bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How a Legal Fight Against Monsanto Became an Indigenous Self-determination Claim in Mexico
Authors: Torres-Mazuera Gabriela , Ramírez-Espinosa Naayeli 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This article examines the successful legal battle led by Mayan beekeepers participating within an activist network against the permission granted to Monsanto in 2012 by the Mexican government to commercialize genetically modified soybeans in the Yucatán Peninsula. Our approach emphasizes the relevant role of rights-advocacy lawyers and their organizations working together with local grassroots, Mayan beekeepers and scholars in a legal battle that puts forward the rights to a healthy environment and to indigenous self-determination. We consider the judiciary's response to such demands and, in doing so, we explain why some collective rights, such as the right to free, prior, and informed consultation, were more appealing to Mexican judges while others were blatantly ignored. Likewise, we explore why and how a legal fight against Monsanto GM soybean became a struggle for the recognition of Mayan communities’ self-determination expressed in the right to free consent and self-consultation. Our research sheds light on some positive and unexpected outcomes of legal mobilization against GMOs in the Yucatán Peninsula, while acknowledging that GM soybean, despite being banned, is still produced and marketed illegally in the country.
T-S A43.1+ and the Imitation of the Tiberian Reading Tradition
Authors: Phillips Kim 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The c. tenth century CE Genizah manuscript T-S A43.1+ is one of the most substantial extant Bible manuscripts from the so-called Palestinian Masoretic tradition. Examining the partial vocalization of the MS reveals that it was produced to assist a reader from within this Palestinian tradition to emulate the prestigious Tiberian reading tradition. The article thereby contributes to the larger discussions surrounding the nature and development of the Palestinian reading tradition, and the relationship between the Palestinian and Tiberian Masoretic traditions.
H i 21 cm observation and mass models of the extremely thin galaxy FGC 1440
Authors: Aditya K , Kamphuis Peter , Banerjee Arunima , Borisov Sviatoslav , Mosenkov Aleksandr , Antipova Aleksandra , Makarov Dmitry 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We present observations and models of the kinematics and distribution of neutral hydrogen (H i) in the superthin galaxy FGC 1440 with an optical axial ratio a/b = 20.4. Using the Giant Meterwave Radio telescope (GMRT), we imaged the galaxy with a spectral resolution of 1.7 km s−1 and a spatial resolution of 15${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$9 × 13${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$5. We find that FGC 1440 has an asymptotic rotational velocity of 141.8 km s−1. The structure of the H i disc in FGC 1440 is that of a typical thin disc warped along the line of sight, but we cannot rule out the presence of a central thick H i disc. We find that the dark matter halo in FGC 1440 could be modelled by a pseudo-isothermal (PIS) profile with $\\ R_{\rm c}/ R_{\rm d} \lt 2$, where Rc is the core radius of the PIS halo and Rd the exponential stellar disc scale length. We note that in spite of the unusually large axial ratio of FGC 1440, the ratio of the rotational velocity to stellar vertical velocity dispersion, $\frac{V_{\rm Rot}}{\sigma _{z}} \sim 5 - 8$, which is comparable to other superthins. Interestingly, unlike previously studied superthin galaxies which are outliers in the log10(j*) − log10(M*) relation for ordinary bulgeless disc galaxies, FGC 1440 is found to comply with the same. The values of j for the stars, gas, and the baryons in FGC 1440 are consistent with those of normal spiral galaxies with similar mass.
Spectral States of OJ 287 blazar from Multiwavelength Observations with AstroSat
Authors: Singh K P , Kushwaha P , Sinha A , Pal Main , Agarwal A , Dewangan G C 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We present AstroSat soft X-ray, near-UV (NUV), and far-UV (FUV) observations of a blazar, OJ 287, carried out in 2017, 2018, and 2020. The simultaneous observations with NuSTAR in 2017 provide a broad-band look encompassing NUV, FUV, soft, and hard X-rays. Captured in three different broad-band spectral states in three observations, the X-ray spectrum is found to be the hardest during 2018, while the high-energy-end of the simultaneous optical-FUV spectrum shows a steepening that is modelled with a broken power-law spectrum. The spectral energy distribution (SED) in 2017 shows a relatively flatter optical-FUV and soft X-ray spectra, implying an additional emission component. The 2020 optical-FUV spectrum is harder than in 2017 and 2018, with an extremely soft X-ray spectrum and a hardening above ∼1 GeV, similar to the SEDs of High-energy-peaked BL Lac objects (HBL), thereby establishing that this additional emission component has HBL-like properties. The AstroSat multiwavelength observations trace the spectral evolution from the end-phase of the HBL component in 2017 to its disappearance in 2018 followed by its revival in 2020. A single zone leptonic model reproduces the 2018 broad-band spectrum, while the 2017 and 2020 SEDs require an additional HBL-like emitting zone. The spectral evolution of the high-energy-end of optical-UV spectrum, revealed by the FUV observations in 2017 and 2018, strongly suggests that X-ray spectral changes in the normal broad-band spectral state of OJ 287 are primarily due to the evolution of the optical-UV synchrotron spectrum.
Unusual nucleosome formation and transcriptome influence by the histone H3mm18 variant
Authors: Hirai Seiya , Tomimatsu Kosuke , Miyawaki-Kuwakado Atsuko , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Komatsu Tetsuro , Tachibana Taro , Fukushima Yutaro , Takeda Yasuko , Negishi Lumi , Kujirai Tomoya , Koyama Masako , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Kurumizaka Hitoshi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Histone H3mm18 is a non-allelic H3 variant expressed in skeletal muscle and brain in mice. However, its function has remained enigmatic. We found that H3mm18 is incorporated into chromatin in cells with low efficiency, as compared to H3.3. We determined the structures of the nucleosome core particle (NCP) containing H3mm18 by cryo-electron microscopy, which revealed that the entry/exit DNA regions are drastically disordered in the H3mm18 NCP. Consistently, the H3mm18 NCP is substantially unstable in vitro. The forced expression of H3mm18 in mouse myoblast C2C12 cells markedly suppressed muscle differentiation. A transcriptome analysis revealed that the forced expression of H3mm18 affected the expression of multiple genes, and suppressed a group of genes involved in muscle development. These results suggest a novel gene expression regulation system in which the chromatin landscape is altered by the formation of unusual nucleosomes with a histone variant, H3mm18, and provide important insight into understanding transcription regulation by chromatin.
Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with spondyloarthritis and enthesitis at the Achilles tendon: results from a phase 3b trial
Authors: Behrens Frank , Sewerin Philipp , de Miguel Eugenio , Patel Yusuf , Batalov Anastas , Dokoupilova Eva , Kleinmond Christine , Pournara Effie , Shekhawat Ankita , Jentzsch Claudia , Wiedon Annette , Baraliakos Xenofon ,   the ACHILLES study group
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
ACHILLES aimed to demonstrate efficacy of secukinumab on Achilles’ tendon enthesitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients.

Methods
Patients ≥18 years (n = 204) with active PsA or axial SpA and heel enthesitis were randomized 1:1 to secukinumab 150/300 mg or placebo up to week 24, and thereafter placebo patients were switched to secukinumab.

Results
At week 24, a higher, yet statistically non-significant (P = 0.136), proportion of patients in secukinumab vs placebo reported resolution of Achilles tendon enthesitis in affected foot (42.2% vs 31.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.63; 95% CI: 0.87, 3.08). Proportion of patients reporting resolution of enthesitis based on Leeds Enthesitis Index was higher with secukinumab vs placebo (33.3% vs 23.5%; OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 0.85, 3.25) at week 24. Mean change from baseline in heel pain at week 24 was higher in secukinumab patients vs placebo (−2.8 [3.0] vs −1.9 [2.7]). Greater improvements with secukinumab were observed in heel enthesopathy activity and global assessment of disease activity. Imaging evaluation by local reading confirmed heel enthesitis on MRI at screening for all patients. Based on central reading, 56% presented with bone marrow oedema and/or tendinitis; according to Heel Enthesitis MRI Scoring System (HEMRIS) post hoc analysis, 76% had signs of entheseal inflammation while 86% had entheseal inflammation and/or structural changes.

Conclusion
A substantial proportion of patients showed no signs of inflammation on the centrally read MRIs despite a clinical diagnosis of heel enthesitis, thus highlighting that the discrepancy between the clinical and imaging assessments of enthesitis requires further investigation. Although ACHILLES did not meet the primary end point, the study reported clinically meaningful improvements in patient-related outcomes.

Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02771210
Plasma Pyruvate Kinase M2 as a marker of vascular inflammation in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Esen Idil , Jiemy William F , van Sleen Yannick , Bijzet Johan , de Jong Daniel M , Nienhuis Pieter H , Slart Riemer H J A , Heeringa Peter , Boots Annemieke M H , Brouwer Elisabeth 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
GCA is a large vessel vasculitis in which metabolically active immune cells play an important role. GCA diagnosis is based on CRP/ESR and temporal artery biopsies (TABs), in combination with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG)-PET/CT relying on enhanced glucose uptake by glycolytic macrophages. Here, we studied circulating Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), a glycolytic enzyme, as a possible systemic marker of vessel wall inflammation in GCA.

Methods
Immunohistochemical detection of PKM2 was performed on inflamed (n = 12) and non-inflamed (n = 4) TABs from GCA patients and non-GCA (n = 9) patients. Dimeric PKM2 levels were assessed in plasma of GCA patients (n = 44), age-matched healthy controls (n = 41), metastatic melanoma patients (n = 7) and infection controls (n = 11). CRP, ESR and macrophage markers calprotectin and YKL-40 were correlated with plasma PKM2 levels. To detect the cellular source of plasma PKM2 in tissue, double IF staining was performed on inflamed GCA TABs. [18F]FDG-PET scans of 23 GCA patients were analysed and maximum standard uptake values and target to background ratios were calculated.

Results
PKM2 is abundantly expressed in TABs of GCA patients. Dimeric PKM2 plasma levels were elevated in GCA and correlated with CRP, ESR, calprotectin and YKL-40 levels. Elevated plasma PKM2 levels were downmodulated by glucocorticoid treatment. PKM2 was detected in both macrophages and T cells at the site of vascular inflammation. Circulating PKM2 levels correlated with average target to background ratios PET scores.

Conclusion
Elevated plasma PKM2 levels reflect active vessel inflammation in GCA and may assist in disease diagnosis and in disease monitoring.
Trends in Hospitalizations for Serious Infections Among People With Opioid Use Disorder in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gomes Tara , Kitchen Sophie A. , Tailor Lauren , Men Siyu , Murray Regan , Bayoumi Ahmed M. , Campbell Tonya , Young Samantha , Kolla Gillian 
Published: October 2021

Objectives
Opioid use among people who inject drugs can lead to serious complications, including infections. We sought to study trends in rates of these complications among people with an opioid use disorder (OUD) and the sequelae of those hospitalizations.

Methods
We analyzed all inpatient hospitalizations for serious infections (infective endocarditis [IE], spinal infections, nonvertebral bone infections, and skin or soft tissue infections) among people with OUD in Ontario between 2013 and 2019. We reported the population adjusted rate of hospitalizations for serious infections annually, stratified by type of infection and prevalence of prior opioid agonist therapy and hydromorphone prescribing. We reported characteristics of hospitalizations and 30–day mortality in the most recent 2 years.

Results
Among people with OUD there was a 167% increase in rates of IE (7.7-20.6 per million residents; P < 0.01), a 394% increase in rates of spinal infections (3.4–16.8 per million residents; P < 0.01), a 191% increase in rates of nonvertebral bone infections (8.9 to 25.9 per million residents; P < 0.01), and a 147% increase in infections of the skin or soft tissue (32.1–79.4 per million residents; P < 0.01) over 7 years in Ontario. Death in-hospital and within 30 days of discharge was highest among those with IE (11.5% and 15.9%, respectively), and lower among those with other infections (<5%).

Conclusions
Rates of serious infections among people with OUD are rising, placing a significant burden on patients. These findings suggest that early intervention and treatment of infections in this population are needed to prevent downstream harm.
The Association Between Hearing Loss and Surgical Complications in Older Adults
Authors: Huang Ryan J. , Riska Kristal M. , Gordee Alexander , Peskoe Sarah B. , Francis Howard W. , Witsell David L. , Smith Sherri L. 
Published: October 2021

Objectives:
In this study, we sought to evaluate whether older patients with hearing loss who underwent surgery were at greater risk of postsurgical complications, increased inpatient length-of-stay (LOS), and hospital readmission.

Design:
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving surgery at a tertiary medical center. Utilizing electronic health record data from two merged datasets, we identified patients 65 years and older, undergoing major surgery between January 1, 2014 and January 31, 2017, and who had audiometric evaluation before surgery. Patients were classified as having either normal hearing or hearing loss based on pure-tone average in the better ear. A Generalized Estimating Equations approach was used to fit multivariable regression models for outcome variables of interest.

Results:
Of patients ≥65 years undergoing major surgery in our time frame, a total of 742 surgical procedures were performed on 621 patients with available audiometric data. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, hearing loss was associated with an increase in the odds of developing postoperative complications. Every 10 dB increase in hearing loss was associated with a 14% increase in the odds of developing a postoperative complication (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.29, p = 0.031). Hearing loss was not significantly associated with increased hospital LOS, 30-day readmission, or 90-day readmission.

Conclusions:
Hearing loss was significantly associated with developing postoperative complications in older adults undergoing major surgery. Screening for hearing impairment may be a useful addition to the preoperative assessment and perioperative management of older patients undergoing surgery.
A treat-to-target approach is needed for Behçet's syndrome
Authors: Hatemi Gülen 
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review
Treat-to-target (T2T) approach has improved outcomes in chronic diseases. The aim of this review is to discuss the long-term goals and review the evidence for possible targets that would predict the achievement of these goals for developing a T2T strategy for Behçet's syndrome.

Recent findings
There are no trials comparing a tight control strategy to standard care in Behçet's syndrome but recent studies suggest better outcomes with earlier use of biologic agents compared with sustained conventional treatment. Fluorescein angiography may be a reliable tool for assessing remission in uveitis as fluorescein angiography findings were shown to predict relapses and long-term visual outcome. Good recanalization on Doppler ultrasonography can be a target for venous involvement as this was the only predictor of relapse. Fecal calprotectin levels were associated with small intestinal and colonic ulcers and may be used as a surrogate for remission of gastrointestinal involvement.

Summary
There are several new treatment modalities that are tried for Behçet's syndrome and ongoing work on outcome measures for reliable disease assessment. In order to ensure the wise and efficient use of treatment modalities, development and implementation of T2T strategies are needed through multidisciplinary and multinational efforts that include patient research partners.
The Role of a Statewide Critical Care Coordination Center in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic—and Beyond
Authors: Galvagno Samuel M. , Naumann Andrew , Delbridge Theodore R. , Kelly Melissa A. , Scalea Thomas M. 
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE:
Public health emergencies, like the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, can cause unprecedented demand for critical care services. We describe statewide implementation of a critical care coordination center designed to optimize ICU utilization. To describe a centralized critical care coordination center designed to ensure appropriate intensive care resource allocation.

DESIGN:
A descriptive case series of consecutive critically ill adult patients.

SETTING:
ICUs, emergency departments, freestanding medical facilities in the state of Maryland and adjacent states, serving a population of over 6,045,000 across a land area of 9,776 sq mi (25,314 km2).

PATIENTS:
Adults requiring intensive care.

INTERVENTIONS:
Consultation with a critical care physician and emergency medical services clinician.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Number of consults, number of patient movements to higher levels of critical care, and number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation referrals for both patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019. Over a 6-month period, critical care coordination center provided 1,006 critical care consultations and directed 578 patient transfers for 58 hospitals in the state of Maryland and adjoining region. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation referrals were requested for 58 patients. Four-hundred twenty-eight patients (42.5%) were managed with consultation only and did not require transfer.

CONCLUSIONS:
Critical care coordination center, staffed 24/7 by a critical care physician and emergency medical service clinician, may improve critical care resource use and patient flow. This serves as a model for a tiered regionalized system to ensure that the demand for critical care services may be met during a pandemic and beyond.
Sacubitril/Valsartan in the Treatment of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Real-world Study
Authors: Yang Ying , Shen Chao , Lu Jiangting , Fu Guosheng , Xiong Cui 
Published: October 2021

Objective:
There is increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan for treating left heart failure, but few studies have investigated its effects on right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on RV dysfunction among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods:
A total of 93 patients with HFrEF with RV dysfunction who were hospitalized from January 2018 through June 2019 were included in this retrospective observational study. All patients received their first sacubitril/valsartan treatment as in patients during the study period. We excluded 11 patients who were lost to follow-up or had incomplete heart echocardiography data. After 6 months of follow-up, we re-evaluated New York Heart Association Functional Classification and performed echocardiography to identify changes in relevant variables after treatment.

Results:
At baseline, 24% of the patients had an initial sacubitril/valsartan regimen of 12/13 mg twice daily and 76% of the patients had an initial dose of 24/26 mg twice daily. During follow-up, 27% of patients increased their dosage to 49/50 mg twice daily, 68% of patients were taking 24/26 mg twice daily, and 5% of the patients were still taking 12/13 mg twice daily. We found that sacubitril/valsartan treatment was associated with significant improvements in the following RV function indicators: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular s′ peak velocity (S′), RV fractional area change, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Crude linear regression analysis revealed that a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion improvement was positively correlated with a change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and negatively correlated with a change in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV). However, these correlations were nonexistent after adjusting for multiple echocardiographic variables.

Conclusions:
In patients with RV dysfunction and HFrEF, sacubitril/valsartan may improve RV remodeling. This influence may be independent of left cardiac remodeling.
Hemodynamic Effects of Levosimendan in Outpatients With Advanced Heart Failure: An Echocardiographic Pilot Study
Authors: Masarone Daniele , Melillo Enrico , Errigo Vittoria , Martucci Maria Luigia , Pacileo Roberta , Pollesello Piero , Petraio Andrea , Pacileo Giuseppe 
Published: October 2021

Abstract:
Infusions of levosimendan delivered in ambulatory/outpatient settings have been shown to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of ambulatory infusion of levosimendan on echocardiographic markers of perfusion, congestion, and cardiovascular efficiency. Thirty patients with diagnosed advanced HF underwent ambulatorial infusion of levosimendan at a total dose of 6.25 mg as a part of a repetitive biweekly treatment strategy with the inotrope. Standardized transthoracic echocardiography and Doppler examinations, were performed 1 hour before and 48 hours after completion of ambulatory infusion. At 48 hours after ambulatory infusion of levosimendan, a significant increase in the stroke volume (37.47 ± 12.38 mL/beat vs. 45.47 ± 14.48 mL/beat; P < 0.05) and cardiac output (2.64 ± 0.66 L/min vs. 3.26 ± 0.57 L/min; P < 0.05) occurred. Significant postreductions versus prereductions were also recorded in left atrial pressure (27.37 ± 6.62 mm Hg vs. 22.82 ± 4.17 mm Hg; P < 0.01), mean pulmonary artery pressure (27.69 ± 4.64 mm Hg vs. 23.24 ± 5.32; P < 0.01), and inferior vena cava diameter (23.81 ± 7.63 mm vs. 18.53 ± 4.82 mm; P < 0.01). Significant improvements were noted in the resting cardiac power output (0.46 ± 0.15 watt vs. 0.53 ± 0.22 watt; P < 0.01) and the resting cardiac power index (0.24 ± 0.08 watt/m2 vs. 0.28 ± 0.11 watt/m2; P < 0.01). In outpatients with advanced HF, infusion of levosimendan was associated with hemodynamic responses that may contribute to the clinical benefit previously reported in such patients.