bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leonurine protects against influenza A virus infection-induced pneumonia in mice
Authors: Qiu Li-Nan , Tan Ya-Rong , Luo Yu-Ju , Chen Xiao-Juan
Published: September 2021

Influenza A virus (H1N1), a swine-origin influenza A virus, causes seasonal epidemics that result in severe illnesses and deaths. Leonurine has been reported to function as an anti-inflammatory agent with protective effects on nervous, urinary and cardiovascular systems. However, the therapeutic effects of leonurine on the pneumonia caused by H1N1 infection remain unclear. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to evaluate the lung injuries of mice infected by H1N1. The amount of immune cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the alteration of multiple cytokines in lung tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to investigate the ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels of certain genes. The protein levels in toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling were estimated by western blot assay. Leonurine treatment significantly inhibited the mortality caused by H1N1 infection. Leonurine treatment (60 mg/kg) alleviated the lung injuries caused by virus infection. The inflammatory cell accumulation and cytokine expression were inhibited by the leonurine administration. Leonurine inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung homogenates at day 5 postinfection. Leonurine regulated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling in the lung homogenates of H1N1-infected mice at day 5 postinfection. Leonurine protects against H1N1 infection-induced pneumonia in mice.
Ethical considerations of preconception and prenatal gene modification in the embryo and fetus
Authors: Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Labude Markus Klaus , Lee Timothy Nicholas , Lai Poh San
Published: September 2021

The National Academies of Sciences and Medicine 2020 consensus statement advocates the reinstatement of research in preconception heritable human genome editing (HHGE), despite the ethical concerns that have been voiced about interventions in the germline, and outlines criteria for its eventual clinical application to address monogenic disorders. However, the statement does not give adequate consideration to alternative technologies. Importantly, it omits comparison to fetal gene therapy (FGT), which involves gene modification applied prenatally to the developing fetus and which is better researched and less ethically contentious. While both technologies are applicable to the same monogenic diseases causing significant prenatal or early childhood morbidity, the benefits and risks of HHGE are distinct from FGT though there are important overlaps. FGT has the current advantage of a wealth of robust preclinical data, while HHGE is nascent technology and its feasibility for specific diseases still requires scientific proof. The ethical concerns surrounding each are unique and deserving of further discussion, as there are compelling arguments supporting research and eventual clinical translation of both technologies. In this Opinion, we consider HHGE and FGT through technical and ethical lenses, applying common ethical principles to provide a sense of their feasibility and acceptability. Currently, FGT is in a more advanced position for clinical translation and may be less ethically contentious than HHGE, so it deserves to be considered as an alternative therapy in further discussions on HHGE implementation.
Expanding Contributions of Monogenic Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ouahed Jodie
Published: September 2021

Currently over 70 genes known to be causative in very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) have been identified. In the current issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2 articles describing monogenetic forms of VEOIBD are highlighted. One describes a patient with life-threatening VEOIBD and a mutation in ITGA6, illustrating the importance of the epithelial barrier in maintaining mucosal homeostasis. The other describes the presentation and management of 10 patients with VEOIBD secondary to damaging mutations in MVK, resulting in mevalonate kinase deficiency. Though most monogenic causes of VEOIBD remain “private,” understanding the different categories of pathways affected in children with VEOIBD is critical and has already resulted in invaluable insight in the management of patients with VEOIBD and may hold strong implications for the care of IBD overall.
Viral RNA and Infectious Influenza Virus on Mobile Phones of Patients With Influenza in Hong Kong and the United States
Authors: Xiao Jingyi , Bueno de Mesquita P Jacob , Leung Nancy H L , Adenaiye Oluwasanmi , Tai Sheldon , Frieman Matthew B , Hong Filbert , Chu Daniel K W , Ip Dennis K M , Cowling Benjamin J , Milton Donald K
Published: September 2021

Mobile phones are among the most highly touched personal objects. As part of a broader study on the contribution of fomites to influenza transmission, between 2017 and 2019, we swabbed mobile phones from 138 patients with influenza in 2 locations. Influenza viral RNA detection rates were 23% (23 of 99 phones) and 36% (14 of 39) in Hong Kong and Maryland, respectively. In Hong Kong, infectious influenza virus was recovered from 3 of 23 mobile phones which had influenza viral RNA detected. Mobile phone influenza contamination was positively associated with upper respiratory tract viral load and negatively associated with age. Cleaning personal objects of patients with influenza should be recommended, and individuals should avoid sharing objects with these patients.
Mathematical Modeling of Endemic Cholera Transmission
Authors: Chao Dennis L
Published: September 2021

Mathematical modeling can be used to project the impact of mass vaccination on cholera transmission. Here, we discuss 2 examples for which indirect protection from mass vaccination needs to be considered. In the first, we show that nonvaccinees can be protected by mass vaccination campaigns. This additional benefit of indirect protection improves the cost-effectiveness of mass vaccination. In the second, we model the use of mass vaccination to eliminate cholera. In this case, a high population level of immunity, including contributions from infection and vaccination, is required to reach the “herd immunity” threshold needed to stop transmission and achieve elimination.
The effectiveness of Check of Medication Appropriateness for antimicrobial stewardship: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Quintens Charlotte , Peetermans Willy E , Lagrou Katrien , Declercq Peter , Schuermans Annette , Debaveye Yves , Van den Bosch Bart , Spriet Isabel
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials in hospitals contributes to the emergence of resistance and adverse drug events. To support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), clinical decision rules focusing on antimicrobial therapy were implemented in the ‘Check of Medication Appropriateness’ (CMA). The CMA is a hospital-wide pharmacist-led medication review service consisting of a clinical rule-based screening for potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs). We aimed to investigate the impact of the CMA on antimicrobial prescribing.

Methods

An interrupted time series study was performed at the University Hospitals Leuven. The pre-implementation cohort was exposed to standard-of-care AMS. Afterwards, an AMS-focused CMA comprising 41 specific clinical rules, targeting six AMS objectives, was implemented in the post-implementation period. A regression model was used to assess the impact of the intervention on the number of AMS-related residual PIPs between both periods. The total number of recommendations and acceptance rate was recorded for the 2 year post-implementation period.

Results

Pre-implementation, a median proportion of 75% (range: 33%–100%) residual PIPs per day was observed. After the CMA intervention, the proportion was reduced to 8% (range: 0%–33%) per day. Use of clinical rules resulted in an immediate relative reduction of 86.70% (P < 0.0001) in AMS-related residual PIPs. No significant underlying time trends were observed during the study period. Post-implementation, 2790 recommendations were provided of which 81.32% were accepted.

Conclusions

We proved that the CMA approach reduced the number of AMS-related residual PIPs in a highly significant and sustained manner, with the potential to further expand the service to other AMS objectives.
Understanding antibiotic use: practices, structures and networks
Authors: Tompson A C , Manderson L , Chandler C I R
Published: September 2021

In this article, we consider how social sciences can help us to understand the rising use of antibiotics globally. Drawing on ethnography as a way to research how we are in the world, we explore scholarship that situates antibiotic use in relation to interactions of pathogens, humans, animals and the environment in the context of globalization, changes in agriculture and urbanization. We group this research into three areas: practices, structures and networks. Much of the public health and related social research concerning antimicrobial resistance has focused on antibiotic use as a practice, with research characterizing how antibiotics are used by patients, farmers, fishermen, drug sellers, clinicians and others. Researchers have also positioned antibiotic use as emergent of political-economic structures, shedding light on how working and living conditions, quality of care, hygiene and sanitation foster reliance on antibiotics. A growing body of research sees antibiotics as embedded in networks that, in addition to social and institutional networks, comprise physical, technical and historical connections such as guidelines, supply chains and reporting systems. Taken together, this research emphasizes the multiple ways that antibiotics have become built into daily life. Wider issues, which may be invisible without explication through ethnographic approaches, need to be considered when addressing antibiotic use. Adopting the complementary vantage points of practices, networks and structures can support the diversification of our responses to AMR.
Improving suicide risk prediction via targeted data fusion: proof of concept using medical claims data
Authors: Xu Wanwan , Su Chang , Li Yan , Rogers Steven , Wang Fei , Chen Kun , Aseltine Robert
Published: September 2021

Objective

Reducing suicidal behavior among patients in the healthcare system requires accurate and explainable predictive models of suicide risk across diverse healthcare settings.

Materials and Methods

We proposed a general targeted fusion learning framework that can be used to build a tailored risk prediction model for any specific healthcare setting, drawing on information fusion from a separate more comprehensive dataset with indirect sample linkage through patient similarities. As a proof of concept, we predicted suicide-related hospitalizations for pediatric patients in a limited statewide Hospital Inpatient Discharge Dataset (HIDD) fused with a more comprehensive medical All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) from Connecticut.

Results

We built a suicide risk prediction model for the source data (APCD) and calculated patient risk scores. Patient similarity scores between patients in the source and target (HIDD) datasets using their demographic characteristics and diagnosis codes were assessed. A fused risk score was generated for each patient in the target dataset using our proposed targeted fusion framework. With this model, the averaged sensitivities at 90% and 95% specificity improved by 67% and 171%, and the positive predictive values for the combined fusion model improved 64% and 135% compared to the conventional model.

Discussion and Conclusions

We proposed a general targeted fusion learning framework that can be used to build a tailored predictive model for any specific healthcare setting. Results from this study suggest we can improve the performance of predictive models in specific target settings without complete integration of the raw records from external data sources.
Understanding Factors in Burn Patient Follow-up
Authors: Solomon Eve A , Phelan Elizabeth , Tumbaga Lilia G , Karashchuk Irina P , Greenhalgh David G , Sen Soman , Palmieri Tina L , Romanowski Kathleen S
Published: September 2021

Follow-up rates are concerningly low among burn-injured patients. This study investigates the factors associated with low follow-up rates and missed appointments. We hypothesize that patients who are homeless, use illicit substances, and have psychiatric comorbidities will have lower rates of follow-up and more missed appointments. Data from a discharge-planning survey of 281 burn-injured patients discharged from September 2019 to July 2020 were analyzed and matched with patients’ electronic medical records for a retrospective chart review. Data collected included general demographics, burn characteristics, hospitalization details, follow-up visits, missed appointments, homeless status, substance use, major psychiatric illness, and survey responses. Data analysis used chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and multivariate regression analysis. Overall, 37% of patients had no follow-up in clinic and 46% had one or more missed appointment. On multivariate regression analysis, homeless patients were more likely to never follow-up, odds ratio (OR) = 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11–0.49), as were patients who anticipated experiencing transportation difficulties, OR = 0.28 (95% CI = 0.15–0.50). Homeless patients were more likely to have missed appointments, OR = 0.23 (95% CI = 0.1–0.54). On univariate analysis, patients with one or more documented major psychiatric illness had lower follow-up rates, with 50.62% having no follow-up (P < .01). Among patients who responded to the survey that they were current drug users, 52% had no follow-up as compared to 28% of patients who responded that they did not use drugs (P < .01).
Re-domestication of Internet Technologies: Digital Exclusion or Digital Choice?
Authors: Grošelj Darja
Published: September 2021

Internet access is now characterized by multi-device, mobile, and ubiquitous access. We explore the changing nature of internet access by focusing on social practices that shape the position and role of internet technologies in everyday internet use. Drawing on the domestication framework, the study uses data from qualitative interviews with UK internet users to explore how technologies are re-domesticated. Three practices encompassing how internet users develop and maintain internet access were identified: spotlighting, distributing, and making do. In addition, orientation, understanding, play, and communication internet dependencies were examined to determine how individuals relate to internet technologies. The practices of re-domestication reflect differences in the role that internet technologies play in individuals’ daily lives, and differences in the availability of offline resources. The study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of internet access, depending on whether access arrangements are shaped by digital exclusion or choice.
Carbon Border Adjustment Measures: A Straightforward Multi-Purpose Climate Change Instrument?
Authors: Pirlot Alice
Published: September 2021

Carbon border adjustment measures (CBAMs) are instruments that can be used to mitigate climate change, but also have a positive impact on trade, climate leadership and even public finance. In this article, I challenge the view that they can serve as straightforward multi-purpose instruments. In a first step, I analyse each of the purposes that can be achieved through CBAMs and explain their underlying differences. In a second step, I discuss their legal design and explain how CBAMs’ design features affect the types of purposes that they can achieve. I apply this two-step analytical framework to the European Union context, where a proposal for a regulation establishing a CBAM has been published by the European Commission in July 2021. I demonstrate that the design of the EU CBAM is inconsistent with the Commission’s main objectives of promoting fair competition and climate mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement. The EU CBAM proposal is primarily an instrument of climate leadership.
Prediction of sweet spots in tight sandstone reservoirs based on anisotropic frequency-dependent AVO inversion
Authors: Qin Xilin , Gui Zhixian , Yang Fei , Liu Yuanyuan , Jin Wei , Xiong Jian
Published: September 2021

The frequency-dependent amplitude-versus-offset (FAVO) method has become a practical method for fluid detection in sand reservoirs. At present, most FAVO inversions are based on the assumption that reservoirs are isotropy, but the application effect is not satisfactory for fractured reservoirs. Hence, we analyse the frequency variation characteristics of anisotropy parameters in tight sandstone reservoirs based on a new petrophysical model, and propose a stepwise anisotropic FAVO inversion method to extract frequency-dependent attributes from prestack seismic field data. First, we combine the improved Brie's law with the fine-fracture model to analyse frequency-dependent characteristics of velocities and Thomsen anisotropy parameters at different gas saturations and fracture densities. Then, we derive an anisotropic FAVO inversion algorithm based on Rüger's approximation formula and propose a stepwise anisotropic FAVO inversion method to obtain the dispersions of anisotropy parameters. Finally, we propose a method that combines the inversion spectral decomposition with the stepwise anisotropy FAVO inversion and apply it to tight sand reservoirs in the Xinchang area. We use P-wave velocity dispersion and anisotropy parameter ε dispersion to optimise favourable areas. Numerical analysis results show that velocity dispersion of the P-wave is sensitive to fracture density, which can be used for fracture prediction in fractured reservoirs. In contrast, anisotropic parameter dispersion is sensitive to gas saturation and can be used for fluid detection. The seismic data inversion results show that velocity dispersion of the P-wave and anisotropic parameter dispersion are sensitive to fractured reservoirs in the second member of Xujiahe Group, which is consistent with logging interpretation results.
Reference Gene Selection for Analyzing the Transcription Patterns of Two Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase Genes From Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Liang Xiao , Chen Qing , Wu Chunling , Liu Ying , Han Zhiling , Wu Mufeng
Published: September 2021

Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), known as the papaya mealybug, could cause considerable yield loss of several plants. To date, there is no molecular-based study of P. marginatus. Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are key enzymes involved in wax synthesis. In the present study, we cloned and characterized coding sequences (CDS) of two FAR genes from P. marginatus. The results showed that PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 CDS were 1,590 and 1,497 bp in length, respectively, and sequence analysis indicated that these two genes both had the conservative motifs belonging to FAR_C superfamily. Furthermore, seven candidate reference genes were analyzed for their expression stability by using common algorithms including comparative ΔCq method, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. Eventually, β-actin and GAPDH were the best reference genes in evaluating the expression of those two FAR genes. We found that PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 showed distinct expression patterns in different life stages. Moreover, the transcription of PmFAR1 and PmFAR2 in P. marginatus fed on resistant cassava cultivars was significantly lower compared with those fed on susceptible ones, indicating the potential function of FAR genes in cassava resistance to P. marginatus. The present study might help in better understanding the molecular mechanism of cassava resistance to mealybug.
Clinical efficacy and safety of different doses of intrathecal methotrexate in the treatment of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis: a prospective and single-arm study
Authors: Hou Lan , Han Weixin , Jin Jie , Chen Xin , Zou Yueli , Yan Litian , He Junying , Bu Hui
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of different doses of intrathecal methotrexate in the treatment of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.

Methods

53 patients admitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis were recruited. They were divided into two groups: 15-mg-group received 15 mg methotrexate intrathecally, while the other received 10 mg methotrexate. All patients were followed up to 31 December 2020 or until death. Primary endpoint was the response rate. Secondary endpoints were survival and safety. Treatment-related adverse events were recorded.

Results

The intrathecal chemotherapy was regularly maintained in 42 cases. Most primary cancers were lung (60.4%), stomach (18.9%) or breast (5.7%). The clinical response rate was higher in the 15 mg group than the 10 mg group (62.5 vs. 34.5%, P = 0.042). In the 15 mg group, two cases showed myelosuppression and one case showed seizures. In the 10 mg group, one patient appeared fever, three patients appeared myelosuppression and one showed leukoencephalopathy. However, there were no serious irreversible adverse reactions in neither of the two groups. In terms of survival, the median survival was 15.7 weeks in the 15 mg group and 27.1 weeks in the 10 mg group (P = 0.116). Multivariate analysis showed that only targeted therapy improved the survival (P < 0.0001, HR = 5.386).

Conclusion

Increased dose of methotrexate did not prolong the overall survival, but it was more effective in relieving clinical symptoms with no increased adverse reactions. Targeted therapy might improve the survival.
Bioengineered Models to Study Microenvironmental Regulation of Glioblastoma Metabolism
Authors: Chen Joseph , Lee Hyunchul , Schmitt Philipp , Choy Caleb J , Miller Donald M , Williams Brian J , Bearer Elaine L , Frieboes Hermann B
Published: September 2021

Despite extensive research and aggressive therapies, glioblastoma (GBM) remains a central nervous system malignancy with poor prognosis. The varied histopathology of GBM suggests a landscape of differing microenvironments and clonal expansions, which may influence metabolism, driving tumor progression. Indeed, GBM metabolic plasticity in response to differing nutrient supply within these microenvironments has emerged as a key driver of aggressiveness. Additionally, emergent biophysical and biochemical interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are offering new perspectives on GBM metabolism. Perivascular and hypoxic niches exert crucial roles in tumor maintenance and progression, facilitating metabolic relationships between stromal and tumor cells. Alterations in extracellular matrix and its biophysical characteristics, such as rigidity and topography, regulate GBM metabolism through mechanotransductive mechanisms. This review highlights insights gained from deployment of bioengineering models, including engineered cell culture and mathematical models, to study the microenvironmental regulation of GBM metabolism. Bioengineered approaches building upon histopathology measurements may uncover potential therapeutic strategies that target both TME-dependent mechanotransductive and biomolecular drivers of metabolism to tackle this challenging disease. Longer term, a concerted effort integrating in vitro and in silico models predictive of patient therapy response may offer a powerful advance toward tailoring of treatment to patient-specific GBM characteristics.
Fine and hyperfine excitation of nitric oxide by collision with para-H2 at low temperature
Authors: Ben Khalifa M , Loreau J
Published: September 2021

Nitric oxide is an open-shell molecule abundantly detected in the interstellar medium. A precise modelling of its radiative and collisional processes opens the path to a precise estimate of its abundance. We present here the first rate coefficients for fine and hyperfine (de-)excitation of NO by collisions with the most ubiquitous collision partner in the interstellar medium, para-H2 hydrogen molecules, using a recently developed accurate interaction potential. We report quantum scattering calculations for transitions involving the first 74 fine levels and the corresponding 442 hyperfine levels belonging to both F1 and F2 spin–orbit manifolds. To do so, we have calculated cross-sections by means of the quantum mechanical close-coupling approach up to 1000 cm−1 of total energy and rate coefficients from 5 to 100 K. Propensity rules are discussed and the new NO–H2 rates are compared to those available in the literature, based on scaled NO–He rates. Large differences are observed between the two sets of rate coefficients, and this comparison shows that the new collision rates must be used in interpreting NO emission lines. We also examined the effect of these new rates on the NO excitation in cold clouds by performing radiative transfer calculations of the excitation and brightness temperatures for the two NO lines at 150.176 and 250.4368 GHz. This shows that the local thermodynamic equilibrium is not fulfilled for this species for typical conditions. We expect the use of the rates presented in this study to improve the constraints on the abundance of NO.
The impact of winds on the spectral appearance of red supergiants
Authors: Davies Ben , Plez Bertrand
Published: September 2021

The rate at which mass is lost during the red supergiant (RSG) evolutionary stage may strongly influence how the star appears. Though there have been many studies discussing how RSGs appear in the mid- and far-infrared (IR) as a function of their mass-loss rate, to date, there have been no such investigations at optical and near-IR wavelengths. In a preliminary study, we construct model atmospheres for RSGs that include a wind, and use these models to compute synthetic spectra from the optical to the mid-IR. The inclusion of a wind has two important effects. First, higher mass-loss rates result in stronger absorption in the TiO bands, causing the star to appear as a later spectral type despite its effective temperature remaining constant. This explains the observed relation between spectral type, evolutionary stage, and mid-IR excess, as well as the mismatch between temperatures derived from the optical and IR. Secondly, the wind mimics many observed characteristics of a ‘MOLsphere’, potentially providing an explanation for the extended molecular zone inferred to exist around nearby RSGs. Thirdly, we show that wind fluctuations can explain the spectral variability of Betelgeuse during its recent dimming, without the need for dust.
The GALAH+ survey: a new library of observed stellar spectra improves radial velocities and hints at motions within M67
Authors: Zwitter Tomaž , Kos Janez , Buder Sven , Čotar Klemen , Asplund Martin , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Casey Andrew R , De Silva Gayandhi M , D’Orazi Valentina , Freeman Ken C , Hayden Michael R , Lewis Geraint F , Lin Jane , Lind Karin , Martell Sarah L , Schlesinger Katharine J , Sharma Sanjib , Simpson Jeffrey D , Stello Dennis , Zucker Daniel B , Beeson Kevin L , de Grijs Richard , Nordlander Thomas , Ting (丁源森) Yuan-Sen , Traven Gregor , Vogrinčič Rok , Watson Fred , Wittenmyer Rob
Published: September 2021

GALAH+ is a magnitude-limited survey of high-resolution stellar spectra obtained by the HERMES spectrograph at the Australian Astronomical Observatory. Its third data release provides reduced spectra with new derivations of stellar parameters and abundances of 30 chemical elements for 584 015 dwarfs and giants, 88 per cent of them in the Gaia magnitude range 11 < G < 14. Here, we use these improved values of stellar parameters to build a library of observed spectra which is useful to study variations of individual spectral lines with stellar parameters. This and other improvements are used to derive radial velocities with uncertainties which are generally within 0.1 km s−1 or ∼25 per cent smaller than in the previous release. Median differences in radial velocities measured here and by the Gaia DR2 or APOGEE DR16 surveys are smaller than 30 m s−1, a larger offset is present only for Gaia measurements of giant stars. We identify 4483 stars with intrinsically variable velocities and 225 stars for which the velocity stays constant over ≥3 visits spanning more than a year. The combination of radial velocities from GALAH+ with distances and sky plane motions from Gaia enables studies of dynamics within streams and clusters. For example, we estimate that the open cluster M67 has a total mass of ∼3300 M⊙ and its outer parts seem to be expanding, though astrometry with a larger time-span than currently available from Gaia eDR3 is needed to judge if the latter result is real.
An ALMA study of hub-filament systems – I. On the clump mass concentration within the most massive cores
Authors: Anderson Michael , Peretto Nicolas , Ragan Sarah E , Rigby Andrew J , Avison Adam , Duarte-Cabral Ana , Fuller Gary A , Shirley Yancy L , Traficante Alessio , Williams Gwenllian M
Published: September 2021

The physical processes behind the transfer of mass from parsec-scale clumps to massive star-forming cores remain elusive. We investigate the relation between the clump morphology and the mass fraction that ends up in its most massive core (MMC) as a function of infrared brightness, i.e. a clump evolutionary tracer. Using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) 12 m and Atacama Compact Array, we surveyed six infrared dark hubs in 2.9 mm continuum at ∼3 arcsec resolution. To put our sample into context, we also re-analysed published ALMA data from a sample of 29 high-mass surface density ATLASGAL sources. We characterize the size, mass, morphology, and infrared brightness of the clumps using Herschel and Spitzer data. Within the six newly observed hubs, we identify 67 cores, and find that the MMCs have masses between 15 and 911 M⊙ within a radius of 0.018–0.156 pc. The MMC of each hub contains 3–24 per cent of the clump mass (fMMC), becoming 5–36 per cent once core masses are normalized to the median core radius. Across the 35 clumps, we find no significant difference in the median fMMC values of hub and non-hub systems, likely the consequence of a sample bias. However, we find that fMMC is ∼7.9 times larger for infrared dark clumps compared to infrared bright ones. This factor increases up to ∼14.5 when comparing our sample of six infrared dark hubs to infrared bright clumps. We speculate that hub-filament systems efficiently concentrate mass within their MMC early on during its evolution. As clumps evolve, they grow in mass, but such growth does not lead to the formation of more massive MMCs.
The SnRK2.10 kinase mitigates the adverse effects of salinity by protecting photosynthetic machinery
Authors: Mazur Radosław , Maszkowska Justyna , Anielska-Mazur Anna , Garstka Maciej , Polkowska-Kowalczyk Lidia , Czajkowska Anna , Zmienko Agnieszka , Dobrowolska Grazyna , Kulik Anna
Published: September 2021

SNF1-Related protein kinases Type 2 (SnRK2) are plant-specific enzymes widely distributed across the plant kingdom. They are key players controlling abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent and ABA-independent signaling pathways in the plant response to osmotic stress. Here we established that SnRK2.4 and SnRK2.10, ABA-nonactivated kinases, are activated in Arabidopsis thaliana rosettes during the early response to salt stress and contribute to leaf growth retardation under prolonged salinity but act by maintaining different salt-triggered mechanisms. Under salinity, snrk2.10 insertion mutants were impaired in the reconstruction and rearrangement of damaged core and antenna protein complexes in photosystem II (PSII), which led to stronger non-photochemical quenching, lower maximal quantum yield of PSII, and lower adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to high light intensity. The observed effects were likely caused by disturbed accumulation and phosphorylation status of the main PSII core and antenna proteins. Finally, we found a higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the snrk2.10 mutant leaves under a few-day-long exposure to salinity which also could contribute to the stronger damage of the photosynthetic apparatus and cause other deleterious effects affecting plant growth. We found that the snrk2.4 mutant plants did not display substantial changes in photosynthesis. Overall, our results indicate that SnRK2.10 is activated in leaves shortly after plant exposure to salinity and contributes to salt stress tolerance by maintaining efficient photosynthesis and preventing oxidative damage.
Formulation of a shell–cluster overlap integral with the Gaussian expansion method
Authors: Nakamoto R , Ueda E , Ito M , Shimizu N
Published: September 2021

We formulate a computational method to evaluate the overlap integral of the shell-model and cluster-model wave functions. The framework is applied to the system of the core plus two neutrons, and the magnitude of the overlap of the shell-model configuration (core + $n$ + $n$) and the di-neutron cluster one (core + $2n$) is explored. We have found that the magnitude of the overlap integral is prominently enhanced when two neutrons occupy shell-model orbits with low orbital angular momenta, such as $s$- and $p$-wave orbits. The shell–cluster overlap is calculated in systems with $jj$-closed cores plus two neutrons, and the enhancement due to occupation of the $s$ or $p$ orbit also occurs in the systematic calculation. The effect of the configuration interaction on the shell–cluster overlap integrals is also discussed.
Crowded Trades and Tail Risk
Authors: Brown Gregory W , Howard Philip , Lundblad Christian T
Published: September 2021

Hedge fund positions are an important component of crowded trades. These vehicles are particularly active, take highly concentrated positions, and utilize leverage and short sales. Using a database of hedge fund holdings, we measure the degree of security-level crowdedness. The difference between the average returns on portfolios sorted by high versus low crowdedness portfolios is sizable, and the variation in the realized portfolio returns is distinct from other traditional risk factors. Further, hedge fund exposures to crowdedness are often significant, and they help to explain downside “tail risk,” as funds with higher exposures experience relatively larger drawdowns during periods of industry distress.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Short-Termism Spillovers from the Financial Industry
Authors: Bird Andrew , Ertan Aytekin , Karolyi Stephen A , Ruchti Thomas G
Published: September 2021

To meet short-term benchmarks, lenders may alter their monitoring behavior, providing a channel for short-termism to spill over to their borrowers. We find that short-termist lenders are significantly more likely to enforce covenant breaches. This behavior is pronounced when performance benchmarks are precise or salient, and when managers have high pay-performance sensitivity, but not when they face strong shareholder governance. Affected borrowers are more likely to switch lenders, pay higher spreads on renegotiated loans, and reduce investment. Our findings suggest that bank managers trade off relationship capital for income-boosting fees and term changes from covenant enforcement to meet earnings benchmarks.
Localized versus systemic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: data from the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry
Authors: Iudici Michele , Pagnoux Christian , Courvoisier Delphine S , Cohen Pascal , Néel Antoine , Aouba Achille , Lifermann François , Ruivard Marc , Aumaître Olivier , Bonnotte Bernard , Maurier François , Le Gallou Thomas , Hachulla Eric , Karras Alexandre , Khouatra Chahéra , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Viallard Jean-François , Blanchard-Delaunay Claire , Godmer Pascal , Le Quellec Alain , Quéméneur Thomas , de Moreuil Claire , Régent Alexis , Terrier Benjamin , Mouthon Luc , Guillevin Loïc , Puéchal Xavier ,   the French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe the main features at diagnosis and evolution over time of patients with localized granulomatosis with polyangiitis (L-GPA) compared with those of systemic GPA (S-GPA).

Methods

EULAR definitions of L-GPA, i.e. upper and/or lower respiratory tract involvement, and S-GPA were applied to patients from the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry. L-GPA and S-GPA patients’ characteristics at diagnosis and long-term outcomes were analysed and compared.

Results

Among the 795 Registry patients, 79 (10%) had L-GPA. Their main clinical manifestations were rhinitis, lung nodules, sinusitis and otitis. L-GPA vs S-GPA patients at diagnosis, respectively, were younger, more frequently had saddle nose deformity or subglottic stenosis and were less often PR3-ANCA–positive. L-GPA vs S-GPA induction therapy less frequently included CYC but more often a combination of MTX and glucocorticoids; 64% of MTX-treated patients experienced disease progression within 18 months post-diagnosis. L- and S-GPA patients’ estimated relapse-free–survival probabilities, relapse rates and refractory disease rates at each time point were comparable, but L-GPA patients had more frequent ENT and lung relapses, and higher overall survival rates (P<0.02). Over a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 18 (22.8%) L-GPA progressed to S-GPA, either as a relapse after a period in remission or more frequently in the context of refractory disease. L-GPA patients experienced more ENT-related damage.

Conclusions

The relapse risks of L-GPA and S-GPA were similar, but relapse patterns differed and L-GPA overall survival rate was higher. About one-quarter of L-GPA patients developed S-GPA over time, but without end-stage organ involvement.
Sleep in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Saidi Oussama , Rochette Emmanuelle , Bourdier Pierre , Ratel Sébastien , Merlin Etienne , Pereira Bruno , Duché Pascale
Published: September 2021

Study Objectives

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common pediatric rheumatic disease. However, sleep alteration associated with this autoimmune disease remain unclear. We aimed in this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare sleep duration, quality, and architecture in JIA subjects with those in their healthy peers.

Methods

Systematic search performed in PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases included 19 studies in the qualitative synthesis of which 10 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis.

Results

Pooled results from subjective methods indicated pronounced sleep disturbances and complaints in youth with JIA compared with their healthy counterparts. This was further confirmed by increased difficulty maintaining sleep (wake after sleep onset [WASO]; standardized mean differences [SMD]: −0.69; CI: −1.29 to −0.09, p = .02) and a tendency to increased difficulty initiating sleep (sleep onset latency [SOL]; SMD: −0.29; CI: −0.60 to 0.03, p = .07). There were no remarkable differences in sleep duration or sleep architecture between JIA patients and healthy controls. High heterogeneity was found for several outcomes. This could be explained by the different methods used as well as associated sleep disorders, medication, and comorbidities.

Conclusions

Although included studies were methodologically diverse, the summarized results of our review and meta-analysis bring evidence that children with JIA present more fragmented sleep compared to healthy peers. Thereby, the implementation of strategies to manage and improve sleep in this population are needed and might have a beneficial effect on the symptoms and functions of JIA.

Statement of Significance

We observed that youth with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) present pronounced sleep disturbances compared to their healthy counterparts: Meta-analysis found more difficulty maintaining sleep and a tendency to increased sleep latency in youth with JIA. However, results show discrepancies due to the different materials and methods used. Larger sample and further disentanglement of sample composition, considering associated sleep disorders, medication and comorbidities should be addressed in future studies.
Mobile forms of carbon in trees: metabolism and transport
Authors: Dominguez Pia Guadalupe , Niittylä Totte
Published: September 2021

Plants constitute 80% of the biomass on earth, and almost two-thirds of this biomass is found in wood. Wood formation is a carbon (C)-demanding process and relies on C transport from photosynthetic tissues. Thus, understanding the transport process is of major interest for understanding terrestrial biomass formation. Here, we review the molecules and mechanisms used to transport and allocate C in trees. Sucrose is the major form in which C is transported in plants, and it is found in the phloem sap of all tree species investigated so far. However, in several tree species, sucrose is accompanied by other molecules, notably polyols and the raffinose family of oligosaccharides. We describe the molecules that constitute each of these transport groups, and their distribution across different tree species. Furthermore, we detail the metabolic reactions for their synthesis, the mechanisms by which trees load and unload these compounds in and out of the vascular system, and how they are radially transported in the trunk and finally catabolized during wood formation. We also address a particular C recirculation process between phloem and xylem that occurs in trees during the annual cycle of growth and dormancy. A search of possible evolutionary drivers behind the diversity of C-carrying molecules in trees reveals no consistent differences in C transport mechanisms between angiosperm and gymnosperm trees. Furthermore, the distribution of C forms across species suggests that climate-related environmental factors will not explain the diversity of C transport forms. However, the consideration of C-transport mechanisms in relation to tree–rhizosphere coevolution deserves further attention. To conclude the review, we identify possible future lines of research in this field.
Air, Air, Air: a champion midwife programme in Tanzania using HOT neonatal resuscitation—lessons learned
Authors: Becker Jan , Wu Chiung-Jung (Jo) , Becker Chase , Moir James , Gray Marion , Shimwela Meshak , Oprescu Florin
Published: September 2021

Background

Tanzania has approximately 40 000 newborn deaths per year, with >25% of these linked to intrapartum-related hypoxia. The Helping Babies Breathe© and Golden minute© (HBB©) programme was developed to teach skilled intervention for non-breathing neonates at birth. While Helping Babies Breathe© and Golden minute©, providing training in simulated bag and mask ventilation, is theoretically successful in the classroom, it often fails to transfer to clinical practice without further support. Furthermore, the proclivity of midwives to suction excessively as a first-line intervention is an ingrained behaviour that delays ventilation, contributing to very early neonatal deaths.

Methods

The ‘champion’ programme provided guided instruction during a real-life resuscitation. The site was Amana Hospital, Tanzania. The labour ward conducts 13 500 deliveries annually, most of which are managed by midwives. Brief mannikin simulation practice was held two to three times a week followed by bedside hands-on training (HOT) of bag and mask skills and problem solving while reinforcing the mantra of ‘air, air, air’ as the first-line intervention during a real-life emergency.

Results

Champion midwives (trainers) guided instructions given during a real emergency at the bedside caused learners beliefs to change. Trainees observed changes in baby skin colour and the onset of spontaneous breathing after effective ventilation.

Conclusions

Visible success during an actual real-life emergency created confidence, mastery and collective self-efficacy.
Survey of Potential Root Pathogens in Softwood Cuttings Collected from Georgia Blueberry Nurseries
Authors: Haralson Jeremy C. , Brannen Phillip M. , Scherm Harald
Published: September 2021

Survey sampling of 16 blueberry nurseries propagating softwood cuttings was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to determine which soilborne plant pathogens were most prevalent in commercial blueberry propagation systems in southern Georgia. Samples were collected four times: June (early), September (mid), and October (late) in the 2007 growing season, with additional sampling of overwintered cuttings in April 2008. This survey revealed that Calonectria ilicicola (Cylindrocladium parasiticum), causing Cylindrocladium root rot, is a primary pathogen of blueberry cuttings in southern Georgia. The organism was isolated consistently during all four survey dates with a cutting-level incidence of 3.6, 10.2, 36.4, and 14.3% in the first through fourth samplings, respectively. Rhizoctonia spp. were recovered less frequently and were only present during the first (10.9% cutting-level incidence), third (4.6%), and fourth survey dates (3.6%), whereas the oomycetes Pythium and Phytophthora were detected only on the second survey date. Fusarium spp. were isolated commonly (29.1% incidence in the first, 12.2% in the second, 18.2% in the third, and 7.1% in the fourth sampling), but pathogenicity remains uncertain. Across all survey dates, Calonectria, Rhizoctonia, oomycetes, and Fusarium were recovered at least once from 43.8, 18.8, 12.5, and 87.5% of nurseries surveyed, respectively. When nursery-level data on pathogen presence or absence collected from this survey were analyzed in relation to a survey of production practices used by these same propagators, the practice of reusing growth media was found to be significantly associated with Calonectria presence.
High Spatial Resolution Fluorescence Imagery for Optimized Pest Management in a Huanglongbing-Infected Citrus Grove
Authors: Menger Ruth F. , Rehberg Rachelle A. , Trivedi Pankaj , Henry Charles S. , Borch Thomas
Published: September 2021

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, has significantly decreased citrus production all over the world. The disease management currently depends on the efficient application and adequate distribution of insecticides to reduce the density of the disease vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. Here, we use a novel fluorescent-based method to evaluate insecticide distribution in an HLB-infected citrus grove in Florida. Specifically, we evaluated six different locations within citrus trees, the top and bottom sides of leaves, the effect of application approach (tractor versus airplane), and different application rates. We found that despite the insecticide distribution being highly variable among the different locations within a tree, the top of the leaves received an average increase of 21 times more than the bottom of the leaves. Application by tractor also resulted in a 4- to 87-fold increase in insecticide coverage compared with aerial application, depending on the location in the tree and side of the leaf. When taken to context with the type of insecticide that is applied (systemic vs. contact), these results can be used to optimize a pest management strategy to effectively target psyllids and other pests while minimizing the time and money spent on insecticide application and reducing risk to the environment.
Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Conlon J. Leocadia , Malcolm Sharyn , Monaghan Maureen
Published: September 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Early diagnosis can help clinicians address associated long-term metabolic and reproductive health complications and mitigate the negative effects of PCOS on a patient's mental health and quality of life. Clinicians often are challenged by the diagnosis and management of PCOS because of controversies around diagnostic criteria, especially for adolescents. The International Consortium of Paediatric Endocrinology 2017 Consensus Statement provides practical guidance for clinicians to implement best practices for the identification, diagnosis, and management of PCOS in adolescents.