bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevation of cytomegalovirus antigenemia predicts serious infection and death in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Yoshihara Risa , Komai Toshihiko , Shoda Hirofumi , Fujio Keishi
Published: October 2020

Aim

We examined the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and serious infections.

Method

We conducted a single‐center retrospective chart review study with 43 autoimmune disease patients experiencing CMV reactivation. We investigated the risk factors for serious infections among the patients using logistic regression analysis.

Results

We identified that the maximum count of CMV antigenemia during the course of infection (CMV Ag MAX) was significantly associated with serious infection by multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio: 1.509; 95% confidence interval: 1.071‐2.125). The receiver operating characteristic curve of CMV Ag MAX count showed a predictive value for serious infections (76.9% in sensitivity and 93.3% in specificity) and death (83.3% in sensitivity and 91.9% in specificity), and the cut‐off count of serious infections and death was 6 and 10 per 105 white blood cell count, respectively.

Conclusion

We suggest that the counts of CMV Ag MAX can reflect the extent of compromise in the immune system, and can be a predictive marker for serious infections and death.
Contralateral pulmonary resection using selective bronchial blockade in postpneumonectomy patients
Authors: Kawamoto Nobutaka , Furukawa Masashi , Okita Riki , Okada Masanori , Hayashi Masataro , Inokawa Hidetoshi , Okabe Kazunori , Kawata Keisuke
Published: October 2020

Background

Pulmonary resection is occasionally performed in postpneumonectomy patients with contralateral lung lesions, such as metachronous or metastatic lung cancer. Careful intraoperative respiratory management is essential in such patients. This study evaluated the respiratory management of postpneumonectomy patients who underwent contralateral pulmonary resection with selective bronchial blockade of the lobe or segment to be resected.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the surgical findings and safety of surgery in six patients who underwent contralateral pulmonary resection with selective bronchial blockade after pneumonectomy for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

The percutaneous oxygen saturation did not decrease in any of the patients during bronchial blockade under high oxygen concentration. The median blockade time was 57.5 minutes. The operative field was tolerable secured under conditions of partial lung collapse, and partial pulmonary resection was performed as planned. Postoperatively, one patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome due to acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia; however, no patients died within one month postoperatively. Two patients underwent pulmonary resection in order to obtain adequate tissue specimens to evaluate the biomarkers of multiple lung metastases. On histopathology, one patient tested positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and was subsequently administered an ALK inhibitor, which prolonged survival.

Conclusions

In all patients, intraoperative respiratory condition under partial lung collapse remained stable, and all partial pulmonary resections were safely performed. However, surgical indications should be carefully reviewed preoperatively in patients with interstitial pneumonia.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Contralateral partial pulmonary resection was performed using selective bronchial blockade in postpneumonectomy patients.

Percutaneous oxygen saturation did not decrease during the bronchial blockade under high oxygen concentration, and the operative field was tolerable secured under conditions of partial lung collapse.

What this study adds

Oxygen concentration can be set to the minimum level, sufficient to maintain oxygenation, during contralateral partial pulmonary resection with selective bronchial blockade.
Nonparametric Estimation and Inference of Production Risk
Authors: Li Zheng , Rejesus Roderick M. , Zheng Xiaoyong
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a nonparametric approach for estimation of stochastic production functions with categorical and continuous variables, and then develops procedures that allow for inference on production risk. The estimation is based on the kernel method and the inference is based on a bootstrapping approach. We establish the asymptotic properties of our proposed estimator. Monte Carlo simulation results suggest that our proposed nonparametric procedure is more robust and outperforms other existing parametric and nonparametric methods. In addition, we empirically illustrate the proposed nonparametric approach using long‐run corn production data from university field trials in Wisconsin that examines the performance of genetically modified corn varieties. Specifically, the proposed nonparametric procedure is used to empirically examine the production risk effects of categorical genetically modified variety variables and a continuous planting density variable.
Changes in DNA methylation after 6‐week exercise training in colorectal cancer survivors: A preliminary study
Authors: Hwang Seo‐Hyeon , Kang Dong‐Woo , Lee Mi‐Kyung , Byeon Ji Yong , Park Hanui , Park Dong‐Hyuk , Kim Kyung‐Chul , Lee Seung‐Tae , Chu Sang Hui , Kim Nam Kyu , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Behavioral interventions such as exercise may induce epigenetic changes. Only few studies investigated the effects of exercise on epigenetic alterations in colorectal cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the changes of genome‐wide DNA methylation after 6‐week exercise training in colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods

This preliminary study used a subset of data from a randomized controlled trial in 15 colorectal cancer survivors. Participants were randomized either to the 6‐week exercise group or control group. The exercise intervention consisted of a weekly, group‐based, supervised resistance exercise program and a home‐based same resistance exercise plus walking six times per week. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention and data from eight subjects were analyzed for genome‐wide DNA methylation on 865,918 CpG sites.

Results

Compared to the control group, the exercise group shows notable methylation changes in 756 CpG sites (22.7–25.2%). Gene ontology and disease annotation analysis showed that the genes targeting 81 CpG sites in promoter region with significant group‐difference were linked in biological process such as immune response and transcription and related to metabolic and immune diseases. Also, hypermethylation on genes related to disease prevention seemed to be inhibited in the exercise group compared to the control group, indicating a likelihood of transcriptional activity of these genes.

Conclusion

We found a preliminary evidence of the positive effects of exercise intervention on epigenetic markers in colorectal cancer survivors. Larger scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate our findings.
Wait and the Sky Will Change: Anticipation and Revolution in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Johnson Andrew
Published: October 2020

“Wait, and the sky will change its color” is a saying that, in Thai, points toward a future that will erase the unbearable present. But what does it mean to wait? In Northeastern Thailand, I explore this experience of holding the present in tension with an uncertain future via examples drawn from religious upheaval, political revolution, and the lives of migrant workers. Waiting on that which never comes, in this context, is neither nihilism nor escapism, but allows for the opening a space of fantasy—the imaginative horizon that allows a rethinking of the everyday. [anticipation, millenarianism, imagination, waiting, migrant labor, Thailand]
Gaming Anthropology: The Problem of External Validity and the Challenge of Interpreting Experimental Games
Authors: Naar Nicole
Published: October 2020

Experimental economic games are an increasingly common component of the anthropological tool kit. Yet their external validity continues to be a point of debate and active empirical investigation within economics and anthropology. I review and reorganize central concepts within the experimental economic game literature on external validity and find that—consistent with anthropological assumptions of cultural variability—game results are not reliably generalizable across different participants or contexts. However, whether or not game behavior parallels real‐world behavior within the same participants or contexts remains an open question. Methodological diversity is a strength of anthropology as a discipline, and therefore anthropologists are well poised to design more effective tests of parallelism in the future. In the meantime, anthropologists borrowing experimental methods from economics should treat the relationship between behavior inside and outside of games as an open empirical question. They should also carefully consider whether the method is consistent with their theoretical assumptions and research goals. [experimental economic games, external validity, generalizability, parallelism, anthropological methods]
Intrapartum fetal heart rate between 150 and 160 bpm at or after 40 weeks and labor outcome
Authors: Ghi Tullio , Di Pasquo Elvira , Dall’Asta Andrea , Commare Arianna , Melandri Elena , Casciaro Alessia , Fieni Stefania , Frusca Tiziana
Published: October 2020

Introduction

A baseline fetal heart rate between 110 and 160 bpm is considered normal. However, among normal fetuses the average baseline heart rate has been shown to diminish progressively and the 90th centile of the fetal heart rate at 40 weeks of gestation has been consistently found at around 150 bpm. The aim of our study was to assess the labor and neonatal outcome of fetuses at 40 gestational weeks or beyond, whose intrapartum baseline fetal heart rate was between 150 and 160 bpm.

Material and methods

Retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with spontaneous onset of labor, gestational age between 40+0 and 42+0 weeks, category I CTG trace according to the FIGO guidelines 2015 with baseline fetal heart rate between 110 and 160 bpm during the first 60 minutes of active labor. Exclusion criteria were maternal hyperpyrexia at admission, fetal arrhythmias, maternal tachycardia (>110 bpm) and uterine tachysystole (>5 contractions/10 minutes). The following outcomes were compared between fetuses with a baseline ranging between 110 and 149 bpm and those with a baseline ranging between 150 and 160 bpm: incidence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, intrapartum hyperpyrexia, mode of delivery, Apgar at 5 minutes <7, arterial pH <7.1 and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, incidence of a composite adverse neonatal outcome.

Results

In all, 1004 CTG traces were included in the analysis, 860 in Group 110‐149 bpm and 144 in Group 150‐160 bpm. Group 150‐160 bpm had a significantly higher incidence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% CI 1.8‐3.8), maternal intrapartum hyperpyrexia (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.1‐14.6), urgent/emergent cesarean section for suspected fetal distress (OR 13.4; 95% CI 3.3‐54.3), Apgar <7 at 5th min (OR 9.13; 95% CI 1.5‐55.1) and neonatal acidemia (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5‐55.1). Logistic regression including adjustiing for potential confounders showed that fetal heart rate between 150 and 160 bpm is an independent predictor of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.2; 95% CI 1.5‐3.3), cesarean section during labor for fetal distress (aOR 10.7; 95% CI 2.9‐44.6), neonatal acidemia (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1‐6.7) and adverse composite neonatal outcome (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.2‐5.6).

Conclusions

In fetuses at 40 weeks or beyond, an intrapartum fetal heart rate baseline ranging between 150 and 160 bpm seems associated with a higher incidence of labor complications.
Steroid receptor coactivator‐1 enhances the stemness of glioblastoma by activating long noncoding RNA XIST/miR‐152/KLF4 pathway
Authors: Gong Miaomiao , Wang Xun , Mu Lin , Wang Yueyue , Pan Jinjin , Yuan Xiaocheng , Zhou Haoran , Xing Jinshan , Wang Rui , Sun Jian , Liu Qiwang , Zhang Xiya , Wang Lin , Chen Yiying , Pei Yandong , Li Shao , Liu Liang , Zhao Yongshun , Yuan Yuhui
Published: October 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence is attributed to the presence of therapy‐resistant glioblastoma stem cells. Steroid receptor coactivator‐1 (SRC‐1) acts as an oncogenic regulator in many human tumors. The relationship between SRC‐1 and GBM has not yet been studied. Herein, we investigate the role of SRC‐1 in GBM. In this study, we found that SRC‐1 expression is positively correlated with grades of glioma and inversely correlated with glioma patient’s prognosis. Steroid receptor coactivator‐1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and tumor growth of GBM cells. Notably, SRC‐1 knockdown suppresses the stemness of GBM cells. Mechanistically, long noncoding RNA X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) is regulated by SRC‐1 at the posttranscriptional level and mediates the function of SRC‐1 in promoting stemness‐like properties of GBM. Steroid receptor coactivator‐1 can promote the expression of Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) through the XIST/microRNA (miR)‐152 axis. Additionally, arenobufagin and bufalin, SRC small molecule inhibitors, can reduce the proliferation and stemness of GBM cells. This study reveals SRC‐1 promotes the stemness of GBM by activating the long noncoding RNA XIST/miR‐152/KLF4 pathway and provides novel markers for diagnosis and therapy of GBM.
Autotaxin in ascites promotes peritoneal dissemination in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Jinno Naruomi , Yoshida Michihiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Naitoh Itaru , Hori Yasuki , Natsume Makoto , Kato Akihisa , Kachi Kenta , Asano Go , Atsuta Naoki , Sahashi Hidenori , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: October 2020

Peritoneal dissemination and malignant ascites in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients represent a major clinical issue. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator that modulates the progression of various cancers. Based on the increasing evidence showing that LPA is abundant in malignant ascites, we focused on autotaxin (ATX), which is a secreted enzyme that is important for the production of LPA. This study aimed to elucidate the importance of the ATX‐LPA axis in malignant ascites in PDAC and to determine whether ATX works as a molecular target for treating peritoneal dissemination. In a PDAC peritoneal dissemination mouse model, the amount of ATX was significantly higher in ascites than in serum. An in vitro study using two PDAC cell lines, AsPC‐1 and PANC‐1, showed that ATX‐LPA signaling promoted cancer cell migration via the activation of the downstream signaling, and this increased cell migration was suppressed by an ATX inhibitor, PF‐8380. An in vivo study showed that PF‐8380 suppressed peritoneal dissemination and decreased malignant ascites, and these results were validated by the biological analysis as well as the in vitro study. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the amount of ATX in ascites and the degree of disseminated cancer progression. These findings demonstrated that ATX in ascites works as a promotor of peritoneal dissemination, and the targeting of ATX must represent a useful and novel therapy for peritoneal dissemination of PDAC.
An investigation into the oral surgery curriculum and undergraduate experience in a sample of DFT's in the UK
Authors: Brown Justin , Baker Rosy , Moore Richard
Published: October 2020

Aim

There is conflicting evidence concerning the ability of recent graduates to meet the standards required in exodontia to be independent practitioners. In particular, there is a lack of confidence in surgical extractions. This study evaluated Foundation Trainee's confidence levels in their oral surgery experience and the teaching of oral surgery in UK dental schools.

Materials and Methods

Two separate studies were carried out, and the first was a survey to all foundation trainees in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanary in 2019 which analysed their oral surgery experience and confidence levels. The second study surveyed all Dental Schools in the UK with regard to their contact hours, assessment methods, instruments taught and number of extractions in oral surgery for their undergraduate programmes.

Results

There was a response rate of 52% for the foundation trainees which showed that they were confident in performing non‐surgical extractions but lacked confidence with surgical extractions. There was a positive correlation between the amount of undergraduate experience and confidence levels in exodontia. The second survey which had a response rate of 71% showed variations in the numbers of hours taught for oral surgery, instruments taught and assessment methods, with the structured clinical operative test used more commonly. On average, 41 non‐surgical extractions were performed by students before graduation and two surgical extractions.

Conclusion

There is a need to identify how oral surgery teaching can be improved in UK dental schools to ensure that foundation trainees are more confident and competent in both surgical and non‐surgical exodontia. In addition, teaching and assessment methods need to be developed to reflect such requirements.
Augmentation of endogenous neurosteroid synthesis alters experimental status epilepticus dynamics
Authors: Lucchi Chiara , Costa Anna Maria , Senn Lara , Messina Simone , Rustichelli Cecilia , Biagini Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

Neurosteroids can modulate γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor‐mediated inhibitory currents. Recently, we discovered that the neurosteroids progesterone, 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone are reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with status epilepticus (SE). However, it is undetermined whether neurosteroids influence SE. For this reason, first we evaluated whether the inhibitor of adrenocortical steroid production trilostane (50 mg/kg) could modify the levels of neurosteroids in the hippocampus and neocortex, and we found a remarkable increase in pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone levels using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Second, we characterized the dynamics of SE in the presence of the varied neurosteroidal milieu by a single intraperitoneal kainic acid (KA; 15 mg/kg) injection in trilostane‐treated rats and their controls. Convulsions started in advance in the trilostane group, already appearing 90 minutes after the KA injection. In contrast to controls, convulsions prevalently developed as generalized seizures with loss of posture in the trilostane group. However, this effect was transient, and convulsions waned 2 hours before the control group. Moreover, electrocorticographic traces of convulsions were shorter in trilostane‐treated rats, especially at the 180‐minute (P < .001) and 210‐minute (P < .01) time points. These findings indicate that endogenous neurosteroids remarkably modulate SE dynamics.
New cities: Power, profit, and prestige
Authors: Moser Sarah , Côté‐Roy Laurence
Published: October 2020

In the past 2 decades, over 150 new cities built from scratch have been launched in more than 40 countries. As this trend has intensified in recent years, scholarship on new city projects has expanded significantly in exciting new directions. There is now a conceptually robust and empirically vibrant body of scholarship that critically examines new city projects around the world. This article provides an overview of an emerging subfield and introduces important new approaches to understanding the proliferation of these urban mega‐developments, and how the study of new cities can yield insights into both international urban, economic, cultural, and political trends, and specific local dynamics. In this article, we highlight the key contributions and insights from recent scholarship on new city projects and map out areas for future research.
A qualitative study of the maternal health information‐seeking behaviour of women of reproductive age in Mpwapwa district, Tanzania
Authors: Kassim Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Background

Active engagement in seeking maternal health information among women of reproductive age is vital in promoting positive health‐seeking behaviour and improving maternal health outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to explore maternal health information‐seeking behaviour of women of reproductive age in a rural Tanzania.

Methods

Using a qualitative research approach, the study held eight focus group discussions to collect data from a group of purposively selected women respondents. Data were analysed through thematic analysis.

Results

Women need a range of maternal health information for their informed health decision making. However, while they indicated the need to seek that information from professional health providers, they received most of it from non‐professional and informal sources, including community health workers, traditional birth attendants and their family members. The use of these sources is attributed to, among other factors, unavailability of health facilities and limited access to professional health care.

Conclusion

Access to relevant and reliable maternal health information is essential in creating awareness and empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Women’s use of informal sources to meet their various information needs increases the chances of receiving unreliable information that may result in coming up with poor decisions making.
Predictors of nursing interns' standard precautions compliance during internship training in four teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tumala Regie Buenafe
Published: October 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess compliance with standard precautions by Saudi nursing interns who were undergoing their internship training in four governmental tertiary teaching hospitals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to determine factors predictive of this.

Background

Cross‐transmission and infection prevention when delivering care must be strictly followed by nursing interns by complying with standard precautions during internship training.

Design

The study employed a descriptive‐correlational and cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A total of 224 nursing interns participated in the study by completing the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale Arabic version between March 2017 and June 2017.

Results/Findings

A high overall compliance rate (84.8%) was observed. Nursing interns reported the highest compliance score in changing gloves between each patient contact and the lowest score in disposing of sharps boxes only when full. Nursing interns in hospital D showed the highest compliance rate over those in other hospitals. Age, sex, marital status, months in internship training and attendance of nursing interns in infection control seminars/trainings influenced their standard precautions compliance.

Conclusion

The study revealed good compliance by nursing interns with standard precautions. However, regular educational and clinical interventions are still needed to improve some areas and to ensure the continuity of high levels of compliance in other areas of standard precautions among nursing interns.
Evaluating an incobotulinumtoxinA and Cohesive Polydensified Matrix® hyaluronic acid filler combination to treat moderate‐to‐severe periorbital and perioral rhytids
Authors: Barbarino Sheila C. , Woodward Julie A. , Levine Jennifer , Fezza John
Published: October 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of treating mimetic facial lines with an incobotulinumtoxinA (INCO) and Cohesive Polydensified Matrix® hyaluronic acid (CPM‐HA) combination.

Methods

Subjects with moderate‐to‐severe lateral periorbital lines (LPL) and perioral lines at rest according to Merz Aesthetics Scales™ received 10 U of INCO/eye and up to 10 U to the perioral area. This was followed by intradermal injection of 1‐3 cc CPM‐HA to the same lines. Primary outcomes were physician‐ and subject‐rated improvement at 1 month using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and changes in line severity using the Merz Aesthetics Scales™.

Results

The study included 10 women aged 42‐74 years with moderate‐to‐severe LPL and perioral lines at baseline. At 1 month, treating physician GAIS scores indicated 45.0% of subjects were very much improved and 52.5% much improved; 75% remained at least improved at 6 months. Subject GAIS results indicated 7 women rated themselves as very much improved and 3 as much improved. For LPL, improvements of ≥1‐point on the Merz Aesthetics Scales™ compared with baseline were seen at 1, 3, and 6 months in 86.8%, 74.3%, and 65.8% of subjects, respectively. For perioral lines, improvements of ≥1‐point were observed for 89.2%, 86.5%, and 73.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. No treatment‐related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Combined INCO/CPM‐HA filler in individuals with moderate‐to‐severe LPL and perioral lines was effective at improving overall appearance and reducing line severity in two highly mobile facial areas that are the first to show lines of aging.
Bargaining over loan contracts with signaling
Authors: Zimper Alexander , Molefinyane Mpoifeng
Published: October 2020

This paper combines a sequential bargaining game between an enterprise and a fixed number of banks with a signaling game through which the enterprise reveals her project quality as well as her market‐speed on the lending market. We characterize subgame‐perfect Nash equilibrium loan contracts that are supported by separating perfect Bayesian equilibria in the signaling game. In contrast to existing models of lending markets, low‐quality investment projects might be rewarded with more favorable equilibrium loan contracts than high‐quality projects. Also in contrast to existing models, an increase in the competitive pressure between banks reduces the aggregate welfare in our model. The reason is that more favorable loan conditions come with a greater incentive for the ‘strong’ entrepreneur to distinguish herself from her ‘weak’ counterpart through socially wasteful signaling costs.
Objectively measured sleep fragmentation is associated with incident delirium in older hospitalized patients: Analysis of data collected from an randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jaiswal Stuti J. , Kang Dae Y. , Wineinger Nathan E. , Owens Robert L.
Published: October 2020

Delirium may lead to poor outcomes in hospitalized older adults, and sleep deprivation may contribute to its pathogenesis. Thus, we sought to measure sleep duration and fragmentation using wrist‐worn actigraphy in older, hospitalized patients with and without delirium, and to determine if actigraphy‐based parameters could be used to predict delirium prior to clinical recognition. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a recent, randomized clinical trial aimed at preventing inpatient delirium. Participants (n = 70) were aged ≥ 65 years admitted to an internal medicine service. Delirium was defined by the Confusion Assessment Method, or altered mental status identified by a clinician. Sleep measurements were actigraphy‐based, and included total sleep time, median sleep bout duration and other measures of sleep fragmentation. We found that total sleep duration was similar between patients with (n = 17) and without (n = 53) delirium (mean 384.9 ± SD 162.7 versus mean 456.6 ± SD 135.8 min; p = .081). Mean sleep bout times were shorter in delirious versus never‐delirious patients (median 6.1 [interquartile range 4.3−8.9] versus 7.9 [interquartile range 5.7−11.3] min, p = .048). Patients with delirium had more short sleep bouts (< 10 min) and fewer longer sleep bouts (> 30 min) compared with those without delirium. Increased sleep fragmentation was present prior to the clinical recognition of delirium. Overall, delirium was associated with increased sleep fragmentation detected by actigraphy, and sleep fragmentation might be useful as a biomarker for delirium prediction in the future.
Plant traits related to precipitation sensitivity of species and communities in semiarid shortgrass prairie
Authors: Wilcox Kevin R. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Kray Julie A. , Mueller Kevin E. , Derner Justin D. , Ocheltree Troy , Porensky Lauren M.
Published: October 2020

Understanding how plant communities respond to temporal patterns of precipitation in water‐limited ecosystems is necessary to predict interannual variation and trends in ecosystem properties, including forage production, biogeochemical cycling, and biodiversity.

In North American shortgrass prairie, we measured plant abundance, functional traits related to growth rate and drought tolerance, and aboveground net primary productivity to identify: species‐level responsiveness to precipitation (precipitation sensitivity Sspp) across functional groups; Sspp relationships to continuous plant traits; and whether continuous trait–Sspp relationships scaled to the community level.

Across 32 plant species, we found strong bivariate relationships of both leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf osmotic potential Ψosm with Sspp. Yet, LDMC and specific leaf area were retained in the lowest Akaike information criterion multiple regression model, explaining 59% of Sspp. Most relationships between continuous traits and Sspp scaled to the community level but were often contingent on the presence/absence of particular species and/or land management at a site.

Thus, plant communities in shortgrass prairie may shift towards slower growing, more stress‐resistant species in drought years and/or chronically drier climate. These findings highlight the importance of both leaf economic and drought tolerance traits in determining species and community responses to altered precipitation.
Impact of parasitic lifestyle and different types of centromere organization on chromosome and genome evolution in the plant genus Cuscuta
Authors: Neumann Pavel , Oliveira Ludmila , Čížková Jana , Jang Tae‐Soo , Klemme Sonja , Novák Petr , Stelmach Katarzyna , Koblížková Andrea , Doležel Jaroslav , Macas Jiří
Published: October 2020

The parasitic genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) is exceptional among plants with respect to centromere organization, including both monocentric and holocentric chromosomes, and substantial variation in genome size and chromosome number. We investigated 12 species representing the diversity of the genus in a phylogenetic context to reveal the molecular and evolutionary processes leading to diversification of their genomes.

We measured genome sizes and investigated karyotypes and centromere organization using molecular cytogenetic techniques. We also performed low‐pass whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis of repetitive DNA composition.

A remarkable 102‐fold variation in genome sizes (342–34 734 Mbp/1C) was detected for monocentric Cuscuta species, while genomes of holocentric species were of moderate sizes (533–1545 Mbp/1C). The genome size variation was primarily driven by the differential accumulation of LTR‐retrotransposons and satellite DNA. The transition to holocentric chromosomes in the subgenus Cuscuta was associated with loss of histone H2A phosphorylation and elimination of centromeric retrotransposons. In addition, basic chromosome number of holocentric species (x = 7) was smaller than in monocentrics (x = 15 or 16).

We demonstrated that the transition to holocentricity in Cuscuta was accompanied by significant changes in epigenetic marks, chromosome number and the repetitive DNA sequence composition.
Adolescent eating disorder with catheter‐related bloodstream infection
Authors: Tamura Akira , Minami Koichi , Tsuda Yuko , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Background

Treatment of adolescent eating disorder requires early improvement of nutritional status. Central venous hyperalimentation is used but catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a complication. There have been no reports examining risk factors for CRSBI in eating disorders.

Methods

The subjects were 51 patients who received nutritional therapy with the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) from January 2012 to December 2019. The courses of weight and white blood cell (WBC) count were examined retrospectively during nutritional therapy. Onset factors for CRBSI were determined and a case series of CRBSI caused by Candida parapsilosis is presented.

Results

The day of minimum weight occurred on or before day 7 in 37 of the 51 patients, and this day was preceded by the day with the lowest WBC at a significant rate. The minimum weight day was significantly delayed in CRSBI cases compared with non‐CRBSI cases (P = 0.02). In the case series of CRBSI caused by C. parapsilosis, the median WBC count before CRBSI decreased to 2,570 (1,680–3,270)/μL at a median of day (12–90) 36. Catheter‐related bloodstream infection developed at a median of day (26–133) 38. The PICC was immediately removed and an antifungal drug was started, leading to cure with no after effects in all subjects.

Conclusions

In patients with an eating disorder treated with nutritional therapy using a PICC, prolonged resistance to weight gain became a risk factor for developing CRBSI. White blood cell counts recover after weight gain, which suggests that there is a risk of developing CRBSI, even with improved appetite and weight gain.
SphereWalker: A Hexapod Walking Machine
Authors: Larochelle Pierre , Mao Xiaoyang
Published: October 2020

This article describes the design and the development of a novel six-legged robotic walking machine named SphereWalker. The six legs are arranged into pairs, and each pair of legs is supported and actuated by a single spherical four-bar mechanism. Two of the four-bar mechanisms are operated in a synchronous fashion, while the middle one is operated at 180 deg out of phase with respect to the other two. A physical prototype has been built, a digital twin has been generated, an actuation and control system has been designed, and the technology has been patented.
Mechanical Tests Results of Laser Shock Peening-Treated Austenitic Steel
Authors: Špirit Zbyněk , Kaufman Jan , Chocholoušek Michal , Strejcius Josef
Published: October 2020

The presented paper is focused on laser shock-peening technology for hardening the metallic material surface. The material surface hardening improve fatigue performance, static properties, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking of metallic material, which is achieved by creating a pressure residual stress with. The hardening is achieved by shock waves, which are generated by confining the laser-induced plasma to cause a large pressure shock wave over a significant surface area. In the present study, effects of laser shock peening (LSP) on static and dynamic mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear industry were investigated. The tested material was austenitic stainless steel GOST 08CH18N10T (AISI 321H-UNS S32109) for nuclear industry (water–water energetic reactors).
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines in Severe Pitching Conditions
Authors: Ortolani Andrea , Persico Giacomo , Drofelnik Jernej , Jackson Adrian , Sergio Campobasso M.
Published: October 2020

The unsteady aerodynamics of floating wind turbines is more complex than that of fixed-bottom turbines, and the uncertainty of low-fidelity predictions is higher for floating turbines. Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can improve the understanding of rotor and wake aerodynamics of floating turbines, and help improving lower-fidelity models. Here, the flow field of the NREL 5 MW rotor with fixed tower, and subjected to prescribed harmonic pitching past the tower base are investigated using blade-resolved CFD compressible flow COSA simulations and incompressible flow FLUENT simulations. CFD results are also compared to predictions of the FAST wind turbine code, which uses blade element momentum theory (BEMT). The selected rotor pitching parameters correspond to an extreme regime unlikely to occur without faults of the turbine safety system, and thus relevant to extreme aerodynamic load analysis. The rotor power and loads in fixed-tower mode predicted by both CFD codes and BEMT are in very good agreement. For the floating turbine, all predicted periodic profiles of rotor power and thrust are qualitatively similar, but the power peaks of both CFD predictions are significantly higher than those of BEMT. Moreover, cross-comparisons of the COSA and FLUENT predictions of blade static pressure also highlight significant compressible flow effects on rotor power and loads. The CFD analyses of the downstream rotor flow also reveal wake features unique to pitching turbines, primarily the space- and time-dependence of the wake generation strength, highlighted by intermittency of the tip vortex shedding.
Metabolic control of acclimation to nutrient deprivation dependent on polyphosphate synthesis
Authors: Sanz-Luque E. , Saroussi S. , Huang W. , Akkawi N. , Grossman A. R.
Published: October 2020

Acclimation to nutrient limitation requires polyP synthesis to control ATP homeostasis and sustain respiration and photosynthesis.
The dynamics of linear polyubiquitin
Authors: Jussupow Alexander , Messias Ana C. , Stehle Ralf , Geerlof Arie , Solbak Sara M. Ø. , Paissoni Cristina , Bach Anders , Sattler Michael , Camilloni Carlo
Published: October 2020

A new efficient method for SAXS-driven simulations allows researchers to explain the dynamics of linear polyubiquitin.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum SPC-SNU 72-2 as a Probiotic Starter for Sourdough Fermentation
Authors: Kim Seul-Ah , Kim Geonhee , Bo Bo , Shim Sangmin , Lee Deukbuhm , Kang Shin Dal , Seo Jin-Ho , Han Nam Soo
Published: October 2020

We report the whole-genome sequence of
Lactobacillus plantarum
SPC-SNU 72-2, a probiotic starter for sourdough. Genome sequencing was completed using the Pacific Biosciences RS II and Illumina platforms. This study will facilitate the understanding of microbial characteristics of
L. plantarum
SPC-SNU 72-2 and its roles during sourdough fermentation.
16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing Data of Tailing and Nontailing Rhizosphere Soils of Mimosa pudica from a Heavy Metal-Contaminated Ex-Tin Mining Area
Authors: Abdullahi Saidu , Haris Hazzeman , Zarkasi Kamarul Z. , Amir Hamzah G.
Published: October 2020

The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data from tailing and nontailing rhizosphere soils of
Mimosa pudica
from a heavy metal-contaminated area are reported here. Diverse bacterial taxa were represented in the results, and the most dominant phyla were
Proteobacteria
(41.2%),
Acidobacteria
(17.1%), and
Actinobacteria
(14.4%).
A Second Genome Sequence of an Enterovirus C99 Detected in a Healthy Chimpanzee
Authors: Mombo Illich Manfred , Boundenga Larson , Berthet Nicolas , Atencia Rebeca , Cox Debby , Maganga Gael Darren , Bouchier Christiane , Leroy Eric Maurice , Rougeron Virginie
Published: October 2020

We report the nearly complete genome sequence of an enterovirus 99 strain (Cpz-IJC08) detected in a healthy chimpanzee from the Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Republic of Congo. According to the phylogeny, Cpz-IJC08 clustered with Cpz-IJC04, a previously identified chimpanzee enterovirus from the same sanctuary, isolated in animals with signs of acute flaccid paralysis.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Klebsiella
Species Isolated from the International Space Station
Authors: Solomon Samuel A. , Bharadwaj Achintya R. , Singh Nitin K. , Wood Jason M. , Debieu Marilyne , O’Hara Niamh B. , Mason Christopher E. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: October 2020

Isolated across four locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS), 10 bacterial strains were compared using whole-genome sequencing analysis and were phylogenetically identified as
Klebsiella
. The whole-genome sequences will aid in comparative genomic studies of ISS
Klebsiella
strains with Earth counterparts, to gain insight into their adaptation to space conditions.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Virulent Streptococcus equi subsp.
zooepidemicus
Swine Isolates from Pennsylvania
Authors: Surendran Nair Meera , Byukusenge Maurice , Li Lingling , Nissly Ruth H. , Cavener Victoria S. , Yon Michele , Barry Rhiannon , Natesan Pazhanivel , Thirumalapura Nagaraja , Tewari Deepanker , Jayarao Bhushan M. , Kuchipudi Suresh V.
Published: October 2020

Draft genome sequences of two outbreak isolates of
Streptococcus equi
subsp.
zooepidemicus
from one of the Pennsylvania swine herds affected with high mortality and morbidity are reported here. The genome analysis revealed that the isolates are closely related to a virulent strain originally identified in China.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.
niveum
Isolates Used in Designing Markers for Race Differentiation
Authors: Hudson Owen , Hudson Dylan , Ji Pingsheng , Ali M. Emran
Published: October 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three
Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp.
niveum
isolates that were used to design markers for molecular race differentiation. The isolates were collected from watermelon fields in Georgia (USA) and were determined to be different races of
F. oxysporum
f. sp.
niveum
using a traditional bioassay.
The Small RNA ErsA Plays a Role in the Regulatory Network of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pathogenicity in Airway Infections
Authors: Ferrara Silvia , Rossi Alice , Ranucci Serena , De Fino Ida , Bragonzi Alessandra , Cigana Cristina , Bertoni Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one of the most critical multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens in humans, able to cause both lethal acute and chronic lung infections. Thorough knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms involved in the establishment and persistence of the airways infections by
P. aeruginosa
remains elusive. Emerging candidates as molecular regulators of pathogenesis in
P. aeruginosa
are small RNAs, which act posttranscriptionally as signal transducers of host cues. Known for being involved in the regulation of biofilm formation and responsive to envelope stress response, we show that the small RNA ErsA can play regulatory roles in acute infection, stimulation of host inflammatory response, and mechanisms of acquirement of antibiotic resistance and adaptation during the chronic lung infections of cystic fibrosis patients. Elucidating the complexity of the networks regulating host-pathogen interactions is crucial to identify novel targets for future therapeutic applications.
Multiple Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis MmpL3 Increase Resistance to MmpL3 Inhibitors
Authors: McNeil Matthew B. , O’Malley Theresa , Dennison Devon , Shelton Catherine D. , Sunde Bjorn , Parish Tanya
Published: October 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is a major global human pathogen, and new drugs and new drug targets are urgently required. Cell wall biosynthesis is a major target of current tuberculosis drugs and of new agents under development. Several new classes of molecules appear to have the same target, MmpL3, which is involved in the export and synthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall. However, there is still debate over whether MmpL3 is the primary or only target for these classes. We wanted to confirm the mechanism of resistance for one series. We identified mutations in MmpL3 which led to resistance to the spiral amine series. High-level resistance to these compounds and two other series was conferred by multiple mutations in the same protein (MmpL3). These mutations did not reduce growth rate in culture. These results support the hypothesis that MmpL3 is the primary mechanism of resistance and likely target for these pharmacophores.
Comparison of foveal thickness in preschool children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity and laser photocoagulation or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment: a prospective, longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Yung-Sung , Teh Wee-Min , Tseng Hsiao-Jung , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: October 2020

Aims

To determine longitudinal differences in foveal thickness in preschool-aged patients with or without a history of type I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

A study of 201 eyes, including 32 laser±intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB)-treated eyes, 37 IVB-treated eyes, 14 spontaneously regressed ROP eyes, and 118 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The retinal thicknesses (full, inner and outer) were measured in the foveal area at 6-month intervals four consecutive times by optical coherence tomography.

Results

The foveal thicknesses among the four groups were similar at all four visits (all p>0.05) after gestational age (GA) adjustment and remained similar with no differences after the full retinal thickness was divided into inner and outer thicknesses (all p>0.05). The full and outer foveal thicknesses of premature children increased over time (0.17 μm/month and 0.17 μm/month; p=0.0001 and 0.0003, respectively), but the inner foveal thickness remained unchanged with time (0.002 μm/month; p=0.09). Moreover, the positive correlation with best-corrected visual acuity was stronger for outer foveal thickness than for inner foveal thickness (γ=0.281, p<0.0001 and γ=0.181, p<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

The thickness of fovea in laser±IVB-treated, IVB-treated, regressed ROP and preterm eyes showed no difference after GA adjustment. The whole and outer foveal thicknesses increased with time in preschool-aged children over a 1.5-year follow-up period, but the inner foveal thickness remained unchanged with time.
Visual acuity outcomes and anti-VEGF therapy intensity in macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion: a real-world analysis of 15 613 patient eyes
Authors: Ciulla Thomas , Pollack John S , Williams David F
Published: October 2020

Background/Aims

To assess visual acuity (VA) outcomes and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy intensity in retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related macular oedema (ME).

Methods

A retrospective study was completed in treatment-naïve patients with RVO-related ME from 2013 to 2019, using the Vestrum Health Retina Database.

Results

Mean baseline age was 72.4 years and 54% were women. In 6 months, in 8876 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related ME, after a mean of 4.5 anti-VEGF injections, VA increased by 9.4 letters (95% confidence interval (CI) for change in VA +8.94 to +9.78, p<0.001) from a baseline of 55.1 letters. In 6737 eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)-related ME, after a mean of 4.6 anti-VEGF injections over 6 months, VA improved by 9.2 letters (95% CI +8.50 to +9.87, p<0.001) from a baseline of 37.2 letters. In 1 year, VA gain was similar (BRVO: 7.4 injections, +8.1 letters, 95% CI +7.55 to +8.57, p<0.001; CRVO: 7.6 injections, +7.1 letters, 95% CI +6.31 to +7.95, p<0.001). In 6 months and 1 year, mean letters gain increased with number of anti-VEGF injections. Patient eyes with baseline VA of 20/40 or better tended to lose VA in 1 year.

Conclusion

Mean change in VA correlates with treatment intensity, but patients with better VA at presentation are susceptible to vision loss, reflecting a ceiling effect. Assessed with the same database, VA gains compare favourably with 1-year VA gains in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic ME, but exhibit a larger gap when compared with corresponding randomised controlled trials.