bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Arctic cyclones to biogeophysical feedbacks under future warming scenarios in a regional Earth system model
Authors: Akperov Mirseid , Zhang Wenxin , Miller Paul A , Mokhov Igor I , Semenov Vladimir A , Matthes Heidrun , Smith Benjamin , Rinke Annette
Published: May 2021

Arctic cyclones, as a prevalent feature in the coupled dynamics of the Arctic climate system, have large impacts on the atmospheric transport of heat and moisture and deformation and drifting of sea ice. Previous studies based on historical and future simulations with climate models suggest that Arctic cyclogenesis is affected by the Arctic amplification of global warming, for instance, a growing land-sea thermal contrast. We thus hypothesize that biogeophysical feedbacks (BF) over the land, here mainly referring to the albedo-induced warming in spring and evaporative cooling in summer, may have the potential to significantly change cyclone activity in the Arctic. Based on a regional Earth system model (RCA-GUESS) which couples a dynamic vegetation model and a regional atmospheric model and an algorithm of cyclone detection and tracking, this study assesses for the first time the impacts of BF on the characteristics of Arctic cyclones under three IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (i.e. RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Our analysis focuses on the spring- and summer time periods, since previous studies showed BF are the most pronounced in these seasons. We find that BF induced by changes in surface heat fluxes lead to changes in land-sea thermal contrast and atmospheric stability. This, in turn, noticeably changes the atmospheric baroclinicity and, thus, leads to a change of cyclone activity in the Arctic, in particular to the increase of cyclone frequency over the Arctic Ocean in spring. This study highlights the importance of accounting for BF in the prediction of Arctic cyclones and the role of circulation in the Arctic regional Earth system.
Physical quality changes of dehydrated strawberry affected by different packaging in a tropical environment
Authors: Putri R M , Aziz I W F , Falah M A F
Published: May 2021

Processed fruit strawberry such as dehydrated fruit was important as alternative ways to increase shelf-life and value of the fresh fruit. However, the unfavorable effects of the tropical environment can accelerate the deterioration quality of processed fruit. Applied packaging to protect the processed fruit was an important way to maintain the quality and increasing the shelf-life of the fruit. The objective of the study wants to know the effects of different packaging treatments for reducing unfavorable tropical environment conditions of dehydrated strawberry fruit. Dehydrated fruit strawberry was made using a combination of pre-treatment by osmotic dehydration with hot air convective drying method. The combination for treatments of material and process for production dehydrated strawberry used is a drying temperature of 70°C, concentrate osmotic agents with 50°Brix, immersion time for 60 min, and drying time of 6 h until 9 h.The dehydrated strawberry fruit was packaging used Polyethylene plastic with Nylon that and stored in the ambient tropical temperature condition. Firstly, dehydrated strawberry fruit packaged conventionally using Polyethylene plastics with Nylon packaging with vacuum treatment and secondly, dehydrated fruit without packaging as a control. Physical parameters were analyzed using standard method texture and color of food. Based on the result, vacuum packaging treatments for the treatment of 70°C; 50°Brix; 60 min; 9 h; 36 h can be maintained the color changes and texture of dehydrated strawberry fruit compare with those of control.However, detailed changes in chemical quality and different thickness of vacuum bag packaging needed to be considered for future research.
Effects of relay-planting several peanut rows on yield of two maize varieties at different row spacing
Authors: Wangiyana W , Ngawit I K , Farida N
Published: May 2021

Intercropping maize with peanut has been reported to change the availability of some nutrients in the rhizosphere of the intercrops which resulted in different concentration of some nutrients in the above-ground parts of the intercrops compared with its monocrop. This study aimed to examine the effects of relay-planting several rows of peanut between rows of maize at different spacing on yield components of two maize varieties, by conducting an SSP-designed experiment testing three treatment factors, namely additive intercropping (I) maize with peanut as the main plots, maize varieties (V) and maize row spacing (S). The results indicated that variety differences had the most significant effects on the observation variables, followed by row spacing, and intercropping, but there were three-way and two-way interaction effects on green leaf number at 9 weeks old, showing that the highest green leaf number was on hybrid maize plants of 75 cm row spacing intercropped with three rows of peanut. On grain yield per plant, there was no significant effect of row spacing, but grain yield per m2 was highest under the lowest (60 cm) row spacing and intercropping with three rows of peanut, i.e. 673.34 g/m2 on waxy maize (463.7 g/m2 in monocrop), and 736.04 g/m2 on hybrid maize (656.3 g/m2 in monocrop), which indicates the possibilities to reduce row spacing under additive intercropping with peanut.
The quality improvement of yam flour (Dioscorea alata) through the fermentation process
Authors: Wanita Y P , Indrasari S D , Wiranti E W , Kristamtini
Published: May 2021

Yam (Discore alata) is a local tuber used as a substitute for wheat flour and a source of non-rice carbohydrates. The processing into flour expands the diversification of yam’s product. However, the flour produced does not resemble wheat flour, so the processing needs to be modified. This study compared several properties of modified yam flour with four treatments. The four treatments were fermentation for 12 hours with Bi-Mocaf starter, fermentation for 18 hours with tape yeast, fermentation for 72 hours with pure water and without fermentation treatment. This study found: yam flour had an average moisture and ash content of 19% and 9.00%. The fermentation with tape yeast produced the highest yield (20.40%). The highest amylose content (7.23%), protein (4.25%), viscosity (3.65 cp), carbohydrate (74.20%), and energy (319.81 kcal) were produced by fermentation in 12 hours with the Bi-Mocaf fermentor. Without fermentation, treatment formed the highest dietary fiber (18.27%) and fat content (0.780%). The processing into flour is expected to expand product diversification and increase the added value of yam tubers.
The Effect of the Polishing Process and Sorghum Type (Brown and White) on the Content of Crackers Nutrition
Authors: Hatmi R U , Wirabhuana A , Wanita Y P , Tando E , Musyadik
Published: May 2021

Yogyakarta - Indonesia has a variety of types of sorghum. Antioxidants and protein are among its nutritional advantages. Processing technology innovation is still needed to optimize its nutrition. Polishing is the main process in sorghum. This study aims to determine the effect of polishing and types of sorghum (brown and white) on the nutritional content of sorghum crackers. Nutrient content analyzed included water, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, energy, and beta carotene content. We found that the polishing process of the two types of sorghum resulted in different nutritional advantages of the sorghum crackers. The water, protein, fat, and crude fiber content of sorghum crackers decreased from the initial nutrient content of sorghum grain. Conversely, the content of ash, carbohydrates, and energy increase after becoming crackers. Polishing of white and brown sorghum grain causes higher content of ash, protein, energy, and beta carotene in sorghum crackers compared to unpolished ones. The crackers made from polished white sorghum grain had a higher protein content (7.74%) than those from polished brown sorghum grain (5.71%). The crackers made from polished brown sorghum grain had nutritional advantages in the content of ash (2.78%), energy (333.92 calori/100g) and beta carotene (2134.16mg/100g) compared to crackers made from polished white sorghum grain (2.66%; 317.23 calori/100g; 53.01mg/100g). Polishing of white sorghum grain produces high protein crackers, while polishing of brown sorghum grain produces crackers with high functional beta carotene content.
Recent potential biotechnological applications of the tempeh mould Rhizopus. A short review
Authors: Sriherwanto Catur
Published: May 2021

The last 10 years have seen innovative researches worldwide on the potential use of the edible tempeh mouldRhizopusfor various applications other than for human consumption. This is owing to the fungal ability to utilize various organic substrates alone or in combination with supplemented inorganic compounds to produce valuable biomolecules, as well as to generate other desired nutritional, chemical, biological, and physical properties. In addition, although the conventional biotechnological method of solid fermentation is still widely used, other ways of culturing the fungi have also been studied. Thus, fungi from the genusRhizopushave now found their way for potential state-of-the art applications in much wider contexts, for example in animal nutrition, environment and aquaculture, as well as in biomedical fields.
Transdiagnostic Cognitive Processes in Chronic Pain and Comorbid PTSD and Depression in Veterans
Authors: Day Melissa A , Williams Rhonda M , Turner Aaron P , Ehde Dawn M , Jensen Mark P
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic pain in Veterans is a major problem compounded by comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Adopting a transdiagnostic framework to understanding “shared territory” among these diagnoses has the potential to inform our understanding of the underlying cognitive processes and mechanisms that transverse diagnostic boundaries.

Purpose

To examine the associations between pain-related cognitive processes (diversion, distancing, absorption, and openness), pain intensity, PTSD and depressive symptoms, and the extent to which Veterans with chronic pain with and without comorbid PTSD and depression engage in different/similar pain-related cognitive processes.

Methods

Secondary analysis of pretreatment data with a subsample (n = 147) of Veterans with chronic pain from a larger clinical trial. Pretreatment PCL-5 and PROMIS Depression scales were used to categorize participants into three groups: (a) Pain-only; (b) Pain-PTSD; and (c) Pain-PTSD-DEP.

Results

Compared to the Pain-only group, the Pain-PTSD and Pain-PTSD-DEP groups reported significantly greater pain intensity, PTSD and depressive symptoms, and ruminative pain absorption. The Pain-PTSD-DEP group had significantly lower pain diversion and pain openness scores. When diversion and openness were used within the Pain-PTSD-DEP group, however, they were both associated with lower pain intensity and openness was additionally associated with lower PTSD scores. However, in the Pain-PTSD group, pain openness was associated with higher depression scores.

Conclusions

Across increasing complexity of comorbidity profiles (i.e., one vs. two comorbid conditions), ruminative absorption with pain emerged as a cognitive process that transverses diagnoses and contributes to worse outcomes. Nonjudgmental acceptance may not be universally beneficial, potentially depending upon the nature of comorbidity profiles.
The challenges ahead
Authors: Loescher Gil
Published: May 2021

This chapter offers directions for more effective approaches to refugee situations. As long as the growing scale of forced migration is driven by severe human rights violations, failing states, and intrastate conflicts, the prospects of solutions for refugees depend largely on resolving these issues. International organizations need to adopt programmes and policies to involve and strengthen civil society and local institutions. Lasting solutions will only be found if a concerted effort is made to defuse ethnic and religious tensions, resolve armed conflicts, protect human rights, strengthen arms control measures, and promote equitable and sustainable development. Through shared responsibility, collective action, and the active participation of refugees themselves, solutions are possible.
5. The when and where of creativity
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad
Published: May 2021

This chapter assesses the temporal (when) and socio-material (where) dimensions of context when it comes to creativity. Not only does it take time to create, but creative action itself should always be situated within its time in order to be understood better. And there are multiple temporal dimensions to be taken into account, including phylogenesis, ontogenesis, sociogenesis, and microgenesis. Meanwhile, the little work on physical environments and their impact on creativity has been done at the workplace and in relation to ergonomics. A new space for creativity has been opened through the emergence of social media and meme culture. The chapter then considers the role of ‘audiences’ in creativity.
Is Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III Sensitive Enough to Detect Cognitive Dysfunctions in Patients with Focal Cerebellar Lesions?
Authors: Starowicz-Filip Anna , Prochwicz Katarzyna , Kłosowska Joanna , Chrobak Adrian Andrzej , Krzyżewski Roger , Myszka Aneta , Rajtar-Zembaty Anna , Bętkowska-Korpała Barbara , Kwinta Borys
Published: May 2021

Objective

The main aim of the study was to evaluate whether the available brief test of mental functions Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III (ACE III) detects cognitive impairment in patients with cerebellar damage. The second goal was to show the ACE III cognitive impairment profile of patients with focal cerebellar lesions.

Method

The study sample consisted of 31 patients with focal cerebellar lesions, 78 patients with supratentorial brain damage, and 31 subjects after spine surgery or with spine degeneration considered as control group, free of organic brain damage. The ACE III was used.

Results

Patients with cerebellar damage obtained significantly lower results in the ACE III total score and in several subscales: attention, fluency, language, and visuospatial domains than healthy controls without brain damage. With the cut-off level of 89 points, the ACE III was characterized by the sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 72%, and accuracy of 72%. The cerebellar cognitive impairment profile was found to be “frontal-like” and similar to that observed in patients with anterior supratentorial brain damage, with decreased ability to retrieve previously learned material and its preserved recognition, impaired word fluency, and executive dysfunction. The results are consistent with cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome.

Conclusions

The ACE III can be used as a sensitive screening tool to detect cognitive impairments in patients with cerebellar damage.
Coronal seismology at 20
Authors: Duckenfield Timothy , Kolotkov Dmitrii
Published: May 2021

Timothy Duckenfield and Dmitrii Kolotkov reflect on a meeting that looked back at 20 years of probing the Sun's corona with magneto–hydro–dynamic waves
Removal of chlorophyll and pheophorbide from Chlorella pyrenoidosa by supercritical fluid extraction: potential of protein resource
Authors: Miyazawa Taiki , Higuchi Ohki , Sasaki Masato , Ota Masaki , Aida Tsutomu , Takekoshi Hideo , Inomata Hiroshi , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: May 2021

This study tried to quantitatively clarify the usefulness of supercritical fluid extraction for removal of chlorophyll and pheophorbide from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. C. pyrenoidosa powder was subjected to supercritical fluid extraction, and chlorophyll a and pheophorbide a in its extracted fractions were measured by HPLC-UV. Chlorophyll a and pheophorbide a in residue after supercritical fluid extraction became below of detection limit.
Polyploid giant cancer cells and ovarian cancer: new insights into mitotic regulators and polyploidy
Authors: Richards JoAnne S , Candelaria Nicholes R , Lanz Rainer B
Published: May 2021

Current first-line treatment of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) involves the use of cytotoxic drugs that frequently lead to recurrent tumors exhibiting increased resistance to the drugs and poor patient survival. Strong evidence is accumulating to show that HGSOC tumors and cell lines contain a subset of cells called polyploidy giant cancer cells (PGCCs) that act as stem-like, self-renewing cells. These PGCCs appear to play a key role in tumor progression by generating drug-resistant progeny produced, in part, as a consequence of utilizing a modified form of mitosis known as endoreplication. Thus, developing drugs to target PGCCs and endoreplication may be an important approach for reducing the appearance of drug-resistant progeny. In the review, we discuss newly identified regulatory factors that impact mitosis and which may be altered or repurposed during endoreplication in PGCCs. We also review recent papers showing that a single PGCC can give rise to tumors in vivo and spheroids in culture. To illustrate some of the specific features of PGCCs and factors that may impact their function and endoreplication compared to mitosis, we have included immunofluorescent images co-localizing p53 and specific mitotic regulatory, phosphoproteins in xenografts derived from commonly used HGSOC cell lines.
Improving Professional Decision Making in Situations of Risk and Uncertainty: A Pilot Intervention
Authors: Regehr Cheryl , Paterson Jane , Sewell Karen , Birze Arija , Bogo Marion , Fallon Barbara , Regehr Glenn
Published: May 2021

Social workers and other professionals providing mental health services are regularly required to make high-stakes decisions in situations characterised by conflicting demands. To better understand the factors that drive clinical decision making in situations of risk and uncertainty, we used a design-based research framework to pilot a new approach for improving professional decision making. The programme, which combined simulated interviews, a master class series and personal monitoring of real-time decisions, was designed to focus explicit attention on biological, emotional, cognitive and contextual influences on decision making. Preliminary results from a pilot study suggest that during and immediately following the intervention, clinicians demonstrated new insights into their decision making processes. In addition, they reported benefitting both from the opportunity to reflect individually and share reflections with others. Physiological data demonstrated an association between stressful decisions in real-world clinical practice, elevated heart rate and emotional responses. Qualitative data suggested that client risk represented only one aspect of decision making that resulted in emotional and physical responses, and others included team dynamics, socio-evaluative stressors and organisational and societal factors. This innovative decision making programme creates new opportunities for integrating research, practice and education and shows promise of improving social work practice.
A randomized clinical trial of plasticity-based cognitive training in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Mahncke Henry W , DeGutis Joseph , Levin Harvey , Newsome Mary R , Bell Morris D , Grills Chad , French Louis M , Sullivan Katherine W , Kim Sarah-Jane , Rose Annika , Stasio Catherine , Merzenich Michael M
Published: May 2021

Clinical practice guidelines support cognitive rehabilitation for people with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and cognitive impairment, but no class I randomized clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of self-administered computerized cognitive training. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a self-administered computerized plasticity-based cognitive training programmes in primarily military/veteran participants with a history of mTBI and cognitive impairment. A multisite randomized double-blind clinical trial of a behavioural intervention with an active control was conducted from September 2013 to February 2017 including assessments at baseline, post-training, and after a 3-month follow-up period. Participants self-administered cognitive training (experimental and active control) programmes at home, remotely supervised by a healthcare coach, with an intended training schedule of 5 days per week, 1 h per day, for 13 weeks. Participants (149 contacted, 83 intent-to-treat) were confirmed to have a history of mTBI (mean of 7.2 years post-injury) through medical history/clinician interview and persistent cognitive impairment through neuropsychological testing and/or quantitative participant reported measure. The experimental intervention was a brain plasticity-based computerized cognitive training programme targeting speed/accuracy of information processing, and the active control was composed of computer games. The primary cognitive function measure was a composite of nine standardized neuropsychological assessments, and the primary directly observed functional measure a timed instrumental activities of daily living assessment. Secondary outcome measures included participant-reported assessments of cognitive and mental health. The treatment group showed an improvement in the composite cognitive measure significantly larger than that of the active control group at both the post-training [+6.9 points, confidence interval (CI) +1.0 to +12.7, P = 0.025, d = 0.555] and the follow-up visit (+7.4 points, CI +0.6 to +14.3, P = 0.039, d = 0.591). Both large and small cognitive function improvements were seen twice as frequently in the treatment group than in the active control group. No significant between-group effects were seen on other measures, including the directly-observed functional and symptom measures. Statistically equivalent improvements in both groups were seen in depressive and cognitive symptoms.
Symptom-Related Differential Neuroimaging Biomarkers in Children with Corpus Callosum Abnormalities
Authors: Guo Yurui , Ortug Alpen , Sadberry Rodney , Rezayev Arthur , Levman Jacob , Shiohama Tadashi , Takahashi Emi
Published: May 2021

We aimed to identify symptom-related neuroimaging biomarkers for patients with dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (dCC) by summarizing neurological symptoms reported in clinical evaluations and correlating them with retrospectively collected structural/diffusion brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures from 39 patients/controls (mean age 8.08 ± 3.98). Most symptoms/disorders studied were associated with CC abnormalities. Total brain (TB) volume was related to language, cognition, muscle tone, and metabolic/endocrine abnormalities. Although white matter (WM) volume was not related to symptoms studied, gray matter (GM) volume was related to cognitive, behavioral, and metabolic/endocrine disorders. Right hemisphere (RH) cortical thickness (CT) was linked to language abnormalities, while left hemisphere (LH) CT was linked to epilepsy. While RH gyrification index (GI) was not related to any symptoms studied, LH GI was uniquely related to cognitive disorders. Between patients and controls, GM volume and LH/RH CT were significantly greater in dCC patients, while WM volume and LH/RH GI were significantly greater in controls. TB volume and diffusion indices for tissue microstructures did not show differences between the groups. In summary, our brain MRI-based measures successfully revealed differential links to many symptoms. Specifically, LH GI abnormality can be a predictor for dCC patients, which is uniquely associated with the patients' symptom. In addition, patients with CC abnormalities had normal TB volume and overall tissue microstructures, with potentially deteriorated mechanisms to expand/fold the brain, indicated by GI.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Mortality Among Young Infants in Karachi, Pakistan: A Prospective Postmortem Surveillance Study
Authors: Kazi Abdul Momin , Aguolu Obianuju G , Mughis Waliyah , Ahsan Nazia , Jamal Saima , Khan Ayub , Qureshi Hanya M , Yildirim Inci , Malik Fauzia A , Omer Saad B
Published: May 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of infant morbidity and mortality and a potential target for maternal immunization strategies. However, data on the role of RSV in young infant deaths in developing countries are limited.

Methods

We conducted a community-based mortality surveillance from August 2018–March 2020 for infants ≤6 months in Karachi, Pakistan. We tested (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) nasopharyngeal swabs from deceased infants for presence of RSV. We performed verbal autopsies and calculated odds of RSV-associated mortality with 95% CIs and used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations.

Results

We collected 490 nasopharyngeal specimens from 1280 eligible infant deaths. There were 377/490 (76.9%) live births and 14/377 (3.7%; 95% CI: 1.8–5.6) were RSV positive. Most deaths occurred in neonates (254/377; 67.4%), males (226/377; 59.9%), and respiratory illnesses (206/377; 54.6%). Postneonatal age (10/14, 71.4%; OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.7–18.0), respiratory symptoms (12/14, 85.7%; OR: 5.2; 1.2–23.7), and high RSV season (9/14, 64.3%; OR: 4.4; 1.4–13.3) were associated with RSV mortality. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, respiratory symptoms (OR: 6.6; 95% CI: 1.3–32.5), RSV seasonality (6.1; 1.8–20.4), and age (9.2; 2.6–33.1) were significant predictors of RSV-associated mortality.

Conclusions

RSV has a significant mortality burden in early infancy in Karachi, Pakistan. Age, RSV seasonality, and respiratory symptoms were significant predictors of RSV-associated mortality. Our findings have implications for clinical management of young infants with cold-like symptoms, policy development, and research regarding maternal immunization against RSV during pregnancy, in resource-constrained, low-income, and vaccine-hesitant populations.
Risk Factors for Death Among the First 80 543 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cases in China: Relationships Between Age, Underlying Disease, Case Severity, and Region
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Luo Wei , Li Qun , Wang Xijie , Chen Jin , Song Qinfeng , Tu Hong , Ren Ruiqi , Li Chao , Li Dan , Zhao Jing , McGoogan Jennifer M , Shan Duo , Li Bing , Zhang Jingxue , Dong Yanhui , Jin Yu , Mao Shuai , Qian Menbao , Lv Chao , Zhu Huihui , Wang Limin , Xiao Lin , Xu Juan , Yin Dapeng , Zhou Lei , Li Zhongjie , Shi Guoqing , Dong Xiaoping , Guan Xuhua , Gao George F , Wu Zunyou , Feng Zijian
Published: May 2021

Background

Knowledge of COVID-19 epidemiology remains incomplete and crucial questions persist. We aimed to examine risk factors for COVID-19 death.

Methods

A total of 80 543 COVID-19 cases reported in China, nationwide, through 8 April 2020 were included. Risk factors for death were investigated by Cox proportional hazards regression and stratified analyses.

Results

Overall national case-fatality ratio (CFR) was 5.64%. Risk factors for death were older age (≥80: adjusted hazard ratio, 12.58; 95% confidence interval, 6.78–23.33), presence of underlying disease (1.33; 1.19–1.49), worse case severity (severe: 3.86; 3.15–4.73; critical: 11.34; 9.22–13.95), and near-epicenter region (Hubei: 2.64; 2.11–3.30; Wuhan: 6.35; 5.04–8.00). CFR increased from 0.35% (30–39 years) to 18.21% (≥70 years) without underlying disease. Regardless of age, CFR increased from 2.50% for no underlying disease to 7.72% for 1, 13.99% for 2, and 21.99% for ≥3 underlying diseases. CFR increased with worse case severity from 2.80% (mild) to 12.51% (severe) and 48.60% (critical), regardless of region. Compared with other regions, CFR was much higher in Wuhan regardless of case severity (mild: 3.83% vs 0.14% in Hubei and 0.03% elsewhere; moderate: 4.60% vs 0.21% and 0.06%; severe: 15.92% vs 5.84% and 1.86%; and critical: 58.57% vs 49.80% and 18.39%).

Conclusions

Older patients regardless of underlying disease and patients with underlying disease regardless of age were at elevated risk of death. Higher death rates near the outbreak epicenter and during the surge of cases reflect the deleterious effects of allowing health systems to become overwhelmed.
Predictive value of post-implantation frontal QRS-T angle in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Gunduz R , Usalp S
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Objective

Favourable response criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation are still under debate. We investigated the relationship between frontal QRS-Tangle and improvement of functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and thus favourable response to CRT. 

Method

Eighty-one patients were included in the study who CRT implanted. ECG and echocardiography were obtained 1 week before and after six month-1 years the CRT procedure. Patients were classified as "NYHA improvement" and "NYHA non-improvement" according to their NYHA class. The frontal QRS-T angle was calculated the absolute value of the difference between the QRS and T wave axes [Frontal QRS-Tangle=(QRS axis-T axis)]

Results

The mean age of patients was 64.5 ± 9.1 years. There was no difference between two groups in terms of demographic features. The post-implantation LVEF was higher in patients NYHA improvement group (p < 0.001). Post–implantation QRS duration (p = 0.008), cQT interval (p = 0.012), frontal QRS-T angle (p = 0.003) values were very shorter in NYHA improvement group (Table 1). In multivariate regression analysis showed the frontal QRS-T angle and age independent risk factors for improvement of NYHA class (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis (ROC) were showed the optimal cut-off value of predicting NYHA improvement for frontal QRS-Tangle was < 135 (AUC:0.69, 95%CI 0.575-0.814, p = 0.004). Conclusion: We found that after CRT implantation, functional NYHA class improvement was associated the shortened of QRS, cQT interval, increased LVEF and narrowed of the frontal QRS-Tangle  (<135 ms) was in both ischemic and non-ischemic patients Table 1 variables NYHA improvement group(43) NYHA non-improvement group (n = 34) p value age (years) 61.1 ± 9.9 66.5 ± 8.9 0.017 Post-implantation EF (%) 39 (30-50) 30 (20-37) <0.001 Pre-CRT Frontal QRS-T angle (º) 153.0 ± 57.8 155.7 ± 56.7 0.840 Post-CRT Frontal QRS-T angle (º) 118.4 ± 69.7 168.1 ± 67.8 0.003 Table 1
Late HIV diagnosis among immigrants in Spain vs. native-born Spaniards, 2010–15
Authors: Gogishvili Megi , Huang Terry T -K , Costa Sergio A , Florez Karen , Mateu-Gelabert Pedro , Valls Maria R A , Rivero María , Saumoy Maria , Samperiz Gloria , Cervero Miguel , Pulido Federico , Pérez José A ,   Cohort of the Spanish AIDs Research Network
Published: May 2021

Background

In 2012, the central government of Spain enacted Royal Decree-Law (RDL) 16/2012 and Royal Decree (RD) 1192/2012, which abolished universal healthcare coverage, thus limiting access to care for undocumented immigrants. Free health care was also no longer granted to anyone who has never been employed. In this context, this study investigated the prevalence of late HIV diagnoses (LHDs) among immigrants living in Spain vs. native-born Spaniards.

Methods

Data (n = 5943) from the 2010 to 2015 Cohort of the Spanish AIDs Research Network were used, including HIV-positive and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients throughout Spain. Multivariate logistic models were fitted to compare the prevalence of LHD among the groups, adjusting for covariates.

Results

The prevalence of LHD in the total sample was 39.5%. Compared with native-born Spaniards (n = 4445), immigrants (n = 1488) were more likely to have LHD (37.4% vs. 45.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the prevalence ratio of LHD among immigrants vs. native-born Spaniards was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.28], after adjusting for covariates. This disparity widened from 2010 to 2011 (APR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.02–1.29) to 2012–15 (APR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.17–1.39), although the change was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Immigrants in Spain had a higher risk of LHD compared with native-born counterparts. LHD is an important healthcare marker due to the positive benefits of early HIV diagnosis, including prevention, improvements in health outcomes and decreases in overall cost of treatment. More research is needed on the causes of the disparity and potential social and policy interventions to reduce the prevalence of LHD among immigrants.
Characterizing dopaminergic neuron vulnerability using genome-wide analysis
Authors: Davis Jacinta , Da Silva Santos Claire , Zavala Narda Caudillo , Gans Nicholas , Patracuolla Daniel , Fehrenbach Monica , Babcock Daniel T
Published: May 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is primarily characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the brain. However, little is known about why DA neurons are selectively vulnerable to PD. To identify genes that are associated with DA neuron loss, we screened through 201 wild-caught populations of Drosophila melanogaster as part of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel. Here, we identify the top-associated genes containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms that render DA neurons vulnerable. These genes were further analyzed by using mutant analysis and tissue-specific knockdown for functional validation. We found that this loss of DA neurons caused progressive locomotor dysfunction in mutants and gene knockdown analysis. The identification of genes associated with the progressive loss of DA neurons should help to uncover factors that render these neurons vulnerable in PD, and possibly develop strategies to make these neurons more resilient.
Thermal conductivity of granitoids of varying composition up to 300 °C and implications for crustal thermal models
Authors: Ray Labani , Chopra Nishu , Hiloidari Sikha , Naidu N Narsimha , Kumar Varun
Published: May 2021

A thermal conductivity profile through the upper crustal column is an essential ingredient in any thermal modelling. Granitoid is one of the major constituents of the upper crust in the Archaean cratons. Although granitoids have a wide range in composition, yet data on their thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures are very limited. At present, a single value is commonly used to characterize the decrease in thermal conductivity with temperature for the upper crust. We are reporting thermal conductivity measured at 25 °C, 50 °C and thereafter at 50 °C intervals up to 300 °C on 34 granitoid samples of four compositionally different types. The samples are alkali granite, biotite granite, granodiorite and metasomatised granodiorite from one of the Archaean cratons of the Indian shield, known as Bundelkhand Craton. Before studying the samples at elevated temperatures, these have been studied for their physical, petrological and geochemical characteristics. By 300 °C, the thermal conductivity decreases on the average by 28–31 per cent for metasomatised granodiorite, alkali granite and biotite granite, and in stark contrast by 16 per cent for granodiorite. Expressing the thermal conductivity variation with temperature as λT = λRT (1 + bT)–1, two distinct temperature coefficient (b) values have been found, 1.1 × 10–3 to 2.2 × 10–3 K–1 for alkali feldspar granite to monzogranite and 0.4 × 10–3 to 1.2 × 10–3 K–1 for granodiorite to tonalite to quartz diorite. One of the implications of this outcome is illustrated by applying these two distinct temperature coefficients for the upper crust for a 1-D generic model with a surface heat flow and appropriate radiogenic heat production of the crustal column in arriving at crustal temperature–depth profiles. The temperature differences at the base of a 40-km crust vary as much as 90 °C. Further, the temperature coefficient can be expressed as b = 0.71 × λRT– 0.63 for the alkali feldspar granite to monzogranite, whereas b = 0.83 × λRT– 1.26 for the granodiorite to tonalite to quartz diorite, which will be useful in determining the temperature coefficient of various types of granitoid from thermal conductivity at room temperature (λRT).
Rapid finite-frequency microseismic noise source inversion at regional to global scales
Authors: Igel Jonas K H , Ermert Laura A , Fichtner Andreas
Published: May 2021

Ambient noise cross-correlations can be used as self-consistent observables, opening novel possibilities for investigating ambient noise sources. To optimize the forward-modelling of global ambient noise cross-correlations for any given distribution of noise sources in the microseismic frequency range up to 0.2 Hz, we implement (i) pre-computed wavefields and (ii) spatially variable grids. This enables rapid inversions for microseismic noise sources based on finite-frequency source sensitivity kernels. We use this advancement to perform regional and global gradient-based iterative inversions of the logarithmic energy ratio in the causal and acausal branches of microseismic noise cross-correlations. Synthetic inversions show promising results, with good recovery of the main dominant noise sources of the target model. Data inversions for several consecutive days at the beginning of October 2019 demonstrate the capability of inverting for the spatio-temporal variations of the sources of secondary microseisms in the ocean. This paves the way for daily ambient noise source inversions which could help improve full-waveform ambient noise tomography and subsurface monitoring methods.
PAK1 inhibition reduces tumor size and extends the lifespan of mice in a genetically engineered mouse model of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)
Authors: Hawley Eric , Gehlhausen Jeffrey , Karchugina Sofiia , Chow Hoi-Yee , Araiza-Olivera Daniela , Radu Maria , Smith Abbi , Burks Ciersten , Jiang Li , Li Xiaohong , Bessler Waylan , Masters Andrea , Edwards Donna , Burgin Callie , Jones David , Yates Charles , Clapp D Wade , Chernoff Jonathan , Park Su-Jung
Published: May 2021

Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome in which germline haploinsufficiency at the NF2 gene confers a greatly increased propensity for tumor development arising from tissues of neural crest derived origin. NF2 encodes the tumor suppressor, Merlin, and its biochemical function is incompletely understood. One well-established function of Merlin is as a negative regulator of group A serine/threonine p21-activated kinases (PAKs). In these studies we explore the role of PAK1 and its closely related paralog, PAK2, both pharmacologically and genetically, in Merlin-deficient Schwann cells and in a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) that develops spontaneous vestibular and spinal schwannomas. We demonstrate that PAK1 and PAK2 are both hyper activated in Merlin-deficient murine schwannomas. In preclinical trials, a pan Group A PAK inhibitor, FRAX-1036, transiently reduced PAK1 and PAK2 phosphorylation in vitro, but had insignificant efficacy in vivo. NVS-PAK1-1, a PAK1 selective inhibitor, had a greater but still minimal effect on our GEMM phenotype. However, genetic ablation of Pak1 but not Pak2 reduced tumor formation in our NF2 GEMM. Moreover, germline genetic deletion of Pak1 was well tolerated, while conditional deletion of Pak2 in Schwann cells resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. These data support the further development of PAK1-specific small molecule inhibitors and the therapeutic targeting of PAK1 in vestibular schwannomas and argue against PAK1 and PAK2 existing as functionally redundant protein isoforms in Schwann cells.
Small molecule 1a reduces FMRpolyG-mediated toxicity in in vitro and in vivo models for FMR1 premutation
Authors: Haify Saif N , Buijsen Ronald A M , Verwegen Lucas , Severijnen Lies-Anne W F M , de Boer Helen , Boumeester Valerie , Monshouwer Roos , Yang Wang-Yong , Cameron Michael D , Willemsen Rob , Disney Matthew D , Hukema Renate K
Published: May 2021

Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, ataxia and neuropsychological problems. This disease is quite common in the general population with approximately 20 million carriers worldwide. The risk of developing FXTAS increases dramatically with age, with about 45% of male carriers over the age of 50 being affected. FXTAS is caused by a CGG-repeat expansion (CGGexp) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. CGGexp RNA is translated into the FMRpolyG protein by a mechanism called RAN translation. Although both gene and pathogenic trigger are known, no therapeutic interventions are available at this moment. Here, we present, for the first time, primary hippocampal neurons derived from the ubiquitous inducible mouse model which is used as a screening tool for targeted interventions. A promising candidate is the repeat binding, RAN translation blocking, small molecule 1a. Small molecule 1a shields the disease-causing CGGexp from being translated into the toxic FMRpolyG protein. Primary hippocampal neurons formed FMRpolyG-positive inclusions, and upon treatment with 1a, the numbers of FMRpolyG-positive inclusions are reduced. We also describe for the first time the formation of FMRpolyG-positive inclusions in the liver of this mouse model. Treatment with 1a reduced the insoluble FMRpolyG protein fraction in the liver but not the number of inclusions. Moreover, 1a treatment had a reducing effect on the number of Rad23b-positive inclusions and insoluble Rad23b protein levels. These data suggest that targeted small molecule therapy is effective in an FXTAS mouse model and has the potential to treat CGGexp-mediated diseases, including FXTAS.
BORCS6 is involved in the enlargement of lung lamellar bodies in Lrrk2 knockout mice
Authors: Araki Miho , Ito Kyohei , Takatori Sho , Ito Genta , Tomita Taisuke
Published: May 2021

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. It has been shown that Lrrk2 knockout (KO) rodents have enlarged lamellar bodies (LBs) in their alveolar epithelial type II cells, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we performed proteomic analyses on LBs isolated from Lrrk2 KO mice and found that the LB proteome is substantially different in Lrrk2 KO mice compared with wild-type mice. In Lrrk2 KO LBs, several Rab proteins were increased, and subunit proteins of BLOC-1-related complex (BORC) were decreased. The amount of surfactant protein C was significantly decreased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from Lrrk2 KO mice, suggesting that LB exocytosis is impaired in Lrrk2 KO mice. We also found that the enlargement of LBs is recapitulated in A549 cells upon KO of LRRK2 or by treating cells with LRRK2 inhibitors. Using this model, we show that KO of BORCS6, a BORC subunit gene, but not other BORC genes, causes LB enlargement. Our findings implicate the LRRK2-BORCS6 pathway in the maintenance of LB morphology.
Achieving Histologic Normalization in Ulcerative Colitis Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Subsequent Dysplasia
Authors: Shaffer Seth R , Erondu Amarachi I , Traboulsi Cindy , Rai Victoria , Krugliak Cleveland Noa , Israel Amanda , Christensen Britt , Rubin David T
Published: May 2021

Background

Complete histologic normalization is associated with improved clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is currently unknown what effect achieving histologic normalization has on the development of dysplasia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 495 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of UC from a tertiary center. Patients were categorized according to the best histologic assessment they had during their disease course: histologic normalization, histologic quiescence, or persistent histologic activity. We assessed dysplasia rates in these patient groups after achieving histologic normalization or histologic quiescence, or 8 years after UC diagnosis in those with persistent histologic activity. Kaplan-Meier graphs and Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate this effect.

Results

The incidence rate of dysplasia development after achieving histologic normalization was statistically significantly less when compared with the incidence rate after achieving histologic quiescence (P = 0.001) and in those with persistent histologic activity 8 years after UC diagnosis (P = 0.033). In multivariate analysis, at any point throughout UC duration, dysplasia development was statistically lower in those with histologic normalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.81) but not in those with histologic quiescence (aHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.25-1.10), compared with those with persistent histologic inflammation. When assessing the time after achieving histologic normalization, histologic quiescence, or 8 years post UC diagnosis in those with persistent histologic activity, we found that patients with histologic normalization had a subsequent decreased risk of developing dysplasia (aHR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.72), compared with patients without normalization.

Conclusions

Histologic normalization is associated with a decreased risk in patients with UC of developing subsequent dysplasia, compared with patients without histologic normalization. These findings have implications for surveillance intervals.
University Experiences of Marine Science Research and Outreach Beyond the Classroom
Authors: Sims Randi J , Tallapragada Meghnaa , Payton Tokea G , Noonan Kara , Prosser Kathy L , Childress Michael J
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Climate and ocean literacy are two of the most important challenges facing society today. However, many students lack exposure to these topics upon entering college. As a result, these students must rely on learning climate literacy and ocean conservation through experiences outside of those provided in the traditional undergraduate classroom. To fill this gap, we initiated a marine science professional development program to expose undergraduate students to ocean literacy principles and climate change concepts through marine ecology research and educational outreach. This study evaluates the effects of our undergraduate experiential learning for individuals involved in our research team, our educational outreach team, or both. Clemson University alumni that participated in our program were surveyed to determine educational and professional gains in three areas related to: (1) knowledge; (2) careers; and (3) attitudes. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to understand the relationships between gains and program type, mentor experience, and duration of program enrollment. In addition, we evaluated demographic covariates including age, ideology, and gender. Our study found that perceived knowledge of marine science and science communication skills increased with positive mentor experience. Alumni that rated their experience with their mentors highly also indicated that the program was important to their careers after graduation. Students who participated in any program for a prolonged period were more likely to indicate that marine science was important to their careers. These students were also more likely to continue their education. Additionally, we saw that a sense of belonging and identity in science, as well as the understanding of climate change threat on the marine environment, all increased with longer program involvement, more than the type of experience (research versus outreach). Overall, we found that both the research and outreach programs offered opportunities for advancements in knowledge, careers, and attitudes. These results provide evidence that experiential learning has the potential to increase student engagement and understanding of climate change and ocean literacy communication as well as a sense of belonging in science-oriented fields.
Controllability of fractional neutral functional differential equations with infinite delay driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Dieye Moustapha , Lakhel El Hassan , McKibben Mark A
Published: May 2021

In this work, we establish a controllability result for a class of fractional neutral stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay driven by fractional Brownian motion. To attain our objective we adapt the argument of Lakhel & McKibben (2018, Stochastics  90, no. 3, 313–329) where the existence of mild solutions to such stochastic equations was studied. An example is provided to show the applicability of the theoretical result.