bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive genetic analysis of adhesin proteins and their role in virulence ofCandida albicans
Authors: Rosiana Sierra , Zhang Liyang , Kim Grace H , Revtovich Alexey V , Uthayakumar Deeva , Sukumaran Arjun , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer , Kirienko Natalia V , Shapiro Rebecca S
Published: February 2021

Candida albicans is a microbial fungus that exists as a commensal member of the human microbiome and an opportunistic pathogen. Cell surface-associated adhesin proteins play a crucial role in C. albicans’ ability to undergo cellular morphogenesis, develop robust biofilms, colonize, and cause infection in a host. However, a comprehensive analysis of the role and relationships between these adhesins has not been explored. We previously established a CRISPR-based platform for efficient generation of single- and double-gene deletions in C. albicans, which was used to construct a library of 144 mutants, comprising 12 unique adhesin genes deleted singly, and every possible combination of double deletions. Here, we exploit this adhesin mutant library to explore the role of adhesin proteins in C. albicans virulence. We perform a comprehensive, high-throughput screen of this library, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a simplified model host system, which identified mutants critical for virulence and significant genetic interactions. We perform follow-up analysis to assess the ability of high- and low-virulence strains to undergo cellular morphogenesis and form biofilms in vitro, as well as to colonize the C. elegans host. We further perform genetic interaction analysis to identify novel significant negative genetic interactions between adhesin mutants, whereby combinatorial perturbation of these genes significantly impairs virulence, more than expected based on virulence of the single mutant constituent strains. Together, this study yields important new insight into the role of adhesins, singly and in combinations, in mediating diverse facets of virulence of this critical fungal pathogen.
Use of carotid artery cannulation during redo sternotomy in congenital cardiac surgery: a single-centre experience
Authors: Brancaccio Gianluca , Perri Gianluigi , Della Porta Marco , Iodice Francesca , Trezzi Matteo , Filippelli Sergio , Amodeo Antonio , D'Abramo Mizar , Iorio Fiore S , Galletti Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Management of resternotomy is often a difficult challenge in patients with congenital diseases who have undergone multiple sternotomies. Our goal was to report our single-centre experience with carotid cannulation using a graft interposed during redo sternotomy in complex cardiac reintervention procedures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had undergone complex redo sternotomies between January 2019 and May 2020 utilizing a cervical cannulation technique with a Gore-Tex graft interposed on the carotid artery. We classified our population study on the basis of the primary diagnosis and the type of surgery. The primary outcomes of our analysis were the evaluation of the safety of the procedure in terms of survival and freedom from neurological events.

RESULTS

We analysed 22 patients who had undergone previous complex operations. The median age and weight at the time of reintervention were 130.35 (range 0.46–435) months and 31.5 (range 2.2–85) kg, respectively. Composite graft carotid cannulation provided adequate arterial flow in all patients with a median arterial flow of 3.5 l/min/m2 (range 0.6–6). One major cardiac injury occurred during sternotomy when emergency cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was initiated. Moreover, during their hospital stays, all patients had an uneventful recovery without neurological or vascular complications and no cervical wound infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid cannulation using interposition of a side graft on the common carotid artery for arterial inflow is a reliable and safe method for initiation of CPB in complex redo surgeries in patients with congenital disease. Complications directly associated with this type of cannulation are uncommon and allow surgical re-entry with overall low risks.
Examining the Effect of Message Style in Esteem Support Interactions: A Laboratory Investigation*
Authors: Holmstrom Amanda J , Reynolds Reed M , Shebib Samantha J , Poland Travis L , Summers Morgan E , Mazur Allison P , Moore Salena
Published: February 2021

The cognitive–emotional theory of esteem support messages predicts that message style will affect the outcomes of esteem support interactions. However, little research has focused on the effects of message style; that is, how esteem support messages are delivered. The present experiment addresses this lacuna by manipulating message style in a laboratory study examining face-to-face esteem support interactions. Confederates were trained to provide emotion-focused esteem support to naïve participants (N = 173) in four styles along the assertive–inductive dimension, in addition to a listening-only control condition. We then assessed the effect of the interaction on participants’ state self-esteem. Results indicated that emotion-focused esteem support improved state self-esteem more than listening support; however, there was no significant effect of message style. Post-interaction state self-esteem improvement was positively associated with the quantity of emotion-focused esteem support content provided during the interaction.
Camera Point-of-View Exacerbates Racial Bias in Viewers of Police Use of Force Videos
Authors: Bailey Rachel L , Read Glenna L , Yan YaoJun Harry , Liu Jiawei , Makin David A , Willits Dale
Published: February 2021

The implementation of body-worn cameras (BWC) by policing agencies has received widespread support from many individuals, including citizens and police officers. Despite their increasing prevalence, little is known about how the point-of-view (POV) of these cameras affects perceptions of viewers. In this research, we investigate how POV interacts with skin color of citizens in police use of force videos to affect perceptions of procedural justice. In an experimental study, participants watched eight police use of force videos—half recorded from BWC and half from an onlooker’s perspective—in which skin tone of the citizen varied. Results indicate that POV interacts with citizen skin tone such that, compared to the onlooker perspective, the BWC exacerbated viewer racial bias against dark skin tone citizens. Furthermore, identification with the police officer fully mediated this relationship. Results are discussed in relation to media theory and practical implications.
The Relationship Between Blast-related Hearing Threshold Shift and Insomnia in U.S. Military Personnel
Authors: MacGregor Andrew J , Joseph Antony R , Markwald Rachel R , Dougherty Amber L
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Hearing loss and insomnia emerged as preeminent sources of morbidity among military service members and veterans who served in the recent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Significant threshold shift (STS), an early indicator of hearing loss, has not been studied in relation to insomnia. This study’s objective was to examine the co-occurrence of STS and insomnia among U.S. military personnel with blast-related injury.

Materials and Methods

A total of 652 service members who were blast-injured during military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004 and 2012 were identified from the Blast-Related Auditory Injury Database. Pre- and post-injury audiometric data were used to ascertain new-onset STS, defined as 30 dB or greater increase for the sum of thresholds at 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Hz for either ear. Insomnia diagnosed within 2 years post-injury was abstracted from electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between STS and insomnia, while adjusting for age, year of injury, occupation, injury severity, tinnitus and concussion diagnosed in-theater, and PTSD.

Results

A majority of the study sample was aged 18-25 years (79.9%) and sustained mild-to-moderate injuries (92.2%). STS was present in 21.1% of service members. Cumulative incidence of diagnosed insomnia was 22.3% and 11.1% for those with and without STS, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, those with STS had nearly 2-times higher odds of insomnia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.12-3.24) compared with those without STS. In multivariable modeling, the strongest association was between PTSD and insomnia (OR = 5.57, 95% CI = 3.35-9.26). A secondary finding of note was that military personnel with STS had a significantly higher frequency of PTSD compared with those without STS (28.1% vs. 15.2%).

Conclusions

Hearing threshold shift was associated with insomnia in military personnel with blast-related injury and could be used to identify service members at risk. Multidisciplinary care is needed to manage the co-occurrence of both conditions during the post-deployment rehabilitation phase. Future research should evaluate the specific mechanisms involved in this relationship and further explore the association between hearing threshold shift and PTSD.
Child-rearing During Postgraduate Medical Training and Its Relation to Stress and Burnout: Results From a Single-institution Multispecialty Survey
Authors: Spruce Marguerite W , Gingrich Alicia A , Phares Amanda , Beyer Carl A , Salcedo Edgardo S , Guralnick Susan , Rea Margaret M
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Child-rearing is difficult for medical trainees, but much of the available evidence is limited to individual specialties or lacks an analysis of well-being. In light of this, we sought to examine current perspectives across a wide range of medical specialties, determine associations with stress and burnout, and identify potential supportive solutions.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, a voluntary and anonymous survey was sent to all residents and fellows at a large academic medical center with a U.S. Air Force joint training agreement in 2019. Frequency tables were generated for survey responses, using χ2 test for analysis between groups.

Results

One hundred and eighty-four physician trainees completed the survey (21.6% response rate), of which 38.0% were parents. Overall, 90.8% of trainees want children but 68.5% plan to wait until after training to start or grow their families, mainly due to insufficient time or inadequate child care. Less than 2% cited lack of program support as the reason. Among trainee parents, 72.0% reported that child care was at least quite stressful. Child care contributes to burnout for 68.6% of trainee parents, and there was no difference between medical and surgical trainees or between military and nonmilitary trainees. Day care was the most common primary child care strategy, and 37.1% of trainee parents reported spending >25% of their household income on child care. Proposed helpful solutions include on-site day care and subsidies.

Conclusions

Most medical trainees in this sample want children, yet many are delaying growing their families due to time and financial constraints. For trainee parents, child care causes stress and family and financial strain and contributes to burnout. Physicians in training, including military members training at civilian medical centers, could benefit from child care assistance in order to relieve stress, reduce burnout, and improve well-being. Furthermore, by expanding existing resources and implementing new creative solutions to the challenges of child-rearing among medical professionals, the U.S. military has an opportunity to improve members’ well-being and be a model to civilian graduate medical education programs nationwide.
Relative occurrence rates of terrestrial planets orbiting FGK stars
Authors: Jin Sheng
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to derive a map of relative planet occurrence rates that can provide constraints on the overall distribution of terrestrial planets around FGK stars. Based on the planet candidates in the Kepler DR25 data release, I first generate a continuous density map of planet distribution using a Gaussian kernel model and correct the geometric factor that the discovery space of a transit event decreases along with the increase of planetary orbital distance. Then, I fit two exponential decay functions of detection efficiency along with the increase of planetary orbital distance and the decrease of planetary radius. Finally, the density map of planet distribution is compensated for the fitted exponential decay functions of detection efficiency to obtain a relative occurrence rate distribution of terrestrial planets. The result shows two regions with planet abundance: one corresponds to planets with radii between 0.5 and 1.5 R⊕ within 0.2 au, and the other corresponds to planets with radii between 1.5 and 3 R⊕ beyond 0.5 au. It also confirms the features that may be caused by atmospheric evaporation: there is a vacancy of planets of sizes between 2.0 and 4.0 R⊕ inside of ∼0.5 au, and a valley with relatively low occurrence rates between 0.2 and 0.5 au for planets with radii between 1.5 and 3.0 R⊕.
Gravitational instability of non-isothermal filamentary molecular clouds in presence of external pressure
Authors: Motiei Mohammad Mahdi , Hosseinirad Mohammad , Abbassi Shahram
Published: February 2021

Filamentary molecular clouds are omnipresent in the cold interstellar medium. Observational pieces of evidence show that the non-isothermal equations of state describe the filaments properties better than the isothermal one. In this paper, we use the logatropic and the polytropic equations of state to study the gravitational instability of the pressure-confined filaments in presence of a uniform axial magnetic field. To fully explore the parameter space, we carry out very large surveys of stability analysis that cover filaments with different radii in various magnetic fields. Our results show that for all the equations of state the instability of thinner filaments is more sensitive to the magnetic field variations than the thicker ones. Moreover, for all the equations of state, an intermediate magnetic field can entirely stabilize the thinner filaments. Albeit for the thicker ones, this effect is suppressed for the magnetic field stronger than B ≃ 70 μG.
Searching for multiple populations in Ruprecht 106
Authors: Frelijj H , Villanova S , Muñoz C , Fernández-Trincado J G
Published: February 2021

More than a decade has passed since the definition of globular cluster (GC) changed, and now we know that they host multiple populations (MPs). But few GCs do not share that behaviour and Ruprecht 106 is one of these clusters. We analysed 13 member red giant branch stars using spectra in the wavelength range 6120–6405 Å obtained through the GIRAFFE Spectrograph, mounted at UT2 telescope at Paranal, as well as the whole cluster using C, V,R, and I photometry obtained through the Swope telescope at Las Campanas. Atmospheric parameters were determined from the photometry to determine Fe and Na abundances. A photometric analysis searching for MPs was also carried out. Both analyses confirm that Ruprecht 106 is indeed one on the few GCs to host simple stellar population, in agreement with previous studies. Finally, a dynamical study concerning its orbits was carried out to analyse the possible extragalactic origin of the cluster. The orbital integration indicates that this GC belongs to the inner halo, while an energy plane shows that it cannot be accurately associated with any known extragalactic progenitor.
Probing within the Bondi radius of the ultramassive black hole in NGC 1600
Authors: Runge J , Walker S A
Published: February 2021

We present deep (250 ks) Chandra observations of the nearby galaxy group NGC 1600, which has at its centre an ultramassive black hole (17 ± 1.5 billion M⊙). The exceptionally large mass of the black hole coupled with its low redshift makes it one of only a handful of black holes for which spatially resolved temperature and density profiles can be obtained within the Bondi radius with the high spatial resolution of Chandra. We analysed the hot gas properties within the Bondi accretion radius R$_{\mbox{B}}=1.2\!-\!1.7\:\mathrm{ arcsec}= 0.38\!-\!0.54 \,{\mbox{kpc}}$. Within a ∼3 kpc radius, we find two temperature components with statistical significance. Both the single-temperature and two-temperature models show only a very slight rise in temperature towards the centre, and are consistent with being flat. This is in contrast with the expectation from Bondi accretion for a temperature profile which increases towards the centre, and appears to indicate that the dynamics of the gas are not being determined by the central black hole. The density profile follows a relatively shallow ρ ∝ r−[0.61 ± 0.13] relationship within the Bondi radius, which suggests that the true accretion rate on to the black hole may be lower than the classical Bondi accretion rate.
Constraining protoplanetary disc accretion and young planets using ALMA kinematic observations
Authors: Rabago Ian , Zhu Zhaohuan
Published: February 2021

Recent ALMA molecular line observations have revealed 3D gas velocity structure in protoplanetary discs, shedding light on mechanisms of disc accretion and structure formation. (1) By carrying out viscous simulations, we confirm that the disc’s velocity structure differs dramatically using vertical stress profiles from different accretion mechanisms. Thus, kinematic observations tracing flows at different disc heights can potentially distinguish different accretion mechanisms. On the other hand, the disc surface density evolution is mostly determined by the vertically integrated stress. The sharp disc outer edge constrained by recent kinematic observations can be caused by a radially varying α in the disc. (2) We also study kinematic signatures of a young planet by carrying out 3D planet–disc simulations. The relationship between the planet mass and the ‘kink’ velocity is derived, showing a linear relationship with little dependence on disc viscosity, but some dependence on disc height when the planet is massive (e.g. 10MJ). We predict the ‘kink’ velocities for the potential planets in DSHARP discs. At the gap edge, the azimuthally averaged velocities at different disc heights deviate from the Keplerian velocity at similar amplitudes, and its relationship with the planet mass is consistent with that in 2D simulations. After removing the planet, the azimuthally averaged velocity barely changes within the viscous time-scale, and thus the azimuthally averaged velocity structure at the gap edge is due to the gap itself and not directly caused to the planet. Combining both axisymmetric kinematic observations and the residual ‘kink’ velocity is needed to probe young planets in protoplanetary discs.
Out of sight, out of mind? The impact of correlated clustering in substructure lensing
Authors: Lazar Alexandres , Bullock James S , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Feldmann Robert , Çatmabacak Onur , Moustakas Leonidas
Published: February 2021

A promising route for revealing the existence of dark matter structures on mass scales smaller than the faintest galaxies is through their effect on strong gravitational lenses. We examine the role of local, lens-proximate clustering in boosting the lensing probability relative to contributions from substructure and unclustered line-of-sight (LOS) haloes. Using two cosmological simulations that can resolve halo masses of Mhalo ≃ 109 M⊙ (in a simulation box of length $L_{\rm box}{\sim }100\, {\rm Mpc}$) and 107 M⊙ ($L_{\rm box}\sim 20\, {\rm Mpc}$), we demonstrate that clustering in the vicinity of the lens host produces a clear enhancement relative to an assumption of unclustered haloes that persists to $\gt 20\, R_{\rm vir}$. This enhancement exceeds estimates that use a two-halo term to account for clustering, particularly within $2-5\, R_{\rm vir}$. We provide an analytic expression for this excess, clustered contribution. We find that local clustering boosts the expected count of 109 M⊙ perturbing haloes by $\sim \! 35{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ compared to substructure alone, a result that will significantly enhance expected signals for low-redshift (zl ≃ 0.2) lenses, where substructure contributes substantially compared to LOS haloes. We also find that the orientation of the lens with respect to the line of sight (e.g. whether the line of sight passes through the major axis of the lens) can also have a significant effect on the lensing signal, boosting counts by an additional $\sim 50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ compared to a random orientations. This could be important if discovered lenses are biased to be oriented along their principal axis.
Histone demethylase KDM4A overexpression improved the efficiency of corrected human tripronuclear zygote development
Authors: Zhu Hai-Ying , Kang Xiang-Jin , Jin Long , Zhang Pu-Yao , Wu Han , Tan Tao , Yu Yang , Fan Yong
Published: February 2021

Human zygotes are difficult to obtain for research because of limited resources and ethical debates. Corrected human tripronuclear (ch3PN) zygotes obtained by removal of the extra pronucleus from abnormally fertilized tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes are considered an alternative resource for basic scientific research. In the present study, eight-cell and blastocyst formation efficiency were significantly lower in both 3PN and ch3PN embryos than in normal fertilized (2PN) embryos, while histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) levels were much higher. It was speculated that the aberrant H3K9me3 level detected in ch3PN embryos may be related to low developmental competence. Microinjection of 1000 ng/µl lysine-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) mRNA effectively reduced the H3K9me3 level and significantly increased the developmental competence of ch3PN embryos. The quality of ch3PN zygotes improved as the grading criteria, cell number and pluripotent expression significantly increased in response to KDM4A mRNA injection. Developmental genes related to zygotic genome activation (ZGA) were also upregulated. These results indicate that KDM4A activates the transcription of the ZGA program by enhancing the expression of related genes, promoting epigenetic modifications and regulating the developmental potential of ch3PN embryos. The present study will facilitate future studies of ch3PN embryos and could provide additional options for infertile couples.
Structural mechanism of DNA recognition by the p204 HIN domain
Authors: Fan Xiaojiao , Jiang Jiansheng , Zhao Dan , Chen Feng , Ma Huan , Smith Patrick , Unterholzner Leonie , Xiao Tsan Sam , Jin Tengchuan
Published: February 2021

The interferon gamma-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and its murine homologous protein p204 function in non-sequence specific dsDNA sensing; however, the exact dsDNA recognition mechanisms of IFI16/p204, which harbour two HIN domains, remain unclear. In the present study, we determined crystal structures of p204 HINa and HINb domains, which are highly similar to those of other PYHIN family proteins. Moreover, we obtained the crystal structure of p204 HINab domain in complex with dsDNA and provided insights into the dsDNA binding mode. p204 HINab binds dsDNA mainly through α2 helix of HINa and HINb, and the linker between them, revealing a similar HIN:DNA binding mode. Both HINa and HINb are vital for HINab recognition of dsDNA, as confirmed by fluorescence polarization assays. Furthermore, a HINa dimerization interface was observed in structures of p204 HINa and HINab:dsDNA complex, which is involved in binding dsDNA. The linker between HINa and HINb reveals dynamic flexibility in solution and changes its direction at ∼90° angle in comparison with crystal structure of HINab:dsDNA complex. These structural information provide insights into the mechanism of DNA recognition by different HIN domains, and shed light on the unique roles of two HIN domains in activating the IFI16/p204 signaling pathway.
Workshop report. Circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders: gaps and opportunities
Authors: Duffy Jeanne F , Abbott Sabra M , Burgess Helen J , Crowley Stephanie J , Emens Jonathan S , Epstein Lawrence J , Gamble Karen L , Hasler Brant P , Kristo David A , Malkani Roneil G , Rahman Shadab A , Thomas S Justin , Wyatt James K , Zee Phyllis C , Klerman Elizabeth B
Published: February 2021

This White Paper presents the results from a workshop cosponsored by the Sleep Research Society (SRS) and the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR) whose goals were to bring together sleep clinicians and sleep and circadian rhythm researchers to identify existing gaps in diagnosis and treatment and areas of high-priority research in circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders (CRSWD). CRSWD are a distinct class of sleep disorders caused by alterations of the circadian time-keeping system, its entrainment mechanisms, or a misalignment of the endogenous circadian rhythm and the external environment. In these disorders, the timing of the primary sleep episode is either earlier or later than desired, irregular from day-to-day, and/or sleep occurs at the wrong circadian time. While there are incomplete and insufficient prevalence data, CRSWD likely affect at least 800,000 and perhaps as many as 3 million individuals in the United States, and if Shift Work Disorder and Jet Lag are included, then many millions more are impacted. The SRS Advocacy Taskforce has identified CRSWD as a class of sleep disorders for which additional high-quality research could have a significant impact to improve patient care. Participants were selected for their expertise and were assigned to one of three working groups: Phase Disorders, Entrainment Disorders, and Other. Each working group presented a summary of the current state of the science for their specific CRSWD area, followed by discussion from all participants. The outcome of those presentations and discussions are presented here.
Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis PB6 on feedlot phase growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, and fecal and subiliac lymph node Salmonella prevalence in spring placement yearling beef steers fed in southeastern South Dakota1,2,3
Authors: Smith Zachary K , Broadway Paul Rand , Underwood Keith R , Rusche Warren C , Walker Julie A , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Carroll Jeffrey A , Lafleur Doug , Hergenreder Jerilyn E
Published: February 2021

Yearling crossbred beef steers [N = 238; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 402 ± 31.2 kg] were used to investigate the influence of a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on animal growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, carcass characteristics, and fecal and subiliac lymph node Salmonella prevalence during a 140-d finishing period at the Southeast Research Farm in Beresford, SD. Steers were allotted to 1 of 24 pens (N = 9–10 steers/pen) and assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments (12 pens/treatment): no probiotic (CON) or 0.5 g/steer/d of a B. subtilis PB6 probiotic (CLOSTAT500, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA; CLO). Bunks were managed according to a slick bunk management approach. Fecal samples were collected on study days 1, 28, 56, 112, and 140 from a subsample of steers from each pen (N = 5 steers/pen) via rectal palpation and composited by pen for the determination of Salmonella prevalence using selective enrichment and culture media. Upon harvest, subiliac lymph nodes were obtained from an equal number of steers from each treatment (collected from every other steer) following evisceration and hide removal. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design and pen served as the experimental unit; an α of 0.05 determined significance. Live-basis final BW and average daily gain tended (P ≤ 0.06) to be reduced for CLO. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.11) between treatments for dry matter intake or gain efficiency. Treatment neither altered the efficiency of dietary NE utilization nor calculated dietary NE content based upon observed performance (P ≥ 0.46). No differences were detected between treatments for any carcass traits (P ≥ 0.15). No Salmonella was recovered in any fecal samples collected on study days 1, 28, or 56. On day 112, steers from CLO had a numerically lower (P = 0.17; 25.0 vs. 8.3%) incidence of fecal Salmonella compared to CON. On study day 140, fecal Salmonella incidence did not differ between treatments (P = 0.34; 0.0 vs. 8.3%) for CON and CLO, respectively. Upon harvest, no Salmonella was recovered in any subiliac lymph nodes. These data indicate that B. subtilis PB6 did not influence feedlot phase growth performance or fecal Salmonella prevalence. Additionally, Salmonella was not observed in the subiliac lymph nodes of any steers upon harvest.
Complementary value of ECG and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy for prediction of adverse outcomes in the general population
Authors: Du Zhi , Xing Liying , Ye Ning , Lin Min , Sun Yingxian
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To investigate whether ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) has prognostic value independent of echocardiography LVH (Echo-LVH).

Methods:

Participants (N = 9744, mean age, 53.81 ± 10.49 years and 45.5% male) from the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study were included. Associations between Echo-LVH (sex-specific left ventricular mass normalized to BSA) and ECG-LVH (diagnosed using the Cornell-voltage duration product) and adverse outcomes were evaluated using Cox regression. The value of ECG-LVH for predicting adverse events was evaluated by reclassification and discrimination analyses.

Results:

Median follow-up was 4.65 years; 563 participants developed incident stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD) and 402 died. Compared with participants without either condition, those with both Echo-LVH and ECG-LVH had a significantly increased risk of incident stroke or CHD (hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.82–3.22) and mortality (2.58; 1.85–3.60). ECG-LVH remained an independent risk factors for both outcomes when ECG-LVH and Echo-LVH were included in the model as separate variables [incident stroke or CHD (1.43; 1.14–1.79); mortality (1.41; 1.08–1.84)]. Reclassification and discrimination analyses indicated ECG-LVH addition could improve the conventional model for predicting adverse outcomes within 4 years. These relationships persisted after excluding participants with cardiovascular disease history or taking antihypertension drugs or upon applying other ECG-LVH and Echo-LVH diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion:

Our study provides strong evidence that ECG-LVH is associated with adverse outcomes, independent of Echo-LVH. Clinically, ECG-LVH could be considered as a consequential factor, especially in those with Echo-LVH. These findings have potential clinical relevance for risk stratification.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Ustuner Top Fadime , Ekim Ayfer , Ozdemir Alkanat Hafize
Published: February 2021

In this study, our purpose was to determine prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in pediatric respiratory diseases and methods of CAM use accordingly. Each of the CAM treatment has a special risk/benefit combination and it is absolutely crucial for health care professionals to question those methods.
Tumor Typing of Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: Contemporary Review and Recommendations From the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
Authors: Stolnicu Simona , Park Kay J. , Kiyokawa Takako , Oliva Esther , McCluggage W. Glenn , Soslow Robert A.
Published: February 2021

The incidence of endocervical adenocarcinoma, the second most common cervical cancer in the world, has been on the rise. While most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas and associated with high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), approximately 15% of endocervical adenocarcinomas, which now represent about one quarter of all cervical cancers, are HPV-independent. In this review, we will focus on the shortcomings of historical histologic classification systems of female genital tract tumors as they pertain to endocervical adenocarcinomas, and we will highlight the advantages of the new International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification system, which forms the basis for the WHO 2020 classification. We will cover the various histologic types, subtypes, and variants of endocervical adenocarcinoma with regard to morphology, immunophenotype, molecular genetics, HPV status and differential diagnosis, and we will provide International Society of Gynecological Pathologists recommendations for diagnosing these tumors.
Multi-level Predictors of Depression Symptoms in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
Authors: Ho Tiffany C. , Shah Rutvik , Mishra Jyoti , May April C. , Tapert Susan F.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To identify multi-level factors that maximize prediction of depression symptoms in a diverse sample of children in the U.S. participating in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.

Methods

8,507 participants (49.6% female, 75.2% white, ages 9-10) from ABCD provided complete data at baseline and 7,998 of these participants provided one-year follow-up data. Depression symptoms were measured with the Child Behavior Checklist. Predictive features included child demographic, environmental, and structural and resting-state fMRI variables, parental depression symptoms and demographic characteristics, and relevant site and scanner-related covariates. We used linear (elastic net regression, EN) and non-linear (gradient boosted trees, GBT) predictive models to identify which set of features maximized prediction of depression symptoms at baseline and, separately, at one-year follow-up.

Results

Both linear and non-linear models achieved comparable results for predicting baseline (EN: MAE=3.628; R2=0.232; GBT: MAE=3.555; R2=0.229) and one-year follow-up (EN: MAE=4.116; R2=0.143; GBT: MAE=4.141; R2=0.1400) depression. Parental depression symptoms, family support, and child sleep duration were among the top predictors of concurrent and future child depression symptoms across both models. Although resting-state fMRI features were relatively weaker predictors, connectivity of the right caudate was consistently the strongest neural feature associated with depression symptoms at both timepoints. In contrast, brain features derived from structural MRI did not significantly predict child depression symptoms.

Conclusions & Relevance

Parental mental health and child sleep quality are potentially modifiable risk factors for youth depression. Functional connectivity of the caudate is a relatively weaker predictor of depression symptoms but may represent a biomarker of depression risk.
During natural viewing, neural processing of visual targets continues throughout saccades
Authors: Stankov Atanas D , Touryan Jonathan , Gordon Stephen , Ries Anthony J. , Ki Jason , Parra Lucas C
Published: February 2021

Relatively little is known about visual processing during free-viewing visual search in realistic dynamic environments. Free-viewing is characterized by frequent saccades. During saccades, visual processing is thought to be inhibited, yet we know that the pre-saccadic visual content can modulate post-saccadic processing. To better understand these processes in a realistic setting, we study here saccades and neural responses elicited by the appearance of visual targets in a realistic virtual environment. While subjects were being driven through a 3D virtual town they were asked to discriminate between targets that appear on the road. We found that the presence of a target enhances early occipital as well as late frontocentral saccade-related responses. The earlier potential, shortly after 125ms post-saccade onset, was enhanced for targets that appeared in peripheral vision as compared to central vision, suggesting that fast peripheral processing initiated before saccade onset. The later potential, at 195ms post-saccade onset, was strongly modulated by the visibility of the target with a spatial distribution reminiscent of the classic P300 response. Together these results suggest that, during natural viewing, neural processing of the pre-saccadic visual stimulus continues throughout the saccade, apparently unencumbered by saccadic inhibition.
Paths and Pathways that Generate Cell-Type Heterogeneity and Developmental Progression in Hematopoiesis
Authors: Girard Juliet R. , Goins Lauren M. , Vuu Dung M. , Sharpley Mark S. , Spratford Carrie M. , Mantri Shreya R. , Banerjee Utpal
Published: February 2021

Mechanistic studies ofDrosophilalymph gland hematopoiesis are limited by the availability of cell-type specific markers. Using a combination of bulk RNA-Seq of FACS-sorted cells, single cell RNA-Seq and genetic dissection, we identify new blood cell subpopulations along a developmental trajectory with multiple paths to mature cell types. This provides functional insights into key developmental processes and signaling pathways. We highlight metabolism as a driver of development, show that graded Pointed expression allows distinct roles in successive developmental steps, and that mature crystal cells specifically express an alternate isoform of Hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif/Sima). Mechanistically, the Musashi-regulated protein Numb facilitates Sima-dependent non-canonical, while inhibiting canonical, Notch signaling. Broadly, we find that prior to making a fate choice, a progenitor selects between alternative, biologically relevant, transitory states allowing smooth transitions reflective of combinatorial expressions rather than stepwise binary decisions. Increasingly, this view is gaining support in mammalian hematopoiesis.
Fractal dimension of EEG signal senses complexity of fractal animations
Authors: Dorosti Sarshar , Khosrowabadi Reza
Published: February 2021

We are surrounded with many fractal and self-similar patterns which has been area of many researches in the recent years. We can perceive self-similarities in various spatial and temporal scales; however, the underlying neural mechanism needs to be well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that complexity of visual stimuli directly influence complexity of information processing in the brain. Therefore, changes in fractal pattern of EEG signal must follow change in fractal dimension of animation. To investigate this hypothesis, we recorded EEG signal of fifteen healthy participants while they were exposed to several 2D fractal animations. Fractal dimension of each frame of the animation was estimated by box counting method. Subsequently, fractal dimensions of 32 EEG channels were estimated in a frequency specific manner. Then, association between pattern of fractal dimensions of the animations and pattern of fractal dimensions of EEG signals were calculated using the Pearson’s correlation algorithm. The results indicated that fractal animation complexity is mainly sensed by changes in fractal dimension of EEG signals at the centro-parietal and parietal regions. It may indicate that when the complexity of visual stimuli increases the mechanism of information processing in the brain also enhances its complexity to better attend and comprehend the stimuli.
Risk of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among spectacles wearing population of Northern India
Authors: Saxena Amit Kumar
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread mainly through respiratory droplets and contact routes. Long term use of spectacles may prevent repeated touching and rubbing of the eyes. Aim of the study is to find out the protective effectiveness of the spectacles against COVID-19, if present.

Objectives

To know the association between infection with SARSCoV-2 and wearing of spectacles.

Materials and methods

In this study, 304 patients of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were selected. Their spectacles wearing behaviour were assessed through a questionnaire. Spectacles wearing behaviour of general population were obtained from older studies (for comparison). Data was put in the tabulate form and Chi- Square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

In this study, among the 304 total patients, 58 patients showed the behavior of using spectacles continuously during day time and always on outdoor activities. While the spectacles wearing behaviour is about 40% among general Indian population. The protective effectiveness of the spectacles was found statistically significant (p-value. 00113).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the occurrence of Covid-19 was less in spectacles wearing population than the population not wearing those. The nasolacrimal duct may be a route of virus transmission from conjunctival sac to the nasopharynx.
Disease-economy trade-offs under alternative pandemic control strategies
Authors: Ash Thomas , Bento Antonio M. , Kaffine Daniel , Rao Akhil , Bento Ana I.
Published: February 2021

Public policy and academic debates regarding pandemic control strategies note potential disease-economy trade-offs, and often prioritize one outcome over the other. Using a calibrated, coupled epi-economic model of individual behavior embedded within the broader economy during a novel epidemic, we show that targeted isolation strategies can avert up to 91% of individual economic losses relative to voluntary isolation strategies. Notably, the economic savings from targeted isolation strategies do not impose an additional disease burden, avoiding disease-economy trade-offs. In contrast, widely-used blanket lock-downs do create sharp disease-economy trade-offs and impose substantial economic costs per additional case avoided. These results highlight the benefits of targeted isolation strategies for disease control, as targeted isolation addresses the fundamental coordination failure between infectious and susceptible individuals that drives the recession. Our coupled-systems framework uses a data-driven approach to map economic activities to contacts, which facilitates developing effective control strategies for future novel pathogens. Implementation of this framework can help control disease spread and potentially avert trillions of dollars in losses.
Blood and skeletal muscle ageing determined by epigenetic clocks and their associations with physical activity and functioning
Authors: Sillanpää Elina , Heikkinen Aino , Kankaanpää Anna , Paavilainen Aini , Kujala Urho M. , Tammelin Tuija H. , Kovanen Vuokko , Sipilä Sarianna , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Ollikainen Miina , Laakkonen Eija K.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the correspondence of different biological ageing estimates (i.e. epigenetic age) in blood and muscle tissue and their associations with physical activity (PA), physical function and body composition.

Two independent cohorts were included, whose age span covered adulthood (23–69 years). Whole blood and m. vastus lateralis samples were collected, and DNA methylation analysed. Four different DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) estimates were calculated using genome-wide methylation data and publicly available online tools. A novel muscle-specific methylation age was estimated using the R-package ‘MEAT’. PA was measured with questionnaires and accelerometers. Several tests were conducted to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

DNAmAge estimates from blood and muscle were highly correlated with chronological age, but different age acceleration estimates were weakly associated with each other. The monozygotic twin within-pair similarity of ageing pace was higher in blood (r=0.617–0.824) than in muscle (r=0.523–0.585). Associations of age acceleration estimates with PA, physical function and body composition were weak in both tissues and mostly explained by smoking and sex. The muscle-specific epigenetic clock MEAT was developed to predict chronological age, which may explain why it did not associate with functional phenotypes. The Horvath’s clock and GrimAge were weakly associated with PA and related phenotypes, suggesting that higher PA would be linked to accelerated biological ageing in muscle. This may, however, be more reflective of the low capacity of epigenetic clock algorithms to measure functional muscle ageing than of actual age acceleration.

Based our results, the investigated epigenetic clocks have rather low value in estimating muscle ageing with respect to the physiological adaptations that typically occur due to ageing or PA. Thus, further development of methods is needed to gain further insight into muscle tissue-specific ageing and the underlying biological pathways.
Polygenic score for physical activity provides odds for multiple common diseases
Authors: Sillanpää Elina , Palviainen Teemu , gen Finn , Ripatti Samuli , Kujala Urho M. , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: February 2021

Purpose

It has been suggested that genetic pleiotropy, in which the same genes affect two or more traits, may partially explain the frequently observed associations between high physical activity (PA) and later reduced morbidity or mortality. However, the evidence about pleiotropy from human studies is limited. This study investigated associations between PA polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and cardiometabolic diseases among the Finnish population.

Methods

PRSs for device-measured overall PA were adapted to a FinnGen study cohort of 218,792 individuals with genome-wide genotyping and extensive digital longitudinal health register data. Associations between PA PRS and body mass index (BMI), diseases, and mortality were analysed with linear and logistic regression models. The number of different disease endpoints varied between 894 and 111,108 in FinnGen cohort.

Results

A high PA PRS predicted a lower BMI (β −0.025 kg/m2per one standard deviation (SD) change in PA PRS, SE 0.013, p=1.87×10−80). The PA PRS also predicted a lower risk for diseases that typically develop later in life or not at all among highly active individuals. A lower disease risk was systematically observed for cardiovascular diseases [odds ratio, OR per 1 SD change in PA PRS 0.95, p=9.5*10−19) and, for example, hypertension [OR 0.93, p=2.7*10−44), type 2 diabetes (OR 0.91, p=4.1*10−42), and coronary heart disease (OR 0.95 p=1.2*10−9). Participants with high PA PRS had also lower mortality risk (OR 0.97, p=0.0003). We did not observe statistically significant associations with hypothetical control conditions, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Conclusions

Genetically less active persons are at a higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, which may partly explain the previously observed associations between low PA and higher disease and mortality risk. The same inherited physical fitness and metabolism related mechanisms may be associated both with PA levels and with cardiometabolic disease risk.