bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Asian-specific MPL genetic variant alters JAK–STAT signaling and influences platelet count in the population
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Zhou Wei , Fu Yi , Cheung Chloe Y Y , Dong Yujun , Yang Min-Lee , Zhang He , Jia Jia , Huo Yong , Willer Cristen J , Chen Y Eugene , Tang Clara S , Tse Hung-Fat , Lam Karen S L , Gao Wei , Xu Ming , Yu Haiyi , Sham Pak Chung , Zhang Yan , Ganesh Santhi K
Published: February 2021

Genomic discovery efforts for hematological traits have been successfully conducted through genome-wide association study on samples of predominantly European ancestry. We sought to conduct unbiased genetic discovery for coding variants that influence hematological traits in a Han Chinese population. A total of 5257 Han Chinese subjects from Beijing, China were included in the discovery cohort and analyzed by an Illumina ExomeChip array. Replication analyses were conducted in 3827 independent Chinese subjects. We analyzed 12 hematological traits and identified 22 exome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)–trait associations with 15 independent SNPs. Our study provides replication for two associations previously reported but not replicated. Further, one association was identified and replicated in the current study, of a coding variant in the myeloproliferative leukemia (MPL) gene, c.793C > T, p.Leu265Phe (L265F) with increased platelet count (β = 20.6 109 cells/l, Pmeta-analysis = 2.6 × 10−13). This variant is observed at ~2% population frequency in East Asians, whereas it has not been reported in gnomAD European or African populations. Functional analysis demonstrated that expression of MPL L265F in Ba/F3 cells resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of Stat3 and ERK1/2 as compared with the reference MPL allele, supporting altered activation of the JAK–STAT signal transduction pathway as the mechanism underlying the novel association between MPL L265F and platelet count.
Calcium is reduced in presynaptic mitochondria of motor nerve terminals during neurotransmission in SMA mice
Authors: Lopez-Manzaneda Mario , Franco-Espin Julio , Tejero Rocio , Cano Raquel , Tabares Lucia
Published: February 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive degenerative motor neuron disease characterized by symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy of limb and trunk muscles being the most severe genetic disease in children. In SMA mouse models, motor nerve terminals display neurotransmitter release reduction, endocytosis decrease and mitochondria alterations. The relationship between these changes is, however, not well understood. In the present study, we investigated whether the endocytosis impairment could be related to the functional alteration of the presynaptic mitochondria during action potential (AP) firing. To this aim, we generated a Synaptophysin-pHluorin (SypHy) transgenic mouse, crossed it with Taiwanese SMA mice, and recorded exo- and endocytosis and mitochondria Ca2+ signaling in real-time at ex vivo motor nerve terminals of Taiwanese-SypHy mice. The experiments were performed at the beginning of the motor symptoms to get an integrated view of the nerve terminal’s functional state before degeneration. Our electrophysiological and live imaging results demonstrated that the mitochondria’s capacity to increase matrix-free Ca2+ in SMA mice was significantly limited during nerve AP firing, except when the rate of Ca2+ entry to the cytosol was considerably reduced. These results indicate that both the mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling alterations and the secretion machinery defects are significant players in the dysfunction of the presynaptic terminal in SMA.
The Influence of Acute SSRI Administration on White Matter Microstructure in Patients Suffering From Major Depressive Disorder and Healthy Controls
Authors: Seiger R , Gryglewski G , Klöbl M , Kautzky A , Godbersen G M , Rischka L , Vanicek T , Hienert M , Unterholzner J , Silberbauer L R , Michenthaler P , Handschuh P , Hahn A , Kasper S , Lanzenberger R
Published: February 2021

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are predominantly prescribed for people suffering from major depressive disorder. These antidepressants exert their effects by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), leading to increased levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and subsequently to an attenuation of depressive symptoms and elevation in mood. Although long-term studies investigating white matter (WM) alterations after exposure to antidepressant treatment exist, results on the acute effects on the brain’s WM microstructure are lacking.

Methods

In this interventional longitudinal study, 81 participants were included (33 patients and 48 healthy controls). All participants underwent diffusion weighted imaging on 2 separate days, receiving either citalopram or placebo using a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were calculated within the FMRIB software library and analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics.

Results

The repeated-measures ANOVA model revealed significant decreases after SSRI administration in mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity regardless of the group (P < .05, family-wise error [FWE] corrected). Results were predominantly evident in frontal WM regions comprising the anterior corona radiata, corpus callosum, and external capsule and in distinct areas of the frontal blade. No increases in diffusivity were found, and no changes in fractional anisotropy were present.

Conclusions

Our investigation provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, that fast WM microstructure adaptations within 1 hour after i.v. SSRI administration precede elevations in mood due to SSRI treatment. These results add a new facet to the complex mode of action of antidepressant therapy. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT02711215.
Repeated but Not Single Administration of Ketamine Prolongs Increases of the Firing Activity of Norepinephrine and Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Iro Chidiebere M , Hamati Rami , El Mansari Mostafa , Blier Pierre
Published: February 2021

Background

Clinical studies have shown that the rapid antidepressant effect of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine generally disappears within 1 week but can be maintained by repeated administration. Preclinical studies showed that a single ketamine injection immediately increases the firing and burst activity of norepinephrine (NE) neurons, but not that of serotonin (5-HT) neurons. It also enhances the population activity of dopamine (DA) neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether such alterations of monoamine neuronal firing are still present 1 day after a single injection, and whether they can be maintained by repeated injections.

Methods

Rats received a single ketamine injection or 6 over 2 weeks and the firing activity of dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT, locus coeruleus NE, and ventral tegmental area DA neurons was assessed.

Results

One day following a single injection of ketamine, there was no change in the firing activity of 5-HT, NE, or DA neurons. One day after repeated ketamine administration, however, there was a robust increase of the firing activity of NE neurons and an enhancement of burst and population activities of DA neurons, but still no change in firing parameters of 5-HT neurons. The increased activity of NE neurons was no longer present 3 days after the last injection, whereas that of DA neurons was still present. DA neurons were firing normally 7 days after repeated injections.

Conclusion

These results imply that the enhanced activity of NE and DA neurons may play a significant role in the maintenance of the antidepressant action of ketamine.
Antibiotics for Fever Among Children: Findings From the Surveillance for Enteric Fever in India Cohorts
Authors: Karthikeyan Arun S , Srinivasan Manikandan , Kanungo Suman , Sinha Bireshwar , Shrivastava Ankita , Ramanujam Karthikeyan , Ganesan Santhosh Kumar , Subramaniam Sathyapriya , Sindhu Kulandaipalayam Natarajan , Krishna Swathi , Samuel Prasanna , Rose Winsley , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Rongsen-Chandola Temsunaro , Dutta Shanta , Bavdekar Ashish , John Jacob , Kang Gagandeep
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute febrile illness in children is frequently treated with antibiotics. However, the inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Methods

We measured use of antibiotics for fever in 4 pediatric cohorts that were part of the Surveillance for Enteric Fever in India (SEFI) network. In this network, 24 062 children were followed up weekly, capturing information on fever and other morbidity between October 2017 and December 2019.

Results

An antibiotic was given in 27 183 of the 76 027 (35.8%) episodes of fever. The incidence of fever-related antibiotic use was 58.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.2–58.6) per 100 child-years. The median time to initiation of antibiotics was 4 days, and in 65% of those who received an antibiotic it was initiated by the second day. Antibiotics were continued for <3 days in 24% of the episodes. Higher temperature, younger age, male sex, joint family, higher education, internet access, and availability of personal conveyance were associated with antibiotic treatment for fever.

Conclusions

In developing countries where antibiotic use is not regulated, broad-spectrum antibiotics are initiated early, and often inappropriately, in febrile illness. Frequent and inappropriate use of antibiotics may increase risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Military Alliances and Public Support for War
Authors: Tomz Michael , Weeks Jessica L P
Published: February 2021

How do military alliances affect public support for war to defend victims of aggression? We offer the first experimental evidence on this fundamental question. Our experiments revealed that alliance commitments greatly increased the American public's willingness to intervene abroad. Alliances shaped public opinion by increasing public fears about the reputational costs of nonintervention and by heightening the perceived moral obligation to intervene out of concerns for fairness and loyalty. Finally, although alliances swayed public opinion across a wide range of circumstances, they made the biggest difference when the costs of intervention were high, the stakes of intervention were low, and the country needing aid was not a democracy. Thus, alliances can create pressure for war even when honoring the commitment would be extremely inconvenient, which could help explain why democratic allies tend to be so reliable. These findings shed new light on the consequences of alliances and other international legal commitments, the role of morality in foreign policy, and ongoing debates about domestic audience costs.
Relationships among intramammary health, udder and teat characteristics, and productivity of extensively managed ewes
Authors: Knuth Ryan M , Stewart Whitney C , Taylor Joshua B , Bisha Bledar , Yeoman Carl J , Van Emon Megan L , Murphy Thomas W
Published: February 2021

Mastitis is an economically important disease and its subclinical state is difficult to diagnose, which makes mitigation more challenging. The objectives of this study were to screen clinically healthy ewes in order to 1) identify cultivable microbial species in milk, 2) evaluate somatic cell count (SCC) thresholds associated with intramammary infection, and 3) estimate relationships between udder and teat morphometric traits, SCC, and ewe productivity. Milk was collected from two flocks in early (<5 d) and peak (30 to 45 d) lactation to quantify SCC (n = 530) and numerate cultivable microbial species by culture-based isolation followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS; n = 243) identification. Within flock and lactation stage, 11% to 74% (mean = 36%) of samples were culture positive. More than 50 unique identifications were classified by MALDI-TOF MS analysis, and Bacillus licheniformis (18% to 27%), Micrococcus flavus (25%), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (7% to 18%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (26%) were among the most common within flock and across lactation stage. Optimum SCC thresholds to identify culture-positive samples ranged from 175 × 103 to 1,675 × 103 cells/mL. Ewe productivity was assessed as total 120-d adjusted litter weight (LW120) and analyzed within flock with breed, parity, year, and the linear covariate of log10 SCC (LSCC) at early or peak lactation. Although dependent on lactation stage and year, each 1-unit increase in LSCC (e.g., an increase in SCC from 100 × 103 to 1,000 × 103 cells/mL) was predicted to decrease LW120 between 9.5 and 16.1 kg when significant. Udder and teat traits included udder circumference, teat length, teat placement, and degree of separation of the udder halves. Correlations between traits were generally low to moderate within and across lactation stage and most were not consistently predictive of ewe LSCC. Overall, the frequencies of bacteria-positive milk samples indicated that subclinical mastitis (SCM) is common in these flocks and can impact ewe productivity. Therefore, future research is warranted to investigate pathways and timing of microbial invasion, genomic regions associated with susceptibility, and husbandry to mitigate the impact of SCM in extensively managed ewes.
Factors associated with facilitating advance care planning based on the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Takeshita Yae , Kaneko Fumiko , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: February 2021

Background

In Japan, educational support for advance care planning is still limited, and the factors facilitating advance care planning practice have not been identified. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with advance care planning practice in Japan using the theory of planned behaviour.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study through a nationwide online questionnaire survey with 446 Japanese residents aged 20 years and older. After categorizing participants into two groups based on who performed advance care planning, comparisons were made (univariate analysis) regarding attitudes towards advance care planning, willingness to perform advance care planning, subjective norms, sense of control in performing advance care planning, presence of and relationship with a family doctor, experience of seeing or using a ventilator, and degree of self-determination (Autonomy Preference Index) as well as sociodemographic data. In addition, a logistic regression analysis was performed using the factors with significant differences in the univariate analysis as independent variables and the existence of the implementation of advance care planning as a dependent variable.

Results

The group with advance care planning consisted of 106 participants (23.8%), and the group without advance care planning comprised 340 participants (76.2%). Through logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio: 1.020), subjective norms (odds ratio: 3.276) and experience with mechanical ventilation (odds ratio: 1.997) were extracted as significant factors influencing advance care planning implementation.

Conclusions

Advance care planning may be facilitated by providing support not only to the patients but also to their family members to be positively disposed towards advance care planning and by offering comprehensive education regarding using a ventilator.
No Evidence of Competition Between the Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) and American Dog Tick on the Rodent Host White-Footed Deermouse (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Southwestern Tennessee
Authors: Butler R A , Kennedy M L , Houston A E , Bowers E K , Coons L B , Paulsen D , Trout Fryxell R T
Published: February 2021

Investigations that analyze interspecific associations of vectors on their hosts are important for understanding community structure and implementing ways to comprehend mechanisms of pathogen transmission. We assessed the interspecific association of two tick species (Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Dermacentor variabilis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae)) on the rodent host Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque (Rodentia: Cricetidae) at the Hobart Ames Research and Education Center in southwestern Tennessee. Of the rodents captured, 95 (63%) had neither species of tick, 6 (4%) had both tick species, 25 (16%) had I. scapularis only, and 26 (17%) had D. variabilis only. A coefficient of association (C7 = −0.08) was calculated, which suggested there was competition between the two species of ectoparasites, but this value was not significant, indicating that there was a neutral relationship between the tick species on P. leucopus. The co-occurrence of both tick species on their host at the same time suggested that the two tick species can occupy the same host and use the same resources without competing.
Spa Typing of Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During Routine Surveillance
Authors: Grohs Emily , Hill-Ricciuti Alexandra , Kelly Nicole , Messina Maria , Green Daniel A , Geng Wenjing , Annavajhala Medini K , Zachariah Philip , Mathema Barun , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Saiman Lisa
Published: February 2021

Background

Staphylococcus aureus protein A (spa) typing can be used to expand characterization of the epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in neonatal intensive care units (NICU).

Methods

From January 2017 to June 2018, twice-monthly surveillance for S. aureus was performed in an academically affiliated NICU. Decolonization of infants colonized with S. aureus included chlorhexidine gluconate bathing and/or mupirocin for those with mupirocin-susceptible strains. Spa typing and mupirocin-resistance testing were performed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between infants colonized with MSSA vs MRSA and infants with and without the most common MSSA spa type, MSSA-t279.

Results

Overall, 14% and 2% of 1556 hospitalized infants had positive surveillance cultures for MSSA and MRSA, respectively. Thirty-six infants harbored unique MSSA spa types, 5 infants harbored unique MRSA spa types, and 30 MSSA and 6 MRSA spa types were identified in ≥2 infants. No outbreaks were identified during the study period. MSSA-t279 was isolated from 3% of infants and largely detected from infants hospitalized in one section of the NICU; 96% of t279 isolates were mupirocin resistant. Infection rates, length of hospitalization, and mortality were similar among infants initially colonized with t279 vs other MSSA spa types.

Conclusions

The MSSA colonization burden was 5-fold larger than that of MRSA. Numerous unique spa types were identified. The most common spa type, MSSA-t279, was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality but was mupirocin resistant and associated with clustered NICU beds. This suggests potential transmission from the environment, shared staff, and/or workflow issues requiring further study. Other decolonization strategies for S. aureus in the NICU are needed.
Xanthohumol ameliorates memory impairment and reduces the deposition of β-amyloid in APP/PS1 mice via regulating the mTOR/LC3II and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways
Authors: Sun Xiao-Lei , Zhang Jia-Bao , Guo Yun-Xiang , Xia Tian-Shuang , Xu Ling-Chuan , Rahmand Khalid , Wang Guo-Ping , Li Xiao-Jin , Han Ting , Wang Na-Ni , Xin Hai-Liang
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Xanthohumol (XAN) is a unique component of Humulus lupulus L. and is known for its diverse biological activities. In this study, we investigated whether Xanthohumol could ameliorate memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, and explored its potential mechanism of action.

Methods

APP/PS1 mice were used for in vivo test and were treated with N-acetylcysteine and Xanthohumol for 2 months. Learning and memory levels were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Inflammatory and oxidative markers in serum and hippocampus and the deposition of Aβ in the hippocampus were determined. Moreover, the expression of autophagy and apoptosis proteins was also evaluated by western blot.

Key findings

Xanthohumol significantly reduced the latency and increased the residence time of mice in the target quadrant. Additionally, Xanthohumol increased superoxide dismutase level and reduced Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1β levels both in serum and hippocampus. Xanthohumol also significantly reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampus and activated autophagy and anti-apoptotic signals.

Conclusions

Xanthohumol effectively ameliorates memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice by activating mTOR/LC3 and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways, which provides new insight into the neuroprotective effects of Xanthohumol.
Pitfalls of laparoscopic Re-TAPP in recurrent inguinal hernia repair—a plea for extended preoperative diagnostic
Authors: Raguz Ivana , Burger Reint , Vonlanthen Rene , Bueter Marco , Thalheimer Andreas
Published: February 2021

According to international guidelines, recurrent inguinal hernia should be treated by a surgical approach opposing of the primary strategy (anterior–posterior or posterior–anterior). However, recent evidence demonstrates feasibility and safety of re-laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia after primary laparoscopy. For such a strategy, correct identification of anatomical structures is challenging, but absolutely crucial for a satisfactory postoperative result. This case of an unrecognized sliding hernia of the sigmoid colon during re-laparoscopy highlights that a precise physical examination as well as an extended preoperative radiological workup (ultrasound, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis) should be considered prior to re-laparoscopy of recurrent inguinal hernia.
Multigene editing reveals that MtCEP1/2/12 redundantly control lateral root and nodule number in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhu Fugui , Ye Qinyi , Chen Hong , Dong Jiangli , Wang Tao
Published: February 2021

The multimember CEP (C-terminally Encoded Peptide) gene family is a complex group that is involved in various physiological activities in plants. Previous studies demonstrated that MtCEP1 and MtCEP7 control lateral root formation or nodulation, but these studies were based only on gain of function or artificial miRNA (amiRNA)/RNAi approaches, never knockout mutants. Moreover, an efficient multigene editing toolkit is not currently available for Medicago truncatula. Our quantitative reverse transcription–PCR data showed that MtCEP1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13 were up-regulated under nitrogen starvation conditions and that MtCEP1, 2, 7, 9, and 12 were induced by rhizobial inoculation. Treatment with synthetic MtCEP peptides of MtCEP1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 repressed lateral root emergence and promoted nodulation in the R108 wild type but not in the cra2 mutant. We optimized CRISPR/Cas9 [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9] genome editing system for M. truncatula, and thus created single mutants of MtCEP1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 and the double mutants Mtcep1/2C and Mtcep5/8C; however, these mutants did not exhibit significant differences from R108. Furthermore, a triple mutant Mtcep1/2/12C and a quintuple mutant Mtcep1/2/5/8/12C were generated and exhibited more lateral roots and fewer nodules than R108. Overall, MtCEP1, 2, and 12 were confirmed to be redundantly important in the control of lateral root number and nodulation. Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9-based multigene editing protocol provides an additional tool for research on the model legume M. truncatula, which is highly efficient at multigene mutant generation.
Digital humanities and digital social reading
Authors: Rebora Simone , Boot Peter , Pianzola Federico , Gasser Brigitte , Herrmann J Berenike , Kraxenberger Maria , Kuijpers Moniek M , Lauer Gerhard , Lendvai Piroska , Messerli Thomas C , Sorrentino Pasqualina
Published: February 2021

Prominent among the social developments that the web 2.0 has facilitated is digital social reading (DSR): on many platforms there are functionalities for creating book reviews, ‘inline’ commenting on book texts, online story writing (often in the form of fanfiction), informal book discussions, book vlogs, and more. In this article, we argue that DSR offers unique possibilities for research into literature, reading, the impact of reading and literary communication. We also claim that in this context computational tools are especially relevant, making DSR a field particularly suitable for the application of Digital Humanities methods. We draw up an initial categorization of research aspects of DSR and briefly examine literature for each category. We distinguish between studies on DSR that use it as a lens to study wider processes of literary exchange as opposed to studies for which the DSR culture is a phenomenon interesting in its own right. Via seven examples of DSR research, we discuss the chosen approaches and their connection to research questions in literary studies.
Mt. Everest—we are going to lose many: a survey of fingerprint examiners’ attitudes towards probabilistic reporting
Authors: Swofford H , Cole S , King V
Published: February 2021

Over the past decade, with increasing scientific scrutiny on forensic reporting practices, there have been several efforts to introduce statistical thinking and probabilistic reasoning into forensic practice. These efforts have been met with mixed reactions—a common one being scepticism, or downright hostility, towards this objective. For probabilistic reasoning to be adopted in forensic practice, more than statistical knowledge will be necessary. Social scientific knowledge will be critical to effectively understand the sources of concern and barriers to implementation. This study reports the findings of a survey of forensic fingerprint examiners about reporting practices across the discipline and practitioners’ attitudes and characterizations of probabilistic reporting. Overall, despite its adoption by a small number of practitioners, community-wide adoption of probabilistic reporting in the friction ridge discipline faces challenges. We found that almost no respondents currently report probabilistically. Perhaps more surprisingly, most respondents who claimed to report probabilistically, in fact, do not. Furthermore, we found that two-thirds of respondents perceive probabilistic reporting as ‘inappropriate’—their most common concern being that defence attorneys would take advantage of uncertainty or that probabilistic reports would mislead, or be misunderstood by, other criminal justice system actors. If probabilistic reporting is to be adopted, much work is still needed to better educate practitioners on the importance and utility of probabilistic reasoning in order to facilitate a path towards improved reporting practices.
First report and molecular prevalence of potential zoonoticEnterocytozoon bieneusiin Turkish tumbler pigeons (Columba livia domestica)
Authors: Pekmezci Didem , Yetismis Gamze , Colak Zeynep Nurselin , Duzlu Onder , Ozkilic Gamze Nur , Inci Abdullah , Pekmezci Gokmen Zafer , Yildirim Alparslan
Published: February 2021

A total of 250 droppings of tumbler pigeons (Columba livia domestica, Columbidae) were collected individually from different breeders in Turkey, to investigate the presence and genotyping of microsporidian species by nested PCR and to reveal their zoonotic potential. In the present study, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the only microsporidian species identified in 35 pigeons with an overall molecular prevalence of 14.0%. Only one known genotype zoonotic Peru6 was identified in all positive samples according to the sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA of E. bieneusi. This study represents the first report of E. bieneusi in pigeons in Turkey. Our study also confirms the competence of breeding pigeons as hosts for the zoonotic Peru6 genotype, corroborating its potential role as a source of human infection and environmental contamination.

Lay summary

Microsporidia are spore-producing fungi defined as emerging opportunistic pathogens of humans. The occurrence of microsporidia in animals could be risky for human public health. Home kept breeding pigeons pose a high risk for transmission of the microsporidians to humans.
Detection of spectral variations of Anomalous Microwave Emission with QUIJOTE and C-BASS
Authors: Cepeda-Arroita R , Harper S E , Dickinson C , Rubiño-Martín J A , Génova-Santos R T , Taylor Angela C , Pearson T J , Ashdown M , Barr A , Barreiro R B , Casaponsa B , Casas F J , Chiang H C , Fernandez-Cobos R , Grumitt R D P , Guidi F , Heilgendorff H M , Herranz D , Jew L R P , Jonas J L , Jones Michael E , Lasenby A , Leech J , Leahy J P , Martínez-González E , Peel M W , Piccirillo L , Poidevin F , Readhead A C S , Rebolo R , Ruiz-Granados B , Sievers J , Vansyngel F , Vielva P , Watson R A
Published: February 2021

Anomalous Microwave Emission (AME) is a significant component of Galactic diffuse emission in the frequency range 10–$60\, \mathrm{GHz}$ and a new window into the properties of sub-nanometre-sized grains in the interstellar medium. We investigate the morphology of AME in the ≈10○ diameter λ Orionis ring by combining intensity data from the QUIJOTE experiment at 11, 13, 17, and $19\, \mathrm{GHz}$ and the C-Band All Sky Survey (C-BASS) at $4.76\, \mathrm{GHz}$, together with 19 ancillary data sets between 1.42 and $3000\, \mathrm{GHz}$. Maps of physical parameters at 1○ resolution are produced through Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) fits of spectral energy distributions (SEDs), approximating the AME component with a lognormal distribution. AME is detected in excess of $20\, \sigma$ at degree-scales around the entirety of the ring along photodissociation regions (PDRs), with three primary bright regions containing dark clouds. A radial decrease is observed in the AME peak frequency from $\approx 35\, \mathrm{GHz}$ near the free–free region to $\approx 21\, \mathrm{GHz}$ in the outer regions of the ring, which is the first detection of AME spectral variations across a single region. A strong correlation between AME peak frequency, emission measure and dust temperature is an indication for the dependence of the AME peak frequency on the local radiation field. The AME amplitude normalized by the optical depth is also strongly correlated with the radiation field, giving an overall picture consistent with spinning dust where the local radiation field plays a key role.
Photometry and polarimetry of comet 46P/Wirtanen in the 2018 apparition
Authors: Rosenbush Vera , Kiselev Nikolai , Husárik Marek , Ivanova Oleksandra , Luk'yanyk Igor , Kleshchonok Valerii , Tomko Dušan , Kaňuchová Zuzana , Pit Nikolai , Antoniuk Кirill , Karpov Nikolai , Savushkin Alexander , Zhuzhulina Elena
Published: February 2021

Extensive photometric and polarimetric observations of comet 46P/Wirtanen within the framework of the international 4*P Coma Morphology Campaign were conducted from August 16, 2018 to February 13, 2019 using five telescopes. Digital processing applied to the direct images of the comet revealed the coma and tail, which varied in shape and size. The jet at the position angle 133.5° was found in the images obtained on December 7 and 9, 2018 in the V and R filters. From modelling the formation of the jet, we calculated the coordinates of the north pole of the nucleus rotation axis, α = 220° ± 10°, δ = –20° ± 8°, and the cometocentric latitude of the active area on the nucleus L = 20° ± 6°. The velocity of matter outflow from this active area was estimated to be 0.5 ± 0.05km/ s. The dust production Afρ changed from 12 to 88cm. During our observation period, the coma colour varied from 0.76m to 0.87m and from 0.38m to 0.50m and the reflectivity gradient from 11 to 16.2 per cent per 1000Å and 5.8 to 15.4 per cent per 1000Å for the B–V and V–R spectral bands, respectively. The comparison of the dust production rate of comet 46P/Wirtanen until 2018 and our data for 2018 apparition confirmed its great decrease. The degree of polarization of comet 46P was measured at the phase angles from 27° to 37°. In order to reliably retrieve the polarimetric class of comet 46P, observations at large phase angles are required.
Significant non-existence of sequences in genomes and proteomes
Authors: Koulouras Grigorios , Frith Martin C
Published: February 2021

Minimal absent words (MAWs) are minimal-length oligomers absent from a genome or proteome. Although some artificially synthesized MAWs have deleterious effects, there is still a lack of a strategy for the classification of non-occurring sequences as potentially malicious or benign. In this work, by using Markovian models with multiple-testing correction, we reveal significant absent oligomers, which are statistically expected to exist. This suggests that their absence is due to negative selection. We survey genomes and proteomes covering the diversity of life and find thousands of significant absent sequences. Common significant MAWs are often mono- or dinucleotide tracts, or palindromic. Significant viral MAWs are often restriction sites and may indicate unknown restriction motifs. Surprisingly, significant mammal genome MAWs are often present, but rare, in other mammals, suggesting that they are suppressed but not completely forbidden. Significant human MAWs are frequently present in prokaryotes, suggesting immune function, but rarely present in human viruses, indicating viral mimicry of the host. More than one-fourth of human proteins are one substitution away from containing a significant MAW, with the majority of replacements being predicted harmful. We provide a web-based, interactive database of significant MAWs across genomes and proteomes.
Regulation of RNA editing by intracellular acidification
Authors: Malik Turnee N , Doherty Erin E , Gaded Vandana M , Hill Theodore M , Beal Peter A , Emeson Ronald B
Published: February 2021

The hydrolytic deamination of adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) by RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional modification catalyzed by the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family of proteins. ADAR-mediated RNA editing modulates cellular pathways involved in innate immunity, RNA splicing, RNA interference, and protein recoding, and has been investigated as a strategy for therapeutic intervention of genetic disorders. Despite advances in basic and translational research, the mechanisms regulating RNA editing are poorly understood. Though several trans-acting regulators of editing have been shown to modulate ADAR protein expression, previous studies have not identified factors that modulate ADAR catalytic activity. Here, we show that RNA editing increases upon intracellular acidification, and that these effects are predominantly explained by both enhanced ADAR base-flipping and deamination rate at acidic pH. We also show that the extent of RNA editing increases with the reduction in pH associated with conditions of cellular hypoxia.
Efficacy and safety of vadadustat compared with darbepoetin alfa in Japanese anemic patients on hemodialysis: a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Nangaku Masaomi , Kondo Kazuoki , Ueta Kiichiro , Kokado Yoshimasa , Kaneko Genki , Matsuda Hiroki , Kawaguchi Yutaka , Komatsu Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates erythropoiesis.

Methods

The efficacy and safety of vadadustat, compared with darbepoetin alfa, was determined in a Phase 3 double-blind study in Japanese anemic patients on hemodialysis. Patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were randomized and switched to either vadadustat or darbepoetin alfa for 52 weeks. Doses were adjusted to maintain a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 10.0–12.0 g/dL. The primary endpoint was average Hb level at Weeks 20 and 24.

Results

Of the 323 randomized patients, 120 and 135 completed the 52-week treatment period in the vadadustat and darbepoetin alfa groups, respectively. The average Hb levels at Weeks 20 and 24 [least square mean (LSM) and 95% confidence interval (CI)] were 10.61 (10.45–10.76) and 10.65 (10.50–10.80) g/dL in the vadadustat and darbepoetin alfa groups, respectively, demonstrating vadadustat’s noninferiority to darbepoetin alfa (difference: −0.05 g/dL; 95% CI −0.26 to 0.17). In both groups, the mean Hb levels were maintained within the target range for 52 weeks. Furthermore, irrespective of patient backgrounds, the LSMs of Hb at Week 52 were within the target range. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, diarrhea and shunt stenosis, which occurred at similar frequencies in both groups. No new safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions

Vadadustat was as well-tolerated and effective as darbepoetin alfa in maintaining Hb levels within the target range. The findings suggest that vadadustat can be an alternative to ESA in the management of anemia in Japanese hemodialysis patients receiving ESA (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03439137).
Changes in Medicare Physician Reimbursement for Stroke Procedures from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Pines Andrew R , Haglin Jack M , Demaerschalk Bart M
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

There is limited data regarding financial trends for procedural reimbursement in stroke care. A comprehensive understanding of such trends is important as continued progress is made to advance agreeable reimbursement models in the care of stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for commonly utilized procedures in stroke care from 2000 to 2019.

METHODS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was queried for the included Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and reimbursement data were extracted. The CPT codes compiled were the most commonly performed procedures for stroke-related International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes at our institution (I60-I63). Additionally, data were collected for alteplase and telestroke codes. The rate of change between procedures was compared utilizing an unpaired Student's t-test. All monetary data were adjusted for inflation to 2019 US dollars utilizing the US Consumer Price Index.

RESULTS

After adjusting for inflation, the average reimbursement for stroke (ICD I60-I63) procedures decreased by 11.2% from 2000 to 2019 (average of −0.43% per year). The adjusted reimbursement rate for included telestroke codes decreased by 12.1% from 2010 to 2019 (average of −1.4% per year). From 2005 to 2019, the reimbursement for alteplase rose by 163.98% (average of +7.3% per year).

CONCLUSION

When adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for common stroke procedures has decreased from 2000 to 2019. In contrast, reimbursement for alteplase has increased markedly. It is important to be aware of these trends in order to contextualize healthcare economic analyses and inform discussions.
The magnetic effect on a strongly correlated system with two currents near the quantum critical point from holography
Authors: Lee Jaeha , Sin Sang-Jin , Song Geunho
Published: February 2021

We study the magnetic effect in a strongly interacting system with two conserved currents near the quantum critical point (QCP). For this purpose, we introduce the hyper-scaling violation geometry with the black hole. Considering the perturbation near the background geometry, we compute the transport coefficients using holographic methods. We calculated the magneto-transport for general QCP and discuss the special point $(z,\theta)=(3/2,1)$, where the data of Dirac material have previously been well described.
Work Readiness of New Graduate Physical Therapists for Private Practice in Australia: Academic Faculty, Employer, and Graduate Perspectives
Authors: Wells Cherie , Olson Rebecca , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Carroll Sara , Chipchase Lucy , Reubenson Alan , Scarvell Jennie Mary , Kent Fiona
Published: February 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore academic faculty, employer, and recent graduate perspectives of the work readiness of Australian new graduate physical therapists for private practice and factors that influence new graduate preparation and transition to private practice.

Methods

This study used a mixed-methods design with 3 surveys and 12 focus groups. A total of 112 participants completed a survey, and 52 participated in focus groups. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Triangulation across participant groups and data sources was undertaken.

Results

Australian new graduate physical therapists were perceived to be “somewhat ready” for private practice and “ready” by their third year of employment. Participants proposed that new graduates bring enthusiasm, readiness to learn, and contemporary, research-informed knowledge. New graduates were also perceived to find autonomous clinical reasoning and timely caseload management difficult; to have limited business, marketing, and administration knowledge and skills; and to present with underdeveloped confidence, communication, and interpersonal skills. Factors perceived to influence graduate transition included private practice experience, such as clinical placements and employment; employer and client expectations of graduate capabilities; workplace support; university academic preparation and continuing education; and individual graduate attributes and skills.

Conclusion

Australian new graduate physical therapists have strengths and limitations in relation to clinical, business, and employability knowledge and skills. New graduate work readiness and transition may be enhanced by additional private practice experience, employer and client expectation management, provision of workplace support, and tailored university and continuing education.

Impact

The number of new graduate physical therapists employed in private practice in Australia is increasing; however, until this study, their work readiness for this setting was unknown. This exploration of new graduate performance in private practice and transition can help to increase understanding and enhancement of work-readiness.
Implementation and Evaluation of the Virtual Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) for Individuals With Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Yang Chieh-ling , Waterson Seonaid , Eng Janice J
Published: February 2021

Objective

Given the uncertainty of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, implementing telerehabilitation that enables the remote delivery of rehabilitation services is needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We studied the implementation and the effectiveness of the virtual Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) delivered and evaluated via videoconferencing in individuals with stroke.

Methods

The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework with mixed methods was used to evaluate the implementation of the 2 iterations of the program delivered by a nonprofit organization during the pandemic.

Results

Reach: Seventeen people were screened, 13 people were eligible, and 11 consented to participate in the study. Effectiveness: Between baseline and posttest, participants with stroke demonstrated significant improvement in upper extremity function (Arm Capacity and Movement Test) and self-perceived upper extremity (UE) function (Stroke Impact Scale). Adoption: Factors that facilitate program uptake by the staff were well-planned implementation, appropriate screening procedure, and helpful feedback from the audits. All staff felt comfortable using videoconferencing technology to deliver the program despite some technical difficulties. Factors contributing to ongoing participation included that the participants liked the group, they perceived improvements, and the instructor was encouraging. Only one participant with stroke was not comfortable using the videoconferencing technology. Implementation: The program was implemented as intended as evaluated by a fidelity checklist. Participants’ adherence was high, as verified by the average attendance and practice time. Maintenance: The organization continued to offer the program.

Conclusion

The virtual GRASP program was successfully implemented. Although the program was effective in improving both measured and perceived UE function in a small sample of individuals with stroke, caution should be taken in generalizing the results.

Impact

Implementing telerehabilitation is crucial to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our findings provide guidance on the process of delivering a UE rehabilitation program remotely via videoconferencing for stroke. Moreover, insights that arise from this study also inform the implementation of other telerehabilitation services.
Why Precarious Work Is Bad for Health: Social Marginality as Key Mechanisms in a Multi-National Context
Authors: Macmillan Ross , Shanahan Michael J
Published: February 2021

The expansion of precarious work in recent decades has motivated a large body of research on its implications for health. While considerable work has focused on whether precarious work undermines health, much less is known about why it matters. To fill this gap, this paper offers and tests a conceptual model whereby the effects of precarious work on health are mediated by social marginality, specifically reduced self-efficacy, weaker social integration, and lower social capital. All three mechanisms are understood as both social consequences of precarious work and important determinants of health. Empirically, we use data from the European Social Survey and investigate (1) conditional direct effects of precarious work on self-rated health and (2) extent of mediation via the three mechanisms. Furthermore, we assess the generalizability of the model across five welfare state regimes that prior work has deemed to be important moderators of the health–precarious work relationship. Results indicate precarious work has significant conditional direct effects and indirect effects through all three mediators that significantly reduce effect of precarious work on health. This is robust in the general sample and for four of five welfare state regimes. These findings highlight a previously unexplored vector connecting precarious work to health and indicate that the effects of precarious work on perceptions of self and social relations is a key link to poorer health. The study also expands conceptualization of the broad role of socioeconomic status for health inequalities and furthers understanding of the mechanisms at work.
It’s a Family (Policy) Affair: Family Policies and Heterogeneity in Gender Attitudes
Authors: Jozwiak Andreas
Published: February 2021

Why do younger cohorts in advanced democracies hold more conservative gender attitudes? Rather than understanding these attitudes as a “backlash,” I argue that these represent mixes of traditional and egalitarian attitudes that ultimately reflect the gendered character of family policies. Using an original dataset of family policies, I show that policies which alleviate care burdens and encourage workforce participation of mothers are related to support for working mothers. Conversely, policies which reinforce traditional divisions of labor are linked to greaterprevalence of essentialist beliefs. Different combinations of family policies cross-pressure gender attitudes, resulting in complex groupings, or “varieties of egalitarianism.”