bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between Copyist and Editor: Away From Typologies of Error and Variance in Trouvère Song
Authors: Bleisch Nicholas
Published: September 2021

This article describes the range of attitudes and techniques used in the process of notating trouvère song. These variant attitudes shine through most clearly in cases of self-correction and adjustments to the music in response to the exemplar made by the copyists. Text scribes’ habits of correction and adaptation have been studied; music notators, however, have yet to receive the same attention. Contrafacted songs, where the same music sets multiple texts, reveal particularly diverse scribal approaches. Certain scribes take care to regularize the verses they copy according to an overarching concept of the piece, matching the music to each text. Others base inventive readings on notational mistakes. An easily corrected discrepancy could result in a revised picture of the entire melody later in the piece. Accidents of copying thus determine the entire shape of written melodies. My study is a defence of this supposed failure to correct.
The young protostellar disc in IRAS 16293−2422 B is hot and shows signatures of gravitational instability
Authors: Zamponi Joaquin , Maureira María José , Zhao Bo , Liu Hauyu Baobab , Ilee John D , Forgan Duncan , Caselli Paola
Published: September 2021

Deeply embedded protostars are actively fed from their surrounding envelopes through their protostellar disc. The physical structure of such early discs might be different from that of more evolved sources due to the active accretion. We present 1.3 and 3 mm ALMA continuum observations at resolutions of 6.5 and 12 au, respectively, towards the Class 0 source IRAS 16293−2422 B. The resolved brightness temperatures appear remarkably high, with Tb > 100 K within ∼30 au and Tb peak over 400 K at 3 mm. Both wavelengths show a lopsided emission with a spectral index reaching values less than 2 in the central ∼20 au region. We compare these observations with a series of radiative transfer calculations and synthetic observations of magnetohydrodynamic and radiation hydrodynamic protostellar disc models formed after the collapse of a dense core. Based on our results, we argue that the gas kinematics within the disc may play a more significant role in heating the disc than the protostellar radiation. In particular, our radiation hydrodynamic simulation of disc formation, including heating sources associated with gravitational instabilities, is able to generate the temperatures necessary to explain the high fluxes observed in IRAS 16293B. Besides, the low spectral index values are naturally reproduced by the high optical depth and high inner temperatures of the protostellar disc models. The high temperatures in IRAS 16293B imply that volatile species are mostly in the gas phase, suggesting that a self-gravitating disc could be at the origin of a hot corino.
Observations of interplanetary scintillation of the 2005 May 13 coronal mass ejection: numerical models
Authors: Chang O , González R F , Bisi M M , Fallows R A
Published: September 2021

The 2005 May 13 eruption was an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) observed using the Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network telescope system in the UK as it traversed the Interplanetary Medium on 2005 May 14. Observations of interplanetary scintillation (IPS) provide information on the solar wind conditions, which include velocities and density. In addition, it is also possible to calculate other parameters related to the turbulence and geometry of density irregularities in the solar wind from observations of IPS. Previous analyses have shown that IPS information can be difficult to interpret when a complex structure is crossing the line of sight since the physical properties of the plasma may change quite drastically with distance from the Sun. In order to compare and relate the internal structure of a CME and its physical changes, with the results from observations of IPS obtained previously, we carried out a numerical simulation of the 2005 May 13 eruptive event as it propagates into the IPM, adapting the geometrical properties derived by IPS analysis. In this work, we give a possible explanation of some signatures of CME sub-structure from the point of view of the IPS technique combined with what the modelling reveals.
Thermonuclear X-ray bursts from 4U 1636 − 536 observed withAstroSat
Authors: Roy Pinaki , Beri Aru , Bhattacharyya Sudip
Published: September 2021

We report results obtained from the study of 12 thermonuclear X-ray bursts in six AstroSat observations of a neutron star X-ray binary and well-known X-ray burster, 4U 1636 − 536. Burst oscillations (BOs) at ∼ 581 Hz are observed with 4–5σ confidence in three of these X-ray bursts. The rising phase BOs show a decreasing trend of the fractional rms amplitude at 3σ confidence, by far the strongest evidence of thermonuclear flame spreading observed with AstroSat. During the initial 0.25 s of the rise a very high value ($34.0\pm 6.7{{{\ \rm per\ cent}}}$) is observed. The concave shape of the fractional amplitude profile provides a strong evidence of latitude-dependent flame speeds, possibly due to the effects of the Coriolis force. We observe decay phase oscillations with amplitudes comparable to that observed during the rising phase, plausibly due to the combined effect of both surface modes, as well as the cooling wake. The Doppler shifts due to the rapid rotation of the neutron star might cause hard pulses to precede the soft pulses, resulting in a soft lag. The distance to the source estimated using the photospheric radius expansion bursts is consistent with the known value of ∼6 kpc.
Butyrate Production Pathway Abundances Are Similar in Human and Nonhuman Primate Gut Microbiomes
Authors: Mallott Elizabeth K , Amato Katherine R
Published: September 2021

Over the course of human evolution, shifts in dietary practices such as meat-eating and cooking, have resulted in reduced fiber intake, a trend that has been exaggerated more recently in industrialized populations. Reduced fiber consumption is associated with a loss of gut microbial taxa that degrade fiber, particularly butyrate. Therefore, this dietary shift in humans may have altered the abundance of microbial genes involved in butyrate production. This study uses a gene-targeted alignment approach to quantify the abundance of butyrate production pathway genes from published wild nonhuman primate and human gut metagenomes. Surprisingly, humans have higher diversity and relative abundances of butyrate production pathways compared with all groups of nonhuman primates except cercopithecoids. Industrialized populations of humans also differ only slightly in butyrate pathway abundance from nonindustrialized populations. This apparent resilience of butyrate production pathways to shifts in human diet across both evolutionary and modern populations may signal an evolutionary shift in host–microbe interactions in humans that increased SCFA production. Such a shift could have contributed to meeting the increased energy requirements of humans relative to nonhuman primates.
Active site characterization and activity of the human aspartyl (asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase
Authors: Greve Jenna M , Pinkham Andrew M , Thompson Zechariah , Cowan J A
Published: September 2021

Human aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a member of the superfamily of nonheme Fe2+/α-ketoglutarate (αKG) dependent oxygenase enzymes with a noncanonical active site. HAAH hydroxylates epidermal growth factor (EGF) like domains to form the β-hydroxylated product from substrate asparagine or aspartic acid and has been suggested to have a negative impact in a variety of cancers. In addition to iron, HAAH also binds divalent calcium, although the role of the latter is not understood. Herein, the metal binding chemistry and influence on enzyme stability and activity have been evaluated by a combined biochemical and biophysical approach. Metal binding parameters for the HAAH active site were determined by use of isothermal titration calorimetry, demonstrating a high-affinity regulatory binding site for Ca2+ in the catalytic domain in addition to the catalytic Fe2+ cofactor. We have analyzed various active site derivatives, utilizing LC-MS and a new HPLC technique to determine the role of metal binding and the second coordination sphere in enzyme activity, discovering a previously unreported residue as vital for HAAH turnover. This analysis of the in vitro biochemical function of HAAH furthers the understanding of its importance to cellular biochemistry and metabolic pathways.
Bacteriophage Twort protein Gp168 is a β-clamp inhibitor by occupying the DNA sliding channel
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Shanshan , Liu Yang , Chen Huan , Hu Zhenyue , Wang Zhihao , Zhao Yimin , Zhang Lei , Ma Biyun , Wang Hongliang , Matthews Steve , Wang Yawen , Zhang Kaiming
Published: September 2021

Bacterial chromosome replication is mainly catalyzed by DNA polymerase III, whose beta subunits enable rapid processive DNA replication. Enabled by the clamp-loading complex, the two beta subunits form a ring-like clamp around DNA and keep the polymerase sliding along. Given the essential role of β-clamp, its inhibitors have been explored for antibacterial purposes. Similarly, β-clamp is an ideal target for bacteriophages to shut off host DNA synthesis during host takeover. The Gp168 protein of phage Twort is such an example, which binds to the β-clamp of Staphylococcus aureus and prevents it from loading onto DNA causing replication arrest. Here, we report a cryo-EM structure of the clamp–Gp168 complex at 3.2-Å resolution. In the structure of the complex, the Gp168 dimer occupies the DNA sliding channel of β-clamp and blocks its loading onto DNA, which represents a new inhibitory mechanism against β-clamp function. Interestingly, the key residues responsible for this interaction on the β-clamp are well conserved among bacteria. We therefore demonstrate that Gp168 is potentially a cross-species β-clamp inhibitor, as it forms complex with the Bacillus subtilis β-clamp. Our findings reveal an alternative mechanism for bacteriophages to inhibit β-clamp and provide a new strategy to combat bacterial drug resistance.
Regulatory roles of RNA modifications in breast cancer
Authors: Kumari Kanchan , Groza Paula , Aguilo Francesca
Published: September 2021

Collectively referred to as the epitranscriptome, RNA modifications play important roles in gene expression control regulating relevant cellular processes. In the last few decades, growing numbers of RNA modifications have been identified not only in abundant ribosomal (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) but also in messenger RNA (mRNA). In addition, many writers, erasers and readers that dynamically regulate the chemical marks have also been characterized. Correct deposition of RNA modifications is prerequisite for cellular homeostasis, and its alteration results in aberrant transcriptional programs that dictate human disease, including breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. In this review, we emphasize the major RNA modifications that are present in tRNA, rRNA and mRNA. We have categorized breast cancer-associated chemical marks and summarize their contribution to breast tumorigenesis. In addition, we describe less abundant tRNA modifications with related pathways implicated in breast cancer. Finally, we discuss current limitations and perspectives on epitranscriptomics for use in therapeutic strategies against breast and other cancers.
Evolutionary and functional lessons from human-specific amino acid substitution matrices
Authors: Shauli Tair , Brandes Nadav , Linial Michal
Published: September 2021

Human genetic variation in coding regions is fundamental to the study of protein structure and function. Most methods for interpreting missense variants consider substitution measures derived from homologous proteins across different species. In this study, we introduce human-specific amino acid (AA) substitution matrices that are based on genetic variations in the modern human population. We analyzed the frequencies of >4.8M single nucleotide variants (SNVs) at codon and AA resolution and compiled human-centric substitution matrices that are fundamentally different from classic cross-species matrices (e.g. BLOSUM, PAM). Our matrices are asymmetric, with some AA replacements showing significant directional preference. Moreover, these AA matrices are only partly predicted by nucleotide substitution rates. We further test the utility of our matrices in exposing functional signals of experimentally-validated protein annotations. A significant reduction in AA transition frequencies was observed across nine post-translational modification (PTM) types and four ion-binding sites. Our results propose a purifying selection signal in the human proteome across a diverse set of functional protein annotations and provide an empirical baseline for interpreting human genetic variation in coding regions.
Allele-specific assembly of a eukaryotic genome corrects apparent frameshifts and reveals a lack of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Cosentino Raúl O , Brink Benedikt G , Siegel T Nicolai
Published: September 2021

To date, most reference genomes represent a mosaic consensus sequence in which the homologous chromosomes are collapsed into one sequence. This approach produces sequence artefacts and impedes analyses of allele-specific mechanisms. Here, we report an allele-specific genome assembly of the diploid parasite Trypanosoma brucei and reveal allelic variants affecting gene expression. Using long-read sequencing and chromosome conformation capture data, we could assign 99.5% of all heterozygote variants to a specific homologous chromosome and build a 66 Mb long allele-specific genome assembly. The phasing of haplotypes allowed us to resolve hundreds of artefacts present in the previous mosaic consensus assembly. In addition, it revealed allelic recombination events, visible as regions of low allelic heterozygosity, enabling the lineage tracing of T. brucei isolates. Interestingly, analyses of transcriptome and translatome data of genes with allele-specific premature termination codons point to the absence of a nonsense-mediated decay mechanism in trypanosomes. Taken together, this study delivers a reference quality allele-specific genome assembly of T. brucei and demonstrates the importance of such assemblies for the study of gene expression control. We expect the new genome assembly will increase the awareness of allele-specific phenomena and provide a platform to investigate them.
Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Strategy for Implementing Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use in Vietnam Commune Health Centers
Authors: Shelley Donna , Cleland Charles M , Nguyen Trang , VanDevanter Nancy , Siman Nina , Van Minh Hoang , Nguyen Nam
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Strategies are needed to increase implementation of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) in health care systems in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Aims and Methods

We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of two strategies for implementing TDT guidelines in community health centers (n = 26) in Vietnam. Arm 1 included training and a tool kit (eg, reminder system) to promote and support delivery of the 4As (Ask about tobacco use, Advise to quit, Assess readiness, Assist with brief counseling) (Arm 1). Arm 2 included Arm 1 components plus a system to refer smokers to a community health worker (CHW) for more intensive counseling (4As + R). Provider surveys were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to assess the hypothesized effect of the strategies on provider and organizational-level factors. The primary outcome was provider adoption of the 4As.

Results

Adoption of the 4As increased significantly across both study arms (all p < .001). Perceived organizational priority for TDT, compatibility with current workflow, and provider attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy related to TDT also improved significantly across both arms. In Arm 2 sites, 41% of smokers were referred to a CHW for additional counseling.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the effectiveness of a multicomponent and multilevel strategy (ie, provider and system) for implementing evidence-based TDT in the Vietnam public health system. Combining provider-delivered brief counseling with opportunities for more in-depth counseling offered by a trained CHW may optimize outcomes and offers a potentially scalable model for increasing access to TDT in health care systems like Vietnam.

Implications

Improving implementation of evidence-based TDT guidelines is a necessary step toward reducing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and premature death in LMICs. The findings provide new evidence on the effectiveness of multilevel strategies for adapting and implementing TDT into routine care in Vietnam and offer a potentially scalable model for meeting Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 14 goals in other LMICs with comparable public health systems. The study also demonstrates that combining provider-delivered brief counseling with referral to a CHW for more in-depth counseling and support can optimize access to evidence-based treatment for tobacco use.

Clinical trials number: NCT01967654.
Mesozooplankton trait distribution in relation to environmental conditions and the presence of krill and salps along the northern Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Plum Christoph , Cornils Astrid , Driscoll Ryan , Wenta Philipp , Badewien Thomas H , Niggemann Jutta , Moorthi Stefanie
Published: September 2021

Zooplankton community structure is often characterized by using traits as a function of environmental conditions. However, trait-based knowledge on Southern Ocean mesozooplankton is limited, particularly regarding size and elemental composition. Nine stations around the northern Antarctic Peninsula were sampled during austral autumn to investigate the spatial variability in mesozooplankton taxonomic composition, size structure and stoichiometry in relation to environmental predictors, but also to the abundance of Antarctic krill and salps. The mesozooplankton communities around the South Shetland Islands were dominated by small copepods, mainly Oithonidae and Oncaeidae, while stations along the frontal zones and the Weddell Sea revealed a higher proportion of larger organisms. Spatial differences in taxonomic composition and size structure were significantly altered by salp abundance, with stronger impact on small-sized copepods. Furthermore, taxonomic composition was significantly related to temperature and total carbon but not chlorophyll a, indicating reduced relevance of phytoplankton derived food during autumn. Bulk mesozooplankton stoichiometry, however, showed no significant relation to environmental conditions, mesozooplankton size structure or dominant taxa. Our results indicate that aside from bottom-up related drivers, top-down effects of salps may lead to mesozooplankton communities that are more dominated by larger size classes with potential consequences for trophic interactions and nutrient fluxes.
X-ray microscopy enables multiscale high-resolution 3D imaging of plant cells, tissues, and organs
Authors: Duncan Keith E , Czymmek Kirk J , Jiang Ni , Thies August C , Topp Christopher N
Published: September 2021

Capturing complete internal anatomies of plant organs and tissues within their relevant morphological context remains a key challenge in plant science. While plant growth and development are inherently multiscale, conventional light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy platforms are typically limited to imaging of plant microstructure from small flat samples that lack a direct spatial context to, and represent only a small portion of, the relevant plant macrostructures. We demonstrate technical advances with a lab-based X-ray microscope (XRM) that bridge the imaging gap by providing multiscale high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) volumes of intact plant samples from the cell to the whole plant level. Serial imaging of a single sample is shown to provide sub-micron 3D volumes co-registered with lower magnification scans for explicit contextual reference. High-quality 3D volume data from our enhanced methods facilitate sophisticated and effective computational segmentation. Advances in sample preparation make multimodal correlative imaging workflows possible, where a single resin-embedded plant sample is scanned via XRM to generate a 3D cell-level map, and then used to identify and zoom in on sub-cellular regions of interest for high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. In total, we present the methodologies for use of XRM in the multiscale and multimodal analysis of 3D plant features using numerous economically and scientifically important plant systems.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Pingping , Fang Lei , Zhang Jianzhong , Liu Yang , Wang Guodong , Qi Rui
Published: September 2021

Objective

Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood pain syndrome. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy and is commonly applied for the management of fibromyalgia. However, controversy about its efficacy remains. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS for fibromyalgia syndrome.

Methods

Four medical databases and one physiotherapy database were screened for randomized controlled trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety score, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) score, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, Short Form-36 General Health Survey mental score, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score were set as outcome measures.

Results

Analysis of 14 studies and 433 participants indicated that rTMS exerted more favorable effects than did sham rTMS after treatment on the NPRS (standardized mean difference = −0.49, 95% confidence interval = −0.86 to −0.13, P = 0.008, I2 = 68%) and the FIQ (standardized mean difference = −0.50, 95% confidence interval = −0.75 to −0.25, P = 0.0001, I2 = 28%). However, the BDI, FSS, PCS, mood index, and HADS scores showed no significant difference compared with sham rTMS after treatment. The mean methodological quality of the included studies was an acceptable score of 8.5 based on the PEDro scale, suggesting the validity of our conclusions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that rTMS relieved pain and enhanced the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia; however, on the basis of current reports, it did not improve anxiety, depression, or other symptoms.
Health-care utilization and costs in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus in the United Kingdom: a real-world observational retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Samnaliev Mihail , Barut Volkan , Weir Sharada , Langham Julia , Langham Sue , Wang Xia , Desta Barnabas , Hammond Edward
Published: September 2021

Objective

The aim was to describe direct health-care costs for adults with SLE in the UK over time and by disease severity and encounter type.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with SLE were identified using the linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink–Hospital Episode Statistics database from January 2005 to December 2017. Patients were classified as having mild, moderate or severe disease using an adapted claims-based algorithm based on prescriptions and co-morbid conditions. We estimated all-cause health-care costs and incremental costs associated with each year of follow-up compared with a baseline year, adjusting for age, sex, disease severity and co-morbid conditions (2017 UK pounds).

Results

We identified 802 patients; 369 (46.0%) with mild, 345 (43.0%) moderate and 88 (11.0%) severe disease. The mean all-cause cost increased in the 3 years before diagnosis, peaked in the first year after diagnosis and remained high. The adjusted total mean annual increase in costs per patient was £4476 (95% CI: £3809, £5143) greater in the year of diagnosis compared with the baseline year (P < 0.0001). The increase in costs per year was 4.7- and 1.6-fold higher among patients with severe SLE compared with those with mild and moderate SLE, respectively. Primary care utilization was the leading component of costs during the first year after diagnosis.

Conclusion

The health-care costs for patients with SLE in the UK are substantial, remain high after diagnosis and increase with increasing severity. Future research should assess whether earlier diagnosis and treatment might reduce disease severity and associated high health-care costs.
Fabrication and evaluation of an optimized xenogenic decellularized costal cartilage graft: preclinical studies of a novel biocompatible prosthesis for rhinoplasty
Authors: Lin Shuang , He Yuanjia , Tao Meihan , Wang Aijun , Ao Qiang
Published: September 2021

On account of the poor biocompatibility of synthetic prosthesis, millions of rhinoplasty recipients have been forced to choose autologous costal cartilage as grafts, which suffer from limited availability, morbidity at the donor site and prolonged operation time. Here, as a promising alternative to autologous costal cartilage, we developed a novel xenogeneic costal cartilage and explored its feasibility as a rhinoplasty graft for the first time. Adopting an improved decellularization protocol, in which the ionic detergent was substituted by trypsin, the resulting decellularized graft was confirmed to preserve more structural components and better mechanics, and eliminate cellular components effectively. The in vitro and in vivo compatibility experiments demonstrated that the decellularized graft showed excellent biocompatibility and biosecurity. Additionally, the functionality assessment of rhinoplasty was performed in a rabbit model, and the condition of grafts after implantation was comprehensively evaluated. The optimized graft exhibited better capacity to reduce the degradation rate and maintain the morphology, in comparison to the decellularized costal cartilage prepared by conventional protocol. These findings indicate that this optimized graft derived from decellularized xenogeneic costal cartilage provides a new prospective for future investigations of rhinoplasty prosthesis and has great potential for clinical application.
ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION DOSE FROM INHALATION OF OUTDOOR DUST CONTAINING NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES
Authors: Hanfi Mohamed Y , Yarmoshenko Ilia V , Zhukovsky Michael V
Published: September 2021

The 238U, 232Th and 40K concentrations were estimated in the size-fractionated urban surface deposited sediments in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The average concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in dust fraction (0.002–0.05 mm) are 48 ± 7, 28 ± 1 and 510 ± 20 Bq/kg, respectively. The effective dose is estimated depending on the suggested daily scenarios of different exercises which can be assigned to light, moderate and vigorous activity. The results show that the total effective dose received during 20 years by an adult with the light activity is 5.6 μSv under exposure to air dust concentration 1 × 10−4 g/m3, which is typical for the city of Ekaterinburg. Although for the moderate and vigorous activities the total effective dose is 9.9 μSv and 48.8 μSv, respectively, during 20 years at air dust concentration equal to the diurnal Maximum Permissible Limit (1.5 × 10−4 g/m3). Thus, the effective doses due to natural radionuclides in the dust fraction are relatively low in comparison ICRP reference level.
Varieties of neoliberalism: courts, competition paradigms and the Atlantic divide in anti-trust
Authors: Foster Chase
Published: September 2021

European anti-monopoly rules are now more intensively enforced than those in the USA, in contrast to the historical pattern. In this article, I evaluate the reasons why, using a combination of historical analysis of legal developments and empirical analysis of the pattern of enforcement and judicial review. Transatlantic differences in economic interests, business power, and the relative influence of economists cannot fully account for the policy divide. American and European anti-trust policy are structured by distinct competition paradigms, which have been institutionalized by courts through case law. In the USA, a laissez-faire jurisprudential regime has blocked or discouraged anti-monopoly enforcement. In Europe, an ordoliberal jurisprudential regime has facilitated a more intensive enforcement program. In highlighting how case law structures regulatory paradigms, the analysis shows that courts can contribute to both ideational continuity and change in economic policy.
Comparing ecological momentary assessment to sensor-based approaches in predicting dietary lapse
Authors: Crochiere Rebecca J , Zhang Fengqing (Zoe) , Juarascio Adrienne S , Goldstein Stephanie P , Thomas J Graham , Forman Evan M
Published: September 2021

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA; brief self-report surveys) of dietary lapse risk factors (e.g., cravings) has shown promise in predicting and preventing dietary lapse (nonadherence to a dietary prescription), which can improve weight loss interventions. Passive sensors also can measure lapse risk factors and may offer advantages over EMA (e.g., objective, automatic, semicontinuous data collection), but currently can measure only a few lapse predictors, a notable limitation. This study preliminarily compared the burden and accuracy of commercially available sensors versus established EMA in lapse prediction. N = 23 adults with overweight/obesity completed a 6-week commercial app-based weight loss program. Participants wore a Fitbit, enabled GPS tracking, completed EMA, and reported on EMA and sensor burden poststudy via a 5-point Likert scale. Sensed risk factors were physical activity and sleep (accelerometer), geolocation (GPS), and time, from which 233 features (measurable characteristics of sensor signals) were extracted. EMA measured 19 risk factors, lapse, and categorized GPS into meaningful geolocations. Two supervised binary classification models (LASSO) were created: the sensor model predicted lapse with 63% sensitivity (true prediction rate of lapse) and 60% specificity (true prediction rate of non-lapse) and EMA model with 59% sensitivity and 72% specificity. EMA model accuracy was higher, but self-reported EMA burden (M = 2.96, SD = 1.02) also was higher (M = 1.50, SD = 0.94). EMA model accuracy was superior, but EMA burden was higher than sensor burden. Findings highlight the promise of sensors in contributing to lapse prediction, and future research may use EMA, sensors, or both depending on prioritization of accuracy versus participant burden.
Testicular Volume in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Uyo, a South-South Nigerian City
Authors: Okorie Obasi Onwuka , Eyong Michael Eteng , Ekrikpo Udeme Ekpenyong , Ekanem Emmanuel Eyo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) often presents in early childhood with repeated vaso-occlusive crisis that leads to ischaemia, infarction and fibrosis which may result in a reduction in expected testicular volume (TV) at puberty.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study of 95 children with SCA aged 1–18 years compared with 95 age-matched controls. Participants responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire, with their anthropometric measurements taken, pubertal maturity assessed by Tanner staging and testicular ultrasonography done. Changes in TV across the ages were compared graphically and regression analyses were used to determine the factors independently associated with TV. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the prepubertal period, the haemoglobin SS (HbSS) participants had larger median ultrasound TV (MUSTV) compared to the haemoglobin AA (HbAA) controls (p = 0.001). This trend reversed in the pubertal period. On regression analysis, the frequency of testicular pain (p = 0.04), weight (p = 0.02) and pubic hair rating (p = 0.03) of the HbSS participants were significant predictors of increased TVs in the HbSS participants, irrespective of pubertal status.

Conclusion

The prepubertal MUSTV of the HbSS participants were higher than those of the HbAA controls, while the HbAA controls had higher MUSTV at puberty and beyond. The frequency of testicular pain episodes, pubic hair rating and weight were independent predictors of TV changes in the HbSS participants. Prevention of repeated vaso-occlusive crisis in the prepubertal period may help prevent the reduction in TV and possible hypogonadism.

Lay summary

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) causes repeated episodes of painful crisis and in boys, these may affect the way their testes grow. The study set out to document testicular sizes on a one-time basis in boys aged 1–18 years with SCA compared with controls of similar ages. The participants responded to structured questions assisted by the researchers and their body measurements were appropriately taken. Their level of sexual maturation was assessed according to the method by Tanner and the sizes of their testes were measured using an ultrasound machine. The research information was analysed and a statistical value less than 0.05 was taken to mean that there was a difference between the measured variables. The mid-testicular sizes of the SCA participants were noted to be higher than that of their controls during the prepubertal period while the non-SCA boys had higher sizes from puberty onwards. The frequency of testicular pain, weight and pubic hair stage of the SCA boys were important contributors to their increased testes sizes, irrespective of pubertal status. Efforts aimed at preventing painful crisis should start during early childhood to forestall future sexual challenges in adulthood.
Community-based entomological surveillance in three Chagas disease-endemic regions in sub-Andean Bolivia
Authors: Rojas-Cortez Mirko , Pinazo Maria-Jesus , Gascon Joaquim , Gamarra Enzo , Grageda Rosse Mary , Fernandez Rene , Rueda Eduardo , Pinto Jimy , Anzoleaga Helmut Magne , Caballero Yurly Escobar , Urioste Gloria Sandy , Sanchez Jareth , Saravia Ruth , Castellon Mario , Garcia Wilson , Daza Lourdes Ortiz , Mur Isabel Gonzales , Lozano Daniel , Carvalho-Costa Filipe Anibal , Monteiro Fernando Araújo , Torrico Faustino
Published: September 2021

Background

Chagas disease is endemic throughout most of Bolivia, with prevalence rates of 25% observed in some geographic areas located mainly in the sub-Andean region.

Methods

Community-based entomological surveillance was carried out in the sub-Andean departments of Cochabamba (municipalities of Cochabamba, Punata and Sacaba), Tarija (municipality of Tarija) and Chuquisaca (municipality of Sucre). The surveillance parameters evaluated were: (i) the proportion of cards with the presence of triatomines; (ii) the distribution of positive cards by area; and (iii) the proportion of cards with the presence of infected triatomines.

Results

Of the cards returned, in 852 (3.1%) there was a mention of the presence of triatomines. The species Triatoma infestans, Triatoma sordida and Triatoma guasayana were identified in 812 (95.3%), 39 (4.6%) and 1 (0.1%), respectively. The median monthly positivity rate of the cards during 2011-2018 was higher in Punata (9.1%; IQR=3.2–15.4%). The median monthly rate was highest in 2012 (2.7%; IQR=0–5.6%). Fifty positive cards (5.8%) presented insects that were positive for trypanosomatids, mainly in Cochabamba and Punata.

Conclusions

The report of triatomines foci by inhabitants represents an effective surveillance system coordinated by a network of specialized and multidisciplinary health centers. These strategies, which should be included in the health policies of endemic countries, enable extending and deepening the dialogue among technicians, communities and their local authorities.
Uncovering the genetic diversity within the Aedes notoscriptus virome and isolation of new viruses from this highly urbanised and invasive mosquito
Authors: Pyke Alyssa T , Shivas Martin A , Darbro Jonathan M , Onn Michael B , Johnson Petrina H , Crunkhorn Andrew , Montgomery Ivan , Burtonclay Peter , Jansen Cassie C , van den Hurk Andrew F
Published: September 2021

The Australian backyard mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus, is a highly urbanised pest species that has invaded New Zealand and the USA. Importantly, Ae. notoscriptus has been implicated as a vector of Ross River virus, a common and arthritogenic arbovirus in Australia, and is a laboratory vector of numerous other pathogenic viruses, including West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. To further explore live viruses harboured by field populations of Ae. notoscriptus and, more specifically, assess the genetic diversity of its virome, we processed 495 pools, comprising a total of 6,674 female Ae. notoscriptus collected across fifteen suburbs in Brisbane, Australia, between January 2018 and May 2019. Nine virus isolates were recovered and characterised by metagenomic sequencing and phylogenetics. The principal viral family represented was Flaviviridae. Known viruses belonging to the genera Flavivirus, Orbivirus, Mesonivirus, and Nelorpivirus were identified together with two novel virus species, including a divergent Thogoto-like orthomyxovirus and an insect-specific flavivirus. Among these, we recovered three Stratford virus (STRV) isolates and an isolate of Wongorr virus (WGRV), which for these viral species is unprecedented for the geographical area of Brisbane. Thus, the documented geographical distribution of STRV and WGRV, both known for their respective medical and veterinary importance, has now been expanded to include this major urban centre. Phylogenies of the remaining five viruses, namely, Casuarina, Ngewotan, the novel Thogoto-like virus, and two new flavivirus species, suggested they are insect-specific viruses. None of these viruses have been previously associated with Ae. notoscriptus or been reported in Brisbane. These findings exemplify the rich genetic diversity and viral abundance within the Ae. notoscriptus virome and further highlight this species as a vector of concern with the potential to transmit viruses impacting human or animal health. Considering it is a common pest and vector in residential areas and is expanding its global distribution, ongoing surveillance, and ecological study of Ae. notoscriptus, together with mapping of its virome and phenotypic characterisation of isolated viruses, is clearly warranted. Immanently, these initiatives are essential for future understanding of both the mosquito virome and the evolution of individual viral species.
3Digital Humanities
Authors: Eccles Kathryn
Published: September 2021

This chapter examines material published in the field of digital humanities in 2020. It begins with an article in Digital Humanities Quarterly by a group of early-career scholars taking a novel approach to understanding the field, using topic modelling to query a dataset of definitions of digital humanities. The article brings into focus the proliferation of texts in this area, and the extent to which this ongoing discourse impinges on those, particularly early-career, scholars seeking to enter the field. It also observes the upsurge in writing about the lack of diversity and inclusion in the digital humanities, making the arrival of Catherine D’Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein’s Data Feminism all the more welcome. This hugely important text offers an intersectional approach to the study of historical and contemporary social and cultural data, urging scholars to take up their seven principles for uncovering the ways in which power can be uncovered, examined, analysed, and challenged. They offer a vision of what data justice could look like in theory and in practice. Richard Jean So’s Redlining Culture: A Data History of Racial Inequality and Postwar Fiction takes just such an approach to the analysis of literary culture in post-war America. Using an incisive combination of data science and traditional literary scholarly methods, So paints a compelling picture of the persistence of whiteness in literary culture, analysing the whole cycle of literary production to uncover the ways in which power moves through the system.
Radial nerve injury causes long-lasting forelimb sensory impairment and motor dysfunction in rats
Authors: Adcock Katherine S. , Hulsey Daniel R. , Danaphongse Tanya , Haider Zainab , Morrison Robert A. , Kilgard Michael P. , Hays Seth A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Peripheral nerve injury is a common cause of lifelong disability in the United States. Although the etiology varies, most traumatic nerve injuries occur in the upper limb and include damage to the radial nerve. In conjunction with the well-described effects of peripheral damage, nerve injuries are accompanied by changes in the central nervous system. A comprehensive understanding of the functional consequences of nerve injury is necessary to develop new therapeutic interventions.

Objectives:

We sought to characterize changes in sensory and motor function and central neurophysiology after radial nerve injury in rats.

Methods:

To evaluate somatosensory function in the forelimb, we assessed mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous forelimb use, and cold sensitivity in rats 10 and 16 weeks after radial nerve injury. To evaluate motor function, we assessed performance on a forelimb supination task for up to 16 weeks after nerve injury. Physiological changes in the motor and somatosensory cortex were assessed using intracortical microstimulation and multiunit recordings, respectively.

Results:

Our results indicate that radial nerve injury causes long-lasting sensory and motor dysfunction. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by abnormal cortical activity in the somatosensory and motor cortex.

Conclusion:

Our results provide a novel characterization of functional deficits that are consistent with the clinical phenotype in patients with radial nerve injury and provide a framework for future studies to evaluate potential interventions.
Impact of CYP2D6 Polymorphism on Equilibrium Concentration of Fluoxetine in Patients Diagnosed With Major Depressive Disorder and Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Zastrozhin Mikhail S. , Skryabin Valentin Y. , Petukhov Alexey E. , Pankratenko Ekaterina P. , Grishina Elena A. , Ryzhikova Kristina A. , Torrado Marco V. , Shipitsyn Valery V. , Bryun Evgeny A. , Sychev Dmitry A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of patients with recurrent depressive disorder. Some of these patients do not achieve an adequate response to a treatment regimen containing fluoxetine, and many of these patients experience dose-dependent adverse drug reactions. The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2D6 is involved in the biotransformation of fluoxetine, the activity of which is quite dependent on the polymorphism of the gene encoding this enzyme.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the 1846G>A polymorphism of the CYP2D6 gene on the concentration/dose indicator of fluoxetine in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder and comorbid alcohol use disorder.

Methods:

Our study included 101 patients with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder (average age: 41.3±14.5 y) who were treated with fluoxetine at an average dose of 26.1±8.7 mg/d. Treatment efficacy was assessed using validated psychometric scales, and the safety/tolerability of the therapy was assessed using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side-Effect Rating Scale. Genotyping was done using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Therapeutic drug monitoring was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results:

CYP2D6 genotyping by polymorphic marker 1846G>A (rs3892097) in the 101 patients found that there were 81 patients (80.2%) with the GG genotype (“wild-type,” normal metabolism), 20 (19.8%) with the GA genotype (intermediate metabolism), and no subjects with the AA genotype (poor metabolism). Statistically significant results in treatment efficacy as evaluated by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at the end of the treatment course were found: GG 9.0 [confidence interval (CI): 6.0; 12.0] and GA 12.0 (CI: 9.5; 14.0), P=0.005. Statistically significant results were also obtained for the safety profile as measured by scores on the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side-Effect Rating Scale: GG 3.0 (CI 2.0; 4.0) and GA 5.0 (CI: 4.0; 5.0), P<0.001. Finally, a statistically significant difference was found in concentration/dose indicators of fluoxetine in patients with the different genotypes: GG 4.831 (CI: 3.654; 6.204) and GA 7.011 (CI: 5.431; 8.252), P<0.001.

Conclusion:

The effect of the genetic polymorphism of the CYP2D6 gene on the efficacy and safety profiles of fluoxetine was demonstrated in a group of 101 patients with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Practical Steps Towards Identifying and Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: Davison Jenna , Frizzell William , Chien Joseph
Published: September 2021

Domestic violence is prevalent among psychiatric patients; however, utilization of screening, safety, and legal interventions is low among mental health practitioners. In this column, the authors review interventions that can assist with the identification of victims of domestic violence in daily practice and provide an overview of steps that can be taken to aid these victims and reduce the chance of future violence.
Commentary: Psychiatric Presentations of Nonpsychiatric Illness or Treatment
Authors: Garakani Amir
Published: September 2021

Patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms, even in cases where there is no clear psychiatric history, are often labeled as having “psychogenic” symptoms or a psychosomatic reaction, and a tendency does exist to mislabel and/or misdiagnose certain patients in medical settings. The 3 cases presented in this issue of the Journal provide examples of patients presenting with psychotic or manic symptoms in the context of an underlying nonpsychiatric medical disorder. Kim and colleagues describe the case of a 65-year-old man with no psychiatric history who presented with acute visual hallucinations 1 day after starting omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux. The visual hallucinations resolved immediately after the medication was stopped. Fipps and Rainey describe the case of a 74-year-old man with chronic generalized anxiety who presented with severe panic and suicidal thinking as well as refractory nausea that were unresponsive to benzodiazepine treatment and to a taper of the benzodiazepine. This patient was later found to have a subdural hematoma that was causing what had at first been suspected to be psychogenic nausea. Finally, Das and Brasseux present the case of a 23-year-old man hospitalized from jail who presented with manic symptoms; this patient was found to have had a traumatic brain injury 2 months earlier and, on brain imaging, was also found to have had a perinatal brain injury. The patient responded to mood stabilizers and the off-label use of memantine for his cognitive deficits. These 3 cases highlight the importance of obtaining a comprehensive neurological and medical history and, if indicated, workup, in cases involving patients with atypical presentations or nonresponse to traditional treatments.