bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of forage crop establishment on dissolved organic carbon dynamics and leaching in a hill country soil
Authors: Chibuike Grace , Burkitt Lucy , Camps‐Arbestain Marta , Bishop Peter , Bretherton Mike , Singh Ranvir
Published: January 2019

Intensive agricultural activities could affect the dynamics and leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate from agricultural soils to receiving waters. This study investigated soil DOC dynamics immediately (0–12 days) after spraying a hill country perennial pasture with agrochemicals to establish a winter forage crop for supplementary feed production. Two treatments were examined—perennial pasture (without agrochemicals) and swede (Brassica napobrassica Mill.) cropping (after spraying with agrochemicals), both growing on a Typic Eutrudept. Soil samples were collected from various depths down to 1 m, before the application of agrochemicals (day 0) and 1, 6 and 12 days thereafter. Dissolved organic carbon concentration below the surface soil (<5 cm) was generally not altered by the agrochemicals. This was further proved by the isotopic monitoring of DOC leaching on this soil. Conversely, the agrochemicals significantly (p = 0.03) increased DOC concentration within the 0–5‐cm soil depth on day 1, due to the direct contribution of organic molecules and/or displacement of organic compounds at adsorption sites by the agrochemicals; and on day 6, due to root necromass decomposition. The increase of nitrate in soil solution at this depth (0–5 cm) on days 6 and 12 suggests that the agrochemicals may have also enhanced nitrogen (N) mineralization in the surface soil. However, the significantly (p = 0.04) higher DOC/nitrate (molar ratio) of the agrochemical treatment suggests that the agrochemicals used for clearing out pasture before forage crop establishment could lead to a short‐term increase in surface soil denitrification.
Development of a recombinant anti‐Vel immunoglobulin M to identify Vel‐negative donors
Authors: van der Rijst Marea V.E. , Lissenberg‐Thunnissen Suzanne N. , Ligthart Peter C. , Visser Remco , Jongerius John M. , Voorn Lesley , Veldhuisen Barbera , Vidarsson Gestur , van den Akker Emile , van der Schoot C. Ellen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Alloimmunization against the high‐frequency Vel blood group antigen may result in transfusion reactions or hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn. Patients with anti‐Vel alloantibodies require Vel‐negative blood but Vel‐negative individuals are rare (1:4000). Identification of Vel‐negative donors ensures availability of Vel‐negative blood; however, accurate Vel blood group typing is difficult due to variable Vel antigen expression and limited availability of anti‐Vel typing sera. We report the production of a recombinant anti‐Vel that also identifies weak Vel expression.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A recombinant anti‐Vel monoclonal antibody was produced by cloning the variable regions from an anti‐Vel–specific B cell isolated from an alloimmunized patient into a vector harboring the constant regions of immunoglobulin (Ig)G1‐kappa or IgM‐kappa. Antibody Vel specificity was tested by reactivity to SMIM1‐transfected HEK293T cells and by testing various red blood cells (RBCs) of donors with normal, weak, or no Vel expression. High‐throughput donor screening applicability was tested using an automated blood group analyzer.

RESULTS

A Vel‐specific IgM class antibody was produced. The antibody was able to distinguish between Vel‐negative and very weak Vel antigen–expressing RBCs by direct agglutination and in high‐throughput settings using a fully automated blood group analyzer and performed better than currently used human anti‐Vel sera. High‐throughput screening of 13,288 blood donations identified three new Vel‐negative donors.

CONCLUSION

We generated a directly agglutinating recombinant anti‐Vel IgM, M3F5S‐IgM, functional in manual, automated agglutination assays and flow cytometry settings. This IgM anti‐Vel will improve diagnostics by facilitating the identification of Vel‐negative blood donors.
How exporting firms respond to technical barriers to trade?
Authors: Hu Cui , Lin Faqin , Tan Yong , Tang Yihong
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates how technical barriers to trade (TBTs) affect firm exports. The implementation of the “child‐resistance” decision (CR decision) in the EU offers an ideal quasi‐natural experiment to identify the causal effect of TBTs on firm performance. Using data on Chinese firms that exported cigarette lighters between 2004 and 2010, we show that firms exporting to the EU not only adjust their product quality to meet the requirements in the CR decision, but also upgrade their product quality in other dimensions. However, both the export value and export volume to the EU decline. At the same time, less productive exporters are forced to exit from the EU market. Lastly, heterogeneous effects of the CR decision are documented.
A surgical approach for extensive orbital exenteration in dogs; a description of technique and its application in 4 cases
Authors: Berggren Karin , Wallin Håkansson Nils
Published: January 2019

Objective

To describe a surgical approach for preplanned orbital exenteration.

Animals studied

Indications included intraconal orbital mass lesions. Four dogs were included, 3 with neoplasia and one with retro bulbar nodular fasciitis.

Procedure

To facilitate complete removal of lesions, exenteration was performed by a new procedure for wide access. The frontalis and temporalis muscles were elevated and retracted through a single U‐shaped skin incision. Zygomatic arch osteotomy was performed, followed by a 360‐degree peritomy and zygomatic process osteotomy. The eyelids were divided from each other through the lateral cantus and then folded forward to expose the globe. The orbit was exenterated by blunt and sharp dissection. Osteotomies were closed with cerclage wires, soft tissues closed and the skin wound sutured in a T‐shape.

Results

The present exenteration procedure gave excellent access to remove orbital contents flush with the optic foramen and orbital fissure. Postoperative swelling and pain were limited and healing uneventful. Two of the 3 neoplasia cases experienced tumor recurrence involving the brain at 18 and 20 months postoperatively, respectively. Both of these had optic canal or intracranial tumor extension preoperatively. Long‐term complications included mild concavity of the operated side of the face.

Conclusions

The present approach for preplanned exenteration offers excellent access for complete removal of orbital contents to the level of the optic foramen. Complications due to the surgical method are few and limited.
Safety and efficacy of topically applied 0.5% and 1% pirfenidone in a canine model of subconjunctival fibrosis
Authors: Westermeyer Hans D. , Salmon Beth , Baynes Ronald , Yeatts James , Khattab Ahlam , Oh Annie , Mowat Freya
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate tissue levels, safety, and efficacy of topical ophthalmic 0.5% and 1% pirfenidone in decreasing subconjunctival fibrosis.

Animal studied

Twelve normal beagle dogs

Procedures

A 5 × 1 mm diameter silicone disk was implanted subconjunctivally in one eye, and then dogs were treated with topical 0.5% pirfenidone (n = 9) in artificial tears or artificial tears alone (n = 3) for 28 days. To evaluate tissue drug levels, a single sample of tears, conjunctiva, and aqueous humor was collected 30 (n = 3), 90 (n = 3), and 180 min (n = 3) following administration of the last drop of pirfenidone, respectively. Fibrous capsule thickness and staining for Ki67 and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) were evaluated histologically. After a 2‐week washout, the experiment was repeated in the opposite eye and using 1% pirfenidone.

Results

Treatment with pirfenidone resulted in thinner fibrous capsules and decreased staining forFAPα with no adverse effects. The implant in one dog treated with pirfenidone extruded. There was no difference in tissue levels, capsular thickness, or staining for Ki67 orFAPα between dogs treated with 0.5% or 1% pirfenidone.

Conclusions

Pirfenidone may decrease fibrosis following glaucoma shunt surgery and can potentially be used indefinitely due to minimal side effects.
Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of gallium sulfide thin films
Authors: Kuhs Jakob , Hens Zeger , Detavernier Christophe
Published: January 2019

Gallium sulfide has a great potential for optoelectronic and energy storage applications. Since most of these applications require a high control over the layer thickness or a high conformality, atomic layer deposition is a promising deposition technique. In this work, the authors present a novel plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition process for gallium sulfide based on trimethylgallium and H2S/Ar plasma. The growth was characterized using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was found that the process grew linearly at a rate of 0.65 Å/cycle and was self-limited in the temperature range from 70 to 350 °C. The process relied on a combustion reaction, which was shown by the presence of CS2 during in situ mass spectrometry measurements. Furthermore, the material properties were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and optical transmission measurements. The as-deposited films were amorphous and pinhole free. The GaSx thin films had a transmittance of >90% and a band gap of 3.1–3.3 eV.
Semiconducting TiO2−xSx thin films by atomic layer deposition of TiS2 and its oxidation in ambient
Authors: Nam Hochul , Yang Hyunwoo , Kim Eunsoo , Bae Changdeuck , Shin Hyunjung
Published: January 2019

The authors describe the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of titanium oxysulfide films (TiO2−xSx). A new ALD chemistry of tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium and hydrogen sulfide is proposed for fabricating amorphous titanium sulfide layers. They found that the resulting films subsequently underwent oxidation upon reactions under the ambient condition, resulting in TiO2−xSx. The resultant structures were analyzed by using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicative of the formation of TiO2−xSx. A combined study of Hall effect measurements and Mott–Schottky analysis showed n-type semiconductor behaviors possessing a good conductivity. Optical properties testify that the present system has a moderate bandgap in between the related binary end compounds such as TiS2 and TiO2.
Time-domain simulation of ultrasound propagation with fractional Laplacians for lossy-medium biological tissues with complicated geometries
Authors: Zhang Junjian , Zheng Zhongquan Charlie , Ke Guoyi
Published: January 2019

Simulations of ultrasound wave propagation inside biological tissues have a wide range of practical applications. In previous studies, wave propagation equations in lossy biological media are solved either with convolutions, which consume a large amount of memory, or with pseudo-spectral methods, which cannot handle complicated geometries effectively. The approach described in the paper employed a fractional central difference method (FCD), combined with the immersed boundary (IB) method for the finite-difference, time-domain simulation. The FCD method can solve the fractional Laplace terms in Chen and Holm's lossy-medium equations directly in the physical domain without integral transforms. It also works naturally with the IB method, which enables a simple Cartesian-type grid mesh to be used to solve problems with complicated geometries. The numerical results agree very well with the analytical solutions for frequency power-law attenuation lossy media.
Predicting Future Perceived Wellness in Professional Soccer: The Role of Preceding Load and Wellness
Authors: Op De Beéck Tim , Jaspers Arne , Brink Michel S. , Frencken Wouter G.P. , Staes Filip , Davis Jesse J. , Helsen Werner F.
Published: January 2019

Purpose: The influence of preceding load and future perceived wellness of professional soccer players is unexamined. This paper simultaneously evaluates the external load (EL) and internal load (IL) for different time frames in combination with presession wellness to predict future perceived wellness using machine learning techniques. Methods: Training and match data were collected from a professional soccer team. The EL was measured using global positioning system technology and accelerometry. The IL was obtained using the rating of perceived exertion multiplied by duration. Predictive models were constructed using gradient-boosted regression trees (GBRT) and one naive baseline method. The individual predictions of future wellness items (ie, fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress levels, and mood) were based on a set of EL and IL indicators in combination with presession wellness. The EL and IL were computed for acute and cumulative time frames. The GBRT model’s performance on predicting the reported future wellness was compared with the naive baseline’s performance by means of absolute prediction error and effect size. Results: The GBRT model outperformed the baseline for the wellness items such as fatigue, general muscle soreness, stress levels, and mood. In addition, only the combination of EL, IL, and presession perceived wellness resulted in nontrivial effects for predicting future wellness. Including the cumulative load did not improve the predictive performances. Conclusions: The findings may indicate the importance of including both acute load and presession perceived wellness in a broad monitoring approach in professional soccer.
Cycling at Altitude: Lower Absolute Power Output as the Main Cause of Lower Gross Efficiency
Authors: van Erck Dennis , Wenker Eric J. , Levels Koen , Foster Carl , de Koning Jos J. , Noordhof Dionne A.
Published: January 2019

Background: Although cyclists often compete at altitude, the effect of altitude on gross efficiency (GE) remains inconclusive. Purpose: To investigate the effect of altitude on GE at the same relative exercise intensity and at the same absolute power output (PO) and to determine the effect of altitude on the change in GE during high-intensity exercise. Methods: Twenty-one trained men performed 3 maximal incremental tests and 5 GE tests at sea level, 1500 m, and 2500 m of acute simulated altitude. The GE tests at altitude were performed once at the same relative exercise intensity and once at the same absolute PO as at sea level. Results: Altitude resulted in an unclear effect at 1500 m (−3.8%; ±3.3% [90% confidence limit]) and most likely negative effect at 2500 m (−6.3%; ±1.7%) on pre-GE, when determined at the same relative exercise intensity. When pre-GE was determined at the same absolute PO, unclear differences in GE were found (−1.5%; ±2.6% at 1500 m; −1.7%; ±2.4% at 2500 m). The effect of altitude on the decrease in GE during high-intensity exercise was unclear when determined at the same relative exercise intensity (−0.4%; ±2.8% at 1500 m; −0.7%; ±1.9% at 2500 m). When GE was determined at the same absolute PO, altitude resulted in a substantially smaller decrease in GE (2.8%; ±2.4% at 1500 m; 5.5%; ±2.9% at 2500 m). Conclusion: The lower GE found at altitude when exercise is performed at the same relative exercise intensity is mainly caused by the lower PO at which cyclists exercise.
The Discriminant Validity of a Standardized Testing Battery and Its Ability to Differentiate Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics Between Youth, Academy, and Senior Professional Rugby League Players
Authors: Dobbin Nick , Highton Jamie , Moss Samantha L. , Twist Craig
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To assess whether a standardized testing battery can differentiate anthropometric and physical qualities between youth, academy, and senior rugby league players and determine the discriminant validity of the battery. Methods: A total of 729 rugby league players from multiple clubs in England categorized as youth (n = 235), academy (n = 362), and senior (n = 132) players completed a standardized testing battery that included the assessment of anthropometric and physical characteristics during preseason. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences and discriminant analysis. Results: Academy players were most likely taller and heavier than youth players (effect size [ES] = 0.64–1.21), with possibly to most likely superior countermovement jump, medicine-ball throw, and prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance (ES = 0.23–1.00). Senior players were likely to most likely taller and heavier (ES = 0.32–1.84), with possibly to most likely superior 10- and 20-m sprint times, countermovement jump, change of direction, medicine-ball throw, and prone Yo-Yo IR1 than youth and academy players (ES = −0.60 to 2.06). The magnitude of difference appeared to be influenced by playing position. For the most part, the battery possessed discriminant validity with an accuracy of 72.2%. Conclusion: The standardized testing battery differentiates anthropometric and physical qualities of youth, academy, and senior players as a group and, in most instances, within positional groups. Furthermore, the battery is able to discriminate between playing standards with good accuracy and might be included in future assessments and rugby league talent identification.
Impairment of Cycling Capacity in the Heat in Well-Trained Endurance Athletes After High-Intensity Short-Term Heat Acclimation
Authors: Reeve Thomas , Gordon Ralph , Laursen Paul B. , Lee Jason K.W. , Tyler Christopher J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:To investigate the effects of short-term, high-intensity interval-training (HIIT) heat acclimation (HA).Methods:Male cyclists/triathletes were assigned into either an HA (n = 13) or a comparison (COMP, n = 10) group. HA completed 3 cycling heat stress tests (HSTs) to exhaustion (60%Wmax; HST1, pre-HA; HST2, post-HA; HST3, 7 d post-HA). HA consisted of 30-min bouts of HIIT cycling (6 min at 50%Wmax, then 12 × 1-min 100%-Wmaxbouts with 1-min rests between bouts) on 5 consecutive days. COMP completed HST1 and HST2 only. HST and HA trials were conducted in 35°C/50% relative humidity. Cycling capacity and physiological and perceptual data were recorded.Results:Cycling capacity was impaired after HIIT HA (77.2 [34.2] min vs 56.2 [24.4] min,P = .03) and did not return to baseline after 7 d of no HA (59.2 [37.4] min). Capacity in HST1 and HST2 was similar in COMP (43.5 [8.3] min vs 46.8 [15.7] min,P = .54). HIIT HA lowered resting rectal (37.0°C [0.3°C] vs 36.8°C [0.2°C],P = .05) and body temperature (36.0°C [0.3°C] vs 35.8°C [0.3°C],P = .03) in HST2 compared with HST1 and lowered mean skin temperature (35.4°C [0.5°C] vs 35.1°C [0.3°C],P = .02) and perceived strain on day 5 compared with day 1 of HA. All other data were unaffected.Conclusions:Cycling capacity was impaired in the heat after 5 d of consecutive HIIT HA despite some heat adaptation. Based on data, this approach is not recommended for athletes preparing to compete in the heat; however, it is possible that it may be beneficial if a state of overreaching is avoided.
Reliability and Validity of a Novel Futsal Special Performance Test Designed to Measure Skills and Anaerobic Performance
Authors: Farhani Farid , Rajabi Hamid , Negaresh Raoof , Ali Ajmol , Amani Shalamzari Sadegh , Baker Julien S.
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To examine the validity and reliability of a novel futsal special performance test (FSPT) as a measure of futsal performance and skills. Methods: Thirty-six futsal players with different levels of experience were recruited and divided into 2 groups (elite and nonelite). Players participated in 4 sessions (at least 7 d apart): (1) familiarization session, (2) anaerobic power (Wingate test), (3) FSPT trial 1, and (4) FSPT trial 2. The FSPT was carried out on a futsal court (wooden sprung floor) and skills such as dribbling, rotation, long and short passing, and shooting were examined. Content validity was assessed by 6 experienced futsal coaches and instructors. Results: There was a significant correlation between FSPT and various aspects of anaerobic power (r = .5–.91; P ≤ .001). Moreover, significant large correlations were observed between test and retest of FSPT (r = .77; 95% confidence interval [CI], .56–.98; P ≤ .001). All instructors and coaches confirmed the content validity. There was high interrater reliability of the FSPT (r = .89; 95% CI, .85–.93; P < .001). FSPT total time (P = .001), penalty time (P = .022), and performance time (P = .001) were superior in elite relative to nonelite players. Anaerobic power was greater in elite players (P < .001). Conclusion: The results support the use of the FSPT to assess futsal players’ performance in conjunction with skill and anaerobic fitness.
Diurnal Variation of Maximal Fat-Oxidation Rate in Trained Male Athletes
Authors: Amaro-Gahete Francisco J. , Jurado-Fasoli Lucas , Triviño Alejandro R. , Sanchez-Delgado Guillermo , De-la-O Alejandro , Helge Jørn W. , Ruiz Jonatan R.
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To analyze the diurnal variation of maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the intensity that elicits MFO (Fatmax) in trained male athletes. Methods: A total of 12 endurance-trained male athletes age 24.7 (4.1) y participated in the study. The authors measured MFO, Fatmax, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and VO2 percentage at ventilatory threshold 2 with a graded exercise protocol performed on 2 days separated by 1 wk. One test was performed in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The authors assessed the participants’ chronotype using the HÖME questionnaire. Results: MFO and Fatmax were greater in the afternoon than in the morning (Δ = 13%, P < .001 and Δ = 6%, P = .001, respectively), whereas there were similar VO2max and ventilatory threshold 2 in the morning, than in the afternoon test (Δ = 0.2%, P = .158 and Δ = 7%, P = .650, respectively). There was a strong positive association between VO2max and MFO in both morning and afternoon assessments (R2 = .783, P = .001 and R2 = .663, P < .001, respectively). Similarly, there was a positive association between VO2max and Fatmax in both morning and afternoon assessments (R2 = .406, P = .024 and R2 = .414, P = .026, respectively). Conclusion: MFO and Fatmax may partially explain some of the observed diurnal variation in the performance of endurance sports.
The Effects of 3 Different Doses of Caffeine on Jumping and Throwing Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study
Authors: Sabol Filip , Grgic Jozo , Mikulic Pavle
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To examine the acute effects of 3 doses of caffeine on upper- and lower-body ballistic exercise performance and to explore if habitual caffeine intake affects the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on ballistic exercise performance. Methods: Twenty recreationally active male participants completed medicine-ball-throw and vertical-jump tests under 4 experimental conditions (placebo and 2, 4, and 6 mg·kg−1 of caffeine). Results: One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with subsequent post hoc analyses indicated that performance in the medicine-ball-throw test improved, compared with placebo, only with a 6 mg·kg−1 dose of caffeine (P = .032). Effect size, calculated as the mean difference between the 2 measurements divided by the pooled SD, amounted to 0.29 (+3.7%). For the vertical-jump test, all 3 caffeine doses were effective (compared with placebo) for acute increases in performance (P values .022–.044, effect sizes 0.35–0.42, percentage changes +3.7% to +4.1%). A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant group × condition interaction effect, suggesting comparable responses between low (≤100 mg·d−1) and moderate to high (>100 mg·d−1) caffeine users to the experimental conditions. Conclusion: Caffeine doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg·kg−1 seem to be effective for acute enhancements in lower-body ballistic exercise performance in recreationally trained male individuals. For the upper-body ballistic exercise performance, only a caffeine dose of 6 mg·kg−1 seems to be effective. The acute effects of caffeine ingestion do not seem to be affected by habitual caffeine intake; however, this requires further exploration.
Business Intelligence: How Sport Scientists Can Support Organization Decision Making in Professional Sport
Authors: Ward Patrick , Windt Johann , Kempton Thomas
Published: January 2019

The application of scientific principles to inform practice has become increasingly common in professional sports, with increasing numbers of sport scientists operating in this area. The authors believe that in addition to domain-specific expertise, effective sport scientists working in professional sport should be able to develop systematic analysis frameworks to enhance performance in their organization. Although statistical analysis is critical to this process, it depends on proper data collection, integration, and storage. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the opportunity for sport-science professionals to contribute beyond their domain-specific expertise and apply these principles in a business-intelligence function to support decision makers across the organization. The decision-support model aims to improve both the efficiency and the effectiveness of decisions and comprises 3 areas: data collection and organization, analytic models to drive insight, and interface and communication of information. In addition to developing frameworks for managing data systems, the authors suggest that sport scientists’ grounding in scientific thinking and statistics positions them to assist in the development of robust decision-making processes across the organization. Furthermore, sport scientists can audit the outcomes of decisions made by the organization. By tracking outcomes, a feedback loop can be established to identify the types of decisions that are being made well and the situations where poor decisions persist. The authors have proposed that sport scientists can contribute to the broader success of professional sporting organizations by promoting decision-support services that incorporate data collection, analysis, and communication.
Heterogeneous retreat and ice melt of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica
Authors: Milillo P. , Rignot E. , Rizzoli P. , Scheuchl B. , Mouginot J. , Bueso-Bello J. , Prats-Iraola P.
Published: January 2019

The heterogeneous retreat of Thwaites glacier indicates complexities of ice melt processes taking place at the grounding zone.
Disease epidemic and a marine heat wave are associated with the continental-scale collapse of a pivotal predator (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
Authors: Harvell C. D. , Montecino-Latorre D. , Caldwell J. M. , Burt J. M. , Bosley K. , Keller A. , Heron S. F. , Salomon A. K. , Lee L. , Pontier O. , Pattengill-Semmens C. , Gaydos J. K.
Published: January 2019

The sunflower sea star,P. helianthoides, has collapsed across most of its range, in both shallow and deep waters.
Photochemical degradation affects the light absorption of water-soluble brown carbon in the South Asian outflow
Authors: Dasari Sanjeev , Andersson August , Bikkina Srinivas , Holmstrand Henry , Budhavant Krishnakant , Satheesh Sreedharan , Asmi Eija , Kesti Jutta , Backman John , Salam Abdus , Bisht Deewan Singh , Tiwari Suresh , Hameed Zahid , Gustafsson Örjan
Published: January 2019

Climate-warming brown carbon aerosols lose warming capacity during atmospheric transport.
Urban scaling and the regional divide
Authors: Keuschnigg Marc , Mutgan Selcan , Hedström Peter
Published: January 2019

Population characteristics and selective migration explain around half of the previously reported superlinear urban scaling.
Mitochondria-encoded genes contribute to evolution of heat and cold tolerance in yeast
Authors: Li Xueying C. , Peris David , Hittinger Chris Todd , Sia Elaine A. , Fay Justin C.
Published: January 2019

The mitochondrial genome is a hotspot for divergence in thermal growth differences in yeast.
The Mississippi River records glacial-isostatic deformation of North America
Authors: Wickert Andrew D. , Anderson Robert S. , Mitrovica Jerry X. , Naylor Shawn , Carson Eric C.
Published: January 2019

A deep gash through bedrock now buried beneath Mississippi River sediments formed when massive glaciers warped Earth’s crust.
Early-life sleep disruption increases parvalbumin in primary somatosensory cortex and impairs social bonding in prairie voles
Authors: Jones Carolyn E. , Opel Ryan A. , Kaiser Mara E. , Chau Alex Q. , Quintana Jazmine R. , Nipper Michelle A. , Finn Deborah A. , Hammock Elizabeth A. D. , Lim Miranda M.
Published: January 2019

Sleep is critical for proper sensory and social development in young prairie voles, an affiliative and monogamous rodent species.
A biologic scaffold–associated type 2 immune microenvironment inhibits tumor formation and synergizes with checkpoint immunotherapy
Authors: Wolf Matthew T. , Ganguly Sudipto , Wang Tony L. , Anderson Christopher W. , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Narain Radhika , Cherry Christopher , Parrillo Alexis J. , Park Benjamin V. , Wang Guannan , Pan Fan , Sukumar Saraswati , Pardoll Drew M. , Elisseeff Jennifer H.
Published: January 2019

Biologic scaffolds synergize with immune checkpoint blockade to inhibit tumor growth in mice in a process requiring T cells and macrophages.
Transforming medicine with the microbiome
Authors: Zmora Niv , Soffer Eliran , Elinav Eran
Published: January 2019

Advances in microbiome research are spurring the development of new therapeutics for a variety of diseases, but translational challenges remain.
The more (mutations), the better
Authors: Lujambio Amaia
Published: January 2019

High somatic tumor mutational burden predicts response to immune checkpoint inhibitors across multiple cancers.
Following Coffee Production from Cherries to Cup: Microbiological and Metabolomic Analysis of Wet Processing of Coffea arabica
Authors: Zhang Sophia Jiyuan , De Bruyn Florac , Pothakos Vasileios , Torres Julio , Falconi Carlos , Moccand Cyril , Weckx Stefan , De Vuyst Luc
Published: January 2019

Coffee needs to undergo a long chain of events to transform from coffee cherries to a beverage. The coffee postharvest processing is one of the key phases that convert the freshly harvested cherries into green coffee beans before roasting and brewing. Among multiple existing processing methods, the wet processing has been usually applied for Arabica coffee and produces decent quality of both green coffee beans and the cup of coffee. In the present case study, wet processing was followed by a multiphasic approach through both microbiological and metabolomic analyses. The impacts of each processing step, especially the fermentation duration, were studied in detail. Distinct changes in microbial ecosystems, processing waters, coffee beans, and sensory quality of the brews were found. Thus, through fine-tuning of the parameters in each step, the microbial diversity and endogenous bean metabolism can be altered during coffee postharvest processing and hence provide potential to improve coffee quality.
Spatial-Temporal Pattern of Sulfate-Dependent Anaerobic Methane Oxidation in an Intertidal Zone of the East China Sea
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Hua Miaolian , Cai Chaoyang , Hu Jiajie , Wang Junren , Yang Hongrui , Ma Fang , Qian Haifeng , Zheng Ping , Hu Baolan
Published: January 2019

The sulfate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (S-AOM) process catalyzed by
an
aerobic
me
thanotrophic (ANME) archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is a vital link connecting the global carbon and sulfur cycles. We conducted a research into the spatial-temporal pattern of S-AOM process and the distribution of ANME archaea in coastal sediments collected from the intertidal zone. The results implied that S-AOM process was a methane sink that cannot be overlooked in the intertidal ecosystem. We also found that ANME archaea were sensitive to oxygen and preferred anaerobic environmental conditions. This study will help us gain a better understanding of the global carbon-sulfur cycle and greenhouse gas emission reduction and introduce a new perspective into the enrichment of ANME archaea.
One-year surveillance of body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness in UK primary school children in North West England and the impact of school deprivation level
Authors: Mann Steven , Wade Matthew , Jones Michelle , Sandercock Gavin , Beedie Chris , Steele James
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is independently associated with health and academic attainment in childhood and adolescence. Yet overweight/obesity remains the focus in public health policy. Surveillance of body mass index (BMI) and CRF considering school deprivation levels is limited. Therefore, we examined this in English primary schools.

Methods

Participants (n=409) were students (9–10 years) from 13 schools. BMI and CRF (20 m shuttle run) were measured at three time points across the academic year and a fourth after summer recess.

Results

BMI z-scores significantly decreased (p=0.015) from autumn (z=0.336 (95% CI 0.212 to 0.460)) to spring (z=0.252 (95% CI 0.132 to 0.371)), and then significantly increased (p=0.010) to summer (z=0.327 (95% CI 0.207 to 0.447)). CRF significantly increased (p<0.001) from autumn (z=0.091 (95% CI −0.014 to 0.196)) to spring (z=0.492 (95% CI 0.367 to 0.616)), no change (p=0.308) into summer (z=0.411 (95% CI 0.294 to 0.528)) and a significant decrease (p<0.001) into the following autumn term (z=0.125 (95% CI 0.021 to 0.230)). BMI was unaffected by deprivation; however, pupils from the most deprived areas saw significantly greater reductions in CRF compared with pupils from affluent areas. No time, or deprivation level, by sex interactions were found.

Conclusion

Significant reductions in children’s CRF occurred over the summer recess and were greater among children from schools in the most deprived areas. This may help inform future research into interventions targeting physical activity of schoolchildren, particularly over the summer recess.
Disseminated intestinal basidiobolomycosis with mycotic aneurysm mimicking obstructing colon cancer
Authors: Omar Takrouni Arwa , Heitham Schammut Mohammad , Al-Otaibi Mishal , Al-Mulla Manal , Privitera Antonio
Published: January 2019

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection that may affect the gastrointestinal tract. It is caused byBasidiobolus ranarumand less than 80 cases have been reported in the literature. The incidence seems to be higher in the Middle East and in particular Saudi Arabia where most cases are diagnosed in the south-western region. An 18-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an obstructing caecal mass initially suspected to be malignant. Surgical resection was complicated by bowel perforation, histology and cultures confirmed basidiobolomycosis infection. The postoperative course was complicated by an enterocutaneous fistula, fungal intra-abdominal abscesses, liver and lung abscesses, formation of mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm and meningoencephalitis. The patient eventually expired due to sepsis despite aggressive treatment. Diagnosis and management of such rare cases are very challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. Complications are common and associated with a high mortality.
Gross anterior segment ischaemia following vitreoretinal surgery for sickle-cell retinopathy
Authors: Walkden Andrew , Griffin Benjamin , Cheng Clarissa , Dhawahir-Scala Felipe
Published: January 2019

We report the case of a 32-year-old Afrocaribbean man with known stage 3 proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy who presented with a mixed picture of tractional and rhegmatogenous macula off detachment. He underwent left primary 25 g vitrectomy with silicone oil, delamination and endolaser photocoagulation under a general anaesthetic. He, however, presented 48 hours postoperatively with gross anterior segment ischaemia. His pain and ocular signs settled over the course of a few days following administration of supplemental oxygen, oral steroids, analgesia and intravenous hydration. Examination showed resolution of his proptosis and orbital signs as well as anterior segment inflammation. He remains under follow-up.
Laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia with extra-abdominal transfascial sutures
Authors: Costa Almeida Carlos , Caroço Teresa Vieira , Nogueira Oriana , Infuli Armando
Published: January 2019

Morgagni hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It is rare, usually asymptomatic, and most of the times incidentally discovered during adulthood. A 77-year-old female patient was incidentally diagnosed with Morgagni hernia. Meanwhile, because of abdominal pain she resorted to the emergency department. A CT scan was performed. A laparoscopic repair with extra-abdominal transfascial sutures was conducted. At 3-month follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic. Surgical repair of Morgagni hernia is always indicated because of the risk of strangulation of hernia contents. Minimal invasive surgery is the gold standard, and laparoscopy is the preferred approach. Morgagni hernia does not have an anterior rim, which makes it technically difficult to close the defect. Extra-abdominal transfascial technique was used to repair the defect, eliminating the need for intracorporeal sutures. For small defects, simple repair with non-absorbable sutures using extra-abdominal transfascial technique is easy and efficient.
Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome in a female adult
Authors: Carvalho Tiago J , Calça Rita , Cassis João , Mendes Artur
Published: January 2019

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disease characterised by the association of acutetubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis. It affects mainly children and young women. Drugs and infections may be precipitating factors. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. The mainstays of treatment are topical and systemic corticosteroids. Prognosis is usually favourable. We report a case of TINU which occurred in our unit. A 37-year-old woman presented with an influenza-like illness, bilateral ocular pain and blurred vision. Ophthalmological evaluation revealed bilateral anterior uveitis and later renal involvement was seen as acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. A diagnosis of TINU was assumed after exclusion of other systemic diseases. She was treated with topical corticosteroids for the uveitis and evolved favourably, with resolution of ocular symptoms and normalisation of serum creatinine and proteinuria. This case highlights the importance of a high degree of clinical suspicion to make the diagnosis of TINU syndrome.
Alport’s syndrome and intracranial aneurysm: mere coincidence or undiscovered causal relationship
Authors: Bose Subhasish , Pathireddy Samata , Baradhi Krishna M , Aeddula Narothama Reddy
Published: January 2019

A 44-year-old Caucasian man with a history of deceased donor renal transplant for end-stage renal disease from Alport’s syndrome (AS), presented with a spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage and hydrocephalus. Following an external ventricular drain for the hydrocephalus, a CT angiography revealed a dissection of the left vertebral artery extending into vertebro-basilar junction necessitating a bypass between left occipital artery to left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. He had a posterior fossa Craniectomy, C1 laminectomy and coiling off, of the left vertebral artery. Postprocedure course was prolonged but uneventful with complete recovery and normal renal function 18 months postpresentation. AS, a disease caused by abnormalities in the synthesis of type IV collagen, can cause aneurysms with severe and permanent neurological sequalae. We present a case of AS with intracranial arterial dissection with potential life-threatening consequences and discuss the genetic and molecular basis of AS along with review of the relevant literature.
Retinal microvascular abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Moramarco Antonietta , Miraglia Emanuele , Mallone Fabiana , Roberti Vincenzo , Iacovino Chiara , Bruscolini Alice , Giustolisi Rosalia , Giustini Sandra
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide a classification of the different retinal vascular arrangements in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), with appropriate qualitative and quantitative information.

Methods

This study was conducted on 334 consecutive patients with NF1 and 106 sex-matched and age-matched healthy control subjects. Each patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination inclusive of near-infrared reflectance retinography by using the spectral domain Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a complete dermatological examination and 1.5 T MRI scan of the brain to assess the presence of optic nerve gliomas. To evaluate the predictability and the diagnostic accuracy of our identified retinal microvascular arrangements, we calculated the diagnostic indicators for each pattern of pathology, with corresponding 95% CI. In addition, we evaluated the association between the microvascular arrangements and each National Institutes of Health diagnostic criteria.

Results

Microvascular abnormalities were detected in 105 of 334 NF1 patients (31.4%), the simple vascular tortuosity was recognised in 78 of 105 cases (74.3%) and whether the corkscrew pattern and the moyamoya-like type showed a frequency of 42.8% (45 of 105 cases) and 15.2% (16 of 105 cases), respectively. We found a statistically significant correlation between the presence of retinal microvascular abnormalities and the patient age (p=0.02) and between the simple vascular tortuosity, the patient age and the presence of neurofibromas (p=0.002 and p=0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

We identified microvascular alterations in 31.4% of patients and a statistically significant association with patient age. Moreover, the most frequent type of microvascular alterations, the simple vascular tortuosity, resulted positively associated with age and with the presence of neurofibromas.
Risk-stratified systemic surveillance in uveal melanoma
Authors: Davanzo Jacquelyn M , Binkley Elaine M , Bena James F , Singh Arun D
Published: January 2019

Background/Aim

Molecular prognostication provides clinically applicable prognostic information for patients with uveal melanoma. Most ocular oncologists recommend intensive metastatic surveillance for patients with high-risk tumours. However, socioeconomic variables may limit a patient’s ability to adhere to recommended surveillance. We aim to analyse socioeconomic data from patients with uveal melanoma who underwent molecular prognostication to determine which variables influence adherence.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 107 consecutive patients who were diagnosed and treated for uveal melanoma from January 2014 to June 2015. Patients were categorised into low/unknown risk and high risk for metastasis. The low-risk group was followed with hepatic ultrasonography every 6 months. The high-risk group was followed with more frequent hepatic imaging or incorporation of hepatic CT/MRI into the surveillance protocol. Adherence to surveillance recommendations was recorded for the first 2 years following primary treatment. Socioeconomic data including age at diagnosis, baseline systemic staging, gene expression profile status, marital status, insurance, distance of primary residence, median household income and Charlson Comorbidity Index score were recorded. Frequency/modality of imaging and metastatic status were also recorded.

Results

High-risk patients were more likely to develop metastasis than low-risk/unknown-risk patients (p<0.001). High-risk patients were more likely to have scans at baseline (p=0.008) and to have expected scans relative to low-risk/unknown-risk patients (p<0.001). There was no significant relationship between the likelihood of adhering to recommended surveillance and the other variables analysed.

Conclusions

Prognostic risk level is a significant predictor of surveillance and remains significant after adjustment for socioeconomic variables. Adherence to surveillance recommendations for high-risk patients may translate into improved survival.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement on concussion in sport
Authors: Harmon Kimberly G , Clugston James R , Dec Katherine , Hainline Brian , Herring Stanley , Kane Shawn F , Kontos Anthony P , Leddy John J , McCrea Michael , Poddar Sourav K , Putukian Margot , Wilson Julie C , Roberts William O
Published: January 2019

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a common injury in recreational and organised sport. Over the past 30 years, there has been significant progress in our scientific understanding of SRC, which in turn has driven the development of clinical guidelines for diagnosis, assessment and management of SRC. In addition to a growing need for knowledgeable healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based care for athletes with SRC, media attention and legislation have created awareness and, in some cases, fear about many issues and unknowns surrounding SRC. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) formed a writing group to review the existing literature on SRC, update its previous position statement, and to address current evidence and knowledge gaps regarding SRC. The absence of definitive outcomes-based data is challenging and requires relying on the best available evidence integrated with clinical experience and patient values. This statement reviews the definition, pathophysiology and epidemiology of SRC, the diagnosis and management of both acute and persistent concussion symptoms, the short-term and long-term risks of SRC and repetitive head impact exposure, SRC prevention strategies, and potential future directions for SRC research. The AMSSM is committed to best clinical practices, evidence-based research and educational initiatives that positively impact the health and safety of athletes.
Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sievert Katherine , Hussain Sultana Monira , Page Matthew J , Wang Yuanyuan , Hughes Harrison J , Malek Mary , Cicuttini Flavia M
Published: January 2019

Objective

To examine the effect of regular breakfast consumption on weight change and energy intake in people living in high income countries.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Ovid Medline, and CINAHL were searched for randomised controlled trials published between January 1990 and January 2018 investigating the effect of breakfast on weight or energy intake. ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal were also searched in October 2018 to identify any registered yet unpublished or ongoing trials.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials from high income countries in adults comparing breakfast consumption with no breakfast consumption that included a measure of body weight or energy intake. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Random effects meta-analyses of the effect of breakfast consumption on weight and daily energy intake were performed.

Results

Of 13 included trials, seven examined the effect of eating breakfast on weight change, and 10 examined the effect on energy intake. Meta-analysis of the results found a small difference in weight favouring participants who skipped breakfast (mean difference 0.44 kg, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.82), but there was some inconsistency across trial results (I2=43%). Participants assigned to breakfast had a higher total daily energy intake than those assigned to skip breakfast (mean difference 259.79 kcal/day, 78.87 to 440.71; 1 kcal=4.18 kJ), despite substantial inconsistency across trial results (I2=80%). All of the included trials were at high or unclear risk of bias in at least one domain and had only short term follow-ups (mean period seven weeks for weight, two weeks for energy intake). As the quality of the included studies was mostly low, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the addition of breakfast might not be a good strategy for weight loss, regardless of established breakfast habit. Caution is needed when recommending breakfast for weight loss in adults, as it could have the opposite effect. Further randomised controlled trials of high quality are needed to examine the role of breakfast eating in the approach to weight management.

Study registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42017057687.