bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic structure and diversity of upland rice germplasm using diversity array technology (DArT)-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers
Authors: Adeboye Kehinde A. , Oyedeji Olayinka E. , Alqudah Ahmad M. , Börner Andreas , Oduwaye Olusegun , Adebambo Olutumininu , Daniel Isaac O.
Published: November 2020

Investigating genetic structure and diversity is crucial for rice improvement strategies, including mapping quantitative trait loci with the potential for improved productivity and adaptation to the upland ecology. The present study elucidated the population structure and genetic diversity of 176 rice germplasm adapted to the upland ecology using 7063 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from the Diversity Array Technology (DArT)-based sequencing platform (DArTseq). The SNPs were reasonably distributed across the rice genome, ranging from 432 SNPs on chromosome 9 to 989 SNPs on chromosome 1. The minimum minor allele frequency was 0.05, while the average polymorphism information content and heterozygosity were 0.25 and 0.03, respectively. The model-based (Bayesian) population structure analysis identified two major groups for the studied rice germplasm. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that all (100%) of the genetic variance was attributable to differences within the population, and none was attributable to the population structure. The estimates of genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 0.001;P= 0.197) further showed a negligible difference among the population structures. The results indicated a high genetic exchange or gene flow (number of migrants, Nm = 622.65) and a substantial level of diversity (number of private alleles, Pa = 1.52 number of different alleles, Na = 2.67; Shannon's information index,I= 0.084; and percentage of polymorphic loci, %PPL = 55.9%) within the population, representing a valuable resource for rice improvement. The findings in this study provide a critical analysis of the genetic diversity of upland rice germplasm that would be useful for rice yield improvement. We suggested further breeding and genetic analyses.
Moderne Abklärung und Therapie benigner Schilddrüsenerkrankungen
Authors: Fischli Stefan , Strobel Klaus , Sol Pérez Lago Maria del , Arnold Walter , Wicke Corinna
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Anforderungen von Patienten mit Erkrankungen der Schilddrüse und Nebenschilddrüsen sind ein Paradebeispiel für den Bedarf an umfassender, interdisziplinärer ärztlicher Zusammenarbeit. Klar definierte Algorithmen beschleunigen die Diagnosefindung, sie ermöglichen eine gezielte Therapie und sind ressourcenschonend. Medikamentöse Therapien, Radiojodtherapie, Thermoablation und gezielte chirurgische Eingriffe kommen dabei erfolgreich zum Einsatz. Individualisierte, risikoorientierte Operationen an erfahrenen Zentren mit hohem Operationsvolumen senken das Operationsrisiko für den einzelnen Patienten. Eine konsequente Nachsorge unter Einbindung der zuweisenden Kollegen optimiert den Behandlungserfolg. Patienten und zuweisende Kollegen werden von Beginn an umfassend informiert. Nach einer Einleitung demonstrieren wir Ihnen an verschiedenen Fallvignetten aus unserem Schilddrüsenzentrum das diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehen bei drei benignen Schilddrüsenerkrankungen: die grosse, Beschwerden verursachende Schilddrüse, die schmerzhafte Schilddrüse und die Schilddrüse mit Überfunktion.
Morphoagronomic characterization and whole-genome resequencing of eight highly diverse wild and weedy S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme accessions used for the first interspecific tomato MAGIC population
Authors: Gramazio Pietro , Pereira-Dias Leandro , Vilanova Santiago , Prohens Jaime , Soler Salvador , Esteras Javier , Garmendia Alfonso , Díez María José
Published: November 2020

The wildSolanum pimpinellifolium(SP) and the weedyS. lycopersicumvar.cerasiforme(SLC) are largely unexploited genetic reservoirs easily accessible to breeders, as they are fully cross-compatible with cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicumvar.lycopersicum). We performed a comprehensive morphological and genomic characterization of four wild SP and four weedy SLC accessions, selected to maximize the range of variation of both taxa. These eight accessions are the founders of the first tomato interspecific multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population. The morphoagronomic characterization was carried out with 39 descriptors to assess plant, inflorescence, fruit and agronomic traits, revealing the broad range of diversity captured. Part of the morphological variation observed in SP was likely associated to the adaptation of the accessions to different environments, while in the case of SLC to both human activity and adaptation to the environment. Whole-genome resequencing of the eight accessions revealed over 12 million variants, ranging from 1.2 to 1.9 million variants in SLC and from 3.1 to 4.8 million in SP, being 46.3% of them (4,897,803) private variants. The genetic principal component analysis also confirmed the high diversity of SP and the complex evolutionary history of SLC. This was also reflected in the analysis of the potential footprint of common ancestors or old introgressions identified within and between the two taxa. The functional characterization of the variants revealed a significative enrichment of GO terms related to changes in cell walls that would have been negatively selected during domestication and breeding. The comprehensive morphoagronomic and genetic characterization of these accessions will be of great relevance for the genetic analysis of the first interspecific MAGIC population of tomato and provides valuable knowledge and tools to the tomato community for genetic and genomic studies and for breeding purposes.
Biological and molecular interplay between two viruses and powdery and downy mildews in two grapevine cultivars
Authors: Gilardi Giovanna , Chitarra Walter , Moine Amedeo , Mezzalama Monica , Boccacci Paolo , Pugliese Massimo , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Gambino Giorgio
Published: November 2020

Grapevine may be affected simultaneously by several pathogens whose complex interplay is largely unknown. We studied the effects of infection by two grapevine viruses on powdery mildew and downy mildew development and the molecular modifications induced in grapevines by their multiple interactions. Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV) were transmitted by in vitro-grafting to Vitis vinifera cv Nebbiolo and Chardonnay virus-free plantlets regenerated by somatic embryogenesis. Grapevines were then artificially inoculated in the greenhouse with either Plasmopara viticola or Erysiphe necator spores. GFLV-infected plants showed a reduction in severity of the diseases caused by powdery and downy mildews in comparison to virus-free plants. GFLV induced the overexpression of stilbene synthase genes, pathogenesis-related proteins, and influenced the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism in grapevine. These transcriptional changes suggest improved innate plant immunity, which makes the GFLV-infected grapevines less susceptible to other biotic attacks. This, however, cannot be extrapolated to GRSPaV as it was unable to promote protection against the fungal/oomycete pathogens. In these multiple interactions, the grapevine genotype seemed to have a crucial role: in ‘Nebbiolo’, the virus-induced molecular changes were different from those observed in ‘Chardonnay’, suggesting that different metabolic pathways may be involved in protection against fungal/oomycete pathogens. These results indicate that complex interactions do exist between grapevine and its different pathogens and represent the first study on a topic that still is largely unexplored.
Author Correction: A dataset of distribution and diversity of mosquito-associated viruses and their mosquito vectors in China
Authors: Atoni Evans , Zhao Lu , Hu Cheng , Ren Nanjie , Wang Xiaoyu , Liang Mengying , Mwaliko Caroline , Yuan Zhiming , Xia Han
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A decision support framework for prediction of avian influenza
Authors: Yousefinaghani Samira , Dara Rozita A. , Poljak Zvonimir , Sharif Shayan
Published: November 2020

For years, avian influenza has influenced economies and human health around the world. The emergence and spread of avian influenza virus have been uncertain and sudden. The virus is likely to spread through several pathways such as poultry transportation and wild bird migration. The complicated and global spread of avian influenza calls for surveillance tools for timely and reliable prediction of disease events. These tools can increase situational awareness and lead to faster reaction to events. Here, we aimed to design and evaluate a decision support framework that aids decision makers by answering their questions regarding the future risk of events at various geographical scales. Risk patterns were driven from pre-built components and combined in a knowledge base. Subsequently, questions were answered by direct queries on the knowledge base or through a built-in algorithm. The evaluation of the system in detecting events resulted in average sensitivity and specificity of 69.70% and 85.50%, respectively. The presented framework here can support health care authorities by providing them with an opportunity for early control of emergency situations.
Upper critical field and superconductor-metal transition in ultrathin niobium films
Authors: Zaytseva Iryna , Abaloszew Aleksander , Camargo Bruno C. , Syryanyy Yevgen , Cieplak Marta Z.
Published: November 2020

Recent studies suggest that in disordered ultrathin films superconducting (SC) state may be intrinsically inhomogeneous. Here we investigate the nature of SC state in ultrathin Nb films, of thickness d ranging from 1.2 to 20 nm, which undergo a transition from amorphous to polycrystalline structure at the thickness $$d \simeq 3.3$$

d
≃
3.3

 nm. We show that the properties of SC state are very different in polycrystalline and amorphous films. The upper critical field ($$H_{c2}$$

H

c
2

) is orbitally limited in the first case, and paramagnetically limited in the latter. The magnetic field induced superconductor-metal transition is observed, with the critical field approximately constant or decreasing as a power-law with the film conductance in polycrystalline or amorphous films, respectively. The scaling analysis indicates distinct scaling exponents in these two types of films. Negative contribution of the SC fluctuations to conductivity exists above $$H_{c2}$$

H

c
2

, particularly pronounced in amorphous films, signaling the presence of fluctuating Cooper pairs. These observations suggest the development of local inhomogeneities in the amorphous films, in the form of proximity-coupled SC islands. An usual evolution of SC correlations on cooling is observed in amorphous films, likely related to the effect of quantum fluctuations on the proximity-induced phase coherence.
Ni(OH)2 nanodot-decorated Co–Co LDH/C hollow nanocages for a high performance supercapacitor
Authors: Yang Yuan , Wang Xiuqin , Huang Feifei , Zhao Jialu , Wang Xiuhua
Published: November 2020

A novel Co–Co LDH/C/Ni(OH)2 nanostructure was constructed by loading Ni(OH)2 nanodots on hollow Co–Co LDH/C nanocages derived from MOFs.
Microbial response of nitrifying biofilms to cold-shock
Authors: Ahmed Warsama , Delatolla Robert
Published: November 2020

The cold-shocked system, rapidly cooled from 10 °C to 1 °C, was characterized by lower nitrification kinetics and differences in biomass and microbiome responses compared to an acclimatized system operated in parallel and allowed to acclimatize.
Correction: Milk protein complexation enhances post prandial vitamin D3 absorption in rats
Authors: Lindahl Ida Emilie I. , Danielsen Marianne , Dalsgaard Trine K. , Rejnmark Lars , Bollen Peter , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Milk protein complexation enhances post prandial vitamin D3 absorption in rats’ by Ida Emilie I. Lindahl et al., Food Funct., 2020, 11, 4953–4959, DOI: 10.1039/D0FO01062F.
Integrated glycomics strategy for the evaluation of glycosylation alterations in salivary proteins associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yu Hanjie , Wang Junhong , Tang Zhen , Li Xia , Yin Mengqi , Zhang Fan , Shu Jian , Chen Wentian , Yang Shuang , Li Zheng
Published: November 2020

The strategy to investigate the altered glycosylation associated with T2DM.
ACE2 as a potential therapeutic target for pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Chatterjee Bhaswati , Thakur Suman S.
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 virus invades the host through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors by decreasing the ACE2 expression of the host.
Kolorektales Karzinom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: November 2020

Eine Koloskopie zum Tumorscreening für asymptomatische Personen > 50 Jahre wird in Deutschland mit 23–26 % der Betroffenen weiterhin nur unzureichend angenommen. Als Alternative zum Screening und Therapiemonitoring bietet sich ein Multimarker-Panel, bestehend aus dem Wachstumsfaktor Midkine zusammen mit den Tumormarkern CEA und CA-19–9 an.
Erwachsene Überleber pädiatrischer Malignome
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: November 2020

Die erfreulichen Behandlungserfolge bei pädiatrischen Malignomen haben einen Haken: Etwa 17 % der Erkrankten haben als Erwachsene chronische Krankheiten. Zudem besteht bei Überlebenden ein hohes Risiko für eine eingeschränkte körperliche Belastbarkeit. Die Studie mit Daten der St Jude Lifetime Cohort zeigt die Folgen der mangelnden Fitness für die Psyche und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe.
Primäre neuroendokrine Tumoren
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: November 2020

Verschiedene primäre neuroendokrine Tumoren (NETs) können anhand ihrer DNA-Methylierungssignatur differenziert werden, auch wenn sie als Multiple endokrine Neoplasie (MEN1, Synonym: Wermer-Syndrom) vorliegt. Die DNA-Methylierungssignatur kann daher zur molekularen Charakterisierung von NETs eingesetzt werden – anhand von Biopsien oder künftig auch anhand zirkulierender Tumor-DNA.
Fortgeschrittenes medulläres Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: November 2020

Eine neue Post-hoc-Analyse der Zulassungsstudie ZETA zeigt, dass die Subgruppe symptomatischer Patienten mit nicht resektablem, lokal fortgeschrittenem oder metastasiertem medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinom (MTC) noch deutlicher von der Behandlung mit Vandetanib profitiert als die Gesamtpopulation. Vandetanib verlängerte das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS) versus Placebo von 8 auf 21 Monate (p < 0,0001).
Phenytoin-Induced Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
Authors: Brown Glen , Jang Wesley , Peets Adam , Ramanathan Krishnan
Published: November 2020

Phenytoin possesses electrophysiological effects consistent with those of the Vaughan–Williams 1B classification. As such, phenytoin may widen the QRS complex but would not be expected to result in QTc prolongation or ST elevation. The reported case demonstrates these unexpected electrophysiological effects with supratherapeutic concentrations of phenytoin when no other potential cause could be elucidated. No contributing factors present in the case, compared with previously published reports of electrophysiological effects of supratherapeutic phenytoin concentrations, could be elucidated. The report suggests that clinicians should monitor for potential conduction abnormalities in patients with elevated phenytoin concentrations.
Cardiac Surgery Conduct during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sahu Manoj Kumar , Vaswani Prateek , Satsangi Amitabh , Singh Sarvesh Pal , Rajashekar Palleti , Devagourou Velayoudam , Choudhary Shiv Kumar
Published: November 2020

Background Health care is seriously affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with alarming effects upon conduct of cardiac surgery. The initial resource conservation strategy has to modify for handling the surging case load due to deference of routine care in the face of pandemic.

Methods The cardiac surgical practice during the lockdown period (from 25th march till 25th June) at a tertiary care centre was observed. The cardiac diagnosis of the ones operated, conduct algorithm, and working policy were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was applied to calculate the percentages of different case subsets in both adult and pediatric groups.

Results A total of 93 cardiac patients were consecutively operated during the 3 months’ period in two cardiac theatres of a total eight dedicated and were rotated cyclically. A total of 37 (39.78%) adult cardiac surgeries were performed out of 93 cases, with coronary artery bypass grafting (11.83%: 11/93) and valvular heart diseases (11.83%: 11/93) constituting the majority. Pediatric cardiac surgeries constituted 56 cases (60.21%) which comprised of arterial switch operation (19.35%), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (8.60%), and Blalock Taussig shunts (7.53%) predominantly. There was no COVID-19-related mortality and none of the health-care workers developed COVID-19 in the entire study period.

Conclusions The initial phase of resource conservation has undermined the routine cardiac surgical practice. The study showed that strict adherence to management algorithm is necessary for persisting smooth continuation of cardiac surgical practice with provision of optimum critical care. The strategic comeback against COVID-19 would urge institutional development of protocols to aid the post-surge period.
Servo-aero-gravo-elastic (SAGE) scaling and its application to a 13-MW downwind turbine
Authors: Kaminski Meghan , Loth Eric , Zalkind Daniel , Pao Lucy , Selig Michael , Johnson Kathryn
Published: November 2020

Reduced scale wind turbines can be extremely cost-effective to test new rotor concepts since prototype costs are heavily dependent on the rotor diameter. Ideally, the scaled model would have the same non-dimensional deflections, dynamics, and control behavior as the full-scale model. This would provide a high-fidelity demonstration of the full-scale performance, which is ideal if the full-scale turbine has significant aeroelastic interactions. To this end, servo-aero-gravo-elastic (SAGE) scaling is developed and applied to a 13-MW turbine that is scaled to a 20% scale model. The scaling preserves the tip-speed ratio, the rotor speed normalized by the flapping frequency, and the tip deflections normalized by the blade length. In addition, the controller employs the same control structure (gain-scheduled pitch control and variable speed torque control) and is scaled dynamically (e.g., matching non-dimensional time constant of the pitch angle, etc.). Furthermore, the thrust, gravity, and centrifugal moments are scaled such that the load angles are preserved as a function of a non-dimensional wind speed. However, the environmental scaling must consider differences in Reynolds number (since this parameter cannot be held constant) and subsequent changes in the axial induction factor. While the presented results showcase these differences during operational conditions, the non-dimensional tip deflections remain comparable through all wind speed ranges, indicating the viability of the SAGE scaling method in matching full-scale aeroelastic responses.
The influence of lattice defects, recombination, and clustering on thermal transport in single crystal thorium dioxide
Authors: Dennett Cody A. , Hua Zilong , Khanolkar Amey , Yao Tiankai , Morgan Phyllis K. , Prusnick Timothy A. , Poudel Narayan , French Aaron , Gofryk Krzysztof , He Lingfeng , Shao Lin , Khafizov Marat , Turner David B. , Mann J. Matthew , Hurley David H.
Published: November 2020

Thermal transport is a key performance metric for thorium dioxide in many applications where defect-generating radiation fields are present. An understanding of the effect of nanoscale lattice defects on thermal transport in this material is currently unavailable due to the lack of a single crystal material from which unit processes may be investigated. In this work, a series of high-quality thorium dioxide single crystals are exposed to 2 MeV proton irradiation at room temperature and 600 °C to create microscale regions with varying densities and types of point and extended defects. Defected regions are investigated using spatial domain thermoreflectance to quantify the change in thermal conductivity as a function of ion fluence as well as transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to interrogate the structure of the generated defects. Together, this combination of methods provides important initial insight into defect formation, recombination, and clustering in thorium dioxide and the effect of those defects on thermal transport. These methods also provide a promising pathway for the quantification of the smallest-scale defects that cannot be captured using traditional microscopy techniques and play an outsized role in degrading thermal performance.
Nonidentical fermions interact identically
Authors: Hill Heather M.
Published: November 2020

The decoupling of electronic and nuclear spin states allows scattering fermionic atoms to rapidly cool.
Atlantic invertebrates are going the wrong way
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: November 2020

Why, as the oceans warm, are seafloor animals moving to even hotter waters?
Pour une approche diatopique des expressions figées
Authors: Lamiroy Béatrice
Published: November 2020

L’article aborde le phénomène du figement en analysant des expressions figées verbales. Nous présentons d’une part une petite étude de corpus dans une approche contrastive français-néerlandais et comparons d’autre part le français de Belgique au français commun. Nous montrons comment la mise en regard de deux langues différentes peut être révélateur de certains traits typologiques, notamment la présence de structures à plusieurs compléments prépositionnels actantiels, typiques du néerlandais. L’étude du figement en français de Belgique se situe dans une perspective variationniste. Si le français est en grande partie commun à la francophonie, chacune des régions dispose de son stock d’expressions qui présentent des propriétés lexicales et syntaxiques bien spécifiques.
La polysémie dans les constructions verbales figées de l’espagnol
Authors: Mogorrón Huerta Pedro
Published: November 2020

Dans le cadre de cet article, nous analysons les Constructions Verbales Figées de l’espagnol présentes dans une base de
données de 40.900 entrées afin de traiter la polysémie. Nous analysons premièrement les CVF polysémiques et leur nombre de significations
afin d’établir une classification typologique, puis nous réalisons une comparaisons entre les CVF de l’espagnol péninsulaire et commun et de
l’espagnol d’Hispano-Amérique afin d’observer les similitudes et les différences dans la formation de ces cas de polysémie ainsi qu’une
classification typologique en fonction de la zone d’utilisation.
Bermudian English
Authors: Eberle Nicole
Published: November 2020

Bermudian English. A sociohistorical and linguistic profile focuses on a hitherto severely under-researched variety of English. The book traces the origins and development of Bermudian English, so as to situate the variety within the canon of other lesser-known varieties of English, and provides a first in-depth description of its variable morphosyntactic structure. Relying on sociolinguistic interview data and combining qualitative, typological and quantitative, variationist analyses of selected morphosyntactic features, it sheds light on structural affiliations of Bermudian English and argues for a two-way transfer pattern where Bermudian English plays an important role in the development of a number of other English(-based) varieties in the wider geographical region. Complementing existing studies which document such varieties, this book contributes to the body of research that describes the diversity of English(-based) varieties around the globe, filling a notable gap.
Don’t rage against the machine: why AI may be the cure for the ‘moral hazard’ of party appointments
Authors: Schwing Mel Andrew
Published: November 2020

In 2010, Jan Paulsson decried the use of party-appointed arbitrators in international arbitration as a ‘moral hazard' that threatened the legitimacy of arbitration as an impartial method of dispute resolution. He suggested a series of reforms, most notably allowing arbitral institutions to make all arbitrator appointments. Over the past decade, commentators have debated Paulsson's arguments and whether arbitrators should be chosen by parties or arbitral institutions, relying on an assumption that those two methods are the only ways by which arbitrators can be selected. This essay demonstrates that both approaches are fundamentally flawed, because they are subject to the self-interest and biases of human beings. Moreover, it explains how modern technology has produced a new way by which arbitrators can be selected--specifically, via artificial intelligence (AI)--that allows for parties to have input into the selection process but removes the issues that arise when parties select arbitrators directly. As this essay illustrates, using an AI to select arbitrators will allow arbitrators to truly be independent, ensure that arbitrators are selected for their merit and not for their connections, eliminate incentives for compromise awards and the use of dissents to communicate leanings to future appointing parties, and increase diversity in arbitrator appointments.
Matching Methods to Problems: Using Data Science and Transmission Modeling to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Rubin Michael A , Nelson Richard E , Samore Matthew H
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing worldwide crisis, declared by the World Health Organization as “one of the principal threats to global public health today.” The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is a multifaceted problem that spans all aspects of healthcare, and research efforts to advance the field must likewise employ investigators with a diverse set of expertise and a variety of approaches and study designs who recognize and address the unique challenges of infectious-disease and antimicrobial-resistance research. An understanding of transmission dynamics and externalities, both positive and negative, is critical to any assessment of the impact of an intervention or policy related to infectious disease, infection prevention, or antimicrobial stewardship, in order to create a more comprehensive and accurate estimate of the costs and outcomes associated with an intervention. These types of advanced studies are necessary if we are to significantly alter the course of this crisis and improve the outlook for our future.
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Bone Health: Do Different Regimens Influence Outcomes in Transgender Adults? A Narrative Review and Call for Future Studies
Authors: Cirrincione Lauren R , Narla Radhika R
Published: November 2020

Background

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) influences bone health in transgender individuals. Several hormone preparations and administration routes are available for GAHT, but no studies have compared clinical and laboratory bone health measures across different GAHT regimens.

Content

We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Google Scholar for studies measuring bone turnover markers and bone mineral density before and during GAHT in transgender adults. We summarized bone health data by hormone type and administration route (estrogen or testosterone; oral, transdermal/percutaneous, intramuscular). Among trans women, we also examined outcomes among regimens containing different adjunctive agents (antiandrogens or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs).

Most hormone preparations maintained or increased areal bone mineral density among trans adults taking GAHT for at least 12 months from baseline. Different bone turnover markers were measured across studies, and we were unable to compare or comment on the direct influence of selected hormone preparations on these clinical laboratory measures. Larger and uniformed studies are needed to measure volumetric bone mineral density and biomarkers of bone metabolism in trans adults taking standardized GAHT regimens.
Successful repair of combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with pars plana vitrectomy without scleral buckle in severe Behçet’s disease
Authors: Gasparian Suzie A , Barrett Dianne , Sierpina David , Chalam K V
Published: November 2020

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic, immune-mediated occlusive vasculitis of unknown etiology with a chronic, relapsing remitting course. Ocular involvement is characterized by recurrent nongranulomatous uveitis with necrotizing obliterative vasculitis affecting both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and often leads to blindness.

We describe successful surgical management of a rare case of combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in a patient with Behçet’s disease.

A 28-year-old Hispanic women with known Behcet’s disease presented with loss of vision of both eyes. She was found to have extensive bilateral necrotizing vasculitis with severe ischemia. Despite aggressive antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and pan retinal photocoagulation, patient progressed to total blindness from development of combined rhegmatogenous and tractional funnel retinal detachment. Small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil tamponade was performed for retinal detachment repair (without scleral buckle).

Combined RRD and TRD was successfully treated with standard PPV with silicone oil placement without use of scleral buckle. Visual acuity 1 year postoperatively improved from ability to perceive light to 20/400.

Combined forms of retinal detachment, a rare development in Behçet’s disease may be effectively treated with PPV (without scleral buckling) with favorable visual and anatomic outcomes.
Role of roots in adaptation of soil-indifferent Proteaceae to calcareous soils in south-western Australia
Authors: Kotula Lukasz , Clode Peta L , Ranathunge Kosala , Lambers Hans
Published: November 2020

Very few of the >650 Proteaceae species in south-western Australia cope with the high calcium (Ca) levels in young, calcareous soils (soil indifferent); most are Ca sensitive and occur on nutrient-impoverished, acidic soils (calcifuge). We assessed possible control points for Ca transport across roots of two soil-indifferent (Hakea prostrata and Banksia prionotes) and two calcifuge (H. incrassata and B. menziesii) Proteaceae. Using quantitative X-ray microanalysis, we investigated cell-specific elemental Ca concentrations at two positions behind the apex in relation to development of apoplastic barriers in roots of plants grown in nutrient solution with low or high Ca supply. In H. prostrata, Ca accumulated in outer cortical cells at 20 mm behind the apex, but [Ca] was low in other cell types. In H. incrassata, [Ca] was low in all cells. Accumulation of Ca in roots of H. prostrata corresponded to development of apoplastic barriers in the endodermis. We found similar [Ca] profiles in roots and similar [Ca] in leaves of two contrasting Banksia species. Soil-indifferent Hakea and Banksia species show different strategies to inhabit calcareous soils: H. prostrata intercepts Ca in roots, reducing transport to shoots, whereas B. prionotes allocates Ca to specific leaf cells.
Suboptimal Global Transcriptional Response Increases the Harmful Effects of Loss-of-Function Mutations
Authors: Kovács Károly , Farkas Zoltán , Bajić Djordje , Kalapis Dorottya , Daraba Andreea , Almási Karola , Kintses Bálint , Bódi Zoltán , Notebaart Richard A , Poyatos Juan F , Kemmeren Patrick , Holstege Frank C P , Pál Csaba , Papp Balázs
Published: November 2020

The fitness impact of loss-of-function mutations is generally assumed to reflect the loss of specific molecular functions associated with the perturbed gene. Here, we propose that rewiring of the transcriptome upon deleterious gene inactivation is frequently nonspecific and mimics stereotypic responses to external environmental change. Consequently, transcriptional response to gene deletion could be suboptimal and incur an extra fitness cost. Analysis of the transcriptomes of ∼1,500 single-gene deletion Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains supported this scenario. First, most transcriptomic changes are not specific to the deleted gene but are rather triggered by perturbations in functionally diverse genes. Second, gene deletions that alter the expression of dosage-sensitive genes are especially harmful. Third, by elevating the expression level of downregulated genes, we could experimentally mitigate the fitness defect of gene deletions. Our work shows that rewiring of genomic expression upon gene inactivation shapes the harmful effects of mutations.
MoonProt 3.0: an update of the moonlighting proteins database
Authors: Chen Chang , Liu Haipeng , Zabad Shadi , Rivera Nina , Rowin Emily , Hassan Maheen , Gomez De Jesus Stephanie M , Llinás Santos Paola S , Kravchenko Karyna , Mikhova Mariia , Ketterer Sophia , Shen Annabel , Shen Sophia , Navas Erin , Horan Bryan , Raudsepp Jaak , Jeffery Constance
Published: November 2020

MoonProt 3.0 (http://moonlightingproteins.org) is an updated open-access database storing expert-curated annotations for moonlighting proteins. Moonlighting proteins have two or more physiologically relevant distinct biochemical or biophysical functions performed by a single polypeptide chain. Here, we describe an expansion in the database since our previous report in the Database Issue of Nucleic Acids Research in 2018. For this release, the number of proteins annotated has been expanded to over 500 proteins and dozens of protein annotations have been updated with additional information, including more structures in the Protein Data Bank, compared with version 2.0. The new entries include more examples from humans, plants and archaea, more proteins involved in disease and proteins with different combinations of functions. More kinds of information about the proteins and the species in which they have multiple functions has been added, including CATH and SCOP classification of structure, known and predicted disorder, predicted transmembrane helices, type of organism, relationship of the protein to disease, and relationship of organism to cause of disease.
The challenge of early glomerular filtration rate decline in response to antihypertensive treatment and chronic kidney disease outcomes
Authors: Signorini Lorenzo , Zaza Gianluigi , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely linked pathological processes. Combating high blood pressure (BP) is an essential part of preventing CKD progression and reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk. Data from recent randomized controlled trials on patients at high CV risk showed the beneficial effects of intensive action to meet BP targets on mortality related to CV disease. The impact of meeting such targets on renal function is still unclear, however, particularly for patients with CKD. This issue has been the object of several post hoc analyses because lowering BP definitely has a nephroprotective role, but the early decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) associated with antihypertensive therapies and strict BP targets is still a concern in nephrology clinical practice. The present review discusses the results of studies on this topic, focusing specifically on the clinical significance of early GFR decline in response to treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, or to different BP targets, in terms of renal and CV outcomes, and how this tips the balance towards continuing or discontinuing antihypertensive therapy.
Does the dural resection bed need to be irradiated? Patterns of recurrence and implications for postoperative radiotherapy for temporal lobe gliomas
Authors: Teyateeti Achiraya , Geno Connie S , Stafford Scott S , Mahajan Anita , Yan Elizabeth S , Merrell Kenneth W , Laack Nadia N , Parney Ian F , Brown Paul D , Jethwa Krishan R
Published: November 2020

Background

Patterns of recurrence and survival with different surgical and radiotherapy (RT) techniques were evaluated to guide RT target volumes for patients with temporal lobe glioma.

Methods and Materials

This retrospective cohort study included patients with World Health Organization grades II to IV temporal lobe glioma treated with either partial (PTL) or complete temporal lobectomy (CTL) followed by RT covering both the parenchymal and dural resection bed (whole-cavity radiotherapy [WCRT]) or the parenchymal resection bed only (partial-cavity radiotherapy [PCRT]). Patterns of recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results

Fifty-one patients were included and 84.3% of patients had high-grade glioma (HGG). CTL and PTL were performed for 11 (21.6%) and 40 (78.4%) patients, respectively. Median RT dose was 60 Gy (range, 40-76 Gy). There were 82.4% and 17.6% of patients who received WCRT and PCRT, respectively. Median follow-up time was 18.4 months (range, 4-161 months). Forty-six patients (90.2%) experienced disease recurrence, most commonly at the parenchymal resection bed (76.5%). No patients experienced an isolated dural recurrence. The median PFS and OS for the PCRT and WCRT cohorts were 8.6 vs 10.8 months (P = .979) and 19.9 vs 18.6 months (P = .859), respectively. PCRT was associated with a lower RT dose to the brainstem, optic, and ocular structures, hippocampus, and pituitary.

Conclusion

We identified no isolated dural recurrence and similar PFS and OS regardless of postoperative RT volume, whereas PCRT was associated with dose reduction to critical structures. Omission of dural RT may be considered a reasonable alternative approach. Further validation with larger comparative studies is warranted.
Vancomycin Exposure and Acute Kidney Injury Outcome: A Snapshot From the CAMERA2 Study
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Tong Steven Y C , Davis Joshua S , Rhodes Nathaniel J , Scheetz Marc H ,   CAMERA2 Study Group, Anagostou Nick , Andresen David , Archuleta Sophia , Bak Narin , Cass Alan , Chatfield Mark , Cheng Alan , Davies Jane , Davis Joshua , Dishon Yael , Dotel Ravindra , Ferguson Patricia , Foo Hong , Fowler Vance , Ghosh Niladri , Gray Timothy , Guy Stephen , Holmes Natasha , Howden Benjamin , Johnson Sandra , Kalimuddin Shirin , Lye David , McBride Stephen , McKew Genevieve , Meagher Niamh , Nelson Jane , O’Sullivan Matthew , Paterson David , Paul Mical , Price David , Ralph Anna , Roberts Matthew , Robinson Owen , Rogers Ben , Runnegar Naomi , Smith Simon , Sud Archana , Tong Steven , Tramontana Adrian , Van Hal Sebastian , Walls Genevieve , Warner Morgyn , Yahav Dafna , Young Barnaby
Published: November 2020

Among patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia from a prospective randomized clinical trial, acute kidney injury (AKI) rates increased with increasing vancomycin exposure, even within the therapeutic range. AKI was independently more common for the (flu)cloxacillin group. Day 2 vancomycin AUC ≥470 mg·h/L was significantly associated with AKI, independent of (flu)cloxacillin receipt.
Two-Dimensional Waves in A Chiral Elastic Chain: Dynamic Green's Matrices and Localised Defect Modes
Authors: Jones I S , Movchan N V , Movchan A B
Published: November 2020

This article presents new analytical work on the analysis of waves in chiral elastic chains. The notion of dynamic chirality, well established and explored for electromagnetic waves in magnetised media, is less common for elastic solids. Indeed, it is even less common to observe vector wave problems in an elastic chain. Here, it is shown that the physical system, described by a vector formulation for waves in a chiral chain, can simultaneously support Floquet–Bloch waves in addition to localised waveforms, subject to the appropriate choice of the frequency interval. We construct and analyse dynamic Green’s matrices and identify exponentially localised defect modes, which correspond to spatially confined elliptical motion of nodal inertial elements, around the perturbed cell of the chiral chain. Special attention is given to the case of the dynamic degeneracy. Analytical findings are accompanied by numerical illustrations and examples.
The Perfect Storm: Gene Tree Estimation Error, Incomplete Lineage Sorting, and Ancient Gene Flow Explain the Most Recalcitrant Ancient Angiosperm Clade, Malpighiales
Authors: Cai Liming , Xi Zhenxiang , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Lemmon Alan R , Mast Austin , Buddenhagen Christopher E , Liu Liang , Davis Charles C
Published: November 2020

The genomic revolution offers renewed hope of resolving rapid radiations in the Tree of Life. The development of the multispecies coalescent model and improved gene tree estimation methods can better accommodate gene tree heterogeneity caused by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and gene tree estimation error stemming from the short internal branches. However, the relative influence of these factors in species tree inference is not well understood. Using anchored hybrid enrichment, we generated a data set including 423 single-copy loci from 64 taxa representing 39 families to infer the species tree of the flowering plant order Malpighiales. This order includes 9 of the top 10 most unstable nodes in angiosperms, which have been hypothesized to arise from the rapid radiation during the Cretaceous. Here, we show that coalescent-based methods do not resolve the backbone of Malpighiales and concatenation methods yield inconsistent estimations, providing evidence that gene tree heterogeneity is high in this clade. Despite high levels of ILS and gene tree estimation error, our simulations demonstrate that these two factors alone are insufficient to explain the lack of resolution in this order. To explore this further, we examined triplet frequencies among empirical gene trees and discovered some of them deviated significantly from those attributed to ILS and estimation error, suggesting gene flow as an additional and previously unappreciated phenomenon promoting gene tree variation in Malpighiales. Finally, we applied a novel method to quantify the relative contribution of these three primary sources of gene tree heterogeneity and demonstrated that ILS, gene tree estimation error, and gene flow contributed to 10.0$\%$, 34.8$\%$, and 21.4$\%$ of the variation, respectively. Together, our results suggest that a perfect storm of factors likely influence this lack of resolution, and further indicate that recalcitrant phylogenetic relationships like the backbone of Malpighiales may be better represented as phylogenetic networks. Thus, reducing such groups solely to existing models that adhere strictly to bifurcating trees greatly oversimplifies reality, and obscures our ability to more clearly discern the process of evolution. [Coalescent; concatenation; flanking region; hybrid enrichment, introgression; phylogenomics; rapid radiation, triplet frequency.]
GAP IN CAPILLARY PERFUSION AND BURDEN OF TREATMENT IN BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Bae Kunho , Bang Seul-Ki , Kang Se Woong , Kim Eung Suk , Yu Seung-Young
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate correlations between the burden of antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment and microperfusion status in superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) using wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

A total 19 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion were included in this retrospective study. Area of foveal avascular zone, capillary nonperfusion area, vascular density, and perfusion gap were compared between superficial capillary plexus and DCP. Internal areas of 3, 6, and 12 mm in diameter around the fovea were analyzed separately.

Results:

The mean number of injections per months was 0.20 ± 0.12. The number of antivascular endothelial growth factor injections per month showed a significant correlation with perfusion gap in 12 mm area (P = 0.010), but not with perfusion gap in 3-mm or 6-mm area. Correlations were also found between the final best-corrected visual acuity and vascular density in the 12 mm area of DCP (P = 0.031) and foveal avascular zone area (P = 0.033).

Conclusion:

Wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography is very useful for assessing the microperfusion status in branch retinal vein occlusion. In extended field of view (12 mm × 12 mm), a larger perfusion gap was associated with frequent requirements of antivascular endothelial growth factor injections for macular edema. Reduction in vessel density was significantly correlated with poor visual outcome.
Design and Development of an Automated Feedback and Scoring System for Self-directed Learning of Flexible Nasal Endoscopy With an Airway Simulator
Authors: Llorente Marcos , Fernández Secundino
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The AirSim Multi (TruCorp) airway simulator is used to practice exploration of the upper respiratory tract with a flexible endoscope to assess the nasal cavities, their structures and spaces (inferior, middle, and superior turbinates and meati), and the nasopharynx. The passage of the flexible endoscope through the nose is usually the most annoying and painful maneuver to continue the exploration of the airway to the pharynx and larynx. For this reason, it is important to develop self-assessment training systems in safe environments that allow trainees to develop the necessary skills to carry out this type of assessment with the least inconvenience and the greatest security. Despite this simulator's accurate anatomical reproduction of the tract, its suitability as a tool for endoscope exploration learning is limited without a feedback system. Effective endoscopic exploration should not cause pain or lesions, not only for comfort and safety reasons, but also because only when discomfort is minimized is a complete and detailed exploration of the anatomical structures possible.

The objective of the project was to provide a feedback system from the simulator to the trainee that would facilitate improvements in self-trained skills needed to perform an endoscopic exploration of the airways.

Methods

A device based on the Hall-effect sensor was designed and placed outside the airway in the upper nasal turbinate. This device detects changes in the magnetic flux, indicating a displacement on the nasal turbinate due to endoscopic maneuvers that deform the inside of the simulator and would be expected to be harmful or painful in real life.

Results

The improved AirSim provides audible and visual feedback during exploration to indicate a change on the nasal turbinate due to endoscopic contact with the turbinate surface that would be expected to be harmful or painful in real life. We expect this feature to facilitate self-learning with minimal professional supervision and reduce the overall training time required to successfully perform a complete exploration of the airway.

Conclusions

The inclusion of sensors on a passive simulator is a cost-effective measure that may allow for better training experiences using AirSim Multi simulator from the TruCorp company. Our improved simulator turns endoscopic exploration into a self-assessed exercise suitable for all disciplines and level of learners.