bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to theCallithrixGenus and Overview of Recent Advances in Marmoset Research
Authors: Malukiewicz Joanna , Boere Vanner , de Oliveira Maria Adélia Borstelmann , D’arc Mirela , Ferreira Jéssica V A , French Jeffrey , Housman Genevieve , de Souza Claudia Igayara , Jerusalinsky Leandro , R de Melo Fabiano , M Valença-Montenegro Mônica , Moreira Silvia Bahadian , de Oliveira e Silva Ita , Pacheco Felipe Santos , Rogers Jeffrey , Pissinatti Alcides , del Rosario Ricardo C H , Ross Corinna , Ruiz-Miranda Carlos R , Pereira Luiz C M , Schiel Nicola , de Fátima Rodrigues da Silva Fernanda , Souto Antonio , Šlipogor Vedrana , Tardif Suzette
Published: July 2021

We provide here a current overview of marmoset (Callithrix) evolution, hybridization, species biology, basic/biomedical research, and conservation initiatives. Composed of 2 subgroups, the aurita group (C aurita and C flaviceps) and the jacchus group (C geoffroyi, C jacchus, C kuhlii, and C penicillata), this relatively young primate radiation is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Significant impacts on Callithrix within these biomes resulting from anthropogenic activity include (1) population declines, particularly for the aurita group; (2) widespread geographic displacement, biological invasions, and range expansions of C jacchus and C penicillata; (3) anthropogenic hybridization; and (4) epizootic Yellow Fever and Zika viral outbreaks. A number of Brazilian legal and conservation initiatives are now in place to protect the threatened aurita group and increase research about them. Due to their small size and rapid life history, marmosets are prized biomedical models. As a result, there are increasingly sophisticated genomic Callithrix resources available and burgeoning marmoset functional, immuno-, and epigenomic research. In both the laboratory and the wild, marmosets have given us insight into cognition, social group dynamics, human disease, and pregnancy. Callithrix jacchus and C penicillata are emerging neotropical primate models for arbovirus disease, including Dengue and Zika. Wild marmoset populations are helping us understand sylvatic transmission and human spillover of Zika and Yellow Fever viruses. All of these factors are positioning marmosets as preeminent models to facilitate understanding of facets of evolution, hybridization, conservation, human disease, and emerging infectious diseases.
Infernal Affect: Christianity, Urbanization, and Economic Anxiety in China
Authors: Yuan Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

This article examines the making of uneasy relationships between Protestant Christianity, capitalist reform, and urbanization in China. Drawing on analysis of Chinese Christian media sources as well as ethnographic research conducted in the city of Nanjing, I demonstrate how religious communities become attuned to the excesses of urban life—specifically the anxiety, discontent, and mania surrounding housing ownership—and respond to tensions between spiritual feelings and economic activities. These tensions, I argue, in turn generate new vectors of desire and possibilities for collective life. In a heterogenous Chinese Christian landscape, I situate this affective reorientation in the emerging Reformed urban church movement, which has inspired a separatist ethos among underground “house churches.” In doing so, this article illuminates how religious groups work as affective communities in critically orienting to consumer culture and neoliberal individualism.
Persistent HBV replication and serological response during up to 15 years of tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients: a multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Dezanet Lorenza N C , Miailhes Patrick , Lascoux-Combe Caroline , Chas Julie , Maylin Sarah , Gabassi Audrey , Rougier Hayette , Delaugerre Constance , Lacombe Karine , Boyd Anders
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the extent of hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression and its association with seroclearance of hepatitis ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients undergoing long-term tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We prospectively followed 165 HIV/HBV-coinfected patients undergoing tenofovir-based ART. Serum HBV-DNA viral loads and HBeAg and HBsAg status were obtained at tenofovir initiation and every 6–12 months. We calculated the proportion achieving virological response (VR, <60 IU/mL) during follow-up. We also calculated rates of HBeAg- and HBsAg-seroclearance, which were compared between those who achieved versus never achieved VR during follow-up using an Exact binomial test.

Results

During a median 8.1 years (IQR = 4.0–13.2) of tenofovir treatment, 152 (92.1%) patients were able to achieve VR and 13 (7.9%) never achieved VR (median HBV-DNA at the end of follow-up = 608 IU/mL, range = 67–52 400 000). The prevalence of individuals with detectable HBV-DNA (≥60 IU/mL) decreased during tenofovir treatment: 15.1% (n = 14/93) at 5 years, 3.2% (n = 2/62) at 10 years and, 3.2% (n = 1/31) at 15 years. 44/96 HBeAg-positive patients (6.15/100 person-years) had HBeAg-seroclearance and 13/165 patients overall (0.87/100 person-years) had HBsAg-seroclearance. No difference in HBeAg-seroclearance was observed between those who achieved versus never achieved VR (7.4 versus 3.7/100 person-years, P = 0.33), while HBsAg-seroclearance was only observed in those with VR (1.0 versus 0/100 person-years, P = 0.49; respectively). Individuals with VR also had a higher frequency of undetectable HIV-RNA during treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

During long-term tenofovir-based ART for HIV/HBV coinfection, persistent HBV viraemia is apparent, but becomes less frequent over time. HBsAg-seroclearance only occurred in those with full HBV and relatively high HIV suppression.
First Detections ofCuliseta longiareolata(Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Deblauwe Isra , Ibáñez-Justicia Adolfo , De Wolf Katrien , Smitz Nathalie , Schneider Anna , Stroo Arjan , Jacobs Frans , Vanslembrouck Adwine , Gombeer Sophie , Dekoninck Wouter , Müller Ruth , Van Bortel Wim
Published: July 2021

Culiseta (Allotheobaldia) longiareolata (Macquart) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an ornithophilic mosquito species that occurs in the southern Palaearctic Region from the Azores to Central Asia, the Ethiopian Region, India, and Pakistan. Although it has a widespread distribution range, the species was only recently reported in Western and Central Europe. Between 2017 and 2020, larvae, pupae, and adults of Cs. longiareolata (n = 161) were found at 13 distinct locations in Belgium (n = 4) and The Netherlands (n = 9). Collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified and the identification was then validated by COI DNA barcoding. These are the first records of the species in the above-mentioned countries. The present results suggest that Cs. longiareolata could be increasing its distribution range in temperate regions, indicating a warming climate. As the species might be a potential vector of bird pathogens (e.g., West Nile virus), its spread in Western Europe is noteworthy.
Modes of a stellar system II: non-ergodic systems
Authors: Lau Jun Yan , Binney James
Published: July 2021

An equation is derived for the energy of a small disturbance in a system that is generated by a distribution function (DF) of the form f(J) – most galaxies and star clusters can be closely approximated by such a DF. The theory of van Kampen modes is extended to such general systems. A bilinear form on the space of DFs is defined such that the energy of a disturbance is its norm under this form. It is shown that van Kampen modes which differ in frequency are then orthogonal, with the consequence that the energies of van Kampen modes are additive. Consequently, most of the insight into the dynamics of ergodic systems that was gained in a recent paper on the van Kampen modes of ergodic systems applies to real clusters and galaxies.
Stacked CMB lensing and ISW signals around superstructures in the DESI Legacy Survey
Authors: Hang Qianjun , Alam Shadab , Cai Yan-Chuan , Peacock John A
Published: July 2021

The imprints of large-scale structures on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) can be studied via the CMB lensing and Integrated Sachs–Wolfe (ISW) signals. In particular, the stacked ISW signal around supervoids has been claimed in several works to be anomalously high. In this study, we find cluster and void superstructures using four tomographic redshift bins with 0 < z < 0.8 from the DESI Legacy Survey and measure the stacked CMB lensing and ISW signals around them. To compare our measurements with ΛCDM model predictions, we construct a mock catalogue with matched galaxy number density and bias and apply the same photo-z uncertainty as the data. The consistency between the mock and the data is verified via the stacked galaxy density profiles around the superstructures and their quantity. The corresponding lensing convergence and ISW maps are then constructed and compared. The stacked lensing signal agrees with data well except at the highest redshift bin in density peaks, where the mock prediction is significantly higher, by approximately a factor of 1.3. The stacked ISW signal is generally consistent with the mock prediction. We do not obtain a significant signal from voids, AISW = −0.10 ± 0.69, and the signal from clusters, AISW = 1.52 ± 0.72, is at best weakly detected. However, these results are strongly inconsistent with previous claims of ISW signals at many times the level of the ΛCDM prediction. We discuss the comparison of our results with past work in this area and investigate possible explanations for this discrepancy.
Refining Convergent Rate Analysis with Topology in Mammalian Longevity and Marine Transitions
Authors: Treaster Stephen , Daane Jacob M , Harris Matthew P
Published: July 2021

The quest to map the genetic foundations of phenotypes has been empowered by the modern diversity, quality, and availability of genomic resources. Despite these expanding resources, the abundance of variation within lineages makes it challenging to associate genetic change to specific phenotypes, without an a priori means of isolating the changes from background genomic variation. Evolution provides this means through convergence—that is, the shared variation that may result from replicate evolutionary experiments across independent trait occurrences. To leverage these opportunities, we developed TRACCER: Topologically Ranked Analysis of Convergence via Comparative Evolutionary Rates. Compared to current methods, this software empowers rate convergence analysis by factoring in topological relationships, because genetic variation between phylogenetically proximate trait changes is more likely to be facilitating the trait. Comparisons are performed not with singular branches, but with the complete paths to the most recent common ancestor for each pair of lineages. This ensures that comparisons represent a single context diverging over the same timeframe while obviating the problematic requirement of assigning ancestral states. We applied TRACCER to two case studies: mammalian transitions to marine environments, an unambiguous collection of traits that have independently evolved three times; and the evolution of mammalian longevity, a less delineated trait but with more instances to compare. By factoring in topology, TRACCER identifies highly significant, convergent genetic signals, with important incongruities and statistical resolution when compared to existing approaches. These improvements in sensitivity and specificity of convergence analysis generate refined targets for downstream validation and identification of genotype–phenotype relationships.
The beginning and the end: flanking nucleotides induce a parallel G-quadruplex topology
Authors: Chen Jielin , Cheng Mingpan , Salgado Gilmar F , Stadlbauer Petr , Zhang Xiaobo , Amrane Samir , Guédin Aurore , He Fangni , Šponer Jiří , Ju Huangxian , Mergny Jean-Louis , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2021

Genomic sequences susceptible to form G-quadruplexes (G4s) are always flanked by other nucleotides, but G4 formation in vitro is generally studied with short synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, for which bases adjacent to the G4 core are often omitted. Herein, we systematically studied the effects of flanking nucleotides on structural polymorphism of 371 different oligodeoxynucleotides that adopt intramolecular G4 structures. We found out that the addition of nucleotides favors the formation of a parallel fold, defined as the ‘flanking effect’ in this work. This ‘flanking effect’ was more pronounced when nucleotides were added at the 5′-end, and depended on loop arrangement. NMR experiments and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that flanking sequences at the 5′-end abolish a strong syn-specific hydrogen bond commonly found in non-parallel conformations, thus favoring a parallel topology. These analyses pave a new way for more accurate prediction of DNA G4 folding in a physiological context.
Global detection of DNA repair outcomes induced by CRISPR–Cas9
Authors: Liu Mengzhu , Zhang Weiwei , Xin Changchang , Yin Jianhang , Shang Yafang , Ai Chen , Li Jiaxin , Meng Fei-Long , Hu Jiazhi
Published: July 2021

CRISPR–Cas9 generates double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) to activate cellular DNA repair pathways for genome editing. The repair of DSBs leads to small insertions or deletions (indels) and other complex byproducts, including large deletions and chromosomal translocations. Indels are well understood to disrupt target genes, while the other deleterious byproducts remain elusive. We developed a new in silico analysis pipeline for the previously described primer-extension-mediated sequencing assay to comprehensively characterize CRISPR–Cas9-induced DSB repair outcomes in human or mouse cells. We identified tremendous deleterious DSB repair byproducts of CRISPR–Cas9 editing, including large deletions, vector integrations, and chromosomal translocations. We further elucidated the important roles of microhomology, chromosomal interaction, recurrent DSBs, and DSB repair pathways in the generation of these byproducts. Our findings provide an extra dimension for genome editing safety besides off-targets. And caution should be exercised to avoid not only off-target damages but also deleterious DSB repair byproducts during genome editing.
Diagnostic application of transcripts associated with antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant biopsies
Authors: Toulza Frederic , Dominy Kathy , Willicombe Michelle , Beadle Jack , Santos Eva , Cook H Terence , Szydlo Richard M , McLean Adam , Roufosse Candice
Published: July 2021

Background

The diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is reached using the Banff Classification for Allograft Pathology, which now includes gene expression analysis. In this study, we investigate the application of ‘increased expression of thoroughly validated gene transcripts/classifiers strongly associated with AMR’ as diagnostic criteria.

Method

We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for 10 genes associated with AMR in a retrospective cohort of 297 transplant biopsies, including biopsies that met the full diagnostic criteria for AMR, even without molecular data (AMR, n = 27), biopsies that showed features of AMR, but that would only meet criteria for AMR with increased transcripts [suspicious for AMR (AMRsusp), n = 49] and biopsies that would never meet criteria for AMR (No-AMR, n = 221).

Results

A 10-gene AMR score trained by a receiver-operating characteristic to identify AMR found 16 cases with a high score among the AMRsusp cases (AMRsusp-high) that had significantly worse graft survival than those with a low score (AMRsusp-low; n = 33). In both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, the AMR 10-gene score was significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) for graft loss (GL) in the AMRsusp group (HR = 1.109, P = 0.004 and HR = 1.138, P = 0.012, respectively), but not in the whole cohort. Net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement analyses demonstrated improved risk classification and superior discrimination, respectively, for GL when considering the gene score in addition to histological and serological data, but only in the AMRsusp group, not the whole cohort.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that a gene score strongly associated with AMR helps identify cases at higher risk of GL in biopsies that are suspicious for AMR but do not meet full criteria.
Data brokers co-opetition
Authors: Gu Yiquan , Madio Leonardo , Reggiani Carlo
Published: July 2021

Data brokers share consumer data with rivals and, at the same time, compete with them for selling. We propose a ‘co-opetition’ game of data brokers and characterize their optimal strategies. When data are ‘sub-additive’ with the merged value net of the merging cost being lower than the sum of the values of individual datasets, data brokers are more likely to share their data and sell them jointly. When data are ‘super-additive’, with the merged value being greater than the sum of the individual datasets, competition emerges more often. Finally, data sharing is more likely when data brokers are more efficient at merging datasets than data buyers.
Quantum Theory
Authors: Rau Jochen
Published: July 2021

Recent advances in quantum technology – from quantum computers and simulators to communication and metrology – have not only opened up a whole new world of applications but also changed the understanding of quantum theory itself. This text introduces quantum theory entirely from this new perspective. It does away with the traditional approach to quantum theory as a theory of microscopic matter, and focuses instead on quantum theory as a framework for information processing. Accordingly, the emphasis is on concepts like measurement, probability, statistical correlations, and transformations, rather than waves and particles. The text begins with experimental evidence that forces one to abandon the classical description and to re-examine such basic notions as measurement, probability, and state. Thorough investigation of these concepts leads to the alternative framework of quantum theory. The requisite mathematics is developed and linked to its operational meaning. This part of the text culminates in an exploration of some of the most vexing issues of quantum theory, regarding locality, non-contextuality, and realism. The second half of the text explains how the peculiar features of quantum theory are harnessed to tackle information processing tasks that are intractable or even impossible classically. It provides the tools for understanding and designing the pertinent protocols, and discusses a range of examples representative of current quantum technology.
Knockdown of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins 1 and 2 (AtUCP1 and 2) in Arabidopsis thaliana Impacts Vegetative Development and Fertility
Authors: Arcuri Mariana de Lara Campos , Nunes-Laitz Alessandra Vasconcellos , Lima Rômulo Pedro Macêdo , Barreto Pedro , Marinho Andressa Nagatani , Arruda Paulo , Maia Ivan G
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that dissipate the proton electrochemical gradient generated by the respiratory chain complexes. In plants, these proteins are crucial for maintaining mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. In this study, single T-DNA insertion mutants for two (AtUCP1 and AtUCP2) out of the three UCP genes present in Arabidopsis thaliana were employed to elucidate their potential roles in planta. Our data revealed a significant increase in the Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ratios of both mutants, indicating clear alterations in energy metabolism, and a reduced respiratory rate in atucp2. Phenotypic characterization revealed that atucp1 and atucp2 plants displayed reduced primary root growth under normal and stressed conditions. Moreover, a reduced fertility phenotype was observed in both mutants, which exhibited an increased number of sterile siliques and a lower seed yield compared with wild-type plants. Reciprocal crosses demonstrated that both male fertility and female fertility were compromised in atucp1, while such effect was exclusively observed in the male counterpart in atucp2. Most strikingly, a pronounced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the reproductive organs was observed in all mutant lines, indicating a disturbance in ROS homeostasis of mutant flowers. Accordingly, the atucp1 and atucp2 mutants exhibited higher levels of ROS in pollen grains. Further, alternative oxidase 1a was highly induced in mutant flowers, while the expression profiles of transcription factors implicated in gene regulation during female and male reproductive organ/tissue development were perturbed. Overall, these data support the important role for AtUCP1 and AtUCP2 in flower oxidative homeostasis and overall plant fertility.
The ubiquitin-interacting motif-type ubiquitin receptor HDR3 interacts with and stabilizes the histone acetyltransferase GW6a to control the grain size in rice
Authors: Gao Qiong , Zhang Ning , Wang Wei-Qing , Shen Shao-Yan , Bai Chen , Song Xian-Jun
Published: July 2021

For grain crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), grain size substantially affects yield. The histone acetyltransferase GRAIN WEIGHT 6a (GW6a) determines grain size and yield in rice. However, the gene regulatory network underlying GW6a-mediated regulation of grain size has remained elusive. In this study, we show that GW6a interacts with HOMOLOG OF DA1 ON RICE CHROMOSOME 3 (HDR3), a ubiquitin-interacting motif-containing ubiquitin receptor. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing HDR3 produced larger grains, whereas HDR3 knockout lines produce smaller grains compared to the control. Cytological data suggest that HDR3 modulates grain size in a similar manner to GW6a, by altering cell proliferation in spikelet hulls. Mechanistically, HDR3 physically interacts with and stabilizes GW6a in an ubiquitin-dependent manner, delaying protein degradation by the 26S proteasome. The delay in GW6a degradation results in dramatic enhancement of the local acetylation of H3 and H4 histones. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal that HDR3 and GW6a bind to the promoters of and modulate a common set of downstream genes. In addition, genetic analysis demonstrates that HDR3 functions in the same genetic pathway as GW6a to regulate the grain size. Therefore, we identified the grain size regulatory module HDR3–GW6a as a potential target for crop yield improvement.
Measuring Bias in Consumer Lending
Authors: Dobbie Will , Liberman Andres , Paravisini Daniel , Pathania Vikram
Published: July 2021

This article tests for bias in consumer lending using administrative data from a high-cost lender in the U.K. We motivate our analysis using a new principal-agent model of bias where loan examiners are incentivized to maximize a short-term outcome, not long-term profits, leading to bias against illiquid applicants at the margin of loan decisions. We identify the profitability of marginal applicants using the quasi-random assignment of loan examiners, finding significant bias against immigrant and older applicants when using the firm’s preferred measure of long-run profits but not when using the short-run measure used to evaluate examiner performance. In this case, market incentives based on characteristics that vary across groups lead to inefficient group-based bias.
The role of chest CT in deciphering interstitial lung involvement: systemic sclerosis versus COVID-19
Authors: Orlandi Martina , Landini Nicholas , Sambataro Gianluca , Nardi Cosimo , Tofani Lorenzo , Bruni Cosimo , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Blagojevic Jelena , Melchiorre Daniela , Hughes Michael , Denton Christopher P , Luppi Fabrizio , Ruaro Barbara , della Casa Francesca , Rossi Francesca W , De Luca Giacomo , Campochiaro Corrado , Spinicci Michele , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Tomassetti Sara , Caminati Antonella , Cavigli Edoardo , Albanesi Marco , Melchiorre Fabio , Palmucci Stefano , Vegni Virginia , Guiducci Serena , Moggi-Pignone Alberto , Allanore Yannick , Bartoloni Alessandro , Confalonieri Marco , Dagna Lorenzo , DeCobelli Francesco , dePaulis Amato , Harari Sergio , Khanna Dinesh , Kuwana Masataka , Taliani Gloria , Lavorini Federico , Miele Vittorio , Morana Giovanni , Pesci Alberto , Vancheri Carlo , Colagrande Stefano , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the main CT features that may help in distinguishing a progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) secondary to SSc from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

This multicentric study included 22 international readers grouped into a radiologist group (RADs) and a non-radiologist group (nRADs). A total of 99 patients, 52 with COVID-19 and 47 with SSc-ILD, were included in the study.

Results

Fibrosis inside focal ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in the upper lobes; fibrosis in the lower lobe GGOs; reticulations in lower lobes (especially if bilateral and symmetrical or associated with signs of fibrosis) were the CT features most frequently associated with SSc-ILD. The CT features most frequently associated with COVID- 19 pneumonia were: consolidation (CONS) in the lower lobes, CONS with peripheral (both central/peripheral or patchy distributions), anterior and posterior CONS and rounded-shaped GGOs in the lower lobes. After multivariate analysis, the presence of CONs in the lower lobes (P < 0.0001) and signs of fibrosis in GGOs in the lower lobes (P < 0.0001) remained independently associated with COVID-19 pneumonia and SSc-ILD, respectively. A predictive score was created that was positively associated with COVID-19 diagnosis (96.1% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity).

Conclusion

CT diagnosis differentiating between COVID-19 pneumonia and SSc-ILD is possible through a combination of the proposed score and radiologic expertise. The presence of consolidation in the lower lobes may suggest COVID-19 pneumonia, while the presence of fibrosis inside GGOs may indicate SSc-ILD.
Knowledge transfer profiles of public research organisations: the role of fields of knowledge specialisation
Authors: de la Torre Eva M , Ghorbankhani Maryam , Rossi Federica , Sagarra Marti
Published: July 2021

While public research organisations (PROs) are increasingly expected to transfer knowledge to businesses and other stakeholders, their engagement in knowledge transfer (KT) activities is still under-researched. Better understanding of PROs’ KT engagement, including how it is shaped by PROs’ organisational characteristics, could lead to better tailored policies in support to PROs’ effort to transfer knowledge. We develop a conceptual framework linking PROs’ specialisation in different fields of knowledge to their profiles of KT engagement and validate it empirically using a six-year panel data set of 33 PROs in the UK. We use multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis techniques to identify three distinct KT profiles, which are stable over time, and strongly associated with the PROs’ knowledge field specialisation. We argue that these profiles may depend on the different market readiness and user specificity of knowledge outputs arising from different fields of knowledge and derive implications for theory, policy, and practice.
The epidemiology of melioidosis in Townsville, Australia
Authors: Gassiep1 Ian , Ganeshalingam Vibooshini , Chatfield Mark D , Harris Patrick N A , Norton Robert E
Published: July 2021

Background

Melioidosis in an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, an organism endemic to tropical and subtropical regions.

Methods

This study describes the epidemiology of melioidosis in Townsville, QLD, Australia, as well as clinical features, risk factors associated with the disease, the burden of infection on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community and patient outcomes over time.

Results

From 1997 to 2020, 128 patients were admitted to Townsville University Hospital. The total annual incidence of infection was 3.2 cases per 100 000 compared with 15.3 per 100 000 in the ATSI population. The majority of cases (n=82 [64%]) were male. Alcohol excess (55%) and diabetes mellitus (48%) were the most common risk factors. Bacteraemia occurred in 87 (70%) patients and pneumonia was the most common focus of infection in 84 (69%). The case fatality rate was 23%, with no difference for the ATSI population (6/32 [19%]). The presence of malignancy was the risk factor most associated with mortality (relative risk 2.7 [95% confidence interval 1.4–5.1], p=0.005).

Conclusions

The ATSI community was overrepresented in this study, however, there was no significant difference in adverse outcomes. The case fatality rate was higher than in other regions in Australia. This discrepancy may relate in part to the different risk groups seen in these settings coupled with potential organism variability.
Blood Perfusion of Random Skin Flaps in Humans—In Vivo Assessment by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Authors: Carvalho Brinca Ana M. , de Castro Pinho André , Costa Vieira Ricardo J. D.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The viability of random skin flaps (RSFs) depends on an adequate perfusion pressure to avoid necrosis. Laser speckle contrast imaging is a new method to monitor skin flap microcirculation.

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to use laser speckle contrast imaging in evaluating the correlation between the perfusion pressure and the length-to-width ratio (LTWR) of RSFs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients submitted to flaps were included: 20 advancement, 20 rotation, and 20 transposition flaps. Laser speckle contrast imaging measurements of perfusion were obtained—after the flaps were planned, dissected, and sutured—from the base to the tip of the flaps, allowing the creation of plot charts and calculation of linear regression equations.

RESULTS

Perfusion consistently and significantly decreased with the dissection of all flaps. A significant correlation between LTWR and perfusion was observed in undermined and sutured stages; a mathematical model was then delineated, explaining objectively the drop of perfusion along LTWR, with statistical significance, in all flaps.

CONCLUSION

Laser speckle contrast imaging allows accurate, rapid, reproducible, and noncontact measurements of skin blood perfusion over RSF, ultimately leading to an optimization of skin flap planning. This study proves that variation of perfusion pressure along the flap is dependent on the LTWR in a linear decreasing function.
Age, minimum alveolar concentration and choice of depth of sedation monitor: examining the paradox of age when using the Narcotrend monitor
Authors: Hight Darren , Schanderhazi Cornelia , Huber Markus , Stüber Frank , Kaiser Heiko A.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

With an ageing global population, it is important to individualise titration of anaesthetics according to age and by measuring their effect on the brain. A recent study reported that during general surgery, the given concentration of volatile anaesthetics, expressed as a fraction of the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC fraction), decreases by around only 3% per age-decade, which is less than the 6% expected from age-adjusted MAC. Paradoxically, despite the excessive dosing, Bispectral index (BIS) values also increased.

OBJECTIVE

We planned to investigate the paradox of age when using the Narcotrend depth of anaesthesia monitor.

DESIGN

Secondary analyses of a prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital in Switzerland, recordings took place during 2016 and 2017.

PATIENTS

One thousand and seventy-two patients undergoing cardiac surgery entered the study, and 909 with noise-free recordings and isoflurane anaesthesia were included in this analysis.

INTERVENTION

We calculated mean end-tidal MAC fraction and mean index value of the Narcotrend depth of sedation monitor used in the study during the prebypass period. Statistical associations were modelled using linear regression, local weighted regression (LOESS) and a generalised additive model (GAM).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary endpoints in this study were the change in end-tidal MAC fraction and mean Narcotrend index values, both measured per age-decade.

RESULTS

We observed a linear decrease in end-tidal MAC fraction of 3.2% per age-decade [95% confidence interval (CI) −3.97% to −2.38%, P < 0.001], consistent with previous findings. In contrast to the BIS, mean Narcotrend index values decreased with age at 3.0 index points per age-decade (95% CI, −3.55 points to −2.36 points, P < 0.001), a direction of change commensurate with the increasing age-adjusted MAC fraction with patient age. These relationships were consistent regardless of whether age-adjusted MAC was displayed on the anaesthetic machine.

CONCLUSIONS

We caution that the ‘paradox of age’ may in part depend on the choice of depth of sedation monitor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02976584.
The mediating effect of skeletal muscle index on the relationship between menarcheal age and bone mineral density in premenopausal women by race/ethnicity
Authors: Ning Hongting , Du Yan , Zhao Lan-Juan , Tian Qing , Feng Hui , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To examine the contribution of skeletal mass index (SMI) as a mediator in the relationship between menarcheal age and hip/spine bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal women by race/ethnicity.

Methods:

The data of 4,329 participants (age ≥ 18; mean age=35.7 ± 9.5) of Whites (n = 2,543), African Americans (n = 1,236), and Asians (n = 550) enrolled from October 2011 to January 2019 from the Louisiana Osteoporosis Study were analyzed. After adjustment for physiological and behavioral factors, multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate each component of the proposed mediation models, and mediation was verified by the bootstrapping resampling approach.

Results:

Premenopausal women with early menarcheal age tended to have higher SMI and BMD than women with normal menarcheal age among all races/ethnicities included. Women with late menarcheal age were, however, more likely to have a lower SMI than their counterparts with normal menarcheal age (r = −0.212, 95% CI = [−0.321 to −0.103] for White women; r = −0.181, 95% CI = [−0.410 to −0.008] for African-American women; r = −0.174, 95% CI = [−0.343 to −0.006] for Asian women). Similar results were found for both spine and hip BMD. SMI fully mediated the difference in BMD due to different menarcheal ages among Whites, African Americans, and Asian women with early menarcheal age; however, no mediating effects were observed for Asian women with late menarcheal age.

Conclusions:

SMI, as a full mediator, affected the relationship between menarcheal age and BMD among premenopausal women, and the mediating effects varied by race/ethnicity. To prevent or slow down the loss of hip/spine BMD and the development of osteoporosis, measures aiming at minimizing the risk for muscle mass loss should be recommended, especially for White and African-American women with late menarcheal age.
Hormone therapy formulation, dose, route of delivery, and risk of hypertension: findings from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS)
Authors: Wild Robert A. , Larson Joseph C. , Crandall Carolyn J. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Allison Matthew , Gass Margery , Shufelt Chrisandra , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Using data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS), to determine the role of estrogen formulation, dose, route of delivery, and its combination with different progestogens on the risk for hypertension in the WHI-OS.

Methods:

After excluding women with diagnosed hypertension, receiving antihypertensive medication, presenting with elevated blood pressure ( ≥ 140/90), and those not taking menopausal hormone therapy at baseline, 19,986 women remained eligible for the analyses. Using hierarchal modeling, proportional hazard rate calculation, and linear and logistic regression analyses, we evaluated incident treated hypertension and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes at 3 years. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, history of treated diabetes, history of prescription medicines for high cholesterol, alcohol intake, hysterectomy, and bilateral oophorectomy.

Results:

At 3 years, and compared with conjugated estrogens (CEE) with or without a progestin, the odds for newly treated hypertension were lower in women who used transdermal estradiol (0.85, 95% CI, 0.73-1.00) or oral estrone sulphate dominant preparations (0.83, 0.72-0.96). The odds of incident treated hypertension after 3 years did not vary according to dose of estrogen. The mean measured systolic blood pressure was minimally lower with transdermal estradiol (−1.20, 95% CI, −1.97 to −0.44) mm Hg and other oral Estrone dominant preparations (−0.83, 95% CI, −1.51 to −0.16) mm Hg at 3 years. For a given estrogen type, the magnitudes of the hazard ratio were similar for estrogen-alone compared with estrogen plus a progestogen. For women 10 or more years past menopause when they entered, the HR for incident self-reported treated hypertension was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.09-1.46) with higher dose CEE compared with 0.625 mg CEE. It was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.68-1.13) when given to women who were < 10 years after menopause when they entered the WHI-OS.

Conclusion:

The risk of treated hypertension differed by formulation, dose, and years since menopause.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A795.
Development of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient Following Facial Trauma
Authors: Kamboj Alisha , Hwang Christopher J. , Mokhtarzadeh Ali , Harrison Andrew R.
Published: July 2021

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a neuro-oculo-dermic infection caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in the dorsal root ganglia of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Although a rare diagnosis in an otherwise healthy, vaccinated pediatric patient, this entity may occur with increasing frequency among those with preceding trauma, particularly in the month prior to presentation. Herein, we highlight a case of HZO in a vaccinated, immunocompetent adolescent in the setting of recent facial trauma.
Interstitial Brachytherapy for Orbital Sebaceous Carcinoma
Authors: Li Feng , Stewart Robert D. , Finger Paul T.
Published: July 2021

Sebaceous carcinoma is characterized by its aggressive local tumor behavior and ability to metastasize. Small periocular sebaceous carcinoma are typically treated by excision with cryotherapy. Larger tumors often require adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or exenteration surgery. When used alone, EBRT techniques typically exceed the tolerance of critical normal ocular structures. The interstitial orbital brachytherapy-boost technique permits dose escalation to the tumor bed, while minimizing radiation dose to critical normal ocular structures. Here, we present a case of orbital sebaceous carcinoma treated with excision, cryotherapy, and super-thick amniotic membrane fornix reconstruction. Then, after 3 weeks of healing, adjuvant-combined electron interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy-boost was added to electron-beam radiotherapy to optimize the orbital radiation dose distribution, increase dose to inferonasal orbit, and allow relative sparing of orbital tissues. At 1-year follow-up, there was no evidence of orbital tumor, no significant eye lash loss, normal ocular motility, no radiation retinopathy, optic neuropathy and a visual acuity of 20/20.
The Effectiveness of Active Learning Approaches in a Pain Education Curriculum Within a Physical Therapy Program
Authors: Helms Jeb T. , Mayhew Thomas P. , Zimney Kory J.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose.

Pain education within physical therapist educational programs needs to continually evolve to meet current best practice guidelines. This model presentation describes the successful implementation of a pain curriculum using various active learning approaches including VoiceThread assignments in an entry-level physical therapist educational program.

Method/Model Description and Evaluation.

An 8-week curriculum was developed to assist students in meeting the synthesis and evaluation learning objectives of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) curricular guidelines. Active learning homework assignments allowed students to practice communicating difficult pain principles while receiving constructive feedback. Course outcomes were measured through changes in a modified version of the Pain Attitude and Beliefs Scale (PABS), the Pain Care Confidence Scale (PCCS), qualitative student feedback, and performance on both practical and written examinations.

Outcomes.

All students passed the practical examination where they successfully demonstrated pain principle communication skills. The students showed less biomedical beliefs in 5 of the 7 PABS biomedical subscale questions and greater biopsychosocial beliefs in 2 of the 7 biopsychosocial subsections (P < .05). Student scores on the PCCS also improved significantly (P < .05) from 5.0 to 8.1 on the combined confidence level for treating patients in pain.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Implementation of the IASP curriculum within an entry-level physical therapist education program resulting in positive results in student learning and changing beliefs using a combined lecture and active learning approach.
Utilization of a Stroke Escape Room to Enforce Best Practice Standards for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Millsaps Erika R. , Swihart Allison K.
Published: July 2021

Nursing educators continue to look for innovative ways to educate staff, students, and new nursing graduates. Simulation is a current, common practice. Recently, a new, interactive activity has been utilized: escape rooms. This article summarizes how two stroke educators in rural Indiana developed an escape room to challenge employees to critically think through the process of triage, assessment, and treatment of a patient presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke.
Suppressing Syndecan-1 Shedding to Protect Against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Maintaining Polarity of Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Guo Man , Xu Jiarui , Zhao Shuan , Shen Daoqi , Jiang Wuhua , Zhang Lin , Ding Xiaoqiang , Xu Xialian
Published: July 2021

Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), a type of heparan sulfate proteoglycan on the surface of epithelial cells, is involved in maintaining cell morphology. Loss of cell polarity constitutes the early stage of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated the role of SDC-1 shedding in I/R-induced AKI and the underlying mechanisms. Levels of the shed SDC-1 in the serum were measured with ELISA 12 and 24 h after reperfusion in renal I/R model mice. Na+/K+-ATPase-α1 expression was evaluated using western blotting in vivo and immunofluorescence in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cysts. Renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis was measured using TUNEL in vivo and flow cytometry in vitro. Furthermore, plasma syndecan-1 (pSDC-1) levels were measured in patients at the time of anesthesia resuscitation after cardiac surgery. We found that shed SDC-1 levels increased and Na+/K+-ATPase-α1 expression decreased after H/R in the three-dimensional (3D) tubular model, and this state was exacerbated with extended period of hypoxia. After the inhibition of SDC-1 shedding by GM6001, SDC-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase-α1 expression was restored, while H/R-induced apoptosis was decreased. In vivo, SDC-1 shedding was induced by renal I/R and was accompanied with a loss of renal tubular epithelial cell polarity and increased apoptosis. GM6001 pretreatment protected against I/R injury by alleviating the disruption of cell polarity and apoptosis. pSDC-1 levels were significantly higher in AKI patients than in non-AKI patients. ROC curve showed that the accuracy of pSDC-1 for AKI prediction was 0.769. In conclusion, inhibition of I/R-induced SDC-1 shedding could contribute to renal protection by restoring the loss of cell polarity and alleviating apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells.
Mitochondrial polymorphism shapes intrapopulation behavioural variation in wild
Drosophila
Authors: Ueno Takahisa , Takahashi Yuma
Published: July 2021

Intrapopulation variation in behaviour, including activity, boldness and aggressiveness, is becoming more widely recognized and is hypothesized to substantially affect ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Although previous studies used candidate-gene approaches and genome-wide association analyses to identify genes correlated with variations in activity and aggressiveness, behavioural variation may not be fully captured in the nuclear genome, as it does not account for mitochondrial genomes. Mitochondrial genes encode products that are key regulators of the cellular energy-producing pathways in metabolic processes and are thought to play a significant role in life-history and reproductive traits. In this study, we considered many isofemale lines of
Drosophila immigrans
established from two wild populations to investigate whether intrapopulation variation in the mitochondrial genome affected activity level within this species. We identified two major haplogroups in these populations, and activity levels in both larvae and adults differed significantly between the two haplogroups. This result indicated that intrapopulation variation in activity level may be partially controlled by mitochondrial genes, along with the interaction between nuclear and mitochondrial genes and the age of individual organisms.
The role of ketogenesis in the migratory fattening of the northern wheatearOenanthe oenanthe
Authors: Frias-Soler Roberto Carlos , Kelsey Natalie A. , Pildaín Lilian Villarín , Wink Michael , Bairlein Franz
Published: July 2021

The fuelling capacity of migratory birds and their ability to avoid health conditions derived from the subsequent fat overload are exceptional among vertebrates. In this work, we screen the expression of the genes involved in the production of ketone bodies (KB) in the liver of northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) during the development and resolution of migratory fattening. Thirteen genes were found to be regulated among the migratory stages. Based on the dynamics of gene expression, we concluded that KB play a versatile role in wheatears' energy metabolism homeostasis. The ketogenic pathway can adaptively: (i) provide carbon equivalents for lipogenesis, speeding up fuelling; (ii) replace glucose during long-distance flights using lipids as the substrate; (iii) act as a floodgate to avoid steatosis; and (iv) might provide a metabolic solution to defatting in captive birds.
John Edwin Field. 20 September 1936—21 October 2020
Authors: Walley Stephen M. , Proud William G. , Leighton Timothy G.
Published: July 2021

John Field was a brilliant experimental physicist who made major contributions to the physics and chemistry of solids. His research interests spanned a very wide range of topics, most of them involving energetic phenomena. These areas included the strength properties of solids, fracture growth, impact and erosion phenomena, shock physics, reactivity of solids, explosive initiation, lasers, acoustics and medical physics. Within the Physics and Chemistry of Solids Group in the Cavendish Laboratory, he developed the best-equipped high-speed camera facility in any university in Europe, including seven that achieved frame rates in excess of 10
6
frames per second. In addition to the cameras, extensive use was made of ultrasonics, optical and electron microscopy, mass spectroscopy and thermal techniques. He played an important national role in advising the Ministry of Defence on a wide range of topics in energetic phenomena and materials science, which led to practical engineering solutions. He was an outstanding supervisor of doctoral students, who remember him fondly.