bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multivariate-Based Provably Secure Certificateless Signature Scheme With Applications To The Internet Of Medical Things
Authors: Srivastava Vikas , Debnath Sumit Kumar
Published: July 2022

Over the last few years, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has completely transformed the healthcare industry. It is bringing out the most notable, and unprecedented impacts on human health, and has totally changed the way we look at the healthcare industry. The healthcare sector all around the globe are leapfrogging, and adopting the technology, helping in transforming drastically in a very short span of time. However, as more and more number of medical devices are being connected to IoMT, security issues like ensuring authenticity and integrity of the transmitted data are also on the rise. In view of the context, there is a need of an efficient cryptographic primitive that can address these issues in a viable manner. A signature scheme seems to be the natural choice to mitigate the security concerns. But, traditional signature schemes, both public-key-infrastructure-based and Identity-based, have their own disadvantages, which makes them unsuitable for IoMT networks. Thus, to address the security issues and problems like certificate management and key escrow, herein, we put forward the first multivariate-based certificateless signature scheme, namely, Multivariate Certificateless Signature (Mul-CLS), which is built on top of the intractability of multivariate-quadratic (MQ) problem. The fact that multivariate public key cryptosystem provides fast, post-quantum safe and efficient primitives makes it a front-runner candidate among the other post-quantum cryptography candidates. Our scheme Mul-CLS provides existential unforgeability against chosen message and chosen identity Super Type I and Super Type II adversary if solving the MQ problem is NP-hard. In addition to that, our proposed Mul-CLS presents itself as a robust and cost-friendly cryptographic building block for building IoMT networks.
EURObservational Research Programme: a bibliometric assessment of its scientific output
Authors: Rossello Xavier , Massó-van Roessel Albert , Chioncel Ovidiu , Tavazzi Luigi , Ferrari Roberto , Vahanian Alec , Gale Chris P , Popescu Bogdan A , Maggioni Aldo P
Published: July 2022

Aims

Given the lack of reliable observational data, a network of volunteer centres, and standardized methodological procedures, the European Society of Cardiology EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) was set up to provide a better understanding of real-world cardiovascular care and outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the scientific impact of EORP using a bibliometric approach.

Methods and Results

We collected data for each individual publication and for each individual journal with at least one EORP publication. Bibliometric indicators evaluating research performance were categorized into those evaluating EORP publications (publication-based indicators) and those assessing the journals where those papers were published (journal-based indicators). During the first ∼11 years since its inception, we found that EORP produced 189 publications, with most published in journals in the first quartile (60.9%) or the second quartile (33.5%) of the Web of Science Journal Citation Report. The total number of citations to EORP publications was 9630 (average citation per publication of 51, h-index of 54, and 29 EORP publications with ≥100 citations). Of EORP publications, 20 had an Altmetric Attention Score >50 and 9 had a score >100. A total of 52 EORP papers have been cited 65 times in ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines between 2013 and 2021.

Conclusion

EORP registries have contributed to impactful scientific knowledge. The high-quality metrics highlight the relevance of the EORP international cardiovascular registries to the academic community. Efforts are needed to support this, and other programmes aimed at delivering real-world evidence from independent patient data of cardiovascular care and outcomes across multiple geographies.
Spatial Polarisation*
Authors: Cerina Fabio , Dienesch Elisa , Moro Alessio , Rendall Michelle
Published: July 2022

We document the emergence of spatial polarisation in the United States during the 1980–2008 period. This phenomenon is characterised by stronger employment polarisation in larger cities, both at the occupational and the worker levels. We quantitatively evaluate the role of technology in generating these patterns by constructing and calibrating a spatial equilibrium model. We find that faster skill-biased technological change in larger cities can account for a substantial fraction of spatial polarisation in the United States. Counterfactual exercises suggest that the differential increase in the share of low-skilled workers across city size is due mainly to the large demand by high-skilled workers for low-skilled services and, to a smaller extent, to the higher complementarity between low- and high-skilled workers in production relative to middle-skilled workers.
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Butter Clam Saxidomus purpuratus
Authors: Kim Jungeun , Kim Hui-Su , Choi Jae-Pil , Kim Min Sun , Woo Seonock , Kim Yeonghye , Jo Yejin , Yum Seungshic , Bhak Jong
Published: July 2022

Herein, we provide the first whole-genome sequence of the purple butter clam (Saxidomus purpuratus), an economically important bivalve shellfish. Specifically, we sequenced and de novo assembled the genome of Sa. purpuratus based on PromethION long reads and Hi-C data. The 978-Mb genome of Sa. purpuratus comprises 19 chromosomes with 36,591 predicted protein-coding genes. The N50 length of Sa. purpuratus genome is 52 Mb, showing the highest continuous assembly among bivalve genomes. The Benchmarking by Universal Single-Copy Orthologs assessment indicated that 95.07% of complete metazoan universal single-copy orthologs (n = 954) were present in the assembly. Approximately 51% of Sa. purpuratus genome comprises repetitive sequences. Based on the high-quality Sa. purpuratus genome, we resolved half of the immune-associated genes, namely, scavenger receptor (SR) proteins, which are collinear to those in the closely related Cyclina sinensis genome. This finding suggested a high degree of conservation among immune-associated genes. Twenty-two (19%) SR proteins are tandemly duplicated in Sa. purpuratus genome, suggesting putative convergence evolution. Overall, Sa. purpuratus genome provides a new resource for the discovery of economically important traits and immune-response genes.
Highly Contiguous Genome Assemblies of the Guinea Paper Wasp (Polistes exclamans) andMischocyttarus mexicanus
Authors: Miller Sara E , Legan Andrew W , Uy Floria M K , Sheehan Michael J
Published: July 2022

Paper wasps are a model system for the study of social evolution due to a high degree of inter- and intraspecific variation in cooperation, aggression, and visual signals of social status. Increasing the taxonomic coverage of genomic resources for this diverse clade will aid comparative genomic approaches for testing predictions about the molecular basis of social evolution. Here, we provide draft genome assemblies for two well-studied species of paper wasps, Polistes exclamans and Mischocyttarus mexicanus. The P. exclamans genome assembly is 221.5 Mb in length with a scaffold N50 of 4.11 Mb. The M. mexicanus genome assembly is 227 Mb in length with a scaffold N50 of 1.1 Mb. Genomes have low repeat content (9.54–10.75%) and low GC content (32.06–32.4%), typical of other social hymenopteran genomes. The DNA methyltransferase gene, Dnmt3 , was lost early in the evolution of Polistinae. We identified a second independent loss of Dnmt3 within hornets (genus: Vespa).
A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly ofToona ciliata(Meliaceae)
Authors: Wang Xi , Xiao Yu , He Zi-Han , Li Ling-Ling , Song Hui Yun , Zhang Jun-Jie , Cheng Xiang , Chen Xiao-Yang , Li Pei , Hu Xin-Sheng
Published: July 2022

Toona ciliata Roem is an important timber species in the Toona genus of the Meliaceae family and an endangered species due to over-cutting and a low rate of natural regeneration in China. Although molecular markers have been applied to studying population genetic diversity, the absence of a reliable reference genome limits in-depth genetic conservation and evolutionary studies of this species. Here, we reported a high-quality assembly of the whole genome sequence of T. ciliata. The total assembled genome has 520.64 Mb in length anchored on 28 chromosomes (contig N50 = 4.48 Mb). A total of 42,159 genes were predicted after the ab initio, homology-based, and transcriptome analyses. A total of 41,284 protein-encoding genes (97.92%) were functionally annotated and 1,246 non-coding RNAs were identified in the T. ciliata genome. Phylogenomic analysis showed that T. ciliata was divergent at 15.06 (6–25) Ma from T. sinensis of the same genus Toona. This whole genome sequence provides a valuable resource to study the genetic conservation and molecular evolution of T. ciliata in the future.
Proof-of-concept, rapid, instrument-free molecular detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and ciprofloxacin susceptibility
Authors: Ayfan Abdulrahman K S , Macdonald Joanne , Irwin Adam D , Zowawi Hosam M , Forde Brian M , Paterson David L , Lahra Monica M , Whiley David M
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To develop instrument-free point-of-care methods using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology coupled with a simple lateral flow detection system to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae and susceptibility to ciprofloxacin.

Methods

For identification of gonococcal infection, an RPA-based method was developed targeting the gonococcal porA pseudogene (NG-porA-RPA). For ciprofloxacin susceptibility, predictive WT sequences at codons 91 and 95 of the gonococcal gyrA DNase gene were targeted. Given the known complexities of SNP detection using RPA (e.g. the ability to accommodate mismatches) we trialled several different assays incorporating various additional non-template mismatches in the oligonucleotide sequences to reduce affinity for the mutant (resistant) gyrA sequences. Assays were evaluated using a bank of N. gonorrhoeae (n = 10) and non-gonococcal (n = 5) isolates and a panel of N. gonorrhoeae nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-positive clinical sample extracts (n = 40).

Results

The NG-porA-RPA assay was specific to N. gonorrhoeae and provided a positive percentage agreement (PPA) of 87.5% (35/40) compared with a commercial N. gonorrhoeae NAAT when applied to the 40 clinical sample extracts. For gyrA, the non-template bases successfully reduced banding intensity for double-mutant strains (mutations at both 91 and 95), but not for rarer single-mutant (91 only) strains. The most promising gyrA assay, NG-gyrA-RPA08, correctly detected 83% (25/30) of infections from NAAT-positive clinical samples confirmed to have WT gyrA sequences based on Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions

These proof-of-concept data show that RPA technology has considerable promise for detecting N. gonorrhoeae and associated antibiotic susceptibility and would offer a diagnostic-based stewardship strategy identified as urgently needed by the WHO.
Phylogenomic analysis of Salmonella Indiana ST17, an emerging MDR clonal group in China
Authors: Sun Ruan-Yang , Guo Wen-Ying , Zhang Ji-Xing , Wang Min-Ge , Wang Lin-Lin , Lian Xin-Lei , Ke Bi-Xia , Sun Jian , Ke Chang-Wen , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping , Fang Liang-Xing
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To reconstruct the genomic epidemiology and evolution of MDR Salmonella Indiana in China.

Methods

A total of 108 Salmonella Indiana strains were collected from humans and livestock in China. All isolates were subjected to WGS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary analyses were conducted using WGS data from this study and the NCBI database.

Results

Almost all 108 Salmonella Indiana strains displayed the MDR phenotype. Importantly, 84 isolates possessed concurrent resistance to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. WGS analysis revealed that class 1 integrons on the chromosome and IncHI2 plasmids were the key vectors responsible for multiple antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) [including ESBL and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes] transmission among Salmonella Indiana. The 108 Salmonella Indiana dataset displayed a relatively large core genome and ST17 was the predominant ST. Moreover, the global ST17 Salmonella Indiana strains could be divided into five distinct lineages, each of which was significantly associated with a geographical distribution. Genomic analysis revealed multiple antimicrobial resistance determinants and QRDR mutations in Chinese lineages, which almost did not occur in other global lineages. Using molecular clock analysis, we hypothesized that ST17 isolates have existed since 1956 and underwent a major population expansion from the 1980s to the 2000s and the genetic diversity started to decrease around 2011, probably due to geographical barriers, antimicrobial selective pressure and MDR, favouring the establishment of this prevalent multiple antibiotic-resistant lineage and local epidemics.

Conclusions

This study revealed that adaptation to antimicrobial pressure was possibly pivotal in the recent evolutionary trajectory for the clonal spread of ST17 Salmonella Indiana in China.
Safety monitoring system of personal mobility driving using deep learning
Authors: Kim Eunji , Ryu Hanyoung , Oh Hyunji , Kang Namwoo
Published: July 2022

Although the e-scooter sharing service market is growing as a representative last-mile mobility, the accident rate is increasing proportionally as the number of users increases. This study proposes a deep learning-based personal mobility driver monitoring system that detects inattentive driving by classifying vibration data transmitted to the e-scooter when the driver fails to concentrate on driving. First, the N-back task technique is used. The driver was stimulated by external visual and auditory factors to generate a cognitive load, and vibration data were collected through a six-axis sensor. Second, the generated vibration data were pre-processed using short-time Fourier transform and wavelet transform (WT) and then converted into an image (spectrogram). Third, four multimodal convolutional neural networks such as LeNet-5, VGG16, ResNet50, and DenseNet121 were constructed and their performance was compared to find the best architecture. Experimental results show that multimodal DenseNet121 with WT can accurately classify safe, slightly anxious, and very anxious driving conditions. The proposed model can be applied to real-time monitoring and warning systems for sharing service providers and used as a basis for insurance and legal action in the case of accidents.
Camera localization with Siamese neural networks using iterative relative pose estimation
Authors: Kim Daewoon , Ko Kwanghee
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a novel deep learning-based camera localization method using iterative relative pose estimation to improve the accuracy of pose estimation from a single RGB image. Although most existing deep learning-based camera localization methods are more robust for textureless cases, illumination changes, and occlusions, they are less accurate than other non-deep learning-based methods. The proposed method improved the localization accuracy by using the relative poses between the input image and the training dataset images. It simultaneously trained the network for the absolute poses of the input images and their relative poses using Siamese networks. In the inference stage, it estimated the absolute pose of a query image and iteratively updated the pose using relative pose information. Real world examples with widely used camera localization datasets and our dataset were utilized to validate the performance of the proposed method, which exhibited higher localization accuracy than the state-of-the-art deep learning-based camera localization methods. In the end, the application of the proposed method to augmented reality was presented.
Emergency multivisceral resection for spontaneous haemorrhage rupture of huge solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas during pregnancy
Authors: Ahmad Raheel , Baia Marco , Naumann David N , Mahmood Fahad , Tirotta Fabio , Ford Samuel , Desai Anant , Almond Max
Published: July 2022

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare malignancy with a low malignant potential and strong female preponderance. Diagnosis during pregnancy is extraordinary, and management must consider the risks to the mother and foetus of tumour growth and rupture. A large 35-cm SPN was identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 24-year-old woman at 6 weeks of gestation following presentation with an abdominal mass. Surgery was delayed to allow the foetus to reach as close to term as possible because surveillance MRIs showed incremental mass growth. Emergency c-section was undertaken at 35 weeks of gestation due to persistent tachycardia and suspected haemorrhage into the tumour. A Hb of 70 g/l post-delivery despite four units of RBCs and an albumin of 11 g/l necessitated urgent multivisceral surgery. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for SPN. However, the strategy of choice during pregnancy remains undetermined, with more recent reports delaying surgery until post-partum.
Sculpture and Faith at St Paul’s Cathedral, c. 1796–1913: Introduction
Authors: Coughlan Marjorie , Edwards Jason , Sullivan Greg
Published: July 2022

In our introduction, we establish the original conference context of the 15 following position papers, emphasizing that the papers represent a conversation between participants, each of whom had been allocated a single monument from St Paul’s Cathedral in the period between c. 1796 and 1913, to think about the memorial’s visual and material richness and complexity, as well as its immediate and wider cathedral location, and broader discursive contexts. We map out the historiographical contexts of the papers, within the contexts of sculpture studies, studies of church monuments, interdisciplinary studies of the nineteenth century, and histories of Victorian Christianity – and especially Anglicanism – as it intersects with other world religions, and seeks to evangelize both at home and abroad.
Mediated Community and Participatory Blackface in Gillette Original Community Sing (CBS, 1936–1937)
Authors: Morgan-Ellis Esther M
Published: July 2022

In the United States, sing-along radio programmes became common in the 1930s. These programmes aired locally, regionally, and nationally, and they took various approaches to audience participation. Although categorized as radio participation shows, sing-along programmes were unique in that they prompted scripted musical participation by home listeners during the course of the broadcast. This article examines the most successful sing-along programme, Gillette Original Community Sing, which broadcast on the CBS network in 1936 and 1937. Participants were encouraged to imagine themselves as part of a numberless mediated community that included both audible singers in the studio audience and unheard singers spread across the continent. This community, however, was clearly bounded in terms of race. A detailed analysis of the Community Sing repertory reveals that the African American experience—as imagined primarily by white songwriters and often using blackface dialect—was the third most common song topic. By singing these songs, especially in the proximity of minstrel sketches, home listeners participated in mediated blackface performances that addressed racial anxieties and constructed white identity.
For how long are particles accelerated in shells of recurrent novae?
Authors: Bednarek W
Published: July 2022

Galactic novae are at present a well established class of γ-ray sources. We wonder for how long the mechanism of acceleration of electrons operates in the shells of novae. In order to put constraints on the time-scale of the electron acceleration, we consider a specific model for the injection and propagation of electrons within the shell of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi. We calculate the equilibrium spectra of electrons within the nova shell and the γ-ray fluxes produced by these electrons in the Comptonization of the soft radiation from the red giant within a nova binary system and also radiation from the nova photosphere. We investigate a two-component time-dependent model in which a spherically ejected nova shell propagates freely in the polar region of a nova binary system. However, the shell is significantly decelerated in the dense equatorial region of the binary system. We discuss the conditions under which electrons can produce γ-rays that might be detectable by present and/or future γ-ray observatories. It is concluded that freely expanding shells of novae in the optimal case (strongly magnetized shell and efficiency of acceleration of electrons of the order of 10 per cent) can produce TeV γ-rays within the sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array within 1–2 yr of explosion only. On the other hand, decelerated shells of novae have a chance to be detected during the whole recurrence period of RS Ophiuchi, i.e. ∼15 yr.
Robertsonian Fusion and Centromere Repositioning Contributed to the Formation of Satellite-free Centromeres During the Evolution of Zebras
Authors: Cappelletti Eleonora , Piras Francesca M , Sola Lorenzo , Santagostino Marco , Abdelgadir Wasma A , Raimondi Elena , Lescai Francesco , Nergadze Solomon G , Giulotto Elena
Published: July 2022

Centromeres are epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant CENP-A and typically associated with highly repetitive satellite DNA. We previously discovered natural satellite-free neocentromeres in Equus caballus and Equus asinus. Here, through ChIP-seq with an anti-CENP-A antibody, we found an extraordinarily high number of centromeres lacking satellite DNA in the zebras Equus burchelli (15 of 22) and Equus grevyi (13 of 23), demonstrating that the absence of satellite DNA at the majority of centromeres is compatible with genome stability and species survival and challenging the role of satellite DNA in centromere function. Nine satellite-free centromeres are shared between the two species in agreement with their recent separation. We assembled all centromeric regions and improved the reference genome of E. burchelli. Sequence analysis of the CENP-A binding domains revealed that they are LINE-1 and AT-rich with four of them showing DNA amplification. In the two zebras, satellite-free centromeres emerged from centromere repositioning or following Robertsonian fusion. In five chromosomes, the centromeric function arose near the fusion points, which are located within regions marked by traces of ancestral pericentromeric sequences. Therefore, besides centromere repositioning, Robertsonian fusions are an important source of satellite-free centromeres during evolution. Finally, in one case, a satellite-free centromere was seeded on an inversion breakpoint. At 11 chromosomes, whose primary constrictions seemed to be associated with satellite repeats by cytogenetic analysis, satellite-free neocentromeres were instead located near the ancestral inactivated satellite-based centromeres; therefore, the centromeric function has shifted away from a satellite repeat containing locus to a satellite-free new position.
The stability and number of nucleating interactions determine DNA hybridization rates in the absence of secondary structure
Authors: Hertel Sophie , Spinney Richard E , Xu Stephanie Y , Ouldridge Thomas E , Morris Richard G , Lee Lawrence K
Published: July 2022

The kinetics of DNA hybridization are fundamental to biological processes and DNA-based technologies. However, the precise physical mechanisms that determine why different DNA sequences hybridize at different rates are not well understood. Secondary structure is one predictable factor that influences hybridization rates but is not sufficient on its own to fully explain the observed sequence-dependent variance. In this context, we measured hybridization rates of 43 different DNA sequences that are not predicted to form secondary structure and present a parsimonious physically justified model to quantify our observations. Accounting only for the combinatorics of complementary nucleating interactions and their sequence-dependent stability, the model achieves good correlation with experiment with only two free parameters. Our results indicate that greater repetition of Watson–Crick pairs increases the number of initial states able to proceed to full hybridization, with the stability of those pairings dictating the likelihood of such progression, thus providing new insight into the physical factors underpinning DNA hybridization rates.
Reconfiguration of DNA nanostructures induced by enzymatic ligation treatment
Authors: Bai Tanxi , Zhang Jiayi , Huang Kai , Wang Wen , Chen Bowen , Li Yujie , Zhao Mengyao , Zhang Suoyu , Zhu Chenyou , Liu Dongsheng , Wei Bryan
Published: July 2022

Enzymatic ligation is a popular method in DNA nanotechnology for structural enforcement. When employed as stability switch for chosen components, ligation can be applied to induce DNA nanostructure reconfiguration. In this study, we investigate the reinforcement effect of ligation on addressable DNA nanostructures assembled entirely from short synthetic strands as the basis of structural reconfiguration. A careful calibration of ligation efficiency is performed on structures with programmable nicks. Systematic investigation using comparative agarose gel electrophoresis enables quantitative assessment of enhanced survivability with ligation treatment on a number of unique structures. The solid ligation performance sets up the foundation for the ligation-based structural reconfiguration. With the capability of switching base pairing status between permanent and transient (ON and OFF) by a simple round of enzymatic treatment, ligation induced reconfiguration can be engineered for DNA nanostructures accordingly.
The kidney reabsorption-related magnesium depletion score is associated with increased likelihood of abdominal aortic calcification among US adults
Authors: Lu Jian , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: July 2022

Background

Kidney reabsorption plays a vital role in magnesium homeostasis. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the kidney reabsorption-related magnesium depletion score (MDS) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Methods

We obtained data for 2640 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and analysed the relationship between the MDS and AAC score. The MDS is a scoring system developed to predict the status of magnesium deficiency that fully considers the pathophysiological factors influencing the kidneys’ reabsorption capability. AAC was quantified by the Kauppila score system based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We performed stratified analysis and multiple equation regression analysis. R and EmpowerStats were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 2640 participants were included with the mean AAC score of 1.47 ± 0.07. Participants with higher MDSs tended to have higher AAC scores [MDS 0: 0.75 (0.56–0.93), MDS 1: 1.02 (0.84–1.21), MDS 2: 2.34 (1.80–2.87), MDS 3: 3.19 (2.46–3.92), MDS ≥4: 4.99 (3.49–6.49)]. Compared with those with an MDS of 0, the highest subgroup (MDS ≥4) was associated with a higher AAC score {β = 4.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.78–5.70], P < .001} and the association was not altered [β = 1.81 (95% CI 0.54–3.09), P = .002] after adjusting for numerous covariates. Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between the MDS and AAC score were detected in adults with lower levels of magnesium intake and older age (all P for interaction <.05).

Conclusions

The MDS is a promising tool for identifying individuals with magnesium deficiency status who may benefit from dietary magnesium supplementation to reduce the risks of AAC.
Utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography for yellow nail syndrome with lymphangiopathy: a case report
Authors: Shimanuki Yui , Miyoshi Shion , Anzai Nanami , Usui Yusuke , Shiraga Nobuyuki , Kishi Kazuma
Published: July 2022

Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder characterized by the triad of yellow nails, lymphedema and chronic respiratory manifestations. Lymphatic abnormalities are a characteristic finding of YNS. Nevertheless, proof of lymphatic vessel abnormality by direct needle puncture for contrast agent injection is technically challenging because the lymphatic vessels in YNS are dysplastic. Thus, we opted for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography with subcutaneous injection in patients suspected of YNS to facilitate easier comprehensive lymphatic vessel visualization. The lymphatic vessels of the thighs were few and barely recognizable, indicating weak flow cranially and lymphatic vessel hypoplasia. These findings were suggestive of dysplasia of the lymphatic vessels. Therefore, MR lymphangiography may be a useful novel diagnostic modality for YNS.
Unmasking latent extrapulmonary tuberculosis with newly diagnosed HIV-1 infection in a COVID-19 patient with prolonged fever
Authors: Hirata Kaiho , Watanabe Koji , Sasaki Takeshi , Yoshimasu Takashi , Shimomura Akihiko , Ando Naokatsu , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Mizushima Daisuke , Teruya Katsuji , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Tsukada Kunihisa
Published: July 2022

Prolonged fever is a common symptom of COVID-19 infection. However, other febrile diseases continue during the pandemic. Herein, we report a COVID-19-infected patient with prolonged fever despite the lack of oxygen requirement, who was finally diagnosed with tuberculotic lymphadenitis and HIV-1 infection. All symptoms improved rapidly after the initiation of antituberculosis medications. Tuberculosis is an important differential diagnosis for patients with prolonged fever during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible that COVID-19 infection could serve to unmask latent infections via a cytokine storm.
Systematic histone H4 replacement in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals a role for H4R17 in regulating flowering time
Authors: Corcoran Emma Tung , LeBlanc Chantal , Huang Yi-Chun , Arias Tsang Mia , Sarkiss Anthony , Hu Yuzhao , Pedmale Ullas V , Jacob Yannick
Published: July 2022

Despite the broad array of roles for epigenetic mechanisms on regulating diverse processes in eukaryotes, no experimental system is currently available in plants for the direct assessment of histone function. In this work, we present the development of a genetic strategy in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) whereby modified histone H4 transgenes can completely replace the expression of endogenous histone H4 genes. Accordingly, we established a collection of plants expressing different H4 point mutants targeting residues that may be post-translationally modified in vivo. To demonstrate its utility, we screened this new H4 mutant collection to uncover substitutions in H4 that alter flowering time. We identified different mutations in the H4 tail (H4R17A) and the H4 globular domain (H4R36A, H4R39K, H4R39A, and H4K44A) that strongly accelerate the floral transition. Furthermore, we identified a conserved regulatory relationship between H4R17 and the ISWI chromatin remodeling complex in plants: As with other biological systems, H4R17 regulates nucleosome spacing via ISWI. Overall, this work provides a large set of H4 mutants to the plant epigenetics community that can be used to systematically assess histone H4 function in Arabidopsis and a roadmap to replicate this strategy for studying other histone proteins in plants.
It Takes Two to Borrow: The Effects of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act on Housing, Credit, and Labor Market Decisions of Married Couples
Authors: Bartscher Alina Kristin
Published: July 2022

Until the 1970s, U.S. mortgage lenders commonly discounted half of the wife’s income in couples’ joint mortgage applications. This changed with the introduction of antidiscrimination legislation in the 1970s, providing a natural experiment to study the relaxation of income-related borrowing constraints. I study the effects of the reform by estimating difference-in-differences regressions and solving a simple calibrated life cycle model. I find substantial positive effects of the reform on mortgage borrowing and homeownership rates of married couples with working wives. Moreover, I find a positive effect on married women’s labor force participation, which strongly amplifies the homeownership and borrowing effects.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online
The Nucleotide Revolution: Immunity at the Intersection of Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor Domains, Nucleotides, and Ca2+
Authors: Eastman Samuel , Bayless Adam , Guo Ming
Published: July 2022

The discovery of the enzymatic activity of the toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain protein SARM1 five years ago preceded a flood of discoveries regarding the nucleotide substrates and products of TIR domains in plants, animals, bacteria, and archaea. These discoveries into the activity of TIR domains coincide with major advances in understanding the structure and mechanisms of NOD-like receptors and the mutual dependence of pattern recognition receptor– and effector-triggered immunity (PTI and ETI, respectively) in plants. It is quickly becoming clear that TIR domains and TIR-produced nucleotides are ancestral signaling molecules that modulate immunity and that their activity is closely associated with Ca2+signaling. TIR domain research now bridges the separate disciplines of molecular plant- and animal-microbe interactions, neurology, and prokaryotic immunity. A cohesive framework for understanding the role of enzymatic TIR domains in diverse organisms will help unite the research of these disparate fields. Here, we review known products of TIR domains in plants, animals, bacteria, and archaea and use context gained from animal and prokaryotic TIR domain systems to present a model for TIR domains, nucleotides, and Ca2+at the intersection of PTI and ETI in plant immunity.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Evaluating Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide for Its Effects on Halo Blight of Snap Bean
Authors: Huang Yi , Liu Qingchun , Jibrin Mustafa , Mou Zhonglin , Dufault Nicholas , Li Yuncong , Zhang Shouan
Published: July 2022

Halo blight, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, is one of the major bacterial diseases on snap bean in Florida, and the outbreaks of this disease have occurred more often in recent years. Current management of this disease primarily depends on application of fixed copper-based bactericides but climate change and resistance development in the pathogen populations still cause hardship for management of this disease, especially in south Florida. In this study, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) was evaluated in the greenhouse for its potential to reduce halo blight on snap bean. When NAD+ at 5 mM was applied by soil drench, foliar spray, or leaf infiltration, NAD+ significantly (P < 0.05) reduced disease severity of halo blight on snap bean compared with the untreated control. When NAD+ was applied by leaf infiltration, among the tested concentrations, NAD+ at 0.5 to 1.0 mM was most effective in decreasing halo blight disease. NAD+ at 2.5 mM applied as a foliar spray in rotation with Kocide 3000 (copper hydroxide) at 0.5 mg/ml further reduced disease severity compared with Kocide 3000 alone. In the in vitro study, no inhibitory effects of NAD+ were detected on the bacterial pathogen P. syringae pv. phaseolicola. Results of real-time PCR showed that the defense-related genes PR1, AZI1, EDS1, SARD1, PDF1.2, and PAL1 were upregulated in the NAD+ treatment. Taken together, these data indicated that NAD+ significantly suppressed halo blight on snap bean, and application of NAD+ has the potential in management of this important disease.
Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism and Transition State Stabilization of 5′‐Methylthioadenosine Nucleosidase using Neutron Crystallography
Authors: Banco Michael T. , Mishra Vidhi , Ostermann Andreas , Schrader Tobias E. , Evans Gary B. , Kovalevsky Andrey Y. , Ronning Donald R.
Published: July 2022

5′‐Methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTAN) is an obligatory homodimeric protein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N‐ribosidic bond of a variety of adenosine‐containing metabolites. The proposed catalytic mechanism of MTAN is initiated by D198 protonating the N7 position of the adenyl moiety, which consequently causes elongation and ultimate breaking of the N‐ribosidic bond, resulting in the formation of an oxocarbenium ion intermediate. Of particular interest is the pKa elevation of D198 that was proposed to have a value of 8.2, which is significantly higher than the theoretical pKa for an aspartic acid side chain. In this study we present the first joint X‐ray/neutron crystal structures of Helicobacter pylori MTAN (HpMTAN) in complex with a substrate (S‐adenosylhomocysteine), early (Formycin A) and late (p‐ClPh‐Thio‐DADMe‐ImmA) dissociative transition state analogues, as well as with the catalytic products (adenine and S‐ribosylhomocysteine). The solved X‐ray/neutron crystal structures provide the positions of exchangeable hydrogen atoms and protonation states of ionizable groups that further our understanding of the catalytic mechanism as well as the stabilization of the transition state for HpMTAN. These results confirm that the catalytic reaction is initiated by D198 functioning as a general acid through the observation of a shared deuterium atom with unconventional hydrogen bond geometry between the carboxylate group of D198 and the N7 position of adenine. Additionally, the transition state analogues neutron structures illustrate the minor differences in the hydrogen bond interactions resulting in the DADMe‐ImmA analogues being extremely potent inhibitors with Kd values in the picomolar range, despite HpMTAN shown to contain an early dissociative transition state structure.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space via a cooperative agreement with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Grant N‐123528‐01 (to D.R.R) and by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/NIH Grant AI105084 (to D.R.R.).
Prophylactic Postoperative Noninvasive Ventilation in Adults Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lockstone Jane , Denehy Linda , Truong Dominic , Whish-Wilson Georgina A. , Boden Ianthe , Abo Shaza , Parry Selina M.
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following upper abdominal surgery. Applying either noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the early postoperative period is suggested to prevent PPC. We aimed to assess whether postoperative NIV or CPAP or both prevent PPCs compared with standard care in adults undergoing upper abdominal surgery, including in those identified at higher PPC risk. Additionally, the different interventions used were evaluated to assess whether there is a superior approach.

DATA SOURCES:

We searched PubMed, Embase‚ CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to May 17, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION:

We performed a systematic search of the literature for randomized controlled trials evaluating prophylactic NIV and/or CPAP in the postoperative period.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Individual study risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale, and certainty in outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

We included 17 studies enrolling 6,108 patients. No significant benefit was demonstrated for postoperative NIV/CPAP to reduce PPC (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78–1.01; very low certainty), including in adults identified at higher PPC risk (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77–1.07; very low certainty). No intervention approach was identified as superior, and no significant benefit was demonstrated when comparing: 1) CPAP (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79–1.04; very low certainty), 2) NIV (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.41–1.13; very low certainty), 3) continuous NIV/CPAP (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77–1.05; very low certainty), or 4) intermittent NIV/CPAP (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.39–1.10; very low certainty) to standard care.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest routine provision of either prophylactic NIV or CPAP following upper abdominal surgery may not be effective to reduce PPCs‚ including in those identified at higher risk.
Is less more in the surgical treatment of early-stage cervical cancer?
Authors: Schaafsma Mirte , Plante Marie , Mom Constantijne H. , van Trommel Nienke E.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

This article discusses recent developments towards less radical surgical treatment for early-stage cervical cancer.

Recent findings

Surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. In the last decades, new treatment strategies have been developed aiming to reduce morbidity, without hampering oncological safety. We provide an update of the latest knowledge on safety and morbidity following less radical surgical procedures in early-stage cervical cancer. In cervical cancer with a tumour size of 2 cm or less, radical surgery (simple hysterectomy or fertility-sparing conisation) may be a well tolerated option. For patients with larger lesions (>2 cm) and wishing to preserve fertility, administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by less extensive surgery appears to be a feasible and well tolerated alternative to abdominal trachelectomy. With regard to lymph node assessment, increasing evidence shows the feasibility of the sentinel lymph node procedure instead of full pelvic lymphadenectomy. Prospective trials reporting on oncological safety are awaited.

It is important to exercise caution when new surgical strategies are introduced. Despite promising retrospective data, prospective randomized studies may present unexpected results, for instance, minimally invasive radical hysterectomy showed inferior results compared to laparotomy.

There is a shift towards less radical treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. This review explores whether and when less is really more.
T-cell-engaging antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Baeuerle Patrick A. , Wesche Holger
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

T-cell-engaging antibodies or T-cell engagers (TCEs) can connect a patient's cytotoxic T cells with cancer cells, leading to potent redirected lysis. Until very recently, only one TCE was approved, the CD19/CD3-bispecific blinatumomab. Many new TCEs in late-stage clinical development target various hematopoietic lineage markers like CD20, BCMA, or CD123. Although very compelling single-agent activity of TCEs was observed with various blood-borne cancers, therapy of solid tumor indications has thus far been less successful.

Recent findings

The approval in 2022 of the gp100 peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/CD3 bispecific TCE tebentafusp in uveal melanoma confirms that TCEs can also efficiently work against solid tumors. TCEs targeting peptide–MHC complexes will expand the target space for solid tumor therapy to intracellular targets. Likewise, early clinical trial data from TCEs targeting DLL3 in small cell lunger cancer showed promising antitumor activity. Various technologies for conditional activation of TCEs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may expand the scope of conventional surface targets that suffer from a narrow therapeutic window. Finally, pharmacological enhancements for TCE therapies by engagement of certain costimulatory receptors and cytokines, or blockade of checkpoints, are showing promise.

Targeting peptide–MHC complexes, conditional TCE technologies, and concepts enhancing TCE-activated T cells are paving the way towards overcoming challenges associated with solid tumor therapy.
Incorporation of the UGRAFT Technique to High-definition Liposuction
Authors: Flores González Emmanuel Armando , Viaro Mauricio S. S. , Duran Vega Hector Cesar , Ramírez Guerrero Oliver René , Brito Toledo Patricia , Vázquez Apodaca Raquel Aracely , Rendon Jaramillo Lenin
Published: July 2022

High-definition liposuction is now a reliable procedure that provides more athletic results. It is a trend among plastic surgeons and patients. The ultrasound-guided rectus abdominis fat transfer (UGRAFT) technique has expanded the range of patients who can benefit from rectus abdominis fat grafting, including those without skin laxity. Its advantage over isolated high-definition liposuction is a more natural-looking result because it increases muscle volume and provides a contoured abdomen even during movement, regardless of the patient’s position. In this article, we describe one patient undergoing the UGRAFT technique after high-definition liposuction, versus one patient undergoing only high-definition liposuction. We determined that the use of the UGRAFT technique provides greater muscle definition over those in which this technique has not been performed. The UGRAFT technique opens the possibility of developing more complete body structures regarding definition, providing volume to muscular areas. The more muscle mass and less body fat, the greater the body definition in a liposuction. The less muscle mass and more body fat, the less definition a patient will have in a liposuction. Under these principles, we improve the result by increasing the volume of muscle mass.
Peripheral arterial disease and hypertension
Authors: Gupta Aashish , Patel Rajan A.G.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Hypertension (HTN) is a well known risk factor for atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD affects more than 250 million people globally and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Although multiple studies have been performed to evaluate treatment of HTN in patients with PAD, blood pressure management in this high-risk cohort remains poor.

Recent findings

There has been conflicting evidence regarding blood pressure goals in PAD with some recent studies showing adverse outcomes with low blood pressure in this patient population. Current guidelines, however, continue to recommend treatment goals in PAD patients similar to patients without PAD. To date, no single antihypertensive drug class has shown a clear benefit in PAD population over other antihypertensive drug classes.

Prospective randomized trials enrolling PAD patients are required that can shed light on optimum blood pressure target and also distinguish between different antihypertensive drugs in terms of reducing adverse outcomes.