bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical human activities reshape evolutionary trajectories across both native and introduced ranges
Authors: Einfeldt Anthony L. , Jesson Linley K. , Addison Jason A.
Published: May 2020

The same vectors that introduce species to new ranges could move them among native populations, but how human‐mediated dispersal impacts native ranges has been difficult to address because human‐mediated dispersal and natural dispersal can simultaneously shape patterns of gene flow. Here, we disentangle human‐mediated dispersal from natural dispersal by exploiting a system where the primary vector was once extensive but has since ceased. From 10th to 19th Centuries, ships in the North Atlantic exchanged sediments dredged from the intertidal for ballast, which ended when seawater ballast tanks were adopted. We investigate genetic patterns from RADseq‐derived SNPs in the amphipod Corophium volutator (n = 121; 4,870 SNPs) and the annelid Hediste diversicolor (n = 78; 3,820 SNPs), which were introduced from Europe to North America, have limited natural dispersal capabilities, are abundant in intertidal sediments, but not commonly found in modern water ballast tanks. We detect similar levels of genetic subdivision among introduced North American populations and among native European populations. Phylogenetic networks and clustering analyses reveal population structure between sites, a high degree of phylogenetic reticulation within ranges, and phylogenetic splits between European and North American populations. These patterns are inconsistent with phylogeographic structure expected to arise from natural dispersal alone, suggesting human activity eroded ancestral phylogeographic structure between native populations, but was insufficient to overcome divergent processes between naturalized populations and their sources. Our results suggest human activity may alter species' evolutionary trajectories on a broad geographic scale via regional homogenization and global diversification, in some cases precluding historical inference from genetic data.
Outcome comparison of mitral valve surgery and MitraClip therapy in patients with severely reduced left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Schenk Sören , Rochor Kristin , Herwig Volker , Harnath Axel , Grimmig Oliver , Just Sören , Fritzsche Dirk , Messroghli Daniel
Published: May 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical mitral valve repair or replacement (sMVR) and percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair using MitraClip (pMVR) in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction affected by functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

Methods and results

We retrospectively identified 132 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≦ 30% submitted to sMVR (n = 47) or pMVR (n = 85) for FMR at our centre from January 2013 to December 2017. To adjust for baseline imbalances, we used a propensity score matching by age, logistic EuroSCORE, and left ventricular end‐systolic volume. After being matched, MitraClip therapy showed lower perioperative mortality and rate of complications yet increased residual mitral regurgitation (MR) grade than did surgery (0.2 ± 0.50 in sMVR vs. 1.3 ± 0.88 in pMVR, P < 0.0001). According to stratified multivariate Cox model analysis, residual MR severity was an independent risk factor for cardiac death [hazard ratio (HR), 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–5.48, P = 0.0025] and re‐hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.50–6.29, P = 0.0022) at 1 year follow‐up. Stratified multivariable Cox regression analysis at 3 years identified pMVR as risk factor for cardiac death (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.040–0.86, P = 0.031) and re‐hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.077–0.99, P = 0.048).

Conclusions

In patients with FMR and LVEF ≤ 30%, MitraClip therapy resulted in lower perioperative complications and mortality than sMVR. However, surgically treated patients who survived the perioperative stage had less residual MR and experienced lower rates of re‐hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year and lower cardiac mortality at 1 and 3 years of follow‐up than did patients undergoing pMVR.
Impact of tacrolimus versus cyclosporin A on renal function during the first year after heart transplant
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Amiya Eisuke , Hatano Masaru , Katsuki Toshiomi , Bujo Chie , Tsuji Masaki , Nitta Daisuke , Maki Hisataka , Ishida Junichi , Kagami Yukie , Endo Miyoko , Kimura Mitsutoshi , Ando Masahiko , Shimada Shogo , Kinoshita Osamu , Ono Minoru , Komuro Issei
Published: May 2020

Aims

Nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is associated with adverse events in patients undergoing heart transplant (HTx), although studies directly comparing tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclosporin A (CsA), especially in combination with everolimus and low‐dose CNIs approach, are limited. Thus, we sought to investigate the associations of TAC and CsA with clinical outcomes in HTx recipients, with specific focus on renal function.

Methods and results

From August 2007 to February 2017, 72 consecutive patients (39 treated with TAC vs. 33 with CsA) receiving de novo HTx in a single transplant centre were retrospectively evaluated. We used the instrumental variable method to account for unmeasured confounding. The study outcomes were percentage change in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) (safety endpoint) and biopsy‐proven acute rejection (efficacy endpoint) within the first year after HTx. The enrolled patients (median age 40 years) were predominantly men (68%). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including eGFR (64.8 [45.7–96.4] mL/min/1.73 m2 in TAC vs. 65.6 [57.9–83.0] mL/min/1.73 m2 for CsA; P = 0.48), other than sex (male, 49% for TAC vs. 91% for CsA; P < 0.001) between the two groups. Within the first year after HTx, 23 (59%) in the TAC group switched mycophenolate mofetil to everolimus, whereas 16 (48%) in the CsA group (P = 0.52). At 12 months, the rates of mortality and end‐stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapies were both 0%. In the instrumental variable analysis, no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection for 1 year after HTx existed between the TAC and CsA groups. These results were similar when taking into account of everolimus use.

Conclusions

Irrespective of everolimus use with low‐dose CNIs, our analysis using the instrumental variable method showed no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection during the first year after HTx between HTx recipients who received TAC or CsA.
Longevity and the drift barrier: Bridging the gap between Medawar and Hamilton
Authors: Lehtonen Jussi
Published: May 2020

Most organisms have finite life spans. The maximum life span of mammals, for example, is at most some years, decades, or centuries. Why not thousands of years or more? Can we explain and predict maximum life spans theoretically, based on other traits of organisms and associated ecological constraints? Existing theory provides reasons for the prevalence of ageing, but making explicit quantitative predictions of life spans is difficult. Here, I show that there are important unappreciated differences between two backbones of the theory of senescence: Peter Medawar's verbal model, and William Hamilton's subsequent mathematical model. I construct a mathematical model corresponding more closely to Medawar's verbal description, incorporating mutations of large effect and finite population size. In this model, the drift barrier provides a standard by which the limits of natural selection on age-specific mutations can be measured. The resulting model reveals an approximate quantitative explanation for typical maximum life spans. Although maximum life span is expected to increase with population size, it does so extremely slowly, so that even the largest populations imaginable have limited ability to maintain long life spans. Extreme life spans that are observed in some organisms are explicable when indefinite growth or clonal reproduction is included in the model.
Eat All Through Radiation Therapy (EAT‐RT): Structured therapy model to facilitate continued oral intake through head and neck radiotherapy—User acceptance and content validation
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A. , Gomes Andrea , Rodriguez Veronica , Barringer Denise , Khan Maisha , Martino Rosemary
Published: May 2020

Background

To develop and examine user acceptance and content validity of a structured program to facilitate safe but challenging oral intake during radiotherapy (RT) delivered by a speech language pathologist (SLP)—the Eat‐All Through Radiation Therapy (EAT‐RT) program.

Methods

EAT‐RT was developed through expert consensus of SLPs at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Canada) and M D Anderson Cancer Center using a conceptual framework of a diet hierarchy and a mealtime routine. EAT‐RT was refined by practicing SLPs, and then disseminated for a 4‐week clinical pilot at seven sites who were subsequently invited to participate in an online survey.

Results

Twelve SLPs from six sites piloted EAT‐RT therapy with a median of eight patients (IQR: 2‐15) before and/or during RT. All SLPs reported EAT‐RT added value to their practice, harmonized well with exercises, and its content was helpful; 11 (92%) reported EAT‐RT facilitated patient understanding and indicated the desire to continue using EAT‐RT.

Conclusion

The EAT‐RT program was accepted by North American SLPs. The findings support the content and value of EAT‐RT to facilitate oral intake in patients with head and neck cancer throughout RT.
N‐Terminal PreS1 Sequence Regulates Efficient Infection of Cell‐Culture–Generated Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Murayama Asako , Yamada Norie , Osaki Yoshiki , Shiina Masaaki , Aly Hussein Hassan , Iwamoto Masashi , Tsukuda Senko , Watashi Koichi , Matsuda Mami , Suzuki Ryosuke , Tanaka Tomohisa , Moriishi Kohji , Suzuki Tetsuro , Nishitsuji Hironori , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi , Shimotohno Kunitada , Wakita Takaji , Muramatsu Masamichi , Liang T. Jake , Kato Takanobu
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

An efficient cell‐culture system for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is indispensable for research on viral characteristics and antiviral reagents. Currently, for the HBV infection assay in cell culture, viruses derived from HBV genome‐integrated cell lines of HepG2.2.15 or HepAD‐38 are commonly used. However, these viruses are not suitable for the evaluation of polymorphism‐dependent viral characteristics or resistant mutations against antiviral reagents. HBV obtained by the transient transfection of the ordinary HBV molecular clone has limited infection efficiencies in cell culture.

Approach and Results

We found that an 11‐amino‐acid deletion (d11) in the preS1 region enhances the infectivity of cell‐culture–generated HBV (HBVcc) to sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide–transduced HepG2 (HepG2/NTCP) cells. Infection of HBVcc derived from a d11‐introduced genotype C strain (GTC‐d11) was ~10‐fold more efficient than infection of wild‐type GTC (GTC‐wt), and the number of infected cells was comparable between GTC‐d11‐ and HepG2.2.15‐derived viruses when inoculated with the same genome equivalents. A time‐dependent increase in pregenomic RNA and efficient synthesis of covalently closed circular DNA were detected after infection with the GTC‐d11 virus. The involvement of d11 in the HBV large surface protein in the enhanced infectivity was confirmed by an HBV reporter virus and hepatitis D virus infection system. The binding step of the GTC‐d11 virus onto the cell surface was responsible for this efficient infection.

Conclusions

This system provides a powerful tool for studying the infection and propagation of HBV in cell culture and also for developing the antiviral strategy against HBV infection.
Cervical cancer survival in sub‐Saharan Africa by age, stage at diagnosis and Human Development Index: A population‐based registry study
Authors: Sengayi‐Muchengeti Mazvita , Joko‐Fru Walburga Yvonne , Miranda‐Filho Adalberto , Egue Marcel , Akele‐Akpo Marie‐Therese , N'da Guy , Mathewos Assefa , Buziba Nathan , Korir Anne , Manraj Shyam , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Carrilho Carla , Hansen Rolf , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo I. M. , Wabinga Henry , Chingonzoh Tatenda , Borok Margaret , Chokunonga Eric , Liu Biying , Singh Elvira , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Parkin Donald Maxwell
Published: May 2020

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in African women. We sought to estimate population‐based survival and evaluate excess hazards for mortality in African women with cervical cancer, examining the effects of country‐level Human Development Index (HDI), age and stage at diagnosis. We selected a random sample of 2760 incident cervical cancer cases, diagnosed in 2005 to 2015 from 13 population‐based cancer registries in 11 countries (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe) through the African Cancer Registry Network. Of these, 2735 were included for survival analyses. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year observed and relative survival were estimated by registry, stage and country‐level HDI. We used flexible Poisson regression models to estimate the excess hazards for death adjusting for age, stage and HDI. Among patients with known stage, 65.8% were diagnosed with Stage III‐IV disease. The 5‐year relative survival for Stage I‐II cervical cancer in high HDI registry areas was 67.5% (42.1‐83.6) while it was much lower (42.2% [30.6‐53.2]) for low HDI registry areas. Independent predictors of mortality were Stage III‐IV disease, medium to low country‐level HDI and age >65 years at cervical cancer diagnosis. The average relative survival from cervix cancer in the 11 countries was 69.8%, 44.5% and 33.1% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Factors contributing to the HDI (such as education and a country's financial resources) are critical for cervical cancer control in SSA and there is need to strengthen health systems with timely and appropriate prevention and treatment programmes.
High‐speed X‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography
Authors: Dai Xianjin , Cheng Kai , Zhao Wei , Xing Lei
Published: May 2020

X‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) is an emerging molecular imaging. Challenges in improving spatial resolution and reducing the scan time in a whole‐body field of view (FOV) still remain for practical in vivo applications. In this study, we present a novel XLCT technique capable of obtaining three‐dimensional (3D) images from a single snapshot. Specifically, a customed two‐planar‐mirror component is integrated into a cone beam XLCT imaging system to obtain multiple optical views of an object simultaneously. Furthermore, a compressive sensing based algorithm is adopted to improve the efficiency of 3D XLCT image reconstruction. Numerical simulations and experiments were conducted to validate the single snapshot X‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography (SS‐XLCT). The results show that the 3D distribution of the nanophosphor targets can be visualized much faster than conventional cone beam XLCT imaging method that was used in our comparisons while maintaining comparable spatial resolution as in conventional XLCT imaging. SS‐XLCT has the potential to harness the power of XLCT for rapid whole‐body in vivo molecular imaging of small animals.
HIF-1α and CD73 expression in cardiac leukocytes correlates with the severity of myocarditis in end-stage Chagas disease patients
Authors: Eberhardt Natalia , Sanmarco Liliana Maria , Bergero Gastón , Favaloro Roberto René , Vigliano Carlos , Aoki Maria Pilar
Published: May 2020

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is the main infectious myocarditis worldwide. Almost 30% of Trypanosoma cruzi infected individuals develop slow and progressive myocarditis that leads to ventricular dilation and heart failure. Heart transplantation is an established, valuable therapeutic option for end-stage Chagas disease patients. Although the pathophysiology of Chagas disease has been addressed for decades by numerous groups, the cardiac immunologic mechanisms involved in the progression of clinical manifestation are still unknown. Growing evidence demonstrates that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α plays indispensable roles in driving immune response by triggering the expression of CD73 purinergic ecto-enzyme. Purinergic system controls the duration and magnitude of purine signals directed to modulate immune cells through the conversion of extracellular ATP (microbicide/proinflammatory) to the immunoregulatory metabolite adenosine. In the present work, we described that infiltrating leukocytes within cardiac explants from patients with end-stage Chagas cardiomyopathy up-regulated HIF-1α and CD73 expression. Moreover, the number of HIF-1α+ and CD73+ leukocytes positively correlated with the myocarditis severity and the local parasite load. Furthermore, we demonstrated a direct relationship between tissue parasite persistence and the influx of immune cells to the infected hearts, which ultimately determine the severity of the myocarditis. These findings provide evidence that CD73-dependent regulatory pathways are locally triggered in the myocardium of patients with end-stage Chagas disease.
TNFR2 blockade alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade shows therapeutic efficacy in murine cancer models
Authors: Case Katherine , Tran Lisa , Yang Michael , Zheng Hui , Kuhtreiber Willem M. , Faustman Denise L.
Published: May 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are profoundly transforming cancer therapy, but response rates vary widely. The efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed death receptor-1 (anti-PD-1), might be increased by combination therapies. TNFR2 has emerged as a new target due to its massive expression on highly immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the microenvironment and on certain tumor cells. In murine colon cancer models CT26 and MC38, we evaluated the efficacy of a new anti-TNFR2 antibody alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with placebo, anti-PD-1 alone, anti-TNFR2 alone, or combination anti-PD-1 and anti-TNFR2. We found that combination therapy had the greatest efficacy by complete tumor regression and elimination (cure) in 65–70% of animals. The next most effective therapy was anti-TNFR2 alone (20–50% cured), whereas the least effective was anti-PD-1 alone (10–25% cured). The mode of action, according to in vivo and in vitro methods including FACS analysis, was by killing immunosuppressive Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and increasing the ratio of CD8+ T effectors (Teffs) to Tregs. We also found that sequence of antibody delivery altered outcome. The two most effective sequences were simultaneous delivery (70% cured) followed by anti-TNFR2 preceding anti-PD-1 (40% cured), and the least effective was by anti-PD-1 preceding anti-TNFR2 (10% cured). We conclude that anti-PD-1 is best enhanced by simultaneous administration with anti-TNFR2, and anti-TNFR2 alone may be potentially useful strategy for those do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, anti-PD-1 or other checkpoint inhibitors.
AIDS incidence and survival in a hospital‐based cohort of HIV‐positive patients from São Paulo, Brazil: The role of IFN‐λ4 polymorphisms
Authors: da Silva Prates Gabriela , Malta Fernanda M. , de Toledo Gonçalves Fernanda , Monteiro Mariana A. , Fonseca Luiz Augusto M. , R. Veiga Ana Paula , M. C. Magri Marcello , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Casseb Jorge , Assone Tatiane ,   ADEE 3002 GROUP
Published: May 2020

Few studies have reported the prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients followed for a long time in Brazil, particularly those including pre and post‐HAART eras. The polymorphisms of interferon (IFN)‐λ4 have been postulated as possibly associated with the pathogenesis of HIV infection. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and mortality from a cohort of HIV‐positive patients as well as whether IFN‐λ4 gene polymorphisms (SNP rs8099917 and SNP rs12979860) were associated with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. We followed 402 patients for up to 30 years; 347 of them began follow‐up asymptomatic, without any AIDS‐defining opportunistic disease and/or a lymphocytes T CD4+ count of 350 cells/mm3 or lower. We determined the probability of the asymptomatic subjects to remain AIDS‐free, and the risk of death for those entering the study already with an AIDS diagnosis, as well as for subjects developing AIDS during follow‐up. We compared the prognosis of patients with two different polymorphisms for the genes encoding for IFN‐λ4, variants rs8099917 and rs12979860. The follow‐up time of the 347 asymptomatic‐at‐entry subjects was 3687 person‐years. IFN‐λ4 rs8099917 polymorphisms were not associated with AIDS progression, but IFN‐λ4 rs12979860 wild type genotype (CC) was associated with higher mortality compared to CT and TT, with an increased probability of death from AIDS (P = .01). In conclusion, genetic variations in IFN‐λ4 on rs12979860 polymorphisms in HIV‐infected patients may drive mortality risk.
AlGaN‐based p‐i‐p‐i‐n solar‐blind ultraviolet avalanche photodetectors with modulated polarization electric field
Authors: Wang Fuxue , Chang Dongmei , Lu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2020

A p‐i‐p‐i‐n front‐illuminated Al0.4Ga0.6N‐based separate absorption and multiplication solar‐blind ultraviolet avalanche photodetector is proposed to enhance the optoelectronic performances by modulating polarization electric field based on physical simulations. By modulating the p‐AlxGa1−xN interlayer with low Al content, the direction of the polarization electric field could be achieved the same as that of the reverse bias in the multiplication region. The calculated results demonstrate that the designed avalanche photodetectors with a low Al‐content p‐AlxGa1−xN layer would significantly reduce the breakdown voltage and enhance the optical gain compared to the conventional counterpart. The effect of modulated polarization electric field on the noise characteristics for the APDs with p‐AlxGa1−xN interlayers is investigated. Moreover, the physical mechanism of the enhanced performances for the APDs with modulated polarization field is explored by the electric field distributions and energy band profiles.
Connection between winter Arctic sea ice and west Tibetan Plateau snow depth through the NAO
Authors: Chen Yuhang , Duan Anmin , Li Dongliang
Published: May 2020

The relationship between changes in Arctic sea ice and the mid‐latitude climate has been receiving increasing attention. As the highest and largest topography in Asia, the possible link between the west Tibetan Plateau snow depth (WTPSD) and the Arctic sea ice was investigated based on observational data and model simulations. The results indicate that a consistent variation between the WTPSD and the seesaw sea ice pattern in the Barents‐Nordic Sea and Labrador Sea (BLSIC) exists during boreal winter, and both the WTPSD and BLSIC are negatively correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. During the negative phases of the NAO, an anomalous Rossby wave train propagates from the North Atlantic to the north of the Arabian Sea, inducing cyclonic anomalies in the mid‐troposphere and enhancing water vapour transportation onto the TP, which is conducive to in situ snow accumulation. Furthermore, composite analysis and AGCM numerical experiments demonstrate that such an anomalous BLSIC pattern can in turn reinforce the negative phase of the NAO in strength, facilitating the propagation of the mid‐tropospheric Rossby waves to north of the Arabian Sea and hence an above normal WTPSD. Therefore, the variation in WTPSD is influenced by the direct effect of the NAO and additional feedback from BLSIC, which hints a potential cryospheric connection between the TP and the Arctic.
Risk factors for complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: A NSQIP analysis with propensity score matching
Authors: Vining Charles C. , Kuchta Kristine , Schuitevoerder Darryl , Paterakos Pierce , Berger Yaniv , Roggin Kevin K. , Talamonti Mark S. , Hogg Melissa E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Reports on the safety of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy compared to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) have demonstrated mixed results. One study comparing robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) vs OPD demonstrated decreased complications associated with RPD.

Objectives

To evaluate the morbidity of RPD vs OPD using a national data set.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2017. Factors associated with complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression (MVA) and propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Of 13 110 PDs performed over the study period, 12 612 (96.2%) were OPD and 498 (3.8%) were RPD. Patients who underwent RPD vs OPD were less likely to have any complications (46.8% vs 53.3%; P = .004), surgical complications (42.6% vs 48.6%; P = .008), wound complications (6.2% vs 9.1%; P = .029), clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (11.9% vs 15.6%; P = .026), sepsis (6.2% vs 9.3%; P = .019), and pneumonia (1.6% vs 3.8%; P = .012). On MVA, OPD was associated with increased complications compared with RPD. On PSM analysis, OPD remained a significant predictor for any (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.61; P = .029) and surgical (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.58; P = .048) complications.

Conclusions

This is the largest multicenter study to evaluate the impact of RPD on morbidity and suggests RPD is associated with decreased morbidity.
Synthesis of Polymeric Janus Superstructures via a Facile Synthesis Method
Authors: Lim Yi Guang Jerome , Low Hui Ying Jessalyn , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: May 2020

Polymeric Janus particles can be exploited for a myriad of applications. Through the understanding of interfacial tensions, theragnostic agents such as drugs or nanomaterials can be successfully encapsulated into Janus particles without losing their anisotropic structure. In this work, it is reported that how Janus superstructures, as a further extension of the Janus morphology, can be obtained by blending other synthesis parameters into the solvent emulsion process, while adhering to the requirements of the Harkin's spreading coefficient (HSC) theory. Designing such unique structures for drug delivery can provide a broader range of possibilities and applications beyond conventional Janus particles.
Selective Bond Cleavage in Informational Poly(Alkoxyamine Phosphodiester)s
Authors: Cavallo Gianni , Clément Jean‐Louis , Gigmes Didier , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: May 2020

The collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of sequence‐defined poly(alkoxyamine phosphodiester)s is studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These informational polymers are synthesized using three different nitroxide building blocks, namely proxyl‐, SG1‐, and TEMPO‐derivatives. For a polymer containing TEMPO‐ and SG1‐based main chain alkoxyamines, it is found that both types of alkoxyamines break in CID tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). However, SG1‐sites are preferentially cleaved and this predominance can be increased by reducing collision energy, even though selective bond fragmentation is not observed. On the other hand, for a polymer containing proxyl‐ and SG1‐alkoxyamines, selective bond cleavage is observed at all studied collision energies. The SG1‐alkoxyamines can be first cleaved in MS/MS conditions and secondly the proxyl‐alkoxyamines in pseudo‐MS3 conditions. These results open up interesting new avenues for the design of readable, erasable or programmable informational polymers.
Effects of COVID‐19 on Parkinson's Disease Clinical Features: A Community‐Based Case‐Control Study
Authors: Cilia Roberto , Bonvegna Salvatore , Straccia Giulia , Andreasi Nico Golfrè , Elia Antonio E. , Romito Luigi M. , Devigili Grazia , Cereda Emanuele , Eleopra Roberto
Published: May 2020

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on clinical features of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been poorly characterized so far. Of 141 PD patients resident in Lombardy, we found 12 COVID‐19 cases (8.5%), whose mean age and disease duration (65.5 and 6.3 years, respectively) were similar to controls. Changes in clinical features in the period January 2020 to April 2020 were compared with those of 36 PD controls matched for sex, age, and disease duration using the clinical impression of severity index for PD, the Movement Disorders Society Unified PD Rating Scale Parts II and IV, and the nonmotor symptoms scale. Motor and nonmotor symptoms significantly worsened in the COVID‐19 group, requiring therapy adjustment in one third of cases. Clinical deterioration was explained by both infection‐related mechanisms and impaired pharmacokinetics of dopaminergic therapy. Urinary issues and fatigue were the most prominent nonmotor issues. Cognitive functions were marginally involved, whereas none experienced autonomic failure. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New approach design of compact tri‐band microstrip bandpass filter based on combined stepped‐impedance resonator and triangular patches
Authors: Karimi Gholamreza , Rostaie Pegah , Sabaghi Fatemeh
Published: May 2020

In this article, a compact microstrip tri‐band bandpass filter based on a rectangular ring resonator (RRR) and two triangular patch resonators is presented. This filter is designed to operate at 3.5, 5.2, and 8 GHz for WiMAX, wireless local area network (WLAN), and satellite applications respectively. Also, the center frequencies of the first and second passband can be flexibly controlled by tuning the dimensions of RRR. The fabricated triband band pass filter has merits of compact size, low insertion loss, and suitable stopband. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is observed.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis care and research in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Andrews Jinsy A. , Berry James D. , Baloh Robert H. , Carberry Nathan , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Dedi Brixhilda , Glass Jonathan , Maragakis Nicholas J. , Miller Timothy M. , Paganoni Sabrina , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Shefner Jeremy M. , Simmons Zachary , Weiss Michael D. , Bedlack Richard S.
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 has created unprecedented challenges for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical care and research in the United States. Traditional evaluations for making an ALS diagnosis, measuring progression, and planning interventions rely on in‐person visits that may now be unsafe or impossible. Evidence‐ and experience‐based treatment options, such as multidisciplinary team care, feeding tubes, wheelchairs, home health, and hospice, have become more difficult to obtain and in some places are unavailable. In addition, the pandemic has impacted ALS clinical trials by impairing the ability to obtain measurements for trial eligibility, to monitor safety and efficacy outcomes, and to dispense study drug, as these also often rely on in‐person visits. We review opportunities for overcoming some of these challenges through telemedicine and novel measurements. These can reoptimize ALS care and research in the current setting and during future events that may limit travel and face‐to‐face interactions.
Weight-Dependent Intraspecific Variation in Reproductive Parameters of Female Golden Topminnows
Authors: Fetterman Jacob A , Green Christopher C
Published: May 2020

A culture demand has developed within the ornamental and baitfish industries for fishes of the genus Fundulus. Refining reproductive methods may not only benefit important industries, but related species of conservation concern as well. Golden Topminnows Fundulus chrysotus are a common fish species across their native range and they have their own ornamental demand. Low fecundity observed in species of Fundulus has been the main obstacle to their efficient culture. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal female broodfish size for increasing certain reproductive parameters (fecundity, embryo, and larval morphometrics), which ultimately contributes to better survival from embryo to larva. Outdoor and indoor studies were conducted between April 2018 and July 2018. Three distinct female size-classes were stocked in an indoor recirculating aquaculture system and outdoor mesocosms. The indoor study involved palpating females once every 3–4 d for 2.5 weeks, and the outdoor study utilized mesocosms to assess natural embryo and larval metrics over a 10-week period. In indoor laboratory experiments, large females ovulated the greatest numbers of eggs; however, the number of eggs per gram (female weight; mean ± standard error of the mean) was proportional across all three size-classes (small: 2.8 ± 0.64; medium: 2.3 ± 0.51; large: 3.1 ± 0.51). In outdoor mesocosm experiments, larval TL and percentage of embryos surviving to hatch were lowest for large size-class progeny, which may have resulted from their relatively larger chorion size and nonstandardized incubation density contributing to inhibited development. Female Golden Topminnows proportionally invest in yolk production, and thus produce greater numbers of eggs.
Intraurethral catheter placement does not change the external circumferential measurement of the urethra during AUS placement: A prospective observational trial
Authors: Boysen William R. , Inouye Brian M. , Kowalik Urszula , Madden‐Fuentes Ramiro J. , Kahokehr Arman Adam , Peterson Andrew C.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Measuring the urethral circumference accurately during artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) placement is an important technical aspect to optimize the selection of cuff size. Differing methods exist for this step with some experts recommending measurement with no urethral catheter in place. In this prospective observational trial, we compared urethral measurements with and without an indwelling catheter to determine if the presence of a catheter affects the circumferential measurement.

Methods

With IRB approval, we prospectively collected data on consecutive cases of transperineal male AUS implantation. Urethral circumference was measured with no urethral catheter (0 French [Fr]), 12Fr, and 16Fr Foley catheters in the urethra. The final measurements and cuff size chosen were recorded. A comparison was made between each measurement using Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included, the majority of whom (92.6%) underwent AUS placement for postprostatectomy incontinence. The three urethral circumference measurements were highly correlated (0Fr vs 12Fr, ρ = 0.96, P < .001, mean difference 1 mm) (0Fr vs 16Fr, ρ = 0.94, P < .001, mean difference 2 mm) (12Fr vs 16Fr, ρ = 0.96, P < .001, mean difference 1 mm). Patients with a history of radiation had a lower mean urethral circumference than those who had never been radiated (4.78 cm vs 5.3 cm, P = .01).

Conclusions

Urethral circumference measurement during AUS implantation is not influenced by the presence of a 12 or 16Fr Foley catheter when compared to no catheter in the urethra. Measurement of the urethral circumference can, therefore, be accurately performed with or without a catheter in place, depending on the surgeon's preference.
Rapid volumetric gagCEST imaging of knee articular cartilage at 3 T: evaluation of improved dynamic range and an osteoarthritic population
Authors: Watkins Lauren E. , Rubin Elka B. , Mazzoli Valentina , Uhlrich Scott D. , Desai Arjun D. , Black Marianne , Ho Gabe K. , Delp Scott L. , Levenston Marc E. , Beaupré Gary S. , Gold Garry E. , Kogan Feliks
Published: May 2020

Chemical exchange saturation transfer of glycosaminoglycans, gagCEST, is a quantitative MR technique that has potential for assessing cartilage proteoglycan content at field strengths of 7 T and higher. However, its utility at 3 T remains unclear. The objective of this work was to implement a rapid volumetric gagCEST sequence with higher gagCEST asymmetry at 3 T to evaluate its sensitivity to osteoarthritic changes in knee articular cartilage and in comparison with T2 and T1ρ measures. We hypothesize that gagCEST asymmetry at 3 T decreases with increasing severity of osteoarthritis (OA). Forty‐two human volunteers, including 10 healthy subjects and 32 subjects with medial OA, were included in the study. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were assessed for all subjects, and Kellgren‐Lawrence grading was performed for OA volunteers. Healthy subjects were scanned consecutively at 3 T to assess the repeatability of the volumetric gagCEST sequence at 3 T. For healthy and OA subjects, gagCEST asymmetry and T2 and T1ρ relaxation times were calculated for the femoral articular cartilage to assess sensitivity to OA severity. Volumetric gagCEST imaging had higher gagCEST asymmetry than single‐slice acquisitions (p = 0.015). The average scan‐rescan coefficient of variation was 6.8%. There were no significant differences in average gagCEST asymmetry between younger and older healthy controls (p = 0.655) or between healthy controls and OA subjects (p = 0.310). T2 and T1ρ relaxation times were elevated in OA subjects (p < 0.001 for both) compared with healthy controls and both were moderately correlated with total KOOS scores (rho = −0.181 and rho = −0.332 respectively). The gagCEST technique developed here, with volumetric scan times under 10 min and high gagCEST asymmetry at 3 T, did not vary significantly between healthy subjects and those with mild‐moderate OA. This further supports a limited utility for gagCEST imaging at 3 T for assessment of early changes in cartilage composition in OA.
Does the energy transfer from Ar(1s) atoms to N2 lead to dissociation?
Authors: Klages Claus‐Peter , Martinovs Andris , Bröcker Lars , Loffhagen Detlef
Published: May 2020

Dielectric‐barrier discharges (DBDs) in Ar–N2 mixtures, with N2 fractions in 0.1–1% range, would be attractive alternatives to DBDs in pure N2 if energy‐transfer reactions between Ar(1s) atoms and N2 molecules were an efficient source of N atoms. Attempts to functionalize polyolefins in flowing postdischarges fed by such DBDs, as well as the search for the First Positive System in the emission spectrum, however, failed. Evidently, the energy‐transfer reactions do not produce N atoms. For Ar(1s3) and Ar(1s5) metastable states, this fact has already been reported in the literature. For Ar(1s2) and Ar(1s4) resonant states, a quantitative argument is derived in this paper: energy transfer from Ar(1s) atoms to N2 molecules is not an efficient source of N atoms.
Comprehensive cardiopulmonary assessment in α mannosidosis
Authors: Nir Vered , Bentur Lea , Tal Galit , Gur Michal , Gut Guy , Ilivitzki Anat , Zucker‐Toledano Merav , Hanna Moneera , Toukan Yazeed , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen
Published: May 2020

Introduction

α Mannosidosis is an extremely rare, progressive, and complex lysosomal storage disease, characterized by mental retardation, hearing impairment, coarse facial features, skeletal abnormalities, and pulmonary involvement. While bone marrow transplantation has been the only therapeutic option to date, nowadays new treatment options are being explored, which may affect pulmonary and exercise capacity.

Aim and Methods

To assess cardiopulmonary involvement in patients with α mannosidosis by pulmonary function tests, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and low irradiation chest computed tomography (CT).

Results

Five patients aged 11 to 28 years were followed in our Respiratory‐Metabolic Clinic. All five had pulmonary symptoms and received inhaled therapy. Three patients underwent bone marrow transplantation. Parenchymal lung disease was evident in 3/5 chest CT tests. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in all patients and showed obstructive/restrictive impairment with air trapping. All five patients showed reduced peak oxygen uptake (median 23.1; range 20.4‐32.2 mL/minute/kg, median %predicted 62; range %predicted 59‐79).

Conclusions

Pulmonary involvement is a known complication in this rare disease. Comprehensive cardiopulmonary evaluation is feasible among these patients and may help in assessing disease progression and response to new treatment modalities.
Parametric Type‐II Dirac Photonic Lattices
Authors: Jin Kaichao , Zhong Hua , Li Yongdong , Ye Fangwei , Zhang Yanpeng , Li Fuli , Liu Chunliang , Zhang Yiqi
Published: May 2020

Different from the Fermi surface of the type‐I Dirac semimetal being a point, that of the type‐II Dirac semimetal is a pair of crossing lines because the Dirac cone is tilted with open and hyperbolic isofrequency contours. As an optical analogy, type‐II Dirac photonic lattices have been also designed. Here, type‐II Dirac cones are reported in Lieb‐like photonic lattices composed of identical waveguide channels, and the anisotropy of the band structure is due to neither the refractive index change nor the environment, but only the spatial symmetry of the lattice; therefore, the proposal is advantageous and benefits experimental observation. Conical diffractions and Klein tunneling in the parametric type‐II photonic lattice are investigated in detail. The results provide a simple and experimentally feasible platform to study two‐dimensional topological photonic and other nonrelativistic phenomena around type‐II Dirac cones.
A geospatial technique‐based site suitability analysis for construction of water reservoirs in Arsha and Balarampur Blocks, Purulia
Authors: Kar Surajit , Sen Ena , Mukherjee Subham
Published: May 2020

Water security is a term associated with the availability of fresh water for all. However, this finite resource has certain other related factors, as water resource can act as a driver for development or underdevelopment. From ancient history to now, human civilization has been dependent on water resources, not only for drinking but for the maintenance of natural systems, for hunting and foraging, through to the growth of agriculture and industrialization. Moreover, the relationship between water resource and regional development becomes more prominent in those areas where this finite resource is scarce. In most dryland areas, water resource management becomes an integral part of regional policy for overall development. This study aims to understand the intensity of water resource scarcity and management through proper site selection in the southwestern part of West Bengal, particularly in Purulia district. The district is underdeveloped, as well as water stressed due to climatic, geological, and socioeconomic factors. Water scarcity in the district impacts agricultural productivity through wasteland generation, which also drives regional poverty and migration. This study also seeks to explain how sustainable development goals, such as climate change (SDGs 13), life on land (SDGs 15), and poverty (SDGs 1), are related to water security. With the help of a semi‐structured questionnaire, secondary data (census, 2011), and geographical information systems, we endorse the view that assessment and management of water through proper site selection can help drive integrated rural water security.
Predominant yeasts in the sourdoughs collected from some parts of Turkey
Authors: Boyaci‐Gunduz Cennet Pelin , Erten Huseyin
Published: May 2020

In the present study, a total of eight sourdough samples were collected from three different bakeries at two different times in Turkey. Also, laboratory‐scale sourdough production was conducted by daily back‐slopping for 7 days. Microbiological and chemical properties of the sourdoughs were investigated. Yeast species in the sourdoughs were identified by subjecting all presumptive yeast cultures to internal transcribed spacer region amplification of the 5.8S rRNA gene, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using Hae III, Hha I, and Hinf I endonucleases, and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rDNA gene. A total of seven profiles were determined according to the restriction fragments. Totally, 148 yeast isolates were identified at the species level (≥400 bp, 99% identity) as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (106), Kazachstania bulderi (11), Pichia fermentans (nine), Pichia membranifaciens (eight), Kazachstania servazzii (seven), Kazachstania unispora (four), and Hanseniaspora valbyensis (three). Although collected sourdoughs were produced without using baker's yeast, S. cerevisiae was the most frequently isolated yeast species. This can be related to the contamination of the bakery environment with commercial baker's yeast during the production of other bakery products. The pH and acidity levels of the collected sourdough samples ranged from 3.71 to 3.96 and 6.78 to 23.93 mL 0.1 N NaOH/10 g dough, respectively. Mean values of the content of maltose + sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactic acid, and acetic acid were 2.43, 1.57, 2.67, 7.30, and 1.40 g/kg, respectively. Due to the artisan and region‐dependent handling of the sourdough, different biochemical patterns were observed among the collected samples.
No go for a flow
Authors: Carta Federico , Mininno Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We prove that a very large class of 15502 general Argyres-Douglas theories cannot admit a UV lagrangian which flows to them via the Maruyoshi-Song supersymmetry enhancement mechanism. We do so by developing a computer program which brute-force lists, for any given 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 superconformal theory

$$ \mathcal{T} $$

T

IR, all possible UV candidate superconformal lagrangians

$$ \mathcal{T} $$

T

UV satisfying some necessary criteria for the supersymmetry enhancement to happen. We argue that this is enough evidence to conjecture that it is impossible, in general, to find new examples of Maruyoshi-Song lagrangians for generalized Argyres-Douglas theories. All lagrangians already known are, on the other hand, recovered and confirmed in our scan. Finally, we also develop another program to compute efficiently Coulomb branch spectrum, masses, couplings and central charges for (G, G′) Argyres-Douglas theories of arbitrarily high rank.
TP63 links chromatin remodeling and enhancer reprogramming to epidermal differentiation and squamous cell carcinoma development
Authors: Yi Mei , Tan Yixin , Wang Li , Cai Jing , Li Xiaoling , Zeng Zhaoyang , Xiong Wei , Li Guiyuan , Li Xiayu , Tan Pingqing , Xiang Bo
Published: May 2020

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy that can originate from various organs. TP63 is a master regulator that plays an essential role in epidermal differentiation. It is also a lineage-dependent oncogene in SCC. ΔNp63α is the prominent isoform of TP63 expressed in epidermal cells and SCC, and overexpression promotes SCC development through a variety of mechanisms. Recently, ΔNp63α was highlighted to act as an epidermal-specific pioneer factor that binds closed chromatin and enhances chromatin accessibility at epidermal enhancers. ΔNp63α coordinates chromatin-remodeling enzymes to orchestrate the tissue-specific enhancer landscape and three-dimensional high-order architecture of chromatin. Moreover, ΔNp63α establishes squamous-like enhancer landscapes to drive oncogenic target expression during SCC development. Importantly, ΔNp63α acts as an upstream regulator of super enhancers to activate a number of oncogenic transcripts linked to poor prognosis in SCC. Mechanistically, ΔNp63α activates genes transcription through physically interacting with a number of epigenetic modulators to establish enhancers and enhance chromatin accessibility. In contrast, ΔNp63α also represses gene transcription via interacting with repressive epigenetic regulators. ΔNp63α expression is regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. In this review, we summarize recent advances of p63 in epigenomic and transcriptional control, as well as the mechanistic regulation of p63.