bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2. Finding our place
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

When did the process of using reason to try and understand human origins begin, and how did it develop? When was the scientific method first applied to the study of human evolution? ‘Finding our place’ begins by reviewing the history of how first philosophers and then scientists came to realize that modern humans are part of the natural world. It then explains why, using advances in molecular biology, scientists think chimpanzees and bonobos are more closely related to modern humans than they are to gorillas, and why they think the common ancestor of the chimpanzee/bonobo and modern human clades lived between six and eight million years ago.
3. Fossil hominins
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

‘Fossil hominins: their discovery and context’ discusses what the hominin fossil record consists of, how it is discovered and recovered, and how it and its context are investigated, which includes the processes of dating fossils and reconstructing past environments. It reviews the evidence that can be used to investigate what the 6–8 million-year-old hominin clade looks like. How much of it can be reconstructed by looking at variation in modern humans, and what needs to be investigated by searching for, finding, and then interpreting fossil and archaeological evidence? How do researchers decide where to look for new fossil sites, and how do they date any fossils they find at those sites?
5. Early hominins
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

During the period from 8–5 million years ago, the Earth experienced the beginning of a long-term drying and cooling trend. Due to the increasing dryness, forests were replaced with open woodland, and areas of grassland began to appear. Hominin evolution began in Africa at the time of these climatic changes. ‘Early hominins: possible and probable’ reviews four collections of fossils that represent each of the ‘candidate’ species that have been put forward for being at the base of the hominin clade: Sahelanthropus tchadensis dated to 7.2–6.8 mya; Orrorin tugenensis dated to round 6 mya; Ardipithecus kadabba dated to 5.7–5.2 mya; and Ardipithecus ramidus from round 4.5 mya.
6. Archaic and transitional hominins
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

‘Archaic and transitional hominins’ considers the fossil species that almost certainly belong to the hominin clade, but which are still a long way from being like modern humans. The fossils that share more of their morphology with modern humans than they do with chimpanzees and bonobos, yet do not show the changes in jaw and tooth size and in body size and shape that characterize hominin species we are more comfortable with, including within our own genus Homo, are called ‘archaic’ hominins. The group of hominins that seem to be part archaic hominin and part Homo are called ‘transitional’ hominins.
7. Pre-modern Homo
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

So when and where in human evolutionary history do we see the earliest evidence of creatures that are more like modern humans? ‘Pre-modern Homo’ considers the species that many hominins researchers are comfortable with recognizing as members of the genus Homo. It looks at the earliest fossil evidence of pre-modern Homo from Africa, and then follows Homo as it moves out of Africa into the rest of the Old World. It begins with Homo ergaster, dated to around 2 mya, and then moves on to Homo erectus, which was found in sites in Africa, China, and Indonesia. Other pre-modern Homo species include Homo heidelbergensis; Homo naledi; Homo floresiensis; and Homo neanderthalensis.
8. Modern Homo
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

‘Modern Homo’ considers evidence about the origin and subsequent migrations of anatomically modern humans, or Homo sapiens. What features of the skeleton are only found in modern humans? When and where do we find the earliest fossil evidence of modern humans? Did the change from pre-modern Homo to modern humans happen several times and in several different regions of the world? Or did anatomically modern humans emerge just once, in one place, and then spread out, either by migration or by interbreeding, so that modern humans eventually replaced regional populations of pre-modern Homo across the world?
9. The future of human evolution
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

What are the next few decades likely to bring in terms of new evidence about human evolution? Are modern humans still evolving, and if so, what changes are we likely to see? ‘The future of human evolution’ considers both of these questions. It explains that researchers will continue to look for additional fossil evidence, at existing fossil sites as well as in new locations. Both will provide valuable evidence. It considers the chances of finding new taxa and how more evidence can be squeezed out of the existing fossil record through improved molecular biology and imaging techniques. Finally, it looks at contemporary human evolution and what is likely to influence the future of our species.
Accelerated Tissue Processing With Minimal Formalin Fixation Time for 9-Gauge Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Bulte Joris P , Halilovic Altuna , Burgers Lambert J M , Diepenbroek Coos J M , de la Roij Robin A K , Mann Ritse M , van der Leest Marloes , van Cleef Patricia H J , Strobbe Luc J A , de Wilt Johannes H W , Bult Peter
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) of the breast seems unsuitable for rapid processing due to large size. We tested microwave-based acceleration.

Methods

As a proof-of-principle study, 9-gauge VAB specimens were taken from eight mastectomy specimens. Forty-two biopsy specimens were processed. Quality of H&E was evaluated in 84 slides, and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), E-cadherin, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) stains were evaluated in six slides. Preoperative biopsy specimens were used as a control.

Results

Diagnostic quality of H&E slides was good in 87%, reasonable in 12%, and low in 1%. Quality of E-cadherin was good in 75% and reasonable in 25%. Quality of ER was good in 83% and reasonable in 17%. PR and both HER2 immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were good in all slides. Quality of experimental slides was similar to control slides.

Conclusions

Nine-gauge VAB specimens can be processed within 4 hours. Slides are suitable for all routine pathologic stains. This enables a same-day diagnosis.
The Effects of Reverse Causality and Selective Attrition on the Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Mortality in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Banack Hailey R , Bea Jennifer W , Kaufman Jay S , Stokes Andrew , Kroenke Candyce H , Stefanick Marcia L , Beresford Shirley A , Bird Chloe E , Garcia Lorena , Wallace Robert , Wild Robert A , Caan Bette , Wactawski-Wende Jean
Published: June 2019

Concerns about reverse causality and selection bias complicate the interpretation of studies of body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight (kg)/height (m)2) and mortality in older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate methodological explanations for the apparent attenuation of obesity-related risks in older adults. We used data from 68,132 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial for this analysis. All of the participants were postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years at baseline (1993–1998). To examine reverse causality and selective attrition, we compared rate ratios from inverse probability of treatment– and censoring–weighted Poisson marginal structural models with results from an unweighted adjusted Poisson regression model. The estimated mortality rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for BMIs of 30.0–34.9, 35.0–39.9 and ≥40.0 were 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77, 0.96), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.99), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.07), respectively, in the unweighted model. The corresponding mortality rate ratios were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.07), 1.12 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.29), and 1.31 95% CI: (1.08, 1.57), respectively, in the marginal structural model. Results from the inverse probability of treatment– and censoring–weighted marginal structural model were attenuated in low BMI categories and increased in high BMI categories. The results demonstrate the importance of accounting for reverse causality and selective attrition in studies of older adults.
Influence of Prediabetes on the Effects of Intensive Systolic Blood Pressure Control on Kidney Events
Authors: Rathi Naveen , Whelton Paul K , Chertow Glenn M , Cushman William C , Cheung Alfred K , Wei Guo , Boucher Robert , Kimmel Paul L , Bress Adam P , Kramer Holly J , Al-Marji Catreena , Greene Tom , Beddhu Srinivasan
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

More than one-third of US adults have prediabetes, which is typically accompanied by hypertension.

METHODS

We examined whether prediabetes modified the effects of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering on the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) events in a post-hoc analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Diabetes was a SPRINT exclusion criterion. We defined normoglycemia and prediabetes as fasting plasma glucose <100 mg/dl and ≥100 mg/dl, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 9,323 participants included in this analysis, 3,898 (41.8%) had prediabetes and the rest (5,425) had normoglycemia. In participants with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, incident CKD was defined as a ≥30% decline in eGFR to below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 with repeat confirmation. AKI events were identified clinically. In the non-CKD participants (n = 6,678), there were 164 incident CKD events. The hazard ratios (HRs) for incident CKD for intensive SBP goal (<120 mm Hg) vs. standard SBP goal (<140 mm Hg) in the normoglycemia (HR: 3.25, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.19) and prediabetes (HR: 3.90, 95% CI: 2.17, 7.02) groups were similar (interaction P value 0.64). In the entire analytic cohort (N = 9,323), there were 310 AKI events. AKI HRs for intensive vs. standard SBP in the normoglycemia (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.15) and prediabetes (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.48) groups were also similar (interaction P value 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes was highly prevalent, but there was no evidence that prediabetes modified the effects of SPRINT intervention on kidney events.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01206062
Thrombocytopenia in Patients Hospitalized for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Its Associations to Clinical Complications
Authors: Silczuk Andrzej , Habrat Bogusław , Lew-Starowicz Michał
Published: June 2019

The association of thrombocytopenia (TP) and alcohol use has been demonstrated. Also TP as possible risk factor for alcohol withdrawal complications (cAWS) have been reported. In this study, the relationship between the presence of TP and cAWS was clearly established and assessed below what platelets count (<119k/mL) this risk increases.
Fast hybrid Bayesian integrative learning of multiple gene regulatory networks for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jia Bochao , Liang Faming ,   The TEDDY Study Group
Published: June 2019

Motivated by the study of the molecular mechanism underlying type 1 diabetes with gene expression data collected from both patients and healthy controls at multiple time points, we propose a hybrid Bayesian method for jointly estimating multiple dependent Gaussian graphical models with data observed under distinct conditions, which avoids inversion of high-dimensional covariance matrices and thus can be executed very fast. We prove the consistency of the proposed method under mild conditions. The numerical results indicate the superiority of the proposed method over existing ones in both estimation accuracy and computational efficiency. Extension of the proposed method to joint estimation of multiple mixed graphical models is straightforward.
Circuit-based interventions in the dentate gyrus rescue epilepsy-associated cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Kahn Julia B , Port Russell G , Yue Cuiyong , Takano Hajime , Coulter Douglas A
Published: June 2019

Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with significant structural pathology in the hippocampus. In the dentate gyrus, the summative effect of these pathologies is massive hyperexcitability in the granule cells, generating both increased seizure susceptibility and cognitive deficits. To date, therapeutic approaches have failed to improve the cognitive symptoms in fully developed, chronic epilepsy. As the dentate’s principal signalling population, the granule cells’ aggregate excitability has the potential to provide a mechanistically-independent downstream target. We examined whether normalizing epilepsy-associated granule cell hyperexcitability—without correcting the underlying structural circuit disruptions—would constitute an effective therapeutic approach for cognitive dysfunction. In the systemic pilocarpine mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, the epileptic dentate gyrus excessively recruits granule cells in behavioural contexts, not just during seizure events, and these mice fail to perform on a dentate-mediated spatial discrimination task. Acutely reducing dorsal granule cell hyperactivity in chronically epileptic mice via either of two distinct inhibitory chemogenetic receptors rescued behavioural performance such that they responded comparably to wild type mice. Furthermore, recreating granule cell hyperexcitability in control mice via excitatory chemogenetic receptors, without altering normal circuit anatomy, recapitulated spatial memory deficits observed in epileptic mice. However, making the granule cells overly quiescent in both epileptic and control mice again disrupted behavioural performance. These bidirectional manipulations reveal that there is a permissive excitability window for granule cells that is necessary to support successful behavioural performance. Chemogenetic effects were specific to the targeted dorsal hippocampus, as hippocampal-independent and ventral hippocampal-dependent behaviours remained unaffected. Fos expression demonstrated that chemogenetics can modulate granule cell recruitment via behaviourally relevant inputs. Rather than driving cell activity deterministically or spontaneously, chemogenetic intervention merely modulates the behaviourally permissive activity window in which the circuit operates. We conclude that restoring appropriate principal cell tuning via circuit-based therapies, irrespective of the mechanisms generating the disease-related hyperactivity, is a promising translational approach.
Beyond the disconnectivity hypothesis of schizophrenia
Authors: Rolls Edmund T , Cheng Wei , Gilson Matthieu , Gong Weikang , Deco Gustavo , Lo Chun-Yi Zac , Yang Albert C , Tsai Shih-Jen , Liu Mu-En , Lin Ching-Po , Feng Jianfeng
Published: June 2019

To go beyond the disconnectivity hypothesis of schizophrenia, directed (effective) connectivity was measured between 94 brain regions, to provide evidence on the source of the changes in schizophrenia and a mechanistic model. Effective connectivity (EC) was measured in 180 participants with schizophrenia and 208 controls. For the significantly different effective connectivities in schizophrenia, on average the forward (stronger) effective connectivities were smaller, whereas the backward connectivities tended to be larger. Further, higher EC in schizophrenia was found from the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) to areas such as the parahippocampal, hippocampal, temporal, fusiform, and occipital cortices. These are backward effective connectivities and were positively correlated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Lower effective connectivities were found from temporal and other regions and were negatively correlated with the symptoms, especially the negative and general symptoms. Further, a signal variance parameter was increased for areas that included the parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus, consistent with the hypothesis that hippocampal overactivity is involved in schizophrenia. This investigation goes beyond the disconnectivity hypothesis by drawing attention to differences in schizophrenia between backprojections and forward connections, with the backward connections from the precuneus and PCC implicated in memory stronger in schizophrenia.
Forward Processing of Object–Location Association from the Ventral Stream to Medial Temporal Lobe in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Chen He , Naya Yuji
Published: June 2019

While the hippocampus (HPC) is a prime candidate combining object identity and location due to its strong connections to the ventral and dorsal pathways via surrounding medial temporal lobe (MTL) areas, recent physiological studies have reported spatial information in the ventral pathway and its downstream target in MTL. However, it remains unknown whether the object–location association proceeds along the ventral MTL pathway before HPC. To address this question, we recorded neuronal activity from MTL and area anterior inferotemporal cortex (TE) of two macaques gazing at an object to retain its identity and location in each trial. The results showed significant effects of object–location association at a single-unit level in TE, perirhinal cortex (PRC), and HPC, but not in the parahippocampal cortex. Notably, a clear area difference emerged in the association form: 1) representations of object identity were added to those of subjects’ viewing location in TE; 2) PRC signaled both the additive form and the conjunction of the two inputs; and 3) HPC signaled only the conjunction signal. These results suggest that the object and location signals are combined stepwise at TE and PRC each time primates view an object, and PRC may provide HPC with the conjunctional signal, which might be used for encoding episodic memory.
Elvitegravir–Cobicistat–Emtricitabine–Tenofovir Alafenamide Single-tablet Regimen for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Postexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Gantner Pierre , Hessamfar Mojgan , Souala Mohamed Faouzi , Valin Nadia , Simon Anne , Ajana Faiza , Bouvet Elisabeth , Rouveix Elisabeth , Cotte Laurent , Bani-Sadr Firouzé , Hustache-Mathieu Laurent , Lebrette Marie-Gisèle , Truchetet François , Galempoix Jean-Marie , Piroth Lionel , Pellissier Gérard , Muret Patrice , Rey David ,   E/C/F/TAF PEP Study Group
Published: June 2019

We evaluated an elvitegravir–cobicistat–emtricitabine–tenofovir alafenamide single-tablet regimen for human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis. The completion rate and adherence were good, and the tolerance was acceptable; no seroconversion was observed. We confirm that this regimen could be appropriate for postexposure prophylaxis.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02998320.
5-Year Follow-up of Active Tuberculosis Development From Latent Infection in Rural China
Authors: Xin Henan , Zhang Haoran , Yang Shumin , Liu Jianmin , Lu Wei , Bai Liqiong , Cao Xuefang , Feng Boxuan , Jin Qi , Gao Lei
Published: June 2019

A 5-year follow-up study found declining disease development rates from latent tuberculosis infection. In the latter 3 years, the incidence, per 100 person-years, was 0.26 for interferon-γ release assay positives and 0.19 for tuberculin skin test positives (P = .28). In addition, all round have been checked.
Distortions, Misallocation and the Endogenous Determination of the Size of the Financial Sector
Authors: Bauer Christian , Rodríguez Mora José V
Published: June 2019

We present a model of heterogeneous firms and misallocation in which financial frictions are partially overcome if more human resources are devoted to intermediation, at the cost of having fewer resources employed in directly productive activities. Not only does an inefficient financial sector result in an inefficient final good sector; an inefficient final good sector results in an inefficient financial sector. Exogenous inefficiencies in the productive sector generate decreased demand for financial services, which translates into a smaller and less efficient financial sector, worsening the resource allocation in the productive sector. This direction of causality seems in line with cross-country evidence.
Bimaxillary surgery to correct high-angle class II malocclusion: does a simultaneous genioplasty affect long-term stability?
Authors: Torgersbråten Nina , Stenvik Arild , Espeland Lisen
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

High-angle skeletal Class II malocclusion is one of the most challenging dentofacial deviations to treat and, in adults, a combination of orthodontic treatment and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery is often indicated. This study examines the rate of clinically significant relapse and whether a genioplasty affects the treatment outcome of high-angle Class II malocclusions.

Material and methods

Cephalometric tracings of 36 consecutively treated high-angle Class II patients were evaluated from pre-surgery to 3 years post-surgery. All patients had undergone bimaxillary surgery (Le Fort I and BSSO), 13 of them had in addition a genioplasty.

Results

The maxilla remained stable, whereas relapse (greater than or equal to 2 mm) of the mandibular advancement was seen in 40 per cent of the patients. Advancement greater than 10 mm increased the risk for horizontal relapse. The overjet was normalized and remained stable despite mandibular relapse. Half of the patients had an anterior open bite 3 years post-surgery. A supplemental genioplasty did not affect the relapse rate.

Conclusions and implications

Overjet was normalized and remained stable long term; there was an open bite in half of the patients. Combined orthodontic and bimaxillary surgical treatment of high-angle Class II patients showed skeletal relapse (greater than or equal to 2 mm) of the mandible in 40 per cent of patients. Mandibular advancement greater than 10 mm increased the risk for relapse. There was no increased risk for dental or skeletal instability associated with a genioplasty in combination with maxillary and mandibular surgery in the treatment of high-angle skeletal Class II malocclusion.
Dietary Intake, D3Cr Muscle Mass, and Appendicular Lean Mass in a Cohort of Older Men
Authors: Rogers-Soeder Tara S , Peters Katherine E , Lane Nancy E , Shikany James M , Judd Suzanne , Langsetmo Lisa , Hoffman Andrew R , Evans William J , Cawthon Peggy M
Published: June 2019

Background

We examined cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns, macronutrient intake, and measures of muscle mass and lean mass in older men.

Methods

Participants in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort (n = 903; mean ± SD age 84.2 ± 4 years) completed brief Block food frequency questionnaires (May 2014–May 2016); factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. The D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution method was used to measure muscle mass; dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure appendicular lean mass (ALM). Generalized linear models were used to report adjusted means of outcomes by dietary pattern. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine associations between macronutrients and D3Cr muscle mass and DXA ALM. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, clinic site, education, depression, total energy intake, height, and percent body fat.

Results

Greater adherence to a Western dietary pattern (high factor loadings for red meat, fried foods, and high-fat dairy) was associated with higher D3Cr muscle mass (p-trend = .026). Adherence to the Healthy dietary pattern (high factor loadings for fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats) was not associated with D3Cr muscle mass or DXA ALM. Total protein (β = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.14) and nondairy animal protein (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.21) were positively associated with D3Cr muscle mass. Nondairy animal protein (β = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.11) was positively associated with DXA ALM. Associations with other macronutrients were inconsistent.

Conclusions

Nondairy animal protein intake (within a Western dietary pattern and alone) was positively associated with D3Cr muscle mass in older men.
Apical Periodontitis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Puppet Master?
Authors: Barta Zsolt
Published: June 2019

Apical periodontitis in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) needs to be considered carefully, and it is important to treat the disease. Larger prospective studies should be conducted to confirm if there is a causal relationship between periapical status and IBD.
Weekend Surgical Admissions of Pediatric IBD Patients Have a Higher Risk of Complication in Hospitals Across the US
Authors: Egberg Matthew D , Galanko Joseph A , Kappelman Michael D
Published: June 2019

Surgical admissions occurring over the weekend have worse clinical outcomes compared with weekday admissions. This study is the first to demonstrate weekend admission as an independent risk factor for in-hospital complication in both pediatric CD and UC hospitalizations.
High-Throughput Sequencing-Based Investigation of Viruses in Human Cancers by Multienrichment Approach
Authors: Mollerup Sarah , Asplund Maria , Friis-Nielsen Jens , Kjartansdóttir Kristín Rós , Fridholm Helena , Hansen Thomas Arn , Herrera José Alejandro Romero , Barnes Christopher James , Jensen Randi Holm , Richter Stine Raith , Nielsen Ida Broman , Pietroni Carlotta , Alquezar-Planas David E , Rey-Iglesia Alba , Olsen Pernille V S , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Groth-Pedersen Line , von Buchwald Christian , Jensen David H , Gniadecki Robert , Høgdall Estrid , Langhoff Jill Levin , Pete Imre , Vereczkey Ildikó , Baranyai Zsolt , Dybkaer Karen , Johnsen Hans Erik , Steiniche Torben , Hokland Peter , Rosenberg Jacob , Baandrup Ulrik , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Willerslev Eske , Brunak Søren , Lund Ole , Mourier Tobias , Vinner Lasse , Izarzugaza Jose M G , Nielsen Lars Peter , Hansen Anders Johannes
Published: June 2019

Background

Viruses and other infectious agents cause more than 15% of human cancer cases. High-throughput sequencing-based studies of virus-cancer associations have mainly focused on cancer transcriptome data.

Methods

In this study, we applied a diverse selection of presequencing enrichment methods targeting all major viral groups, to characterize the viruses present in 197 samples from 18 sample types of cancerous origin. Using high-throughput sequencing, we generated 710 datasets constituting 57 billion sequencing reads.

Results

Detailed in silico investigation of the viral content, including exclusion of viral artefacts, from de novo assembled contigs and individual sequencing reads yielded a map of the viruses detected. Our data reveal a virome dominated by papillomaviruses, anelloviruses, herpesviruses, and parvoviruses. More than half of the included samples contained 1 or more viruses; however, no link between specific viruses and cancer types were found.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on viral presence in cancers and provides highly relevant virome data for future reference.
Antiphosphatidylserine Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G Antibodies Are Higher in Vivax Than Falciparum Malaria, and Associated With Early Anemia in Both Species
Authors: Barber Bridget E , Grigg Matthew J , Piera Kim , Amante Fiona H , William Timothy , Boyle Michelle J , Minigo Gabriela , Dondorp Arjen M , McCarthy James S , Anstey Nicholas M
Published: June 2019

Background

Anemia is a major complication of vivax malaria. Antiphosphatidylserine (PS) antibodies generated during falciparum malaria mediate phagocytosis of uninfected red blood cells that expose PS and have been linked to late malarial anemia. However, their role in anemia from non-falciparum Plasmodium species is not known, nor their role in early anemia from falciparum malaria.

Methods

We measured PS immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in Malaysian patients with vivax, falciparum, knowlesi, and malariae malaria, and in healthy controls, and correlated antibody titres with hemoglobin. PS antibodies were also measured in volunteers experimentally infected with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum.

Results

PS IgM and IgG antibodies were elevated in patients with vivax, falciparum, knowlesi, and malariae malaria (P < .0001 for all comparisons with controls) and were highest in vivax malaria. In vivax and falciparum malaria, PS IgM and IgG on admission correlated inversely with admission and nadir hemoglobin, controlling for parasitemia and fever duration. PS IgM and IgG were also increased in volunteers infected with blood-stage P. vivax and P. falciparum, and were higher in P. vivax infection.

Conclusions

PS antibodies are higher in vivax than falciparum malaria, correlate inversely with hemoglobin, and may contribute to the early loss of uninfected red blood cells found in malarial anemia from both species.
Towards endemicity: large-scale expansion of the NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 lineage in Poland, 2015–16
Authors: Baraniak A , Machulska M , Żabicka D , Literacka E , Izdebski R , Urbanowicz P , Bojarska K , Herda M , Kozińska A , Hryniewicz W , Gniadkowski M ,   NDM-PL Study Group, Wróblewska M , Dulny G , Meler A , Filczak K , Pietrak-Sieklucka B , Pawlik K , Ładomirska-Pestkowska K , Rudaś D , Janas-Osiak E , Kociszewska D , Borzęcka B , Sulikowska A , Marciniak A , Niecwietajewa I , Stankiewicz D , Wojciechowska B , Stepnowska E , Zawidzka E , Żak-Puławska Z , Stelmach A , Strojnowska H , Grochowalska A , Pracałek G , Olszańska D , Tryniszewska E A , Wieczorek P , Grzybowska T , Stepaniuk G
Published: June 2019

Objectives

In 2015 and 2016 Poland recorded rapid proliferation of New Delhi MBL (NDM)-producing Enterobacterales, with at least 470 and 1780 cases, respectively. We addressed the roles of the Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 NDM-1 outbreak genotype, already spreading in 2012–14, and of newly imported organisms in this increase.

Methods

The study included 2136 NDM-positive isolates identified between April 2015 and December 2016, following transfer of patients with K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 from Tunisia to Warsaw in March 2015. The isolates were screened by PCR mapping for variants of blaNDM-carrying Tn125-like elements. Selected isolates were typed by PFGE and MLST. NDM-encoding plasmids were analysed by nuclease S1/hybridization, transfer assays, PCR-based replicon typing and PCR mapping.

Results

The organisms were mainly K. pneumoniae containing the Tn125A variant of the ST11 epidemic lineage (n = 2094; ∼98%). Their representatives were of the outbreak pulsotype and ST11, and produced NDM-1, encoded by specific IncFII (pKPX-1/pB-3002cz)-like plasmids. The isolates were recovered in 145 healthcare centres in 13/16 administrative regions, predominantly the Warsaw area. The ‘Tunisian’ genotype K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 Tn125F comprised 18 isolates (0.8%) from eight institutions. The remaining 24 isolates, mostly K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli of diverse STs, produced NDM-1 or NDM-5 specified by various Tn125 derivatives and plasmids.

Conclusions

The K. pneumoniae ST11 NDM-1 outbreak has dramatically expanded in Poland since 2012, which may bring about a countrywide endemic situation in the near future. In addition, the so-far limited K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 outbreak plus multiple NDM imports from different countries were observed in 2015–16.
Neurodegenerative disorders and sterile inflammation: lessons from a Drosophila model
Authors: Nainu Firzan , Salim Emil , Asri Rangga Meidianto , Hori Aki , Kuraishi Takayuki
Published: June 2019

Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, are common but difficult to treat. As effective medical interventions are limited, those diseases will likely continue adversely affecting people’s health. There is evidence that the hyperactivation of innate immunity is a hallmark of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and polyglutamine diseases. In mammalian and fly CNS, the presence of noninfectious ligands, including danger-associated molecular patterns, is recognized by (micro)glial cells, inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Such inflammation may contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative states. Studies using fruit flies have shed light on the types of signals, receptors and cells responsible for inducing the inflammation that leads to neurodegeneration. Researchers are using fly models to assess the mechanisms of sterile inflammation in the brain and its link to progressive neurodegeneration. Given the similarity of its physiological system and biochemical function to those of mammals, especially in activating and regulating innate immune signalling, Drosophila can be a versatile model system for studying the mechanisms and biological significance of sterile inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Such knowledge would greatly facilitate the quest for a novel effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Phenolics lie at the centre of functional versatility in the responses of two phytochemically diverse tropical trees to canopy thinning
Authors: Schneider Gerald F , Coley Phyllis D , Younkin Gordon C , Forrister Dale L , Mills Anthony G , Kursar Thomas A
Published: June 2019

A metabolomic evaluation of shade-tolerant tropical trees responding to increased solar radiation provides evidence for multifunctional phenolic compounds induced to mitigate both abiotic and biotic stressors.
Targeted manipulation of bZIP53 DNA-binding properties influences Arabidopsis metabolism and growth
Authors: Garg Abhroop , Kirchler Tobias , Fillinger Sven , Wanke Friederike , Stadelhofer Bettina , Stahl Mark , Chaban Christina
Published: June 2019

A novel approach to generate a dominant-negative bZIP mutant with high specificity is developed and successfully applied to characterize Arabidopsis bZIP53 and its dimerization partners.
Variation in the BrHMA3 coding region controls natural variation in cadmium accumulation in Brassica rapa vegetables
Authors: Zhang Lingxiao , Wu Jian , Tang Zhong , Huang Xin-Yuan , Wang Xiaowu , Salt David E , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: June 2019

Brassica rapa includes several important leafy vegetable crops with the potential for high cadmium (Cd) accumulation, posing a risk to human health. This study aims to understand the genetic basis underlying the variation in Cd accumulation among B. rapa vegetables. Cd uptake and translocation in 64 B. rapa accessions were compared. The role of the heavy metal ATPase gene BrHMA3 in the variation of Cd accumulation was investigated. BrHMA3 encodes a tonoplast-localized Cd transporter. Five full-length and four truncated haplotypes of the BrHMA3 coding sequence were identified, explaining >80% of the variation in the Cd root to shoot translocation among the 64 accessions and in F2 progeny. Truncated BrHMA3 haplotypes had a 2.3 and 9.3 times higher shoot Cd concentration and Cd translocation ratio, respectively, than full-length haplotypes. When expressed in yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana, full-length BrHMA3 showed activity consistent with a Cd transport function, whereas truncated BrHMA3 did not. Variation in the BrHMA3 promoter sequence had little effect on Cd translocation. Variation in the BrHMA3 coding sequence is a key determinant of Cd translocation to and accumulation in the leaves of B. rapa. Strong alleles of BrHMA3 can be used to breed for B. rapa vegetables that are low in Cd in their edible portions.
Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence among Armed Forces Personnel (Military Personnel and Police Officers): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rostami Hosein , Tavakoli Hamid Reza , Rahimi Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Various studies have reported the prevalence of MetS in different armed forces personnel in different countries. However, performing a systematic review and meta-analysis on this subject seems necessary. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of MetS among armed forces personnel including members of the military and police forces.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review was carried out on all associated papers published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, encompassing the timeframe: November, 2018 to January 2000. The overall prevalence of MetS, and its prevalence based on different diagnostic criteria [National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), American Heart Association (AHA) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF)] were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

Twenty five eligible studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Among all police officers contained in this study group, the overall prevalence of MetS was 26.2% (95% CI: 19.7–34%; Q = 229.45, p = 0.00). Among different military personnel contained in this study group, the overall estimation of MetS prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI: 6.3–11%; Q = 540.88, p = 0.00) the prevalence of MetS was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.7–11%; Q = 409.76, p = 0.00) according to the NCEP-ATP III criterion.

Conclusion

The findings from the present meta-analyses displayed a low prevalence of metabolic syndrome in armed forces in general. These findings will allow healthcare providers and policy-makers to find solutions in order to take action to reduce MetS risks on a wider scale, especially among police officers.
Exercise Testing of Muscle Strength in Military
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T , Papaioannou Konstantinos-Georgios , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Strength training has been routinely used in exercise programs of military groups; however, no review has been ever conducted to clarify the selection of exercise tests to monitor its effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to critically evaluate the current practices in the choice of assessment methods for muscle strength in military and suggest directions for future research.

Methods

The Scopus and Pubmed databases were searched in December 2018 using “fitness assessment OR muscle strength AND military OR army” as keywords.

Results

Methodological concerns were highlighted in exercise testing of muscle strength, where the use of appropriate tests were recommended (handgrip, isokinetic or 1RM in bench or leg press) to complement tests that measured muscle endurance rather than muscle strength (e.g., timed push-ups or sit-ups).

Conclusions

Although strength training has been included in military training, it was concluded that the existed physical fitness test batteries focused mostly on muscle endurance rather than on muscle strength. Therefore, it would be suggested that muscle strength tests be included in future physical fitness test batteries in order to evaluate effectively the content of military training.
The origins of the circumgalactic medium in the FIRE simulations
Authors: Hafen Zachary , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Stern Jonathan , Kereš Dušan , Hummels Cameron , Esmerian Clarke , Garrison-Kimmel Shea , El-Badry Kareem , Wetzel Andrew , Chan T K , Hopkins Philip F , Murray Norman
Published: June 2019

We use a particle tracking analysis to study the origins of the circumgalactic medium (CGM), separating it into (1) accretion from the intergalactic medium (IGM), (2) wind from the central galaxy, and (3) gas ejected from other galaxies. Our sample consists of 21 FIRE-2 simulations, spanning the halo mass range Mh ∼ 1010–1012 M⊙, and we focus on z = 0.25 and z = 2. Owing to strong stellar feedback, only ∼L⋆ haloes retain a baryon mass $\gtrsim\! 50\hbox{ per cent}$ of their cosmic budget. Metals are more efficiently retained by haloes, with a retention fraction $\gtrsim\! 50\hbox{ per cent}$. Across all masses and redshifts analysed $\gtrsim \!60\hbox{ per cent}$ of the CGM mass originates as IGM accretion (some of which is associated with infalling haloes). Overall, the second most important contribution is wind from the central galaxy, though gas ejected or stripped from satellites can contribute a comparable mass in ∼L⋆ haloes. Gas can persist in the CGM for billions of years, resulting in well mixed-halo gas. Sightlines through the CGM are therefore likely to intersect gas of multiple origins. For low-redshift ∼L⋆ haloes, cool gas (T < 104.7 K) is distributed on average preferentially along the galaxy plane, however with strong halo-to-halo variability. The metallicity of IGM accretion is systematically lower than the metallicity of winds (typically by ≳1 dex), although CGM and IGM metallicities depend significantly on the treatment of subgrid metal diffusion. Our results highlight the multiple physical mechanisms that contribute to the CGM and will inform observational efforts to develop a cohesive picture.
NGC 7457: evidence for merger-driven cylindrical rotation in disc galaxies
Authors: Molaeinezhad A , Zhu L , Falcón-Barroso J , van de Ven G , Méndez-Abreu J , Balcells M , Aguerri J A L , Vazdekis A , Khosroshahi H G , Peletier R F
Published: June 2019

We construct Schwarzschild orbit-based models of NGC 7457, known as a peculiar low-mass lenticular galaxy. Our best-fitting model successfully retrieves most of the unusual kinematics behaviours of this galaxy, in which, the orbital distribution of stars is dominated by warm and hot orbits. The reconstructed surface brightness of the hot component matches fairly well the photometric bulge and the reconstructed LOSVD map of this component shows clear rotation around the major photometric axis of the galaxy. In the absence of a dominant cold component, the outer part of our model is dominated by warm orbits, representing an exponential thick disc. Our orbital analysis also confirms the existence of a counter-rotating orbital substructure in the very centre, reported in previous observational studies. By comparing our model with a variety of simulation studies, and considering the stellar kinematics and populations properties of this galaxy, we suggest that the thick disc is most likely a dynamically heated structure, formed through the interactions and accretion of satellite(s) with near-polar initial inclination. We also suggest a merger-driven process as the most plausible scenario to explain the observed and dynamically modelled properties of the bulge of NGC 7457. We conclude that both the high level of cylindrical rotation and unusually low velocity dispersion reported for the NGC 7457 have most likely external origins. Therefore, NGC 7457 could be considered as a candidate for merger-driven cylindrical rotation in the absence of a strong bar in disc galaxies.
Matrix-free tomographic reconstruction for atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Mello Alexandre J T S , Pipa Daniel R
Published: June 2019

Turbulence compensation in astronomy using adaptive optics depends on the use of tomographic techniques to work on wide fields of view. However, classic tomographic methods are computer intensive and consume too much memory to store the tomographic matrix. Recently, various methods have been proposed in an attempt to reduce memory requirements, for example using sparse methods. In this work, we propose a new alternative method that avoids matrices altogether, is faster than classical methods for big systems, and have a very small memory requirement to implement.
Variable dust emission by WC type Wolf–Rayet stars observed in the NEOWISE-R survey
Authors: Williams P M
Published: June 2019

Photometry at 3.4 and 4.6 ${\mu m}$ of 128 Population I WC type Wolf–Rayet stars in the Galaxy and 12 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) observed in the WISE NEOWISE-R survey was searched for evidence of circumstellar dust emission and its variation. Infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) were assembled, making use of archival r, i, Z, and Y photometry to determine reddening and stellar wind levels for the WC stars found in recent IR surveys and lacking optical photometry. From their SEDs, 10 apparently non-variable stars were newly identified as dust makers, including three, WR 102-22, WR 110-10, and WR 124-10, having subtype earlier than WC8–9, the first such stars to show this phenomenon. The 11 stars found to show variable dust emission include six new episodic dust makers, WR 47c, WR 75-11, WR 91-1, WR 122-14, and WR 125-1 in the Galaxy and HD 38030 in the LMC. Of previously known dust makers, NEOWISE-R photometry of WR 19 captured its rise to maximum in 2018 confirming the 10.1-yr period, that of WR 125 the beginning of a new episode of dust formation suggesting a period near 28.3 yr. while that of HD 36402 covered almost a whole period and forced revision of it to 5.1 yr.
Manufacturing cosmic rays in the evolving dynamical states of galaxy clusters
Authors: John Reju Sam , Paul Surajit , Iapichino Luigi , Mannheim Karl , Kumar Harish
Published: June 2019

Galaxy clusters are known to be reservoirs of cosmic rays (CRs), as inferred from theoretical calculations or detection of CR-derived observables. CR acceleration in clusters is mostly attributed to the dynamical activity that produces shocks. Shocks in clusters emerge out of merger or accretion, but which one is more effective in producing CRs? at which dynamical phase? and why? To this aim, we study the production or injection of CRs through shocks and its evolution in the galaxy clusters using cosmological simulations with the enzo code. Particle acceleration model considered here is primarily the Diffusive Shock Acceleration (DSA) of thermal particles, but we also report a tentative study with pre-existing CRs. Defining appropriate dynamical states using the concept of virialization, we studied a sample of merging and non-merging clusters. We report that the merger shocks (with Mach number $\mathcal {M}\sim 2-5$) are the most effective CR producers, while high-Mach peripheral shocks (i.e. $\mathcal {M}\gt 5$) are mainly responsible for the brightest phase of CR injection in clusters. Clusters once merged, permanently deviate from CR and X-ray mass scaling of non-merging systems, enabling us to use it as a tool to determine the state of merger. Through a temporal and spatial evolution study, we found a strong correlation between cluster merger dynamics and CR injection. We observed that the brightest phase of X-ray and CR injection from clusters occurs, respectively, at about 1.0 and 1.5 Gyr after every mergers, and CR injection peaks near to the cluster virial radius (i.e r200). Delayed CR injection peaks found in this study deserve further investigation for possible impact on the evolution of CR-derived observables from galaxy clusters.
The X-ray binary GX 339–4/V821 Ara: the distance, inclination, evolutionary status, and mass transfer
Authors: Zdziarski Andrzej A , Ziółkowski Janusz , Mikołajewska Joanna
Published: June 2019

We consider constraints on the distance, inclination, and component masses in the X-ray binary GX 339–4 resulting from published works, and then construct detailed evolutionary models for the donor. From both considerations, and assuming the black hole nature for the compact object (i.e. its mass ${\gt} 3\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$), the possible donor mass is ≈0.5–$1.4\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$, the inclination is ≈40°–60°, and the distance is ≈8–12 kpc. The corresponding mass of the compact object is ≈4–$11\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$. We then confirm a previous estimate that the theoretical conservative mass transfer rate in GX 339–4 is ${\lesssim} {10^{-9}}\, {\rm M}_{{\odot} }$ yr−1. This is ≳10 times lower than the average mass accretion rate estimated from the long-term X-ray light curve. We show that this discrepancy can be solved in two ways. One solution invokes irradiation of the donor by X-rays from accretion, which can temporarily enhance the mass transfer rate. We found that absorption of a ∼1 per cent of the irradiating luminosity results in the transfer rate equal to the accretion rate. The time-scale at which the transfer rate will vary is estimated to be ∼10 yr, which appears consistent with the observations. The other solution invokes non-conservative mass transfer. This requires that ≈70 per cent of the transferred mass escapes as a strong outflow and carries away the specific angular momentum comparable to that of the donor.