bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angular momentum and the absence of vortices in the cores of fuzzy dark matter haloes
Authors: Schobesberger Sonja O , Rindler-Daller Tanja , Shapiro Paul R
Published: May 2021

Scalar field dark matter (SFDM), comprised of ultralight (≳ 10−22 eV) bosons, is distinguished from massive (≳GeV), collisionless cold dark matter (CDM) by its novel structure-formation dynamics as Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) and quantum superfluid with wave-like properties, described by the Gross-Pitaevskii and Poisson (GPP) equations. In the free-field (‘fuzzy’) limit of SFDM (FDM), structure is inhibited below the de Broglie wavelength λdeB, but resembles CDM on larger scales. Virialized haloes have ‘solitonic’ cores of radius ∼λdeB that follow the ground-state attractor solution of GPP, surrounded by CDM-like envelopes. As superfluid, SFDM is irrotational (vorticity-free) but can be unstable to vortex formation. We previously showed this can happen in halo cores, from angular momentum arising during structure formation, when repulsive self-interaction (SI) is present to support them out to a second length scale λSI with λSI > λdeB (the Thomas–Fermi regime), but only if SI is strong enough. This suggested FDM cores ($ {\rm without}$ SI) would not form vortices. FDM simulations later found vortices, but only outside halo cores, consistent with our previous suggestion based upon TF-regime analysis. We extend that analysis now to FDM, to show explicitly that vortices should not arise in solitonic cores from angular momentum, modelling them as either Gaussian spheres, or ( n = 2)-polytropic, irrotational Riemann-S ellipsoids. We find that, for typical halo spin parameters, angular momentum per particle is below ℏ, the minimum required even for one singly-quantized vortex in the centre. Even for higher angular momentum, however, vortex formation is not energetically favoured.
Probing cosmic dawn: Ages and star formation histories of candidate z ≥ 9 galaxies
Authors: Laporte N , Meyer R A , Ellis R S , Robertson B E , Chisholm J , Roberts-Borsani G W
Published: May 2021

We discuss the spectral energy distributions and physical properties of six galaxies whose photometric redshifts suggest they lie beyond a redshift z ≃ 9. Each was selected on account of a prominent excess seen in the Spitzer/IRAC 4.5 $\mu$m band which, for a redshift above z = 9.0, likely indicates the presence of a rest-frame Balmer break and a stellar component that formed earlier than a redshift z ≃ 10. In addition to constraining the earlier star formation activity on the basis of fits using stellar population models with BAGPIPES, we have undertaken the necessary, but challenging, follow-up spectroscopy for each candidate using various combinations of Keck/MOSFIRE, VLT/X-shooter, Gemini/FLAMINGOS2, and ALMA. Based on either Lyman-α or [O iii] 88 $\mu$m emission, we determine a convincing redshift of z = 8.78 for GN-z-10-3 and a likely redshift of z = 9.28 for the lensed galaxy MACS0416-JD. For GN-z9-1, we conclude the case remains promising for a source beyond z ≃ 9. Together with earlier spectroscopic data for MACS1149-JD1, our analysis of this enlarged sample provides further support for a cosmic star formation history extending beyond redshifts z ≃ 10. We use our best-fitting stellar population models to reconstruct the past rest-frame UV luminosities of our sources and discuss the implications for tracing earlier progenitors of such systems with the James Webb Space Telescope.
Constraints on the dust extinction law of the Galaxy with Swift/UVOT, Gaia, and 2MASS
Authors: Ferreras Ignacio , Tress Mónica , Bruzual Gustavo , Charlot Stéphane , Page Mat , Yershov Vladimir , Kuin Paul , Kawata Daisuke , Cropper Mark
Published: May 2021

We explore variations of the dust extinction law of the Milky Way by selecting stars from the Swift/UVOT Serendipitous Source Catalogue, cross-matched with Gaia DR2 and 2MASS to produce a sample of 10 452 stars out to ∼4 kpc with photometry covering a wide spectral window. The near ultraviolet passbands optimally encompass the 2175 Å bump, so that we can simultaneously fit the net extinction, quoted in the V band (AV), the steepness of the wavelength dependence (δ), and the bump strength (Eb). The methodology compares the observed magnitudes with theoretical stellar atmospheres from the models of Coelho. Significant correlations are found between these parameters, related to variations in dust composition that are complementary to similar scaling relations found in the more complex dust attenuation law of galaxies – that also depend on the distribution of dust among the stellar populations within the galaxy. We recover the strong anticorrelation between AV and Galactic latitude, as well as a weaker bump strength at higher extinction. δ is also found to correlate with latitude, with steeper laws towards the Galactic plane. Our results suggest that variations in the attenuation law of galaxies cannot be fully explained by dust geometry.
Effects of flares on solar high-degree helioseismic acoustic mode amplitudes
Authors: Rabello Soares M Cristina , Baudin Frédéric , Teixeira Vanessa G
Published: May 2021

Several attempts have been made to observe whether solar flares excite acoustic modes since Charles Wolff suggested this possibility almost 50 yr ago. We look for the impact of flares on the amplitude of solar acoustic modes and other effects that are also affecting the mode amplitude. Solar acoustic mode amplitudes are known to be sensitive to magnetic fields. As flares usually occur in the presence of strong magnetic fields and most likely are the by-product of magnetic reconnection, we show how the magnetic field in and around the flaring region affects the mode amplitude. The mode amplitudes were obtained using ring-diagram analysis, which was first applied to a single event, the largest flare in the space age (the ‘Halloween Flare’, SOL2003-10-28T11:00), using MDI (Michelson Doppler Imager) data. Then, using HMI (Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager) data, the analysis was applied to the regions corresponding to the flares observed during the high-activity phase of cycle 24 and that fall into two groups. These two groups consist of small (10–60 erg cm−2 s−1) and large (>1200 erg cm−2 s−1) peak-flux flares, based on the Heliophysics Event Knowledgebase (HEK). The first set is used as a comparison to the results of the strong flares in the second set. After applying several corrections in order to take into account several sources of bias, we did not find any amplification in the inferred mode amplitude due to flaring activity larger than a 10  per cent uncertainty.
NuSTAR reveals the hidden nature of SS433
Authors: Middleton M J , Walton D J , Alston W , Dauser T , Eikenberry S , Jiang Y-F , Fabian A C , Fuerst F , Brightman M , Marshall H , Parker M , Pinto C , Harrison F A , Bachetti M , Altamirano D , Bird A J , Perez G , Miller-Jones J , Charles P , Boggs S , Christensen F , Craig W , Forster K , Grefenstette B , Hailey C , Madsen K , Stern D , Zhang W
Published: May 2021

SS433 is the only Galactic binary system known to persistently accrete at highly super-critical (or hyper-critical) rates, similar to those in tidal disruption events, and likely needed to explain the rapid growth of those very high redshift quasars containing massive SMBHs. Probing the inner regions of SS433 in the X-rays is crucial to understanding this system, and super-critical accretion in general, but is highly challenging due to obscuration by the surrounding wind, driven from the accretion flow. NuSTAR observed SS433 in the hard X-ray band across multiple phases of its 162 d superorbital precession period. Spectral-timing tools allow us to infer that the hard X-ray emission from the inner regions is likely being scattered towards us by the walls of the wind-cone. By comparing to numerical models, we determine an intrinsic X-ray luminosity of ≥ 2 × 1037 erg s−1 and that, if viewed face on, we would infer an apparent luminosity of >1 × 1039 erg s−1, confirming SS433’s long-suspected nature as an ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX). We present the discovery of a narrow, ∼100 s lag due to atomic processes occurring in outflowing material travelling at least 0.14–0.29c, which matches absorption lines seen in ULXs and – in the future – will allow us to map a super-critical outflow for the first time.
The infall of dwarf satellite galaxies are influenced by their host’s massive accretions
Authors: D’Souza Richard , Bell Eric F
Published: May 2021

Recent progress in constraining the massive accretions (>1:10) experienced by the Milky Way (MW) and the Andromeda galaxy (M31) offers an opportunity to understand the dwarf galaxy population of the Local Group. Using zoom-in dark matter-only simulations of MW-mass haloes and concentrating on subhaloes that are thought to be capable of hosting dwarf galaxies, we demonstrate that the infall of a massive progenitor is accompanied with the accretion and destruction of a large number of subhaloes. Massive accreted progenitors do not increase the total number of infalling subhaloes on to a MW-mass host, but instead focus surrounding subhaloes on to the host causing a clustering in the infall time of subhaloes. This leads to a temporary elevation in the number of subhaloes as well as changes in their cumulative radial profile within the virial radius of the host. Surviving subhaloes associated with a massive progenitor have a large diversity in their orbits. We find that the star formation quenching times of Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies ($10^{5} \mathrm{\, M_{\odot }} \lesssim \mathrm{\mathit{ M}}_{*} \lesssim 10^{7} \mathrm{\, M_{\odot }}$) are clustered around the times of the most massive accretions suffered by the MW and M31. Our results imply that (a) the quenching time of dwarf spheroidals is a good proxy of their infall time and b) the absence of recently quenched satellites around M31 suggests that M33 is not on its first infall and was accreted much earlier.
De Novo Mutation Rate Variation and Its Determinants inChlamydomonas
Authors: López-Cortegano Eugenio , Craig Rory J , Chebib Jobran , Samuels Toby , Morgan Andrew D , Kraemer Susanne A , Böndel Katharina B , Ness Rob W , Colegrave Nick , Keightley Peter D
Published: May 2021

De novo mutations are central for evolution, since they provide the raw material for natural selection by regenerating genetic variation. However, studying de novo mutations is challenging and is generally restricted to model species, so we have a limited understanding of the evolution of the mutation rate and spectrum between closely related species. Here, we present a mutation accumulation (MA) experiment to study de novo mutation in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas incerta and perform comparative analyses with its closest known relative, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using whole-genome sequencing data, we estimate that the median single nucleotide mutation (SNM) rate in C. incerta is μ = 7.6 × 10−10, and is highly variable between MA lines, ranging from μ = 0.35 × 10−10 to μ = 131.7 × 10−10. The SNM rate is strongly positively correlated with the mutation rate for insertions and deletions between lines (r > 0.97). We infer that the genomic factors associated with variation in the mutation rate are similar to those in C. reinhardtii, allowing for cross-prediction between species. Among these genomic factors, sequence context and complexity are more important than GC content. With the exception of a remarkably high C→T bias, the SNM spectrum differs markedly between the two Chlamydomonas species. Our results suggest that similar genomic and biological characteristics may result in a similar mutation rate in the two species, whereas the SNM spectrum has more freedom to diverge.
snpXplorer: a web application to explore human SNP-associations and annotate SNP-sets
Authors: Tesi Niccolo , van der Lee Sven , Hulsman Marc , Holstege Henne , Reinders Marcel J T
Published: May 2021

Genetic association studies are frequently used to study the genetic basis of numerous human phenotypes. However, the rapid interrogation of how well a certain genomic region associates across traits as well as the interpretation of genetic associations is often complex and requires the integration of multiple sources of annotation, which involves advanced bioinformatic skills. We developed snpXplorer, an easy-to-use web-server application for exploring Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) association statistics and to functionally annotate sets of SNPs. snpXplorer can superimpose association statistics from multiple studies, and displays regional information including SNP associations, structural variations, recombination rates, eQTL, linkage disequilibrium patterns, genes and gene-expressions per tissue. By overlaying multiple GWAS studies, snpXplorer can be used to compare levels of association across different traits, which may help the interpretation of variant consequences. Given a list of SNPs, snpXplorer can also be used to perform variant-to-gene mapping and gene-set enrichment analysis to identify molecular pathways that are overrepresented in the list of input SNPs. snpXplorer is freely available at https://snpxplorer.net. Source code, documentation, example files and tutorial videos are available within the Help section of snpXplorer and at https://github.com/TesiNicco/snpXplorer.
Post-translational modification of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 regulates ROS-induced DNA damage response
Authors: Yu Fang , Wei Jiangbo , Cui Xiaolong , Yu Chunjie , Ni Wei , Bungert Jörg , Wu Lizi , He Chuan , Qian Zhijian
Published: May 2021

Faithful genome integrity maintenance plays an essential role in cell survival. Here, we identify the RNA demethylase ALKBH5 as a key regulator that protects cells from DNA damage and apoptosis during reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress. We find that ROS significantly induces global mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels by modulating ALKBH5 post-translational modifications (PTMs), leading to the rapid and efficient induction of thousands of genes involved in a variety of biological processes including DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, ROS promotes ALKBH5 SUMOylation through activating ERK/JNK signaling, leading to inhibition of ALKBH5 m6A demethylase activity by blocking substrate accessibility. Moreover, ERK/JNK/ALKBH5-PTMs/m6A axis is activated by ROS in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in vivo in mice, suggesting a physiological role of this molecular pathway in the maintenance of genome stability in HSPCs. Together, our study uncovers a molecular mechanism involving ALKBH5 PTMs and increased mRNA m6A levels that protect genomic integrity of cells in response to ROS.
Common Femoral Artery Access: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Darwal Maureen A , Binning Mandy J ,   Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG), Bain Mark , Bendock Bernard , Boulos Alan S , Fessler Richard , Grande Andrew , Guterman Lee , Hanel Ricardo , Hoit Daniel , Hopkins L Nelson , Howington Jay , James Robert , Jankowitz Brian , Kan Peter , Khalessi Alex A , Kim Louis , Langer David , Lanzino Giuseppe , Levitt Michael , Lopes Demetrius , Mack William , Mericle Robert , Mocco J , Ogilvy Chris , Replogle Robert , Riina Howard , Rodriguez Rafael , Saugaveau Eric , Schirmer Clemens , Siddiqui Adnan , Spiotta Alex , Sultan Ali , Thomas Ajith , Turner Raymond , Welch Babu , White Jonathan
Published: May 2021

Vascular access for cerebral angiography has traditionally been performed via the common femoral artery. It is crucial to obtain safe access to prevent complications that could lead to limb ischemia, groin hematoma, or retroperitoneal hematoma. This is especially true in neurointervention as many patients are anticoagulated or have received intravenous thrombolytics prior to their intervention. Special attention to anatomic landmarks, both grossly and radiographically, can help to assure safe access. The patient consented for this procedure. This video details rapid but safe femoral artery access in a patient undergoing emergent thrombectomy.
Endoscopic-Assisted Keyhole Resection of a Recurrent Epidermoid Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Essayed Walid I B N , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: May 2021

Epidermoid tumors are benign lesions. Surgical resection is the only treatment option available for these lesions.
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The surgical approach should be tailored to the clinical and anatomic findings to achieve radical resection, preferably total removal of the content and the capsule to prevent recurrences.
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Total resection is frequently possible in de novo lesions using tailored skull base approaches and their combination as well as modern microsurgical techniques, including the endoscope-assisted tools.
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Giant recurrent tumors, however, are not amenable for total resection. Hence, the severe adhesions will lead to a higher morbidity as the epidermoid capsule becomes thicker and more fibrous after prior resections attempts.
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The extent of the resection should still be safely extended as much as possible to delay the interval between surgeries. Endoscopic techniques are of great help in achieving such results through a keyhole approach when conservative surgery is decided.
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We present the case of a 69-yr-old male with a past medical history of coronary heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and recurrent giant epidermoid cyst in the left cerebellopontine angle, with significant compression of the brainstem and extended into Meckel's cave, internal auditory canal, and jugular fossa. He underwent resection in 1983, 2004, and 2012. He presented with worsening gait, and multiple cranial nerves deficits. A minimally invasive approach through a keyhole craniotomy was performed given the age, comorbidity, and multirecurrent nature of his lesion. The patient consented to the intervention and publication of his image. He had a satisfying evacuation of his cyst content with transient facial and lower cranial nerve postoperative worsening.
Resection of Pontine Cavernoma Through the Anterior Transpetrosal Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Kadri Paulo A S , Essayed Walid I B N , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: May 2021

The pons is the most frequent local for brain stem cavernoma.
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Repeated hemorrhage of brainstem cavernoma is associated with significant and accumulative neurological deficits and thus requires treatment. According to the Swedish Karolinska’s group of radiosurgery, ”it could not be concluded whether GKRS affects the natural course of a CM. The incidence of radiation-induced complications was approximately seven times higher than that expected.”
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Thus, microsurgical removal has become the mainstay of treatment. In our experience, the following details assist in obtaining favorable outcomes and avoiding postoperative complications
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: (a) the entry into the cavernoma based on thorough knowledge of the microanatomy; (b) the detailed study of the images and the presentation of the cavernoma on or near the brain stem surface; (c) the resection of the live cavernous hemangioma and not the mere removal of the multiple aged organized hematomas; (d) the preservation of the associated venous angioma; (e) the direct and shortest access to the lesion provided by a skull base approach; and (f) the use of the available technology, such as intraoperative neuromonitoring and neuroimaging.

We present the case of a 54-yr-old male with recent deterioration in year 2001, past repetitive episodes of gait imbalance, and speech difficulty over a 7-yr period from known pontine cavernoma. The anterior petrosal approach provided superb and direct exposure to the entry at the lateral pons and the cavernoma was totally removed with preservation of the venous angioma. His preoperative neurological deficit rapidly recovered. Patient consented to the procedure and photography.

Images at 3:15 from Kadri et al, The anatomical basis for surgical presercation of temporal muscle. J Neurosurg. 2004;100:517-522, used with permission from JNSPG.

Image at 3:27 from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas, © LWW, 1997, with permission.
Year-round monitoring at a Pacific coastal campus reveals similar winter and spring collision mortality and high vulnerability of the Varied Thrush
Authors: De Groot Krista L , Porter Alison N , Norris Andrea R , Huang Andrew C , Joy Ruth
Published: May 2021

Bird–window collisions are a leading cause of direct anthropogenic avian mortality, yet our state of knowledge regarding this threat relies heavily on eastern North American studies. Seasonal patterns of collision mortality may differ along the Pacific coast, and western North American species remain understudied. We therefore surveyed a stratified random sample of 8 buildings for collisions at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada over 45-day periods during 2 winters, 1 spring, 1 summer, and 1 fall season between January 22, 2015 and March 15, 2017. After accounting for the rate of scavenging and efficiency of observers in finding carcasses, we estimated that 360 collision fatalities (95% CI: 281–486) occurred over 225 days of collision monitoring. Collision mortality was highest in fall, but in contrast to most published research, collision mortality was intermediate in both winter and spring and was lowest in summer. In winter 2017, we performed point-count surveys to assess whether individual species are disproportionately vulnerable to collisions when accounting for population size and found that the Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) was 76.9 times more likely to collide with buildings, relative to average species vulnerability in winter. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the Varied Thrush as a species that is disproportionately vulnerable to collisions. Further studies are needed to assess the vulnerability of Western North American species and subspecies, and to determine whether similar patterns of seasonal collision mortality are found elsewhere.
Hundreds of weak lensing shear-selected clusters from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program S19A data
Authors: Oguri Masamune , Miyazaki Satoshi , Li Xiangchong , Luo Wentao , Mitsuishi Ikuyuki , Miyatake Hironao , More Surhud , Nishizawa Atsushi J , Okabe Nobuhiro , Ota Naomi , Plazas Malagón Andrés A , Utsumi Yousuke
Published: May 2021

We use the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program S19A shape catalog to construct weak lensing shear-selected cluster samples. From aperture mass maps covering ∼510 deg2 created using a truncated Gaussian filter, we construct a catalog of 187 shear-selected clusters that correspond to mass map peaks with signal-to-noise ratio larger than 4.7. Most of the shear-selected clusters have counterparts in optically selected clusters, from which we estimate the purity of the catalog to be higher than 95%. The sample can be expanded to 418 shear-selected clusters with the same signal-to-noise ratio cut by optimizing the shape of the filter function and by combining weak lensing mass maps created with several different background galaxy selections. We argue that dilution and obscuration effects of cluster member galaxies can be mitigated by using background source galaxy samples and adopting a filter function with its inner boundary larger than about 2′. The large samples of shear-selected clusters that are selected without relying on any baryonic tracer are useful for detailed studies of cluster astrophysics and cosmology.
Metabolic engineering provides insight into the regulation of thiamin biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Strobbe Simon , Verstraete Jana , Stove Christophe , Van Der Straeten Dominique
Published: May 2021

Thiamin (or thiamine) is a water-soluble B-vitamin (B1), which is required, in the form of thiamin pyrophosphate, as an essential cofactor in crucial carbon metabolism reactions in all forms of life. To ensure adequate metabolic functioning, humans rely on a sufficient dietary supply of thiamin. Increasing thiamin levels in plants via metabolic engineering is a powerful strategy to alleviate vitamin B1 malnutrition and thus improve global human health. These engineering strategies rely on comprehensive knowledge of plant thiamin metabolism and its regulation. Here, multiple metabolic engineering strategies were examined in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This was achieved by constitutive overexpression of the three biosynthesis genes responsible for B1 synthesis, HMP-P synthase (THIC), HET-P synthase (THI1), and HMP-P kinase/TMP pyrophosphorylase (TH1), either separate or in combination. By monitoring the levels of thiamin, its phosphorylated entities, and its biosynthetic intermediates, we gained insight into the effect of either strategy on thiamin biosynthesis. Moreover, expression analysis of thiamin biosynthesis genes showed the plant’s intriguing ability to respond to alterations in the pathway. Overall, we revealed the necessity to balance the pyrimidine and thiazole branches of thiamin biosynthesis and assessed its biosynthetic intermediates. Furthermore, the accumulation of nonphosphorylated intermediates demonstrated the inefficiency of endogenous thiamin salvage mechanisms. These results serve as guidelines in the development of novel thiamin metabolic engineering strategies.
G2/M-checkpoint activation in fasciata1 rescues an aberrant S-phase checkpoint but causes genome instability
Authors: Eekhout Thomas , Dvorackova Martina , Pedroza Garcia José Antonio , Nespor Dadejova Martina , Kalhorzadeh Pooneh , Van den Daele Hilde , Vercauteren Ilse , Fajkus Jiri , De Veylder Lieven
Published: May 2021

The WEE1 and ATM AND RAD3-RELATED (ATR) kinases are important regulators of the plant intra-S-phase checkpoint; consequently, WEE1KO and ATRKO roots are hypersensitive to replication-inhibitory drugs. Here, we report on a loss-of-function mutant allele of the FASCIATA1 (FAS1) subunit of the chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) complex that suppresses the phenotype of WEE1- or ATR-deficient Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. We demonstrate that lack of FAS1 activity results in the activation of an ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM)- and SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA-RESPONSE 1 (SOG1)-mediated G2/M-arrest that renders the ATR and WEE1 checkpoint regulators redundant. This ATM activation accounts for the telomere erosion and loss of ribosomal DNA that are described for fas1 plants. Knocking out SOG1 in the fas1 wee1 background restores replication stress sensitivity, demonstrating that SOG1 is an important secondary checkpoint regulator in plants that fail to activate the intra-S-phase checkpoint.
A Virtual Reality Meditative Intervention Modulates Pain and the Pain Neuromatrix in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Faraj Mohammed M , Lipanski Nina M , Morales Austin , Goldberg Elimelech , Bluth Martin H , Marusak Hilary A , Greenwald Mark K
Published: May 2021

Objective

Standard of care for opioid use disorder (OUD) includes medication and counseling. However, there is an unmet need for complementary approaches to treat OUD patients coping with pain; furthermore, few studies have probed neurobiological features of pain or its management during OUD treatment. This preliminary study examines neurobiological and behavioral effects of a virtual reality-based meditative intervention in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

Design

Prospective, non-blinded, single-arm, 12-week intervention with standardized assessments.

Setting

Academic research laboratory affiliated with an on-site MMT clinic.

Methods

Fifteen (11 female) MMT patients completed a virtual reality, therapist-guided meditative intervention that included breathing and relaxation exercisessessions were scheduled twice weekly. Assessments included functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of pain neuromatrix activation and connectivity (pre- and post-intervention), saliva cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12; and self-reported pain and affective symptoms before and after each intervention session.

Results

After each intervention session (relative to pre-session), ratings of pain, opioid craving, anxiety and depression (but not anger) decreased. Saliva cortisol (but not CRP) levels decreased from pre- to post-session. From pre- to post-intervention fMRI assessments, pain task-related left postcentral gyrus (PCG) activation decreased. At baseline, PCG showed positive connectivity with other regions of the pain neuromatrix, but this pattern changed post-intervention.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings demonstrate feasibility, therapeutic promise, and brain basis of a meditative intervention for OUD patients undergoing MMT.
Neural response to monetary and social feedback demonstrates differential associations with depression and social anxiety
Authors: Nelson Brady D , Jarcho Johanna M
Published: May 2021

An aberrant neural response to rewards has been linked to both depression and social anxiety. Most studies have focused on the neural response to monetary rewards, and few have tested different modalities of reward (e.g. social) that are more salient to particular forms of psychopathology. In addition, most studies contain critical confounds, including contrasting positive and negative feedback and failing to disentangle being correct from obtaining positive feedback. In the present study, 204 participants underwent electroencephalography during monetary and social feedback tasks that were matched in trial structure, timing and feedback stimuli. The reward positivity (RewP) was measured in response to correctly identifying stimuli that resulted in monetary win, monetary loss, social like or social dislike feedback. All monetary and social tasks elicited a RewP, which were positively correlated. Across all tasks, the RewP was negatively associated with depression and positively associated with social anxiety. The RewP to social dislike feedback, independent of monetary and social like feedback, was also associated with social anxiety. The present study suggests that a domain-general neural response to correct feedback demonstrates a differential association with depression and social anxiety, but a domain-specific neural response to social dislike feedback is uniquely associated with social anxiety.
Simple, efficient and open-source CRISPR/Cas9 strategy for multi-site genome editing in Populus tremula × alba
Authors: Triozzi Paolo M , Schmidt Henry W , Dervinis Christopher , Kirst Matias , Conde Daniel
Published: May 2021

Although the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been successfully used for crop breeding, its application remains limited in forest trees. Here, we describe an efficient gene editing strategy for hybrid poplar, (Populus tremula × alba INRA clone 717-1B4) based on the Golden Gate MoClo cloning. To test the system efficiency for generating single gene mutants, two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed and incorporated into the MoClo Tool Kit level 2 binary vector with the Cas9 expression cassette to mutate the SHORT ROOT (SHR) gene. Moreover, we also tested its efficiency for introducing mutations in two genes simultaneously by expressing one sgRNA targeting a single site of the YUC4 gene and the other sgRNA targeting the PLT1 gene. For a robust evaluation of the approach, we repeated the strategy to target the LBD12 and LBD4 genes simultaneously, using an independent construct. We generated hairy roots by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated leaf transformation. Sequencing results confirmed the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation in the targeted sites of PtaSHR. Biallelic and homozygous knockout mutations were detected. A deletion spanning both target sites and small insertions/deletions were the most common mutations. Out of the 22 SHR alleles sequenced, 21 were mutated. The phenotype’s characterization showed that transgenic roots with biallelic mutations for the SHR gene lacked a defined endodermal single cell layer, suggesting a conserved gene function similar to its homolog in Arabidopsis Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Sequencing results also revealed the high efficiency of the system for generating double mutants. Biallelic mutations for both genes in the yuc4/plt1 and lbd12/lbd4 roots were detected in three (yuc4/plt1) and two (lbd12/lbd4) out of four transgenic roots evaluated. A small deletion or a single nucleotide insertion at the single target site was the most common mutations. This CRISPR/Cas9 strategy arises as a rapid, simple and standardized gene-editing tool to evaluate the gene role in essential developmental programs such as radial cell differentiation of poplar roots.
Bacterial Microbiomes Associated with the Rhizosphere, Root Interior, and Aboveground Plant Organs of Wheat and Canola at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Cordero Elvia Jorge , de Freitas J. Renato , Germida James J.
Published: May 2021

Beneficial bacteria associated with agricultural crops may potentially increase crop productivity and health. However, during various plant developmental processes, shifts in the diversity and function of bacterial communities often occur. This study investigated the diversity of bacterial communities associated with the rhizosphere, roots, and aboveground plant organs of wheat and canola at stem elongation, flowering, and ripening stages. The growth-chamber experiment consisted of wheat and canola grown in Orthic Brown Chernozem Calcic Kastanozem and Orthic Black Calcic Chernozem soils from agricultural fields in Saskatchewan, Canada. Rhizosphere bacterial communities of wheat and canola were mainly influenced by soil characteristics, whereas a specific root endophytic community was associated with each crop species. These results suggest that each crop may select distinct root bacterial endophytes from the rhizosphere. Bacteria associated with aboveground plant organs exhibited high variability among crop species and soils. The most abundant bacterial genera associated with the rhizosphere of the crops included Gemmatimonas, Solirubrobacter, and Nocardioides, as well as unclassified genera of families Commamonadaceae, Chitinophagaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae. Other genera (e.g., Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, and Variovorax) were predominant in wheat roots, whereas species of Lentzea and Pantoea were the most abundant root endophytes detected in canola. Bacterial communities associated with aboveground organs consisted mostly of species of Corynebacterium and Pseudomonas, and unclassified members of the family Enterobacteriacaeae. This study also revealed that plant growth stages can modulate the diversity of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria. The influence of plant growth stages on the bacterial microbiome associated with wheat and canola was crop and organ specific.
The Promise of Remote Patient Monitoring
Authors: Casale Paul N. , Vyavahare Medha , Coyne Shauna , Kronish Ian , Greenwald Peter , Ye Siqin , Deland Emme , Fleischut Peter M.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus pandemic catalyzed a digital health transformation, placing renewed focus on using remote monitoring technologies to care for patients outside of hospitals. At NewYork-Presbyterian, the authors expanded remote monitoring infrastructure and developed a COVID-19 Hypoxia Monitoring program—a critical means through which discharged COVID-19 patients were followed and assessed, enabling the organization to maximize inpatient capacity at a time of acute bed shortage. The pandemic tested existing remote monitoring efforts, revealing numerous operating challenges including device management, centralized escalation protocols, and health equity concerns. The continuation of these programs required addressing these concerns while expanding monitoring efforts in ambulatory and transitions of care settings. Building on these experiences, this article offers insights and strategies for implementing remote monitoring programs at scale and improving the sustainability of these efforts. As virtual care becomes a patient expectation, the authors hope hospitals recognize the promise that remote monitoring holds in reenvisioning health care delivery.
Factors Affecting Nursing Students' Practice of Medical Information Protection
Authors: Park Ju Young , Woo Chung Hee
Published: May 2021

Infringement of personal medical information can lead to psychological, social, and economic damages; legal repercussions; information abuse; and invasion of patients' privacy. This study identified the effects of nursing students' ethical inclination, knowledge, and perception on their medical information protection practice. Participants were third- and fourth-year students of one nursing college in a city in South Korea. Participants' perception of the importance of medical information protection was correlated with their practice of medical information protection (r = 0.62, P < .001), and their ethical inclination toward idealism was correlated with perceived need to protect medical information (r = 0.18, P = .049). The perception of the need for medical information protection was a significant predictor of the practice of medical information protection (R
2 = 0.39, P < .001). Findings suggested that nursing students' perception of medical information protection affected their practice of information protection. Therefore, measures to improve nursing students' perception of the importance of medical information protection might be useful to improve their practice of information protection in clinical settings. There is an urgent need to identify the barriers to the practice of medical information protection, and ongoing training on medical information protection should be included in nursing courses.
Effectiveness of liposomal ozonized oil in reducing ocular microbial flora in patients undergoing cataract surgery
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo , Zanotto Elisa , Cavallo Rossana , Campagna Giuseppe , Giannico Maria Ilaria , Costagliola Ciro ,   ELOOM Study Investigators
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of a liposomal ozonized oil solution used as a home therapy in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated as the reduction in the bacterial load of the most common bacteria isolated from cases with endophthalmitis.

Setting:

20 Italian experimental centers of the Effectiveness of Liposomal Ozonized oil on Ocular Microbial flora before cataract surgery study group.

Design:

Interventional, nonrandomized, paired-eye designed, phase 4 clinical study.

Methods:

A total of 174 patients undergoing cataract surgery were divided into 2 groups: the study group (174 eyes) underwent surgery and received an isotonic ophthalmic solution of 0.5% ozonized oil in liposomes plus hypromellose treatment (2 drops 4 times/d), and the control group (174 contralateral eyes) was treated with saline solution. The treatment lasted for 3 days. Subconjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes of each patient at T0 (the day before starting the treatment and 4 days preoperatively) and at T4 (after 3 days of treatment and 10 min preoperatively) and sent to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection for microbiological analysis.

Results:

30% of 696 swabs taken at T0 were sterile. Contaminated swabs had a high prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococci, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, and more than 60 different bacterial species were isolated. A significant reduction in microbial load was observed after treatment (>90% of the samples). The microbial load in the control group remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

Liposomal ozonized oil reduced the microbial burden after topical administration in a large study population.
Beta 2-adrenergic receptor mediates noradrenergic action to induce cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein phosphorylation in satellite glial cells of dorsal root ganglia to regulate visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Shen Shanwei , Tiwari Namrata , Madar Jonathan , Mehta Parshva , Qiao Liya Y.
Published: May 2021

Sympathoneuronal outflow into dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is suggested to be involved in sympathetically maintained chronic pain, which is mediated by norepinephrine (NE) action on DRG cells. This study combined in vitro and in vivo approaches to identify the cell types of DRG that received NE action and examined cell type–specific expression of adrenergic receptors (ARs) in DRG. Using DRG explants, we identified that NE acted on satellite glial cells (SGCs) to induce the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Using primarily cultured SGCs, we identified that beta (β)2-adrenergic receptor but not alpha (α)adrenergic receptor nor other βAR isoforms mediated NE-induced CREB phosphorylation and CRE-promoted luciferase transcriptional activity. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization and affinity purification of mRNA from specific cell types, we identified that β2AR was expressed by SGCs but not DRG neurons. We further examined β2AR expression and CREB phosphorylation in vivo in a model of colitis in which sympathetic nerve sprouting in DRG was observed. We found that β2AR expression and CREB phosphorylation were increased in SGCs of thoracolumbar DRG on day 7 after colitis induction. Inhibition but not augmentation of β2AR reduced colitis-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release into the spinal cord dorsal horn and colonic pain responses to colorectal distention. Prolonged activation of β2AR in naive DRG increased calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in DRG neurons. These findings provide molecular basis of sympathetic modulation of sensory activity and chronic pain that involves β2AR-mediated signaling in SGCs of DRG.
Portal Annular Pancreas With Common Hepatic Artery Trajectory Abnormality
Authors: Tahara Munenori , Harada Takuya , Wakui Yosuke , Mizukami Shoichiro , Kita Kengo , Funakoshi Tohru , Wakayama Kenji , Ishizu Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Portal annular pancreas (PAP) is a rare congenital pancreatic anomaly, in which the uncinate process of the pancreas fuses to the body of pancreas behind the portal vein. Here, we report a case of PAP with common hepatic arterial anomaly, which was identified during surgery. A 57-year-old man who had branch type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in the head of the pancreas developed a nodule in the cystic lesion. We planned pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The common hepatic artery from the celiac artery passing behind the portal vein was revealed in preoperative examinations. During surgery, we discovered that the uncinate process of the pancreas was fused with the body of the pancreas behind the portal vein. We divided the pancreas at the anterior and posterior of the portal vein. The main pancreatic duct was present in the anterior pancreatic stump. We performed pancreaticojejunostomy in the anterior stump and closed the posterior stump by interrupted suture. Forty-four surgical cases of PAP have been reported in the English medical literature. There are few previous reports of PAP which involved an arterial anomaly. Clinicians should consider PAP preoperatively to ensure that the surgeon can appropriately plan pancreatic resection to avoid postoperative complications.
Comparison of Treatment Outcomes Between Gemcitabine With Nab-Paclitaxel and Modified FOLFIRINOX for First-Line Chemotherapy in Metastatic and Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Mie Takafumi , Sasaki Takashi , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Koshiro , Furukawa Takaaki , Yamada Yuto , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Matsuyama Masato , Ozaka Masato , Sasahira Naoki
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To compare the treatment outcomes of gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel (GnP) and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX; a combination of fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) for metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with metastatic or recurrent pancreatic cancer treated with GnP or mFFX as the first-line chemotherapy between March 2014 and December 2019 in our hospital. Treatment outcomes were compared using propensity score matching to adjust for age, sex, performance status, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, and disease status (metastatic or recurrent).

Results

Five hundred sixty-eight patients were included (GnP/mFFX, 456/112). After propensity score matching, 218 patients were extracted. The median age was around 61 years, and the proportion of performance status 0 was approximately 90%. The median overall survival values were 14.6 and 15.5 months (P = 0.45), and the median progression-free survival was 7.4 months (P = 0.53) for GnP and mFFX, respectively. The disease control rates were higher in the GnP group (82.6% vs 67.9%, P = 0.02). In nonhematologic adverse events, grade 3/4 anorexia and diarrhea occurred significantly more frequently in the mFFX group.

Conclusions

Gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel had a higher disease control rate and lower rates of severe anorexia and diarrhea in our propensity-matched population.
Adherence to standardized 8-week mindfulness-based interventions among women with breast or gynecological cancer: a scoping review
Authors: Stanic Jelena , Barth Jürgen , Danon Nadia , Bondolfi Guido , Jermann Françoise , Eicher Manuela
Published: May 2021

Participant adherence to standardized 8-week mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be challenging, and adaptations from intervention protocols have been reported in mindfulness research. We conducted a scoping review to determine how women with breast or gynecological cancer adhered to standardized 8-week MBIs delivered in intervention studies. Searches were conducted for articles published till February 2020 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL EBSCO, PsycINFO Ovid SP, and Cochrane Library Wiley. The following outcomes were investigated: class and silent retreat attendance, intervention completion rate (ICR), adherence to home practice, and reasons for dropping out from an MBI study. Among the 25 included MBI studies, mindfulness-based stress reduction was the most often delivered intervention and mostly women with stage I–III breast cancer were represented. The duration of classes varied from 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Planned home practice varied from 20 to 60 min/day, and silent retreat varied from 4.5 to 8 hours. Due to heterogeneity in the reporting of class attendance, the data could not be pooled. Six studies reported an average class attendance ranging from 5 to 8.2 classes. Overall, intervention completion rate (the proportion who completed all classes) varied from 26.3% to 100%; however, discontinuations were not systematically reported. Home practice time was reported in 20% of the studies and ranged from 17 to 24 min/day. The main reasons for dropping out from an MBI study were health-related problems, organizational challenges, travel distance, and lack of motivation/commitment. About 70% of the studies reported some data on participant adherence, revealing a relatively high overall frequency of class attendance. However, the monitoring and reporting of participant adherence should be improved in future studies to increase our knowledge on the required amount of participant engagement to improve health outcomes and facilitate the implementation of effective interventions on a larger scale.