bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral atrophy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis parallels the pathological distribution of TDP43
Authors: Dadar Mahsa , Manera Ana Laura , Zinman Lorne , Korngut Lawrence , Genge Angela , Graham Simon J , Frayne Richard , Collins D Louis , Kalra Sanjay
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a preferential involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons. Evidence from neuroimaging and post-mortem studies confirms additional involvement of brain regions extending beyond the motor cortex. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of cerebral disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cross-sectionally and longitudinally and to compare the findings with a recently proposed disease-staging model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology. Deformation-based morphometry was used to identify the patterns of brain atrophy associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to assess their relationship with clinical symptoms. Longitudinal T1-weighted MRI data and clinical measures were acquired at baseline, 4 months and 8 months, from 66 patients and 43 age-matched controls who participated in the Canadian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neuroimaging Consortium study. Whole brain voxel-wise mixed-effects modelling analysis showed extensive atrophy patterns differentiating patients from the normal controls. Cerebral atrophy was present in the motor cortex and corticospinal tract, involving both grey matter and white matter, and to a lesser extent in non-motor regions. More specifically, the results showed significant bilateral atrophy in the motor cortex and corticospinal tract (including the internal capsule and brainstem) and ventricular enlargement, along with significant longitudinal atrophy in precentral gyrus, frontal and parietal white matter, accompanied by ventricular and sulcal enlargement. Atrophy in the precentral gyrus was significantly associated with greater disability as quantified with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (P < 0.0001). The pattern of atrophy observed using deformation-based morphometry was consistent with the Brettschneider’s four-stage pathological model of the disease. Deformation-based morphometry provides a sensitive indicator of atrophy in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and has potential as a biomarker of disease burden, in both grey matter and white matter.
Embodied Cognition in Communication Science
Authors: Hardy Bruce W
Published: June 2020

Communication science is primarily based on traditional disembodied theories of cognition that inform much of the field's research endeavors. However, recent theories of embodied cognition that situate knowledge acquisition and attitude formation processes in our sensorimotor systems have challenged traditional amodal assumptions. While an embodied perspective is embraced in communication research related to virtual reality (VR), it has not been widely adopted in other areas of communication science. In this article, I (a) introduce and review relevant embodied cognition scholarship from various fields, (b) explicate embodiment in social interactions and language, (c) discuss embodied mental simulation, imagery, and visualization, (d) briefly present ways in which embodiment is currently being used to inform contemporary communication research related to VR, (e) explain how embodied mental simulation can be incorporated with traditional communication models, and (f) conclude with a call for nuanced theorizing and triangulated empirical support for communication theory with an embodied perspective.
The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on esophagogastric cancer services: an international survey of esophagogastric surgeons
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K , Markar Sheraz R , Singh Pritam , Griffiths Ewen A ,   Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit Group
Published: June 2020

Background

Several guidelines to guide clinical practice among esophagogastric surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic were produced. However, none provide reflection of current service provision. This international survey aimed to clarify the changes observed in esophageal and gastric cancer management and surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey covering key areas for esophagogastric cancer services, including staging investigations and oncological and surgical therapy before and during (at two separate time-points—24th March 2020 and 18th April 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic were developed.

Results

A total of 234 respondents from 225 centers and 49 countries spanning six continents completed the first round of the online survey, of which 79% (n = 184) completed round 2. There was variation in the availability of staging investigations ranging from 26.5% for endoscopic ultrasound to 62.8% for spiral computed tomography scan. Definitive chemoradiotherapy was offered in 14.8% (adenocarcinoma) and 47.0% (squamous cell carcinoma) of respondents and significantly increased by almost three-fold and two-fold, respectively, in both round 1 and 2. There were uncertainty and heterogeneity surrounding prioritization of patients undergoing cancer resections. Of the surgeons symptomatic with COVID-19, only 40.2% (33/82) had routine access to COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction testing for staff. Of those who had testing available (n = 33), only 12.1% (4/33) had tested positive.

Conclusions

These data highlight management challenges and several practice variations in caring for patients with esophagogastric cancers. Therefore, there is a need for clear consistent guidelines to be in place in the event of a further pandemic to ensure a standardized level of oncological care for patients with esophagogastric cancers.
Machine learning estimation of heterogeneous causal effects: Empirical Monte Carlo evidence
Authors: Knaus Michael C , Lechner Michael , Strittmatter Anthony
Published: June 2020

We investigate the finite-sample performance of causal machine learning estimators for heterogeneous causal effects at different aggregation levels. We employ an empirical Monte Carlo study that relies on arguably realistic data generation processes (DGPs) based on actual data in an observational setting. We consider 24 DGPs, eleven causal machine learning estimators, and three aggregation levels of the estimated effects. Four of the considered estimators perform consistently well across all DGPs and aggregation levels. These estimators have multiple steps to account for the selection into the treatment and the outcome process.
Mechanisms of Soybean Host-Plant Resistance Against Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae)
Authors: Lahiri S , Reisig D D , Dean Lisa L , Reay-Jones F P F , Greene J K , Carter T E , Mian R , Fallen B D
Published: June 2020

A number of soybean varieties traditionally bred for resistance to various soybean arthropod pests have been identified as resistant to Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). However, the mechanisms of host-plant resistance (HPR) in this system are not understood. The goal of this study was to identify the mechanisms of resistance by examining the role of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and free amino acids (FAAs) among 16 soybean varieties. Choice and no-choice cage experiments identified several soybean varieties that demonstrated antixenosis as well as antibiosis. However, resistance varied over time in certain soybean varieties, such as N02-7002 and PI567352B. Mean nymph number from choice experiments had positive correlations with the FAAs asparagine, tryptophan, alanine, phenylanaline, and serine; negative correlation with leucine and threonine. Four plant volatiles, hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, beta-cyclocitral, and cis-9-hexadecenal, were positively correlated with subsequent nymph development, whereas n-hexadecenoic acid was negatively correlated with nymph number only, in adult choice cage experiments. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms of HPR through associations with plant VOCs and FAAs in relation to M. cribraria development and provides useful knowledge for developing soybean varieties for M. cribraria management.
Echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women from the general population
Authors: Lundorff Ingrid , Modin Daniel , Mogelvang Rasmus , Godsk Jørgensen Peter , Schnohr Peter , Gislason Gunnar , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: June 2020

Aims

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcome in men. However, studies have indicated that GLS may not predict cardiovascular outcomes as effectively in women. The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women from the general population.

Methods and results

A total of 1245 women from the general population free of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation had an echocardiographic examination performed including tissue Doppler imaging. In this subset, 747 women had images eligible for strain analysis. Endpoint was a composite of acute myocardial infarction, HF, and cardiovascular death. During follow-up (median 12.5 years), 162 women (13.0%) reached the composite outcome. These women had higher left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI), more LV hypertrophy, lower E/A, higher E/e′, larger LV dimensions, and longer deceleration time. LVMI and e′ remained as significant predictors of the composite outcome [LVMI: hazard ratio (HR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.17, P = 0.004, per 5 g/m2 increase] (e′: HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07–2.20, P = 0.020, per 1 cm/s decrease) after adjusting for age, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, smoking status, prevalent ischaemic heart disease, LV ejection fraction, E/e′, E, E/A, interventricular septum thickness in diastole, left ventricular posterior wall in diastole, a′, body surface area, and pro-brain natriuretic peptide. GLS was not an independent predictor of outcome after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion

The degree of LV hypertrophy assessed as LVMI and diastolic dysfunction evaluated by e′ are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome in women from the general population.
Standardized pulmonary vein isolation workflow to enclose veins with contiguous lesions: the multicentre VISTAX trial
Authors: Duytschaever Mattias , Vijgen Johan , De Potter Tom , Scherr Daniel , Van Herendael Hugo , Knecht Sebastien , Kobza Richard , Berte Benjamin , Sandgaard Niels , Albenque Jean-Paul , Szeplaki Gabor , Stevenhagen Yorick Jeroen , Taghji Philippe , Wright Matthew , Macours Nathalie , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: June 2020

Aims

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using a standardized workflow aiming to enclose the veins with contiguous and optimized radiofrequency lesions.

Methods and results

This multicentre, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at 17 European sites. Pulmonary vein isolation was guided by VISITAG SURPOINT (VS target ≥550 on the anterior wall; ≥400 on the posterior wall) and intertag distance (≤6 mm). Atrial arrhythmia recurrence was stringently monitored with weekly and symptom-driven transtelephonic monitoring on top of standard-of-care monitoring (24-h Holter and 12-lead electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up). Three hundred and forty participants with drug refractory PAF were enrolled. Acute effectiveness (first-pass isolation proof to a 30-min wait period and adenosine challenge) was 82.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 77.4–86.7%]. At 12-month follow-up, the rate of freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia was 78.3% (95% CI 73.8–82.8%), while freedom from atrial arrhythmia by standard-of-care monitoring was 89.4% (95% CI 78.8–87.0%). Freedom fromrepeat ablations by the Kaplan–Meier analysis was 90.4% during 12 months of follow-up. Of the 34 patients with repeat ablations, 14 (41.2%) demonstrated full isolation of all pulmonary vein circles. Primary adverse event (PAE) rate was 3.6% (95% CI 1.9–6.3%).

Conclusions

The VISTAX trial demonstrated that a standardized PAF ablation workflow aiming for contiguous lesions leads to low rates of PAEs, high acute first-pass isolation rates, and 12-month freedom from arrhythmias approaching 80%. Further research is needed to improve the reproducibility of the outcomes across a wider range of centres.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03062046, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03062046.
Prevalence of pathogens harbouring mobile antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors in retail beef and mutton
Authors: Liu Ying , Cui Yifang , Peng Wenjing , Huang Baoyong , Ma Lichao , Zheng Min , Ding Shuangyang , Zhu Kui
Published: June 2020

Food safety is always a global issue, due to the increased dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and food poisoning related to foodborne bacterial pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of potential foodborne bacteria of beef and mutton in retail stores. A total of 134 samples were collected from 24 local markets in Beijing, including raw and cooked beef or mutton, as well as samples derived from the corresponding environment and human beings. We obtained 674 isolates, of which Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the dominant bacterial species in the meat samples and the environmental samples, respectively. Additionally, environmental bacteria are common in samples from different sources. Based on the results of antimicrobial sensitivity testing, resistance to tetracycline (with a resistance rate of 47.40%), amoxicillin + clavulanate (47.13%) and erythromycin (28.03%) were the major resistant phenotypes. According to the whole genome analysis, the extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes harboured by two K. pneumoniae strains isolated from cooked and raw beef were located on mobile elements. The major toxin genes of Bacillus cereus and adhesion- or invasion-related virulence factors were also shared among isolates from different sources. These factors pose potential risks to public health and need attention.
Associations of Actigraphic Sleep Parameters With Fatigability in Older Adults
Authors: Alfini Alfonso J , Schrack Jennifer A , Urbanek Jacek K , Wanigatunga Amal A , Wanigatunga Sarah K , Zipunnikov Vadim , Ferrucci Luigi , Simonsick Eleanor M , Spira Adam P
Published: June 2020

Background

Poor sleep may increase the likelihood of fatigue, and both are common in later life. However, prior studies of the sleep–fatigue relationship used subjective measures or were conducted in clinical populations; thus, the nature of this association in healthier community-dwelling older adults remains unclear. We studied the association of actigraphic sleep parameters with perceived fatigability—fatigue in response to a standardized task—and with conventional fatigue symptoms of low energy or tiredness.

Methods

We studied 382 cognitively normal participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (aged 73.1 ± 10.3 years, 53.1% women) who completed 6.7 ± 0.9 days of wrist actigraphy and a perceived fatigability assessment, including rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after a 5-minute treadmill walk or the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS). Participants also reported non-standardized symptoms of fatigue.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, race, height, weight, comorbidity index, and depressive symptoms, shorter total sleep time (TST; <6.3 hours vs intermediate TST ≥6.3 to 7.2 hours) was associated with high RPE fatigability (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 5.06, p = .007), high PFS physical (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.38, p = .035), and high mental fatigability (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.02, 4.50, p = .044), whereas longer TST was also associated with high mental fatigability (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.02, 4.71, p = .043). Additionally, longer wake bout length was associated with high RPE fatigability (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.07, p = .005), and greater wake after sleep onset was associated with high mental fatigability (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.28, p = .036).

Conclusion

Among well-functioning older adults, abnormal sleep duration and sleep fragmentation are associated with greater perceived fatigability.
Automated Muscle Measurement on Chest CT Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults From the National Lung Screening Trial
Authors: Lenchik Leon , Barnard Ryan , Boutin Robert D , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Chen Haiying , Tan Josh , Cawthon Peggy M , Weaver Ashley A , Hsu Fang-Chi
Published: June 2020

Background

Muscle metrics derived from computed tomography (CT) are associated with adverse health events in older persons, but obtaining these metrics using current methods is not practical for large datasets. We developed a fully automated method for muscle measurement on CT images. This study aimed to determine the relationship between muscle measurements on CT with survival in a large multicenter trial of older adults.

Method

The relationship between baseline paraspinous skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) and survival over 6 years was determined in 6,803 men and 4,558 women (baseline age: 60–69 years) in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The automated machine learning pipeline selected appropriate CT series, chose a single image at T12, and segmented left paraspinous muscle, recording cross-sectional area and density. Associations between SMA and SMD with all-cause mortality were determined using sex-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, race, height, weight, pack-years of smoking, and presence of diabetes, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at enrollment.

Results

After a mean 6.44 ± 1.06 years of follow-up, 635 (9.33%) men and 265 (5.81%) women died. In men, higher SMA and SMD were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, in fully adjusted models. A one-unit standard deviation increase was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79, 0.91; p < .001) for SMA and HR = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.98; p = .012) for SMD. In women, the associations did not reach significance.

Conclusion

Higher paraspinous SMA and SMD, automatically derived from CT exams, were associated with better survival in a large multicenter cohort of community-dwelling older men.
Does Living in a Higher Proportion Minority Facility Improve Quality of Life for Racial/Ethnic Minority Residents in Nursing Homes?
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P , Ng Weiwen , Bowblis John R
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

The proportion of racial/ethnic minority older adults in nursing homes (NHs) has increased dramatically and will surpass the proportion of white adults by 2030.Yet, little is known about minority groups’ experiences related to the quality of life (QOL). QOL is a person-centered measure, capturing multiple aspects of well-being. NH quality has been commonly measured using clinical care indicators, but there is growing recognition for the need to include QOL. This study examines the role of individual race/ethnicity, facility racial/ethnic composition, and the interaction of both for NH resident QOL.

Research Design and Methods

We used a unique state-level data set that includes self-reported QOL surveys with a random sample of long-stay Minnesota NH residents, using a multidimensional measure of QOL. These surveys were linked to resident clinical data from the Minimum Dataset 3.0 and facility-level characteristics. Minnesota is one of the two states in the nation that collects validated QOL measures, linked to data on resident and detailed facility characteristics. We used mixed-effects models, with random intercepts to model summary QOL score and individual domains.

Results

We identified significant racial disparities in NH resident QOL. Minority residents report significantly lower QOL scores than white residents, and NHs with higher proportion minority residents have significantly lower QOL scores. Minority residents have significantly lower adjusted QOL than white residents, whether they are in low- or high-minority facilities, indicating a remaining gap in individual care needs.

Discussion and Implications

The findings highlight system-level racial disparities in NH residents QOL, with residents who live in high-proportion minority NHs facing the greatest threats to their QOL. Efforts need to focus on reducing racial/ethnic disparities in QOL, including potential public reporting (similar to quality of care) and resources and attention to provision of culturally sensitive care in NHs to address residents’ unique needs.
SnpHub: an easy-to-set-up web server framework for exploring large-scale genomic variation data in the post-genomic era with applications in wheat
Authors: Wang Wenxi , Wang Zihao , Li Xintong , Ni Zhongfu , Hu Zhaorong , Xin Mingming , Peng Huiru , Yao Yingyin , Sun Qixin , Guo Weilong
Published: June 2020

Background

The cost of high-throughput sequencing is rapidly decreasing, allowing researchers to investigate genomic variations across hundreds or even thousands of samples in the post-genomic era. The management and exploration of these large-scale genomic variation data require programming skills. The public genotype querying databases of many species are usually centralized and implemented independently, making them difficult to update with new data over time. Currently, there is a lack of a widely used framework for setting up user-friendly web servers to explore new genomic variation data in diverse species.

Results

Here, we present SnpHub, a Shiny/R-based server framework for retrieving, analysing, and visualizing large-scale genomic variation data that can be easily set up on any Linux server. After a pre-building process based on the provided VCF files and genome annotation files, the local server allows users to interactively access single-nucleotide polymorphisms and small insertions/deletions with annotation information by locus or gene and to define sample sets through a web page. Users can freely analyse and visualize genomic variations in heatmaps, phylogenetic trees, haplotype networks, or geographical maps. Sample-specific sequences can be accessed as replaced by detected sequence variations.

Conclusions

SnpHub can be applied to any species, and we build up a SnpHub portal website for wheat and its progenitors based on published data in recent studies. SnpHub and its tutorial are available at http://guoweilong.github.io/SnpHub/. The wheat-SnpHub-portal website can be accessed at http://wheat.cau.edu.cn/Wheat_SnpHub_Portal/.
Signal Activation of Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocarcinogenesis by Up-regulation of SUV39h1
Authors: Takeuchi Yasue , Tsuge Masataka , Tsushima Ken , Suehiro Yosuke , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Yamauchi Masami , Makokha Grace Naswa , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Abe-Chayama Hiromi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Imamura Michio , Aikata Hiroshi , Hayes C Nelson , Tateno Chise , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: June 2020

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) protein is associated with hepatocellular carcinogenesis via the induction of malignant transformation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the association between HBx and histone methyltransferase in carcinogenesis has not been fully clarified. In the current study, we analyzed the association between HBx and the histone methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3–9 homolog 1 (SUV39h1) using HBV replication models.

Methods

We constructed several HBx and SUV39h1 expression plasmids and analyzed the association between HBx and SUV39h1 with respect to HBV replication and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Results

SUV39h1 up-regulation was observed in HBV-infected humanized mouse livers and clinical HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, indicating that SUV39h1 expression might be regulated by HBV infection. Through in vitro analysis, we determined that the coactivator domain of HBx interacts with the PSET (PostSET) and SET (Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste, Trithorax) domains of SUV39h1. The expression levels of 4 genes, activating transcription factor 6, α-fetoprotein, growth arrest and DNA damage–inducible 45a, and dual-specificity phosphatase 1, known to induce carcinogenesis via HBx expression, were up-regulated by HBx and further up-regulated in the presence of both HBx and SUV39h1. Furthermore, histone methyltransferase activity, the main function of SUV39h1, was enhanced in the presence of HBx.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that SUV39h1 and HBx enhance each other’s activity, leading to HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. We propose that regulation of this interaction could help suppress development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score for Liver Cirrhosis Prediction in Untreated and Treated Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Le An K , Yang Hwai-I , Yeh Ming-Lun , Jin Mingjuan , Trinh Huy N , Henry Linda , Liu Anne , Zhang Jian Q , Li Jiayi , Wong Christopher , Wong Clifford , Cheung Ramsey , Yu Ming-Lung , Nguyen Mindie H
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis, but there are limited noninvasive tools available to estimate cirrhosis risk, including in patients receiving antiviral therapy. This study developed and validated a simple model to assess risk in CHB patients.

Methods

The derivation cohort included 3000 CHB patients from 6 centers in the United States, with 52.60% receiving antiviral therapy. External validation was performed for 4552 CHB individuals from similar cohorts in Taiwan, with 21.27% receiving therapy. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to screen predictors and develop the risk score for cirrhosis. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were calculated for predictive value.

Results

Sex, age, diabetes, antiviral treatment status/duration, hepatitis B e-antigen, and baseline alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly associated with increased cirrhosis risk. A 13-point risk score was developed based on these predictors. The AUROCs for predicting cirrhosis risk were 0.82 at 3 years, 0.85 at 5 years, and 0.89 at 10 years in the derivation cohort, and 0.82, 0.79, and 0.77 in the validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a simple cirrhosis prediction model with an independent external cohort that can be applied to both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced CHB patients in diverse settings and locations.
Gene Flow Between Bt and Non-Bt Plants in a Seed Mixture Increases Dominance of Resistance to Pyramided Bt Corn in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Carrière Yves , Degain Ben A , Harpold Virginia S , Unnithan Gopalan C , Tabashnik Bruce E
Published: June 2020

For delaying evolution of pest resistance to transgenic corn producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, limited data are available to compare the effectiveness of refuges of non-Bt corn planted in seed mixtures versus blocks. Here we addressed this issue in the ear-feeding pest Helicoverpa zea Boddie by measuring its survival and development in the laboratory on ears from field plots with 90% Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn and 10% non-Bt corn planted in a seed mixture or blocks. We compared a strain of H. zea selected for resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory, its parent strain not selected in the laboratory, and their F1 progeny. The relative survival of the F1 progeny and dominance of resistance were higher on ears from Bt plants in the seed mixture than the block. Half of the kernels in ears from non-Bt plants in the seed mixture produced both Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab. However, survival on ears from non-Bt plants did not differ between the block and seed mixture. In simulations based on the observed survival, resistance to Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn evolved faster with the seed mixture than the blocks, because of the higher dominance of resistance in the seed mixture. Increasing the refuge percentage improved durability of Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn more for the blocks than the seed mixture. These findings imply that, for a given percentage of non-Bt corn, resistance of H. zea and other ear-feeding pests to multi-toxin Bt corn is likely to evolve faster for seed mixtures than blocks.
Penis morphology facilitates identification of cryptic African bat species
Authors: Fasel Nicolas J , Mamba Mnqobi L , Monadjem Ara
Published: June 2020

Africa hosts a high number of bat species, many of which have been poorly studied. Among African vesper bats (Vespertilionidae), some species are morphologically similar to each other, hampering identification in the field. Consequently, basic information on these species’ population dynamics, distributions, or behaviors is vague and/or incorrectly documented. Among some Vespertilionidae, variation in flaccid penis shape enables species identification. This variation in morphology is thought to have resulted from sexual selection operating on the erect penis. Furthermore, in the context of strong postcopulatory competition, divergence in sperm traits may have evolved among closely related species. These male reproductive characters have hitherto not been investigated in southern African vespertilionid bats. In this study, we present the morphology of flaccid penis, erect penis, and sperm, of six small vesper species, based on the prediction that these characters have evolved sufficiently toward different optima to allow species discrimination. Species identification based solely on the morphological characters of the penis entirely matched species identification based on traditional (craniodental) characters. We illustrate penis morphology of these species to assist with field identifications for future ecological, conservation, or behavioral studies. Sperm morphology was sufficient to discriminate between the different genera, but could not reliably separate Neoromicia nana, Ne. zuluensis, and Ne. capensis. Hence, we demonstrate that these difficult to identify species can be readily distinguished based on traits directly observable in the field and on living animals, which will lead to more focused field studies on these otherwise morphologically cryptic species. Finally, our comparisons of penis morphology support the suggestion that Hypsugo anchietae is better placed within the genus Neoromicia.
Ultrastructure of the Immature Stages ofMusca domestica(Diptera: Muscidae: Muscinae)
Authors: Cortinhas Lucas Barbosa , Martins Mendonça Paloma , Braga Marina Vianna , Queiroz Margareth Maria de Carvalho
Published: June 2020

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a muscoid species that is widespread throughout the world and acts as a mechanical vector of different enteropathogens primarily in underdeveloped countries. The adult and its immature forms are associated with decaying organic matter and can be seen visiting human corpses and animal carcass, and the larvae can also cause an infestation on human and animal wounds, feeding on the tissues. These characteristics make them have a forensic significance and, mainly, a great sanitary importance. This study aimed to analyze and describe morphological aspects of their immature stages of M. domestica, including the eggs, the first-, second-, and third-instar larvae, and the puparium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The eggs have standard format that all muscoid flies shared. The exochorion has some modified cells that were used for embryonic respiration. The first-instar larvae present two openings on the posterior spiracle as in the second-instar larvae, but with the last one, we can observe the anterior spiracle structure. The third-instar larvae, as in some other Muscidae species, have a posterior spiracular opening with a sinuous form that is located near the edge of the spiracular plate. The puparium morphology is equal to the third instar with a respiratory structure that helps the breathing during the metamorphosis process. This article supports the need for knowledge over the morphological characteristics of the immature forms of the muscoid Diptera (Linnaeus, 1758) at the same time helping with the correct identification of this insect phase.
Determining the co-rotation radii of spiral galaxies using spiral arm pitch angle measurements at multiple wavelengths
Authors: Abdeen Shameer , Kennefick Daniel , Kennefick Julia , Miller Ryan , Shields Douglas W , Monson Erik B , Davis Benjamin L
Published: June 2020

The spiral arms spanning disc galaxies are believed to be created by density waves that propagate through galactic discs. We present a novel method of finding the co-rotation radius where the spiral arm pattern speed matches the velocities of the stars within the disc. Our method uses an image-overlay technique, which involves tracing the arms of spiral galaxies on images observed in different wavelengths. Density wave theory predicts that spiral arms observed from different wavelengths show a phase crossing at the co-rotation radius. For the purpose of this study, 20 nearby galaxies were analysed in four different wavelengths with pitch angle measurements performed by two independent methods. We used optical wavelength images (B band 440 nm), two infrared wavelength images provided by Spitzer (3.6 and 8 μm) and ultraviolet images from GALEX (1350, 1750 Å). The results were compared and verified with other records found in the literature. We then found rotation curve data for six of our galaxies and used our co-rotation radii estimates to measure the time that would elapse between star formation and moving to their observed positions in the B-band spirals. The average time lapse for this motion was found to be ∼50 Myr. The success of this new method of finding the co-rotation radius confirms density wave theory in a very direct way.
Cold H i ejected into the Magellanic Stream
Authors: Dempsey J , McClure-Griffiths N M , Jameson K , Buckland-Willis F
Published: June 2020

We report the direct detection of cold H i gas in a cloud ejected from the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) towards the Magellanic Stream. The cloud is part of a fragmented shell of H i gas on the outskirts of the SMC. This is the second direct detection of cold H i associated with the Magellanic Stream using absorption. The cold gas was detected using 21-cm H i absorption-line observations with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) towards the extra-galactic source PMN J0029−7228. We find a spin (excitation) temperature for the gas of 68 ± 20 K. We suggest that breaking super shells from the Magellanic Clouds may be a source of cold gas to supply the rest of the Magellanic Stream.
Formation of massive black holes in ultracompact dwarf galaxies: migration of primordial intermediate-mass black holes in N-body simulation
Authors: Wirth Henriette , Bekki Kenji
Published: June 2020

Recent observational studies of ultracompact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) have discovered the massive black hole (MBH), with masses of more than ${10^6~\rm M_\odot }$, in their central regions. We here consider that these MBHs can be formed through the merging of intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH), with masses of (103–105) M⊙, within the stellar nuclei of dwarf galaxies, which are progenitors of UCDs. We numerically investigate this formation process for a wide range of model parameters using N-body simulations. This means that IMBH growth and feedback is neglected in this study. We find that only massive IMBHs of $10^5~\rm M_\odot$ sink into the central regions of their host dwarf ($\approx 10^{10}~\rm M_\odot$) to be gravitationally trapped by its stellar nucleus within less than 1 Gyr in most dwarf models. We also find that lighter IMBHs with $(1\!-\!30) \times 10^3~\rm M_\odot$ sink into the centre in low-mass dwarfs ($\approx 10^{9}~\rm M_\odot$) due to more efficient dynamical frictionitionally, we show that the IMBHs can form binaries in the centre and, rarely, before they reach the centre, which may lead to the IMBHs merging and thus emitting gravitational waves that could be detected by LISA. Finally, we discuss the required number of IMBHs for the MBH formation in UCDs and the physical roles of stellar nuclei in IMBH binaries and mergers.
The Herschel SPIRE Fourier Transform Spectrometer Spectral Feature Finder – III. Line identification and off-axis spectra
Authors: Benson Chris S , Hładczuk N , Spencer L D , Robb A , Scott J , Valtchanov I , Hopwood R , Naylor. D A
Published: June 2020

The European Space Agency Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) Spectral Feature Finder (FF) project is an automated spectral feature fitting routine developed within the SPIRE instrument team to extract all prominent spectral features from all publicly available SPIRE FTS observations. We present the extension of the FF to include the off-axis detectors of the FTS in sparsely sampled single-pointing observations, the results of which have been ingested into the catalogue. We also present the results from an automated routine for identifications of the atomic/molecular transitions that correspond to the spectral features extracted by the FF. We use a template of 307 atomic fine structure and molecular lines that are commonly found in SPIRE FTS spectra for the cross-match. The routine makes use of information provided by the line identification to search for low signal-to-noise ratio features that have been excluded or missed by the iterative FF. In total, the atomic/molecular transitions of 178 942 lines are identified (corresponding to 83 per cent of the entire FF catalogue), and an additional 33 840 spectral lines associated with missing features from SPIRE FTS observations are added to the FF catalogue.
Environment from cross-correlations: connecting hot gas and the quenching of galaxies
Authors: Kukstas Egidijus , McCarthy Ian G , Baldry Ivan K , Font Andreea S
Published: June 2020

The observable properties of galaxies depend on both internal processes and the external environment. In terms of the environmental role, we still do not have a clear picture of the processes driving the transformation of galaxies. The use of proxies for environment (e.g. host halo mass, distance to the Nth nearest neighbour, etc.), as opposed to the real physical conditions (e.g. hot-gas density) may bear some responsibility for this. Here, we propose a new method that directly links galaxies to their local environments, by using spatial cross-correlations of galaxy catalogues with maps from large-scale structure surveys [e.g. thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (tSZ) effect, diffuse X-ray emission, weak lensing of galaxies, or the cosmic microwave background (CMB)]. We focus here on the quenching of galaxies and its link to local hot gas properties. Maps of galaxy overdensity and quenched fraction excess are constructed from volume-limited Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) catalogues, which are cross-correlated with tSZ effect and X-ray maps from Planck and ROSAT, respectively. Strong signals out to Mpc scales are detected for most cross-correlations and are compared to predictions from the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments (EAGLE) and BAryons and Haloes of MAssive Systems (BAHAMAS) cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. The simulations successfully reproduce many, but not all, of the observed power spectra, with an indication that environmental quenching may be too efficient in the simulations. We demonstrate that the cross-correlations are sensitive to both the internal [e.g. active galactic nucleus (AGN) and stellar feedback] and external processes (e.g. ram pressure stripping, harassment, strangulation, etc.) responsible for quenching. The methods outlined in this paper can be adapted to other observables and, with upcoming surveys, will provide a stringent test of physical models for environmental transformation.
SO007OVERHYDRATION TREATMENT WITH COMBINED CRYSTALLOID AND COLLOID PD SOLUTION
Authors: YUSTE CLAUDIA , Caro Espada Paula Jara , RODRIGUEZ GAYO LUCIA , Aguado Begoña , Aranda Maria Jesus , Bada Bosch Teresa , Praga Manuel
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids used colloid or crystalloid solutions to achieve ultrafiltration. Here we presented our clinical experience with the intraperitoneal (IP) use of mixed solutions (MS) (crystalloid plus colloid) to treat overhydration.

Method

We studied the kinetics of 4-hour single-dwell exchange using 2L MS in 3 different sessions. We analysed IP fluids and IP pressure at 0,30,60,120 and 240 min plus blood samples at 0, 120 and 240 min. MS kinetics were compared with standard 4-hour 3.86 % glucose (GS) exchange.

MS composition. We modified a single-dwell exchange of 2L Icodextrin (Extraneal, Baxter®) by adding a continuous 50% glucose infusion (50g Glucose per 100mL) in an aseptic technique through infusion pump (42 ml/h) over 4 hours.

Results

MS exchange induced a progressive increase in IP pressure with an inverse decrease in IP sodium, without significant changes in IP glucose or osmolarity. MS exchanges were well tolerated without side effects (total 25 sessions). We did not observe any remarkable change in bloods samples during the MS exchange. The combination fluid enhanced net ultrafiltration (mean 1030 ml) compared with GS (650 ml). Although the net glucose dispensed was slightly higher with MS (79 g MS vs 77.2 g GS), similar net glucose absorption was observed (49.8 g MS vs 49.9g GS) and smaller maximum intraperitoneal glucose levels (1739 mg/dL at 120 min with MS vs 2695 mg/dL with GS at 0 min). GS induced a faster initial reduction in dialysate sodium concentration while MS maintained the sodium sieving over 4-hour dwell enhancing net ultrafiltration due to sustained IP glucose concentration.

Conclusion

The combination fluid could be a new strategy to enhance ultrafiltration in PD patients, leaded by colloid osmosis at the beginning of PD exchange maintained by crystalloid osmosis. Figure (A) Intraperitoneal kinetics of MIXED SOLUTION for IP sodium (Na+ PF), Osmolarity PF and intraperitoneal pressure. (B, C, D) Comparison between MIXED SOLUTIONS (black line) vs Glucose solution 3,86 % (gray line) intraperitoneal kinetcs for sodium (B), intraperitoneal pressure (C) and glucose (D).
SO014CHANGES IN CHARACTERISTICS OF CRYSTALLURIA IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT NEPHROLITHIASIS
Authors: Di Maio Federica , Barbarini Silvia , Baccaro Rocco , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Ferraro Pietro Manuel
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

The study of crystals in the urinary sediment finds application in the diagnosis of hereditary or metabolic nephrolithiasis and in the identification of crystals from drugs.

Method

We conducted a thorough microscopic urine examination, focused on the determination of crystalluria, associated with the metabolic study at baseline and about 6 months after the start of a metaphylactic therapy, in 21 patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis, followed at the Metabolic Stone Clinic of our Institution. The analysis of the crystals was performed in parallel and blind through direct microscopic examination (MD) and automated instrumentation (SA) (SediMax analyzer - Menarini Diagnostics) of our institution. We used a semi-quantitative approach for both methods.

Results

We examined 42 sediments (21 at baseline and 21 after an average follow-up of 196±88 days) from 21 patients (8 females, 13 males), all of them showing calcium oxalate crystalluria. The analysis on baseline evaluation and follow-up on both Crystalluria MD and crystalluria SA through spaghetti plots showed a tendency to reduction of severity for the first one only. This trend is consistent with the data obtained from the metabolic studies: urinary oxalate and calcium excretions, the main drivers of calcium oxalate crystallization, which showed decreasing levels. The same examination for urinary citrate excretion showed a rising trend, again in accordance with the on-going changes in urine lithogenic profile.

Conclusion

The study of crystals in the urinary sediment, repeated over time, may represent a further indicator of the effectiveness of metaphylactic therapy and an indicator of patient adherence to the prescription in metabolic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
SO019A PREDICTIVE MODEL OF MORTALITY IN ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN THE CRITICAL PATIENT: USEFULNESS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Ibeas Jose , Lleal Elia , Macias Edwar , Rubiella Carolina , Morell Antoni , Serrano Javier , Vicario Jose
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Patients with Acute Renal Failure (ARF) have a high risk of mortality, especially those who enter the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In this population, predictive models of mortality on prognostic scales, such as SAPS-II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), linearly relate risk factors without taking into account the complex relationship's variables can have. There are models where Machine Learning (ML) techniques have been used, but there is still room for improvement. The implementation of deep artificial neural networks (DANN) can be challenging.

The literature models, using SAPS-II report an accuracy, f1 and ROC area (receiver operating curve) in ranges of 0.538-0.621, 0.333-0.377 and 0.781-0.809 respectively. The best results with ML are improved in neural networks of a hidden layer or random forest, being the best performance in the latter: accuracy 0.715-0.741, F1 0.449-0.470 and ROC between 0.862-0.870.

The aim is to evaluate and improve the predictive capacity of ML techniques for the prediction of mortality in patients with ARF admitted to the ICU, through the use of the open database MIMIC-III (Medical Information Martfor Intensive Care III).

Method

Design: Retrospective analysis of historical cooperation of 20,928 patients with ARF from Beth Israel Deaconess (Boston), from 2001 to 2012.

Method: ML algorithm based on DANN. Creation of a model to predict in-hospital mortality after discharge from the ICU with the variables of the first 24 hours after admission to the ICU.

To evaluate the robustness of the model has been performed cross-validation by separating the samples into different combinations of training and test data (k-folds). The unavailable variables haematological with means extracted from the training set of the respective fold. The DANN trained with the complex relationship's variables folds, two hidden layers of 75 and 40 neurons respectively.

Inclusion criteria: > 16 years, AKI according to KDIGO criteria and predictive variables based on SAPS-II.

Variables: Age, sex, type of admission, number of admissions in ICU, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, PaO2, FiO2, sodium, potassium, bilirubin, bicarbonate, urea, leukocytes, diuresis and diagnosis of ICD-9 (metastatic cancer, haematological malignancies).

Results

Accuracy: 76.7% 0 ± 1.7%, f1: 86.6% ± 1.9%, RO area: 0.859 ± 0.006, sensitivity: 75.7% ± 2.8%, specificity: 80.5% ± 2.9%.

Conclusion

The use of Machine Learning techniques based on deep artificial neural networks can improve the predictive ability of mortality in acute renal failure of the critically ill patient of traditional clinical risk scales and even current Machine Learning models.