bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra‐tracheal surfactant/budesonide versus surfactant alone: Comparison of two consecutive cohorts of extremely preterm infants
Authors: Moschino Laura , Nardo Daniel , Bonadies Luca , Stocchero Matteo , Res Giulia , Priante Elena , Salvadori Sabrina , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of intra‐tracheal (IT) surfactant/budesonide (SB) with that of surfactant alone (S) in reducing the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks post‐menstrual age (PMA), we included extremely preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in our tertiary neonatal level of care unit (Padua, Italy).

Study Design

A retrospective chart review of two cohorts of extremely preterm VLBW neonates (<28+0 gestation weeks, birth weight [BW] < 1500 g) born in two consequent epochs (2017–2018/2018–2019) were compared. The SB group received surfactant (200 mg/kg 1st dose) and budesonide (0.25 mg/kg), while the S group received surfactant alone.

Results

Among 68 neonates with RDS Grades III–IV, FiO2 ≥ 0.3 within 12 h of life, 18 were included in each group after matching for perinatal, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. IT SB did not affect the rate of BPD (Vermont Oxford Network, Jensen's, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development BPD Workshop 2018 definitions), death, BPD, or death at 36 weeks PMA. Hypotension requiring inotropic support within the first 5 days was lower in those receiving the combined treatment (p = .03). The SB group had fewer admissions to pediatric ward due to respiratory causes up to 12 months of corrected age (p = .03).

Conclusion

The preliminary results of this retrospective study suggest that in extremely preterm VLBW infants, IT SB for severe RDS did not affect the incidence of BPD, death, and BPD or death at 36 weeks PMA, compared to surfactant alone. The combined therapy proved to be safe in this population. Further studies are warranted to explore the role of early IT steroids on respiratory morbidity in preterm infants.
The overexpression and variant of CYP6G4 associated with propoxur resistance in the housefly, Musca domestica L.
Authors: You Chunmei , Shan Chao , Ma Zhuo , Zhang Yi , Zhao Rui , Gao Xiwu
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The control of the housefly, Musca domestica, heavily relies on the application of insecticides. Propoxur, a carbamate, has been widely used for vector control. The housefly populations with high propoxur resistance display point mutations and overexpression of acetylcholinesterase. However, the roles of cytochrome P450 monoxygenases (P450s), as important detoxification enzymes, remain poorly understand in the housefly resistant to propoxur.

RESULTS

P450s were implied to contribute to propoxur resistance based on the synergism of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and the increase of P450 enzyme activity in the near‐isogenic line propoxur resistant strain (N‐PRS). Five P450 genes (CYP6G4, CYP6A25, CYP304A1, CYP6D3, and CYP6A1) by RNA‐sequencing comparison were significantly up‐regulated in the N‐PRS strain with >1035‐fold resistance to propoxur. A total of 13 non‐synonymous mutations of three P450 genes (CYP6G4, CYP6D3, and CYP6D8) were found in the N‐PRS strain. The amino acid substitutions of CYP6D3 and CYP6D8 were probably not resistance‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) because they were also found in the aabys susceptible strain. However, CYP6G4 variant in the N‐PRS strain was not found in the aabys strain. The conjoint analysis of mutations and a series of genetic crosses exhibited that the housefly propoxur resistance was strongly associated with the mutations of CYP6G4 gene.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that a combination of up‐regulated transcript levels and mutations of CYP6G4 contributed to propoxur resistance in the housefly. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Contribution of irisin pathway in protective effects of mandarin juice (Citrus reticulata Blanco) on metabolic syndrome in rats fed with high fat diet
Authors: Testai Lara , De Leo Marinella , Flori Lorenzo , Polini Beatrice , Braca Alessandra , Nieri Paola , Pistelli Luisa , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: May 2021

The beneficial effects of Citrus fruits and their secondary metabolites on the cardiovascular system are well established. Moreover, growing evidence suggests beneficial role for prevention of obesity and related dysfunctions. Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae) is one of the most consumed Citrus fruits, but it is poorly investigated. Mandarin juice obtained from C. reticulata fruits, collected in the Horti Simplicium of Pisa Charterhouse, presents a high amount of flavanone glycosides, including hesperidin and a number of polymethoxyflavonoids, in particular nobiletin and tangeretin. On Wistar rats fed with a high fat diet for 21 days, mandarin juice significantly contained the percentage weight gain, reduced visceral adipose tissue and the inflammatory markers TNF and IL‐6. Furthermore, mandarin juice influenced irisin pathway, increasing its plasma levels. Finally, supplementation with mandarin juice contributed to improve mitochondrial membrane potential, partially compromised with high fat diet, making mitochondria less susceptible to harmful events, such as ischemia. Taken together, these results suggest that C. reticulata, through its main metabolites, is able to produce beneficial effects in metabolic syndrome and to promote browning process, through involvement of the novel interesting irisin pathway.
Teleconnections of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation in a multi‐model ensemble of QBO‐resolving models
Authors: Anstey James A. , Simpson Isla R. , Richter Jadwiga H. , Naoe Hiroaki , Taguchi Masakazu , Serva Federico , Gray Lesley J. , Butchart Neal , Hamilton Kevin , Osprey Scott , Bellprat Omar , Braesicke Peter , Bushell Andrew C. , Cagnazzo Chiara , Chen Chih‐Chieh , Chun Hye‐Yeong , Garcia Rolando R. , Holt Laura , Kawatani Yoshio , Kerzenmacher Tobias , Kim Young‐Ha , Lott Francois , McLandress Charles , Scinocca John , Stockdale Timothy N. , Versick Stefan , Watanabe Shingo , Yoshida Kohei , Yukimoto Seiji
Published: May 2021

The Quasi‐biennial Oscillation (QBO) dominates the interannual variability of the tropical stratosphere and influences other regions of the atmosphere. The high predictability of the QBO implies that its teleconnections could lead to increased skill of seasonal and decadal forecasts provided the relevant mechanisms are accurately represented in models. Here modelling and sampling uncertainties of QBO teleconnections are examined using a multi‐model ensemble of QBO‐resolving atmospheric general circulation models that have carried out a set of coordinated experiments as part of the Stratosphere‐troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate (SPARC) QBO initiative (QBOi). During Northern Hemisphere winter, the stratospheric polar vortex in most of these models strengthens when the QBO near 50 hPa is westerly and weakens when it is easterly, consistent with, but weaker than, the observed response. These weak responses are likely due to model errors, such as systematically weak QBO amplitudes near 50 hPa, affecting the teleconnection. The teleconnection to the North Atlantic Oscillation is less well captured overall, but of similar strength to the observed signal in the few models that do show it. The models do not show clear evidence of a QBO teleconnection to the Northern Hemisphere Pacific‐sector subtropical jet.
Improved simple linear profiling method with application to chemical gas sensors
Authors: Abbasi Saddam Akbar , Abbas Tahir , Adegoke Nurudeen Adedayo
Published: May 2021

In industrial applications, a functional relationship between the quality characteristics of interest is well represented by profile functions. These are often characterized by linear or nonlinear relationships that depend on the nature of the experimental study. A monitoring method based on linear profiles is known as linear profiling, which is commonly used because of its simplicity. In this article, we propose a new linear profiling method based on a homogenously weighted moving average (HWMA) chart to monitor the linear profile parameters. The HWMA chart is based on the idea of allocating a specific weight to the current estimate of the profiling parameter, and the remaining weight is circulated equally among the prior estimates. The performance of the proposed control chart was evaluated using the average run length criterion and further compared with existing charts for the monitoring of the linear profile parameter. Our simulation results revealed the superiority of the newly proposed chart in terms of its quick detection ability. An example concerning gas sensors from the chemical industry is also presented to illustrate the application of the proposed chart.
In situ detection of fatty acid C=C positional isomers by coupling on‐tissue mCPBA epoxidation with infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Tu Anqi , Garrard Kenneth P. , Said Neveen , Muddiman David C.
Published: May 2021

Rationale

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) play vital roles in regulating cellular functions. In‐depth structural characterization of UFAs such as localizing carbon–carbon double bonds is fundamentally important but poses considerable challenges in mass spectrometry (MS) given that the most widely accessible ion activation method, low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID), primarily generates uninformative fragments (e.g., neutral loss of CO2) that are not suggestive of the double‐bond positions.

Methods

m‐Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) was uniformly deposited onto the sample slides using a TM Sprayer, converting the carbon–carbon double bonds into epoxides under ambient conditions. The epoxidation product was ionized in situ by infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (IR‐MALDESI‐MS), and subsequently cleaved via CID, generating a diagnostic ion pair associated with the double‐bond position. The reaction efficiency, sensitivity and relative quantification capability of the method were validated with five UFA standards dried on glass slides, and then this strategy was demonstrated on thin tissue sections of rat liver and human bladder.

Results

The mCPBA reaction yielded conversion rates in the range of 44–60% in 10 min with high specificity and sensitivity. Further tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of the mono‐epoxidized products generated informative fragment ions specific to the double‐bond positions, and relative quantification of positional isomers in binary mixtures was performed across a wide mole fraction from 0 to 1. An innovative spiral scan pattern was utilized during data acquisition, elucidating the major isomeric compositions of multiple UFAs from a tissue section in a single run.

Conclusions

The on‐tissue mCPBA epoxidation was implemented into an ambient MS imaging workflow to offer a rapid and simple way for in situ identification and relative quantification of double‐bond positional isomers without the requirement for instrument modification. The method can be readily implemented on many other MS platforms to reveal the role of double‐bond positional isomers in lipid biology and to discover potential biomarkers.
Passivity‐based stochastic sampled‐data control of Markovian jump systems via looped‐functional approach
Authors: Yao Lan , Huang Xia , Wang Zhen , Xia Jianwei , Shen Hao
Published: May 2021

In this article, passivity‐based sampled‐data control for Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with stochastic sampling is conducted by virtue of the looped‐functional approach. First, based on the input delay approach, the MJS under stochastic sampled‐data control is modeled as a time‐varying continuous‐time system with a random variable. Second, a time‐dependent looped‐functional is developed, which only requires its positive definiteness at the sampling instants and takes full use of the state information. Moreover, a free‐matrix‐based integral inequality is used to derive some less conservative passivity conditions expressed in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMIs). Meanwhile, a design algorithm for the mode‐dependent stochastic sampled‐data controller is provided. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity and superiority of the proposed analysis method.
Confidence interval estimation for treatment effects in cluster randomization trials based on ranks
Authors: Zou Guangyong
Published: May 2021

A cluster randomization trial is one in which clusters of individuals are randomly allocated to different intervention arms. This design has become the standard for the evaluation of health care and educational strategies. To assess treatment effect, many cluster randomization trials involve outcomes that are lack meaningful units, making interpretation difficult. This difficulty may be dealt with by estimating the Mann‐Whitney probability, which quantifies the probability that a typical response from one treatment arm is larger (or smaller) than a typical response from the other arm. In this work, we propose procedures for estimating this probability in cluster randomization trials. Primary emphasis is given to confidence interval estimation in trials with a small number of large clusters. The essence of the procedures is to obtain placement values based on overall ranks and arm‐specific ranks prior to application of the ratio estimator, cluster‐size‐weighted means and mixed models for adjusting clustering effects. Nine confidence intervals were developed by applying three interval methods each based on the three variance estimators. The proposed methods can be applied to studies with binary, ordinal or continuous outcomes without making parametric assumptions. Simulation results demonstrated that the three variance estimators performed equally well, with the confidence interval procedures based on logit and inverse hyperbolic sine transformations performing better in terms of coverage and average interval width, even when the numbers of clusters are as small as 3 to 5 clusters per arm. The methods are illustrated using data from three published cluster randomization trials with SAS code provided.
Measuring association among censored antibody titer data
Authors: Tran Thao M. P. , Abrams Steven , Aerts Marc , Maertens Kirsten , Hens Niel
Published: May 2021

Censoring due to a limit of detection or limit of quantification happens quite often in many medical studies. Conventional approaches to deal with censoring when analyzing these data include, for example, the substitution method and the complete case (CC) analysis. More recently, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) has been increasingly used. While the CC analysis and the substitution method usually lead to biased estimates, the MLE approach appears to perform well in many situations. This article proposes an MLE approach to estimate the association between two measurements in the presence of censoring in one or both quantities. The central idea is to use a copula function to join the marginal distributions of the two measurements. In various simulation studies, we show that our approach outperforms existing conventional methods (CC and substitution analyses). In addition, rank‐based measures of global association such as Kendall's tau or Spearman's rho can be studied, hence, attention is not only confined to Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficient capturing solely linear association. We have shown in our simulations that our approach is robust to misspecification of the copula function or marginal distributions given a small association. Furthermore, we propose a straightforward MLE method to fit a (multiple) linear regression model in the presence of censoring in a covariate or both the covariate and the response. Given the marginal distribution of the censored covariate, our method outperforms conventional approaches. We also compare and discuss the performance of our method with multiple imputation and missing indicator model approaches.
Using generalized linear models to implement g‐estimation for survival data with time‐varying confounding
Authors: Seaman Shaun R. , Keogh Ruth H. , Dukes Oliver , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: May 2021

Using data from observational studies to estimate the causal effect of a time‐varying exposure, repeatedly measured over time, on an outcome of interest requires careful adjustment for confounding. Standard regression adjustment for observed time‐varying confounders is unsuitable, as it can eliminate part of the causal effect and induce bias. Inverse probability weighting, g‐computation, and g‐estimation have been proposed as being more suitable methods. G‐estimation has some advantages over the other two methods, but until recently there has been a lack of flexible g‐estimation methods for a survival time outcome. The recently proposed Structural Nested Cumulative Survival Time Model (SNCSTM) is such a method. Efficient estimation of the parameters of this model required bespoke software. In this article we show how the SNCSTM can be fitted efficiently via g‐estimation using standard software for fitting generalised linear models. The ability to implement g‐estimation for a survival outcome using standard statistical software greatly increases the potential uptake of this method. We illustrate the use of this method of fitting the SNCSTM by reanalyzing data from the UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry, and provide example R code to facilitate the use of this approach by other researchers.
Seeking Middle Ground: Analyzing Running Records From the Top and Bottom
Authors: Stouffer Joe
Published: May 2021

Responding to recent challenges to Clay’s Running Records (2019) and their analysis using a three‐cueing system, the authorI examines this reading assessment from an additive perspective of both bottom‐up and top‐down orientations of reading instruction. Endorsing their inclusion among classroom reading assessments, the author I navigates the tension between the two orientations by examining signposts of both that can be found in Running Records. In the discussion, I include a corresponding framework to assist teachers’ interpretation and instructional planning for strategic actions, including searching for, using, and cross‐checking various sources of information; solving words; monitoring; self‐correcting; and maintaining fluency. When applied formatively, Running Records may be an assistive component in classroom reading assessment, yielding instruction targeting automaticity decoding and deeper comprehension.
Prenatal diagnosis of rhombencephalosynapsis: neuroimaging features and severity of vermian anomaly
Authors: Krajden Haratz K. , Oliveira Szejnfeld P. , Govindaswamy M. , Leibovitz Z. , Gindes L. , Severino M. , Rossi A. , Paladini D. , Garcia Rodriguez R. , Ben‐Sira L. , Borkowski Tillman T. , Gupta R. , Lotem G. , Raz N. , Hamamoto T. E. N. K. , Kidron D. , Arad A. , Birnbaum R. , Brussilov M. , Pomar L. , Vial Y. , Leventer R. J. , McGillivray G. , Fink M. , Krzeszowski W. , Fernandes Moron A. , Lev D. , Tamarkin M. , Shalev J. , Har Toov J. , Lerman‐Sagie T. , Malinger G.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To describe the prenatal neuroimaging spectrum of rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) and criteria for its classification according to the severity of vermian anomaly.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study of fetuses with RES between 2002 and 2020, the medical records and brain ultrasound and magnetic resonance images were evaluated comprehensively to determine the severity of the vermian anomaly and the presence of associated brain findings. RES was classified, according to the pattern of vermian agenesis and the extent of the fusion of the hemispheres, as complete RES (complete absence of the vermis) or partial RES (further classified according to the part of the vermis that was missing and, consequently, the region of hemispheric fusion, as anterior, posterior, severe or mixed RES). Findings were compared between cases with complete and those with partial RES.

Results

Included in the study were 62 fetuses with a gestational age ranging between 12 and 37 weeks. Most had complete absence of the vermis (complete RES, 77.4% of cases), a ‘round‐shaped’ cerebellum on axial views (72.6%) and a transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) < 3rd centile (87.1%). Among the 22.6% of cases with partial RES, 6.5% were classified as severe partial, 6.5% as partial anterior, 8.1% as partial mixed and 1.6% as partial posterior. Half of these cases presented with normal or nearly normal cerebellar morphology and 28.5% had a TCD within the normal limits. Infratentorially, the fourth ventricle was abnormal in 88.7% of cases overall, and anomalies of the midbrain and pons were frequent (93.5% and 77.4%, respectively). Ventriculomegaly was observed in 80.6% of all cases, being more severe in cases with complete RES than in those with partial RES, with high rates of parenchymal and septal disruption.

Conclusions

This study provides prenatal neuroimaging criteria for the diagnosis and classification of RES, and identification of related features, using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. According to our findings, a diagnosis of RES should be considered in fetuses with a small TCD (severe cerebellar hypoplasia) and/or a round‐shaped cerebellum on axial views, during the second or third trimester, especially when associated with ventriculomegaly. Partial RES is more common than previously thought, but presents an extreme diagnostic challenge, especially in cases with normal or nearly‐normal cerebellar morphobiometric features. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hydrogel‐based composites: Unlimited platforms for biosensors and diagnostics
Authors: Wang Zeyi , Liu Yanlei , Wang Zhiwei , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

The need for biosensing systems, which are capable of reliable and accurate detection of physiological signals and disease biomarkers along with biocompatible surface chemistry and textures for device–human interface, has driven the continuous search for advanced sensing materials, sensing strategies, and device structures. Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymers with high water content and thus akin to human tissues. They are not only able to act as polymeric matrices to load functional materials for bio‐signal transducing, but also stimuli‐responsive to cooperate with the filler materials for further enhanced sensing performance. A vast combination of hydrogels and functional fillers such as biomacromolecules, metal nanostructures, carbon nanomaterials, and two‐dimensional materials beyond graphene has been demonstrated over the last decade for fabrication of biosensors for disease diagnosis and health monitoring. This review article aims to provide an overview of the various hydrogel‐based composites, introduce their preparation protocols, and describe the working principles of their corresponding sensors. Recent development of these sensors for potential diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases is then summarized, followed by stating the current challenges and prospects in this field.
Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams: Perspectives for critical zone science and research on socio‐ecosystems
Authors: Fovet Ophelie , Belemtougri Axel , Boithias Laurie , Braud Isabelle , Charlier Jean‐Baptiste , Cottet Marylise , Daudin Kevin , Dramais Guillaume , Ducharne Agnès , Folton Nathalie , Grippa Manuela , Hector Basile , Kuppel Sylvain , Le Coz Jérôme , Legal Luc , Martin Philippe , Moatar Florentina , Molénat Jérôme , Probst Anne , Riotte Jean , Vidal Jean‐Philippe , Vinatier Fabrice , Datry Thibault
Published: May 2021

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are now recognized to support specific freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services and represent approximately half of the global river network, a fraction that is likely to increase in the context of global changes. Despite large research efforts on IRES during the past few decades, there is a need for developing a systemic approach to IRES that considers their hydrological, hydrogeological, hydraulic, ecological, and biogeochemical properties and processes, as well as their interactions with human societies. Thus, we assert that the interdisciplinary approach to ecosystem research promoted by critical zone sciences and socio‐ecology is relevant. These approaches rely on infrastructure—Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) and Long‐Term Socio‐Ecological Research (LTSER) platforms—that are representative of the diversity of IRES (e.g., among climates or types of geology. We illustrate this within the French CZO and LTSER, including their diversity as socio‐ecosystems, and detail human interactions with IRES. These networks are also specialized in the long‐term observations required to detect and measure ecosystem responses of IRES to climate and human forcings despite the delay and buffering effects within ecosystems. The CZO and LTSER platforms also support development of innovative techniques and data analysis methods that can improve characterization of IRES, in particular for monitoring flow regimes, groundwater‐surface water flow, or water biogeochemistry during rewetting. We provide scientific and methodological perspectives for which this interdisciplinary approach and its associated infrastructure would provide relevant and original insights that would help fill knowledge gaps about IRES.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Arctic wetland system dynamics under climate warming
Authors: Kreplin Hanna N. , Santos Ferreira Carla Sofia , Destouni Georgia , Keesstra Saskia D. , Salvati Luca , Kalantari Zahra
Published: May 2021

Warming and hydrological changes have already affected and shifted environments in the Arctic. Arctic wetlands are complex systems of coupled hydrological, ecological, and permafrost‐related processes, vulnerable to such environmental changes. This review uses a systems perspective approach to synthesize and elucidate the various interlinked responses and feedbacks of Arctic wetlands to hydroclimatic changes. Starting from increased air temperatures, subsequent permafrost thaw and concurrent hydrological changes are identified as key factors for both shrinkage and expansion of wetland area. Other diverse factors further interact with warming, hydrological changes, and permafrost thaw in altering the Arctic wetland systems. Surface albedo shifts driven by land cover alterations are powerful in reinforcing Arctic warming, while vegetation‐related factors can balance and decelerate permafrost thaw, causing negative feedback loops. With the vast amounts of carbon stored in Arctic wetlands, their changes in turn affect the global carbon cycle. Overall, the systems perspectives outlined and highlighted in this review can be useful in structuring and elucidating the interactions of wetlands with climate, hydrological, and other environmental changes in the Arctic, including the essential permafrost‐carbon feedback.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Correction to: When Conscience Wavers. Some Reflections on the Normalization of Euthanasia in Belgium
Authors: Lemmens Willem
Published: May 2021

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56795-8
Geysers
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

Geysers, springs that intermittently erupt boiling water, appear to be especially sensitive to earthquakes. As they are a surface manifestation of geothermal systems, their response to earthquakes provides a window into how earthquakes change hydrothermal systems and processes. The most common approach to document responses to earthquakes is to identify changes in the interval between eruptions. Sustained changes in eruption intervals may be caused by changes in permeability. Confirming what processes lead to changes at geysers is hampered by limited reliable, quantitative multi-parameter data sets.
Stream Flow
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

Changes in stream discharge after earthquakes are among the most interesting hydrologic responses because they are visible at Earth’s surface and can be dramatic. Here we focus on changes that persist for extended periods but have no obvious source. Such increases have been documented for a long time but their origins are still under debate. We first review some general characteristics of streamflow responses to earthquakes; we then discuss several mechanisms that have been proposed to explain these responses and the source of the extra water. The different hypotheses imply different crustal processes and different water–rock interactions during the earthquake cycle. In most instances, these hypotheses are under-constrained. We suggest that multiple mechanisms may be activated by an earthquake.
One-loop integrand from generalised scattering equations
Authors: Abhishek Md. , Hegde Subramanya , Saha Arnab Priya
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Generalised bi-adjoint scalar amplitudes, obtained from integrations over moduli space of punctured ℂℙk − 1, are novel extensions of the CHY formalism. These amplitudes have realisations in terms of Grassmannian cluster algebras. Recently connections between one-loop integrands for bi-adjoint cubic scalar theory and $$ {\mathcal{D}}_n $$

D
n

cluster polytope have been established. In this paper using the Gr (3, 6) cluster algebra, we relate the singularities of (3, 6) amplitude to four-point one-loop integrand in the bi-adjoint cubic scalar theory through the $$ {\mathcal{D}}_4 $$

D
4

cluster polytope. We also study factorisation properties of the (3, 6) amplitude at various boundaries in the worldsheet.
Light-ray operators, detectors and gravitational event shapes
Authors: Gonzo Riccardo , Pokraka Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Light-ray operators naturally arise from integrating Einstein equations at null infinity along the light-cone time. We associate light-ray operators to physical detectors on the celestial sphere and we provide explicit expressions in perturbation theory for their hard modes using the steepest descent technique. We then study their algebra in generic 4-dimensional QFTs of massless particles with integer spin, comparing with complexified Cordova-Shao algebra. For the case of gravity, the Bondi news squared term provides an extension of the ANEC operator at infinity to a shear-inclusive ANEC, which as a quantum operator gives the energy of all quanta of radiation in a particular direction on the sky. We finally provide a direct connection of the action of the shear-inclusive ANEC with detector event shapes and we study infrared-safe gravitational wave event shapes produced in the scattering of massive compact objects, computing the energy flux at infinity in the classical limit at leading order in the soft expansion.
Probing the oligomeric re-assembling of bacterial fimbriae in vitro: a small-angle X-ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation study
Authors: Solovyova Alexandra S. , Peters Daniel T. , Dura Gema , Waller Helen , Lakey Jeremy H. , Fulton David A.
Published: May 2021

Capsular antigen fragment 1 (Caf1) is an oligomeric protein consisting of 15 kDa monomeric subunits that are non-covalently linked through exceptionally strong and kinetically inert interactions into a linear polymer chain. It has been shown that after its thermal depolymerisation into unfolded monomeric subunits, Caf1 is able to efficiently repolymerise in vitro to reform its polymeric structure. However, little is known about the nature of the repolymerisation process. An improved understanding of this process will lead to the development of methods to better control the lengths of the repolymerised species, and ultimately, to better design of the properties of Caf1-based materials. Here we utilize small-angle X-ray scattering to estimate the size of Caf1 polymers during the first 24 h of the re-polymerisation process. Analytical ultracentrifugation measurements were also used to investigate the process post-24 h, where the rate of repolymerisation becomes considerably slower. Results show that in vitro polymerisation proceeds in a linear manner with no evidence observed for the formation of a lateral polymer network or uncontrolled aggregates. The rate of Caf1 in vitro repolymerisation was found to be concentration-dependent. Importantly, the rate of polymer growth was found to be relatively fast over the first few hours, before continuing at a dramatically slower rate. This observation is not consistent with the previously proposed step-growth mechanism of in vitro polymerisation of Caf1, where a linear increase in polymer length would be expected with time. We speculate how our observations may support the idea that the polymerisation process may be occurring at the ends of the chains with monomers adding sequentially. Our findings will contribute towards the development of new biomaterials for 3D cell culture and bio-printing.
Admission blood glucose level and outcome in patients requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Bemtgen Xavier , Rilinger Jonathan , Jäckel Markus , Zotzmann Viviane , Supady Alexander , Benk Christoph , Bode Christoph , Wengenmayer Tobias , Lother Achim , Staudacher Dawid L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) frequently present with blood glucose levels out of normal range. The clinical relevance of such findings in the context of V-A ECMO is unknown. We therefore investigated the prognostic relevance of blood glucose at time of cannulation for V-A ECMO.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective registry study. All patients receiving V-A ECMO from October 2010 to January 2020 were included if blood glucose level at time of cannulation were documented. Patients were divided in five groups according to the initial blood glucose level ranging from hypoglycemic (< 80 mg/dl), normoglycemic (80–140 mg/dl), to mild (141-240 mg/dl), moderate (241–400 mg/dl), and severe (> 400 mg/dl) hyperglycemia, respectively. Clinical presentation, arterial blood gas analysis, and survival were compared between the groups.

Results

392 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 62 years (51.5–70.0), SAPS II at admission was 54 (43.5–63.0), and 108/392 (27.6%) were female. 131/392 were discharged alive (hospital survival 33.4%). At time of cannulation, survivors had higher pH, hemoglobin, calcium, bicarbonate but lower potassium and lactate levels compared to non-survivors (all p < 0.01). Outcome of patients diagnosed with particularly high (> 400 mg/dl) and low (< 80 mg/dl) blood glucose at time of V-A ECMO cannulation, respectively, was worse compared to patients with normoglycemic, mildly or moderately elevated values (p = 0.02). Glucose was independently associated with poor outcome after adjustment for other predictors of survival and persisted in all investigated subgroups.

Conclusion

Arterial blood glucose at time of V-A ECMO cannulation predicts in-hospital survival of patients with cardiac shock or after ECPR. Whether dysglycemia represents a potential therapeutic target requires further evaluation in prospective studies.

Graphical Abstract
Correction to: Large‑scale pathway specific polygenic risk and transcriptomic community network analysis identifies novel functional pathways in Parkinson disease
Authors: Bandres-Ciga S. , Saez-Atienzar S. , Kim J. J. , Makarious M. B. , Faghri F. , Diez-Fairen M. , Iwaki H. , Leonard H. , Botia J. , Ryten M. , Hernandez D. , Gibbs J. R. , Ding J. , Gan-Or Z. , Noyce A. , Pihlstrom L. , Torkamani A. , Soltis A. R. , Dalgard C. L. ,   The American Genome Center, Scholz S. W. , Traynor B. J. , Ehrlich D. , Scherzer C. R. , Bookman M. , Cookson M. , Blauwendraat C. , Nalls M. A. , Singleton A. B. ,   the International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02309-z
Long-term outcomes of intravitreal therapy for symptomatic diabetic macular oedema in a real-world setting in Switzerland
Authors: Zirpel Johanna J. , Pfister Isabel B. , Gerhardt Christin , Garweg Justus G.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the long-term visual outcomes in eyes with symptomatic diabetic macular oedema (DME) under intravitreal treatment (IVT) in a clinical routine setting.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed DME were included in this retrospective study if they had received at least three IVTs and a follow-up period ≥ 2 years. Due to altered treatment patterns since the approval of ranibizumab for DME in 2012, patients were subdivided according to their first IVT before 2013 (group 1) or thereafter (group 2). The primary outcome measure was the evolution of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time.

Results

Of 217 eyes (191 patients) with DME, 151 eyes (117 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria (63 eyes in the first period, 88 in the second period). Mean follow-up time was 7.9 ± 3.1 (group 1) and 4.1 ± 1.4 years (group 2; p < 0.001). Visual gains were similar in the first year (group 1: + 5.3 ± 15.5, group 2: + 7.3 ± 12.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters; p = 0.44), but not thereafter (after 2 years in group 1: + 4.4 ± 15.0, group 2: + 8.3 ± 13.0 ETDRS letters; p = 0.038). During the first year, group 1 patients received less clinical examinations (group 1: 6.6 ± 3.3, group 2: 7.5 ± 2.1; p = 0.007) and less injections (group 1: 3.6 ± 2.7, group 2: 6.1 ± 2.7; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A greater visual gain, in response to more intensive treatment during the first year, was maintained for at least 5 years in group 2 subjects. Our data confirm that in a real-world setting, early intensive treatment results in satisfying long-term visual outcomes.
Apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity in prostate cancer cells of a chestnut honey (Castanea sativa L.) quinoline–pyrrolidine gamma-lactam alkaloid
Authors: Beretta Giangiacomo , Moretti Roberta Manuela , Nasti Rita , Cincinelli Raffaella , Dallavalle Sabrina , Montagnani Marelli Marina
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men and represents the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Western countries. PCa is initially androgen-dependent, however, this tumor inevitably progresses as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which represents the most aggressive phase of the pathology. In this work, in two CRPC cell lines (DU145 and PC3), we studied the in vitro inhibitory properties of the tryptophan-derived endogenous metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) and of the lactam form of 3–2′-pyrrilonidinyl-kynurenic acid (3-PKA-L), alkaloids usually present in combination in chestnut honey. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell colony formation assay, and Western blot analysis of the major mediator proteins involved in apoptotic processes. In all experiments, KYNA was scarcely or not active while 3-PKA-L showed anticancer activity in the high concentration range (0.01 mM – 1 mM) from 24 to 72 h. The results obtained showed that cell death was induced by extrinsic apoptotic pathway, by cell morphological changes and reduction of cell colonies number. These novel results represent the first promising step to the accurate description of 3-PKA-L cytotoxic effect, not observed with KYNA, paving the way to the search of new anticancer agents, as well as to the better understanding of the physiopathological role of this interesting natural product.
Anxiety, depression, and worries in advanced Parkinson disease during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Montanaro Elisa , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Rosano Cristina , Boschetto Carlotta , Imbalzano Gabriele , Romagnolo Alberto , Bozzali Marco , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Zibetti Maurizio , Lopiano Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Background

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on frail populations with advanced Parkinson disease (APD) and their caregivers may present with peculiar features and require specific interventions.

Methods

We enrolled here 100 APD patients and 60 caregivers. Seventy-four patients were treated with device-aided therapies (DAT) and 26 with standard medical treatment (SMT). Through a telephonic interview, subjects underwent the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A; HADS-D), and an ad hoc questionnaire to explore thoughts and emotions related to the pandemic.

Results

Depression was observed in 35% of APD patients and anxiety in 39%, with a significant reduction of the latter after the lockdown (p= 0.023). We found a significant correlation between the type of therapy and the HADS-A score (p= 0.004). Patients’ main worries were as follows: a possible higher risk of COVID-19 infection (25%), interruption of non-pharmacological treatments (35%), interruption of outpatient clinics (38%), PD complications related to COVID-19 (47%). Patients treated with DAT manifested worries about device-related issues and risk for caregivers’ infection. The 40% of caregivers showed anxiety, while the 21.7% of them showed depression.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a higher prevalence of anxiety and the presence of peculiar worries and needs in APD patients during the pandemic alongside psychological sequelae of their caregivers. These findings are important for neurologists and healthcare services to foster strategies for the management of psychological distress in both patients and caregivers.
Automatic classification of landslide kinematics using acoustic emission measurements and machine learning
Authors: Deng Lizheng , Smith Alister , Dixon Neil , Yuan Hongyong
Published: May 2021

Founded on understanding of a slope’s likely failure mechanism, an early warning system for instability should alert users of accelerating slope deformation behaviour to enable safety-critical decisions to be made. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring of active waveguides (i.e. a steel tube with granular internal/external backfill installed through a slope) is becoming an accepted monitoring technology for soil slope stability applications; however, challenges still exist to develop widely applicable AE interpretation strategies. The objective of this study was to develop and demonstrate the use of machine learning (ML) approaches to automatically classify landslide kinematics using AE measurements, based on the standard landslide velocity scale. Datasets from large-scale slope failure simulation experiments were used to train and test the ML models. In addition, an example field application using data from a reactivated landslide at Hollin Hill, North Yorkshire, UK, is presented. The results show that ML can automatically classify landslide kinematics using AE measurements with the accuracy of more than 90%. The combination of two AE features, AE rate and AE rate gradient, enable both velocity and acceleration classifications. A conceptual framework is presented for how this automatic approach would be used for landslide early warning in the field, with considerations given to potentially limited site-specific training data.
Community structure of environmental microorganisms associated with COVID-19 affected patients
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Mo Guoxin , Yang Jie , Hu Xingshuo , Huang Hujie , Zhu Jing , Zhang Pei , Xia Han , Xie Lixin
Published: May 2021

To clarify the characteristics and distribution of hospital environmental microbiome associated with confirmed COVID-19 patients. Environmental samples with varying degrees of contamination which were associated with confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected, including 13 aerosol samples collected near eight patients in different wards, five swabs from one patient’s skin and his personal belongings, and two swabs from the surface of positive pressure respiratory protective hood and the face shield from a physician who had close contact with one patient. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was used to analyze the composition of the microbiome. One of the aerosol samples (near patient 4) was detected positive for COVID-19, and others were all negative. The environmental samples collected in different wards possessed protean compositions and community structures, the dominant genera including Pseudomonas, Corynebacterium, Neisseria, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Cutibacterium. Top 10 of genera accounted for more than 76.72%. Genera abundance and proportion of human microbes and pathogens radiated outward from the patient, while the percentage of environmental microbes increased. The abundance of the pathogenic microorganism of medical supplies is significantly higher than other surface samples. The microbial compositions of the aerosol collected samples nearby the patients were mostly similar to those from the surfaces of the patient's skin and personal belongings, but the abundance varied greatly. The positive rate of COVID-19 RNA detected from aerosol around patients in general wards was quite low. The ward environment was predominantly inhabited by species closely related to admitted patients. The spread of hospital microorganisms via aerosol was influenced by the patients’ activity.
A case study of a conservation flagship species: the monarch butterfly
Authors: Preston Stephanie D. , Liao Julia D. , Toombs Theodore P. , Romero-Canyas Rainer , Speiser Julia , Seifert Colleen M.
Published: May 2021

What makes a flagship species effective in engaging conservation donors? Large, charismatic mammals are typically selected as ambassadors, but a few studies suggest butterflies—and monarchs in particular—may be even more appealing. To gather more information about people’s responses to monarchs, we conducted an empirical study of member submissions to a successful conservation campaign, the Monarch Story Campaign, conducted by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The set of 691 stories along with their associated demographic and donation data was analyzed in a mixed-methods study using qualitative analysis and tests of association. The results showed that people often described encounters with monarchs in childhood and as adults. They expressed strong, positive emotions, and lauded the monarch’s beauty and other “awe-inspiring” qualities and expressed wonder at their lifecycle (i.e., metamorphosis and migration). They also raised conservation themes of distress at monarch loss, calls for action, and caretaking, such as being “fragile” and “in need.” Sharing personal encounters was associated with current efforts to save the species and more past financial donations, while a second pattern tied more donations to awe at the monarch’s mass migration. These results imply that conservation campaigns built around species people encounter may build lifelong awareness, concern, and actions towards conservation.