bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Volatilome by Adding Extra Dimensions to Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Featuring Tandem Ionization: Validation of Ripening Markers in Headspace Linearity Conditions
Authors: Stilo Federico , Liberto Erica , Reichenbach Stephen E , Tao Qingping , Bicchi Carlo , Cordero Chiara
Published: July 2020

Background

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) combined with time-of-flight (TOF) MS is the most informative analytical approach for chemical characterization of the complex food volatilome. Key analytical features include separation power and resolution enhancement, improved sensitivity, and structured separation patterns from chemically correlated analytes.

Objective

In this study, we explore the complex extra-virgin olive oil volatilome by combining headspace (HS) solid-phase microextraction (SPME), applied under HS linearity conditions to GC×GC-TOF MS and featuring hard and soft ionization in tandem.

Method

Multiple analytical dimensions are combined in a single run and evaluated in terms of chemical dimensionality, method absolute and relative sensitivity, identification reliability provided by spectral signatures acquired at 70 and 12 eV, and dynamic and linear range of response provided by soft ionization.

Results

Method effectiveness is validated on a sample set of oils from Picual olives at different ripening stages. Ripening markers [3,4-diethyl-1,5-hexadiene (RS/SR), 3,4-diethyl-1,5-hexadiene (meso), (5Z)-3-ethyl-1,5-octadiene, (5E)-3-ethyl-1,5-octadiene, (E, Z)-3,7-decadiene and (E, E)-3,7-decadiene, (Z)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal and (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-pentenal, (Z)-2-pentenal, 1-pentanol, 1-penten-3-ol, 3-pentanone, and 1-penten-3-one] and quality indexes [(Z)-3-hexenal/nonanal, (Z)-3-hexenal/octane, (E)-2-pentenal/nonanal, and (E)-2-pentenal/octane] are confirmed for their validity in HS linearity conditions.

Conclusions

For the complex olive oil volatilome, the proposed approach offers concrete advantages for the validation of the informative role of existing analytes while suggesting new potential markers to be studied in larger sample sets.

Highlights

The accurate fingerprinting of volatiles by HS-SPME operating in HS linearity conditions followed by GC×GC-TOF MS featuring tandem ionization gives the opportunity to improve the quality of analytical data and reliability of results.
The Analysis of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Dried Dog Food Enriched with an Aurantiochytrium limacinum Biomass: Matrix Extension Validation and Verification of AOAC Method 996.06
Authors: Dillon Gerald Patrick , Cardinall Cathy , Keegan Jason D , Yiannikouris Alexandros , Brandl Walter , Moran Colm Anthony
Published: July 2020

Background

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an important role in brain and retinal development in dogs. However, supranutritional dietary supplementation can result in health issues, including gastrointestinal bleeding, making the accurate analysis of DHA in dog food important for nutritional and welfare regulatory compliance.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a validation and verification of the AOAC 996.06 method, and hence establish its fitness for purpose, for the analysis of DHA in dried dog food supplemented with a heterotrophically grown unextracted DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium limacinum biomass.

Methods

The AOAC 996.06 method, which involves the use of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC-FID), was used to conduct a validation of the analysis of DHA in dried dog food and the results were verified in a second laboratory.

Results

The method was found to be linear over the ranges analyzed and results were found to be within the acceptance criteria for precision and accuracy, verifying the applicability for this matrix. The selectivity and sensitivity of the method were also determined.

Conclusions

The AOAC 996.06 method is fit for purpose for the analysis of DHA in dry dog food kibble.

Highlights

The method can be applied to various dog food samples, supplemented with an unextracted Aurantiochytrium limacinum biomass, using alternative manufacturing methods, i.e. pelleted and extruded with no significant matrix effects being observed.
Technical note: improving the efficiency of generating bovine extraembryonic endoderm cells
Authors: Smith Mary K , Clark Catherine C , McCoski Sarah R
Published: July 2020

The formation of extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) occurs early in embryonic development. The cell types that develop from the XEN remain poorly studied in ruminant species because of the lack of suitable cell culture model systems. The goal of this work was to establish a protocol for producing XEN cell cultures from bovine blastocysts. Previous work identified fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a facilitator of bovine XEN development. Further refinements in culture conditions studied here included exposure to 20% fetal bovine serum and FGF2 replenishment. These modifications yielded an endoderm outgrowth formation incidence of 81.6% ± 5.5% compared with 33.3% ± 5.5% in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-supplemented controls. These cells resembled XEN when examined morphologically and contained XEN transcripts (GATA binding protein 4 [GATA4] and GATA binding protein 6 [GATA6]) as well as transcripts present in visceral (BCL2 interacting protein 1 [BNIP1] and vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA]) and parietal (C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 [CXCR4], thrombomodulin [THBD], and hematopoietically expressed homeobox [HHEX]) XEN. Two XEN cell lines were maintained for prolonged culture. Both lines continued to proliferate for approximately 6 wk before becoming senescent. These cultures maintained an XEN-like state and continued to express GATA4 and GATA6 until senescence. An increase in the abundance of visceral and parietal XEN transcripts was observed with continued culture, suggesting that these cells either undergo spontaneous differentiation or retain the ability to form various XEN cell types. Stocks of cultured cells exposed to a freeze-thaw procedure possessed similar phenotypic and genotypic behaviors as nonfrozen cells. To conclude, a procedure for efficient production of primary bovine XEN cell cultures was developed. This new protocol may assist researchers in exploring this overlooked cell type for its roles in nutrient supply during embryogenesis.
Severe Hypothermia and Frostbite Requiring ECMO and Four Limb Amputations
Authors: Lumbard Derek C , Lacey Alex M , Endorf Frederick W , Gayken Jon R , Fey Ryan M , Schmitz Kyle R , Deisler Ryan F , Calcaterra Domenico , Prekker Matthew , Nygaard Rachel M
Published: July 2020

Severe hypothermia and frostbite can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a patient with severe hypothermia and frostbite due to cold exposure after a snowmobile crash. He presented in cardiac arrest with a core temperature of 19°C requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, active internal rewarming, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and subsequently amputations of all four extremities. Although severe hypothermia and frostbite can be a fatal condition, the quick action of Emergency Medical Services, emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, and the burn team contributed to a successful recovery for this patient including a good neurological outcome. This case highlights the importance of a strong interdisciplinary team in treating this condition.
Long-term Outcomes of Patients Surgically Treated for Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Nasr Ahmed , Grandpierre Viviane , Sullivan Katrina J , Wong Coralie A , Benchimol Eric I
Published: July 2020

Background

The only curative treatment for Hirschsprung disease (HD) is surgical repair. However, some patients experience poor postoperative outcomes. We determined long-term outcomes of all HD patients in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all children with HD born between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2014 in Ontario using linked health administrative data. Each HD case was matched to five non-HD controls on sex, date of birth, region of residence and income and followed to March 31, 2016. Chronic diarrhea and constipation were identified using combinations of outpatient physician billing codes in both HD patients and non-HD residents of the province. We determined risk factors associated with diarrhea and constipation, including surgery type and sociodemographic characteristics, using multivariable conditional logistic regression, and reported adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results

There were 3,265,172 children born in the study period, of whom 673 had HD. Compared to controls, chronic constipation was more common in HD patients (27.5% versus 2.1%; aOR 17.2, 95% CI 12.6 to 23.4), as was chronic diarrhea (29.9% versus 6.9%, aOR 5.22, 95% CI 4.19 to 6.50). In HD patients, older age at surgery was associated with increased risk of chronic constipation (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.75 to 4.20). Surgery type, sex, rural/urban residence and income were not associated with risk of chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Conclusion

Chronic constipation and diarrhea were common following surgery for HD. Older age at surgery was associated with subsequent risk of chronic constipation. Surgery type was not associated with increased risk of chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Seasonal abundance and diel behavior of roughneck shrimps (species of Rimapenaeus Pérez Farfante & Kensley, 1997) (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata: Penaeidae) in northwestern Florida Bay, Florida, USA
Authors: Criales Maria M , Zink Ian C , Robblee Michael B , Browder Joan A
Published: July 2020

A large number of roughneck shrimps, Rimapenaeus Pérez Farfante & Kensley, 1997, were collected in northwestern Florida Bay, southern Florida over four consecutive years (2000–2003) of monthly sampling during new-moon periods. Juveniles of Rimapenaeus spp. were more abundant than pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad, 1939) juveniles, which are well-recognized and abundant inhabitants of Florida Bay. High Rimapenaeus spp. abundance was unexpected because the genus was previously reported only as occasional in Florida Bay. The populations of Rimapenaeus spp. were composed of late postlarvae and immature juveniles, suggesting that the northwestern border of Florida Bay serves as a nursery ground for this species. A clear seasonal recruitment pattern was observed with large peaks of postlarvae and small juveniles occurring in summer-fall and large juveniles in spring. The summer-fall peaks occurred during months with high mean water level and sea surface temperature; these two factors significantly predicted Rimapenaeus spp. abundance. Overnight hourly behavioral studies revealed that Rimapenaeus spp. juveniles were almost exclusively present in the water column during the dark hours of the ebb tide during current speed minimum. Juvenile abundance significantly differed between moon phases with shrimps being virtually absent during the illuminated full moon. These results indicate that Rimapenaeus spp. are phototactic negative, which may explain the low presence of this species in previous Florida Bay surveys conducted during daylight hours. This study highlights the previously unrecognized contribution of the abundance of juveniles of Rimapenaeus spp. to benthic-oriented crustacean communities of western Florida Bay and its border at the southwestern Florida Shelf.
Pilot Study Assessing Tolerability and Metabolic Effects of Metformin in Patients With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Authors: Walcott Farzana L , Wang Ping-Yuan , Bryla Christine M , Huffstutler Rebecca D , Singh Neha , Pollak Michael N , Khincha Payal P , Savage Sharon A , Mai Phuong L , Dodd Kevin W , Hwang Paul M , Fojo Antonio T , Annunziata Christina M
Published: July 2020

Background

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a highly penetrant autosomal dominant cancer predisposition disorder caused by germline TP53 pathogenic variants. Patients with LFS have increased oxidative phosphorylation capacity in skeletal muscle and oxidative stress in blood. Metformin inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, reducing available energy for cancer cell proliferation and decreasing production of reactive oxygen species that cause DNA damage. Thus, metformin may provide pharmacologic risk reduction for cancer in patients with LFS, but its safety in nondiabetic patients with germline TP53 pathogenic variants has not been documented.

Methods

This study assessed safety and tolerability of metformin in nondiabetic LFS patients and measured changes in metabolic profiles. Adult patients with LFS and germline TP53 variant received 14 weeks of metformin. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum insulin-like growth factor–1, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. Hepatic mitochondrial function was assessed with fasting exhaled CO2 after ingestion of 13C-labeled methionine. Changes in serum metabolome were measured. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

We enrolled 26 participants: 20 females and 6 males. The most common adverse events were diarrhea (50.0%) and nausea (46.2%). Lactic acidosis did not occur, and there were no changes in fasting glucose. Cumulative mean 13C exhalation was statistically significantly suppressed by metformin (P = .001). Mean levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 and insulin-like growth factor-1 were statistically significantly lowered (P = .02). Lipid metabolites and branched-chain amino acids accumulated.

Conclusions

Metformin was safe and tolerable in patients with LFS. It suppressed hepatic mitochondrial function as expected in these individuals. This study adds to the rationale for development of a pharmacologic risk-reduction clinical trial of metformin in LFS.
Elevated CO2 has concurrent effects on leaf and grain metabolism but minimal effects on yield in wheat
Authors: Tcherkez Guillaume , Ben Mariem Sinda , Larraya Luis , García-Mina Jose M , Zamarreño Angel M , Paradela Alberto , Cui Jing , Badeck Franz-Werner , Meza Diego , Rizza Fulvia , Bunce James , Han Xue , Tausz-Posch Sabine , Cattivelli Luigi , Fangmeier Andreas , Aranjuelo Iker
Published: July 2020

While the general effect of CO2 enrichment on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, N content, and yield has been documented, there is still some uncertainty as to whether there are interactive effects between CO2 enrichment and other factors, such as temperature, geographical location, water availability, and cultivar. In addition, the metabolic coordination between leaves and grains, which is crucial for crop responsiveness to elevated CO2, has never been examined closely. Here, we address these two aspects by multi-level analyses of data from several free-air CO2 enrichment experiments conducted in five different countries. There was little effect of elevated CO2 on yield (except in the USA), likely due to photosynthetic capacity acclimation, as reflected by protein profiles. In addition, there was a significant decrease in leaf amino acids (threonine) and macroelements (e.g. K) at elevated CO2, while other elements, such as Mg or S, increased. Despite the non-significant effect of CO2 enrichment on yield, grains appeared to be significantly depleted in N (as expected), but also in threonine, the S-containing amino acid methionine, and Mg. Overall, our results suggest a strong detrimental effect of CO2 enrichment on nutrient availability and remobilization from leaves to grains.
Inverse stellar population age gradients of post-starburst galaxies at z = 0.8 with LEGA-C
Authors: D’Eugenio Francesco , van der Wel Arjen , Wu (吳柏锋) Po-Feng , Barone Tania M , van Houdt Josha , Bezanson Rachel , Straatman Caroline M S , Pacifici Camilla , Muzzin Adam , Gallazzi Anna , Wild Vivienne , Sobral David , Bell Eric F , Zibetti Stefano , Mowla Lamiya , Franx Marijn
Published: July 2020

We use deep, spatially resolved spectroscopy from the Large Early Galaxy Astrophysics Census Survey to study radial variations in the stellar population of 17 spectroscopically selected post-starburst (PSB) galaxies. We use spectral fitting to measure two Lick indices, H δA and Fe 4383 , and find that, on average, PSB galaxies have radially decreasing H δA and increasing Fe 4383  profiles. In contrast, a control sample of quiescent, non-PSB galaxies in the same mass range shows outwardly increasing H δA and decreasing Fe 4383 . The observed gradients are weak (≈−0.2 Å/Re), mainly due to seeing convolution. A two-SSP (simple stellar population) model suggests that intrinsic gradients are as strong as observed in local PSB galaxies (≈−0.8 Å/Re). We interpret these results in terms of inside-out growth (for the bulk of the quiescent population) versus star formation occurring last in the centre (for PSB galaxies). At z ≈ 0.8, central starbursts are often the result of gas-rich mergers, as evidenced by the high fraction of PSB galaxies with disturbed morphologies and tidal features (40 per cent). Our results provide additional evidence for multiple paths to quiescence: a standard path, associated with inside-out disc formation and with gradually decreasing star formation activity, without fundamental structural transformation, and a fast path, associated with centrally concentrated starbursts, leaving an inverse age gradient and smaller half-light radius.
The structure and stability of extended, inclined circumplanetary disc or ring systems
Authors: Speedie Jessica , Zanazzi J J
Published: July 2020

Large dips in the brightness for a number of stars have been observed, for which the tentative explanation is occultation of the star by a transiting circumplanetary disc or ring system. In order for the circumplanetary disc/rings to block the host star’s light, the disc must be tilted out of the planet’s orbital plane, which poses stability problems due to the radial extent of the disc required to explain the brightness dip durations. This work uses N-body integrations to study the structure and stability of circumplanetary disc/ring systems tilted out of the planet’s orbital plane by the spinning planet’s mass quadrupole. Simulating the disc as a collection of test particles with orbits initialized near the Laplace surface (equilibrium between tidal force from host star and force from planet’s mass quadrupole), we find that many extended, inclined circumplanetary discs remain stable over the duration of the integrations ($\sim 3\!-\!16 \, {\rm Myr}$). Two dynamical resonances/instabilities excite the particle eccentricities and inclinations: the Lidov-Kozai effect which occurs in the disc’s outer regions, and ivection resonance which occurs in the disc’s inner regions. Our work places constraints on the maximum radial extent of inclined circumplanetary disc/ring systems, and shows that gaps present in circumplanetary discs do not necessarily imply the presence of exomoons.
Simulations of the radio polarization of a precessing pulsar PSR J1906+0746
Authors: Galishnikova A K , Philippov A A , Beskin V S
Published: July 2020

The recently constructed theory of radio wave propagation in the pulsar magnetosphere outlines the general aspects of the radio light curve and polarization formation. It allows us to describe general properties of mean profiles, such as the position angle of the linear polarization, and the circular polarization for the realistic structure of the pair creation region in the pulsar magnetosphere. In this work, we present an application of the radio wave propagation theory to the radio observations of pulsar PSR J1906+0746. This pulsar is particularly interesting because observations of relativistic spin precession in a binary system allow us to put strong constraints on its geometry. Because it is an almost orthogonal rotator, the pulsar allows us to observe both magnetic poles; as we show, this is crucial for testing the theory of radio wave propagation and obtaining constraints on the parameters of magnetospheric plasma. Our results show that plasma parameters are qualitatively consistent with theories of pair plasma production in polar cap discharges. Specifically, for PSR J1906+0746, we constrain the plasma multiplicity λ ∼ 103 and the Lorentz factor of secondary plasma γ ∼ a few hundred.
The age–chemical abundance structure of the Galactic disc – II. α-dichotomy and thick disc formation
Authors: Lian Jianhui , Thomas Daniel , Maraston Claudia , Beers Timothy C , Moni Bidin Christian , Fernández-Trincado José G , García-Hernández D A , Lane Richard R , Munoz Ricardo R , Nitschelm Christian , Roman-Lopes Alexandre , Zamora Olga
Published: July 2020

We extend our previous work on the age–chemical abundance structure of the Galactic outer disc to the inner disc (4 < r < 8  kpc) based on the SDSS/APOGEE survey. Different from the outer disc, the inner disc stars exhibit a clear bimodal distribution in the [Mg/Fe]–[Fe/H] plane. While a number of scenarios have been proposed in the literature, it remains challenging to recover this bimodal distribution with theoretical models. To this end, we present a chemical evolution model embedding a complex multiphase inner disc formation scenario that matches the observed bimodal [Mg/Fe]–[Fe/H] distribution. In this scenario, the formation of the inner disc is dominated by two main starburst episodes $6\,$Gyr apart with secular, low-level star formation activity in between. In our model, the first starburst occurs at early cosmic times ($t\sim 1\,$ Gyr) and the second one $6\,$ Gyr later at a cosmic time of $t\sim 7\,$ Gyr. Both these starburst episodes are associated with gas accretion events in our model, and are quenched rapidly. The first starburst leads to the formation of the high-α sequence, and the second starburst leads to the formation of the metal-poor low-α sequence. The metal-rich low-α stars, instead, form during the secular evolution phase between the two bursts. Our model shows that the α-dichotomy originates from the rapid suppression of star formation after the first starburst. The two starburst episodes are likely to be responsible for the formation of the geometric thick disc (z >1 kpc), with the old inner thick disc and the young outer thick disc forming during the first and the second starbursts, respectively.
Interpreting the Spitzer/IRAC colours of 7 ≤ z ≤ 9 galaxies: distinguishing between line emission and starlight using ALMA
Authors: Roberts-Borsani G W , Ellis R S , Laporte N
Published: July 2020

Prior to the launch of JWST, Spitzer/IRAC photometry offers the only means of studying the rest-frame optical properties of z >7 galaxies. Many such high-redshift galaxies display a red [3.6]−[4.5] micron colour, often referred to as the ‘IRAC excess’, which has conventionally been interpreted as arising from intense [O iii]+H β emission within the [4.5] micron bandpass. An appealing aspect of this interpretation is similarly intense line emission seen in star-forming galaxies at lower redshift as well as the redshift-dependent behaviour of the IRAC colours beyond z ∼ 7 modelled as the various nebular lines move through the two bandpasses. In this paper, we demonstrate that, given the photometric uncertainties, established stellar populations with Balmer (4000 Å rest frame) breaks, such as those inferred at z > 9 where line emission does not contaminate the IRAC bands, can equally well explain the redshift-dependent behaviour of the IRAC colours in 7 ≲ z ≲ 9 galaxies. We discuss possible ways of distinguishing between the two hypotheses using ALMA measures of [O iii] λ88 micron and dust continuum fluxes. Prior to further studies with JWST, we show that the distinction is important in determining the assembly history of galaxies in the first 500 Myr.
Activation of DNA-PK by hairpinned DNA ends reveals a stepwise mechanism of kinase activation
Authors: Meek Katheryn
Published: July 2020

As its name implies, the DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) requires DNA double-stranded ends for enzymatic activation. Here, I demonstrate that hairpinned DNA ends are ineffective for activating the kinase toward many of its well-studied substrates (p53, XRCC4, XLF, HSP90). However, hairpinned DNA ends robustly stimulate certain DNA-PK autophosphorylations. Specifically, autophosphorylation sites within the ABCDE cluster are robustly phosphorylated when DNA-PK is activated by hairpinned DNA ends. Of note, phosphorylation of the ABCDE sites is requisite for activation of the Artemis nuclease that associates with DNA-PK to mediate hairpin opening. This finding suggests a multi-step mechanism of kinase activation. Finally, I find that all non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) defective cells (whether deficient in components of the DNA-PK complex or components of the ligase complex) are similarly deficient in joining DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) with hairpinned termini.
Gender Differences in Preoperative Opioid Use in Spine Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Chung-Wang , Lo Yu Tung , Devi Sharmila , Seo Yookyung , Simon Angela , Zborovancik Kelsey , Alsheikh Mona Y , Lamba Nayan , Smith Timothy R , Mekary Rania A , Aglio Linda S
Published: July 2020

Objective

Opioids are frequently used in spine surgeries despite their adverse effects, including physical dependence and addiction. Gender difference is an important consideration for personalized treatment. There is no review assessing the prevalence of opioid use between men and women before spine surgeries.

Design

We compared the prevalence of preoperative opioid use between men and women.

Setting

Spine surgery.

Subjects

Comparison between men and women.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched from inception to November 9, 2018. Clinical characteristics and prevalence of preoperative opioid use were collected. Where feasible, data were pooled from nonoverlapping studies using random-effects models.

Results

Four studies with nonoverlapping populations were included in the meta-analysis (one prospective, three retrospective cohorts). The prevalence of preoperative opioid use was 0.64 (95% CI = 0.40–0.83). Comparing men with women, no statistically significant difference in preoperative opioid use was detected (relative risk [RR] = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96–1.02). Surgery location (cervical, lumbar) and study duration (more than five years or five years or less) did not modify this association. All involved open spine surgery. Only one secondary analysis provided data on both pre- and postoperative opioid use stratified by gender, which showed a borderline significantly higher prevalence of postoperative use in women than men.

Conclusions

The prevalence of opioid use before spine surgery was similar between men and women, irrespective of surgery location or study duration. More studies characterizing the pattern of opioid use between genders are still needed.
Changes in Experimental Pain Sensitivity from Using Home-Based Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Suchting Robert , Kapoor Shweta , Mathis Kenneth B , Ahn Hyochol
Published: July 2020

Objective

The present study examined the effects of home-based remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation on quantitative sensory testing measurements in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Participants were hypothesized to experience improved pain measurements over time.

Design

Open-label, single-arm trial.

Setting

Southeast Texas between March and November 2018 at a nursing school and participant homes.

Subjects

Older adults (aged 50–85 years) with self-reported unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis pain who met eligibility criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology.

Methods

The intervention was applied with a constant current intensity for 20 minutes every weekday for two weeks (10 total sessions). Quantitative measures of pain were collected three times over 10 days (days 1, 5, and 10) and included heat threshold and tolerance, pressure pain threshold, punctate mechanical pain, pain, and conditioned pain modulation. Analyses used nonparametric tests to evaluate differences between day 1 and day 10. Generalized linear mixed models were then used to evaluate change across all three time points for each measure. Bayesian inference was used to provide the posterior probability of longitudinal effects.

Results

Nonparametric tests found improvements in seven measures, and longitudinal models supported improvements in 10 measures, with some nonlinear effects.

Conclusions

The home-based, remotely supervised intervention improved quantitative measurements of pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. This study contributes to the growing body of literature supporting home-based noninvasive stimulation interventions.
Who Is Afraid of BlackRock?
Authors: Massa Massimo , Schumacher David , Wang Yan
Published: July 2020

We exploit the merger between BlackRock and Barclays Global Investors to study how changes in expected ownership concentration affect the investment behavior of funds and the cross-section of stocks worldwide. We find that funds with open-end structures and large exposure to commonly held stocks begin avoiding these stocks following the merger announcement. This leads to a permanent change in the composition of institutional ownership and a negative price and liquidity impact. We confirm these results in a large sample of global asset management mergers. Our findings suggest that market participants behave strategically in response to changes in expected financial fragility.
OFF-SITE RADIOLOGICAL DOSE ASSESSMENT IN A SEVERE NUCLEAR ACCIDENT OF APR1400
Authors: Uddin Gazi Muhammad Borhan , Kim Juyoul
Published: July 2020

Shin Kori unit 3 of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. is the pressurized water reactor of advanced power reactor 1400 (APR1400) in the Republic of Korea. A hypothetical accident was assumed for Shin Kori unit 3 to perform the time-dependent dose calculations along with the release rates of radionuclides to the environment. In order to assess the accident scenarios, Radiological Assessment System for Consequence Analysis code was used, which is a set of tools for emergency response applications developed by US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A straight-line Gaussian model was used for the near-field atmospheric calculations and a Lagrangian Gaussian puff model was used for the far-field simulations where released radioactive materials to the environment were transported, dispersed and deposited. In this study, long-term station blackout in spring, summer, autumn and winter season was considered in 2016–2018 based on reactor condition and seasonal effects. It was found that the worst season is the spring and the worst scenario found during the evening time of spring in 2017. The calculated maximum values of total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) and thyroid committed dose equivalent (CDE) are 22 mSv and 390 mSv, respectively, around 5 km of precautionary action zone (PAZ) in 2 days after the accident. According to Korean regulations on urgent public protective actions, for indoor sheltering, the criteria are 10 mSv in 2 days. For public evacuation 50 mSv in 1 week and iodine prophylaxis should be introduced if thyroid protection level is 100 mSv. Calculated values of TEDE are more than double and thyroid CDE is almost four times in the PAZ compared with Korean regulations; hence, it was found that indoor sheltering and supply of iodine prophylaxis should be executed for short/mid-term protective measures. In this situation, indoor sheltering should be decided by off-site emergency management center, which was accountable for emergency decision-making process in nuclear accident under nuclear safety and security commission in Korea.
Being a Disadvantaged Criminal Defendant: Mistrust and Resistance in Attorney-Client Interactions
Authors: Clair Matthew
Published: July 2020

Researchers have documented the power of legal officials to administer sanctions, from arrest to court surveillance and incarceration. How do those subject to punishment interact with officials and attempt to subvert their power? Drawing on interviews and ethnographic observations among 63 criminal defendants and 42 legal officials in the Boston-area court system, this article considers how socioeconomically and racially disadvantaged defendants interact with their defense attorneys, and with what consequences. Given racialized and classed constraints, many disadvantaged defendants mistrust their court-appointed lawyers. Their mistrust often results in withdrawal from their lawyers and active efforts to cultivate their own legal knowledge and skills. Defendants use their lay legal expertise to work around and resist the authority of their lawyers. Defense attorneys and judges respond with silencing and coercion, given the unwritten norms and rules of the court. These findings complicate existing accounts of disadvantaged defendants as passive actors and contribute to cultural sociological and relational theories of how people engage with professionals across institutional spaces. Unlike in mainstream institutions such as schools and hospitals where self-advocacy is rewarded in interactions, criminal court officials reject disadvantaged defendants’ attempts to advocate for themselves.
Impact of evening alcohol consumption on nocturnal autonomic and cardiovascular function in adult men and women: a dose–response laboratory investigation
Authors: de Zambotti Massimiliano , Forouzanfar Mohamad , Javitz Harold , Goldstone Aimee , Claudatos Stephanie , Alschuler Vanessa , Baker Fiona C , Colrain Ian M
Published: July 2020

Study Objectives

To investigate the dose-dependent impact of moderate alcohol intake on sleep-related cardiovascular (CV) function, in adult men and women.

Methods

A total of 26 healthy adults (30–60 years; 11 women) underwent 3 nights of laboratory polysomnographic (PSG) recordings in which different doses of alcohol (low: 1 standard drink for women and 2 drinks for men; high: 3 standard drinks for women and 4 drinks for men; placebo: no alcohol) were administered in counterbalanced order before bedtime. These led to bedtime average breath alcohol levels of up to 0.02% for the low doses and around 0.05% for the high doses. Autonomic and CV function were evaluated using electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, and beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring.

Results

Presleep alcohol ingestion resulted in an overall increase in nocturnal heart rate (HR), suppressed total and high-frequency (vagal) HR variability, reduced baroreflex sensitivity, and increased sympathetic activity, with effects pronounced after high-dose alcohol ingestion (p’s < 0.05); these changes followed different dose- and measure-dependent nocturnal patterns in men and women. Systolic blood pressure showed greater increases during the morning hours of the high-alcohol dose night compared to the low-alcohol dose night and placebo, in women only (p’s < 0.05).

Conclusions

Acute evening alcohol consumption, even at moderate doses, has marked dose- and time-dependent effects on sleep CV regulation in adult men and women. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential CV risk of repeated alcohol-related alterations in nighttime CV restoration in healthy individuals and in those at high risk for CV diseases, considering sex and alcohol dose and time effects.
Structural Requirements of the Phytoplasma Effector Protein SAP54 for Causing Homeotic Transformation of Floral Organs
Authors: Aurin Marc-Benjamin , Haupt Michael , Görlach Matthias , Rümpler Florian , Theißen Günter
Published: July 2020

Phytoplasmas are intracellular bacterial plant pathogens that cause devastating diseases in crops and ornamental plants by the secretion of effector proteins. One of these effector proteins, termed SECRETED ASTER YELLOWS WITCHES’ BROOM PROTEIN 54 (SAP54), leads to the degradation of a specific subset of floral homeotic proteins of the MIKC-type MADS-domain family via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In consequence, the developing flowers show the homeotic transformation of floral organs into vegetative leaf-like structures. The molecular mechanism of SAP54 action involves binding to the keratin-like domain of MIKC-type proteins and to some RAD23 proteins, which translocate ubiquitylated substrates to the proteasome. The structural requirements and specificity of SAP54 function are poorly understood, however. Here, we report, based on biophysical and molecular biological analyses, that SAP54 folds into an α-helical structure. Insertion of helix-breaking mutations disrupts correct folding of SAP54 and compromises SAP54 binding to its target proteins and, concomitantly, its ability to evoke disease phenotypes in vivo. Interestingly, dynamic light scattering data together with electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggest that SAP54 preferentially binds to multimeric complexes of MIKC-type proteins rather than to dimers or monomers of these proteins. Together with data from literature, this finding suggests that MIKC-type proteins and SAP54 constitute multimeric α-helical coiled coils. Our investigations clarify the structure-function relationship of an important phytoplasma effector protein and may thus ultimately help to develop treatments against some devastating plant diseases.
A blueprint for leadership during COVID-19
Authors: Rosa William E. , Schlak Amelia E. , Rushton Cynda H.
Published: July 2020

Minimizing burnout and moral distress among the nursing workforce
Does a Patient’s Approach to Achieving Goals Influence His or Her Recovery Trajectory After Musculoskeletal Illness?
Authors: Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Reichman Mira , Mace Ryan A. , Mohamadi Amin , Chen Neal
Published: July 2020

Background

The regulatory focus theory posits that, in general, people tend to be predominantly “promotion focused” or “prevention focused”, and each individual’s values and motivations influence which approach he or she may use when pursuing personal goals. People who are primarily promotion focused mostly see goals as opportunities to gain or advance (that is, play to win); people who are prevention focused mostly see goals as opportunities to stay safe (that is, play not to lose). Understanding the role of regulatory focus in the recovery of patients with orthopaedic conditions could provide novel insight into how surgeons can best communicate with patients to improve how they recover from illness or injury.

Question/purpose

Are improvements in pain intensity and disability over 6 months associated with a patient’s levels of promotion focus or prevention focus?

Methods

In this longitudinal observational study, we enrolled 144 patients with an upper extremity orthopaedic illness at a tertiary teaching hospital and followed them for 6 months. At baseline, patients completed validated self-reported measures of regulatory focus (Regulatory Focus Questionnaire), pain (Numerical Rating Scale), disability (the QuickDASH), and demographics. Assessments were repeated 6 months later, with 76% (110 of 144) of patients completing follow-up assessments. We examined whether regulatory focus was associated with recovery outcomes (level of pain and disability at 6 months). The patient’s regulatory focus was graded as two numerical scores on separate promotion-focus and prevention-focus continuums. Each individual received a score on promotion focus and one on prevention focus..

Results

An individual’s level of promotion (ΔR2 = 0.021; p = 0.03; small effect size), but not his or her level of prevention (ΔR2 = 0.003; p = 0.35; negligible effect size), was associated with improvement in disability over a 6-month period (R2 = 0.61; p < 0.001). Patients with high promotion (n = 20, b = 0.284; p = 0.001) had the greatest improvements in disability after 6 months compared with patients with moderate (n = 73, b = 0.422; p < 0.001) or low (n = 17, b = 0.561; p < 0.001) promotion. The levels of promotion (b = -0.22; p = 0.09) and prevention (b = -0.04; p = 0.65) were not associated with pain over time.

Conclusions

To support improvements in disability for patients with upper extremity orthopaedic conditions, surgeons’ communication strategies, including explanations of diagnoses and recovery trajectories, should focus on increasing patients’ level of promotion (for example, by emphasizing gains and promoting positive thinking), rather than prevention (for example, by providing reassurance and problem-solving what might go wrong).

Level of Evidence

Level II, prognostic study.
The association between weight-promoting medication use and weight gain in postmenopausal women: findings from the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Stanford Fatima Cody , Cena Hellas , Biino Ginevra , Umoren Olivia , Jimenez Monik , Freeman Marlene P. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Wild Robert A. , Womack Catherine R. , Banack Hailey R. , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

With the rise in obesity, there has been a concomitant increase in prescription medications associated with weight gain. The objective of this study is to quantify the magnitude of association between putative weight-promoting medications and 3-year weight change in a diverse cohort of postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Methods:

This is a prospective observational cohort study, considering 40 sites in the WHI and a cohort of seventy six thousand two hundred fifty-two postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years, with weight measured at both baseline and 3 years, in the WHI-Observational Study. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured at baseline and 3 years. An in-clinic medication inventory identified prescribed medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, insulin, and/or glucocorticosteroids. Generalized linear models evaluated if intermittent or persistent use of weight-promoting drugs was associated with increased BMI and WC during a 3-year follow up.

Results:

Women with overweight or obesity at baseline were more likely to be taking antidepressants, beta-blockers, and/or insulin. Taking at least one putative weight-promoting medication was associated with a greater increase in BMI (0.37 vs 0.27 kg/m2, P = 0.0045) and WC (1.10 cm vs 0.89 cm, P = 0.0077) over the course of 3 years compared to women not on these medications. Both BMI and WC increased with the number of weight-promoting drugs prescribed (P for trend per medication used < 0.00001 for both variables). Those who took either antidepressants or insulin, or a combination of antidepressants and beta-blockers, were most likely to have a significant increase in BMI compared to nonusers.

Conclusions:

Antidepressants, beta-blockers, and insulin were associated with weight gain in postmenopausal women. This information may help to inform clinical decision-making and efforts to mitigate medication-related weight gain.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A617.
Association of SBP and BMI with cognitive and structural brain phenotypes in UK Biobank
Authors: Ferguson Amy C. , Tank Rachana , Lyall Laura M. , Ward Joey , Welsh Paul , Celis-Morales Carlos , McQueenie Ross , Strawbridge Rona J. , Mackay Daniel F. , Pell Jill P. , Smith Daniel J. , Sattar Naveed , Cavanagh Jonathan , Lyall Donald M.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To test for associations between SBP and BMI, with domain-specific cognitive abilities and examine which brain structural phenotypes mediate those associations.

Methods:

Using cross-sectional UK Biobank data (final N = 28 412), we examined SBP/BMI vs. cognitive test scores of pairs-matching, matrix completion, trail making test A/B, digit symbol substitution, verbal–numerical reasoning, tower rearranging and simple reaction time. We adjusted for potential confounders of age, sex, deprivation, medication, apolipoprotein e4 genotype, smoking, population stratification and genotypic array. We tested for mediation via multiple structural brain imaging phenotypes and corrected for multiple testing with false discovery rate.

Results:

We found positive associations for higher BMI with worse reaction time, reasoning, tower rearranging and matrix completion tasks by 0.024–0.067 SDs per BMI SD (all P < 0.001). Higher SBP was associated with worse reasoning (0.034 SDs) and matrix completion scores (−0.024 SDs; both P < 0.001). Both BMI and SBP were associated with multiple brain structural metrics including total grey/white matter volumes, frontal lobe volumes, white matter tract integrity and white matter hyperintensity volumes: specific metrics mediated around one-third of the associations with cognition.

Conclusion:

Our findings add to the body of evidence that addressing cardiovascular risk factors may also preserve cognitive function, via specific aspects of brain structure.
Three Adolescents With Primary Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection During a Measles Outbreak
Authors: Kono Toya , Hattori Fumihiko , Kawamura Yoshiki , Miura Hiroki , Sudo Yuta , Suzuki Michio , Yoshikawa Tetsushi
Published: July 2020

During local small measles outbreak in Japan, 3 adolescents with febrile skin rash suspected as having measles were diagnosed with primary human herpesvirus (HHV)-7 infection. Primary HHV-7 infection can cause exanthem subitum in not only young children but also adolescents. HHV-7 should be considered as a possible causative agent for adolescent febrile skin rash during the measles outbreak.
Vertical shear pelvic ring injuries: do transsacral screws prevent fixation failure?
Authors: Tisano Breann K. , Kelly Drew P. , Starr Adam J. , Sathy Ashoke K.
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To determine the frequency of fixation failure after transsacral-transiliac (TS) screw fixation of vertical shear (VS) pelvic ring injuries (OTA/AO 61C1) and to describe the mechanism of failure of TS screws.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Level 1 academic trauma center.

Patients/Participants:

Twenty skeletally mature patients with unilateral, displaced, unequivocal VS injuries were identified between May 1, 2009 and April 31, 2016. Mean age was 31 years and mean follow-up was 14 months. Twelve had sacroiliac dislocations (61C1.2) and eight had vertical sacral fractures (61C1.3).

Intervention:

Operative treatment with at least one TS screw.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Radiographic failure, defined as a change of >1 cm of combined displacement of the posterior pelvis compared with the intraoperative position on inlet and outlet radiographs.

Results:

Radiographic failure occurred in 4 of 8 (50%) vertical sacral fractures. Posterior fixation was comprised of a single TS screw in 3 of these 4 failures. The dominant mechanism of screw failure was bending. All of these failures occurred early in the postoperative period. No fixation failures occurred among the sacroiliac dislocations. There were no deep infections or nonunions.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to describe the mechanism of failure of TS screws in a clinical setting after VS pelvic injuries. We caution surgeons from relying on single TS screw fixation for vertically unstable sacral fractures. Close radiographic monitoring in the first few weeks after surgery is advised.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.