bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of st-segment elevation myocardial infarction in comparison to european society of cardiology guidelines in alexandria university hospitals
Authors: Madkour Moustafa , Zaki Amr , Abdelaty Ahmed , kamal Amr
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the major contributors to reperfusion delay in ST- elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in Alexandria University hospitals and the adherence to ESC clinical practice guidelines.

Methods and results

Prospective cohort of all patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with chest pain or discomfort between March 2020 and February 2021 in Alexandria university hospitals. A total of 436 patients were enrolled, 280 patients (64.2%) underwent PPCI, 32 patients (7.3%) had thrombolytic therapy and 124 patients (28.4%) had conservative strategy. In regard to the demographics and risk factors, the mean age of our cohort was 55.2 years. The majority were males (80.9%) and smokers (72.2%). Hypertension was a risk factor in 41.5% of our population, diabetes in 33.5%, and a family history was present in 14.2%, while 7.3% had renal impairment.

The median pre-hospital delay was 360 minutes; mainly due to delay in seeking medical care which was the cause in 45.6%, whereas the mean ER time delay was 48.24 ± 89.30 minutes. The median time from CCU admission to wire crossing was 40.0 minutes with a mean value 53.86 ±49.0 minutes. The total ischemic time was 372 minutes (6.2 hours) with a mean ischemic time of 408 minutes (6.8 hours). The rate of reperfusion therapy (PPCI or thrombolysis) was 71.5 percent among all STEMI patients who presented within 12 hours, with achievement of timely reperfusion according to ESC guidelines for management of STEMI in 35.0%. The majority of our patients (70.7%) had door to wire crossing time of less than 90 minutes.

In-hospital overall mortality was 5.5%. The PPCI group had a mortality rate of 2.9 percent, whereas the conservative management group had a mortality rate of 12.9 percent, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between the two groups. In-hospital overall MACE was 27.3%. The PPCI group had MACE rate of 15%, the thrombolytic group had MACE rate of 28.1%, and the conservative management group had MACE rate of 54.8%, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between the three groups.

Conclusions

Regardless of the financial and technical limitations in our center, timely reperfusion rate and performance are not far from meeting ESC 2017 guidelines for the management of STEMI. Primary PCI was the most frequently used treatment modality, and the associated total in- hospital mortality was below 5%. An enormous increase in the total ischemic time is a major concern due.

Additional Content

An author video to accompany this abstract is available on https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp. Please click on the arrow next to ‘More Content’ and then click on ‘Author videos’.
Immunohistochemical characteristics of local sites that trigger atrial arrhythmias in response to high-frequency stimulation
Authors: Kim Min-young , Nesbitt James , Koutsoftidis Simos , Brook Joseph , Pitcher David S , Cantwell Chris D , Handa Balvinder , Jenkins Catherine , Houston Charles , Rothery Stephen , Jothidasan Anand , Perkins Justin , Bristow Poppy , Linton Nick W F , Drakakis Emm , Peters Nicholas S , Chowdhury Rasheda A , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Ng Fu Siong
Published: October 2022

Aims

The response to high frequency stimulation (HFS) is used to locate putative sites of ganglionated plexuses (GPs), which are implicated in triggering atrial fibrillation (AF). To identify topological and immunohistochemical characteristics of presumed GP sites functionally identified by HFS.

Methods and results

Sixty-three atrial sites were tested with HFS in four Langendorff-perfused porcine hearts. A 3.5 mm tip quadripolar ablation catheter was used to stimulate and deliver HFS to the left and right atrial epicardium, within the local atrial refractory period. Tissue samples from sites triggering atrial ectopy/AF (ET) sites and non-ET sites were stained with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), for quantification of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, respectively. The average cross-sectional area (CSA) of nerves was also calculated. Histomorphometry of six ET sites (9.5%) identified by HFS evoking at least a single atrial ectopic was compared with non-ET sites. All ET sites contained ChAT-immunoreactive (ChAT-IR) and/or TH-immunoreactive nerves (TH-IR). Nerve density was greater in ET sites compared to non-ET sites (nerves/cm2: 162.3 ± 110.9 vs. 69.65 ± 72.48; P = 0.047). Overall, TH-IR nerves had a larger CSA than ChAT-IR nerves (µm2: 11 196 ± 35 141 vs. 2070 ± 5841; P < 0.0001), but in ET sites, TH-IR nerves were smaller than in non-ET sites (µm2: 6021 ± 14 586 vs. 25 254 ± 61 499; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ET sites identified by HFS contained a higher density of smaller nerves than non-ET sites. The majority of these nerves were within the atrial myocardium. This has important clinical implications for devising an effective therapeutic strategy for targeting autonomic triggers of AF.
Disease classification for whole-blood DNA methylation: Meta-analysis, missing values imputation, and XAI
Authors: Kalyakulina Alena , Yusipov Igor , Bacalini Maria Giulia , Franceschi Claudio , Vedunova Maria , Ivanchenko Mikhail
Published: October 2022

Background

DNA methylation has a significant effect on gene expression and can be associated with various diseases. Meta-analysis of available DNA methylation datasets requires development of a specific workflow for joint data processing.

Results

We propose a comprehensive approach of combined DNA methylation datasets to classify controls and patients. The solution includes data harmonization, construction of machine learning classification models, dimensionality reduction of models, imputation of missing values, and explanation of model predictions by explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) algorithms. We show that harmonization can improve classification accuracy by up to 20% when preprocessing methods of the training and test datasets are different. The best accuracy results were obtained with tree ensembles, reaching above 95% for Parkinson’s disease. Dimensionality reduction can substantially decrease the number of features, without detriment to the classification accuracy. The best imputation methods achieve almost the same classification accuracy for data with missing values as for the original data. XAI approaches have allowed us to explain model predictions from both populational and individual perspectives.

Conclusions

We propose a methodologically valid and comprehensive approach to the classification of healthy individuals and patients with various diseases based on whole-blood DNA methylation data using Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia as examples. The proposed algorithm works better for the former pathology, characterized by a complex set of symptoms. It allows to solve data harmonization problems for meta-analysis of many different datasets, impute missing values, and build classification models of small dimensionality.
Becoming a congenital heart surgeon: the long and challenging road
Authors: Jacob K A , Hussein N , van Wijk A , Heinisch P P , Salih C , Galetti L , Hörer J
Published: October 2022

Training in congenital cardiac surgery is potentially lengthier and more demanding than training in any other surgical field. The duration of training is proportional to the complexity of the specialization. The expertise of a wide range of procedures is required. There is no doubt that some individuals may acquire the requisite abilities with greater ease than others, but fundamentally, these are capabilities that can be taught and learnt. Moreover, congenital cardiac surgeons are required to have a detailed understanding of pathophysiology and morphology, in addition to the stamina and empathy required to manage these complex patients. A fellowship is just the start of such training and is followed by a long road eventually leading to a lifelong journey to become a qualified congenital cardiac surgeon. Effective mentorship is a prerequisite throughout training to guide surgeons on this journey.
Distributed adaptive leader-following consensus control for a class of non-linear output feedback systems
Authors: Wang Chuanrui , Sun Hui , Zhang Shuai
Published: October 2022

This paper deals with the leader-following consensus control for a class of parametric output feedback non-linear multi-agent systems. To design distributed control laws without using agent’s own out information, non-linear functions of agent’s own output are transformed into non-linear functions of relative output information using mean value theorem and variable separation technique. By introducing an input-driven filter and employing adaptive backstepping method, distributed adaptive non-linear control laws are designed using only relative output measurements. The proposed control law is also independent of the Laplacian matrix. Therefore, it can solve the leader-following consensus problem for any directed communication graph that contains a spanning tree with the root node being the leader agent. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Effectiveness of mRNA Booster Vaccination Against Mild, Moderate, and Severe COVID-19 Caused by the Omicron Variant in a Large, Population-Based, Norwegian Cohort
Authors: Laake Ida , Skodvin Siri N , Blix Kristine , Caspersen Ida Henriette , Gjessing Håkon K , Juvet Lene K , Magnus Per , Mjaaland Siri , Robertson Anna H , Starrfelt Jostein , Trogstad Lill , Feiring Berit
Published: October 2022

Background

Understanding how booster vaccination can prevent moderate and severe illness without hospitalization is crucial to evaluate the full advantage of mRNA boosters.

Methods

We followed 85 801 participants (aged 31–81 years) in 2 large population-based cohorts during the Omicron BA.1/2 wave. Information on home testing, PCR testing, and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was extracted from biweekly questionnaires covering the period 12 January 2022 to 7 April 2022. Vaccination status and data on previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were obtained from national registries. Cox regression was used to estimate the effectiveness of booster vaccination compared to receipt of 2-dose primary series >130 days previously.

Results

The effectiveness of booster vaccination increased with increasing severity of COVID-19 and decreased with time since booster vaccination. The effectiveness against severe COVID-19 was reduced from 80.9% shortly after booster vaccination to 63.4% in the period >90 days after vaccination. There was hardly any effect against mild COVID-19. The effectiveness tended to be lower among subjects aged ≥60 years than those aged <50 years.

Conclusions

This is the first population-based study to evaluate booster effectiveness against self-reported mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. Our findings contribute valuable information on duration of protection and thus timing of additional booster vaccinations.
“Responsibility to Protect” and the BRICS: A Decade after the Intervention in Libya
Authors: Nuruzzaman Mohammed
Published: October 2022

“Responsibility to protect” (R2P) emerged as a powerful moral and political norm in 2001 signaling a shift away from traditional state sovereignty to human sovereignty. North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) 2011 R2P intervention in Libya, however, created controversies giving rise to sharp differences between the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the West over this new humanitarian norm. Major BRICS states officially support R2P to protect humans from mass atrocities but oppose military actions to implement it. This article examines the question why the BRICS states are resistant to R2P military interventions to protect humans at grave risk. In contrast to the general view that sovereignty exclusively lies at the heart of BRICS’ opposition to R2P, this article contends that, in addition to concerns for sovereignty, BRICS’ opposition to R2P military interventions is more accurately explained by the four interrelated factors of ideological rift between BRICS and the West, colonial domination of the Global South by the West, controversies over NATO's Libya episode, and the recent economic rise of the BRICS states. The article concludes that R2P, caught in the crossfires of West versus BRICS’ differing positions, portends little hope for its practical application in future.
Increased Incidence of Suspected Smoke Inhalation During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A National Database Study
Authors: Habarth-Morales Theodore E , Rios-Diaz Arturo J , Isch Emily , Chandragiri Shreyas , Qi Lucy , Ni Roselind , Caterson Edward J
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to adapt their daily routines. In 2020, there was a significant increase in house fires according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). The objective of this study was to characterize the changes in suspected smoke inhalations (SSIs) during the first year of the pandemic in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS). The NEMSIS database was queried for all EMS transports captured between 2017 and 2020. Differences in the incidences of SSIs and fire dispatches in 2020 were estimated using Poisson regression models. There was a 13.4% increase in the incidence of fire dispatches and a 15% increase in SSIs transported in 2020 compared to the previous 3 years. The incidence rate ratio of both fire dispatches (1.271; 95% CI: 1.254–1.288; P < .001) and SSI (1.152; 95% CI: 1.070–1.241; P < .001) was significantly elevated in 2020. The increases in fire dispatches and SSIs observed in the NEMSIS database are in concordance with other literature indicating the increase in fire incidence and morbidity observed during the pandemic. These results should inform fire prevention outreach efforts and resource allocation in burn centers in the event of future pandemic.
The Real Exchange Rate, Innovation, and Productivity
Authors: Alfaro Laura , Cuñat Alejandro , Fadinger Harald , Liu Yanping
Published: October 2022

We build a dynamic heterogeneous-firm model in which real depreciations raise export demand and the cost of importing intermediates, and also affect borrowing constraints and the profitability of engaging in research and development (R&D). A number of stylized facts on manufacturing firms for a large set of countries discipline our estimation: Firms in emerging East Asia are very export oriented and rely little on imported intermediates, whereas the opposite holds for Latin America and Eastern Europe; firms from industrialized countries export as much as they import. Exporters experience an increase in cash flow, R&D, and productivity growth in response to real exchange rate (RER) depreciations; importers experience the opposite outcomes. In counterfactual simulations of temporary RER movements, the effects on innovation and productivity growth are heterogeneous across regions, sizeable and persistent. In emerging Asia, real depreciations are associated with higher probabilities to engage in R&D, faster growth of average firm-level productivity and cash flow, and higher export entry rates; we find negative average effects on these outcomes for firms in other emerging economies, and no significant average effects for firms in industrialized economies.
Watershed Moment or Same Old?
Authors: Vasiliev Sergey
Published: October 2022

This note places the revitalization of international criminal law spurred by the international community’s response to the large-scale commission of core crimes in Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s February 2022 invasion into a broader (geo)political context. The unprecedented financial and operational support the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor has received since raises questions about its implications for the future of international criminal justice and the ways forward for the ICC and the Rome Statute system. The ICC states parties should avoid turning this crisis into a special case for international criminal law enforcement and seize the ‘Ukraine moment’ to remedy rather than perpetuate existing enforcement asymmetries.
Cytogenetic and Molecular Characterization of IDH-Wildtype Glioblastomas and Grade 4 IDH-Mutant Astrocytomas with Unusual Histology
Authors: Ahrendsen Jared T , Freund Robert S , Hsu Nancy , Bryke Christine , Varma Hemant
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly heterogenous tumor. Though several well-defined histological patterns of GBMs are known, these are infrequent, and the molecular correlates of several of these histological patterns are not well understood. We identified 31 adult-type infiltrating grade 4 gliomas with unusual histology in our institutional archives from 2016 to 2020, including tumors with a preponderant component of giant cell (n = 15), gemistocytes (n = 6), spindle cells (n = 5), small cells (n = 3), and ependymoma-like features (n = 2). We performed molecular and cytogenetic profiles of IDH-wildtype GBMs with unusual histology and compared to 48 tumors with conventional histology. We found that the majority (85%) of giant cell GBM had increased numbers of whole chromosome loss and genomic haploidization compared to conventional GBMs and other variants. Furthermore, we identified a genetically confirmed GBM with prominent ependymal features, indicating that glial tumors with ependymal features should be considered in the differential diagnosis of GBM. We also identified 6 IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas with unusual histology and similar molecular and cytogenetic profiles to conventional appearing grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytomas. These findings emphasize the role of molecular/cytogenetic analyses in the diagnostic clarification of GBMs with unusual histological patterns, refine the classification of unusual GBMs, and potentially pave the way for personalized therapies.
N-Hydroxy pipecolic acid methyl ester is involved in Arabidopsis immunity
Authors: Mohnike Lennart , Huang Weijie , Worbs Brigitte , Feussner Kirstin , Zhang Yuelin , Feussner Ivo
Published: October 2022

The biosynthesis of N-hydroxy pipecolic acid (NHP) has been intensively studied, though knowledge on its metabolic turnover is still scarce. To close this gap, we discovered three novel metabolites via metabolite fingerprinting in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves after Pseudomonas infection and UV-C treatment. Exact mass information and fragmentation by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) suggest a methylated derivative of NHP (MeNHP), an NHP-OGlc-hexosyl conjugate (NHP-OGlc-Hex), and an additional NHP-OGlc-derivative. All three compounds were formed in wild-type leaves but were not present in the NHP-deficient mutant fmo1-1. The identification of these novel NHP-based molecules was possible by a dual-infiltration experiment using a mixture of authentic NHP and D9-NHP standards for leaf infiltration followed by UV-C treatment. Interestingly, the signal intensity of MeNHP and other NHP-derived metabolites increased in ugt76b1-1 mutant plants. For MeNHP, we unequivocally determined the site of methylation at the carboxylic acid moiety. MeNHP application by leaf infiltration leads to the detection of a MeNHP-OGlc as well as NHP, suggesting MeNHP hydrolysis to NHP. This is in line with the observation that MeNHP infiltration is able to rescue the fmo1-1 susceptible phenotype against Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis Noco 2. Together, these data suggest MeNHP as an additional storage or transport form of NHP.
Physician Burnout—Evidence That Leadership Behaviors Make a Difference: A Cross-Sectional Survey of an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Hu James S , Phillips Jennifer , Wee Choo Phei , Pangaro Louis N
Published: October 2022

Introduction

High rates of physician burnout are well documented in the USA. Identifying beneficial leadership behaviors as an organizational approach to mitigating burnout can lead to improved wellness in the physicians that they lead; however, few studies have examined which leadership behaviors are beneficial and which may be detrimental.

Materials and Methods

This survey study of academic medical center physicians and their physician leaders assessed the correlation between burnout and leadership behaviors. Data were analyzed for the strength of correlation between scores for leadership behaviors and self-reported physician burnout with analysis of variance by sex, time from training, specialty, and age.

Results

Of 1,145 physicians surveyed, 305 returned surveys. Among the respondents, 45% were female, 25% were 56 years or older, and 57% self-identified as practitioners of medicine or medicine subspecialties. Two transformational leadership categories of behaviors (idealized influence behaviors and individualized consideration) and one transactional leadership behavior category (contingent reward) correlated favorably with all domains of burnout (P < .0001). Conversely, two transactional leadership categories of burnout (management by exception passive and laissez-faire) correlated unfavorably with all burnout domains.

Conclusions

Organizational interventions are needed to improve burnout in physicians. Adopting favorable leadership behaviors while avoiding unfavorable leadership behaviors can improve burnout in those physicians being led. These findings could inform the conceptual basis of future physician leadership training programs as transactional leadership behaviors also have an impact on physician wellness.
The Impact of the Maritime Deployment Cycle on the Surgeon’s Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Authors: Vasquez Matthew , Edson Theodore D , Lucas Donald J , Hall Andrew B , Tadlock Matthew D
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The U.S. Navy routinely deploys aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships throughout the world in support of U.S. strategic interests, each with an embarked single surgeon team. Surgeons and their teams are required to participate in lengthy pre-deployment shipboard certifications before each deployment. Given the well-established relationship of surgeon volume to patient outcome, we aim to compare the impact of land vs. maritime deployments on Navy general surgeon practice patterns.

Materials and Methods

Case logs and pre-deployment training initiation of land-based (n = 8) vs. maritime-based (n = 7) U.S. Navy general surgeons over a 3-year period (2017-2020) were compared. Average cases per week were plotted over 26 weeks before deployment. Student’s t-test was utilized for all comparisons.

Results

Cases declined for both groups in the weeks before deployment. At 6 months (26 weeks) before deployment, land-based surgeons performed significantly more cases than their maritime colleagues (50.3 vs. 14.0, P = .009). This difference persisted at 16 weeks (13.1 vs. 1.9, P = .011) and 12 weeks (13.1 vs. 1.9, P = .011). Overall, surgeon operative volume fell off earlier for maritime surgeons (16 weeks) than land-based surgeons (8 weeks). Within 8 weeks of deployment, both groups performed a similarly low number of cases as they completed final deployment preparations.

Conclusions

Surgeons are a critical component of combat causality care teams. In this analysis, we have demonstrated that both land- and maritime-based U.S. Navy surgeons have prolonged periods away from clinical care before and during deployments; for shipboard surgeons, this deficit is large and may negatively impact patient outcomes in the deployed maritime environment. The authors describe this discrepancy and provide practical doctrinal solutions to close this readiness gap.
Deep learning reconstruction of the large-scale structure of the Universe from luminosity distance
Authors: García Cristhian , Santa Camilo , Romano Antonio Enea
Published: October 2022

Supernovae Ia (SNe) can provide a unique window on the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe at redshifts where few other observations are available, by solving the inversion problem (IP) consisting in reconstructing the LSS from its effects on the observed luminosity distance. So far the IP was solved assuming some restrictions about space–time, such as spherical symmetry for example, while we obtain for the first time solutions of the IP problem for arbitrary space–time geometries using deep learning. The method is based on the use of convolutional neural networks (CNN) trained on simulated data. The training data set is obtained by first generating random density and velocity fields, and then computing their effects on the luminosity distance. The CNN, based on an appropriately modified version of U-Net to account for the tridimensionality of the data, is then trained to reconstruct the density and velocity fields from the luminosity distance. We find that the velocity field inversion is more accurate than the density field, because the effects of the velocity on the luminosity distance only depend on the source velocity, while in the case of the density it is an integrated effect along the line of sight, giving rise to more degeneracy in the solution of the IP. Improved versions of these neural networks, modified to accommodate the non-uniform distribution of the SNe, can be applied to observational data to reconstruct the LSS of the Universe at redshifts at which few other observations are available.
SMG6 localizes to the chromatoid body and shapes the male germ cell transcriptome to drive spermatogenesis
Authors: Lehtiniemi Tiina , Bourgery Matthieu , Ma Lin , Ahmedani Ammar , Mäkelä Margareeta , Asteljoki Juho , Olotu Opeyemi , Laasanen Samuli , Zhang Fu-Ping , Tan Kun , Chousal Jennifer N , Burow Dana , Koskinen Satu , Laiho Asta , Elo Laura L , Chalmel Frédéric , Wilkinson Miles F , Kotaja Noora
Published: October 2022

Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved and selective RNA turnover pathway that depends on the endonuclease SMG6. Here, we show that SMG6 is essential for male germ cell differentiation in mice. Germ-cell conditional knockout (cKO) of Smg6 induces extensive transcriptome misregulation, including a failure to eliminate meiotically expressed transcripts in early haploid cells, and accumulation of NMD target mRNAs with long 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Loss of SMG6 in the male germline results in complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the early haploid cell stage. We find that SMG6 is strikingly enriched in the chromatoid body (CB), a specialized cytoplasmic granule in male germ cells also harboring PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and the piRNA-binding protein PIWIL1. This raises the possibility that SMG6 and the piRNA pathway function together, which is supported by several findings, including that Piwil1-KO mice phenocopy Smg6-cKO mice and that SMG6 and PIWIL1 co-regulate many genes in round spermatids. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG6 is an essential regulator of the male germline transcriptome, and highlight the CB as a molecular platform coordinating RNA regulatory pathways to control sperm production and fertility.
Elongation of Siliques Without Pollination 3 Regulates Nutrient Flow Necessary for Embryogenesis
Authors: Takasaki Hironori , Ikeda Miho , Hasegawa Reika , Zhang Yilin , Sakamoto Shingo , Maruyama Daisuke , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Kinoshita Tetsu , Ohme-Takagi Masaru
Published: October 2022

Apomixis, defined as the transfer of maternal germplasm to offspring without fertilization, enables the fixation of F1-useful traits, providing advantages in crop breeding. However, most apomictic plants require pollination to produce the endosperm. The endosperm is essential for embryogenesis, and its development is suppressed until fertilization. We show that the expression of a chimeric repressor of the Elongation of Siliques without Pollination 3 (ESP3) gene (Pro35S:ESP3-SRDX) induces ovule enlargement without fertilization in Arabidopsis thaliana. The ESP3 gene encodes a protein similar to the flowering Wageningen homeodomain transcription factor containing a StAR-related lipid transfer domain. However, ESP3 lacks the homeobox-encoding region. Genes related to the cell cycle and sugar metabolism were upregulated in unfertilized Pro35S:ESP3-SRDX ovules similar to those in fertilized seeds, while those related to autophagy were downregulated similar to those in fertilized seeds. Unfertilized Pro35S:ESP3-SRDX ovules partially nourished embryos when only the egg was fertilized, accumulating hexoses without central cell proliferation. ESP3 may regulate nutrient flow during seed development, and ESP3-SRDX could be a useful tool for complete apomixis that does not require pseudo-fertilization.
Cotranscriptional RNA processing and modification in plants
Authors: Marquardt Sebastian , Petrillo Ezequiel , Manavella Pablo A
Published: October 2022

The activities of RNA polymerases shape the epigenetic landscape of genomes with profound consequences for genome integrity and gene expression. A fundamental event during the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression is the coordination between transcription and RNA processing. Most primary RNAs mature through various RNA processing and modification events to become fully functional. While pioneering results positioned RNA maturation steps after transcription ends, the coupling between the maturation of diverse RNA species and their transcription is becoming increasingly evident in plants. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the crosstalk between RNA Polymerase II, IV, and V transcription and nascent RNA processing of both coding and noncoding RNAs.
ASSESSMENT OF DOSES FROM INGESTION OF RADIONUCLIDES 40 K, 137CS, 226RA AND 232TH IN EDIBLE COMMERCIAL MUSHROOMS FROM TAIWAN
Authors: Huang Wei-Hsiang , Huang Chao-Min , Lin Chih-Chung , Yeh Yi-Lung , Chen Ting-Chien
Published: October 2022

This study analyzed activity concentration and annual effective dose of radionuclides 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th of 44 mushrooms collected from local markets in Taiwan. The 40K activity concentrations were 1570 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Agaricus bisporus) > 1084 ± 183 Bq/kg-dw (Flammulina velutipe) > 736 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Lentinula edodes). The activity concentrations of 226Ra were 5.04 ± 2.43, 4.00 ± 2.40 and 3.43 ± 2.69 Bq/kg-dw, and 232Th were 3.96 ± 2.18, 3.86 ± 1.43 and 2.90 ± 1.99 Bq/kg-dw for F. velutipe, L. edodes and A. bisporus, respectively. In seven of the 44 samples, 137Cs activity concentrations were detected, and the samples had an average of 1.55 ± 1.75 Bq/kg-dw. The total annual effective dose ranged from 0.90 to 3.50 μSv/y, with an average of 1.94 ± 0.62 μSv/y at an ingestion rate of 0.235 kg-dw/y.
Bruno Schulz and his 1926 Article: “Regarding the Problem of Determining Hereditary Prognosis. The Affliction Prospects for Nephews and Nieces of Schizophrenics”
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S , Klee Astrid
Published: October 2022

Authored by one of Rüdin’s most productive colleagues, Bruno Schulz, the main goal of this article was to estimate risk for dementia praecox (DP) in nieces/nephews (n/n) of DP probands to address practical questions for genetic counseling. Schulz selected 76 primary probands from records of the genealogical department of the German Research Institute of Psychiatry who both had DP and had siblings—secondary probands—with children aged 20 years or greater. Those children had a morbid risk for DP of 1.4%, much lower than that found in the offspring of DP in Hoffmann’s study. However, the secondary probands had much lower rates of DP than the unselected siblings of DP cases studied by Rüdin. So rates of DP in n/n of DP probands are likely lower than expected theoretically because the secondary probands are being indirectly selected for a lowered genetic risk for DP by having successfully reproduced. Schulz diagnosed eccentric and other disordered personalities in the secondary probands and their spouses and presented evidence that other disordered personalities but especially eccentric personalities in parents were related to the risk of both eccentricity and DP in their children, the n/n of the DP probands. Eugenic issues play a minor role in this article. Although generally supportive of eugenic goals, historical sources document that Schulz was opposed to the National Socialists and actively attempted to protect Jews and his patients from involuntary sterilization. This complicates attempts to judge the morality of the work of the Rüdin school as a single unit.
Patient values and preferences regarding prognostic counseling in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Gossard Thomas R , Teigen Luke N , Yoo Seeley , Timm Paul C , Jagielski Jack , Bibi Noor , Feemster John C , Steele Tyler , Carvalho Diego Z , Junna Mithri R , Lipford Melissa C , Tippmann Peikert Maja , LeClair-Visonneau Laurene , McCarter Stuart J , Boeve Bradley F , Silber Michael H , Hirsch Jessica , Sharp Richard R , St. Louis Erik K
Published: October 2022

Study Objectives

Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) carries a high lifetime risk for phenoconversion to a defined neurodegenerative disease (NDD) including Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. We aimed to examine iRBD patient values and preferences regarding prognostic counseling.

Methods

One hundred thirteen iRBD patient participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic iRBD Patient Registry were sent an email survey concerning their values and preferences concerning NDD prognostic counseling and their experiences following diagnosis with iRBD.

Results

Of 81 respondents (71.7% response rate), the majority were men (74.0%) with an average age of 65.7 (±9.7) years. Responses indicated a strong preference toward receiving prognostic information about possible future NDD development. 92.5% of respondents felt knowledge concerning personal NDD risk was important, while 87.6% indicated prognostic discussions were important to maintaining trust in their physician. 95.7% indicated a desire for more information, while only 4.3% desired less information regarding their NDD prognostic risk. Most respondents strongly agreed that prognostic information was important to discuss with their family and friends and inform future life planning, and most expressed interest in learning more about future neuroprotective therapies and symptomatic treatments for parkinsonism and dementia.

Conclusions

Most iRBD patients indicated strong preferences for disclosure of NDD prognostic risk and indicated that prognostic information was important for family discussions and future life planning. Future broader surveys and qualitative studies of clinic-based and ultimately community dwelling iRBD patients’ values and preferences are needed to guide appropriately tailored and individualized prognostic counseling approaches following iRBD diagnosis.
Brokering Resources during a Pandemic: Exploring How Organizations and Clinics Responded to the Needs of Immigrant Communities during COVID-19
Authors: Roth Benjamin J , Woo Bongki , Doering-White John
Published: October 2022

Though COVID-19 has had sweeping implications, many immigrant groups in the United States have been disproportionately affected. The purpose of the present study is to explore the impact of COVID-19 on immigrant communities and how local immigrant-serving organizations (ISOs) have responded during the pandemic. The authors conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with executive directors and program coordinators of 31 ISOs and health clinics in Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Findings highlight the needs of immigrants and refugees during the pandemic, including economic burden, lack of information, and limited access to testing and treatment for COVID-19. The authors find that ISOs have responded to these needs by providing basic supports, partnering with other local organizations to channel needed resources to immigrant communities, and collaborating with state-level entities to improve outreach, testing, and treatment. The authors also identify mechanisms that enabled the organizations to make nimble accommodations during the pandemic as well as the burden and compromises that these organizations have experienced. The authors argue that ISOs represent an important aspect of safety nets available for immigrants and provide insights into how other organizations can prepare for public health crises like COVID-19 in the future.
Examining Historical and Contemporary Policing Disparities in the Black Community: Implications for Social Work
Authors: Wilson Betty L , Wooten Nikki R , Pitner Ronald O
Published: October 2022

An alarming number of unarmed Black men and women have been killed by police in the United States. Though research suggests that police violence is not a new phenomenon in Black communities in the United States, several shocking high-profile incidents of unarmed Black people killed by police in recent years have catapulted this problem more sharply into our nation’s consciousness. Despite recent efforts to engage in critical discourse about police violence against unarmed Black people in mainstream media and across multiple disciplines, limited research exists on the connection between historical and contemporary acts of police violence in Black communities. This article conducts a critical analysis of the extant literature on historical and contemporary policing in the Black community and identifies linkages between these time periods using critical race theory. This article concludes with implications for social work to combat the issue of police violence in Black communities.
Revision of cytogenetic dosimetry in the IAEA manual 2011 based on data about radio‐sensitivity and dose‐rate findings contributing
Authors: Liu Gang
Published: October 2022

In order to achieve the goal of rapid response, effective controland protection of life inlarge‐scale radiation events, the IAEA Manual 2011 has been revised based on the data of radio‐sensitivity, dose‐rate findings. Analyze individual differences in radiation sensitivity using 60Co radiation (0.27 Gy/min). Chromosomal aberrations with different irradiation dose rates were used to establish the biological dose curve and analyze the excess of the “dicentric + ring” caused by the dose rate at each dose point; DAPI‐images and Metafer 4 were used to capture metaphase images and make further analysis. The data were collected in 2020, Dicentric + ring/100 Cells was 17.5–43.8, the average value was28.32 ± 6.98. The mean value of Dicentric + ring/100 Cells was 31.37 in males while 25.27 in females, there are significant differences (p < .01). The irradiation dose is dominant, At each dose point, the value of“(dicentric chromosome + centric rings)/cell” is proportional to “dose rate”, that is, Y = kx + b, within the dose range of 1–5 Gy, “(dicentric chromosome + centric rings)/Cell” holds a quadratic linear relationship with dose rate, that is, y = ax2 + bx + c; The DAPI‐images might give you more hints than those of conventional Giemsa‐stain. The authors recommend that the IAEA Manual 2011 could be revised based on data of radio‐sensitivity and dose‐rate, which may contribute to the establishment of a unified dose–response calibration curve and stimulation of potential for automation in cytogenetic biodosimetry. (1) Individual differences of radiosensitivity are very large. (2) At each dose point, “(dicentric chromosome + centric rings)/cell” is proportional to “dose rate”, that is, Y = kx + b. (3) “(dicentric chromosome + centric rings)/Cell” is a quadratic linear relationship with dose rate, that is, y = ax2 + bx + c. (4) We created a “Unity Standard Curve of Biological Dose Estimation”. Creating a Unity Standard Curve of Biological Dose, under these circumstances, we can form a joint and rapid response to a nuclear and radiological accident.
Caring for people with diabetes
Authors: Funnell Martha M. , Kloss Katherine A. , Nwankwo Robin B.
Published: October 2022

This article describes current evidence-based approaches to the care and education of adults living with diabetes. It also highlights revisions in the 2022 Standards of Care and evidence-based strategies nurses can use to be more effective.
Advancing the missed mutualist hypothesis, the under-appreciated twin of the enemy release hypothesis
Authors: Moles Angela T. , Dalrymple Rhiannon L. , Raghu S. , Bonser Stephen P. , Ollerton Jeff
Published: October 2022

Introduced species often benefit from escaping their enemies when they are transported to a new range, an idea commonly expressed as the enemy release hypothesis. However, species might shed mutualists as well as enemies when they colonize a new range. Loss of mutualists might reduce the success of introduced populations, or even cause failure to establish. We provide the first quantitative synthesis testing this natural but often overlooked parallel of the enemy release hypothesis, which is known as the missed mutualist hypothesis. Meta-analysis showed that plants interact with 1.9 times more mutualist species, and have 2.3 times more interactions with mutualists per unit time in their native range than in their introduced range. Species may mitigate the negative effects of missed mutualists. For instance, selection arising from missed mutualists could cause introduced species to evolve either to facilitate interactions with a new suite of species or to exist without mutualisms. Just as enemy release can allow introduced populations to redirect energy from defence to growth, potentially evolving increased competitive ability, species that shift to strategies without mutualists may be able to reallocate energy from mutualism toward increased competitive ability or seed production. The missed mutualist hypothesis advances understanding of the selective forces and filters that act on plant species in the early stages of introduction and establishment and thus could inform the management of introduced species.
Species-specific effects and the ecological role of programmed cell death in the microalgaeAnkistrodesmus(Sphaeropleales, Selenastraceae)
Authors: Barreto Filho Marcelo M. , Vieira Helena H. , Morris J. Jeffrey , Bagatini Inessa L.
Published: October 2022

Reports of programmed cell death (PCD) in phytoplankton raise questions about the ecological evolutionary role of cell death in these organisms. We induced PCD by nitrogen deprivation and unregulated cell death (non-PCD) in one strain of the green microalgaAnkistrodesmus densusand investigated the effects of the cell death supernatants on phylogenetically related co-occurring organisms using growth rates and maximum biomass as proxies of fitness. PCD-released materials fromA. densusCCMA-UFSCar-3 significantly increased growth rates of two conspecific strains compared to healthy culture (HC) supernatants and improved the maximum biomass of allA. densusstrains compared to related species. Although growth rates of non-A. densuswith PCD supernatants were not statistically different from HC treatment, biomass gain was significantly reduced. Thus, the organic substances released by PCD, possibly nitrogenous compounds, could promote conspecific growth. These results support the argument that PCD may differentiate species or subtypes and increases inclusive fitness in this model unicellular chlorophyte. Further research, however, is needed to identify the responsible molecules and how they interact with cells to provide the PCD benefits.
Patterning principles of morphogen gradients
Authors: Simsek M. Fethullah , Özbudak Ertuğrul M.
Published: October 2022

Metazoan embryos develop from a single cell into three-dimensional structured organisms while groups of genetically identical cells attain specialized identities. Cells of the developing embryo both create and accurately interpret morphogen gradients to determine their positions and make specific decisions in response. Here, we first cover intellectual roots of morphogen and positional information concepts. Focusing on animal embryos, we then provide a review of current understanding on how morphogen gradients are established and how their spans are controlled. Lastly, we cover how gradients evolve in time and space during development, and how they encode information to control patterning. In sum, we provide a list of patterning principles for morphogen gradients and review recent advances in quantitative methodologies elucidating information provided by morphogens.
Ancient DNA evidence for the ecological globalization of cod fishing in medieval and post-medieval Europe
Authors: Martínez-García Lourdes , Ferrari Giada , Cuevas Angélica , Atmore Lane M. , López-Arias Begoña , Culling Mark , Llorente-Rodríguez Laura , Morales-Muñiz Arturo , Roselló-Izquierdo Eufrasia , Quirós Juan Antonio , Marlasca-Martín Ricard , Hänfling Bernd , Hutchinson William F. , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel , Orton David , Star Bastiaan , Barrett James H.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the historical emergence and growth of long-range fisheries can provide fundamental insights into the timing of ecological impacts and the development of coastal communities during the last millennium. Whole-genome sequencing approaches can improve such understanding by determining the origin of archaeological fish specimens that may have been obtained from historic trade or distant water. Here, we used genome-wide data to individually infer the biological source of 37 ancient Atlantic cod specimens (
ca
1050–1950 CE) from England and Spain. Our findings provide novel genetic evidence that eleventh- to twelfth-century specimens from London were predominantly obtained from nearby populations, while thirteenth- to fourteenth-century specimens were derived from distant sources. Our results further suggest that Icelandic cod was indeed exported to London earlier than previously reported. Our observations confirm the chronology and geography of the trans-Atlantic cod trade from Newfoundland to Spain starting by the early sixteenth century. Our findings demonstrate the utility of whole-genome sequencing and ancient DNA approaches to describe the globalization of marine fisheries and increase our understanding regarding the extent of the North Atlantic fish trade and long-range fisheries in medieval and early modern times.
Footedness for scratching itchy eyes in rodents
Authors: Katayama Yukitoshi , Miura Ayane , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Takanami Keiko , Sakamoto Hirotaka
Published: October 2022

The neural bases of itchy eye transmission remain unclear compared with those involved in body itch. Here, we show in rodents that the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) of the trigeminal sensory system is involved in the transmission of itchy eyes. Interestingly, we further demonstrate a difference in scratching behaviour between the left and right hindfeet in rodents; histamine instillation into the conjunctival sac of both eyes revealed right-foot biased laterality in the scratching movements. Unilateral histamine instillation specifically induced neural activation in the ipsilateral sensory pathway, with no significant difference between the activations following left- and right-eye instillations. Thus, the behavioural laterality is presumably due to right-foot preference in rodents. Genetically modified rats with specific depletion of
Grpr-
expressing neurons in the trigeminal sensory nucleus caudalis of the medulla oblongata exhibited fewer and shorter histamine-induced scratching movements than controls and eliminated the footedness. These results taken together indicate that the
Grpr
-expressing neurons are required for the transmission of itch sensation from the eyes, but that foot preference is generated centrally. These findings could open up a new field of research on the mechanisms of the laterality in vertebrates and also offer new potential therapeutic approaches to refractory pruritic eye disorders.