bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transection of Gustatory Nerves Differentially Affects Dietary Fat Intake in Obesity-Prone and Obesity-Resistant Rats
Authors: Schreiber Allyson , Braymer Hugh Douglas , Primeaux Stefany D
Published: July 2020

The current prevalence of obesity has been linked to the consumption of highly palatable foods and may be mediated by a dysregulated or hyposensitive orosensory perception of dietary fat, thereby contributing to the susceptibility to develop obesity. The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of lingual taste input in obesity-prone (OP, Osborne-Mendel) and obesity-resistant (OR, S5B/Pl) rats on the consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD). Density of fungiform papillae was assessed as a marker of general orosensory input. To determine if orosensory afferent input mediates dietary fat intake, surgical transection of the chorda tympani and glossopharyngeal nerves (GLX/CTX) was performed in OP and OR rats and HFD caloric intake and body weight were measured. Fungiform papillae density was lower in OP rats, compared with OR rats. GLX/CTX decreased orosensory input in both OP and OR rats, as measured by an increase in the intake of a bitter, quinine solution. Consumption of low-fat diet was not altered by GLX/CTX in OP and OR rats; however, GLX/CTX decreased HFD intake in OR, without altering HFD intake in OP rats. Overall, these data suggest that inhibition of orosensory input in OP rats do not decrease fat intake, thereby supporting that idea that hyposensitive and/or dysregulated orosensory perception of highly palatable foods contribute to the susceptibility to develop obesity.
Human CD16+ monocytes promote a pro-atherosclerotic endothelial cell phenotype via CX3CR1–CX3CL1 interaction
Authors: Roy-Chowdhury Eva , Brauns Nicolas , Helmke Alexandra , Nordlohne Johannes , Bräsen Jan Hinrich , Schmitz Jessica , Volkmann Julia , Fleig Susanne V , Kusche-Vihrog Kristina , Haller Hermann , von Vietinghoff Sibylle
Published: July 2020

Aims

Monocytes are central for atherosclerotic vascular inflammation. The human non-classical, patrolling subtype, which expresses high levels of CD16 and fractalkine receptor CX3CR1, strongly associates with cardiovascular events. This is most marked in renal failure, a condition with excess atherosclerosis morbidity. The underlying mechanism is not understood. This study investigated how human CD16+ monocytes modulate endothelial cell function.

Methods and results

In patients with kidney failure, CD16+ monocyte counts were elevated and dynamically decreased within a year after transplantation, chiefly due to a drop in CD14+CD16+ cells. The CX3CR1 ligand CX3CL1 was similarly elevated in the circulation of humans and mice with renal impairment. CX3CL1 up-regulation was also observed close to macrophage rich human coronary artery plaques. To investigate a mechanistic basis of this association, CD16+CX3CR1HIGH monocytes were co-incubated with primary human endothelium in vitro. Compared to classical CD14+ monocytes or transwell cocultures, CD16+ monocytes enhanced endothelial STAT1 and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, up-regulated expression of CX3CL1 and interleukin-1β, numerous CCL and CXCL chemokines and molecules promoting leucocyte patrolling and adhesion such as ICAM1 and VCAM1. Genes required for vasodilatation including endothelial nitric oxide synthase decreased while endothelial collagen production increased. Uraemic patients’ monocytes enhanced endothelial CX3CL1 even more markedly. Their receptor CX3CR1 was required for enhanced aortic endothelial stiffness in murine atherosclerosis with renal impairment. CX3CR1 dose-dependently modulated monocyte-contact-dependent gene expression in human endothelium.

Conclusion

By demonstrating endothelial proatherosclerotic gene regulation in direct contact with CD16+ monocytes, in part via cellular CX3CR1–CX3CL1 interaction, our data delineate a mechanism how this celltype can increase cardiovascular risk.
ConoMode, a database for conopeptide binding modes
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Hao , Gao Chunxiao , Li Yangyang , Jia Dongning , Yang Yanbo , Yang Jinbo , Wei Zhiqiang , Jiang Tao , Yu Rilei
Published: July 2020

ConoMode is a database for complex three-dimensional (3D) structures of conopeptides binding with their target proteins. Conopeptides, a large family of peptides from the venom of marine snails of the Conus genus, have exceptionally diverse sequences, and their high specificity to block ion channels makes them crucial as drug leads and tools for physiological studies. ConoMode is a specialized archive for the collection of 3D coordinate data for the conopeptides and their binding target proteins from published literature and the Protein Data Bank. These 3D structures can be determined using experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy and computational methods including docking, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding modes for the conopeptides determined using computational modeling must be validated based on experimental data. The 3D coordinate data from ConoMode can be searched, visualized, downloaded and uploaded. Currently, ConoMode manages 19 conopeptide sequences (from 10 Conus species), 15 protein sequences and 37 3D structures. ConoMode utilizes a modern technical framework to provide a good user experience on mobile devices with touch interaction features. Furthermore, the database is fully optimized for unstructured data and flexible data models.

Database URL: http://conomode.qnlm.ac/conomode/conomode/index
The Juncker Presidency – A Study in Character
Authors: Sarmiento Daniel
Published: July 2020

Jean-Claude Juncker was President of the first ‘political Commission’, being the first (and so far the only) President to be elected through the Spitzenkandidat system following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Juncker was appointed as head of a college of commissioners with high profiles and extensive experience in national politics. During his tenure, Juncker had to manage several crises, including Brexit, the Syrian war and the consequent mass migrations, as well as growing international tensions with Russia and the US. His personal and unique style, together with his broad domestic experience in European affairs, make him a singular personality and a singular President of the European Commission, whose legacy it is still too early to call.
The natural recovery of soil microbial community and nitrogen functions after pasture abandonment in the Amazon region
Authors: Pedrinho Alexandre , Mendes Lucas William , Merloti Luis Fernando , Andreote Fernando Dini , Tsai Siu Mui
Published: July 2020

We assessed the impacts of forest-to-pasture conversion on the dynamic of soil microbial communities, especially those involved in the N-cycle, and their potential functions, using DNA-metagenomic sequencing coupled with the quantification of marker genes for N-cycling. We also evaluated whether the community's dynamic was reestablished with secondary forest growth. In general, the microbial community structure was influenced by changes in soil chemical properties. Aluminum and nitrate significantly correlated to community structure and with 12 out of 21 microbial phyla. The N-related microbial groups and their potential functions were also affected by land-use change, with pasture being clearly different from primary and secondary forest systems. The microbial community analysis demonstrated that forest-to-pasture conversion increased the abundance of different microbial groups related to nitrogen fixation, including Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes. In contrast, after pasture abandonment and with the secondary forest regeneration, there was an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria taxa and denitrification genes. Our multi-analytical approach indicated that the secondary forest presented some signs of resilience, suggesting that the N-related microbial groups and their potential functions can be recovered over time with implications for future ecological restoration programs.
Experimental design for fully nonlinear source location problems: which method should I choose?
Authors: Bloem H , Curtis A , Maurer H
Published: July 2020

Statistical experimental design (SED) is the field of statistics concerned with designing experiments to obtain as much information as possible about a target of interest. SED algorithms can be divided into two categories: those that assume a linear or linearized relationship between measured data and parameters, and those that account for a fully nonlinear relationship. We compare the most commonly used linear method, Bayesian D-optimization, to two nonlinear methods, maximum entropy design and DN-optimization, in a synthetic seismological source location problem where we define a region of the subsurface in which earthquake sources are likely to occur. Example random sources in this region are sampled with a uniform distribution and their arrival time data across the ground surface are forward modelled; the goal of SED is to define a surface monitoring network that optimally constrains this set of source locations given the data that would be observed. Receiver networks so designed are evaluated on performance—the percentage of earthquake pairs whose arrival time differences are above a threshold of measurement uncertainty at each receiver, the number of prior samples (earthquakes) required to evaluate the statistical performance of each design and the SED compute time for different subsurface velocity models. We find that DN-optimization provides the best results both in terms of performance and compute time. Linear design is more computationally expensive and designs poorer performing networks. Maximum entropy design is shown to be effectively impractical due to the large number of samples and long compute times required.
Community-based health promotion about alcohol and other drugs in a multicultural Australia—what works? A review of evidence
Authors: O’Mara Ben , Carey Gemma , Weier Megan
Published: July 2020

Refugee and migrant communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia experience dependency, stigma, isolation, mental health issues, family issues and other problems associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet, refugee and migrant communities also face major linguistic, cultural and technological barriers to health promotion about drug-related problems. The aim of this review is to identify effective techniques and approaches for health promotion that reduces the risk of problems with drugs in culturally and linguistically inclusive ways. To identify what is effective, the Medline/PubMed database was systematically searched for health promotion literature published between 2008 and 2018. Grey literature from relevant agencies was also searched. The review considered both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures, and assessed studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment tool. Three studies met inclusion criteria, with weak evaluations. The studies demonstrated effective community engagement, but do not provide conclusive evidence of what is effective drug-related health promotion. The review’s findings point to an important knowledge gap. More rigorous research and evaluation are required to identify effective health promotion for reducing drug-related issues with a larger, more diverse range of refugee and migrant communities.
Adolescent Exposure to WIN 55212-2 Render the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Pathway Activated During Adulthood
Authors: Pérez-Valenzuela Enzo Javier , Andrés Coke María Estela , Grace Anthony A , Fuentealba Evans José Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background

During adolescence, neuronal circuits exhibit plasticity in response to physiological changes and to adapt to environmental events. Nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways are in constant flux during development. Evidence suggests a relationship between early use of cannabinoids and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered dopaminergic systems, such as schizophrenia and addiction. However, the impact of adolescent exposure to cannabinoids on nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways in adulthood remains unclear. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence on dopaminergic activity of nigrostriatal pathways and the mechanisms underlying this impact during adulthood.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 1.2 mg/kg WIN 55212-2 daily from postnatal day 40 to 65. Then no-net flux microdialysis of dopamine in the dorsolateral striatum, electrophysiological recording of dopaminergic neuronal activity, and microdialysis measures of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in substantia nigra par compacta were carried out during adulthood (postnatal days 72–78).

Results

Repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence increased the release of dopamine in dorsolateral striatum accompanied by increased population activity of dopamine neurons and decreased extracellular GABA levels in substantia nigra par compacta in adulthood. Furthermore, perfusion of bicuculline, a GABAa antagonist, into the ventral pallidum reversed the increased dopamine neuron population activity in substantia nigra par compacta induced by adolescent cannabinoid exposure.

Conclusions

These results suggest that adolescent exposure to cannabinoid agonists produces disinhibition of nigrostriatal dopamine transmission during adulthood mediated by decreased GABAergic input from the ventral pallidum.
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Low-Dose delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Adolescence and Adulthood on Serotonin/Norepinephrine Neurotransmission and Emotional Behavior
Authors: De Gregorio Danilo , Dean Conway Joshua , Canul Martha-Lopez , Posa Luca , Bambico Francis Rodriguez , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic exposure to D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main pharmacological component of cannabis, during adolescence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality in humans. Little is known about the impact of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to low doses of THC in adolescent compared with adult rodents.

Methods

THC (1 mg/kg i.p., once per day) or vehicle was administered for 20 days in both adolescent (post-natal day 30–50) and young adult rats (post-natal day 50–70). After a long washout period (20 days), behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings of serotonin and norepinephrine neurons were carried out.

Results

Adolescent THC exposure resulted in depressive behaviors: decreased latency to first immobility in the forced swim test and increased anhedonia in the sucrose preference test. Decreased entries in the open arms were observed in the elevated plus maze after adolescent and adult exposure, indicating an anxious phenotype. A significant reduction in dorsal raphe serotonergic neural activity without a change in locus coeruleus noradrenergic neural activity was found after adolescent and adult exposure.

Conclusions

Altogether, these findings suggest that chronic low-dose THC exposure during the critical developmental period of adolescence and during adulthood could result in increased vulnerability of the serotonin system accompanied by anxiety symptoms. However, depressive phenotypes occur only after adolescent exposure but not after adult exposure, underscoring the greater vulnerability of young ages to the mental effects of cannabis.
Alcohol Use Is Associated With Intestinal Dysbiosis and Dysfunctional CD8+ T-Cell Phenotypes in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Maffei Vincent J , Siggins Robert W , Luo Meng , Brashear Meghan M , Mercante Donald E , Taylor Christopher M , Molina Patricia , Welsh David A
Published: July 2020

Background

Inflammation persists among persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) despite effective antiretroviral therapy and may contribute to T-cell dysfunction. Alcohol use is prevalent among PWH and promotes intestinal leak, dysbiosis, and a proinflammatory milieu. Whether alcohol use is associated with T-cell late differentiation remains to be investigated.

Methods

Data and samples from PWH (N = 359 of 365) enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV Study were used. Alcohol use was assessed by self-report (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; lifetime alcohol exposure; 30-day Alcohol Timeline Followback) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) quantitation. In a subset of participants, fecal bacterial content was assessed by ribosomal 16S marker gene deep sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Intestinal leak was assessed by fecal-to-plasma α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ratio. Peripheral T-cell populations were quantified by flow cytometry.

Results

Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores were positively associated with activated-senescent, exhausted, and terminal effector memory CD45RA+CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells (cells/μL) after confounder adjustment (P < .050). Phosphatidylethanol was positively associated with A1AT (P < .050). The PEth and activated-senescent CD8+ were associated with bacterial β-diversity (P < .050) and positively associated with the relative abundance of coabundant Prevotellaceae members (q < .100).

Conclusions

Alcohol use among PWH is associated with CD8+ T-cell late differentiation, intestinal leak, and dysbiosis. Alcohol-associated dysbiosis is implicated in CD8+ T-cell senescence.
Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Emergence Amidst Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Leuzinger Karoline , Roloff Tim , Gosert Rainer , Sogaard Kirstin , Naegele Klaudia , Rentsch Katharina , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H , Pargger Hans , Bassetti Stefano , Bielicki Julia , Khanna Nina , Tschudin Sutter Sarah , Widmer Andreas , Hinic Vladimira , Battegay Manuel , Egli Adrian , Hirsch Hans H
Published: July 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 in December 2019 and reached Europe by late January 2020, when community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) are at their annual peak. We validated the World Health Organization (WHO)–recommended SARS-CoV-2 assay and analyzed the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and CARVs.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs (NOPS) from 7663 patients were prospectively tested by the Basel S-gene and WHO-based E-gene (Roche) assays in parallel using the Basel N-gene assay for confirmation. CARVs were prospectively tested in 2394 NOPS by multiplex nucleic acid testing, including 1816 (75%) simultaneously for SARS-CoV-2.

Results

The Basel S-gene and Roche E-gene assays were concordant in 7475 cases (97.5%) including 825 (11%) SARS-CoV-2 positives. In 188 (2.5%) discordant cases, SARS-CoV-2 loads were significantly lower than in concordant positive ones and confirmed in 105 (1.4%). Adults were more frequently SARS-CoV-2 positive, whereas children tested more frequently CARV positive. CARV coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 1.8%. SARS-CoV-2 replaced CARVs within 3 weeks, reaching 48% of all detected respiratory viruses followed by rhinovirus/enterovirus (13%), influenza virus (12%), coronavirus (9%), respiratory syncytial virus (6%), and metapneumovirus (6%).

Conclusions

Winter CARVs were dominant during the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, impacting infection control and treatment decisions, but were rapidly replaced, suggesting competitive infection. We hypothesize that preexisting immune memory and innate immune interference contribute to the different SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology among adults and children.
First Report on Brorphine: The Next Opioid on the Deadly New Psychoactive Substance Horizon?
Authors: Verougstraete Nick , Vandeputte Marthe M , Lyphout Cathelijne , Cannaert Annelies , Hulpia Fabian , Van Calenbergh Serge , Verstraete Alain G , Stove Christophe
Published: July 2020

New psychoactive substances continue to appear on the drug market. Until recently, new synthetic opioids, which are among the most dangerous new psychoactive substances, primarily encompassed analogs of the potent analgesic fentanyl. Lately, also other new synthetic opioids have increasingly started to surface. This is the first report on the identification and full chemical characterization of brorphine, a novel potent synthetic opioid with a piperidine benzimidazolone structure. A powder, identified as brorphine, was obtained from a patient seeking medical help for detoxification. Brorphine was also found in a serum sample of the patient. Liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) identified an exact mass of m/z 400.1020 and 402.1005 for the compound, corresponding to both bromine isotopes. Further chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography–diode array detection and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Finally, the structure was confirmed by performing 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. In vitro biological activity of brorphine was determined by a cell-based µ-opioid receptor activation assay, resulting in an EC50 of 30.9 nM (13.5 ng/mL) and an Emax of 209% relative to hydromorphone, confirming the high potency and efficacy of this compound. In a serum sample of the patient, brorphine and a hydroxy-metabolite were found using the LC–HRMS screening method. The presence of opioid activity in the serum was also confirmed via the activity-based opioid screening assay. The occurrence of brorphine is yet another example of how the illicit drug market is continuously evolving in an attempt to escape international legislation. Its high potency poses a serious and imminent health threat for any user.
New Genetic Insights About Hybridization and Population Structure of Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles From Brazil
Authors: Arantes Larissa S , Vilaça Sibelle T , Mazzoni Camila J , Santos Fabrício R
Published: July 2020

An extremely high incidence of hybridization among sea turtles is found along the Brazilian coast. This atypical phenomenon and its impact on sea turtle conservation can be elucidated through research focused on the evolutionary history of sea turtles. We assessed high-quality multilocus haplotypes of 143 samples of the 5 species of sea turtles that occur along the Brazilian coast to investigate the hybridization process and the population structure of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). The multilocus data were initially used to characterize interspecific hybrids. Introgression (F2 hybrids) was only confirmed in hatchlings of F1 hybrid females (hawksbill × loggerhead), indicating that introgression was either previously overestimated and F2 hybrids may not survive to adulthood, or the first-generation hybrid females nesting in Brazil were born as recent as few decades ago. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear markers recovered the mtDNA-based Indo-Pacific and Atlantic lineages for hawksbill turtles, demonstrating a deep genetic divergence dating from the early Pliocene. In addition, loggerhead turtles that share a common feeding area and belong to distinct Indo-Pacific and Atlantic mtDNA clades present no clear genetic differentiation at the nuclear level. Finally, our results indicate that hawksbill and loggerhead rookeries along the Brazilian coast are likely connected by male-mediated gene flow.
Development and Biomass Composition of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Reared on Different Byproducts of the Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Riudavets Jordi , Castañé Cristina , Agustí Nuria , del Arco Lidia , Diaz Isabel , Castellari Massimo
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate five agro-industrial byproducts (apricots, brewer’s spent grains, brewer’s spent yeast, feed mill byproducts including broken cereal grains, and hatchery waste including eggshell debris, fluff, infertile eggs, dead embryos, and egg fluids) or mixtures thereof as food diets of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Tenebrio molitor (L.), and Hermetia illucens (L.). Eleven out of 26 tested combinations allowed the first instar larvae to reach the adult stage. Results showed that bioconversion parameters and biomass composition can vary depending on the diet composition, especially in the case of E. kuehniella and H. illucens, whose nutritional requirements seem more complex than those of T. molitor. Tenebrio molitor was able to develop in almost all byproducts. However, only when T. molitor was fed with suitable mixtures of byproducts the development parameters were similar to those obtained with the standard diet. The best results in terms of bioconversion parameters were obtained by feeding H. illucens with a diet including dried brewer’s spent grain, feed mill byproducts and brewer’s spent yeast. The larvae of these three species can be considered interesting from a nutritional point of view, because of their high protein and fat content. However, the fatty acids profile of H. illucens larvae, with high proportions of saturated fatty acids, seems less healthy for human consumption compared with those of E. kuehniella and T. molitor.
Hedging Long-Term Liabilities
Authors: Quaedvlieg Rogier , Schotman Peter
Published: July 2020

Pension funds and life insurers face interest rate risk arising from the duration mismatch of their assets and liabilities. With the aim of hedging long-term liabilities, we estimate variations of a Nelson–Siegel model using swap returns with maturities up to 50 years. We consider versions with three and five factors, as well as constant and time-varying factor loadings. We find that we need either five factors or time-varying factor loadings in the three-factor model to accommodate the long end of the yield curve. The resulting factor hedge portfolios perform poorly due to strong multicollinearity of the factor loadings in the long end, and are easily beaten by a robust, near Mean-Squared-Error- optimal, hedging strategy that concentrates its weight on the longest available liquid bond.
Evaluation of Reference Genes and Age Estimation of Forensically Useful Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae) During Intrapuparial Period
Authors: Liu Zhuoying , Han Han , Chen Wei , Wang Shiwen , Meng Fanming , Cai Jifeng , Guo Yadong
Published: July 2020

The minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) could be evaluated from the developmental stage of forensically important insects colonize a corpse, such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Unlike larvae, the developmental stage of which is well established according to their morphology, estimating the age of pupae is proven to be challenging. Recently, several studies reported the regulation of special genes during the development of blow fly pupae. However, gene regulation in Aldrichina grahami during the intrapuparial period remains to be studied. Therefore, we set out to investigate the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 23 (Hsp23), heat shock protein 24 (Hsp24), and 1_16 during the metamorphosis of A. grahami pupae. First, we examined seven candidate reference genes (ribosomal protein 49 (RP49), 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA), beta-tubulin at 56D (β-tubulin), Ribosomal protein L23 (RPL23), glutathione S-transferase (GST1), and Actin. Three widely used algorithms (NormFinder, BestKeeper, and geNorm) were applied to evaluate the mRNA levels of reference gene candidates in puparium at three stable temperatures (15, 22, and 27°C). Next, mRNA expression of Hsp23, Hsp24, and 1_16 during A. grahami metamorphosis was examined. We demonstrated that mRNA expression levels of Hsp23, Hsp24, and 1_16 showed time-specific regulation. In summary, our study identified three gene markers for the intrapuparial period of A. grahami and might provide a potential application in PMImin estimation.
Refugee Crisis, Valuation of Life, and Violent Crime
Authors: Kivimäki Timo , Nicholson Leah
Published: July 2020

In the study of migrants and violence, the focus is often on the likely opportunities and motives of migrants to commit violence, and the effect of this on the level of crime. This article reconstructs the causal path differently. It considers the variation of the number of refugees as a logical proxy of a humane culture and studies the variation in the occurrence of homicides as causally conditioned by this culture. This article compares European and North American countries during the 2015–17 refugee crisis. It uses the number of accepted refugees per population, per Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and per area as proxies of valuation of life among host populations. Regardless of the type of burden a country will accept to rescue refugees, this willingness is associated with lower levels of homicide. Thus, in developed countries, security from violent crime cannot be an argument against humane refugee policies.
An unexpected surprise: rare association of neuroendocrine tumours in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pat Jackson J , Iqbal Muhammad Rafaih , Wright Christopher
Published: July 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare malignancies, more so when cancerous metastasis occurs without a known primary source. Here we discuss a case of an ulcerative colitis sufferer, 43-year-old lady presented with what was thought to be a flare up. Situation deteriorated and was taken to theatre to find a significantly ischaemic colon, secondary to extensive venous thrombosis. The ischaemic bowel was resected alongside with what was thought to be a large, reactive lymph node. To our surprise, the resected lymph node returned with evidence of neuroendocrine neoplastic metastasis. Multiple laboratory and imaging investigations were performed in hope to identify the primary source. A second metastatic lymph node was identified and subsequently resected but the primary remains elusive. Currently, there are no visible evidences of active disease.
RETRACTED: Arabidopsis COPPER TRANSPORTER 1 undergoes degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner
Authors: Li Jinjin , Yuan Jinhong , Wang Hui , Zhang Hui , Zhang Haiyan
Published: July 2020

The essential nutrient copper is toxic in excess. Therefore, plants must tightly control copper uptake and distribution. Arabidopsis thaliana high-affinity copper transporters (COPTs) mediate copper uptake, partitioning, and redistribution. Here we show that COPT1 localizes to the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum in stably transgenic plants expressing a COPT1–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein, and the fusion protein is rapidly degraded upon plant exposure to excess copper. MG132 treatment largely abolished copper-induced degradation of COPT1, implying a link between the proteasome and COPT1 activity in modulating copper uptake. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that COPT1 cannot be ubiquitinated in the presence of excess copper and MG132. Through site-directed mutagenesis, we identified Lys159 in the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of COPT1 as critical for copper acquisition, but not for copper-mediated down-regulation of COPT1, in plants. Furthermore, pharmacological analysis showed that treatment with a vesicle trafficking inhibitor or a V-ATPase inhibitor does not alter the subcellular dynamics of COPT1–GFP, consistent with the absence of a connection between the endosomal recycling/vacuolar system and COPT1 degradation. Together, our data suggest that proteasomal degradation rather than vacuolar proteolysis is important for the regulation of copper transport to maintain copper homeostasis in plants.
The MYB transcription factor TaPHR3-A1 is involved in phosphate signaling and governs yield-related traits in bread wheat
Authors: Zheng Xingwei , Liu Cheng , Qiao Ling , Zhao Jiajia , Han Ran , Wang Xiaolu , Ge Chuan , Zhang Wenyun , Zhang Shuwei , Qiao Linyi , Zheng Jun , Hao Chenyang
Published: July 2020

Improved inorganic phosphate (Pi) use efficiency in crops will be important for sustainable agriculture. Exploring molecular mechanisms that regulate Pi uptake could provide useful information for breeding wheat with improved Pi use efficiency. Here, a TaPHR3-A1 (Gene ID: TraesCS7A02G415800) ortholog of rice OsPHR3 that functions in transcriptional regulation of Pi signaling was cloned from wheat chromosome 7A. Ectopic expression of TaPHR3-A1 in Arabidopsis and rice produced enhanced vegetative growth and more seeds. Overexpression in transgenic rice led to increased biomass, grain number, and primary panicle branching by 61.23, 42.12, and 36.34% compared with the wild type. Transgenic wheat lines with down-regulation of TaPHR3-A1 exhibited retarded growth and root hair development at the seedling stage, and showed yield-related effects at the adult stage when grown in both low- and sufficient Pi conditions, indicating that TaPHR3-A1 positively regulated tolerance to low Pi. Introgression lines further confirmed the effect of TaPHR3-A1 in improving grain number. The Chinese wheat mini core collection and a recombinant inbred line analysis demonstrated that the favorable allele TaPHR3-A1-A associated with higher grain number was positively selected in breeding. A TaPHR3-A1-derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker effectively identified haplotype TaPHR3-A1-A. Our results suggested that TaPHR3-A1 was a functional regulatory factor for Pi uptake and provided useful information for marker-assisted selection for high yield in wheat.
Improved asymptotic expressions for the eigenvalues of Laplace’s tidal equations
Authors: Townsend R H D
Published: July 2020

Laplace’s tidal equations govern the angular dependence of oscillations in stars when uniform rotation is treated within the so-called traditional approximation. Using a perturbation expansion approach, I derive improved expressions for the eigenvalue associated with these equations, valid in the asymptotic limit of large spin parameter q. These expressions have a relative accuracy of order q−3 for gravito-inertial modes, and q−1 for Rossby and Kelvin modes; the corresponding absolute accuracy is of order q−1 for all three mode types. I validate my analysis against numerical calculations, and demonstrate how it can be applied to derive formulae for the periods and eigenfunctions of Rossby modes.
Detection and characterization of two VLM binaries: LP 1033-31 and LP 877-72
Authors: Karmakar Subhajeet , Rajpurohit A S , Allard F , Homeier D
Published: July 2020

Using the high-resolution near-infrared adaptive optics imaging from the NaCo instrument at the Very Large Telescope, we report the discovery of a new binary companion to the M-dwarf LP 1033-31 and also confirm the binarity of LP 877-72. We have characterized both the stellar systems and estimated the properties of their individual components. We have found that LP 1033-31 AB with the spectral type of M4.5+M4.5 has a projected separation of 6.7 ± 1.3 AU. Whereas with the spectral type of M1+M4, the projected separation of LP 877-72 AB is estimated to be 45.8 ± 0.3 AU. The binary companions of LP 1033-31 AB are found to have similar masses, radii, effective temperatures, and log g with the estimated values of 0.20 ± 0.04 $\rm {M}_{\odot }$, 0.22 ± 0.03 $\rm {R}_{\odot }$, and 3200 K, 5.06 ± 0.04. However, the primary of LP 877-72 AB is found to be twice as massive as the secondary with the derived mass of 0.520 ± 0.006 $\rm {M}_{\odot }$. The radius and log g for the primary of LP 877-72 AB are found to be 1.8 and 0.95 times that of the secondary component with the estimated values of 0.492 ± 0.011 $\rm {R}_{\odot }$ and 4.768 ± 0.005, respectively. With an effective temperature of 3750 ± 15 K, the primary of LP 877-72 AB is also estimated to be ∼400 K hotter than the secondary component. We have also estimated the orbital period of LP 1033-31 and LP 877-72 to be ∼28 and ∼349 yr, respectively. The binding energies for both systems are found to be >1043 erg, which signifies that both systems are stable.
Global Phase 3 programme of vadadustat for treatment of anaemia of chronic kidney disease: rationale, study design and baseline characteristics of dialysis-dependent patients in the INNO2VATE trials
Authors: Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Agarwal Rajiv , Farag Youssef Mk , Jardine Alan G , Khawaja Zeeshan , Koury Mark J , Luo Wenli , Matsushita Kunihiro , McCullough Peter A , Parfrey Patrick , Ross Geoffrey , Sarnak Mark J , Vargo Dennis , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C , Chertow Glenn M
Published: July 2020

Background

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are currently the mainstay of treatment for anaemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vadadustat is an investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates endogenous erythropoietin formation. The INNO2VATE programme comprises two studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vadadustat versus the ESA darbepoetin alfa in ameliorating anaemia in patients with dialysis-dependent CKD (DD-CKD). Here we describe the trial design along with patient demographics and baseline characteristics.

Methods

Two Phase 3, open-label, sponsor-blind, active-controlled trials enrolled adults with anaemia of CKD who recently initiated dialysis and had limited ESA exposure (incident DD-CKD trial) or were receiving maintenance dialysis with ESA treatment (prevalent DD-CKD trial). Study periods include correction/conversion (Weeks 0–23), maintenance (Weeks 24–52), long-term treatment (Weeks 53 to end of treatment) and safety follow-up. The primary safety endpoint is the time to the first major adverse cardiovascular event and the primary efficacy endpoint is the change in haemoglobin (baseline to Weeks 24–36).

Results

A total of 369 and 3554 patients were randomized in the incident DD-CKD and prevalent DD-CKD trials, respectively. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar among patients in both trials and comparable to those typically observed in DD-CKD.

Conclusions

The two INNO2VATE trials will provide important information on the safety and efficacy of a novel approach for anaemia management in a diverse DD-CKD population. Demographics and baseline characteristics of enrolled patients suggest that study results will be representative for a large proportion of the DD-CKD population.
Multilobar Epilepsy Surgery in Childhood and Adolescence: Predictors of Long-Term Seizure Freedom
Authors: Kogias Evangelos , Bast Thomas , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Wiegand Gert , Brandt Armin , Strobl Karl , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Zentner Josef , Ramantani Georgia
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Although multilobar resections correspond to one-fifth of pediatric epilepsy surgery, there are little data on long-term seizure control.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term seizure outcomes of children and adolescents undergoing multilobar epilepsy surgery and identify their predictors.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we considered 69 consecutive patients that underwent multilobar epilepsy surgery at the age of 10.0 ± 5.0 yr (mean ± SD). The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion in all but 2 cases. Resections were temporo-parieto(-occipital) in 30%, temporo-occipital in 41%, parieto-occipital in 16%, and fronto-(temporo)-parietal in 13% cases. Etiologies were determined as focal cortical dysplasia in 67%, perinatal or postnatal ischemic lesions in 23%, and benign tumors in 10% of cases.

RESULTS

At last follow-up of median 9 yr (range 2.8-14.8), 48% patients were seizure free; 33% were off antiepileptic drugs. 10% of patients, all with dysplastic etiology, required reoperations: 4 of 7 achieved seizure freedom. Seizure recurrence occurred mostly (80%) within the first 6 mo. Among presurgical variables, only an epileptogenic zone far from eloquent cortex independently correlated with significantly higher rates of seizure arrest in multivariate analysis. Among postsurgical variables, the absence of residual lesion and of acute postsurgical seizures was independently associated with significantly higher rates of seizure freedom.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that multilobar epilepsy surgery is effective regarding long-term seizure freedom and antiepileptic drug withdrawal in selected pediatric candidates. Epileptogenic zones–and lesions–localized distant from eloquent cortex and, thus, fully resectable predispose for seizure control. Acute postsurgical seizures are critical markers of seizure recurrence that should lead to prompt reevaluation.
Spatial Pattern and Determinants of Tobacco Use Among Females in India: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Ganesh Karthika
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Tobacco use has been steadily increasing among the females in developing countries. It has led to rise in tobacco–related morbidity and mortality among females. Knowing the geographic distribution of the habit is essential to identify high–priority areas and direct the healthcare intervention. Hence, this study was done to assess the spatial patterns and determinants of tobacco consumption among females in India.

Aims and Methods

Univariate and bivariate Moran’s I statistic and local indicators for spatial association maps were generated to determine the spatial clustering of tobacco consumption (smoked and smokeless form). Ordinary least-square regression, spatial-lag and spatial-error models were performed to assess the determinants. Poverty (belonging to poorest and poorer quintile of wealth index), illiteracy (no formal education), marital status, ST population, tobacco use by family members, and alcohol use were the explanatory variables.

Results

Univariate Moran’s I was .691 suggesting positive spatial autocorrelation. High–prevalence clustering (hotspots) was maximum in the central, eastern, and northeastern states such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam. This pattern was similar for both smokeless and smoked form. Results of spatial-lag and spatial-error model suggested that alcohol use, scheduled tribes, illiteracy, poverty, marital status, and tobacco use by family members were significant determinants of female tobacco consumption. The coefficient of spatial association was maximum for alcohol use (β = .20, p < .001) followed by widowed/separated/divorced (β = .12, p < .001).

Conclusions

Tobacco consumption among females in India is spatially clustered. Multisectoral coordination and targeted interventions are required in the geographical hotspots of tobacco consumption.

Implications

This is the first study to explore the geospatial pattern of tobacco consumption among females in India. We found that the pattern of tobacco use among females is spatially clustered in India. Clustering was predominantly found in central, eastern, and northeastern regions of the country. Tribal population in these areas and complementarities between alcohol and tobacco use contributed significantly to the high–prevalence clustering. These findings will be helpful for policymakers and planners to devise specific intervention package targeting the high–risk regions.
Exploring the Complexities of Human Action
Authors: Raeff Catherine
Published: July 2020

Exploring the Complexities of Human Action offers a bold theoretical framework for thinking systematically and integratively about what people do as they go about their complex lives in all corners of the world. The book offers a vision of humanity that promotes empathic understanding of complex human beings that can bring people together to pursue common goals. Raeff sets the stage for conceptualizing human action by characterizing what people do in terms of the complexities of holism, dynamics, variability, and multicausality. She also constructively questions some conventional practices and assumptions in psychology (e.g., fragmenting, objectifying, aggregating, deterministic causality). The author then articulates a systems conceptualization of action that emphasizes multiple and interrelated processes. This integrative conceptualization holds that action is constituted by simultaneously occurring and interrelated individual, social, cultural, bodily, and environmental processes. Action is further conceptualized in terms of simultaneously occurring and interrelated psychological processes (e.g., sensing, perceiving, thinking, feeling, interacting, self/identity), as well as developmental processes. This theoretical framework is informed by research in varied cultures, and accessible examples are used to illustrate major concepts and claims. The book also discusses some implications and applications of the theoretical framework for investigating the complexities of human action. The book shows how the theoretical framework can be used to think about a wide range of action, from eating to art. Raeff uses the theoretical framework to consider varied vexing human issues, including mind–body connections, diversity, extremism, and freedom, as well as how action is simultaneously universal, culturally particular, and individualized.
Psychological Processes
Authors: Raeff Catherine
Published: July 2020

The goal of this chapter is to explain how action involves varied psychological processes, including thinking, feeling, self/identity, interacting, and sensing and perceiving. It is explained that different ways of acting involve different ways of structuring varied psychological processes. Moreover, different ways of structuring psychological processes emerge through individual, social, cultural, bodily, and environmental processes. In this chapter, thinking, feeling, self/identity, sensing and perceiving, and interacting are conceptualized as active processes that people do, and each process is explained in relation to individual, social, cultural, bodily, and environmental processes. Varied empirical and everyday examples are used to illustrate major concepts and claims.
Grounds of Border Control and Shared Border Governance
Authors: Ochoa Espejo Paulina
Published: July 2020

Who has a right to control borders? Political philosophers divide territorial rights into a right of jurisdiction, a right to use resources, and a right to control borders. However, they focus on the first right, because they think that both the second and third flow from it. This chapter argues that territorial rights are fundamentally plural: the right to border control is independent from the other territorial rights. This pluralist thesis enables an alternative analysis of the right to control borders: specifying their objects, proper site, scope, institutions, duty bearers, and holders. The chapter also shows that border control rights have a different grounding than the rights to jurisdiction and to natural resources. While the latter may be grounded in internal legitimacy, the former are grounded in international conventions and place-specific obligations, indicating that borders require shared and reciprocal governance by adjoining countries and the international system.
Envoi
Authors: Ochoa Espejo Paulina
Published: July 2020

Are borders justified? Who has a right to control them? Where should they be drawn? This short envoi summarizes On Borders, which proposes the Watershed Model, and answers the book’s central questions as follows: First, borders are justified when they sustain place-specific duties. Second, border control rights spring from international conventions, not from internal legitimacy—so border institutions should be governed cooperatively by the neighboring states and by the states system. Finally, any border redrawing should be done with environmental conservation in mind. It concludes by asking where new research on borders in times of climate change should lead.