bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of atrial fibrillation on the clinical course and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: results of the Cardio-COVID-Italy multicentre study
Authors: Paris Sara , Inciardi Riccardo M , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Tomasoni Daniela , Ameri Pietro , Carubelli Valentina , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Canale Claudia , Carugo Stefano , Danzi Giambattista , Di Pasquale Mattia , Sarullo Filippo , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Mortara Andrea , Piepoli Massimo , Porto Italo , Sinagra Gianfranco , Volterrani Maurizio , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Leonardi Sergio , Merlo Marco , Iorio Annamaria , Giovinazzo Stefano , Bellasi Antonio , Zaccone Gregorio , Camporotondo Rita , Catagnano Francesco , Dalla Vecchia Laura , Maccagni Gloria , Mapelli Massimo , Margonato Davide , Monzo Luca , Nuzzi Vincenzo , Pozzi Andrea , Provenzale Giovanni , Specchia Claudia , Tedino Chiara , Guazzi Marco , Senni Michele , Metra Marco
Published: May 2021

Aims

To assess the clinical relevance of a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods and results

We enrolled 696 consecutive patients (mean age 67.4 ± 13.2 years, 69.7% males) admitted for COVID-19 in 13 Italian cardiology centres between 1 March and 9 April 2020. One hundred and six patients (15%) had a history of AF and the median hospitalization length was 14 days (interquartile range 9–24). Patients with a history of AF were older and with a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to patients without AF, they showed a higher rate of in-hospital death (38.7% vs. 20.8%; P < 0.001). History of AF was associated with an increased risk of death after adjustment for clinical confounders related to COVID-19 severity and cardiovascular comorbidities, including history of heart failure (HF) and increased plasma troponin [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–2.84; P = 0.029]. Patients with a history of AF also had more in-hospital clinical events including new-onset AF (36.8% vs. 7.9%; P < 0.001), acute HF (25.3% vs. 6.3%; P < 0.001), and multiorgan failure (13.9% vs. 5.8%; P = 0.010). The association between AF and worse outcome was not modified by previous or concomitant use of anticoagulants or steroid therapy (P for interaction >0.05 for both) and was not related to stroke or bleeding events.

Conclusion

Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, a history of AF contributes to worse clinical course with a higher mortality and in-hospital events including new-onset AF, acute HF, and multiorgan failure. The mortality risk remains significant after adjustment for variables associated with COVID-19 severity and comorbidities.
COVID-19 and the flu: data simulations and computational modelling to guide public health strategies
Authors: Tunaligil Verda , Meral Gulsen , Dabak Mustafa Resat , Canbulat Mehmet , Demir Sıddıka Semahat
Published: May 2021

Background

Pandemics threaten lives and economies. This article addresses the global threat of the anticipated overlap of COVID-19 with seasonal-influenza.

Objectives

Scientific evidence based on simulation methodology is presented to reveal the impact of a dual outbreak, with scenarios intended for propagation analysis. This article aims at researchers, clinicians of family medicine, general practice and policy-makers worldwide. The implications for the clinical practice of primary health care are discussed. Current research is an effort to explore new directions in epidemiology and health services delivery.

Methods

Projections consisted of machine learning, dynamic modelling algorithms and whole simulations. Input data consisted of global indicators of infectious diseases. Four simulations were run for ‘20% versus 60% flu-vaccinated populations’ and ‘10 versus 20 personal contacts’. Outputs consisted of numerical values and mathematical graphs. Outputs consisted of numbers for ‘never infected’, ‘vaccinated’, ‘infected/recovered’, ‘symptomatic/asymptomatic’ and ‘deceased’ individuals. Peaks, percentages, R0, durations are reported.

Results

The best-case scenario was one with a higher flu-vaccination rate and fewer contacts. The reverse generated the worst outcomes, likely to disrupt the provision of vital community services. Both measures were proven effective; however, results demonstrated that ‘increasing flu-vaccination rates’ is a more powerful strategy than ‘limiting social contacts’.

Conclusions

Results support two affordable preventive measures: (i) to globally increase influenza-vaccination rates, (ii) to limit the number of personal contacts during outbreaks. The authors endorse changing practices and research incentives towards multidisciplinary collaborations. The urgency of the situation is a call for international health policy to promote interdisciplinary modern technologies in public health engineering.
Site- and Taxa-Specific Disease-Associated Oral Microbial Structures Distinguish Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Somineni Hari K , Weitzner Jordan H , Venkateswaran Suresh , Dodd Anne , Prince Jarod , Karikaran Arjuna , Sauer Cary G , Abramowicz Shelly , Zwick Michael E , Cutler David J , Okou David T , Chopra Pankaj , Kugathasan Subra
Published: May 2021

Background

The gut and oral microbiome have independently been shown to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is not known to what extent gut and oral microbial disease markers converge in terms of their composition in IBD. Further, the spatial and temporal variation within the oral microenvironments of IBD remain to be elucidated.

Patients and Methods

We used a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with IBD (n = 47) and unrelated healthy control patients (n = 18) to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of microbiota within the various oral microenvironments, represented by saliva, tongue, buccal mucosa, and plaque, and compared them with stool. Microbiome characterization was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The oral microbiome displayed IBD-associated dysbiosis, in a site- and taxa-specific manner. Plaque samples depicted a relatively severe degree of dysbiosis, and the disease-associated dysbiotic bacterial groups were predominantly the members of the phylum Firmicutes. Our 16S rRNA gene analyses show that oral microbiota can distinguish patients with IBD from healthy control patients, with salivary microbiota performing the best, closely matched by stool and other oral sites. Longitudinal profiles of microbial composition suggest that some taxa are more consistently perturbed than others, preferentially in a site-dependent fashion.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data indicate the potential of using oral microbial profiles in screening and monitoring patients with IBD. Furthermore, these results support the importance of spatial and longitudinal microbiome sampling to interpret disease-associated dysbiotic states and eventually to gain insights into disease pathogenesis.
Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Treatment Have Lower Rates of Celiac Disease
Authors: Alkhayyat Motasem , Abureesh Mohammad , Almomani Ashraf , Abou Saleh Mohannad , Zmaili Mohammad , El Ouali Sara , Mansoor Emad , Rubio-Tapia Alberto , Regueiro Miguel
Published: May 2021

Background

The association between celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been studied; however, the impact of IBD therapy on celiac disease is not known. Using a large database, we sought to describe the association of celiac disease and IBD and the impact of IBD treatment.

Methods

We queried a large multicenter database (Explorys Inc.), an electronic health record data aggregate from 26 American health care systems. We identified a cohort of patients with celiac disease and IBD between 1999 and 2020 and conducted a statistical analysis using a multivariate model.

Results

Of the 72,965,940 individuals in the database, 133,400 had celiac disease (0.18%), 191,570 (0.26%) had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 230,670 (0.32%) had Crohn disease (CD). Patients with IBD were more likely to have a diagnosis of celiac disease (odds ratio [OR], 13.680), with a greater association with CD. Treated patients with UC and with CD, respectively, had a lower risk association with celiac disease compared to those not undergoing IBD treatment, specifically corticosteroids (OR, 0.407 and 0.585), 5-aminosalicylates (OR, 0.124 and 0.127), immunomodulators (OR, 0.385 and 0.425), and anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs (OR, 0.215 and 0.242). There was no lower risk association in the vedolizumab group, but there was a higher risk association among the ustekinumab group.

Conclusions

In this large dataset, we showed a bidirectional association between celiac disease and IBD that was stronger with CD. Patients with IBD treated using corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, or anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs had a lower association with celiac disease. Additional studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms for IBD therapy–related modification of celiac disease incidence.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Various Phenotypes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: McCurdy Jeffrey , Siw Kevin Chin Koon , Kandel Rana , Larrigan Sarah , Rosenfeld Greg , Boet Sylvain
Published: May 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be effective for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our systematic review aimed to quantify the effectiveness and safety of HBOT in various IBD phenotypes.

Methods

We performed a proportional meta-analysis. Multiple databases were systematically searched from inception through November 2020 without language restriction. We included studies that reported effectiveness and/or safety of HBOT in IBD. Weighted summary estimates with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated for clinical outcomes for each IBD phenotype using random-effects models. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane evaluation handbook and National Institute of Health criteria.

Results

Nineteen studies with 809 patients total were eligible: 3 randomized controlled trials and 16 case series. Rates of clinical remission included 87% (95% CI, 10–100) for ulcerative colitis (n = 42), 88% (95% CI, 46–98) for luminal Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 8), 60% (95% CI, 40–76) for perianal CD (n = 102), 31% (95% CI, 16–50) for pouch disorders (n = 60), 92% (95% CI, 38–100) for pyoderma gangrenosum (n = 5), and 65% (95% CI, 10–97) for perianal sinus/metastatic CD (n = 7). Of the 12 studies that reported on safety, 15% of patients (n = 30) had minor adverse events. Study quality was low in the majority of studies due to an absence of comparator arms, inadequate description of concomitant interventions, and/or lack of objective outcomes.

Conclusions

Limited high-quality evidence suggests that HBOT is safe and associated with substantial rates of clinical remission for multiple IBD phenotypes. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the benefit of HBOT in IBD.
Tail Control Enhances Gliding in Arboreal Lizards: An Integrative Study Using a 3D Geometric Model and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Clark Jaden , Clark Christopher , Higham Timothy E
Published: May 2021

The ability to glide through an arboreal habitat has been acquired by several mammals, amphibians, snakes, lizards, and even invertebrates. Lizards of the genus Draco possess specialized morphological structures for gliding, including a patagium, throat lappets, and modified hindlimbs. Despite being among the most specialized reptilian gliders, it is currently unknown how Draco is able to maneuver effectively during flight. Here, we present a new computational method for characterizing the role of tail control on Draco glide distance and stability. We first modeled Draco flight dynamics as a function of gravitational, lift, and drag forces. Lift and drag estimates were derived from wind tunnel experiments of 3D printed models based on photos of Draco during gliding. Initial modeling leveraged the known mass and planar surface area of the Draco to estimate lift and drag coefficients. We developed a simplified, 3D simulation for Draco gliding, calculating longitudinal and lateral position and a pitch angle of the lizard with respect to a cartesian coordinate frame. We used PID control to model the lizards’ tail adjustment to maintain an angle of attack. Our model suggests an active tail improves both glide distance and stability in Draco. These results provide insight toward the biomechanics of Draco; however, future in vivo studies are needed to provide a complete picture for gliding mechanics of this genus. Our approach enables the replication and modification of existing gliders to better understand their performance and mechanics. This can be applied to extinct species, but also as a way of exploring the biomimetic potential of different morphological features.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Malaysian healthcare professionals toward adverse drug reaction reporting: a systematic review
Authors: Balan Shamala
Published: May 2021

Objective

Healthcare professionals have an important role in ensuring that adverse drug reactions are well documented and reported. The key determinants of adverse drug reactions reporting are the knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare professionals. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify, critically evaluate and summarise the findings on the knowledge, attitude and practice of Malaysian healthcare professionals towards adverse drug reaction reporting.

Methods

Literature search using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and National Medical Research Register was conducted. Additional articles were identified by reviewing the bibliography of the retrieved articles. The articles were searched with any of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms in the title: adverse drug reaction, attitude, awareness, behaviour, experience, knowledge, Malaysia, perspectives, pharmacovigilance, practice and view. Studies were selected based on fulfilment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were scrutinised using thematic analysis.

Key findings

Nine studies conducted among doctors, pharmacists and nurses met the inclusion criteria. Five themes emerged which included knowledge, attitude, practice, barriers and facilitators of adverse drug reaction reporting among healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

In general, healthcare professionals in Malaysia have good knowledge on and positive attitudes towards adverse drug reaction reporting. However, the practice of adverse drug reaction reporting was found to be unsatisfactory among healthcare professional in Malaysia. The approaches taken to enhance ADR reporting among Malaysian healthcare professionals should focus on alleviating lethargy and ignorance associated with ADR reporting.
Unusually High Concentration of Fentanyl in a Driver: A Case Report
Authors: Mata Dani C , Coleman Dan
Published: May 2021

A case of driving under the influence of drugs with an extremely high blood fentanyl concentration and concomitant use of methamphetamine is presented. As the increase of the appearance of fentanyl in drug seizures continues, the likelihood of tolerant users increases as well. Data presented on fentanyl in antemortem cases over time from several regions of North America show geographic differences on whether fentanyl concentrations are increasing. This case is an example of a blood concentration that could have been assumed to be fatal if presented on its own, a reminder that concentrations, especially those of opioids, must be interpreted with care.
Long-Term Stability of 13 Fentanyl Analogs in Blood
Authors: Palmquist Kaitlyn B , Swortwood Madeleine J
Published: May 2021

Fentanyl analogs continue to play a major role in proliferating the opioid epidemic in the USA. With high rates of overdose deaths, forensic laboratories experience backlogs, which may lead to false-negative results due to drug instability. To address this issue, a quantitative method was validated for fentanyl analogs (3-methylfentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP), 4-fluoro-isobutyrylfentanyl (4-FIBF), acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, butyrylfentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, fentanyl, furanylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl and valerylfentanyl) in blood using liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS) and used to assess long-term stability under various temperature conditions (–20°C, 4°C, ∼25°C and 35°C) for 9 months. Authentic specimens were also analyzed 6 months apart for applicability to postmortem blood. Method validation resulted in calibration ranges of 1–100 ng/mL and limits of detection of 0.5 ng/mL. Precision and bias were acceptable (within ±7.2% coefficient of variation (CV) and ±15.2%, respectively). Matrix effects exhibited ion enhancement for all analytes, except carfentanil and 4-ANPP in low-quality control (>25%). For long-term stability, fentanyl analogs (except acrylfentanyl) remained stable under room temperature and refrigerated conditions at low and high concentrations (81.3–112.5% target) for 9 months. While most fentanyl analogs remained stable frozen, degradation was observed after 2 weeks (four freeze/thaw cycles). At elevated temperatures, most analytes were stable for 1 week (74.2–112.6% target). Acrylfentanyl was unstable after 24 h under elevated (70% loss) and room temperatures (53–60% loss), 48–72 h when refrigerated (28–40% loss) and 4 weeks when frozen (22% loss). In authentic bloods (n = 7), initial furanylfentanyl (FuF) and 4-ANPP concentrations were 1.1–3.6 and 1.4–6.4 ng/mL, respectively. Percentage loss of FuF and 4-ANPP over 6 months were 16.3–37.4% and 0.2–26.8%, respectively. Samples suspected to contain fentanyl analogs are recommended to be stored refrigerated or frozen with limited freeze/thaw cycles. Due to instability, in the event of an acrylfentanyl overdose, samples should be analyzed immediately or stored frozen with analysis within 1 month.
658 Early Interventions with Autologous Skin Cell Suspension Leads to Positive Outcomes
Authors: Kopari Nicole M
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Following initial stabilization, the primary goal of burn care is rapid wound closure to restore the barrier function and mechanical integrity of the skin. Time to wound closure is an important consideration when establishing the treatment plan, with a goal of re-epithelialization by 21 days to reduce the risks of hypertrophic scars (HTS), however, new research suggests that HTS can occur when healing is achieved as early as day 8. Early treatment of deep partial-thickness burns with autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) was implemented at our burn center to achieve early wound closure and decrease hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

An IRB-approved, retrospective chart review of patients admitted between January 2020 to July 2020 was completed to evaluate the effectiveness of ASCS when applied as an early treatment defined as within 3 days of injury. Burn patients were excluded with delayed presentation >7 days, patients who only received ASCS to donor sites, and patients who died from unrelated comorbidities. Patients were excised to viable tissue. Patients with intact dermis were treated with ASCS. Patients without intact dermis were treated with ASCS and widely meshed autograft. Non-absorbent, small pore dressings were applied to the wound then covered with bismuth-petrolatum dressing, dry gauze, and compression bandage. Patients appropriate for discharge were followed-up in clinic for the first dressing change.  

Results

Twenty-three patients were treated with ASCS utilizing this early intervention approach with 16 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Patients ranged from 15 months to 73 years of age and included 6 females and 10 males. The median total body surface area (TBSA) was 7.3% (range 2-23). Patients were taken for ASCS application between post burn day 0-3 (average 1.5). Average hospital LOS was 2.4 days. Operative dressings were removed between day 7-12 and >90% re-epithelization was noted between day 7-18 (mean 11). The mean LOS/%TBSA was 0.3. No patients required re-operation for closure of their wounds or reconstructive interventions for scarring.

Conclusions

Early excision of deep partial-thickness burns with application of ASCS allowed for healing to be achieved in a timely fashion. Implementation of an early operative approach to burn care allowed for a decrease in LOS and a decreased overall number of dressing changes.
Ground Cover Management in Olive Groves Reduces Populations ofPhilaenus spumarius(Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), Vector ofXylella fastidiosa
Authors: Sanna Francesco , Mori Nicola , Santoiemma Giacomo , D’Ascenzo Domenico , Scotillo Maria Assunta , Marini Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) is considered the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells Raju et al. 1986) (Xathomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae), agent of the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome in Southern Europe. To limit the spread of the disease, it is of primary importance to identify effective control measures against the vector. Besides chemical control, cultural practices could potentially help reducing vector activity and population density. Here, we tested the effectiveness of three different ground cover management practices in controlling vector populations in olive groves in the Abruzzo region (Central Italy). We compared tillage (two tillage operations in spring followed by two cuts in summer), frequent mowing (four cuts from spring to summer) and a control (two cuts in summer) by sampling vectors both in the ground vegetation and in the tree canopy. In late spring, after the peak of the population, tillage reduced P. spumarius density by 60%, while frequent mowing only reduced the density by 20% compared to control plots. The differences tended to disappear with time. The treatments had the same effect on the vector density in both the ground vegetation and tree canopy. The vectors were more concentrated in the ground cover at the beginning of the season while in summer both the canopy and ground vegetation had the same vector density. Our findings suggest that tillage is a viable option for the containment of P. spumarius, as frequent mowing did not achieve sufficient control efficacy.
The Mortality and Overall Survival Trends of Primary Liver Cancer in the United States
Authors: Lee Yi-Te , Wang Jasmine J , Luu Michael , Noureddin Mazen , Kosari Kambiz , Agopian Vatche G , Rich Nicole E , Lu Shelly C , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Nissen Nicholas N , Singal Amit G , Yang Ju Dong
Published: May 2021

Background

Recent trends of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality and outcome remain unknown in the United States. We investigated the recent trends of primary liver cancer (excluding intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) mortality and HCC stage, treatment, and overall survival (OS) in the United States.

Methods

The National Center for Health Statistics Database was analyzed to investigate the trend of primary liver cancer mortality. We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 Database to assess the temporal trend of tumor size, stage, treatment, and OS of HCC. We investigated the association between HCC diagnosis year and OS using Cox regression analysis. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

During 2000-2018, liver cancer mortality rates increased until 2013, plateaued during 2013-2016 (annual percent change = 0.1%/y, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.1%/y to 2.4%/y, P = .92), and started to decline during 2016-2018 (annual percent change = −1.5%/y, 95% CI = −3.2%/y to 0.2%/y, P = .08). However, mortality continues to increase in American Indian and Alaska Native, individuals aged 65 years or older, and in 33 states. There was a 0.61% (95% CI = 0.53% to 0.69%, P < .001) increase in localized stage HCC and a 0.86-mm (95% CI = −1.10 to −0.62 mm, P < .001) decrease in median tumor size per year. The 1-year OS rate increased from 36.3% (95% CI = 34.3% to 38.3%) to 58.1% (95% CI = 56.9% to 59.4%) during 2000-2015, and the 5-year OS rate almost doubled from 11.7% (95% CI = 10.4% to 13.1%) to 21.3% (95% CI = 20.2% to 22.4%) during 2000-2011. Diagnosis year (per year) (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.96 to 0.97) was independently associated with OS in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Primary liver cancer mortality rates have started to decline in the United States with demographic and state-level variation. With an increasing detection of localized HCC, the OS of HCC has improved over the past decades.
Isolated bladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Zaghbib Selim , Chakroun Marouene , Saadi Ahmed , Boussaffa Hamza , Znaidi Nadia , Rammeh Soumaya , Ayed Haroun , Chebil Mohamed
Published: May 2021

Cancers of extra bladder origin represent between 2 and 12% of bladder neoplasms and are most often secondary to contiguous bladder invasion. Metastasis from distant organs is exceptional, especially from pulmonary adenocarcinoma with <10 cases identified over the last 20 years. We report here a new case of a 55-year-old patient with a recently diagnosed pulmonary adenocarcinoma referred to the urology department for macroscopic hematuria. Computed tomography scan showed, in addition to the lung mass of the right lower lobe with a right mediastinal adenopathy, a thickening of the right lateral bladder wall. Cystoscopy showed inflammatory lesions on the bladder mucosa, which biopsy with immunohistochemical examination revealed to be tumoral proliferation in the lamina propria realizing the same immunohistochemical profile of the primary lung tumor (CK7+/TTF1+/CK20−/PSA−). The patient was treated with palliative platinum-based chemotherapy and unfortunately died 5 months after diagnosis.
Population III binary black holes: effects of convective overshooting on formation of GW190521
Authors: Tanikawa Ataru , Kinugawa Tomoya , Yoshida Takashi , Hijikawa Kotaro , Umeda Hideyuki
Published: May 2021

GW190521 is a merger of two black holes (BHs), wherein at least one BH lies within the pair-instability (PI) mass gap, and it is difficult to form because of the effects of PI supernovae and pulsational PI (PPI). In this study, we examined the formation of GW190521-like BH-BHs under Population (Pop) III environments by binary population synthesis calculations. We reveal that convective overshooting in stellar evolution strongly affects the formation of GW190521-like BH-BHs. A model with a small overshoot parameter (similar to GENEC) can form GW190521-like BH-BHs. The derived merger rate is 4 × 10−2 yr−1 Gpc−3 at a redshift of ∼0.82, which is comparable to the merger rate of GW190521-like BH-BHs inferred by gravitational wave (GW) observations. In this model, a ∼90 M⊙ star collapses to form a ∼90 M⊙ BH by avoiding PPI and PISN even if it is a member of a binary star. This is because it expands up to 102 R⊙, and lose only little mass through binary evolution. However, a model with a large overshoot parameter (similar to Stern) cannot form GW190521-like BH-BHs at all. Thus, we cannot conclude that a Pop III binary system is the origin of GW190521 because determination of the overshoot parameter involves highly uncertain. If a Pop III binary system is the origin of GW190521, the merger rate of BH-BHs including a 100–135 M⊙ BH is substantially smaller than that of GW190521-like BH-BHs. This will be assessed by GW observations in the near future.
Inconsistencies arising from the coupling of galaxy formation sub-grid models to pressure-smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Borrow Josh , Schaller Matthieu , Bower Richard G
Published: May 2021

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a Lagrangian method for solving the fluid equations that is commonplace in astrophysics, prized for its natural adaptivity and stability. The choice of variable to smooth in SPH has been the topic of contention, with smoothed pressure (P-SPH) being introduced to reduce errors at contact discontinuities relative to smoothed density schemes. Smoothed pressure schemes produce excellent results in isolated hydrodynamics tests; in more complex situations however, especially when coupling to the ‘sub-grid’ physics and multiple time-stepping used in many state-of-the-art astrophysics simulations, these schemes produce large force errors that can easily evade detection as they do not manifest as energy non-conservation. Here, two scenarios are evaluated: the injection of energy into the fluid (common for stellar feedback) and radiative cooling. In the former scenario, force and energy conservation errors manifest (of the same order as the injected energy), and in the latter large force errors that change rapidly over a few time-steps lead to instability in the fluid (of the same order as the energy lost to cooling). Potential ways to remedy these issues are explored with solutions generally leading to large increases in computational cost. Schemes using a density-based formulation do not create these instabilities and as such it is recommended that they are preferred over pressure-based solutions when combined with an energy diffusion term to reduce errors at contact discontinuities.
Evolution of neutron capture elements in dwarf galaxies
Authors: Molero Marta , Romano Donatella , Reichert Moritz , Matteucci Francesca , Arcones Almudena , Cescutti Gabriele , Simonetti Paolo , Hansen Camilla Juul , Lanfranchi Gustavo A
Published: May 2021

We study the evolution of europium (Eu) and barium (Ba) abundances in Local Group dwarf spheroidal and ultrafaint dwarf galaxies by means of detailed chemical evolution models and compare our results with new sets of homogeneous abundances. The adopted models include gas infall and outflow and have been previously tested. We investigate several production scenarios for r-process elements: merging neutron stars and magnetorotational-driven supernovae. Production of Ba through the main s-process acting in low- and intermediate-mass stars is considered as well. We also test different sets of nucleosynthesis yields. For merging neutron stars we adopt either a constant and short delay time for merging or a delay time distribution function. Our simulations show that (i) if r-process elements are produced only by a quick source, it is possible to reproduce the [Eu/Fe] versus [Fe/H], but those models fail in reproducing the [Ba/Fe] versus [Fe/H]. (ii) If r-process elements are produced only with longer delays the opposite happens. (iii) If both a quick source and a delayed one are adopted, such as magnetorotational-driven supernovae and merging neutron stars with a delay time distribution, the [Eu/Fe] abundance pattern is successfully reproduced, but models still fail in reproducing the [Ba/Fe]. (iv) On the other hand, the characteristic abundances of Reticulum II can be reproduced only if both the Eu and the r-process fraction of Ba are produced on short and constant time delays during a single merging event. We discuss also other possible interpretations, including an inhomogeneous mixing of gas that might characterize this galaxy.
The EOS/resolution conspiracy: convergence in proto-planetary collision simulations
Authors: Meier Thomas , Reinhardt Christian , Stadel Joachim Gerhard
Published: May 2021

We investigate how the choice of equation of state (EOS) and resolution conspire to affect the outcomes of giant impact (GI) simulations. We focus on the simple case of equal-mass collisions of two Earth-like 0.5-M⊕ proto-planets showing that the choice of EOS has a profound impact on the outcome of such collisions as well as on the numerical convergence with resolution. In simulations where the Tillotson EOS is used, impacts generate an excess amount of vapour due to the lack of a thermodynamically consistent treatment of phase transitions and mixtures. In oblique collisions this enhances the artificial angular momentum (AM) transport from the planet to the circum-planetary disc reducing the planet’s rotation period over time. Even at a resolution of 1.3 × 106 particles, the result is not converged. In head-on collisions, the lack of a proper treatment of the solid/liquid-vapour phase transition allows the bound material to expand to very low densities, which, in turn, results in very slow numerical convergence of the critical specific impact energy for catastrophic disruption $Q_{\rm {RD}}^{*}$ with increasing resolution as reported in prior work. The simulations where ANalytic Equation Of State (ANEOS) is used for oblique impacts are already converged at a modest resolution of 105 particles, while head-on collisions converge when they evidence the post-shock formation of a dense iron-rich ring, which promotes gravitational re-accumulation of material. Once sufficient resolution is reached to resolve the liquid-vapour phase transition of iron in the ANEOS case, and this ring is resolved, the value of $Q_{\rm {RD}}^{*}$ has then converged.
Radio relics in PSZ2 G096.88+24.18: a connection with pre-existing plasma
Authors: Jones A , de Gasperin F , Cuciti V , Hoang D N , Botteon A , Brüggen M , Brunetti G , Finner K , Forman W R , Jones C , Kraft R P , Shimwell T , van Weeren R J
Published: May 2021

Giant radio relics are arc-like structures of diffuse, non-thermal synchrotron radiation that trace shock waves induced by galaxy cluster mergers. The particle (re-)acceleration mechanism producing such radio relics is unclear. One major open question is whether relics can be formed directly from a population of thermal seed electrons, or if pre-existing relativistic seed electrons are required. In some cases, active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can provide such a population of sub-GeV electrons. However, it is unclear how common this connection is. In this paper, we present LOFAR 140 MHz and Very Large Array L-band radio observations, as well as Chandra data of PSZ2 G096.88+24.18, a merging galaxy cluster system hosting a pair of radio relics. A large patch of diffuse emission connects a bright radio galaxy with one of the relics, likely affecting the properties of the relic. We find that the most plausible explanation for the connection is that the merger shock wave has passed over an AGN lobe. The shock passing over this seed population of electrons has led to an increased brightness in the relic only in the region filled with seed electrons.
Imaging of native transcription and transcriptional dynamicsin vivousing a tagged Argonaute protein
Authors: Toudji-Zouaz Amel , Bertrand Vincent , Barrière Antoine
Published: May 2021

A flexible method to image unmodified transcripts and transcription in vivo would be a valuable tool to understand the regulation and dynamics of transcription. Here, we present a novel approach to follow native transcription, with fluorescence microscopy, in live C. elegans. By using the fluorescently tagged Argonaute protein NRDE-3, programmed by exposure to defined dsRNA to bind to nascent transcripts of the gene of interest, we demonstrate transcript labelling of multiple genes, at the transcription site and in the cytoplasm. This flexible approach does not require genetic manipulation, and can be easily scaled up by relying on whole-genome dsRNA libraries. We apply this method to image the transcriptional dynamics of the heat-shock inducible gene hsp-4 (a member of the hsp70 family), as well as two transcription factors: ttx-3 (a LHX2/9 orthologue) in embryos, and hlh-1 (a MyoD orthologue) in larvae, respectively involved in neuronal and muscle development.
Dissecting and tuning primer editing by proofreading polymerases
Authors: Gohl Daryl M , Auch Benjamin , Certano Amanda , LeFrançois Brice , Bouevitch Anne , Doukhanine Evgueni , Fragel Christina , Macklaim Jean , Hollister Emily , Garbe John , Beckman Kenneth B
Published: May 2021

Proofreading polymerases have 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity that allows the excision and correction of mis-incorporated bases during DNA replication. In a previous study, we demonstrated that in addition to correcting substitution errors and lowering the error rate of DNA amplification, proofreading polymerases can also edit PCR primers to match template sequences. Primer editing is a feature that can be advantageous in certain experimental contexts, such as amplicon-based microbiome profiling. Here we develop a set of synthetic DNA standards to report on primer editing activity and use these standards to dissect this phenomenon. The primer editing standards allow next-generation sequencing-based enzymological measurements, reveal the extent of editing, and allow the comparison of different polymerases and cycling conditions. We demonstrate that proofreading polymerases edit PCR primers in a concentration-dependent manner, and we examine whether primer editing exhibits any sequence specificity. In addition, we use these standards to show that primer editing is tunable through the incorporation of phosphorothioate linkages. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of primer editing to robustly rescue the drop-out of taxa with 16S rRNA gene-targeting primer mismatches using mock communities and human skin microbiome samples.
A synthetic RNA-mediated evolution system in yeast
Authors: Jensen Emil D , Laloux Marcos , Lehka Beata J , Pedersen Lasse E , Jakočiūnas Tadas , Jensen Michael K , Keasling Jay D
Published: May 2021

Laboratory evolution is a powerful approach to search for genetic adaptations to new or improved phenotypes, yet either relies on labour-intensive human-guided iterative rounds of mutagenesis and selection, or prolonged adaptation regimes based on naturally evolving cell populations. Here we present CRISPR- and RNA-assisted in vivo directed evolution (CRAIDE) of genomic loci using evolving chimeric donor gRNAs continuously delivered from an error-prone T7 RNA polymerase, and directly introduced as RNA repair donors into genomic targets under either Cas9 or dCas9 guidance. We validate CRAIDE by evolving novel functional variants of an auxotrophic marker gene, and by conferring resistance to a toxic amino acid analogue in baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a mutation rate >3,000-fold higher compared to spontaneous native rate, thus enabling the first demonstrations of in vivo delivery and information transfer from long evolving RNA donor templates into genomic context without the use of in vitro supplied and pre-programmed repair donors.
Gawky modulates MTF-1-mediated transcription activation and metal discrimination
Authors: Jia Ruirui , Song Zhenxing , Lin Jiamei , Li Zhengguo , Shan Ge , Huang Chuan
Published: May 2021

Metal-induced genes are usually transcribed at relatively low levels under normal conditions and are rapidly activated by heavy metal stress. Many of these genes respond preferentially to specific metal-stressed conditions. However, the mechanism by which the general transcription machinery discriminates metal stress from normal conditions and the regulation of MTF-1-meditated metal discrimination are poorly characterized. Using a focused RNAi screening in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells, we identified a novel activator, the Drosophila gawky, of metal-responsive genes. Depletion of gawky has almost no effect on the basal transcription of the metallothionein (MT) genes, but impairs the metal-induced transcription by inducing the dissociation of MTF-1 from the MT promoters and the deficient nuclear import of MTF-1 under metal-stressed conditions. This suggests that gawky serves as a ‘checkpoint’ for metal stress and metal-induced transcription. In fact, regular mRNAs are converted into gawky-controlled transcripts if expressed under the control of a metal-responsive promoter, suggesting that whether transcription undergoes gawky-mediated regulation is encrypted therein. Additionally, lack of gawky eliminates the DNA binding bias of MTF-1 and the transcription preference of metal-specific genes. This suggests a combinatorial control of metal discrimination by gawky, MTF-1, and MTF-1 binding sites.
Disturbed Amazonian forests support diminished breeding bird communities
Authors: Rutt Cameron L , Kaller Michael D , Stouffer Philip C
Published: May 2021

Twenty percent of the Brazilian Amazon has now been deforested, and deforestation rates are increasing. This compels us to evaluate the conservation potential of human-modified landscapes; yet the ecological value of regenerating and fragmented Amazonian forests remains poorly understood. To date, most faunal studies in disturbed forests have examined metrics derived from presence or abundance. Although valuable, these data cannot tell us how old-growth species are using disturbed forests. In this study, we complement presence data with breeding observations to assess more comprehensively the habitat quality of disturbed forests in central Amazonia. We synthesized breeding evidence from standardized passive mist-netting, mixed-species flock-following, and opportunistic nest-searching across a full annual cycle in 30–35-year-old secondary forest, 10-ha fragments, and undisturbed forest. We then used multistate occupancy models to estimate the number of undetected breeding species in each forest type, which illustrated that fewer species bred in secondary forest (–43%) and 10-ha fragments (–17%) than in undisturbed forest. Both these losses are larger than the associated decrease in species richness alone (–17% and –10%, respectively). Notably, we confirmed breeding by only three terrestrial and near-ground insectivores in fragments and secondary forest combined (of the 9 species found in undisturbed forest). Disturbed forests also supported fewer breeding individuals (–35% to –50%) and, in secondary forest, fewer successful breeding attempts (–24%). Encouragingly, however, some forest-dependent birds are breeding and producing fledglings in disturbed forests, including representatives from almost every guild. This was especially apparent for mixed-species flocks and army-ant followers, two guilds that have historically been considered vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance. Therefore, despite a loss of breeding habitat in disturbed forests, these data suggest that landscapes composed of regenerating forest and small fragments have conservation potential for forest bird populations.
Three-dimensional dust geometry of the LMC H i ridge region as revealed by the IRSF/SIRIUS survey
Authors: Furuta Takuya , Kaneda Hidehiro , Kokusho Takuma , Nakajima Yasushi , Fukui Yasuo , Tsuge Kisetsu
Published: May 2021

We present a new method to evaluate the dust extinction (AV) along the line of sight using the InfraRed Survey Facility (IRSF) near-infrared (NIR) data of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) H i ridge region. In our method, we estimate an AV value for each star from the NIR color excess and sort them from bluer to redder in each line of sight. Using the percentile values of the sorted AV, we construct a new three-dimensional AV map. We compare the resultant AV map with the total hydrogen column density N(H) traced by velocity-resolved H i and CO observations. In the LMC H i ridge region, Fukui et al. (2017, PASJ, 69, L5) found two velocity components and an intermediate velocity one bridging them. Comparing our three-dimensional AV maps with N(H) maps at the different velocities, we find that the dust geometry is consistent with the scenario of ongoing gas collision between the two velocities as suggested in the previous study. In addition, we find a difference by a factor of 2 in AV/N(H) between the two velocity components, which suggests that inflow gas from the Small Magellanic Clouds (SMC) is mixed in this region. Overall, our results support triggered star formation in 30 Doradus due to the large-scale gas collision caused by tidal interaction between the LMC and the SMC.
Origin and Evolution of the Fatu Kapa Magmatic System (North-Western Lau Back-arc Basin): Insight on the Genesis of High-Silica Lavas
Authors: Jeanvoine Aurélien , Chazot Gilles , Labanieh Shasa , Pelleter Ewan , Fouquet Yves
Published: May 2021

The South Eastern Futuna Volcanic Zone (SEFVZ; 50 km × 80 km) is located in the NW of the Lau back-arc basin at the northern boundary of the Futuna and YAO microplates. Fatu Kapa is an area (∼15 km × 10 km) of diffuse volcanic activity at the center of the SEFVZ and at the intersection of two volcanic axes with the Futuna fracture zone. At this place, the volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal activities are enhanced. The most differentiated volcanic series of the whole Futuna region are found in the Fatu Kapa area. Based on major and trace element data, four groups of volcanic rocks are distinguished in the Fatu Kapa area. The main groups form a well-defined transitional suite from basalts to andesitic and dacitic lavas that display enrichments in Zr, Cl and heavy rare earth elements. The most mafic lavas of this group are extracted from an Indian-type depleted mantle mixed with a component with trace element and isotopic characteristics similar to the nearby Samoa mantle plume. There is no evidence of subduction input. Petrological modelling shows that the mafic melts of the main group (Group 1A) evolve towards trachyandesites through fractional crystallization coupled with assimilation of 10 % of a Cl-rich and Th-poor melt generated by low-degree (≤2 %) partial melting of a hydrothermally altered basaltic crust. Rocks of Groups 1B(a) and 1B(b) were then generated by mixing of a mafic melt from Group 1A with a melt obtained by partial melting of andesitic and hydrothermally altered wallrock in shallow magma chambers. Extremely high Cl concentrations can be explained by assimilation of interstitial K- and Cl-rich brines in the pore water of the hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks before melting of these rocks. This is in good agreement with unusual extension of the Fatu Kapa hydrothermal area and indicates that, in the north of the Lau basin, the microplate boundaries are privileged zones to generate a complex felsic magmatism within areas of widespread hydrothermal alteration. Our study confirms the importance of assimilation and fractional crystallization and mixing processes in generating high-silica lavas in back-arc environments decoupled from subduction.
MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE 4 impacts leaf development, temperature, and stomatal movement in hybrid aspen
Authors: Witoń Damian , Sujkowska-Rybkowska Marzena , Dąbrowska-Bronk Joanna , Czarnocka Weronika , Bernacki Maciej , Szechyńska-Hebda Magdalena , Karpiński Stanisław
Published: May 2021

Stomatal movement and density influence plant water use efficiency and thus biomass production. Studies in model plants within controlled environments suggest MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE 4 (MPK4) may be crucial for stomatal regulation. We present functional analysis of MPK4 for hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) grown under natural field conditions for several seasons. We provide evidence of the role of MPK4 in the genetic and environmental regulation of stomatal formation, differentiation, signaling, and function; control of the photosynthetic and thermal status of leaves; and growth and acclimation responses. The long-term acclimation manifested as variations in stomatal density and distribution. Short-term acclimation responses were derived from changes in the stomatal aperture. MPK4 localized in the cytoplasm of guard cells (GCs) was a positive regulator of abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent stomatal closure and nitric oxide metabolism in the ABA-dependent pathways, while to a lesser extent, it was involved in ABA-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation. MPK4 also affected the stomatal aperture through deregulation of microtubule patterns and cell wall structure and composition, including via pectin methyl-esterification, and extensin levels in the GC wall. Deregulation of leaf anatomy (cell compaction) and stomatal movement, together with increased light energy absorption, resulted in altered leaf temperature, photosynthesis, cell death, and biomass accumulation in mpk4 transgenic plants. Divergence between absorbed energy and assimilated energy is a bottleneck, and MPK4 can participate in the control of energy dissipation (thermal effects). Furthermore, MPK4 can participate in balancing the photosynthetic energy distribution via its effective use in growth or redirection to acclimation/defense responses.