bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of adult inpatient burn rehabilitation in Europe: are we neglecting metabolic outcomes?
Authors: Schieffelers David R , van Breda Eric , Gebruers Nick , Meirte Jill , Van Daele Ulrike
Published: September 2020

Background

Hypermetabolism, muscle wasting and insulin resistance are challenging yet important rehabilitation targets in the management of burns. In the absence of concrete practice guidelines, however, it remains unclear how these metabolic targets are currently managed. This study aimed to describe the current practice of inpatient rehabilitation across Europe.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed by the European Burn Association to burn centres throughout Europe, comprising generic and profession-specific questions directed at therapists, medical doctors and dieticians. Questions concerned exercise prescription, metabolic management and treatment priorities, motivation and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae. Odds ratios were computed to analyse associations between data derived from the responses of treatment priorities and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae.

Results

Fifty-nine clinicians with 12.3 ± 9 years of professional experience in burns, representing 18 out of 91 burn centres (response rate, 19.8%) across eight European countries responded. Resistance and aerobic exercises were only provided by 42% and 38% of therapists to intubated patients, 87% and 65% once out-of-bed mobility was possible and 97% and 83% once patients were able to leave their hospital room, respectively. The assessment of resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry, muscle wasting and insulin resistance was carried out by only 40.7%, 15.3% and 7.4% respondents, respectively, with large variability in employed frequency and methods. Not all clinicians changed their care in cases of hypermetabolism (59.3%), muscle wasting (70.4%) or insulin resistance (44.4%), and large variations in management strategies were reported. Significant interdisciplinary variation was present in treatment goal importance ratings, motivation and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae. The prevention of metabolic sequelae was regarded as the least important treatment goal, while the restoration of functional status was rated as the most important. Knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae was linked to higher importance ratings of metabolic sequelae as a therapy goal (odds ratio, 4.63; 95% CI, 1.50–14.25; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This survey reveals considerable non-uniformity around multiple aspects of inpatient rehabilitation across European burn care, including, most notably, a potential neglect of metabolic outcomes. The results contribute to the necessary groundwork to formulate practice guidelines for inpatient burn rehabilitation.
Clinical significance of a microRNA signature for the identification and predicting prognosis in colorectal cancers with mucinous differentiation
Authors: Ruiz-Bañobre Juan , Roy Roshni , Alustiza Fernández Miren , Murcia Óscar , Jover Rodrigo , Pera Miguel , Balaguer Francesc , López-López Rafael , Goel Ajay
Published: September 2020

Accumulating evidence supports the fact that the mere presence of mucinous differentiation in colorectal cancer (CRC), rather than its proportion, is a more accurate representative of a particular CRC subtype with distinct clinical and molecular features. In addition, the prognostic significance of the mucinous carcinoma (MC) subtype remains poorly understood and biomarkers have been barely explored in this disease. Herein, we have performed a systematic and comprehensive analysis in MCs and non-MCs and identified a panel of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed between these two subtypes of CRC. Next, we interrogated their clinical significance and demonstrated their robust diagnostic and prognostic clinical ability in CRCs with mucinous differentiation. Finally, we established an integrative risk-assessment model by combining the miRNA-based risk scores together with TNM staging, which was a superior predictor of prognosis in mucinous CRC patients. Collectively, we report a novel miRNA biomarker panel for the identification and predicting survival in CRC patients with mucinous differentiation.
Failure Mode Critical Effect Analysis and Design of Experiment-Based Robust Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Estimation Lornoxicam and Eperisone Hydrochloride
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Radadiya Vipul , Shah Shailesh
Published: September 2020

Failure mode critical effect analysis and design of experiment-based high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of lornoxicam (LOC) and eperisone hydrochloride (EPR). Failure modes were identified on the basis of prior knowledge and experimental data with the help of Ishikawa diagram for the development of method. The criticality of failure mode was assessed by giving risk priority number and criticality rank on the basis of preliminary experimental trials. The identified critical failure modes were analyzed for their effect by design of experiment (DoE)-based Plackett–Burman screening design. From 11 critical factors, the volume of methanol and modifier in mobile phase composition were found as critical failure modes. Critical failure mode was further analyzed by DoE based on central composite design for study of their relationship with resolution of both drugs. Quadratic model suggested by design was further used for failure mode risk control and navigation of design space for a resolution of both drugs more than 1.5. Failure mode risk control strategy was set for robust HPTLC method for simultaneous estimation of both drugs in laboratory mixture. Developed and validated HPTLC method was applied for assay of LOC and EPR in their laboratory mixture and assay values were found in good agreement with a spiked amount of drugs.
Burden of Ileal Perforations Among Surgical Patients Admitted in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Three Asian countries: Surveillance of Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP), September 2016–September 2019
Authors: Qazi Saqib H , Yousafzai Mohammad T , Saddal Nasir S , Dehraj Irum F , Thobani Rozina S , Akhtar Afshan , Syed Jamal R , Kazi Abdul M , Hotwani Aneeta , Rahman Najeeb , Mehmood Junaid , Andrews Jason R , Luby Stephen P , Garrett Denise O , Qamar Farah N
Published: September 2020

Background

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and can lead to systemic illness and complications. We aimed to characterize typhoid-related ileal perforation in the context of the population-based Surveillance of Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP) in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

Methods

Between September 2016 and September 2019, all cases of nontraumatic ileal perforation with a clinical diagnosis of typhoid were enrolled from 4 tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, 2 pediatric hospitals in Bangladesh, and 2 hospitals in Nepal. Sociodemographic data were collected from patients or their caregivers, and clinical and outcome data were retrieved from medical records. Tissue samples were collected for histopathology and blood cultures where available.

Results

Of the 249 enrolled cases, 2 from Bangladesh, 5 from Nepal and 242 from Pakistan. In Pakistan, most of the cases were in the 0–15 (117/242; 48%) and 16–30 (89/242; 37%) age groups. In all countries, males were most affected: Pakistan 74.9% (180/242), Nepal 80% (4/5), and Bangladesh 100% (2/2). Blood culture was done on 76 cases; 8 (11%) were positive for S. Typhi, and all were extensively drug resistant (XDR) S. Typhi. Tissue cultures was done on 86 patients; 3 (3%) were positive for S. Typhi, and all were XDR S. Typhi, out of 86 samples tested for histopathology 4 (5%) revealed ileal perforation with necrosis. Culture or histopathology confirmed total 15 (11%) enteric fever cases with ileal perforation are similar to the clinically diagnosed cases. There were 16/242 (7%) deaths from Pakistan. Cases of ileal perforation who survived were more likely to have sought care before visiting the sentinel hospital (P = .009), visited any hospital for treatment (P = .013) compared to those who survived.

Conclusions

Although surveillance differed substantially by country, one reason for the higher number of ileal perforation cases in Pakistan could be the circulation of XDR strain of S. Typhi in Karachi.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Cost of Illness in Bangladesh: Patient and Health Facility Costs From the Surveillance for Enteric Fever in Asia Project II
Authors: Mejia Nelly , Pallas Sarah W , Saha Samir , Udin Jamal , Sayeed K M Ishtiaque , Garrett Denise O , Date Kashmira , Abimbola Taiwo
Published: September 2020

Background

We conducted a cost of illness study to assess the economic burden of pediatric enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid) in Bangladesh. Results can inform public health policies to prevent enteric fever.

Methods

The study was conducted at 2 pediatric health facilities in Dhaka. For the patient and caregiver’s perspective, we administered questionnaires on costs incurred from illness onset until the survey dates to caregivers of patients with blood culture positive cases at enrollment and 6 weeks later to estimate the direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs. From the perspective of the health care provider, we collected data on quantities and prices of resources used by the 2 hospitals to estimate the direct medical economic costs to treat a case of enteric fever. We collected costs in Bangladeshi takas and converted them into 2018 US dollars. We multiplied the unit cost per procedure by the frequency of procedures in the surveillance case cohort to calculate the average cost per case.

Results

Among the 1772 patients from whom we collected information, the median cost of illness per case of enteric fever from the patient and caregiver perspective was US $64.03 (IQR: US $33.90 –$173.48). Median direct medical and nonmedical costs per case were 3% of annual labor income across the sample. From the perspective of the healthcare provider, the average direct medical cost per case was US $58.64 (range: US $37.25 at Hospital B, US $73.27 at Hospital A).

Conclusions

Our results show substantial economic burden of enteric fever in Bangladesh, with higher costs for patients receiving inpatient care. As antimicrobial resistance increases globally, the cost of illness could increase, due to more expensive and potent drugs required for treatment.
Staging Archaeology: Empire as Reality Effect at the 1906–07fêtes de Carthage
Authors: Sherman Daniel J.
Published: September 2020

Organized by a private association with the support of the French Protectorate, the 1906 and 1907 pageants or fêtes de Carthage, held at a recently excavated Roman theatre at an important site of ancient colonization, celebrated the achievements and the promise of archaeology in Tunisia. Inspired by open-air theatricals in the ancient theatres of Orange and Béziers, the elaborate stagings involved hundreds of actors, large volunteer crews, and sumptuous period costumes. After a program of excerpts from neoclassical drama and opera in 1906, the 1907 pageant featured two specially commissioned plays, one of them an encounter between a modern-day poet and a Carthaginian priestess on the very archaeological site where her tomb is discovered. The pageants drew on both specific archaeological findings and a pervasive visual culture that depicted French colonizers as preservers of the ancient culture of which they had found traces in North Africa. The violence of colonization was thus consigned to the realm of performance and archaeology cast as a valuable source of knowledge. Although the pageants operated in a nostalgic mode, they ultimately served a more historicist sense of time in which archaeology as an emerging science helped to police the boundary between past and present.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial esophageal carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Chunyao , Sun Yonghong
Published: September 2020

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed to overcome the limitations of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Yet, the potential for EMR should not be ignored. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ESD and EMR in the treatment of superficial esophageal carcinoma (SEC). All relevant articles were retrieved from electronic databases. The primary outcomes included en bloc resection, curative resection, R0 resection, and local recurrence rates. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, rates of perforation, bleeding, and postoperative stricture. Subgroup analyses based on histologic types and lesion sizes were conducted. Twenty-two studies were enrolled. Overall results showed higher en bloc, curative, and R0 resection rate, and lower recurrence rate in ESD compared with EMR. ESD was significantly more time-consuming and induced more perforations than EMR procedure. In subgroup analyses of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Barrett’s esophagus (BE)-associated neoplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) subtypes, ESD also excelled in en bloc, curative, R0 resection and local recurrence rates. However, in subgroup analysis stratifying outcomes according to lesion sizes, the superior effect of ESD in en bloc resection, curative resection, and local recurrence rate only manifested when lesion size >20 mm. Overall, ESD seemed to have superior efficacy and similar safety profiles compared to EMR in treating SCC, BE-associated neoplasia and EAC. Nevertheless, the selection of ESD or EMR should take lesion size into consideration. EMR is appropriate when lesion size ≤10 mm, EMR and ESD are both applicable for lesion between 11 and 20 mm, and ESD is preferable for lesions >20 mm. More evidences are needed to confirm the current findings.
Fate of a coronary artery intramural haematoma complicating aortic root surgery: a case report
Authors: Folino Giulio , Scaffa Raffaele , Salica Andrea , De Paulis Ruggero
Published: September 2020

Background

Coronary intramural haematoma (CIH) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication during aortic root surgery (such as Bentall procedure). Depending on its extension it can lead to cardiogenic shock. Documented reports of this complication are lacking in literature.

Case summary

In the report we present a case of CIH and its management and we show a stepwise imaging of the healing process that gives an insight of the fate of CIHs.

Discussion

This case raises awareness of CIH as differential diagnosis for myocardial ischaemia during aortic root surgery. It underlines the effectiveness of immediate surgical revascularization, highlights the potential temporary role of coronary artery bypass graft that can stabilize the acute coronary syndrome and may give time to the CIH to reabsorb and native coronary circulation to re-establish.
Similar cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes and established or high risk for coronary vascular disease treated with dulaglutide with and without baseline metformin
Authors: Ferrannini Giulia , Gerstein Hertzel , Colhoun Helen Martina , Dagenais Gilles R , Diaz Rafael , Dyal Leanne , Lakshmanan Mark , Mellbin Linda , Probstfield Jeffrey , Riddle Matthew Casey , Shaw Jonathan Edward , Avezum Alvaro , Basile Jan Neil , Cushman William C , Jansky Petr , Keltai Mátyás , Lanas Fernando , Leiter Lawrence Alan , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Pais Prem , Pīrāgs Valdis , Pogosova Nana , Raubenheimer Peter Johann , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Rydén Lars
Published: September 2020

Objective 

Recent European Guidelines for Diabetes, Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases introduced a shift in managing patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for or established cardiovascular (CV) disease by recommending GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors as initial glucose-lowering therapy. This is questioned since outcome trials of these drug classes had metformin as background therapy. In this post hoc analysis, the effect of dulaglutide on CV events was investigated according to the baseline metformin therapy by means of a subgroup analysis of the Researching Cardiovascular Events with a Weekly Incretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial.

Research design and methods 

Patients in REWIND (n = 9901; women: 46.3%; mean age: 66.2 years) had type 2 diabetes and either a previous CV event (31%) or high CV risk (69%). They were randomized (1:1) to sc. dulaglutide (1.5 mg/weekly) or placebo in addition to standard of care. The primary outcome was the first of a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and death from cardiovascular or unknown causes. Key secondary outcomes included a microvascular composite endpoint, all-cause death, and heart failure. The effect of dulaglutide in patients with and without baseline metformin was evaluated by a Cox regression hazard model with baseline metformin, dulaglutide assignment, and their interaction as independent variables. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by a Cox regression model with adjustments for factors differing at baseline between people with vs. without metformin, identified using the backward selection.

Results 

Compared to patients with metformin at baseline (n = 8037; 81%), those without metformin (n = 1864; 19%) were older and slightly less obese and had higher proportions of women, prior CV events, heart failure, and renal disease. The primary outcome occurred in 976 (12%) participants with baseline metformin and in 281 (15%) without. There was no significant difference in the effect of dulaglutide on the primary outcome in patients with vs. without metformin at baseline [HR 0.92 (CI 0.81–1.05) vs. 0.78 (CI 0.61–0.99); interaction P = 0.18]. Findings for key secondary outcomes were similar in patients with and without baseline metformin.

Conclusion 

This analysis suggests that the cardioprotective effect of dulaglutide is unaffected by the baseline use of metformin therapy.
Impact of electroanatomical mapping-guided lead implantation on procedural outcome of His bundle pacing
Authors: Richter Sergio , Ebert Micaela , Bertagnolli Livio , Gebauer Roman , Lucas Johannes , Scheller Dominik , Paetsch Ingo , Hindricks Gerhard , Döring Michael
Published: September 2020

Aims

Conventional His bundle pacing (HBP) can be technically challenging and fluoroscopy-intense, particularly in patients with His-Purkinje conduction disease (HPCD). Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (EAM) facilitates non-fluoroscopic lead navigation and HB electrogram mapping. We sought to assess the procedural outcome of routine EAM-guided HBP compared with conventional HBP in a real-world population and evaluate the feasibility and safety of EAM-guided HBP in patients with HPCD.

Methods and results 

We included 58 consecutive patients (72 ± 13 years; 71% male) who underwent an attempt to conventional (EAM− group; n = 29) or EAM-guided (EAM+ group; n = 29) HBP between June 2019 and April 2020. The centre’s learning curve was initially determined (n = 40 cases) to define the conventional control group and minimize outcome bias favouring EAM-guided HBP. His bundle pacing was successful in 26 patients (90%) in the EAM+ and 27 patients (93%) in the EAM− group (P = 0.64). The procedure time was 90 (73–135) and 110 (70–130) min, respectively (P = 0.89). The total fluoroscopy time [0.7 (0.5–1.4) vs. 3.3 (1.4–6.5) min; P < 0.001] and fluoroscopy dose [21.9 (9.1–47.7) vs. 78.6 (27.2–144.9) cGycm2; P = 0.001] were significantly lower in the EAM+ than EAM− group. There were no significant differences between groups in His capture threshold (1.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 V/1.0 ms; P = 0.33) and paced QRS duration (113 ± 15 vs. 113 ± 17 ms; P = 0.89). In patients with HPCD, paced QRS duration was similar in both groups (121 ± 15 vs. 123 ± 12 ms; P = 0.77). The bundle branch-block recruitment threshold tended to be lower in the EAM+ than EAM− group (1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2 V/1.0 ms; P = 0.31). No immediate procedure-related complications occurred. One patient (2%) experienced lead dislodgement during 4-week follow-up.

Conclusion 

Implementation of routine EAM-guided HBP lead implantation is feasible and safe in a real-world cohort of patients with and without HPCD and results in a tremendous reduction in radiation exposure without prolonging procedure time or increasing procedure-related complications.
The Effect of Childhood Socioeconomic Position and Social Mobility on Cognitive Function and Change Among Older Adults: A Comparison Between the United States and England
Authors: Faul Jessica D , Ware Erin B , Kabeto Mohammed U , Fisher Jonah , Langa Ken M
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and cognitive function in later life within nationally representative samples of older adults in the United States and England, investigate whether these effects are mediated by later-life SEP, and determine whether social mobility from childhood to adulthood affects cognitive function and decline.

Method

Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing (ELSA), we examined the relationships between measures of SEP, cognitive performance and decline using individual growth curve models.

Results

High childhood SEP was associated with higher cognitive performance at baseline in both cohorts and did not affect the rate of decline. This benefit dissipated after adjusting for education and adult wealth in the United States. Respondents with low childhood SEP, above median education, and high adult SEP had better cognitive performance at baseline than respondents with a similar childhood background and less upward mobility in both countries.

Discussion

These findings emphasize the impact of childhood SEP on cognitive trajectories among older adults. Upward mobility may partially compensate for disadvantage early in life but does not protect against cognitive decline.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Home-Care Use Across Regional Long-term Care Systems in Europe
Authors: Floridi Ginevra , Carrino Ludovico , Glaser Karen
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We examine whether socioeconomic inequalities in home-care use among disabled older adults are related to the contextual characteristics of long-term care (LTC) systems. Specifically, we investigate how wealth and income gradients in the use of informal, formal, and mixed home-care vary according to the degree to which LTC systems offer alternatives to families as the main providers of care (“de-familization”).

Method

We use survey data from SHARE on disabled older adults from 136 administrative regions in 12 European countries and link them to a regional indicator of de-familization in LTC, measured by the number of available LTC beds in care homes. We use multinomial multilevel models, with and without country fixed-effects, to study home-care use as a function of individual-level and regional-level LTC characteristics. We interact financial wealth and income with the number of LTC beds to assess whether socioeconomic gradients in home-care use differ across regions according to the degree of de-familization in LTC.

Results

We find robust evidence that socioeconomic status inequalities in the use of mixed-care are lower in more de-familized LTC systems. Poorer people are more likely than the wealthier to combine informal and formal home-care use in regions with more LTC beds. SES inequalities in the exclusive use of informal or formal care do not differ by the level of de-familization.

Discussion

The results suggest that de-familization in LTC favors the combination of formal and informal home-care among the more socioeconomically disadvantaged, potentially mitigating health inequalities in later life.
The Aerodynamics and Power Requirements of Forward Flapping Flight in the Mango Stem Borer Beetle (Batocera rufomaculata)
Authors: Urca Tomer , Debnath Anup Kumar , Stefanini Jean , Gurka Roi , Ribak Gal
Published: September 2020

Synopsis

The need for long dispersal flights can drive selection for behavioral, physiological, and biomechanical mechanisms to reduce the energy spent flying. However, some energy loss during the transfer of momentum from the wing to the fluid is inevitable, and inherent to the fluid–wing interaction. Here, we analyzed these losses during the forward flight of the mango stem borer (Batocera rufomaculata). This relatively large beetle can disperse substantial distances in search of new host trees, and laboratory experiments have demonstrated continuous tethered flights that can last for up to an hour. We flew the beetles tethered in a wind tunnel and used high-speed videography to estimate the aerodynamic power from their flapping kinematics and particle image velocimetry (PIV) to evaluate drag and kinetic energy from their unsteady wakes. To account for tethering effects, we measured the forces applied by the beetles on the tether arm holding them in place. The drag of the flying beetle over the flapping cycle, estimated from the flow fields in the unsteady wake, showed good agreement with direct measurement of mean horizontal force. Both measurements showed that total drag during flight is ∼5-fold higher than the parasite drag on the body. The aerodynamic power estimated from both the motion of the wings, using a quasi-steady blade-element model, and the kinetic energy in the wake, gave mean values of flight-muscle mass-specific power of 87 and 65 W kg muscle−1, respectively. A comparison of the two values suggests that ∼25% of the energy is lost within the fluid due to turbulence and heat. The muscle mass-specific power found here is low relative to the maximal power output reported for insect flight muscles. This can be attributed to reduce weight support during tethered flight or to operation at submaximal output that may ensure a supply of metabolic substrates to the flight muscles, thus delaying their fatigue during long-distance flights.
Pressure-based Compression Guidance of the Breast in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Using Flexible Paddles Compared to Conventional Compression
Authors: van Lier Monique G J T B , de Groot Jerry E , Muller Serge , den Heeten Gerard J , Schilling Kathy J
Published: September 2020

Objective

We investigated the effect of introducing a pressure-based flexible paddle on compression parameters and user and patient experience of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) combined with patient-assisted compression or technologist compression.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, women with a DBT appointment who gave informed consent received pressure-based flexible paddle breast compression. Eight lights on the paddle were illuminated (1.9 kPa per light) as pressure was applied, aiming for an 8–13.9 kPa target range. The compression level was applied by the technologist or the participant utilizing a remote control device. The participant’s and technologist’s experiences were assessed by a questionnaire. Compression parameters were compared to previous examinations. Comparative statistics were performed using t-tests.

Results

Pressure-based compression (PBC) was judged to be similar or more comfortable compared with previous traditional exams (80%, 83/103), and 87% (90/103) of participants would recommend PBC to friends. Pressure variability decreased for craniocaudal (CC) views (-55%, P < 0.001) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views (-34%, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed a similar glandular dose for CC views, while breast thickness was reduced (-3.74 mm, P < 0.0001). For MLO views, both glandular dose (-0.13 mGy, P < 0.0001) and breast thickness were reduced (-6.70 mm, P < 0.0001). Mean compression parameters were similar for technologist compression and patient-assisted examinations.

Conclusion

Use of the pressure-based flexible paddle in DBT, with or without patient-assisted compression, improved participant and technologist experience and reduced compression pressure variability, mean breast thickness, and glandular dose.
How do whale barnacles live on their hosts? Functional morphology and mating-group sizes of Coronula diadema (Linnaeus, 1767) and Conchoderma auritum (Linnaeus, 1767) (Cirripedia: Thoracicalcarea)
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyong , Chan Benny K K , Kang Chung-Bae , Kim Hyun Woo , Kim Won
Published: September 2020

Whale-associated barnacles are intriguing in terms of their planktonic food sources, mating habits, and mechanisms of host attachment. We present observations of the whale-associated barnacles Coronula diadema (Linnaeus, 1767) and Conchoderma auritum (Linnaeus, 1767) obtained from dead humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)) collected in Korea. Shell bases of Coronula diadema are inflected and sharp-edged with hollow coring tubes at the periphery. The coring tubes are filled with whale skin, supporting the model that shell accretion into the whale skin is achieved by basal constriction to achieve strong attachment. Conchoderma auritum attaches to the shell surfaces of Coronula and has a pair of tubular ear-shaped structures on the capitulum. Both species have short and thick-segmented cirri that allow feeding in strong currents. The distal ends of the cirri in both species are often equipped with sharp, large claw-like setae, which are likely used to capture large zooplankton for food. Coronula diadema and Conchoderma auritum are simultaneous hermaphrodites. Coronula diadema can mate up to nine surrounding individuals. Conchoderma auritum lives in clumps and mating group size can up to 26 individuals.
Camouflage by the masking crab,Notomithrax ursus(Herbst, 1788) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majidae): is it a decorator or a dressmaker?
Authors: McLay Colin L
Published: September 2020

Many spider crabs attach various kinds of living material to camouflage themselves and thereby escape detection by predators. This strategy uses a suite of co-evolved characters including a pyriform carapace shape, long agile chelipeds, hooked setae and a stereotyped behaviour pattern which is used to gather and plant pieces of other organisms amongst hooked setae on their body. Notomithrax ursus (Herbst, 1788) is a New Zealand majid crab that lives amongst seaweeds and mainly masks itself with the same. In doing so, it uses all the skills that we expect of a dressmaker. Denuded of its mask, the crab chooses algae it can manipulate, measures and cuts each piece, passes them to its mouth, and then plants them on its body in a roughly regular order, such that the severed ends are inserted into the hooked setae with only intact end visible. Longer pieces are planted on the body and smaller pieces on its walking legs to make a profile resembling a clump of seaweed. Distribution of the seaweed follows the distribution of the hooked setae on the crab. The number of pieces attached is independent of crab size and, as carapace width increases, the crabs compensate by cutting out longer pieces of seaweed. Cheliped allometry explains scaling of the mask. Total length of seaweed used can range 0.6–2.6 m (mean 1.36 m). Increasing mask load is accompanied by increases in the number and size of hooked setae thereby strengthening attachment. The behaviour of N. ursus should be called “dressmaking” not “decorating.” It uses a stereotyped behaviour pattern to follow a design, dictated by the distribution of hooked setae, and produce a customized garment concealing it from predators. A hypothesis on the evolution of masking, from passive to active camouflage is proposed, based on the original ideas of C.W.S. Aurivillius.
The chaperonin 60 protein SlCpn60α1 modulates photosynthesis and photorespiration in tomato
Authors: Ye Jie , Chen Weifang , Feng Longwei , Liu Genzhong , Wang Ying , Li Hanxia , Ye Zhibiao , Zhang Yuyang
Published: September 2020

Photosynthesis, an indispensable biological process of plants, produces organic substances for plant growth, during which photorespiration occurs to oxidize carbohydrates to achieve homeostasis. Although the molecular mechanism underlying photosynthesis and photorespiration has been widely explored, the crosstalk between the two processes remains largely unknown. In this study, we isolated and characterized a T-DNA insertion mutant of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) named yellow leaf (yl) with yellowish leaves, retarded growth, and chloroplast collapse that hampered both photosynthesis and photorespiration. Genetic and expression analyses demonstrated that the phenotype of yl was caused by a loss-of-function mutation resulting from a single-copy T-DNA insertion in chaperonin 60α1 (SlCPN60α1). SlCPN60α1 showed high expression levels in leaves and was located in both chloroplasts and mitochondria. Silencing of SlCPN60α1using virus-induced gene silencing and RNA interference mimicked the phenotype of yl. Results of two-dimensional electrophoresis and yeast two-hybrid assays suggest that SlCPN60α1 potentially interacts with proteins that are involved in chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthetic electron transport, and the Calvin cycle, and further affect photosynthesis. Moreover, SlCPN60α1 directly interacted with serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SlSHMT1) in mitochondria, thereby regulating photorespiration in tomato. This study outlines the importance of SlCPN60α1 for both photosynthesis and photorespiration, and provides molecular insights towards plant genetic improvement.
Detection of a Cryptic EP300/ZNF384 Gene Fusion by Chromosomal Microarray and Next-Generation Sequencing Studies in a Pediatric Patient with B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Berg Holly E , Blackburn Patrick R , Smadbeck James B , Swanson Kirsten E , Rice Christopher S , Webley Matthew R , Johnson Sarah H , Vasmatzis George , Xu Xinjie , Greipp Patricia T , Hoppman Nicole L , Ketterling Rhett P , Baughn Linda B , Boston Catherine H , Sutton Lisa M , Peterson Jess F
Published: September 2020

Zinc-finger protein 384 (ZNF384) gene fusions with EP300 have recently been described as a recurrent fusion in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with a good response to conventional chemotherapy, suggesting a favorable prognosis. Herein, we report on a female patient aged 12 years with uninformative conventional chromosome and B-ALL panel fluorescence in situ hybridization studies with chromosomal microarray showing multiple copy number gains, including relative gains in the ZNF384 (12p13.31) and EP300 (22q13.2) gene regions, suggesting a cryptic EP300/ZNF384 fusion. Ultimately, a next-generation sequencing assay, mate pair sequencing, was utilized to confirm EP300/ZNF384 fusion in this B-ALL clone, which may confer a favorable overall prognosis and potential targeted therapy.
Molecule-dependent oxygen isotopic ratios in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
Authors: Altwegg K , Balsiger H , Combi M , De Keyser J , Drozdovskaya M N , Fuselier S A , Gombosi T I , Hänni N , Rubin M , Schuhmann M , Schroeder I , Wampfler S
Published: September 2020

The ratios of the three stable oxygen isotopes 16O, 17O, and 18O on the Earth and, as far as we know in the Solar system, show variations on the order of a few per cent at most, with a few outliers in meteorites. However, in the interstellar medium there are some highly fractionated oxygen isotopic ratios in some specific molecules. The goal of this work is to investigate the oxygen isotopic ratios in different volatile molecules found in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and compare them with findings from interstellar clouds in order to assess commonalities and differences. To accomplish this goal, we analysed data from the ROSINA instrument on Rosetta during its mission around the comet. 16O/18O ratios could be determined for O2, methanol, formaldehyde, carbonyl sulfide, and sulfur monoxide/dioxide. For O2 the 16O/17O ratio is also available. Some ratios are strongly enriched in the heavy isotopes, especially for sulfur-bearing molecules and formaldehyde, whereas for methanol the ratios are compatible with the ones in the Solar system. O2 falls in-between, but its oxygen isotopic ratios clearly differ from water, which likely rules out an origin of O2 from water, be it by radiolysis, dismutation during sublimation, or the Eley–Rideal process from water ions hitting the nucleus as postulated in the literature.
Multi-timescale reverberation mapping of Mrk 335
Authors: Mastroserio Guglielmo , Ingram Adam , van der Klis Michiel
Published: September 2020

Time lags due to X-ray reverberation have been detected in several Seyfert galaxies. The different traveltime between reflected and directly observed rays naturally causes this type of lag, which depends directly on the light-crossing time-scale of the system and hence scales with the mass of the central black hole. Featureless ‘hard lags’ not associated with reverberation, and often interpreted as propagating mass accretion rate fluctuations, dominate the longer time-scale variability. Here we fit our reltrans model simultaneously to the time-averaged energy spectrum and the lag-energy spectra of the Seyfert galaxy Mrk 335 over two time-scales (Fourier frequency ranges). We model the hard lags as fluctuations in the slope and strength of the illuminating spectrum, and self-consistently account for the effects that these fluctuations have on the reverberation lags. The resulting mass estimate is $1.1^{+2.0}_{-0.7} \times 10^6~\mathrm{ M}_\odot$, which is significantly lower than the mass measured with the optical reverberation mapping technique (14–26 million M⊙). When we add the correlated variability amplitudes to the time lags by fitting the full complex cross-spectra, the model is unable to describe the characteristic reverberation Fe K α line and cannot constrain the black hole mass. This may be due to the assumption that the direct radiation is emitted by a point-like source.
The GOGREEN survey: post-infall environmental quenching fails to predict the observed age difference between quiescent field and cluster galaxies at z > 1
Authors: Webb Kristi , Balogh Michael L , Leja Joel , van der Burg Remco F J , Rudnick Gregory , Muzzin Adam , Boak Kevin , Cerulo Pierluigi , Gilbank David , Lidman Chris , Old Lyndsay J , Pintos-Castro Irene , McGee Sean , Shipley Heath , Biviano Andrea , Chan Jeffrey C C , Cooper Michael , De Lucia Gabriella , Demarco Ricardo , Forrest Ben , Jablonka Pascale , Kukstas Egidijus , McCarthy Ian G , McNab Karen , Nantais Julie , Noble Allison , Poggianti Bianca , Reeves Andrew M M , Vulcani Benedetta , Wilson Gillian , Yee Howard K C , Zaritsky Dennis
Published: September 2020

We study the star formation histories (SFHs) and mass-weighted ages of 331 UVJ-selected quiescent galaxies in 11 galaxy clusters and in the field at 1 < z < 1.5 from the Gemini Observations of Galaxies in Rich Early ENvironments (GOGREEN) survey. We determine the SFHs of individual galaxies by simultaneously fitting rest-frame optical spectroscopy and broad-band photometry to stellar population models. We confirm that the SFHs are consistent with more massive galaxies having on average earlier formation times. Comparing galaxies found in massive clusters with those in the field, we find galaxies with M* < 1011.3 M⊙ in the field have more extended SFHs. From the SFHs we calculate the mass-weighted ages, and compare age distributions of galaxies between the two environments, at fixed mass. We constrain the difference in mass-weighted ages between field and cluster galaxies to $0.31_{^{-0.33}}^{_{+0.51}}$ Gyr, in the sense that cluster galaxies are older. We place this result in the context of two simple quenching models and show that neither environmental quenching based on time since infall (without pre-processing) nor a difference in formation times alone can reproduce both the average age difference and relative quenched fractions. This is distinctly different from local clusters, for which the majority of the quenched population is consistent with having been environmentally quenched upon infall. Our results suggest that quenched population in galaxy clusters at z > 1 has been driven by different physical processes than those at play at z = 0.
Gaia DR2 giants in the Galactic dust – I. Reddening across the whole dust layer and some properties of the giant clump
Authors: Gontcharov George A , Mosenkov Aleksandr V
Published: September 2020

We consider a complete sample of 101 810 giants with Gaia Data Realease 2 (DR2) parallaxes ϖ within the red clump domain of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram in the space cylinder with a radius of 700 pc around the Sun and a height of |Z| = 1800 pc. We use the Gaia DR2 GBP, GRP, and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer W3 photometry. We describe the spatial variations of the modes of the observables GBP − GRP, GRP − W3, $G_\mathrm{BP}+5+5\, \log _{10}\varpi$, $G_\mathrm{RP}+5+5\, \log _{10}\varpi$, and $W3+5+5\, \log _{10}\varpi$ by extinction and reddening in combination with linear vertical gradients of the intrinsic colours and absolute magnitudes of the red giant clump. The derived clump median absolute magnitude in W3 agrees with its recent literature estimates. The clump median intrinsic colours and absolute magnitudes in GBP and GRP are derived for the first time at a precision level of 0.01 mag. We confirm the reliability of the derived clump absolute magnitudes, intrinsic colours, and their vertical gradients by comparing them with the theoretical predictions from the PAdova and TRieste Stellar Evolution Code, MESA Isochrones and Stellar Tracks, and Bag of Stellar Tracks and Isochrones. This leads us to the median age and [Fe/H] of the clump within |Z| < 1.7 kpc from the Galactic mid-plane as $(2.3\pm 0.5)+(3.2\pm 1.6)\, |Z|$ Gyr and $(-0.08\pm 0.08)-(0.16\pm 0.07)\, |Z|$ dex, respectively, where Z is expressed in kpc. These results agree with recent empirical and theoretical estimates. Moreover, all the models give similar age–metallicity relations by use of our results in the optical range. The derived extinctions and reddenings across the whole dust half-layer below or above the Sun converge to the reddening E(B − V) = 0.06 mag by use of the most reliable extinction laws.
SN 2017ivv: two years of evolution of a transitional Type II supernova
Authors: Gutiérrez C P , Pastorello A , Jerkstrand A , Galbany L , Sullivan M , Anderson J P , Taubenberger S , Kuncarayakti H , González-Gaitán S , Wiseman P , Inserra C , Fraser M , Maguire K , Smartt S , Müller-Bravo T E , Arcavi I , Benetti S , Bersier D , Bose S , Bostroem K A , Burke J , Chen P , Chen T-W , Della Valle M , Dong Subo , Gal-Yam A , Gromadzki M , Hiramatsu D , Holoien T W-S , Hosseinzadeh G , Howell D A , Kankare E , Kochanek C S , McCully C , Nicholl M , Pignata G , Prieto J L , Shappee B , Taggart K , Tomasella L , Valenti S , Young D R
Published: September 2020

We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of the Type II supernova (SN II) SN 2017ivv (also known as ASASSN-17qp). Located in an extremely faint galaxy (Mr = −10.3 mag), SN 2017ivv shows an unprecedented evolution during the 2 yr of observations. At early times, the light curve shows a fast rise (∼6−8 d) to a peak of ${\it M}^{\rm max}_{g}= -17.84$ mag, followed by a very rapid decline of 7.94 ± 0.48 mag per 100 d in the V band. The extensive photometric coverage at late phases shows that the radioactive tail has two slopes, one steeper than that expected from the decay of 56Co (between 100 and 350 d), and another slower (after 450 d), probably produced by an additional energy source. From the bolometric light curve, we estimated that the amount of ejected 56Ni is ∼0.059 ± 0.003 M⊙. The nebular spectra of SN 2017ivv show a remarkable transformation that allows the evolution to be split into three phases: (1) Hα strong phase (<200 d); (2) Hα weak phase (between 200 and 350 d); and (3) Hα broad phase (>500 d). We find that the nebular analysis favours a binary progenitor and an asymmetric explosion. Finally, comparing the nebular spectra of SN 2017ivv to models suggests a progenitor with a zero-age main-sequence mass of 15–17 M⊙.
The newly discovered Be/X-ray binary Swift J004516.6–734703 in the SMC: witnessing the emergence of a circumstellar disc
Authors: Kennea J A , Coe M J , Evans P A , Monageng I M , Townsend L J , Siegel M H , Udalski A , Buckley D A H
Published: September 2020

We report on the discovery of Swift J004516.6–734703, a Be/X-ray binary system by the Swift SMC Survey, S-CUBED. Swift J004516.6–734703, or SXP 146.6, was found to be exhibiting a bright (∼1037 erg s−1) X-ray outburst on 2020 June 18. The historical UV and IR light-curves from OGLE and Swift/UVOT showed that after a long period of steady brightness, it experienced a significant brightening beginning around 2019 March. This IR/UV rise is likely the signature of the formation of a circumstellar disc, confirmed by the presence of strong an H α line in SALT spectroscopy, that was not previously present. Periodicity analysis of the OGLE data reveals a plausible 426 d binary period, and in X-ray a pulsation period of 146.6 s is detected. The onset of X-ray emission from Swift J004516.6–734703 is likely the signature of a Type-I outburst from the first periastron passage of the neutron star companion through the newly formed circumstellar disc. We note that the formation of the circumstellar disc began at the predicted time of the previous periastron passage, suggesting its formation was spurred by tidal interaction with the neutron star.
Genome Duplication Increases Meiotic Recombination Frequency: A Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model
Authors: Fang Ou , Wang Lin , Zhang Yuxin , Yang Jixuan , Tao Qin , Zhang Fengjun , Luo Zewei
Published: September 2020

Genetic recombination characterized by reciprocal exchange of genes on paired homologous chromosomes is the most prominent event in meiosis of almost all sexually reproductive organisms. It contributes to genome stability by ensuring the balanced segregation of paired homologs in meiosis, and it is also the major driving factor in generating genetic variation for natural and artificial selection. Meiotic recombination is subjected to the control of a highly stringent and complex regulating process and meiotic recombination frequency (MRF) may be affected by biological and abiotic factors such as sex, gene density, nucleotide content, and chemical/temperature treatments, having motivated tremendous researches for artificially manipulating MRF. Whether genome polyploidization would lead to a significant change in MRF has attracted both historical and recent research interests; however, tackling this fundamental question is methodologically challenging due to the lack of appropriate methods for tetrasomic genetic analysis, thus has led to controversial conclusions in the literature. This article presents a comprehensive and rigorous survey of genome duplication-mediated change in MRF using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a eukaryotic model. It demonstrates that genome duplication can lead to consistently significant increase in MRF and rate of crossovers across all 16 chromosomes of S. cerevisiae, including both cold and hot spots of MRF. This ploidy-driven change in MRF is associated with weakened recombination interference, enhanced double-strand break density, and loosened chromatin histone occupation. The study illuminates a significant evolutionary feature of genome duplication and opens an opportunity to accelerate response to artificial and natural selection through polyploidization.