bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An interdisciplinary framework for using archaeology, history and collective action to enhance India’s agricultural resilience and sustainability
Authors: Green A S , Dixit S , Garg K K , Sandya NR , Singh G , Vatta K , Whitbread A M , Jones M K , Singh R N , Petrie C A
Published: July 2020

South Asia has a deep history of agriculture that includes a range of past farming systems in different climatic zones. Many of these farming systems were resilient to changes in climate and sustainable over long periods of time. India’s present agricultural systems are facing serious challenges, as they have become increasingly reliant on the unsustainable extraction of groundwater for irrigation. This paper outlines an interdisciplinary framework for drawing on patterns from the past to guide interventions in the present. It compares past and present strategies for water management and use in semi-arid and temperate Punjab with equatorial Telangana. Structural differences in water use in these two regions suggest that a range of interventions should be adopted to expand the overall availability of surface water for agricultural systems in India, in combination with empowering local communities to create their own water management rules. Active interventions focus on the efficient use of water supplies, and increasing surface water availability through renovation of collective ponds and reservoirs. We argue that this conceptual framework has significant potential for guiding agronomic and economic interventions in the future.
Maternal Stress Before Conception Is Associated with Shorter Gestation
Authors: Mahrer N E , Guardino C M , Hobel C , Dunkel Schetter C
Published: July 2020

Background

Stress in pregnancy predicts adverse birth outcomes. Stressors occurring prior to conception may also pose risk for the mother and child. The few published studies on preconception stress test a single stress measure and examine only linear associations with birth outcomes.

Purpose

Guided by findings in the prenatal stress literature, the current study aimed to (i) identify latent factors from a set of preconception stress measures and (ii) examine linear and curvilinear associations between these stress factors and length of gestation.

Methods

Study 1 utilized a sample of 2,637 racially/ethnically diverse women to develop a measurement model of maternal stress from assessments of seven acute and chronic stress measures. Factor analysis revealed three latent factors representing stressors (life events, financial strain, interpersonal violence, discrimination), stress appraisals (perceived stress, parenting stress), and chronic relationship stress (family, partner stress). Study 2 examined the associations of these three latent preconception stress factors with the length of gestation of a subsequent pregnancy in the subset of 360 women who became pregnant within 4.5 years.

Results

Controlling for prenatal medical risks, there was a significant linear effect of stress appraisals on the length of gestation such that more perceived stress was associated with shorter gestation. There was a curvilinear effect of stressors on the length of gestation with moderate levels associated with longer gestation.

Conclusions

These results have implications for research on intergenerational origins of developmental adversities and may guide preconception prevention efforts. Findings also inform approaches to the study of stress as a multidimensional construct.
Restoring regulatory T-cell dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease through ex vivo expansion
Authors: Faridar Alireza , Thome Aaron D , Zhao Weihua , Thonhoff Jason R , Beers David R , Pascual Belen , Masdeu Joseph C , Appel Stanley H
Published: July 2020

Inflammation is a significant component of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. While neuroprotective microglia are important for containment/clearance of Amyloid plaques and maintaining neuronal survival, Alzheimer inflammatory microglia may play a detrimental role by eliciting tau pathogenesis and accelerating neurotoxicity. Regulatory T cells have been shown to suppress microglia-mediated inflammation. However, the role of regulatory T cells in ameliorating the proinflammatory immune response in Alzheimer’s disease requires further investigation. Forty-six patients with Alzheimer disease, 42 with mild cognitive impairment and 41 healthy controls were studied. The phenotypes of peripheral regulatory T cells were assessed with multicolour flow cytometry. Regulatory T cells were co-cultured with responder T cells and proliferation was determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation. In separate experiments, regulatory T cells were added to induced pluripotent stem cell-derived pro-inflammatory macrophages and changes in interleukin-6/tumour necrosis-alpha transcripts and protein levels were measured. Freshly isolated regulatory T cells were expanded ex vivo in the presence of CD3/CD28 expander beads, interleukin-2 and rapamycin to promote their suppressive function. We found that the suppressive function of regulatory T cells on responder T-cell proliferation was compromised at the Alzheimer disease stage, compared with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls. CD25 mean fluorescence intensity in regulatory T-cell population was also reduced in Alzheimer dementia patients. Regulatory T cells did not suppress pro-inflammatory macrophages at baseline. Following ex vivo expansion, regulatory T-cell suppression of responder T-cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory macrophage activation increased in both patients and controls. Expanded regulatory T cells exerted their immunoregulatory function on pro-inflammatory macrophages through a contact-mediated mechanism. In conclusion, regulatory T-cell immunophenotype and function are compromised in Alzheimer’s disease. Following ex vivo expansion, the immunomodulatory function of regulatory T cells is enhanced even at advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Restoration of regulatory T-cell function could be explored as a means to modulate the inflammatory status of Alzheimer’s disease.
Methylation of the CDX2 promoter in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa increases with age and its rapid demethylation in gastric tumors is associated with upregulated gene expression
Authors: Kim Hee-Jin , Seo Eun-Hye , Bae Dong Hyuck , Haam Keeok , Jang Hay-Ran , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Kim Mirang , Kim Seon-Young , Jeong Hyun-Yong , Song Kyu-Sang , Kim Yong Sung
Published: July 2020

Pathological changes in the epigenetic landscape of chromatin are hallmarks of cancer. The caudal-type homeobox gene CDX2 is not expressed in normal gastric epithelia but rather in adult intestinal epithelia, and it is overexpressed in intestinal metaplasia (IM). However, it remains unclear how CDX2 transcription is suppressed in normal gastric epithelial cells and overexpressed in IM. Here, we demonstrate that methylation of the CDX2 promoter increases with age in Helicobacter pylori-positive, noncancerous gastric tissue, whereas the promoter is demethylated in paired gastric tumors in which CDX2 is upregulated. Moreover, we also found that the CDX2 promoter is demethylated in IM as well as gastric tumor. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CDX2 is present in foci of parts of the gastric mucosae but highly expressed in IM as well as in gastric tumors, suggesting that the elevated level of CDX2 in IM and gastric tumors may be attributable to promoter demethylation. Our data suggest that CDX2 repression may be associated with promoter methylation in noncancerous H. pylori-positive mucosa but its upregulation might be attributable to increased promoter activity mediated by chromatin remodeling during gastric carcinogenesis.
Identification of the Metabolites in Rat Urine after Oral Administration and Elucidation of the Metabolic Process of Naozhenning Granule Using LC-MS
Authors: Li Rongrong , Liu Yanzhi , Liu Haixia , Wei Chunhong , Wang Jiang , Qin Xuemei , Wang Xuwen , Li Zhenyu
Published: July 2020

Naozhenning (NZN) granule, a Chinese herbal formula, is widely used to treat craniocerebral trauma and promote functional recovery. In our previous study, the chemical components, as well as the serum metabolites in the male Sprague–Dawley rats of the NZN granule after oral administration were characterized. In this study, the urine metabolites in the male Sprague–Dawley rats were further investigated by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry. In order to identify the urine metabolites comprehensively, three sample preparation methods were used, including solid-phase extraction, protein precipitation method and solvent partition. Based on the accurate molecular weight and the fragmentation information from the MS spectra, a total of 76 urine metabolites were identified, which including 17 prototypes and 59 metabolites. The results showed that the detected urine metabolites were different for the different pretreatment methods, as some metabolites could only be detected in the particular pretreatment method. In addition, the metabolic processes of the components from NZN granule to the serum and urine were also elucidated and discussed. The results will provide useful information for further studying the relationship between the chemical components and pharmacological activity of NZN granule.
Evaluating community detection algorithms for progressively evolving graphs
Authors: Cazabet Remy , Boudebza Souâad , Rossetti Giulio
Published: July 2020

Many algorithms have been proposed in the last 10 years for the discovery of dynamic communities. However, these methods are seldom compared between themselves. In this article, we propose a generator of dynamic graphs with planted evolving community structure, as a benchmark to compare and evaluate such algorithms. Unlike previously proposed benchmarks, it is able to specify any desired evolving community structure through a descriptive language, and then to generate the corresponding progressively evolving network. We empirically evaluate six existing algorithms for dynamic community detection in terms of instantaneous and longitudinal similarity with the planted ground truth, smoothness of dynamic partitions and scalability. We notably observe different types of weaknesses depending on their approach to ensure smoothness, namely Glitches, Oversimplification and Identity loss. Although no method arises as a clear winner, we observe clear differences between methods, and we identified the fastest, those yielding the most smoothed or the most accurate solutions at each step.
Firm-Level Shocks and Labour Flows
Authors: Carlsson Mikael , Messina Julián , Nordström Skans Oskar
Published: July 2020

We analyse how labour flows respond to permanent idiosyncratic shifts in firm-level production functions and demand curves using very detailed Swedish micro data. Shocks to firms’ physical productivity have only modest effects on firm-level employment decisions. In contrast, we document rapid and substantial employment adjustments through hires and separations in response to firm-level demand shocks. The choice of adjustment margin depends on the sign of the shock: firms adjust through increased hires if these shocks are positive and through increased separations if the shocks are negative.
Preexisting Comorbidities Predicting COVID-19 and Mortality in the UK Biobank Community Cohort
Authors: Atkins Janice L , Masoli Jane A H , Delgado Joao , Pilling Luke C , Kuo Chia-Ling , Kuchel George A , Melzer David
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients tend to be older and frequently have hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease, but whether these comorbidities are true risk factors (ie, more common than in the general older population) is unclear. We estimated associations between preexisting diagnoses and hospitalized COVID-19 alone or with mortality, in a large community cohort.

Methods

UK Biobank (England) participants with baseline assessment 2006–2010, followed in hospital discharge records to 2017 and death records to 2020. Demographic and preexisting common diagnoses association tested with hospitalized laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 (March 16 to April 26, 2020), alone or with mortality, in logistic models.

Results

Of 269 070 participants aged older than 65, 507 (0.2%) became COVID-19 hospital inpatients, of which 141 (27.8%) died. Common comorbidities in hospitalized inpatients were hypertension (59.6%), history of fall or fragility fractures (29.4%), coronary heart disease (21.5%), type 2 diabetes (type 2, 19. 9%), and asthma (17.6%). However, in models adjusted for comorbidities, age group, sex, ethnicity, and education, preexisting diagnoses of dementia, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, depression, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension emerged as independent risk factors for COVID-19 hospitalization, the first 5 remaining statistically significant for related mortality. Chronic kidney disease and asthma were risk factors for COVID-19 hospitalization in women but not men.

Conclusions

There are specific high-risk preexisting comorbidities for COVID-19 hospitalization and related deaths in community-based older men and women. These results do not support simple age-based targeting of the older population to prevent severe COVID-19 infections.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of 4 Paragonimus species provide insights into lung fluke parasitism and pathogenesis
Authors: Rosa Bruce A , Choi Young-Jun , McNulty Samantha N , Jung Hyeim , Martin John , Agatsuma Takeshi , Sugiyama Hiromu , Le Thanh Hoa , Doanh Pham Ngoc , Maleewong Wanchai , Blair David , Brindley Paul J , Fischer Peter U , Mitreva Makedonka
Published: July 2020

Background

Paragonimus spp. (lung flukes) are among the most injurious foodborne helminths, infecting ~23 million people and subjecting ~292 million to infection risk. Paragonimiasis is acquired from infected undercooked crustaceans and primarily affects the lungs but often causes lesions elsewhere including the brain. The disease is easily mistaken for tuberculosis owing to similar pulmonary symptoms, and accordingly, diagnostics are in demand.

Results

We assembled, annotated, and compared draft genomes of 4 prevalent and distinct Paragonimus species: Paragonimus miyazakii, Paragonimus westermani, Paragonimus kellicotti, and Paragonimus heterotremus. Genomes ranged from 697 to 923 Mb, included 12,072–12,853 genes, and were 71.6–90.1% complete according to BUSCO. Orthologous group analysis spanning 21 species (lung, liver, and blood flukes, additional platyhelminths, and hosts) provided insights into lung fluke biology. We identified 256 lung fluke–specific and conserved orthologous groups with consistent transcriptional adult-stage Paragonimus expression profiles and enriched for iron acquisition, immune modulation, and other parasite functions. Previously identified Paragonimus diagnostic antigens were matched to genes, providing an opportunity to optimize and ensure pan-Paragonimus reactivity for diagnostic assays.

Conclusions

This report provides advances in molecular understanding of Paragonimus and underpins future studies into the biology, evolution, and pathogenesis of Paragonimus and related foodborne flukes. We anticipate that these novel genomic and transcriptomic resources will be invaluable for future lung fluke research.
Mismatch between poor fetal growth and rapid postnatal weight gain in the first 2 years of life is associated with higher blood pressure and insulin resistance without increased adiposity in childhood: the GUSTO cohort study
Authors: Ong Yi Ying , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Aris Izzuddin M , Tint Mya Thway , Yuan Wen Lun , Huang Jonathan Y , Chan Yiong Huak , Ng Sharon , Loy See Ling , Velan Sendhil S , Fortier Marielle V , Godfrey Keith M , Shek Lynette , Tan Kok Hian , Gluckman Peter D , Yap Fabian , Choo Jonathan Tze Liang , Ling Lieng Hsi , Tan Karen , Chen Li , Karnani Neerja , Chong Yap-Seng , Eriksson Johan G , Wlodek Mary E , Chan Shiao-Yng , Lee Yung Seng , Michael Navin
Published: July 2020

Background

Using longitudinal ultrasounds as an improved fetal growth marker, we aimed to investigate if fetal growth deceleration followed by rapid postnatal weight gain is associated with childhood cardiometabolic risk biomarkers in a contemporary well-nourished population.

Methods

We defined fetal growth deceleration (FGD) as ultrasound-measured 2nd-3rd-trimester abdominal circumference decrease by ≥0.67 standard deviation score (SDS) and rapid postnatal weight gain (RPWG) as 0–2-year-old weight increase by ≥0.67 SDS. In the GUSTO mother-offspring cohort, we grouped 797 children into four groups of FGD-only (14.2%), RPWG-only (23.3%), both (mismatch, 10.7%) or neither (reference, 51.8%). Adjusting for confounders and comparing with the reference group, we tested associations of these growth groups with childhood cardiometabolic biomarkers: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measured abdominal fat (n = 262), liver fat (n = 216), intramyocellular lipids (n = 227), quantitative magnetic resonance-measured overall body fat % (BF%) (n = 310), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (n = 323), arterial wall thickness (n = 422) and stiffness (n = 443), and blood pressure trajectories (ages 3–6 years).

Results

Mean±SD birthweights were: FGD-only (3.11 ± 0.38 kg), RPWG-only (3.03 ± 0.37 kg), mismatch (2.87 ± 0.31 kg), reference (3.30 ± 0.36 kg). FGD-only children had elevated blood pressure trajectories without correspondingly increased BF%. RPWG-only children had altered body fat partitioning, higher BF% [BF = 4.26%, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.34, 6.19)], HOMA-IR 0.28 units (0.11, 0.45)] and elevated blood pressure trajectories. Mismatch children did not have increased adiposity, but had elevated ectopic fat, elevated HOMA-IR [0.29 units (0.04,0.55)] and the highest blood pressure trajectories. Associations remained even after excluding small-for-gestational-age infants from analyses.

Conclusions

Fetal growth deceleration coupled with rapid postnatal weight gain was associated with elevated childhood cardiometabolic risk biomarkers without correspondingly increased BF%.
Weighted Voting-Based Effective Free-Viewing Attention Prediction On Web Image Elements
Authors: Vidyapu Sandeep , Vedula Vijaya Saradhi , Bhattacharya Samit
Published: July 2020

Quantifying and predicting the user attention on web image elements finds applications in synthesis and rendering of elements on webpages. However, the majority of the existing approaches either overlook the visual characteristics of these elements or do not incorporate the users’ visual attention. Especially, obtaining a representative quantified attention (for images) from the attention allocation of multiple users is a challenging task. Toward overcoming the challenge for free-viewing attention, this paper introduces four weighted voting strategies to assign effective visual attention (fixation index (FI)) for web image elements. Subsequently, the prominent image visual features in explaining the assigned attention are identified. Further, the association between image visual features and the assigned attention is modeled as a multi-class prediction problem, which is solved through support vector machine-based classification. The analysis of the proposed approach on real-world webpages reveals the following: (i) image element’s position, size and mid-level color histograms are highly informative for the four weighting schemes; (ii) the presented computational approach outperforms the baseline for four weighted voting schemes with an average accuracy of 85% and micro F1-score of 60%; and (iii) uniform weighting (same weight for all FIs) is adequate for estimating the user’s initial attention while the proportional weighting (weight the FI in proportion to its likelihood of occurrence) extends to the latter attention prediction.
Prevalence and molecular characteristics of DNA mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer in a Japanese hospital-based population
Authors: Yamamoto Azusa , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Suzuki Okihide , Ito Tetsuya , Chika Noriyasu , Kamae Nao , Tamaru Jun-ichi , Nagai Tomonori , Seki Hiroyuki , Arai Tomio , Tachikawa Tetsuhiko , Akagi Kiwamu , Eguchi Hidetaka , Okazaki Yasushi , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: July 2020

Background

The prevalence and molecular characteristics of defective DNA mismatch repair endometrial cancers in the Japanese population have been underexplored. Data supporting clinical management of patients with Lynch-like syndrome and germline variant of uncertain significance of mismatch repair genes are still lacking.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry of mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2) was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections prepared from resected primary endometrial cancers in 395 women with a median age of 59 years. Genetic and/or epigenetic alterations of the mismatch repair genes were also investigated.

Results

Loss of expression of one or more mismatch repair proteins was observed in 68 patients (17.2%). A total of 17 out of 68 patients (25%, 4.3% of all cases) were identified as candidates for genetic testing for Lynch syndrome after excluding 51 patients with MLH1 hypermethylated cancer. Fourteen of these 17 patients subjected to genetic testing were found to have Lynch syndrome (n = 5), germline variant of uncertain significance (n = 2) or Lynch-like syndrome (n = 7). Compared with patients with Lynch syndrome, those with germline variant of uncertain significance and Lynch-like syndrome tended to demonstrate an older age at the time of endometrial cancer diagnosis (P = 0.07), less fulfillment of the revised Bethesda guidelines (P = 0.09) and lower prevalence of Lynch syndrome-associated tumors in their first-degree relatives (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study provides useful information for management in patients with DNA mismatch repair endometrial cancer. Specifically, cancer surveillance as recommended in patients with Lynch syndrome might not be necessary in patients with germline variant of uncertain significance and Lynch-like syndrome and their relatives.
N-hydroxypipecolic acid: a general and conserved activator of systemic plant immunity
Authors: Guerra Tiziana , Romeis Tina
Published: July 2020

This article comments on:

Schnake A, Hartmann M, Schreiber S, Malik J, Brahmann L, Yildiz I, von Dahlen J, Rose LE, Schaffrath U, Zeier J. 2020. Inducible biosynthesis and immune function of the systemic acquired resistance inducer N-hydroxypipecolic acid in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Journal of Experimental Botany 71, 6444–6459.
Metre as a stylometric feature in Latin hexameter poetry
Authors: Nagy Benjamin
Published: July 2020

This article demonstrates that metre is a privileged indicator of authorial style in classical Latin hexameter poetry. Using only metrical features, classification experiments are performed between the works of six authors using four different machine-learning models. The results showed a pairwise classification accuracy of at least 90% with samples as small as ten lines and no greater than seventy-five lines (up to around 500 words). In a multiclass setting, classification accuracy exceeded 95% for all four algorithms when using eighty-one-line chunks. These sample sizes are an order of magnitude smaller than those typically recommended for BOW (‘bag of words’) or n-gram approaches, and the reported accuracy is outstanding. Additionally, this article explores the potential for outlier (forgery) detection, or ‘one-class classification’. As an example, analysis of the disputed Aldine Additamentum (Sil. Ital. Pun. 8:144–223) concludes (P < 0.0001) that the metrical style differs significantly from that of the rest of the poem.
Damped Ly α absorbers and atomic hydrogen in galaxies: the view of the GAEA model
Authors: Di Gioia Serafina , Cristiani Stefano , De Lucia Gabriella , Xie Lizhi
Published: July 2020

Using the GAEA semi-analytic model, we analyse the connection between Damped Ly α systems (DLAs) and H i in galaxies. Our state-of-the-art semi-analytic model is tuned to reproduce the local galaxy H i mass function, and that also reproduces other important galaxy properties, including the galaxy mass–gas metallicity relation. To produce catalogues of simulated DLAs we throw 105 random lines of sight in a composite simulated volume: dark matter haloes with log$(\frac{M_{200}}{ {\rm M}_{\odot }}) \ge 11.5$ are extracted from the Millennium Simulation, while for $9.2 \le \log (\frac{M_{200}}{ \mathrm{M}_{\odot }})\lt 11.5$ we use the Millennium II, and for $8 \le \log (\frac{M_{200}}{\mathrm{M}_{\odot }}) \lt 9.2$ a halo occupation distribution model. At 2 < z < 3, where observational data are more accurate, our fiducial model predicts the correct shape of the column density distribution function, but its normalization falls short of the observations, with the discrepancy increasing at higher redshift. The agreement with observations is significantly improved increasing both the H i masses and the disc radii of model galaxies by a factor of 2, as implemented ‘a posteriori’ in our 2M−2R model. In the redshift range of interest, haloes with $M_{200} \ge {10}^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ give the major contribution to ΩDLA, and the typical DLA host halo mass is $\sim \!{10}^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. The simulated DLA metallicity distribution is in relatively good agreement with observations, but our model predicts an excess of DLAs at low metallicities. Our results suggest possible improvements for the adopted modelling of the filtering mass and metal ejection in low-mass haloes.
Precision measurement of the Newtonian gravitational constant
Authors: Xue Chao , Liu Jian-Ping , Li Qing , Wu Jun-Fei , Yang Shan-Qing , Liu Qi , Shao Cheng-Gang , Tu Liang-Cheng , Hu Zhong-Kun , Luo Jun
Published: July 2020

The Newtonian gravitational constant G, which is one of the most important fundamental physical constants in nature, plays a significant role in the fields of theoretical physics, geophysics, astrophysics and astronomy. Although G was the first physical constant to be introduced in the history of science, it is considered to be one of the most difficult to measure accurately so far. Over the past two decades, eleven precision measurements of the gravitational constant have been performed, and the latest recommended value for G published by the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) is (6.674 08 ± 0.000 31) × 10−11 m3 kg−1 s−2 with a relative uncertainty of 47 parts per million. This uncertainty is the smallest compared with previous CODATA recommended values of G; however, it remains a relatively large uncertainty among other fundamental physical constants. In this paper we briefly review the history of the G measurement, and introduce eleven values of G adopted in CODATA 2014 after 2000 and our latest two values published in 2018 using two independent methods.
Artificial Intelligence Platform Demonstrates High Adherence in Patients Receiving Fixed-Dose Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir: A Pilot Study
Authors: Litwin Alain H , Shafner Laura , Norton Brianna , Akiyama Matthew , Agyemang Linda , Guzman Mercedes , Vera Tatiana , Heo Moonseong
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated health outcomes among people who inject drugs infected with hepatitis C virus using an artificial intelligence platform. Mean (SD) cumulative adherence (visual confirmation of administration) was 91.3% (SD=10.5%). Most subjects (88.2%) achieved ≥ 80% adherence to treatment and 88.2% (15 of 17) achieved a sustained virologic response.
Management of Sigmoid Sinus Injury: Retrospective Study of 450 Consecutive Surgeries in the Cerebellopontine Angle and Intrapetrous Region
Authors: Matsushima Ken , Kohno Michihiro , Tanaka Yujiro , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Ichimasu Norio
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The sigmoid sinus is the biggest obstacle when approaching the posterior fossa and temporal bone. Adequate sinus exposure is required to obtain a sufficient operative field, but sinus injury is a potentially life-threatening complication.

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience of sigmoid sinus injury and its management during surgeries in the cerebellopontine angle and intrapetrous region, with operative videos.

METHODS

A total of 450 consecutive surgeries (385 retrosigmoid and 65 transmastoid approaches) over a 4-yr period were retrospectively investigated, focusing on sigmoid sinus injury, its repair technique, and long-term patency of the sinus.

RESULTS

Pinhole-sized bleedings were controlled sufficiently by bipolar coagulation or fibrin glue-soaked hemostatic fabric. For lacerations of smaller than 3 mm, the sinus wall was reconstructed by suturing. For larger or unsuturable holes, patching a Gore-Tex membrane on a fibrin glue sheet (without any suturing) was used for the reconstruction. Hemostatic agents were not used for large lacerations to avoid any potential risks of delayed sinus occlusion. Major sinus injury requiring suturing or Gore-Tex patching occurred in 13 cases (2.9%). The bleeding was immediately controlled without sinus clamping, and surgery was not discontinued owing to the injury in any of them. The patients had no postoperative symptoms associated with sinus injury. In all the reconstructed sinuses, patency was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Sigmoid sinus injury can be well managed with long-term patency by utilizing different repair techniques. Initial safe and adequate exposure around the injury site was essential for all of these repair procedures.
Experimental study of (p, 2p) reactions at 392 MeV on 12C, 16O, 40Ca and 208Pb nuclei leading to low-lying states of residual nuclei
Authors: Noro Tetsuo , Wakasa Tomotsugu , Ishida Takashi , Yoshida Hidetomo P , Dozono Masahiro , Fujimura Hisako , Fujita Kunihiro , Hatanaka Kichiji , Ishikawa Takatsugu , Itoh Masatoshi , Kamiya Junichiro , Kawabata Takahiro , Maeda Yoshikazu , Matsubara Hiroaki , Nakamura Masanobu , Sakaguchi Harutaka , Sakemi Yasuhiro , Shimizu Yohei , Takeda Hiroyuki , Tameshige Yuji , Tamii Atsushi , Tamura Keisuke , Terashima Satoru , Uchida Makoto , Yasuda Yusuke , Yosoi Masaru
Published: July 2020

We have measured the differential cross-sections and analyzing powers for ($p,2p$) reactions at an incident energy of 392 MeV on $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O, $^{40}$Ca, and $^{208}$Pb nuclei, leading to discrete states of the residual nuclei. The data are compared with two kinds of distorted-wave impulse approximation (DWIA) calculations, a standard calculation using a global optical potential and a calculation using wave functions generated in a relativistic Hartree model. The spectroscopic factors deduced from these two calculations agree with those determined in ($e,e'p$) studies mostly within 15% in the case of the lighter three target nuclei. However, those for the $^{208}$Pb target are overestimated compared with the ($e,e'p$) results. In the heavy target case, the DWIA results are very sensitive to the radius parameter of the bound-state potential and thus a careful treatment is required. Regarding the analyzing powers of the present measurement, we confirmed that the $j$-dependence is sufficient for practical spectroscopic use.
Proper effective temperature of nonequilibrium steady state
Authors: Hoshino Hironori , Nakamura Shin
Published: July 2020

We define a proper effective temperature for relativistic nonequilibrium steady states (NESSs). A conventional effective temperature of NESSs is defined from the ratio of the fluctuation to the dissipation. However, NESSs have relative velocities to the heat bath in general, and hence the conventional effective temperature can be frame-dependent in relativistic systems. The proper effective temperature is introduced as a frame-independent (Lorentz-invariant) quantity that characterizes NESSs. We find that the proper effective temperature of NESSs is higher than the proper temperature of the heat bath in a wide range of holographic models even when the conventional effective temperature is lower than the temperature of the heat bath.
Contributions of Health Professions Students to Health System Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Potential Strategies and Process for U.S. Medical Schools
Authors: Long Nathaniel , Wolpaw Daniel R. , Boothe David , Caldwell Catherine , Dillon Peter , Gottshall Lauren , Koetter Paige , Pooshpas Pardis , Wolpaw Terry , Gonzalo Jed D.
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to U.S. health systems, particularly academic health centers (AHCs) that lead in providing advanced clinical care and medical education. No phase of AHC efforts is untouched by the crisis, and medical schools, prioritizing learner welfare, are in the throes of adjusting to suspended clinical activities and virtual classrooms. While health professions students are currently limited in their contributions to direct clinical care, they remain the same smart, innovative, and motivated individuals who chose a career in health care and who are passionate about contributing to the needs of people in troubled times. The groundwork for operationalizing their commitment has already been established through the identification of value-added, participatory roles that support learning and professional development in health systems science (HSS) and clinical skills. This pandemic, with rapidly expanding workforce and patient care needs, has prompted a new look at how students can contribute. At the Penn State College of Medicine, staff and student leaders formed the COVID-19 Response Team to prioritize and align student work with health system needs. Starting in mid-March 2020, the authors used qualitative methods and content analysis of data collated from several sources to identify 4 categories for student contributions: the community, the health care delivery system, the workforce, and the medical school. The authors describe a nimble coproduction process that brings together all stakeholders to facilitate work. The learning agenda for these roles maps to HSS competencies, an evolving requirement for all students. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to harness the capability of students to improve health.

Other AHCs may find this operational framework useful both during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a blueprint for responding to future challenges that disrupt systems of education and health care in the United States.
A student made MOOC for medical students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Moreno David Fabian Ramirez
Published: July 2020

Background

Latin America was one of the last regions of the world to become affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a response to the emergency virtual education was implemented in almost every country of the region.

Methods

a massive open online course about epilepsy was made using only free software and platforms following the international league against epilepsy competence-based domains for epileptology teaching.

Results

250 healthcare students signed up for the course and only 17.2% of them had previously participated in courses like this one. This course had a completion rate of 37.2% and of the students that completed the course 98.3% would participate in course like this in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion MOOCs can be easily implemented as a powerful pedagogic strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic and can have a positive impact not only in in its proposed learning objectives but it can help closing the gap that prevent Latin American healthcare students to acquire actively knowledge trough them.

Personal, Professional, and Institutional Social Network accounts

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/davidfabianrm

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Grupo-de-Investigaci%C3%B3n-en-Epidemiolog%C3%ADa-Cl%C3%ADnica-de-Colombia-GRECO-107921290887449

Discussion Points

How can a student made MOOC impact Latin American medical students?

Can a student made MOOC encourage medical students to use and discover new educational online offers?

COVID-19 pandemic can be a good time to improve the academy using new technologies and pedagogic strategies.

MOOCs can become a powerful tool for learning and teaching worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MOOCs are an attractive tool for teaching and learning during the social distancing caused by COVID-19.
High-throughput fetal-fraction amplification increases analytical performance of noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Welker Noah C. , Lee Albert K. , Kjolby Rachel A.S. , Wan Helen Y. , Theilmann Mark R. , Jeon Diana , Goldberg James D. , Haas Kevin R. , Muzzey Dale , Chu Clement S.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The percentage of a maternal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sample that is fetal-derived (the fetal fraction; FF) is a key driver of the sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). On certain NIPS platforms, >20% of women with high body-mass index (and >5% overall) receive a test failure due to low FF (<4%).

Methods

A scalable fetal-fraction amplification (FFA) technology was analytically validated on 1,264 samples undergoing whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based NIPS. All samples were tested with and without FFA.

Results

Zero samples had FF<4% when screened with FFA, whereas 1 in 25 of these same patients had FF<4% without FFA. The average increase in FF was 3.9-fold for samples with low FF (2.3-fold overall) and 99.8% had higher FF with FFA. For all abnormalities screened on NIPS, z-scores increased 2.2-fold on average in positive samples and remained unchanged in negative samples, powering an increase in NIPS sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

FFA transforms low-FF samples into high-FF samples. By combining FFA with WGS-based NIPS, a single round of NIPS can provide nearly all women with confident results about the broad range of potential fetal chromosomal abnormalities across the genome.
Qing Fei Pai Du Tang, a Chinese multi-herbal medicine formulated against COVID-19, elevates the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and IL-8
Authors: Kageyama Yasunari , Aida Koichi , Kawauchi Kimihiko , Morimoto Masafumi , Ebisui Tomoka , Akiyama Tetsu , Nakamura Tsutomu
Published: July 2020

There are currently no specific vaccine or drugs proven to be effective against COVID-19. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been integrated into the official therapeutic protocol against COVID-19 in China. Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (QFPDT) is a Chinese multi-herbal formula newly developed and specifically optimized for the treatment of COVID-19. Therapeutic administration of QFPDT resulted in an improved cure rate in mild to critically-ill patients. However, the immunological mechanism for the efficacy of QFPDT has been poorly understood. Furthermore, the feasibility of prophylactic use in uninfected individuals remain unconfirmed. We thus examined whether the administration of QFPDT at a dose lower than recommended for therapeutic use alters hematological and/or immunological measures in healthy individuals. We found that QFPDT elevates the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and IL-8, which are key mediators of acute inflammatory responses to ssRNA viruses. No apparent adverse effects were observed during the trial. Our finding suggests that the pharmacological action of QFPDT is associated with the upregulation of a subset of proinflammatory cytokines despite its clinical benefits for COVID-19 patients. We should therefore be careful in its prophylactic use in uninfected individuals until we have a better understanding of the immunopharmacological action of QFPDT through further clinical studies with larger cohorts.
An optimal 1H-MRS technique at 7T: Proof-of-principle in Chronic Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Brain Lesions and Normal Appearing Brain Tissue
Authors: Tackley George , Kong Yazhuo , Minne Rachel , Messina Silvia , Winkler Anderson , Cavey Ana , Everett Rosie , DeLuca Gabriele C , Weir Andrew , Craner Matthew , Tracey Irene , Palace Jacqueline , Stagg Charlotte J , Emir Uzay
Published: July 2020

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) allows for the non-invasive quantification of neurochemicals and has the potential to differentiate between the pathologically distinct diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) and AQP4Ab-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4Ab-NMOSD). In this study we characterised the metabolite profiles of brain lesions in 11 MS and 4 AQP4Ab-NMOSD patients using an optimised MRS methodology at ultra-high field strength (7T) incorporating correction for T2 water relaxation differences between lesioned and normal tissue.

MS metabolite results were in keeping with the existing literature: total NAA was lower in lesions compared to normal appearing brain white matter (NAWM) with reciprocal findings for Inositol. An unexpected subtlety revealed by our technique was that total NAA differences were driven by NAA-glutamate (NAAG), a ubiquitous CNS molecule with functions quite distinct from NAA though commonly quantified together with NAA in MRS studies as total NAA. Surprisingly, AQP4Ab-NMOSD showed no significant differences for total NAA, NAA, NAAG or Inositol between lesion and NAWM sites, nor were there any differences between MS and AQP4Ab-NMOSD fora priorihypotheses. Post-hoc testing did however reveal greater total NAA in MS compared to AQP4Ab-NMOSD NAWM. Post-hoc testing also revealed a significant correlation between NAWM Ins:NAA and disability (as measured by EDSS) for disease groups combined, driven by the AP4Ab-NMOSD group.

Utilising an optimised MRS methodology, our study highlights some under-explored subtleties in MRS profiles, such as the absence of Inositol concentration differences in AQP4Ab-NMOSD brain lesions versus NAWM and the important influence of NAAG differences between lesions and normal appearing white matter in MS.
The role of social network support on treatment outcomes for medication for opioid use disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Howell Benjamin A. , Oles William , Janmohamed Kamila , Lee Selena T. , O’Connor Patrick G. , Alexander Marcus
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the possible influence of social network support on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, there has been no systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of social network support on MOUD.

Methods

We searched electronic research databases, specialist journals and grey literature till February 2020. We included experimental and observational studies regarding individuals receiving MOUD, and intersections with social network support.

Results

Of 4116 articles screened, we identified 41 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies reported treatment retention/adherence as an MOUD outcome. Three were experimental and 16 were observational. Seventeen studies indicated that social network support was related with improved MOUD treatment retention/adherence. Of the studies with statistically significant results, 12 involved family social network support, while five focused on combined family and peer social network support. Twenty-two studies reported reduced drug use/abstinence as an MOUD outcome. Ten were experimental and 12 were observational. Sixteen studies indicated that social network support was related to reduced drug use/abstinence. Of the studies with statistically significant results, 13 involved family social network support, while three focused on either peer network support or combined family and peer network support.

Conclusions

Although evidence was limited, social network support was associated with MOUD treatment outcomes. Interventions around social network support could potentially augment MOUD treatment outcomes. Despite the variety of outcomes and social network support, we suggest the key role of social network support on broad MOUD outcomes.
Genetic Analysis of Human RNA Binding Motif Protein 48 (RBM48) Reveals an Essential Role in U12-Type Intron Splicing
Authors: Siebert Amy E. , Corll Jacob , Gronevelt J. Paige , Levine Laurel , Hobbs Linzi M. , Kenney Catalina , Davenport Ruth , Settles A. Mark , Barbazuk W. Brad , Westrick Randal J. , Madlambayan Gerard J. , Lal Shailesh
Published: July 2020

U12-type or minor introns are found in most multicellular eukaryotes and constitute ∼0.5% of all introns in species with a minor spliceosome. Although the biological significance for evolutionary conservation of U12-type introns is debated, mutations disrupting U12 splicing cause developmental defects in both plants and animals. In human hematopoietic stem cells, U12 splicing defects disrupt proper differentiation of myeloid lineages and are associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), predisposing individuals to acute myeloid leukemia. Mutants in the maize ortholog of RNA Binding Motif Protein48 (RBM48) have aberrant U12-type intron splicing. Human RBM48 was recently purified biochemically as part of the minor spliceosome and shown to recognize the 5’ end of the U6atac snRNA. In this report, we use CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ablation ofRBM48in human K-562 cells to show the genetic function of RBM48. RNA-seq analysis comparing wild-type and mutant K-562 genotypes found that 48% of minor intron containing genes (MIGs) have significant U12-type intron retention inRBM48mutants. Comparing these results to maizerbm48mutants defined a subset of MIGs disrupted in both species. Mutations in the majority of these orthologous MIGs have been reported to cause developmental defects in both plants and animals. Our results provide genetic evidence that the primary defect of humanRBM48mutants is aberrant U12-type intron splicing, while a comparison of human and maize RNA-seq data identifies candidate genes likely to mediate mutant phenotypes of U12-type splicing defects.
Spider webs as eDNA tool for biodiversity assessment of life’s domains
Authors: Gregorič Matjaž , Kutnjak Denis , Bačnik Katarina , Gostinčar Cene , Pecman Anja , Ravnikar Maja , Kuntner Matjaž
Published: July 2020

The concept of environmental DNA (eDNA) utilizes nucleic acids of organisms directly from the environment. Recent breakthrough studies have successfully detected a wide spectrum of prokaryotic and eukaryotic eDNA from a variety of environments, ranging from ancient to modern, and from terrestrial to aquatic. These numerous sources promise to establish eDNA as a tool for diverse scientific settings. Here, we propose and establish spider webs as a source of eDNA with far reaching implications. First, we conducted a field study to track specific arthropod targets from different spider webs. We then employed high-throughput amplicon sequencing of taxonomic barcodes to investigate the utility of spider web eDNA for biodiversity monitoring of animals, fungi and bacteria. Our results show that genetic remains on spider webs allow the detection of even the smallest target organisms. We also demonstrate that eDNA from spider webs is useful in research of community compositions in different domains of life, with potentially highly detailed temporal and spatial information.
Morphological evolution in the ant reproductive caste
Authors: Divieso Raquel , Silva Thiago S. R. , Pie Marcio R.
Published: July 2020

The evolution of eusociality led to severe changes in the general hymenopteran body plan. In particular, the evolution of reproductive division of labour caused the worker caste to be largely freed from the demands involved in reproduction. As a consequence, workers were able to evolve highly specialized morphologies for foraging and colony maintenance, whereas the reproductive caste became specialized for reproduction. Despite these important changes, little is known about general patterns of morphological evolution within the ant reproductive caste. Our goals were to characterize morphological variation in the ant reproductive caste and to test whether different sexes display variation in their evolutionary rates. We obtained measurements of 897 specimens from a total of 678 ant species. The shapes of the size distributions were similar between sexes, with queens being larger than males in all traits except for eye length. Contrary to the expectation based on Rensch’s rule, although queens were larger, the degree of dimorphism increased with body size. Finally, there is strong evidence for an accelerated tempo of morphological evolution in queens in relation to males. These results represent the first comprehensive treatment of morphological variation in the ant reproductive caste and provide important new insights into their evolution.