bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exacerbated inflammatory signaling underlies aberrant response to BMP9 in pulmonary arterial hypertension lung endothelial cells
Authors: Szulcek Robert , Sanchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Rol Nina , Pan Xiaoke , Tsonaka Roula , Dickhoff Chris , Yung Lai Ming , Manz Xue D. , Kurakula Kondababu , Kiełbasa Szymon M. , Mei Hailiang , Timens Wim , Yu Paul B. , Bogaard Harm-Jan , Goumans Marie-José
Published: August 2020

Imbalanced transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling are postulated to favor a pathological pulmonary endothelial cell (EC) phenotype in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). BMP9 is shown to reinstate BMP receptor type-II (BMPR2) levels and thereby mitigate hemodynamic and vascular abnormalities in several animal models of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Yet, responses of the pulmonary endothelium of PAH patients to BMP9 are unknown. Therefore, we treated primary PAH patient-derived and healthy pulmonary ECs with BMP9 and observed that stimulation induces transient transcriptional signaling associated with the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). However, solely PAH pulmonary ECs showed signs of a mesenchymal trans-differentiation characterized by a loss of VE-cadherin, induction of transgelin (SM22α), and reorganization of the cytoskeleton. In the PAH cells, a prolonged EndMT signaling was found accompanied by sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory, pro-hypoxic, and pro-apoptotic signaling. Herein we identified interleukin-6 (IL6)-dependent signaling to be the central mediator required for the BMP9-induced phenotypic change in PAH pulmonary ECs. Furthermore, we were able to target the BMP9-induced EndMT process by an IL6 capturing antibody that normalized autocrine IL6 levels, prevented mesenchymal transformation, and maintained a functional EC phenotype in PAH pulmonary ECs. In conclusion, our results show that the BMP9-induced aberrant EndMT in PAH pulmonary ECs is dependent on exacerbated pro-inflammatory signaling mediated through IL6.
Food justice for all?: searching for the ‘justice multiple’ in UK food movements
Authors: Coulson Helen , Milbourne Paul
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we examine diverse political philosophical conceptualisations of justice and interrogate how these contested understandings are drawn upon in the burgeoning food justice scholarship. We suggest that three interconnected dimensions of justice—plurality, the spatial–temporal and the more-than-human—deserve further analytical attention and propose the notion of the ‘justice multiple’ to bring together a multiplicity of framings and situated practices of (food) justice. Given the lack of critical engagement food justice has received as both a concept and social movement in the context of the United Kingdom (UK), we draw upon empirical research with practitioners and activists involved with heterogenous food movements working at the local, regional and national level and apply the justice multiple concept to the interview data. We highlight the diverse ways that justice is discussed in terms of access, fairness, empowerment, rights and dignity that reflect established organisational discursive framings and the fragmented nature of food system advocacy and activism. Based on this insight, we argue that a plurivocal, relational conceptualisation of socioecological justice can help enhance the multiple politics of food justice, pluralise UK food movement praxis and nurture avenues for broader coalition-building across the food system.
Early stage breast cancer treatment and outcome of older patients treated in an oncogeriatric care and a standard care setting: an international comparison
Authors: de Boer Anna Z. , van de Water Willemien , Bastiaannet Esther , de Glas Nienke A. , Kiderlen Mandy , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Extermann Martine
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Since older patients with breast cancer are underrepresented in clinical trials, an oncogeriatric approach is advocated to guide treatment decisions. However, the effect on outcomes is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare treatments and outcomes between patients treated in an oncogeriatric and a standard care setting.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 70 years with early stage breast cancer were included. The oncogeriatric cohort comprised unselected patients from the Moffitt Cancer Center, and the standard cohort patients from a Dutch population-based cohort. Cox models were used to characterize the influence of care setting on recurrence risk and overall mortality.

Results

Overall, 268 patients were included in the oncogeriatric and 1932 patients in the standard cohort. Patients in the oncogeriatric cohort were slightly younger, had more comorbidity, and received more adjuvant endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Oncogeriatric care was associated with a lower risk of recurrence, which remained significant after adjustment for patient and tumour characteristics [hazard ratio (HR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.99]. Oncogeriatric care was also associated with a lower overall mortality, which also remained significant after adjustment for patient and tumour characteristics (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55–0.87).

Conclusions

Patients treated in the oncogeriatric care setting had a lower risk of recurrence, which may be explained by more systemic treatment. Overall mortality was also lower, but other explanations besides care setting could not be ruled out as the cohorts had different patient profiles. Future studies need to clarify the impact of an oncogeriatric approach on outcomes.
Evaluation of the Factor Structure and Content Specificity of the Interpretation Bias Task (IBT)
Authors: Chan Frederick H. F. , Takano Keisuke , Lau Jennifer Y. F. , Barry Tom J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Theories suggest that interpretation biases play a role in the aetiology of a range of psychopathology including depression, anxiety and psychosis. We evaluate the psychometric properties of an adapted version of an ambiguous scenario task (i.e., Interpretation Bias Task [IBT]) that assesses benign and negative interpretations in four domains: immediate bodily injury; long-term illness; social rejection; and, performance failure.

Methods

The factor structure of the IBT was evaluated in a student sample (N = 237) in Study 1, and subsequently confirmed in a community sample with a wider age range (N = 1103) in Study 2. Correlations between interpretation biases and health and social anxiety symptoms were tested in both studies.

Results

The four IBT domains were differentiable and each was represented by two factors (i.e., benign vs. negative). In Study 1, higher health anxiety was characterised by fewer benign interpretations for injury- and illness-related scenarios, whereas higher social anxiety was associated with more negative and fewer benign interpretations for social rejection and performance failure scenarios. Correlational results were replicated in Study 2 for social anxiety, but not health anxiety.

Conclusions

The IBT is suitable for measuring interpretation biases in Asian adults. The content specificity of interpretation biases was partially supported.
Generalized logistic growth modeling of the COVID-19 outbreak: comparing the dynamics in the 29 provinces in China and in the rest of the world
Authors: Wu Ke , Darcet Didier , Wang Qian , Sornette Didier
Published: August 2020

Started in Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 has been spreading all over the world. We calibrate the logistic growth model, the generalized logistic growth model, the generalized Richards model and the generalized growth model to the reported number of infected cases for the whole of China, 29 provinces in China, and 33 countries and regions that have been or are undergoing major outbreaks. We dissect the development of the epidemics in China and the impact of the drastic control measures both at the aggregate level and within each province. We quantitatively document four phases of the outbreak in China with a detailed analysis on the heterogeneous situations across provinces. The extreme containment measures implemented by China were very effective with some instructive variations across provinces. Borrowing from the experience of China, we made scenario projections on the development of the outbreak in other countries. We identified that outbreaks in 14 countries (mostly in western Europe) have ended, while resurgences of cases have been identified in several among them. The modeling results clearly show longer after-peak trajectories in western countries, in contrast to most provinces in China where the after-peak trajectory is characterized by a much faster decay. We identified three groups of countries in different level of outbreak progress, and provide informative implications for the current global pandemic.
Handgrip strength—a risk indicator for future fractures in the general population: findings from a prospective study and meta-analysis of 19 prospective cohort studies
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Seidu Samuel , Voutilainen Ari , Blom Ashley W. , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: August 2020

Evolving debate suggests that handgrip strength, a measure of muscular strength, might be associated with the risk of fractures; however, the evidence is conflicting. We aimed to assess the association of handgrip strength with the risk of fracture in the general population. Handgrip strength, measured using a dynamometer, was assessed at baseline in a population-based sample of 853 men and women aged 61–73 years in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for incident fractures. Incident fractures (hip, humeral, or wrist) (n = 159) occurred during a median follow-up of 16.7 years. Comparing extreme tertiles of handgrip strength, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for fractures was 0.80 (0.55–1.18). The association remained similar on further adjustment for other potential confounders: HR (95% CI) of 0.82 (0.55–1.21). In a meta-analysis of 19 population-based prospective cohort studies (including the current study) comprising 220,757 participants and 9199 fractures (including 1302 hip fractures), the fully adjusted relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for incident fractures was 0.70 (0.61–0.80) comparing the top versus bottom thirds of handgrip strength. The association remained significant after trim-and-fill correction for publication bias. The corresponding RR (95% CI) for hip fractures (9 studies) was 0.61 (0.54–0.70). Handgrip was only modestly associated with fracture risk in the primary analysis, which may be driven by the low event rate. Pooled prospective cohort evidence suggests that elevated handgrip strength is associated with reduced future fracture risk.
Politik und ihre Grenzen in Clausewitz’ Denken über den Krieg
Authors: Wille Tobias
Published: August 2020

Carl von Clausewitz’ Denken über den Krieg steht paradigmatisch für ein instrumentelles Verständnis von Gewalt in der Politik. Gewalt ist für Clausewitz ein Mittel, das im Krieg verwendet wird, um politische Zwecke zu erreichen. Seit dem Ende des Ost-West-Konflikts ist jedoch die Ansicht weit verbreitet, dass Clausewitz’ Überlegungen keine Gültigkeit mehr besitzen. Gegenwärtige Formen des Krieges seien zwar gewaltsam, aber nicht mehr politisch, weil sie nicht allein von Staaten oder aus einer eng verstandenen Staatsräson heraus geführt werden. Der Einwand missversteht jedoch Clausewitz’ Begriff der Politik. Dieser soll im vorliegenden Aufsatz systematisch rekonstruiert werden. Dem zu entwickelnden Interpretationsvorschlag zufolge bezeichnet „Politik“ in Clausewitz’ theoretischem System zunächst einmal nur ganz allgemein eine Interaktion von zwei oder mehr Akteuren, die jeweils ihren Willen realisieren wollen, deren Willen sich jedoch nicht vollständig vereinen lassen. Krieg ist für Clausewitz dann solche Politik, die mit gewaltsamen Mitteln betrieben wird. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird argumentiert, dass Clausewitz’ Theorie des Krieges einen fruchtbaren Analyserahmen bietet, mit dem sich die Transformationen der politischen Gewalt von den Kabinettskriegen des 18. Jahrhunderts bis zu den „neuen Kriegen“ unserer Zeit nachvollziehen lassen.
Minimum return rate guarantees under default risk: optimal design of quantile guarantees
Authors: Mahayni Antje , Lubos Oliver , Offermann Sascha
Published: August 2020

The paper analyzes the design of participating life insurance contracts with minimum return rate guarantees. Without default risk, the insured receives the maximum of a guaranteed rate and a participation in the investment returns. With default risk, the payoff is modified by a default put implying a compound option. We represent the yearly returns of the liabilities by a portfolio of plain vanilla options. In a Black and Scholes model, the optimal payoff constrained by a maximal shortfall probability can be stated in closed form. Due to the completeness of the market, it can be implemented for any equity to debt ratio.
Current Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System and Targeted THC and CBD Phytocannabinoids as Potential Therapeutics for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases: a Review
Authors: Cooray R. , Gupta V. , Suphioglu C.
Published: August 2020

Neurodegeneration leading to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a major health burden globally. Current treatments mainly target controlling symptoms and there are no therapeutics available in clinical practice to preventing the neurodegeneration or inducing neuronal repairing. Thus, the demand of novel research for the two disorders is imperative. This literature review aims to provide a collection of published work on PD and AD and current uses of endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a potential drug target for neurodegeneration. PD is frequently treated with l-DOPA and deep brain stimulation. Recent gene modification and remodelling techniques, such as CRISPR through human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, have shown promising strategy for personalised medicine. AD characterised by extracellular deposits of amyloid β-senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein commonly uses choline acetyltransferase enhancers as therapeutics. The ECS is currently being studied as PD and AD drug targets where overexpression of ECS receptors exerted neuroprotection against PD and reduced neuroinflammation in AD. The delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinoid (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) cannabinoids of plant Cannabis sativa have shown neuroprotection upon PD and AD animal models yet triggered toxic effects on patients when administered directly. Therefore, understanding the precise molecular cascade following cannabinoid treatment is suggested, focusing especially on gene expression to identify drug targets for preventing and repairing neurodegeneration.
Benefits of prolonged-release pirfenidone plus standard of care treatment in patients with advanced liver fibrosis: PROMETEO study
Authors: Poo Jorge Luis , Torre Aldo , Aguilar-Ramírez Juan Ramón , Cruz Mauricio , Mejía-Cuán Luis , Cerda Eira , Velázquez Alfredo , Patiño Angélica , Ramírez-Castillo Carlos , Cisneros Laura , Bosques-Padilla Francisco , Hernández Larissa , Gasca Frida , Flores-Murrieta Francisco , Treviño Samuel , Tapia Graciela , Armendariz-Borunda Juan , Muñoz-Espinosa Linda E.
Published: August 2020

Background and aims

Pirfenidone (PFD), an oral antifibrotic drug, has been authorized by the EMA and FDA for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Few studies have addressed its use in advanced liver fibrosis (ALF). We evaluated a prolonged-release formulation (PR-PFD) plus standard of care on disease progression in ALF.

Methods

281 ALF patients from 12 centers receiving PR-PFD (600 mg bid) were screened; 122 completed 1 year of treatment. Additionally, 74 patients received only standard of care regimen. Average age was 64 ± 12 years, 58% female. 43.5% had fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 22.5% viral hepatitis C (VHC), 17% autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and 17% alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Baseline fibrosis was F4 in 74% and F3 in 26%. Antifibrotic effects were assessed by transient elastography (Fibroscan®) and Fibro Test® (FT); Cytokines and PFD plasma levels were tracked and quality of life evaluated.

Results

We found a significant reduction in fibrosis in 35% of PR-PFD patients and only in 4.1% in non PR-PFD patients. Child–Pugh score improved in 29.7%. Biochemical values remained stable; 40.6% and 43.3% decreased ALT or AST, respectively. TGFβ1 (pg/mL) levels were lower in PFD-treated patients. PFD serum concentration (µg/mL) was higher (8.2 ± 1.7) in fibrosis regression profile (FRP) patients compared to fibrosis progression profile (FPP) patients (4.7 ± 0.3 µg/mL, p < 0.01). 12% reported transient burning or nausea and 7% photosensitivity. Quality of life (Euro-Qol scale) improved from 62 ± 5 to 84 ± 3 (p < 0.001) and from 32 ± 3 to 42 ± 2 (p < 0.008) (FACIT scale).

Conclusions

PR-PFD is efficacious and safe in ALF and associated with promising antifibrotic effects.

Trial registration

Clinical trial number: NCT04099407.
Transparency of SIM profiles for the consumer remote SIM provisioning protocol
Authors: Ahmed Abu Shohel , Thakur Mukesh , Paavolainen Santeri , Aura Tuomas
Published: August 2020

In mobile communication, User Equipment (UE) authenticates a subscriber to a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) using credentials from the MNO specified SIM profile that is securely stored inside the SIM card. Traditionally, a change in a subscriber’s SIM profile, such as a change in a subscription, requires replacement of the physical SIM card. To address this shortcoming, the GSM Association (GSMA) has specified the consumer Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) protocol. The protocol enables remote provisioning of SIM profiles from a server to SIM cards, also known as the embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC). In RSP, any GSMA-certified server is trusted by all eUICCs, and consequently any server can provision SIM profiles to all eUICCs, even those not originating from the MNO associated with the GSMA-certified RSP server. Consequently, an attacker, by compromising a server, can clone a genuine SIM profile and provision it to other eUICCs. To address this security problem, we present SIM Profile Transparency Protocol (SPTP) to detect malicious provisioning of SIM profiles. SPTP assures to the eUICC and the MNO that all SIM provisioning actions—both approved and unapproved—leave a permanent, non-repudiatable trail. We evaluate security guarantees provided by SPTP using a formal model, implement a prototype for SPTP, and evaluate the prototype against a set of practical requirements.
Experimental analysis of Mucuna solannie as cement extender additive for oil and gas well cementing
Authors: Igwilo Kevin C. , Uwaezuoke N. , Okoro Emeka E. , Iheukwumere Susan U. , Obibuike Julian U.
Published: August 2020

Due to the difficulty that the compressive strength of cement slurries formulated with bentonite are not stable at elevated temperature conditions, in addition to other properties at high temperatures, Mucuna solannie commonly known as “Ukpo” was examined as an alternative. API standard procedures were employed throughout the laboratory measurements to determine overall rheological properties, compressive strength, thickening time, and free water of the extenders both at 150 °F (65.6 °C) and 200 °F (93.3 °C) BHCT. Mucuna solannie results gave compressive strength at 24 h as 952 psi (6.56E+6 Pa) and 900 psi (6.21E+6 Pa), free water values of 0 and 0.2 ml, yield point values of 67 lb/100ft2 (32.08 Pa) and 66 lb/100ft2 (31.60 Pa), and 10 min gel strength of 16 lb/100ft2 (7.66 Pa) and 22 lb/100ft2 (10.53 Pa). Bentonite additive gave 24 h compressive strength as 620 psi (4.27E+6 Pa) and 565 psi (3.9E+6 Pa), free water of 4.4 and 4.8 ml, yield point of 56 lb/100ft2 (26.81 Pa) and 46 lb/100ft2 (22.02 Pa), and 10 min gel strength of 16 lb/100ft2 (7.66 Pa) This showed that Mucuna solannie is a better alternative cement extender than Bentonite, especially where optimum free water and compressive strength are needed. Although it is found to be lacking in efficient plastic viscosity and thickening time, it can be resolved by the use of additives such as dispersant and accelerator to complement its properties.
Apidologie 50 years
Authors: Courant Christiane , Koeniger Gudrun , Hartfelder Klaus
Published: August 2020

Since its foundation, Apidologie has steadily gained recognition as a journal that reports results from high-quality scientific research on the biology of bees, and this means Apidae in general, not only on its most prominent species, the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. All started 50 years ago in a conversation between two eminent scientists, Jean Louveaux, director of one of INRA’s bee research unit in Bures-sur-Yvette and editor of the French Annales de l’Abeille, and Friedrich Ruttner, director of the Bee Research Institute in Oberursel and editor of the German Zeitschrift für Bienenforschung, where they discussed the possibility of merging these two journals to create an international bee research journal. Here, we take Apidologie’s 50th anniversary as an opportunity to provide our readers with background information on the journal’s history, especially on the persons and their contributions along this journey.
Die Eidgenossen als Lykier
Authors: Elsaghe Yahya
Published: August 2020

Wie verhielt sich Johann Jakob Bachofen, der unablässig den Wahrheitsgehalt klassischer oder auch wildfremder Mythen zu rehabilitieren versuchte, zur Gründungssage seines eigenen Lands? Wie zu den immer lauter gewordenen Zweifeln an ihrem Sachgehalt? Und sieht man seinem Hauptwerk an, dass es einer geschrieben hat, der zumal von ihrer Schiller’schen Aufbereitung geprägt sein musste? Oder in welcher Beziehung steht seine Theorie vom einstigen Mutterrecht des antiken Kulturraums zu den Vorstellungen, die Schiller sich und der Nachwelt von den alten Schweizern und Schweizerinnen machte? Die notgedrungen nur noch spekulative Antwort auf diese letzte Frage wirft immerhin ein Licht auf die Geschlechterverhältnisse in Schillers Wilhelm Tell und dessen wichtigster Quelle, die auch Bachofen nachweislich bekannt war.
Abgrund zwischen den Zeilen
Authors: Weber Philipp
Published: August 2020

Der Aufsatz untersucht die Konzeption der Stimme des Gewissens in den Prosaschriften Kants und Schillers. Ausgehend von neueren, theoretischen Ansätzen wird danach gefragt, wie die Stimme des Gewissens am Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts und unter modernen Voraussetzungen im Medium der Prosa gedacht wird. Mit dem Auftritt moderner Subjektivität stellt die Reflexion auf die innere Stimme, die nicht die eigentümliche des Subjekts ist, aber doch in ihm ruht und dessen Handeln mitbestimmt, vor besondere Herausforderungen, die in unterschiedlichen Ansätzen angegangen werden. In der Reflexion auf eine der Darstellung unverfügbare Stimme als substanzieller Bedingungsmöglichkeit von freiheitlicher Subjektivität, so die Überlegung, lassen sich die Möglichkeiten der Kommunikation über das Gewissen unter modernen Bedingungen aufzeigen.
Targeting Knife-Enabled Homicides for Preventive Policing: A Stratified Resource Allocation Model
Authors: Harinam Vincent , Sherman Lawrence W.
Published: August 2020

Research Question

How can police translate differing risk levels for knife homicide into a resource allocation model that follows the evidence?

Data

The data for this publication are taken from the open access tables published in this journal by Massey et al.Cambridge Journal of Evidence-Based Policing, 3:1-20, (2019). Those data show the linear relationship between the number of non-fatal knife assaults in a lower super output area (LSOA) in 1 year and the risk of a knife-enable homicide in the subsequent year, as well as how many of the 4835 LSOAs fell into each of five levels of increasing homicide risk.

Methods

The data from Massey’s research are re-calculated to show how a hypothetical number of 15-min police patrols could be allocated across all areas on the basis of acombinationof knife-enabled (KE) homicide risk level and the volume of LSOAs at each of the five levels of knife homicide risk. We display these results using both tables and multi-layered “wedding cake” images to show the size of different dimensions of each level, including proportion of total homicides and directed patrol frequency per LSOA at each of the five risk levels.

Findings

Based on the hypothetical allocation of 10,000 patrol visits of 15 min in length, the highest risk group, with a forecasted 6% of all KE homicides, would receive 600 police patrols, divided by the 41 LSOAs at that risk level = 15 patrols across every 10 days. At the lowest level of risk, the 2787 LSOAs would share the 3000 patrols that a group of LSOAs would recieve for having 30% of homicides, which equals 1.1 patrols every 10 days. The hypothetical premise is that every LSOA gets some patrol, but the highest risk areas get 15 times more patrol to follow the evidence of risk. The formula is to (1) allocate resources by proportion of homicide at each risk level; (2) divide the allocated resources by the number of areas in each risk level group; and (3) allocate the resulting resources per day to each area in each of the 5 levels.

Conclusion

Police face difficult tradeoffs between targeting more policing tofewerareas of higher risk (with more efficiency) or tomoreareas of lower risk (with more effectiveness). The use of a formula combining risk and volume can help guide such decisions, illustrated by a layered “wedding cake” visualization for gaining clarity and legitimacy in communications.
Ambient Temperature is a Strong Selective Factor Influencing Human Development and Immunity
Authors: Ji Lindan , Wu Dongdong , Xie Haibing , Yao Binbin , Chen Yanming , Irwin David M. , Huang Dan , Xu Jin , Tang Nelson L.S. , Zhang Yaping
Published: August 2020

Solar energy, which is essential for the origin and evolution of all life forms on Earth, can be objectively recorded through attributes such as climatic ambient temperature (CAT), ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and sunlight duration (SD). These attributes have specific geographical variations and may cause different adaptation traits. However, the adaptation profile of each attribute and the selective role of solar energy as a whole during human evolution remain elusive. Here, we performed a genome-wide adaptation study with respect to CAT, UVR, and SD using the Human Genome Diversity Project-Centre Etude Polymorphism Humain (HGDP-CEPH) panel data. We singled out CAT as the most important driving force with the highest number of adaptive loci (6 SNPs at the genome-wide 1 × 10−7 level; 401 at the suggestive 1 × 10−5 level). Five of the six genome-wide significant adaptation SNPs were successfully replicated in an independent Chinese population (N = 1395). The corresponding 316 CAT adaptation genes were mostly involved in development and immunity. In addition, 265 (84%) genes were related to at least one genome-wide association study (GWAS)-mapped human trait, being significantly enriched in anthropometric loci such as those associated with body mass index (χ2; P < 0.005), immunity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer (χ2; P < 0.05). For these adaptive SNPs, balancing selection was evident in Euro-Asians, whereas obvious positive and/or purifying selection was observed in Africans. Taken together, our study indicates that CAT is the most important attribute of solar energy that has driven genetic adaptation in development and immunity among global human populations. It also supports the non-neutral hypothesis for the origin of disease-predisposition alleles in common diseases.
Is Existence Value Appropriate for Regulatory Benefit–Cost Analysis?
Authors: Binder Seth
Published: August 2020

Since its introduction to the field of environmental and natural resource economics in the late 1960s, existence value has faced several critiques from economists, psychologists, and philosophers. Critics have taken aim at the notion’s conceptual ambiguity and lack of connection to observable behavior, its incompatibility with cognitive processes and its sensitivity to cognitive biases, and ethical shortcomings in applying existence values to environmental decisionmaking. Unlike some critiques of existence value that draw on cognitive and ethical frameworks for decisionmaking fundamentally at odds with stated preference methods and benefit–cost analysis (BCA), this paper takes as given the use and adequacy of both. It focuses on challenges to existence value per se, with respect to the ability of existence value estimates to contribute to benefit–cost analyses in a way that is consistent with qualities of BCA that its proponents value: the objectivity, commensurability, and moral salience of the values analyzed. In light of the challenges, inclusion of existence value in benefit–cost analyses is found to inevitably compromise the quality of the BCA with respect to each criterion.
Psychiatrists and COVID-19: what is our role during this unprecedented time?
Authors: Scriven M. , Geary E. , Kelly B. D.
Published: August 2020

The declaration of a COVID-19 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – CoronaVirus2) pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 has vastly changed the landscape in which mental health services function. Consideration is required to adapt services during this unusual time, ensuring continued provision of care for current patients, availability of care for patients with new-onset mental health difficulties and delivery of evidence-based support for healthcare professionals working with affected patients. Lessons can be learned from research carried out during the severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Ebola epidemics to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective mental health services both now and into the future.
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with visceral fat in children
Authors: Gallagher Claire , Moschonis George , Lambert Katrina A. , Karaglani Eva , Mavrogianni Christina , Gavrili Stavroula , Manios Yannis , Erbas Bircan
Published: August 2020

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has been associated with visceral fat partitioning in adults; however, the underlying mechanisms in childhood remain unclear and warrant exploration. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between SSB consumption and body fat in children aged 9–13 years and the potential modifying effect of children’s sex and serum cortisol levels. A sample of 2665 Greek schoolchildren participated in the ‘Healthy Growth Study’, and anthropometric, body composition, dietary intake and serum cortisol data were assessed. SSB consumption was defined as low (<1 serving/d), medium (1–2 servings/d) or high (>2 servings/d). We used linear regression models to assess the association between SSB consumption and measures of adiposity and to assess effect modification; models were stratified by sex and tertiles of morning serum cortisol. A significant positive association was observed between high SSB consumption and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (β= 1·4, 95 % CI 0·4, 2·3,P= 0·01) but not BMI or BMIz-score. When stratified by sex, the association was observed in boys (β= 1·8, 95 % CI 0·3, 3·4,P= 0·02) but not in girls. When stratified by cortisol levels, SSB consumption was associated with VAT in children with cortisol levels in the lowest tertile (β= 2·8, 95 % CI 1·0, 4·6,P< 0·01). These results indicate that increased SSB consumption is associated with visceral adiposity in schoolchildren and this association may be modified by sex and morning serum cortisol. To prevent VAT accumulation and concomitant disease risk, dietary interventions should target SSB consumption during childhood.
Spatial environmental variability of natural markers and habitat use ofCathorops spixiiin a neotropical estuary from otolith chemistry
Authors: Maichak de Carvalho Barbara , Pupo Daniel Vicente , Volpedo Alejandra Vanina , Pisonero Jorge , Méndez Ana , Avigliano Esteban
Published: August 2020

The goal of this study was to study the distribution of potential habitat markers (Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, Mn/Ca and Li/Ca) in water from the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (Brazil) and to study habitat use patterns ofCathorops spixiithrough ontogeny employing otolith microchemistry. Fish were caught from three sampling sites while water samples were collected at eight stations covering a salinity range from 4.5–33. Elemental concentrations in otolith and water were determined by LA-ICP-MS and ICP-MS, respectively. When the relationship between salinity and elements or ratios in water was studied, significant positive relationships were found for Sr, Li, Ca, Sr/Ca, and negative for Ba, Mn, Ba/Ca and Mn/Ca (P< 0.05). No relationship was observed between water Li/Ca and salinity. A significant positive correlation was found between otolith edge Sr/Ca and salinity (r= 0.63;P< 0.05), positioning this ratio as the best natural tag for reconstructing environmental histories ofC. spixii. Change point analysis (CPA) based on otolith Sr/Ca signature through ontogeny revealed potential migrations between environments with different salinity. According to CPA, the number of displacements among different salinities ranged from 3–9 (6.1 ± 1.9), suggesting high plasticity in the migratory patterns. Ba/Ca, Li/Ca and Mn/Ca peaks were observed on the outer margin of the primordium, and could be influenced by physiological, environmental and maternal factors.
Seroma formation after modified Blalock–Taussig shunt which caused shock due to pulmonary vein compression
Authors: Kuroda Hiroyuki , Hokosaki Tatsunori , Machida Daisuke
Published: August 2020

Seroma formation is a relatively rare complication seen after a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt. Herein, we report a rare case of seroma formation on the posterior aspect of the left atrium without it touching the graft, and presenting with shock, due to pulmonary vein compression.
Vitamin D can be effective on the prevention of COVID-19 complications: A narrative review on molecular aspects
Authors: Shiravi Amir-Abbas , Saadatkish Milad , Abdollahi Zeinab , Miar Paniz , Khanahmad Hossein , Zeinalian Mehrdad
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The widespread COVID-19 pandemic has been, currently, converted to a catastrophic human health challenge. Vitamin D (VD) and its metabolites have been used as a palliative treatment for chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases from ancient times. In the current study, some molecular aspects of the potential effects of VD against COVID-19 side-effects have been discussed. An arguable role in autophagy or apoptosis control has been suggested for VD through calcium signaling at the mitochondrial and ER levels. 1,25(OH)2D3 is also an immunomodulator that affects the development of B-cells, T-cells, and NK cells in both innate and acquired immunity. The production of some anti-microbial molecules such as defensins and cathelicidins is also stimulated by VD. The overexpression of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, and down-regulation of NADPH oxidase are induced by VD to reduce the oxidative stress. Moreover, the multi-organ failure due to a cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV2 in COVID-19 may be prevented by the immunomodulatory effects of VD. It can also downregulate the renin-angiotensin system which has a protective role against cardiovascular complications induced by COVID-19. Given the many experimental and molecular evidences due to the potential protective effects of VD on the prevention of the COVID-19-induced morbidities, a VD supplementation is suggested to prevent the lethal side-effects of the infection. It is particularly recommended in VD-deficient patients or those at greater risk of serious or critical effects of COVID-19, including the elderly, and patients with pre-existing chronic diseases, especially those in nursing homes, care facilities, and hospitals.
Die Lebenssituation von Menschen mit Demenz und pflegenden Angehörigen während der Coronavirus-Pandemie
Authors: Geyer Jennifer , Böhm Fabiola , Müller Julia , Friedrichs Juliane , Klatt Thomas , Schiller Christine , Kißlinger Viktoria , Meyer Gabriele , Heinrich Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die aufgrund der Coronavirus-Pandemie veranlassten Maßnahmen haben weitreichende Folgen für den Alltag von Menschen mit Demenz und ihren pflegenden Angehörigen. Beide Gruppen gehören meist zur Risikogruppe und sollen sich entsprechend stark einschränken. Die Alltagssituation wird dadurch erschwert, dass Betreuungsleistungen und Entlastungsangebote pausieren. Zudem haben Menschen mit Demenz Schwierigkeiten, die Beschränkungen und Hygieneregeln zu verstehen und umzusetzen. Ziel: Die Studie will die aktuelle Lebenssituation aus Sicht der pflegenden Angehörigen und der Menschen mit Demenz beschreiben. Methode: Zu zwei Erhebungszeitpunkten im Frühjahr 2020 wurden Telefoninterviews mit 21 pflegenden Angehörigen und Menschen mit Demenz geführt und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Situation wird von den Befragten unterschiedlich erlebt. Besonders die soziale Isolation, der erhöhte Betreuungs- und Pflegeaufwand, die Ungewissheit der Situation und die Zunahme von psychischen Symptomen werden als belastend beschrieben. Bezüglich der Bewältigung der Situation werden die Unterstützung durch das soziale Umfeld, alternative Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten, Erfahrungen mit vergleichbaren Krisen, die Stabilität der Versorgung und der Umgang mit Informationen thematisiert. Schlussfolgerungen: Pflegende Angehörige und Menschen mit Demenz fühlen sich durch die Coronavirus-Pandemie belastet, verfügen häufig jedoch über Bewältigungsstrategien für die besondere Situation. Insbesondere informelle Hilfen sind dabei ein wichtiger Unterstützungsmechanismus.
Projekt FömaK – Förderung mathematischer Kompetenzen
Authors: Schöfl Martin , Winkler Kurt , Weber Christoph
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Einleitung: An 16 österreichischen Grundschulen mit 292 Schülerinnen und Schülern wurde und wird pilotiert, wie Pädagoginnen und Pädagogen in einer ganzen Bildungsregion mathematische Kompetenzen bei Kindern erfassen, Risiko detektieren und Fördergruppen betreuen können. Über eine Homepage wurde Information zum Erhebungsstatus und zum begleitenden Fortbildungskonzept der Lehrkräfte transportiert. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird der Pilotabschnitt zur Erhebung und Förderung in der 2. Klasse Grundschule beschrieben. Methode: Geprüft wurde in der vorliegenden Studie, (a) welche diagnostischen Wege – einzelne Stationen der Diagnostik, wie standardisierte Testung arithmetischen Faktenwissens, Einschätzungen durch Lehrkräfte, qualitative Rechenverfahren – in der Nominierung von Risikokindern Übereinstimmung erbringen und (b) welchen Effekt ein nachfolgendes Training unter Anleitung der Pädagoginnen aufweist. Ergebnis: Bei etwa ¾ der Stichprobe deckten sich die Einschätzungen der Pädagoginnen und Pädagogen mit einem normierten Speed-Test zur Erfassung basaler Rechenanwendungen, bei einem Viertel kam zur Klärung ein weiteres, informelles und prozessorientiertes Verfahren zum Einsatz. Die Effekte des nachfolgenden Trainings über 10 Wochen hinweg im Rahmen des schulischen Unterrichts waren heterogen: während in manchen Klassen statistisch bedeutsame Fortschritte gemacht wurden, fehlten diese in anderen. Einflüsse von Geschlecht der Kinder und dem Alter der Unterrichtenden waren nicht ausschlaggebend. Diskussion: Die Implementierung eines dreistufigen Diagnoseverfahrens zur Erhebung von Schwächen in der Rechenentwicklung wurde großflächig ausgeführt und positiv angenommen. Die Ergänzung der Lehrkräfte-Einschätzung durch einen normierten Speed-Test und auch der Einsatz eines informellen Rechenverfahrens beeinflussten die Bewertung er Rechenentwicklung einzelner Schüler und somit die Entscheidung für oder gegen eine spezifische Förderung. Diese zeigte geringe statistische Effekte, vorrangig erklärt durch eine zu geringe Förderfrequenz und zu geringes Fördermonitoring. Diese Informationen werden für die Planung weiterführender Interventionen verwertet.
Tracking Air Pollution from Ghana’s E-Waste Site
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: August 2020

Researchers established a relatively low cost method that could help countries with limited monitoring capabilities measure particulate pollution in their skies.
Observation of supersymmetric pseudo-Landau levels in strained microwave graphene
Authors: Bellec Matthieu , Poli Charles , Kuhl Ulrich , Mortessagne Fabrice , Schomerus Henning
Published: August 2020

Using an array of coupled microwave resonators arranged in a deformed honeycomb lattice, we experimentally observe the formation of pseudo-Landau levels in the whole crossover from vanishing to large pseudomagnetic field strengths. This result is achieved by utilising an adaptable setup in a geometry that is compatible with the pseudo-Landau levels at all field strengths. The adopted approach enables us to observe the fully formed flat-band pseudo-Landau levels spectrally as sharp peaks in the photonic density of states and image the associated wavefunctions spatially, where we provide clear evidence for a characteristic nodal structure reflecting the previously elusive supersymmetry in the underlying low-energy theory. In particular, we resolve the full sublattice polarisation of the anomalous 0th pseudo-Landau level, which reveals a deep connection to zigzag edge states in the unstrained case.
Octupole corner state in a three-dimensional topological circuit
Authors: Liu Shuo , Ma Shaojie , Zhang Qian , Zhang Lei , Yang Cheng , You Oubo , Gao Wenlong , Xiang Yuanjiang , Cui Tie Jun , Zhang Shuang
Published: August 2020

Higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) represent a new family of topological materials featuring quantized bulk polarizations and zero-dimensional corner states. In recent years, zero-dimensional corner states have been demonstrated in two-dimensional systems in the form of quadrupole modes or dipole modes. Due to the challenges in designing and constructing three-dimensional systems, octupole corner modes in 3D have not been observed. In this work, we experimentally investigate octupole topological phases in a three-dimensional electrical circuit, which can be viewed as a cubic lattice version of the Hofstadter model with a π-flux threading each plaquette. We experimentally observe in our higher-order topological circuit a 0D corner state manifested as a localized impedance peak. The observed corner state in the electrical circuit is induced by the octupole moment of the bulk circuit and is topologically protected by anticommuting spatial symmetries of the circuit lattice. Our work provides a platform for investigating higher-order topological effects in three-dimensional electrical circuits.
Comparison of nonhuman primates identified the suitable model for COVID-19
Authors: Lu Shuaiyao , Zhao Yuan , Yu Wenhai , Yang Yun , Gao Jiahong , Wang Junbin , Kuang Dexuan , Yang Mengli , Yang Jing , Ma Chunxia , Xu Jingwen , Qian Xingli , Li Haiyan , Zhao Siwen , Li Jingmei , Wang Haixuan , Long Haiting , Zhou Jingxian , Luo Fangyu , Ding Kaiyun , Wu Daoju , Zhang Yong , Dong Yinliang , Liu Yuqin , Zheng Yinqiu , Lin Xiaochen , Jiao Li , Zheng Huanying , Dai Qing , Sun Qiangming , Hu Yunzhang , Ke Changwen , Liu Hongqi , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: August 2020

Identification of a suitable nonhuman primate (NHP) model of COVID-19 remains challenging. Here, we characterized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in three NHP species: Old World monkeys Macaca mulatta (M. mulatta) and Macaca fascicularis (M. fascicularis) and New World monkey Callithrix jacchus (C. jacchus). Infected M. mulatta and M. fascicularis showed abnormal chest radiographs, an increased body temperature and a decreased body weight. Viral genomes were detected in swab and blood samples from all animals. Viral load was detected in the pulmonary tissues of M. mulatta and M. fascicularis but not C. jacchus. Furthermore, among the three animal species, M. mulatta showed the strongest response to SARS-CoV-2, including increased inflammatory cytokine expression and pathological changes in the pulmonary tissues. Collectively, these data revealed the different susceptibilities of Old World and New World monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 and identified M. mulatta as the most suitable for modeling COVID-19.
Cryptic speciation of a pelagic Roseobacter population varying at a few thousand nucleotide sites
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Yao , Ren Minglei , Xia Tingying , Chu Xiao , Liu Chang , Lin Xingqin , Huang Yongjie , Chen Zhuoyu , Yan Aixin , Luo Haiwei
Published: August 2020

A drop of seawater contains numerous microspatial niches at the scale relevant to microbial activities. Examples are abiotic niches such as detrital particles that show different sizes and organic contents, and biotic niches resulting from bacteria–phage and bacteria–phytoplankton interactions. A common practice to investigate the impact of microenvironments on bacterial evolution is to separate the microenvironments physically and compare the bacterial inhabitants from each. It remains poorly understood, however, which microenvironment primarily drives bacterioplankton evolution in the pelagic ocean. By applying a dilution cultivation approach to an undisturbed coastal water sample, we isolate a bacterial population affiliated with the globally dominant Roseobacter group. Although varying at just a few thousand nucleotide sites across the whole genomes, members of this clonal population are diverging into two genetically separated subspecies. Genes underlying speciation are not unique to subspecies but instead clustered at the shared regions that represent ~6% of the genomic DNA. They are primarily involved in vitamin synthesis, motility, oxidative defense, carbohydrate, and amino acid utilization, consistent with the known strategies that roseobacters take to interact with phytoplankton and particles. Physiological assays corroborate that one subspecies outcompetes the other in these traits. Our results indicate that the microenvironments in the pelagic ocean represented by phytoplankton and organic particles are likely important niches that drive the cryptic speciation of the Roseobacter population, though microhabitats contributed by other less abundant pelagic hosts cannot be ruled out.
Mild maternal sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy and offspring growth and adiposity in the first 3 years of life
Authors: Brener Avivit , Lebenthal Yael , Levy Sigal , Dunietz Galit Levi , Sever Orna , Tauman Riva
Published: August 2020

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy has been linked to adverse fetal outcomes. Since the intrauterine milieu plays a critical role in childhood growth, we explored the interactions between maternal SDB and offspring growth and adiposity patterns during infancy. Fifty-eight healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies underwent an objective sleep study and laboratory evaluation during the third trimester, their offspring underwent a 3-year growth surveillance. The 14 (24.1%) women with SDB had a higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.003), elevated C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.003), and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels (P = 0.009) than the women without SDB. A general linear model evaluated the interactions between maternal SDB and offspring growth and adiposity measurements after controlling for gestational age and maternal and paternal BMIs. The offspring of mothers with SDB had a significantly smaller head circumference at birth (P = 0.004), with a distinctive pattern of catchup growth by the end of the first year of life (P = 0.018). Their growth pattern was distinguished by compromised birth weight-to-length, rapid catch-up growth, and an increase in both weight-to-length and triceps thickness by the age of three (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Our findings suggest that maternal SDB during pregnancy affects head circumference growth and adiposity acquisition from birth through infancy.