts focus on specific vaccines and antivirals. Meanwhile, cardiovascular risk factors and diseases should be jointly controlled according to current evidence-based guidelines.
Artificial intelligence and complex statistical modeling in glaucoma diagnosis and management
Authors: Salazar Humberto , Misra Vedant , Swaminathan Swarup S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The field of artificial intelligence has grown exponentially in recent years with new technology, methods, and applications emerging at a rapid rate. Many of these advancements have been used to improve the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. We aim to provide an overview of recent publications regarding the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the detection and treatment of glaucoma.

Recent findings

Machine learning classifiers and deep learning algorithms have been developed to autonomously detect early structural and functional changes of glaucoma using different imaging and testing modalities such as fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and standard automated perimetry. Artificial intelligence has also been used to further delineate structure-function correlation in glaucoma. Additional ‘structure-structure’ predictions have been successfully estimated. Other machine learning techniques utilizing complex statistical modeling have been used to detect glaucoma progression, as well as to predict future progression. Although not yet approved for clinical use, these artificial intelligence techniques have the potential to significantly improve glaucoma diagnosis and management.

Rapidly emerging artificial intelligence algorithms have been used for the detection and management of glaucoma. These algorithms may aid the clinician in caring for patients with this complex disease. Further validation is required prior to employing these techniques widely in clinical practice.
Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-efficacy and Self-management in People With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Mares Maria , Salamonson Yenna , Maneze Della , Elmir Rakime , Everett Bronwyn
Published: December 2020

Background

Self-management is important in reducing coronary risk factors and in preventing recurrent cardiac events. An enabling factor that promotes self-management among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is self-efficacy. However, there is no standardized measure that captures self-efficacy and self-management concurrently in this population.

Aim

The authors of this study report on the development and validation of a brief scale to measure self-efficacy and self-management in patients with CHD.

Methods

Scale development and testing comprised (1) item generation, (2) content validity, and (3) pilot testing. The Heart Health Self-Efficacy and Self-Management (HH-SESM) scale includes 2 constructs: self-efficacy and self-management, measured concurrently. Components of the HH-SESM scale consisted of items related to behavioral and coronary risk factor modification. Survey data from 143 participants were used in exploratory factor analyses to test the factorial validity and internal consistency of the scale.

Results

Twelve items with the same response format were included in the exploratory factor analysis. The factor analysis revealed a single-factor solution accounting for 36.7% and 36.5% of the variance in scores of the self-efficacy and self-management scales, respectively. The correlation (r = 0.72, P < .001) between the self-efficacy and self-management constructs indicates moderate convergent validity. Cronbach α of self-efficacy (0.83) and self-management (0.81) constructs showed good internal consistency.

Conclusion

The HH-SESM is a brief, easy-to-administer, and reliable measure of self-efficacy and self-management in patients with CHD.
“It Feels Unhealthy to be Sitting for 40 hours a Week”
Authors: Wilkerson Amanda H. , Bhochhibhoya Shristi , Dragicevic Adriana
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Reducing sedentary behavior (SB) is an important public health concern. The purpose of this study was to explore motivation to acquire a standing desk and strategies for using a standing desk through one-on-one interviews.

Methods:

Thirty-seven university employees (89% staff; 51% women) participated in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and brief demographic questionnaire.

Results:

Data analysis yielded five themes about motivation to acquire a standing desk: (1) pain management; (2) health risk; (3) movement opportunity; (4) workspace flexibility; and (5) productivity and three themes about typical use strategy: (1) task-dependent; (2) time-dependent; and (3) threshold.

Conclusions:

Motivating factors for using a standing desk should be considered when encouraging standing desk use. Interventions should provide realistic strategies to establish a sit-stand routine that address employees’ unique job demands and preferences.
Rehabilitating the neurological patient in the ICU: what is important?
Authors: Hernandez Sabrina , Kittelty Katherine , Hodgson Carol L.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

To describe recent literature evaluating the effectiveness of early rehabilitation in neurocritical care patients.

Recent findings

There is a drive for early rehabilitation within the ICU; however, there are unique considerations for the neurocritically ill patient that include hemiplegia, cognitive impairments and impaired conscious state that can complicate rehabilitation. Additionally, neurological complications, such as hemorrhage expansion and cerebral edema can lead to the risk of further neurological damage. It is, therefore, important to consider the effect of exercise and position changes on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with impaired cerebral autoregulation. There is a paucity of evidence to provide recommendations on timing of early rehabilitation postneurological insult. There are also mixed findings on the effectiveness of early mobilization with one large, multicenter RCT demonstrating the potential harm of early and intensive mobilization in stroke patients. Conversely, observational trials have found early rehabilitation to be well tolerated and feasible, reduce hospital length of stay and improve functional outcomes in neurological patients admitted to ICU.

Further research is warranted to determine the benefits and harm of early rehabilitation in neurological patients. As current evidence is limited, and given recent findings in stroke studies, careful consideration should be taken when prescribing exercises in neurocritically ill patients.
Vaping epidemic in US teens: problem and solutions
Authors: Venkata Anand N. , Palagiri Raga Deepak R , Vaithilingam Siddharthan
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Over the last decade, vaping has emerged into an epidemic of alarming proportions among US teens. This review evaluates the factors leading to the rise of vaping, reasons for its striking popularity among US teens, health consequences of vaping, and measures to mitigate the vaping epidemic.

Recent findings

Contemporary research highlights the continued rise of vaping amongst US teens and explains the reasons for its popularity, such as the variety of devices, a wide range of available flavors, youth-targeted advertisements, and lack of awareness of adverse consequences from vaping. This publication highlights current research findings of health consequences of vaping, including a discussion of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) and provides an update on strategies to curtail the vaping epidemic.

Vaping has risen to epidemic proportions amongst US teens. This poses a clear and present danger to teens’ health with adverse effects ranging from acute lung injury to long-term addiction. This article summarizes key research findings that explain the reasons for the epidemic, health consequences of vaping, and provides an overview of efforts to mitigate the vaping threat to US teens.
Established and emerging roles peptide YY (PYY) and exploitation in obesity–diabetes
Authors: Lafferty Ryan A. , Flatt Peter R. , Irwin Nigel
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The antiobesity effects of activation of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y2 receptors (NPYR2) by the gut-derived hormone, peptide YY (PYY), are established. However, more recent insight into the biology of PYY has demonstrated remarkable benefits of sustained activation of pancreatic beta-cell NPYR1, that promises to open a new therapeutic avenue in diabetes.

Recent findings

The therapeutic applicability of NPYR2 agonists for obesity has been considered for many years. An alternative pathway for the clinical realisation of PYY-based drugs could be related to the development of NPYR1 agonists for treatment of diabetes. Thus, although stimulation of NPYR1 on pancreatic beta-cells has immediate insulinostatic effects, prolonged activation of these receptors leads to well defined beta-cell protective effects, with obvious positive implications for the treatment of diabetes. In this regard, NPYR1-specific, long-acting enzyme resistant PYY analogues, have been recently developed with encouraging preclinical effects observed on pancreatic islet architecture in diabetes. In agreement, the benefits of certain types of bariatric surgeries on beta-cell function and responsiveness have also been linked to elevated PYY secretion and NPY1 receptor activation.

Enzymatically stable forms of PYY, that selectively activate NPYR1, may have significant potential for preservation of beta-cell mass and the treatment of diabetes.
Diagnosis of amyloid beyond Congo red
Authors: Picken Maria M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Amyloidoses are a group of rare and heterogeneous diseases in which abnormally folded proteins deposit in tissues and lead to organ damage. A brief review of advances in the diagnosis of extracerebral systemic amyloidoses in the context of recent advances in their clinical management is provided.

Recent findings

Although steady progress in the treatment of AL and AA has evolved over many years, significant advances in the treatment of ATTR, transthyretin-derived amyloidosis, have been achieved only recently. This coincides with the emergence of nontissue diagnosis of cardiac ATTR in both the hereditary and wild-type settings. The latter is emerging as possibly the most prevalent type of systemic amyloidosis.

Available treatments are amyloid protein type dependent and, hence, following amyloid detection, amyloid protein typing is necessary. Although mass spectrometry has emerged as the preferred method of amyloid typing, careful application of immune methods is still clinically useful but caution and experience, as well as awareness of the limitations of each method, are necessary in their interpretation.

Despite significant advances in the treatment of the systemic amyloidoses, outcomes remain poor, primarily due to delays in diagnosis. Precise diagnosis of the amyloid protein type is critical for treatment selection.
Apolipoprotein genetic variants and hereditary amyloidosis
Authors: Jeraj Natasha , Hegele Robert A. , Berberich Amanda J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Amyloidosis is caused by the deposition of misfolded aggregated proteins called amyloid fibrils that in turn cause organ damage and dysfunction. In this review, we aim to summarize the genetic, clinical, and histological findings in apolipoprotein-associated hereditary amyloidosis and the growing list of mutations and apolipoproteins associated with this disorder. We also endeavor to summarize the features of apolipoproteins that have led them to be overrepresented among amyloidogenic proteins. Additionally, we aim to distinguish mutations leading to amyloidosis from those that lead to inherited dyslipidemias.

Recent findings

Apolipoproteins are becoming increasingly recognized in hereditary forms of amyloidosis. Although mutations in APOA1 and APOA2 have been well established in hereditary amyloidosis, new mutations are still being detected, providing further insight into the pathogenesis of apolipoprotein-related amyloidosis. Furthermore, amyloidogenic mutations in APOC2 and APOC3 have more recently been described. Although no hereditary mutations in APOE or APOA4 have been described to date, both protein products are amyloidogenic and frequently found within amyloid deposits.

Understanding the underlying apolipoprotein mutations that contribute to hereditary amyloidosis may help improve understanding of this rare but serious disorder and could open the door for targeted therapies and the potential development of new treatment options.
Intestinal transplantation: an overview of the recent experimental studies
Authors: Oltean Mihai
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Experimental intestinal transplantation (ITx ) has generated invaluable knowledge that has ultimately benefited the clinical activity. Herein, we appraise the recent publications pertaining to experimental ITx and highlight the main current research topics.

Recent findings

During the recent years, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) have gradually replaced acute rejection as the main research topic. New additives to established preservation solutions and relatively novel approaches such as luminal interventions during cold storage may prolong the storage time and alleviate IRI. High donor age does not seem to worsen preservation injury. The ischemic susceptibility seems to differ between species, which may impact the translatability of the experimental findings. A new experimental model of modified multivisceral transplantation including the donor spleen may offer a new tool with which to study GVHD, besides the classical Lewis–Brown Norway rat combination. Flushing the graft with fludarabine may mitigate GVHD in rats. T-cell activation inhibitor—mitochondrial was downregulated in the peripheral blood leukocytes before other signs of acute and severe chronic rejection could be observed.

Experimental research in ITx has largely shifted focus from acute rejection to IRI and GVHD. Several lines of research have matured toward clinical translation, yet no breakthrough is imminent.
Decision making and treatment options in endourology post-coronavirus disease 2019 – adapting to the future
Authors: Proietti Silvia , Basulto-Martinez Mario , Pavia Maria Pia , Luciani Lorenzo , Gaboardi Franco , Giusti Guido
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

To describe and critically discuss the most recent evidence regarding stone management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and post-COVID-19 era.

Recent findings

There is a need to plan for resuming the normal elective stone surgery in the post-COVID era, keeping a clear record of all surgeries that are being deferred and identifying subgroups of surgical priorities, for the de-escalation phase. Telehealth is very useful because it contributes to reduce virus dissemination guaranteeing at the same time an adequate response to patients’ care needs. Once the pandemic is over, teleurology will continue to be utilized to offer cost-effective care to urological patients and it will be totally integrated in our clinical practice.

This COVID-19 pandemic represents a real challenge for all national health providers: on the one hand, every effort should be made to assist COVID patients, while on the other hand we must remember that all other diseases have not disappeared in the meanwhile and they will urgently need to be treated as soon as the pandemic is more under control. A correct prioritization of cases when surgical activity will progressively return back to normality is of paramount importance.
State-Level Stay-at-Home Orders and Objectively Measured Movement in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bourassa Kyle J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Social distancing has been one of the primary interventions used to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic. Although statewide stay-at-home orders in the United States received a large degree of media and political attention, relatively little peer-reviewed research has examined the impacts of such orders on social distancing behaviors.

Method

This study used daily GPS-derived movement from 2858 counties in the United States from March 1 to May 7, 2020, to test the degree to which changes in state-level stay-at-home orders were associated with movement outside the home.

Results

From early March to early April, people in counties with state-level stay-at-home orders decreased their movement significantly more than counties without state-level stay-at-home orders; 3.1% more people stayed within 1 mile of home, and 1.6% fewer vehicle miles were driven per day. From early April to early May, people in counties within states that ended their stay-at-home orders increased their movement significantly more than counties in states whose stay-at-home orders remained in place; 1.2% fewer people remained within 1 mile of home, and 6.2% more vehicle miles were driven per day. The magnitude of changes associated with state-level stay-at-home orders was many times smaller than the total changes in movement across all counties over the same periods.

Conclusions

Stay-at-home orders were associated with greater social distancing but accounted for only part of this behavioral change. Research on behavior change would be useful to determine additional interventions that could support social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apathy and neurocognitive correlates: review from the perspective of ‘precision psychiatry’
Authors: Gracia-García Patricia , Modrego Pedro , Lobo Antonio
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

From the perspective of motivated behaviour and the so-called ‘precision psychiatry’, we try to identify recent advances in the neurocognitive and biological correlates of apathy.

Recent findings

New evidence supports the notion that apathy is a common transdiagnostic and heterogeneous clinical syndrome, now conceptualized as a reduction in ‘goal-directed’ activity. Similarly, abundant evidence has been found related to neurocognitive correlates of apathy and the associations between clinical apathy and the processes primarily responsible for mediating motivational drive and effort-based decision making.

Notwithstanding that the neurobiological basis is still poorly understood, there is some agreement in recent articles about a common system-level mechanism underlying apathy, pointing at specific medial frontal cortex and subcortical structures, including anterior cingulate cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum and related circuitry.

Although difficulties in interpreting the results of these studies are apparent, because of different concepts of apathy used and methodological shortcomings identified, we have found consistent advances in the neurocognitive and biological correlates of apathy, relevant for the deep phenotyping proposed by the ‘precision psychiatry’ approach. This framework may eventually facilitate the identification of predictive-risk models and new specific therapeutic targets in psychiatry.
COVID-19 and neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Kronenberg Golo , Raha-Chowdhury Ruma
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The COVID-19 infection results in various viral-related physical and mental health problems, joined with the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic in general. However, the accompanying neurocognitive changes remain poorly understood.

Recent findings

We synthetize the current knowledge of viral (SARS-CoV-2) induced inflammation, mechanisms to viral entry into the central nervous system and altered neurotransmitter systems to provide an informed neurobiological explanation for the rise of neurocognitive disorders (defined as per the DSM-5 criteria).

The mild and major neurocognitive disorder symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic provide a unique opportunity to address the early changes underlying neurocognitive impairment at both clinical and molecular level. We discuss the utilization of the available evidence for their management and future novel therapeutic opportunities.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and neurodegenerative disease: what will the future bring?
Authors: McAlpine Lindsay S. , Fesharaki-Zadeh Arman , Spudich Serena
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Over 70 million people worldwide, including those with neurodegenerative disease (NDD), have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to date. We review outcomes in patients with NDD and COVID-19 and discuss the hypothesis that due to putative commonalities of neuropathogenesis, COVID-19 may unmask or trigger NDD in vulnerable individuals.

Recent findings

Based on a systematic review of published literature, patients with NDD, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) make up a significant portion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Such patients are likely to present with altered mental status or worsening of their preexisting neurological symptoms. Patients with NDD and poor outcomes often have high-risk comorbid conditions, including advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart/lung disease. Patients with dementia including Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk for hospitalization and death, whereas those with preexisting Parkinson's disease are not. MS patients have good outcomes and disease modifying therapies do not increase the risk for severe disease. Viral infections and attendant neuroinflammation have been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and MS, suggesting that COVID-19 may have the potential to incite or accelerate neurodegeneration.

Since patients with Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk for hospitalization and death in the setting of COVID-19, additional precautions and protective measures should be put in place to prevent infections and optimize management of comorbidities in this vulnerable population. Further studies are needed to determine whether COVID-19 may lead to an increased risk of developing NDD in susceptible individuals.
Study on the characteristics of superconducting electrodynamic suspension system based on dynamic circuit theory
Authors: Hu Daoyu , Zhai Maochun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of different parameters on the characteristics of the superconducting electrodynamic suspension (EDS) system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an analytical model based on the dynamic circuit theory to perform the analysis. The authors proposed an inductance criterion to improve the calculation accuracy. They also proposed a three-dimension finite element method (FEM) to verify the validity of the analytical model.

Findings

The levitation force and guiding force increase with the superconducting magnet (SCM) speed and show a saturated trend, while the drag force decreases with the SCM speed. The vibration characteristic is the inherent characteristic of the superconducting EDS. The frequency and amplitude are affected by the gap between adjacent null-flux coils. The levitation force first increases and subsequently decreases with the levitation height. The total levitation force of the SCM increases with the superconducting coil (SC) number, while the average levitation force of an SC decreases with the SC number. The total levitation force nonlinearly increases with the SC number.

Originality/value

The authors introduced an inductance criterion for better understanding and using the analytical model, and they also proposed a 3D FEM method. The 3D FEM method could be extended to simulate the other EDS systems with more complex structures which the numerical model is no longer applicable. The results of the parameter study could deepen people’s understanding of EDS.
Social imaginaries of violence and fear: the Chilean press and the 1968 global student movement
Authors: Toro-Blanco Pablo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the construction of social imaginaries of fear by the Chilean press regarding student violence during the 1968 university reforming process. Using an approach inspired by the history of emotions, the primary purpose is to analyze the discourse of two relevant conservative newspapers with national circulation about students' mobilization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research rests on the analysis of content in the discourse of the two more representative right-wing Chilean newspapers (El Mercurio and El Diario Ilustrado). Founded in the early years of the 20th century, both had national circulations and were a part of a tradition in the history of the Chilean 20th-century national press. Through the analysis of a selection of editorials and news regarding students' mobilization during 1968, with a focus on the experience of the most prominent institution (Universidad de Chile), this research highlights similarities and differences in the ways that both media endeavoured to elaborate social imaginaries of menace and fear regarding student movements.

Findings

Through the study of the discourse of traditional newspapers, it is possible to identify critical issues concerning the university student movements' purposes to implement breaking (and occasionally violent) methods to carry out the reforms that they promoted, according to the right-wing press. Against this backdrop, the different importance of an anti-communist component is discernible, typical of the Cold War period, in the (political and emotional) arguments of the newspapers under analysis.

Originality/value

This article proposes an interpretation that intertwines a local phenomenon (the reformist movement of the University of Chile) with a global one (the May student revolution of 1968). It also establishes a novel approach by linking, through its approach, yet traditional concepts of social and cultural analysis (the idea of social imaginaries) with a new emphasis on social science and humanities (emotional dimensions).
The effects of trade unions on economic performance: evidence from Chinese provincial-level data
Authors: Guo Rui , Laroche Patrice
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate union effects on wages, employment, and productivity in China. The relationships between unionization and these three economic variables are first tested at the national level and then examined in the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Provincial-level panel data from 1994 to 2014 are used in this study, compiled from various Chinese Statistics Year Books, and covering 29 provinces. The Ordinary Least Square is firstly employed to examine union impacts. Then, in view of the endogeneity of unionization, the Two-Stage Least Square estimation with instrument variables is adopted to reexamine union effects. Overidentification tests are conducted, verifying the validity of these instruments.

Findings

At the national level, Chinese unions have significantly positive effects on wages but no significant effect on employment and productivity. In the eastern region, unions are significantly related to increased employment. In the western region, union activity not only significantly promotes wages but also improves productivity. In the central region, unionization has no significant impact. These findings suggest that equipping Chinese unions with a collective and cooperative face can generally help them improve workers' interests. Their effectiveness varies across the three economic regions.

Originality/value

Compared with the survey data conducted in certain cities and industries, the provincial-level panel data used in this article have the advantage of capturing the overall effects of unionization. An instrument variable method is used to address the endogeneity issue. After exploring union effects at the national level, this paper focuses on observing the differences in union roles in three economic regions.