bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More green, less lonely? A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Astell-Burt Thomas , Hartig Terry , Eckermann Simon , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , McMunn Anne , Frumkin Howard , Feng Xiaoqi
Published: April 2021

Background

Urban greening may reduce loneliness by offering opportunities for solace, social reconnection and supporting processes such as stress relief. We (i) assessed associations between residential green space and cumulative incidence of, and relief from, loneliness over 4 years; and (ii) explored contingencies by age, sex, disability and cohabitation status.

Methods

Multilevel logistic regressions of change in loneliness status in 8049 city-dwellers between 2013 (baseline) and 2017 (follow-up) in the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study. Associations with objectively measured discrete green-space buffers (e.g. parks) (<400, <800 and <1600 m) were adjusted for age, sex, disability, cohabitation status, children and socio-economic variables. Results were translated into absolute risk reductions in loneliness per 10% increase in urban greening.

Results

The absolute risk of loneliness rose from 15.9% to 16.9% over the 4 years; however, a 10% increase in urban greening within 1.6 km was associated with lower cumulative incident loneliness [odds ratio (OR) = 0.927, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.862 to 0.996; absolute risk reduction = 0.66%]. Stronger association was observed for people living alone (OR = 0.828, 95% CI = 0.725 to 0.944). In comparison to people with <10% green space, the ORs for cumulative incident loneliness were 0.833 (95% CI = 0.695 to 0.997), 0.790 (95% CI = 0.624 to 1.000) and 0.736 (95% CI = 0.549 to 0.986) for 10–20%, 20–30% and >30% green space, respectively. Compared with the <10% green-space reference group with 13.78% incident loneliness over 4 years and conservatively assuming no impact on incident loneliness, associations translated into absolute risk reductions of 1.70%, 2.26% and 2.72% within populations with 10–20%, 20–30% and >30% green space, respectively. These associations were stronger again for people living alone, with 10–20% (OR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.448 to 0.826), 20–30% (OR = 0.649, 95% CI = 0.436 to 0.966) and >30% (OR = 0.480, 95% CI = 0.278 to 0.829) green space within 1600 m. No age, sex or disability-related contingencies, associations with green space within 400 or 800 m or relief from loneliness reported at baseline were observed.

Conclusions

A lower cumulative incidence of loneliness was observed among people with more green space within 1600 m of home, especially for people living alone. Potential biopsychosocial mechanisms warrant investigation.
Mathematical modelling of water sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of wastewater sewage sludge
Authors: Gu Zhipan , Yang Jichun , Tao Leren , Liu Fanhan , Zhang Ye
Published: April 2021

This study was aimed at determining wastewater sewage sludge moisture sorption characteristics using a static gravimetric method at 303 K, 313 K and 323 K. Eleven mathematical models were adopted to simulate the experimental data, and the optimal model was analysed. The indexes included the net isosteric heat of adsorption (qst), differential entropy (△S), spreading pressure (π), net integral enthalpy (qin) and net integral entropy (△Sin) to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of the sludge. The isotherm curves exhibited type II behaviour according to the Brunauer--Emmett--Teller classification. The sorption isotherm fitting showed that the Gugghenheim--Anderson--de Boer model was able to reproduce the equilibrium moisture content evolution with water activity for a moisture range varying from 6% to 89% (0.991 < R2 < 0.999). The net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy were evaluated through direct use of moisture isotherms via the Clausius–Clapeyron equation and used to investigate the enthalpy–entropy compensation theory. The net isosteric heat and differential entropy obviously decreased as the equilibrium moisture content increased, which satisfied the compensation theory. The spreading pressure of the sludge sorption process decreased as the temperature increased at a given water activity and increased as the water activity increased at a given temperature. When the spreading pressure was at a fixed level, the net integral enthalpy decreased as the equilibrium moisture content increased, whereas the net integral entropy decreased as the equilibrium moisture content increased to a minimum value of −93.17, −98.34 and −93.28 J/(mol.K) at 303 K, 313 K and 323 K, respectively, and then tended to increase.
Variations of Ramanujan’s Euler Products
Authors: Koyama Shin-ya , Kurokawa Nobushige
Published: April 2021

We study the meromorphy of various Euler products of degree two attached to holomorphic Hecke eigen cusp forms for the elliptic modular group, including Ramanujan’s $\Delta $-function.
Topical Imiquimod Does Not Provide an Adjuvant Effect When Administered With Inactivated Influenza A/H5N1 Vaccine in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: El Sahly Hana M , Atmar Robert L , Sendra Eli , Wegel Ashley , Keitel Wendy A
Published: April 2021

Background

Safe, effective, and easy to deploy adjuvants are needed for influenza prepandemic preparedness. Based on recent reports, we hypothesized that preapplication of topical imiquimod followed by intradermal (ID) vaccination with monovalent inactivated influenza A/H5N1 vaccine (MIV A/H5N1) results in improved serologic responses.

Methods

We randomized 50 healthy adults in a 1:1 ratio to receive topical imiquimod (group 1) or control cream (group 2) followed by ID injection of 9 µg of the hemagglutinin MIV A/H5N1 in 2 doses, 21 days apart. Subjects were followed for safety and serologic responses as measured by the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) assays.

Results

Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were comparable between groups 1 and 2, and were mostly mild to moderate in severity. At 21 days after dose 2, the geometric mean titers (GMTs) of HAI antibodies against the vaccine strain were 16.2 and 24.3 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The MN antibody GMTs were 9.3 and 10.7 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences in antibody levels between groups at study time points.

Conclusions

Topical imiquimod administration combined with ID MIV A/H5N1 was safe but did not result in improved serologic responses to the vaccine.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03472976.
Exhumation of a Methamphetamine Body Packer: Pitfalls of Hair Result Interpretation
Authors: Hakim Florian , Nassibou Shanti , Gish Alexandr , Lima Benjamin , Wiart Jean-François , Richeval Camille , Outreville Jonathan , Quétard Véronique , Allorge Delphine , Gaulier Jean-Michel
Published: April 2021

Carrying out toxicological investigations in biological samples (e.g., hair) collected from extensively decomposed bodies and interpretation of subsequently obtained results is challenging, even more in some particular circumstances of death. In order to illustrate these pitfalls, we report the case of the exhumation of a methamphetamine (MA) body packer. Autopsy examination of a 41-year-old man, 1 year after his burial, revealed the presence of 44 green pellets (7 out of 44 were torn) along all the gastrointestinal tracts. A 6 cm long dark hair strand and pellets were sampled for toxicological analyses. Large toxicological screenings were applied to hair and pellets using both LC–MS-MS and LC--HRMS. Intact pellets contained around 10 g of MA with a purity ranging from 29 to 35%. Positive hair results were amiodarone (4.12 ng/mg), desethylamiodarone (5.29 ng/mg) and MA (7.63 ng/mg). MA pellets in gastrointestinal tract were consistent with the autopsy conclusion, i.e., fatal intoxication due to in corpore pellet rupture in a body packer (the victim was initially deemed to have died from heart failure). In the absence of available data in the literature, amiodarone and metabolite presence in hair could putatively be the consequence of a chronic treatment. MA hair concentration was similar to those observed in regular consumers. However, interpreting this hair result is challenging due to (i) the possibility of contamination by sweat at the time of death, and (ii) the probable contamination by putrefaction fluids. This latter hypothesis (artifactual contamination during the postmortem postmortem) is highly supported by high concentration of MA in decontamination bath, and even more by the absence of the major MA metabolite (amphetamine) in hair. As a conclusion, in this particular situation, the hair analysis result (presence of MA and concomitant absence of amphetamine) is in agreement with the previously established cause of death.
Good Relations: Kinship Care in Liverpool, UK and the Views of Professionals on Human Rights
Authors: Daly Aoife
Published: April 2021

Human rights are little understood and often demonized in the UK. It is of particular importance to advocate for a greater understanding of how human rights are perceived at local level, and how these understandings can inform the national and global level. Kinship care involves families or friends taking on the care of the child of another, usually in emergency circumstances such as parental death or addiction. This group are far more likely than average to live in poverty, and yet are often ignored by the state. Human rights can frame their issue as one involving legitimate claims for greater support. In the specific Liverpool context, professionals working with kinship care families were asked about the relevance of human rights to kinship care. The results indicate that professionals see human rights as relevant, though there is confusion over what rights might entail, and over how actors might access them. Human rights are understood in a markedly ‘light’ way, whereby the rhetoric is used but in reality attention to rights is limited. This article argues that, to achieve a more authentic reliance on human rights, rights holders’ concerns must set the agenda for future norm development, and therefore multidirectional dialogue must be had about how to do this.
Chylous ascites as a sequelae of primary small bowel volvulus in a virgin abdomen
Authors: Leaning Matthew
Published: April 2021

Chylous ascites (CA) results in a thick white ascitic fluid, akin to milk. It is most commonly caused by malignancy and cirrhosis in adults. Here we present only the second reported case of primary small bowel volvulus resulting in CA in the virgin abdomen. The patient presented with acute onset, severe abdominal pain. She underwent an urgent laparotomy where a large volume of CA was drained. The bowel and its mesentery were congested with chyle and stained white. Following detorsion the bowel returned to normal, and the patient recovered well. Here we review the radiological findings and aetiology of CA, due to small bowel volvulus. This case highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention in patients with volvulus to prevent irreversible bowel ischaemia and if untreated, perforation.
Combining urine antigen and blood polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis in hospitalized patients with advanced HIV disease
Authors: Vidal José E , Werlang Paula Custodio , Muniz Bruno M , Rego Caroline Martins , Barbalho Renata Elisie , Baptista André Miranda , Telles Joao Paulo , da Cruz Allecineia Bispo , Pereira Ingrid de Siqueira , Gava Ricardo , Marcusso Rosa , Pasqualotto Alessandro C , Pereira-Chioccola Vera Lucia
Published: April 2021

Disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) is endemic in Latin America and the Caribbean where diagnostic tools are restricted. We carried-out a 1-year prospective cohort study at a referral hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants had > or =18 years old, were hospitalized due to any indication and had CD4+ < 200 cells/µl. A urine commercial monoclonal Histoplasma galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IMMY, Norman, OK, USA) and ‘in house’ Histoplasma blood nested PCR were performed in all cases. Probable/proven DH cases were defined according to international guidelines. Conventional mycological methods were available in routine conditions to investigate suspected DH cases. Treatment of participants followed the institutional routine. One-hundred six participants were included. Median age (interquartile range [IQR]) was 39.5 years (30.0–47.3) and 80 individuals (75.5%) were males. Median (IQR) CD4 cell count was 26.5 (9.4–89.3) cells/mm3. DH was diagnosed in 8/106 patients (7.5%). Antigen assay and/or PCR were positive in 4.7% (5/106) of patients. The antigen assay and/or PCR identified 37.5% (3/8) of DH cases, which had not been diagnosed with conventional mycological methods, but had clinical manifestations compatible with HD. In conclusion, the use of Histoplasma urine antigen and Histoplasma blood PCR guided by CD4 status contributed to the diagnosis of DH in hospitalized individuals. These assays were complementary to conventional mycologic methods and are urgently needed in our setting.

Lay Summary

In this prospective cohort study carried-out in a referral center in São Paulo, Brazil, we found a high frequency of AIDS-related disseminated histoplasmosis (8/106, 7.5%). We used urine antigen test and blood PCR assay to improve the diagnosis of this opportunistic disease.
Evolution of circumbinary accretion disk around supermassive binary black hole: post-Newtonian hydrodynamics versus Newtonian hydrodynamics
Authors: Liu Wenshuai
Published: April 2021

We study the evolution of accretion disk around a supermassive binary black hole with equal mass using non-relativistic hydrodynamical simulations performed with FARGO3D. Compared with previous studies with the Newtonian hydrodynamics, here, we adopt the post-Newtonian (PN) hydrodynamics using the near zone metric of the binary black hole. In contrast to the Newtonian investigation, we find that there is a dramatic difference in the PN regime, gap formed by the circumbinary accretion disk around the binary with equal mass is wider with the PN hydrodynamics than that with the Newtonian hydrodynamics and is independent of disk viscosity given that hydrodynamical simulations are run for about the same factor times the viscous timescale associated with different viscosities. This may present unique observable signatures of the continuum emission in such binary-disk system.
A comprehensive reanalysis of Spitzer’s 4.5 μm phase curves, and the phase variations of the ultra-hot Jupiters MASCARA-1b and KELT-16b
Authors: Bell Taylor J , Dang Lisa , Cowan Nicolas B , Bean Jacob , Désert Jean-Michel , Fortney Jonathan J , Keating Dylan , Kempton Eliza , Kreidberg Laura , Line Michael R , Mansfield Megan , Parmentier Vivien , Stevenson Kevin B , Swain Mark , Zellem Robert T
Published: April 2021

We have developed an open-source pipeline for the analysis of Spitzer/IRAC channel 1 and 2 time-series photometry, incorporating some of the most popular decorrelation methods. We applied this pipeline to new phase curve observations of ultra-hot Jupiters MASCARA-1b and KELT-16b, and we performed the first comprehensive reanalysis of 15 phase curves. We find that MASCARA-1b and KELT-16b have phase offsets of $6^{+11}_{-11}~^{\circ }$W and $38^{+16}_{-15}~^{\circ }$W, dayside temperatures of $2952^{+100}_{-97}$  and $3070^{+160}_{-150}$ K, and nightside temperatures of $1300^{+340}_{-340}$ and $1900^{+430}_{-440}$ K, respectively. We confirm a strong correlation between dayside and irradiation temperatures with a shallower dependence for nightside temperature. We also find evidence that the normalized phase curve amplitude (peak-to-trough divided by eclipse depth) is correlated with stellar effective temperature. In addition, while our different models often retrieve similar parameters, significant differences occasionally arise between them, as well as between our preferred model and the literature values. Nevertheless, our preferred models are consistent with published phase offsets to within −8 ± 21 degrees (−1.6 ± 3.2 sigma), and normalized phase curve amplitudes are on average reproduced to within −0.01 ± 0.24 (−0.1 ± 1.6 sigma). Finally, we find that BLISS performs best in most cases, but not all; we therefore recommend future analyses consider numerous detector models to ensure an optimal fit and to assess model dependencies.
High-accuracy analytical solutions for the projected mass (counts) and surface density (brightness) of Einasto profiles
Authors: Dhar Barun K
Published: April 2021

The Einasto profile has been successful in describing the density profiles of dark matter haloes in ΛCDM N-body simulations. It has also been able to describe multiple components in the surface brightness profiles of galaxies. However, analytically projecting it to calculate quantities under projection is challenging. In this paper, we will see the development of a highly accurate analytical approximation for the mass (or counts) enclosed in an infinitely long cylindrical column for Einasto profiles–also known as the projected mass (or counts)–using a novel methodology. We will then develop a self-consistent high-accuracy model for the surface density from the expression for the projected mass. Both models are quite accurate for a broad family of functions, with a shape parameter α varying by a factor of 100 in the range 0.05 ≲ α ≲ 5.0, with fractional errors ∼10−6 for α ≲ 0.4. Profiles with α ≲ 0.4 have been shown to fit the density profiles of dark matter haloes in N-body simulations as well as the luminosity profiles of the outer-components of massive galaxies. Since the projected mass and the surface density are used in gravitational lensing, I will illustrate how these models facilitate (for the first time) analytical computation of several quantities of interest in lensing due to Einasto profiles. The models, however, are not limited to lensing and apply to similar quantities under projection, such as the projected luminosity, the projected (columnar) number counts, and the projected density or the surface brightness.
Cosmological magnetogenesis: the Biermann battery during the Epoch of reionization
Authors: Attia Mara , Teyssier Romain , Katz Harley , Kimm Taysun , Martin-Alvarez Sergio , Ocvirk Pierre , Rosdahl Joakim
Published: April 2021

We investigate the effect of the Biermann battery during the Epoch of reionization (EoR) using cosmological Adaptive Mesh Refinement simulations within the framework of the sphinx project. We develop a novel numerical technique to solve for the Biermann battery term in the Constrained Transport method, preserving both the zero divergence of the magnetic field and the absence of Biermann battery for isothermal flows. The structure-preserving nature of our numerical method turns out to be very important to minimize numerical errors during validation tests of the propagation of a Str’omgren sphere and of a Sedov blast wave. We then use this new method to model the evolution of a 2.5 and 5 co-moving Mpc cosmological box with a state-of-the-art galaxy formation model within the Ramses code. Contrary to previous findings, we show that three different Biermann battery channels emerge: the first one is associated with linear perturbations before the EoR, the second one is the classical Biermann battery associated with reionization fronts during the EoR, and the third one is associated with strong, supernova-driven outflows. While the two former channels generate spontaneously volume-filling magnetic fields with a strength on the order or below 10−20 G, the latter, owing to the higher plasma temperature and a marginally resolved turbulent dynamo, reaches a field strength as high as 10−18 G in the intergalactic medium around massive haloes.
Revisiting high-order Taylor methods for astrodynamics and celestial mechanics
Authors: Biscani Francesco , Izzo Dario
Published: April 2021

We present heyoka, a new, modern and general-purpose implementation of Taylor’s integration method for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations. Detailed numerical tests focused on difficult high-precision gravitational problems in astrodynamics and celestial mechanics show how our general-purpose integrator is competitive with and often superior to state-of-the-art specialized symplectic and non-symplectic integrators in both speed and accuracy. In particular, we show how Taylor methods are capable of satisfying Brouwer’s law for the conservation of energy in long-term integrations of planetary systems over billions of dynamical time-scales. We also show how close encounters are modelled accurately during simulations of the formation of the Kirkwood gaps and of Apophis’ 2029 close encounter with the Earth (where heyoka surpasses the speed and accuracy of domain-specific methods). heyoka can be used from both C++ and python, and it is publicly available as an open-source project.
X-ray spectroscopy of the starburst feedback in 30 Doradus
Authors: Cheng Yingjie , Wang Q Daniel , Lim Seunghwan
Published: April 2021

X-ray observations provide a potentially powerful tool to study starburst feedback. The analysis and interpretation of such observations remain challenging, however, due to various complications, including the non-isothermality of the diffuse hot plasma and the inhomogeneity of the foreground absorption. We here illustrate such complications and a way to mitigate their effects by presenting an X-ray spectroscopy of the 30 Doradus nebula in the Large Magellanic Clouds, based on a 100 ks Suzaku observation. We measure the thermal and chemical properties of the hot plasma and quantitatively confront them with the feedback expected from embedded massive stars. We find that our spatially resolved measurements can be well reproduced by a global modelling of the nebula with a lognormal temperature distribution of the plasma emission measure and a lognormal foreground absorption distribution. The metal abundances and total mass of the plasma are consistent with the chemically enriched mass ejection expected from the central OB association and a $\sim 55{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ mass-loading from the ambient medium. The total thermal energy of the plasma is smaller than what is expected from a simple superbubble model, demonstrating that important channels of energy loss are not accounted for. Our analysis indeed shows tentative evidence for a diffuse non-thermal X-ray component, indicating that cosmic ray acceleration needs to be considered in such a young starburst region. Finally, we suggest that the lognormal modelling may be suitable for the X-ray spectral analysis of other giant H ii regions, especially when spatially resolved spectroscopy is not practical.
Maximally hard radio spectra from Fermi acceleration in pulsar-wind nebulae
Authors: Arad Ofir , Lavi Assaf , Keshet Uri
Published: April 2021

The processes leading to the exceptionally hard radio spectra of pulsar-wind nebulae (PWNe) are not yet understood. Radio photon spectral indices among 29 PWNe from the literature show an approximately normal, α = 0.2 ± 0.2 distribution. We present ∼3σ evidence for a distinct sub-population of PWNe, with a hard spectrum α = 0.01 ± 0.06 near the termination shock and significantly softer elsewhere, possibly due to a recent evacuation of the shock surroundings. Such spectra, especially in the hard sub-population, suggest a Fermi process, such as diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), at its extreme, α = 0 limit. In particular, we show that this limit is approached in DSA for sufficiently anisotropic small-angle scattering, enhanced on either side of the shock for particles approaching the shock front. In the upstream, the spectral hardening is mostly associated with an enhanced energy gain, possibly driven by the same beamed particles crossing the shock. Downstream, the main effect is a diminished escape probability, but this lowers the acceleration efficiency to $\lesssim 25{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for α = 0.3 and $\lesssim 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for α = 0.03.
An analytical model to kinematically identify thin discs in MaNGA galaxies
Authors: Yang Meng , Weijmans Anne-Marie , Bershady Matthew A , Merrifield Michael , Boardman Nicholas F , Drory Niv
Published: April 2021

We present an analytical model to identify thin discs in galaxies, and apply this model to a sample of SDSS MaNGA galaxies. This model fits the velocity and velocity dispersion fields of galaxies with regular kinematics. By introducing two parameters ζ related to the comparison of the model’s asymmetric drift correction to the observed gas kinematics and η related to the dominant component of a galaxy, we classify the galaxies in the sample as ‘disc-dominated, ‘non-disc-dominated’, or ‘disc-free’ indicating galaxies with a dominating thin disc, a non-dominating thin disc, or no thin disc detection with our method, respectively. The dynamical mass resulting from our model correlates with stellar mass, and we investigate discrepancies by including gas mass and variation of the initial mass function. As expected, most spiral galaxies in the sample are disc-dominated, while ellipticals are predominantly disc-free. Lenticular galaxies show a dichotomy in their kinematic classification, which is related to their different star formation rates and gas fractions. We propose two possible scenarios to explain these results. In the first scenario, disc-free lenticulars formed in more violent processes than disc-dominated ones, while in the second scenario, the quenching processes in lenticulars lead to a change in their kinematic structures as disc-dominated lenticulars evolve to disc-free ones.
Spectroscopic and photometric observations of dwarf nova superoutbursts by the 3.8 m telescope Seimei and the Variable Star Network
Authors: Tampo Yusuke , Isogai Keisuke , Kojiguchi Naoto , Maehara Hiroyuki , Taguchi Kenta , Kato Taichi , Kimura Mariko , Wakamatsu Yasuyuki , Shibata Masaaki , Nogami Daisaku , Kawabata Miho , Maeda Keiichi , Namekata Kosuke , Okamoto Soshi , Otsuka Masaaki , Burgaz Umut , Nagoshi Shumpei , Itoh Hiroshi , Vanmunster Tonny , Tordai Tamás , Stone Geoffrey , Matsumoto Katsura , Fujii Daiti , Matsumura Ryota , Nakagawa Momoka , Takeuchi Nodoka , Zenkou Yuki , Pavlenko Elena P , Antonyuk Kirill A , Pit Nikolaj V , Antonyuk Oksana I , Babina Julia V , Baklanov Aleksei V , Sosnovskij Aleksei A , Shugarov Sergey Yu , Katysheva Nataly , Chochol Drahomír , Dvorak Shawn , Dubovsky Pavol A , Medulka Tomáš , Kudzej Igor , Kiyota Seiichiro , Zubareva Alexandra M , Belinski Alexandr A , Ikonnikova Natalia P , Burlak Marina A , Sano Yasuo , Mizutani Masanori , Ruiz Javier , D. Pickard Roger , Hambsch Franz-Josef , Dufoer Sjoerd , Brincat Stephen M , Galdies Charles , Menzies Kenneth , Moriyama Masayuki , Hiraga Mitsutaka , Maeda Yutaka , Hirosawa Kenji , Funada Masao , Yamamoto Minoru
Published: April 2021

We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of 17 dwarf-nova superoutbursts obtained by KOOLS-IFU mounted on the 3.8 m telescope Seimei at the Okayama Observatory of Kyoto University and through the Variable Star Network collaboration (VSNET). Our spectroscopic observations for six outbursts were performed within 1 d of their optical peak. 11 objects (TCP J00590972+3438357, ASASSN-19ado, TCP J06073081−0101501, ZTF20aavnpug, ASASSN-19ady, MASTER OT J061642.05+435617.9, TCP J20034647+1335125, ASASSN-20kv, ASASSN-20kw, MASTER OT J213908.79+161240.2, and ASASSN-20mf) were previously unknown systems, and our observations enabled quick classification of their transient type. These results illustrate that the Seimei telescope has the capability to conduct quick follow-up observations of unknown transients. Our photometric observations yielded that 11 of the objects are WZ Sge-type dwarf novae and their candidates, and the other six are SU UMa-type dwarf novae and their candidates. The He ii 4686 Å emission line was clearly detected among ASASSN-19ado, TCP J06073081−0101501 and MASTER OT J213908.79+161240.2, the association of which with a spiral arm structure in an accretion disk has been suggested in previous studies. Our result suggests that a higher-inclination system shows a stronger emission line of He ii 4686 Å, as well as larger-amplitude early superhumps.
Fatty acid photodecarboxylase is an ancient photoenzyme that forms hydrocarbons in the thylakoids of algae
Authors: Moulin Solène L Y , Beyly-Adriano Audrey , Cuiné Stéphan , Blangy Stéphanie , Légeret Bertrand , Floriani Magali , Burlacot Adrien , Sorigué Damien , Samire Poutoum-Palakiyem , Li-Beisson Yonghua , Peltier Gilles , Beisson Fred
Published: April 2021

Fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) is one of the few enzymes that require light for their catalytic cycle (photoenzymes). FAP was first identified in the microalga Chlorella variabilis NC64A, and belongs to an algae-specific subgroup of the glucose–methanol–choline oxidoreductase family. While the FAP from C. variabilis and its Chlamydomonas reinhardtii homolog CrFAP have demonstrated in vitro activities, their activities and physiological functions have not been studied in vivo. Furthermore, the conservation of FAP activity beyond green microalgae remains hypothetical. Here, using a C. reinhardtii FAP knockout line (fap), we showed that CrFAP is responsible for the formation of 7-heptadecene, the only hydrocarbon of this alga. We further showed that CrFAP was predominantly membrane-associated and that >90% of 7-heptadecene was recovered in the thylakoid fraction. In the fap mutant, photosynthetic activity was not affected under standard growth conditions, but was reduced after cold acclimation when light intensity varied. A phylogenetic analysis that included sequences from Tara Ocean identified almost 200 putative FAPs and indicated that FAP was acquired early after primary endosymbiosis. Within Bikonta, FAP was retained in secondary photosynthetic endosymbiosis lineages but absent from those that lost the plastid. Characterization of recombinant FAPs from various algal genera (Nannochloropsis, Ectocarpus, Galdieria, Chondrus) provided experimental evidence that FAP photochemical activity was present in red and brown algae, and was not limited to unicellular species. These results thus indicate that FAP was conserved during the evolution of most algal lineages where photosynthesis was retained, and suggest that its function is linked to photosynthetic membranes.
SeedQuant: a deep learning-based tool for assessing stimulant and inhibitor activity on root parasitic seeds
Authors: Braguy Justine , Ramazanova Merey , Giancola Silvio , Jamil Muhammad , Kountche Boubacar A , Zarban Randa , Felemban Abrar , Wang Jian You , Lin Pei-Yu , Haider Imran , Zurbriggen Matias , Ghanem Bernard , Al-Babili Salim
Published: April 2021

Witchweeds (Striga spp.) and broomrapes (Orobanchaceae and Phelipanche spp.) are root parasitic plants that infest many crops in warm and temperate zones, causing enormous yield losses and endangering global food security. Seeds of these obligate parasites require rhizospheric, host-released stimulants to germinate, which opens up possibilities for controlling them by applying specific germination inhibitors or synthetic stimulants that induce lethal germination in the host’s absence. To determine their effect on germination, root exudates or synthetic stimulants/inhibitors are usually applied to parasitic seeds in in vitro bioassays, followed by assessment of germination ratios. Although these protocols are very sensitive, the germination recording process is laborious, representing a challenge for researchers and impeding high-throughput screens. Here, we developed an automatic seed census tool to count and discriminate germinated seeds (GS) from non-GS. We combined deep learning, a powerful data-driven framework that can accelerate the procedure and increase its accuracy, for object detection with computer vision latest development based on the Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network algorithm. Our method showed an accuracy of 94% in counting seeds of Striga hermonthica and reduced the required time from approximately 5 min to 5 s per image. Our proposed software, SeedQuant, will be of great help for seed germination bioassays and enable high-throughput screening for germination stimulants/inhibitors. SeedQuant is an open-source software that can be further trained to count different types of seeds for research purposes.
Risk of coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalization and mortality in rheumatic patients treated with hydroxychloroquine or other conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in Italy
Authors: Spila Alegiani Stefania , Crisafulli Salvatore , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Mancuso Pamela , Salvarani Carlo , Atzeni Fabiola , Gini Rosa , Kirchmayer Ursula , Belleudi Valeria , Kurotschka Peter Konstantin , Leoni Olivia , Ludergnani Monica , Ferroni Eliana , Baracco Susanna , Massari Marco , Trifirò Gianluca ,   the ITA-COVID-19 Network
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To ascertain if the use of hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)/cloroquine(CLQ) and other conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) and rheumatic diseases per se may be associated with COVID-19-related risk of hospitalization and mortality.

Methods

This case–control study nested within a cohort of cDMARD users was conducted in the Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany and Lazio regions and Reggio Emilia province. Claims databases were linked to COVID-19 surveillance registries. The risk of COVID-19-related outcomes was estimated using a multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis comparing HCQ/CLQ vs MTX, vs other cDMARDs and vs non-use of these drugs. The presence of rheumatic diseases vs their absence in a non-nested population was investigated.

Results

A total of 1275 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 were matched to 12 734 controls. Compared with recent use of MTX, no association between HCQ/CLQ monotherapy and COVID-19 hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (95% CI 0.69, 1.00)] or mortality [OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.85, 1.67)] was observed. A lower risk was found when comparing HCQ/CLQ use with the concomitant use of other cDMARDs and glucocorticoids. HCQ/CLQ was not associated with COVID-19 hospitalization as compared with non-use. An increased risk for recent use of either MTX monotherapy [OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.05, 1.34)] or other cDMARDs [OR 1.21 (95% CI 1.08, 1.36)] vs non-use was found. Rheumatic diseases were not associated with COVID-19-related outcomes.

Conclusion

HCQ/CLQ use in rheumatic patients was not associated with a protective effect against COVID-19-related outcomes. The use of other cDMARDs was associated with an increased risk when compared with non-use and, if concomitantly used with glucocorticoids, also vs HCQ/CLQ, probably due to immunosuppressive action.
EVALUATION OF VGC ANALYZER BY COMPARISON WITH GOLD STANDARD ROC SOFTWARE AND ANALYSIS OF SIMULATED VISUAL GRADING DATA
Authors: Hansson Jonny , Månsson Lars Gunnar , Båth Magnus
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the use of resampling statistical methods for analysis of visual grading data—implemented in the software VGC Analyzer—by comparing the reanalyzed results from previously performed visual grading studies with the results calculated by gold standard receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methodology, Obuchowski-Rockette (OR)-Dorfman–Berbaum–Metz (DBM) multiple-readers and multiple-case (MRMC) and by analysis of simulated visual grading data where the true distribution was presumed to be known. The reanalysis was performed on two multiple-reader studies with non-paired data and paired data, respectively. The simulation study was performed by simulating a large number of visual grading characteristics (VGC) studies and by analyzing the statistical distribution of null hypothesis (H0) rejection rate. The comparison with OR-DBM MRMC showed good agreement when analyzing non-paired data for both fixed-reader and random-reader settings for the calculated area under the curve values and the confidence intervals (CIs). For paired data analysis, VGC Analyzer showed significantly lower CIs compared with the ROC software. This effect was also illustrated by the simulation study, where the VGC Analyzer, in general, showed good accuracy for simulated studies with stable statistical basis. For simulated studies with unstable statistics, the accuracy in the H0 rejection rate decreased. The present study has shown that resampling methodology can be used to accurately perform the statistical analysis of a VGC study, although the resampling technique used makes the method sensitive to small data sets.
A Systematic Review of Cognition-Brain Morphology Relationships on the Schizophrenia-Bipolar Disorder Spectrum
Authors: Karantonis James A , Carruthers Sean P , Rossell Susan L , Pantelis Christos , Hughes Matthew , Wannan Cassandra , Cropley Vanessa , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E
Published: April 2021

The nature of the relationship between cognition and brain morphology in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) and bipolar disorder (BD) is uncertain. This review aimed to address this, by providing a comprehensive systematic investigation of links between several cognitive domains and brain volume, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area in SSD and BD patients across early and established illness stages. An initial search of PubMed and Scopus databases resulted in 1486 articles, of which 124 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail. The majority of studies focused on SSD, while those of BD were scarce. Replicated evidence for specific regions associated with indices of cognition was minimal, however for several cognitive domains, the frontal and temporal regions were broadly implicated across both recent-onset and established SSD, and to a lesser extent BD. Collectively, the findings of this review emphasize the significance of both frontal and temporal regions for some domains of cognition in SSD, while highlighting the need for future BD-related studies on this topic.
Contribution and Acceptability of Bacteriological Collection Tools in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children Infected with HIV
Authors: Sanogo Bintou , Kiema Pegdewende Eliane , Barro Makoura , Nacro Sahoura Fatimata , Ouermi Saga Alain , Msellati Philippe , Nacro Boubacar
Published: April 2021

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of new bacteriological samples to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-infected children.

Method and patients

HIV1-infected children with suspicion of TB in Universitary Hospital Sourô Sanon (Burkina Faso) were included in a prospective cohort study. Children underwent three gastric aspirates (GA) if aged <4 years; two GA, one string test (ST) if aged 4–9 years and three sputum, one ST if aged 10–13 years. All children underwent one nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) and one stool sample. To assess feasibility and tolerability of procedures, adverse events were identified and pain was rated on different scales. Samples were tested by microscopy, culture, GeneXpert® (Xpert®).

Results

Sixty-three patients were included. Mean age was 8.92 years, 52.38% were females. Ninety-five GA, 67 sputum, 62 NPA, 60 stool and 55 ST had been performed. During sampling, the main adverse events were cough at 68/95 GA and 48/62 NPA; sneeze at 50/95 GA and 38/62 NPA and vomiting at 4/55 ST. On the behavioral scale, the average pain score during collection was 6.38/10 for GA; 7.70/10 for NPA and 1.03/10 for ST. Of the 31 cases of TB, bacteriological confirmation was made in 12 patients.

Conclusion

ST, stool is well-tolerated alternatives specimens for diagnosing TB in children. NPA has a poor feasibility and tolerability in children.
Long-Term Outcomes in Children Surviving Tropical Arboviral Encephalitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chow Christal , Dehority Walter
Published: April 2021

Background

Survivors of childhood encephalitis often suffer from physical and neurocognitive sequelae, particularly in tropical, resource-limited areas with a large burden of arboviral, neurotropic pathogens and limited resources with which to address chronic morbidities. Research into overall and pathogen-specific outcomes following childhood encephalitis may help identify risk factors for poor outcomes, quantify the burden of sequelae, assist with resource allocation and help focus rehabilitative efforts. However, such research is limited. To this end, we systematically reviewed the literature on this topic to identify gaps in knowledge worthy of future investigation.

Methods

A search of PubMed, Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane databases was performed 10 January through 20 February 2020, using 17 search terms for sequelae and 14 for tropical, arboviral pathogens. Eligible reports demonstrated post-discharge follow-up of ≥3 months and assessment of clinical outcome in a child with an arboviral encephalitis ≤18 years of age at diagnosis.

Results

Of 1513 articles, 35 were eligible, comprising 693 children. Japanese encephalitis accounted for 18 articles and 93.2% of all subjects (646 total). Sequelae were documented in ∼60% of subjects overall and in those with Japanese encephalitis. For non-Japanese encephalitis virus encephalitides (47 children), sequelae were found in 78.1%. No studies utilized comprehensive neurocognitive testing or assessed the efficacy of rehabilitative efforts. Only nine studies reported data from ≥1 follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Investigation into long-term outcomes following tropical childhood encephalitis is limited, particularly for neurocognitive sequelae, serial assessments over time and the effect of rehabilitative measures.

LAY SUMMARY

Encephalitis, an infection of the brain, is frequently caused by arboviruses (viruses spread via the bite of infected arthropods, such as mosquitoes) in tropical locales. Following infection, surviving children may be plagued with severe physical and cognitive deficits. Unfortunately, research into the type of deficits, their frequency and their responsiveness to rehabilitative efforts is lacking. We identified and reviewed 35 studies describing outcomes in children recovering from tropical, arboviral encephalitis at least 3 months following hospital discharge. Poor outcomes were common and found in up to 60% of children. Long-term and serial follow-up visits were rare, as was the use of comprehensive neurocognitive testing. No studies assessed the efficacy of rehabilitative measures. Further study into these areas is recommended.
New specimens from Mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber illuminate the phylogenetic placement of Lagonomegopidae (Arachnida: Araneae)
Authors: Guo Xiangbo , Selden Paul A , Ren Dong
Published: April 2021

New lagonomegopid spiders are described from Mid-Cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber. Two new genera and species based on single specimens, Scopomegops fax gen. & sp. nov. and Hiatomegops spinalis gen. & sp. nov. are described. Two specimens belonging to Lineaburmops beigeli are further described. Additionally, after re-examining the holotype of Odontomegops titan, a detailed description of its basal ventral abdomen is added here. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to investigate the phylogenetic placement of Lagonomegopidae. A matrix of 79 morphological characters, scored for six lagonomegopid taxa and 26 non-lagonomegopid taxa, was analysed through parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Our results recover extant Palpimanoidea as a monophyletic group and partly suggest that Lagonomegopidae is the sister-group to extant Palpimanoidea. The external sexual organs, retrolateral tibial apophysis on the male palp and tracheal spiracle in lagonomegopids are discussed.
Mechanisms and primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV
Authors: Durstenfeld Matthew S. , Hsue Priscilla Y.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review

To highlight mechanisms of elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH), discuss therapeutic strategies, and opportunities for primary prevention.

Recent findings

HIV-associated ASCVD risk is likely multifactorial and due to HIV-specific factors and traditional risk factors even in the setting of treated and suppressed HIV disease. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation and immune activation are key drivers of atherogenesis, therapies designed to lower inflammation including colchicine and low-dose methotrexate have not improved secondary cardiovascular endpoints among PLWH. Statins continue to be the mainstay of management of hyperlipidemia in HIV, but the impact of newer lipid therapies including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors on ASCVD risk among PLWH is under investigation. Aside from the factors mentioned above, healthcare disparities are particularly prominent among PLWH and thus likely contribute to increased ASCVD risk.

Our understanding of mechanisms of elevated ASCVD risk in HIV continues to evolve, and the optimal treatment for CVD in HIV aside from targeting traditional risk factors remains unknown. Future studies including novel therapies to lower inflammation, control of risk factors, and implementation science are needed to ascertain optimal ways to treat and prevent ASCVD among PLWH.
Prednisone reduction for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Zhu Xiaojuan , Shi Zhenguo , Gao Shegan , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Pei , Kang Chongzhao , Zhao Fangzong , Hou Peng
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Prednisone (10 mg/d) is often used in combination with docetaxel or abiraterone in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. LATITUDE studies have confirmed that the combination of abiraterone and prednisone (5 mg/d) can be used for the treatment of newly diagnosed high-risk metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, and have achieved satisfactory results. However, it has not been reported that abiraterone combined with prednisone (5 mg/d) in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Patient concerns:

Here, we present a case of high-risk advanced prostate cancer with old pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The patient developed a relapse of old tuberculosis in both lungs that were discovered following 14 months of continuous application of prednisone (10 mg/d).

Diagnosis:

The histopathological findings showed prostate adenocarcinoma carcinoma with a Gleason score of 10 (5+5). Further laboratory investigations were suggestive of positive mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in pleural effusion and sputum.

Interventions:

The patient underwent endocrine therapy, chemotherapy of docetaxel plus prednisone, radiotherapy, and abiraterone combined with prednisone treatment, but he eventually developed into the mCRPC stage. Then, prednisone was reduced to 5 mg/d plus abiraterone, and combined with anti-tuberculosis treatment according to multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment.

Outcome:

Two months later, pleural effusion and atelectasis were relieved, and PSA was remained stable at a low level. The patient achieved complete remission.

Conclusion:

We cannot, with complete certainty, say that this patient, or any patient, developed old PTB recurrence due to the use of prednisone. Based on the current evidence, endocrine therapy is the foundation, radiotherapy can reduce the tumor load, and early application of abiraterone is beneficial to survival for the high-risk mCRPC. The long-term use of prednisone can be appropriately reduced in mCRPC with old PTB, and a satisfactory curative effect can be achieved. More prospective trials are warranted before a definite recommendation could be drawn.