bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working Group Recommendations for the Practice of Teleneuropsychology in Latin America
Authors: Crivelli Lucía , Quiroz Yakeel T , Calandri Ismael L , Martin María E , Velilla Lina M , Cusicanqui María I , Yglesias Fernando Coto , Llibre-Rodríguez Juan J , Armele Monserrat , Román Fabián , Barceló Ernesto , Dechent Claudia , Carello María Agostina , Olavarría Loreto , Yassuda Mônica S , Custodio Nilton , Dansilio Sergio , Sosa Ana L , Acosta Daisy M , Brucki Sonia M D , Caramelli Paulo , Slachevsky Andrea , Nitrini Ricardo , Carrillo María C , Allegri Ricardo F
Published: September 2021

Objective

Teleneuropsychology (teleNP) could potentially expand access to services for patients who are confined, have limited personal access to healthcare, or live in remote areas. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the use of teleNP for cognitive assessments. The main objective of these recommendations is to identify which procedures can be potentially best adapted to the practice of teleNP in Latin America, and thereby facilitate professional decision-making in the region.

Method

Steps taken to develop these recommendations included (1) formation of an international working group with representatives from 12 Latin American countries; (2) assessment of rationale, scope, and objectives; (3) formulation of clinical questions; (4) evidence search and selection; (5) evaluation of existing evidence and summary; and (6) formulation of recommendations. Levels of evidence were graded following the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system. Databases examined included PubMed, WHO-IRIS, WHO and PAHO-IRIS, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBCS), and LILACS.

Results

Working group members reviewed 18,400 titles and 422 abstracts and identified 19 articles meeting the criteria for level of evidence, categorization, and elaboration of recommendations. The vast majority of the literature included teleNP tests in the English language. The working group proposed a series of recommendations that can be potentially best adapted to the practice of teleNP in Latin America.

Conclusions

There is currently sufficient evidence to support the use of videoconferencing technology for remote neuropsychological assessments. These recommendations will likely contribute to the advancement of teleNP research and practice in the region.
A Survey of Doctoral Internships Offering Clinical Neuropsychology Training: Updated Expectations for Competitive Applicants
Authors: Hirst Rayna B , Thompson Ryan C , Markiv Yelena , Pilavjian Haig , Arastu Sana F , Markuson Sara M
Published: September 2021

Objective

The specialty of clinical neuropsychology has experienced significant professional growth and increasing standardization of educational and training guidelines over the past 20 years. Previous literature demonstrated the importance of routine distribution of selection criteria used by training directors and supervising neuropsychologists for competitive applicants aiming to specialize in neuropsychology during internship. This study examined supervisors’ updated expectations for competitive applicants from a more diverse sample of doctoral internship programs offering neuropsychological training. These data also provide cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons to help trainees tailor their graduate training experiences.

Method

The sample included training directors and/or supervising neuropsychologists from 80 internship programs (73.4% of submitted surveys). Spearman correlations, analyses of variance, and chi-square tests of independence were conducted for cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.

Results

Clinical experience in assessment and the personal interview were consistently the two most prioritized criteria across all groups, whereas prioritization of the additional criteria was variable based on the program’s characteristics. Internship programs generally preferred practica experience at university-affiliated medical centers, Veterans Affairs medical centers, and private/community-based hospitals. University-affiliated medical centers and internships offering ≥50% neuropsychology training showed similar preferences for applicants with a depth and breadth of graduate school experience in neuropsychology. Longitudinally, the applicant expectations for programs offering ≥50% neuropsychology training remained largely unchanged between 2000 and 2020.

Conclusions

This study updated expectations for competitive applicants from a diverse sample of neuropsychology training programs, underscored the importance of fit between trainee and program, and demonstrated consistency over time for trainees seeking neuropsychology training during internship.
Coronary CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve in-stable angina: association with recurrent chest pain
Authors: Tækker Madsen Kristian , Veien Karsten Tange , Larsen Pia , Husain Majed , Deibjerg Lone , Junker Anders , Kusk Martin Weber , Thomsen Kristian Korsgaard , Rohold Allan , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Sand Niels Peter Rønnow
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) and recurrent chest pain (CP) at 1-year follow-up in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP).

Methods and results

Study of patients (n = 267) with SAP who underwent CCTA and FFRCT testing; 236 (88%) underwent invasive coronary angiography; and 87 (33%) were revascularized. Symptomatic status at 1-year follow-up was gathered by a structured interview. Three different FFRCT algorithms were applied using the following criteria for abnormality: (i) 2 cm-FFRCT ≤0.80; (ii) d-FFRCT ≤0.80; and (iii) a combination in which both a d-FFRCT ≤0.80 and a ΔFFRCT ≥0.06 must be present in the same vessel (c-FFRCT). Patients were classified into two groups based on the FFRCT test result and revascularization: completely revascularized/normal (CRN), patients in whom all coronary arteries with an abnormal FFRCT test result were revascularized or patients with completely normal FFRCT test results, and incompletely revascularized (IR), patients in whom ≥1 coronary artery with an abnormal FFRCT test result was not revascularized. Recurrent CP was present in 62 (23%) patients. Classification of patients (CRN or IR) was significantly associated with recurrent CP for all applied FFRCT interpretation algorithms. When applying the c-FFRCT algorithm, the association with recurrent CP was found, irrespective of the extent of coronary calcification and the degree of coronary stenosis. A negative association between per-patient minimal d-FFRCT and recurrent CP was demonstrated, P < 0.005.

Conclusion

An abnormal FFRCT test result is associated with an increased risk of recurrent CP in patients with new-onset SAP.
Motivational dynamics in learning English in Second Life
Authors: Kruk Mariusz
Published: September 2021

In countries in which opportunities to use a foreign language are mostly limited to the language classroom, teachers and students need to seek occasions to practice it. Luckily for them, virtual worlds provide many ways of practicing the language they study and communicate with many target language speakers. This paper reports a study that investigated changes in motivational dynamics and factors contributing to changes in the levels of motivation as reported by two advanced learners of English. They were asked to use the virtual world Second Life after classes and practice English. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data revealed changes in intensity of motivation and several factors responsible for them. On that basis, some guidelines for increasing motivation in the context of virtual worlds are offered.
Studying Youth’ Group Identities, Intergroup Relations, and Friendship Networks: The Friendship and Identity in School Data
Authors: Leszczensky Lars , Pink Sebastian , Kretschmer David , Kalter Frank
Published: September 2021

This data brief introduces the Friendship and Identity in School (FIS) dataset. The FIS data are school-based longitudinal social network data, which have become increasingly important in recent years. Including information on 2,500 adolescents in nine secondary schools in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the FIS data have four important key features that make them uniquely suited for studying the co-evolution of friendship networks and group identities or other time-varying individual characteristics. Specifically, the data include (i) fine-grained multidimensional measures of youth’ ethnic, national, and religious identities, (ii) comparatively large social networks that span multiple classrooms, (iii) up to six waves over four and a half years, and (iv) an ethnoreligiously diverse sample. Besides friendship and identity, the data include other network dimensions such as romantic relations or dislike as well as repeated measurements of various individual attributes ranging from perceived discrimination over intergroup attitudes and religion to leisure time activities and students’ perceptions of parents’ identities and attitudes. In combination, the FIS data provide rich longitudinal information that allows researchers to study the development, change, and interplay of youth’ group identities and friendship networks as well as broader questions concerning intergroup relations, network formation, and peer influence.
Reciprocal association between voting and the epidemic spread of COVID-19: observational and dynamic modeling study
Authors: Zeitoun Jean-David , Faron Matthieu , Manternach Sylvain , Fourquet Jérôme , Lavielle Marc , Lefèvre Jérémie H
Published: September 2021

Background

Whether voting is a risk factor for epidemic spread is unknown. Reciprocally, whether an epidemic can deter citizens from voting has not been often studied. We aimed to investigate such relationships for France during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) epidemic.

Methods

We performed an observational study and dynamic modelling using a sigmoidal mixed effects model. All hospitals with COVID-19 patients were included (18 March 2020–17 April 2020). Abstention rate of a concomitant national election was collected.

Results

Mean abstention rate in 2020 among departments was 52.5% ± 6.4% and had increased by a mean of 18.8% as compared with the 2014 election. There was a high degree of similarity of abstention between the two elections among the departments (P < 0.001). Among departments with a high outbreak intensity, those with a higher participation were not affected by significantly higher COVID-19 admissions after the elections. The sigmoidal model fitted the data from the different departments with a high degree of consistency. The covariate analysis showed that a significant association between participation and number of admitted patients was observed for both elections (2020: β = –5.36, P < 1e−9 and 2014: β = –3.15, P < 1e−6) contradicting a direct specific causation of the 2020 election. Participation was not associated with the position of the inflexion point suggesting no effect in the speed of spread.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the surrounding intensity of the COVID-19 epidemic in France did not have any local impact on participation to a national election. The level of participation had no impact on the spread of the pandemic.
Dual transcriptomic analysis reveals metabolic changes associated with differential persistence of human pathogenic bacteria in leaves of Arabidopsis and lettuce
Authors: Jacob Cristián , Velásquez André C , Josh Nikhil A , Settles Matthew , He Sheng Yang , Melotto Maeli
Published: September 2021

Understanding the molecular determinants underlying the interaction between the leaf and human pathogenic bacteria is key to provide the foundation to develop science-based strategies to prevent or decrease the pathogen contamination of leafy greens. In this study, we conducted a dual RNA-sequencing analysis to simultaneously define changes in the transcriptomic profiles of the plant and the bacterium when they come in contact. We used an economically relevant vegetable crop, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cultivar Salinas), and a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0, as well as two pathogenic bacterial strains that cause disease outbreaks associated with fresh produce, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium 14028s (STm 14028s). We observed commonalities and specificities in the modulation of biological processes between Arabidopsis and lettuce and between O157:H7 and STm 14028s during early stages of the interaction. We detected a larger alteration of gene expression at the whole transcriptome level in lettuce and Arabidopsis at 24 h post inoculation with STm 14028s compared to that with O157:H7. In addition, bacterial transcriptomic adjustments were substantially larger in Arabidopsis than in lettuce. Bacterial transcriptome was affected at a larger extent in the first 4 h compared to the subsequent 20 h after inoculation. Overall, we gained valuable knowledge about the responses and counter-responses of both bacterial pathogen and plant host when these bacteria are residing in the leaf intercellular space. These findings and the public genomic resources generated in this study are valuable for additional data mining.
Patient-reported quality of life after stand-alone and concomitant arrhythmia surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maesen Bart , van der Heijden Claudia A J , Bidar Elham , Vos Rein , Athanasiou Thanos , Maessen Jos G
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES

Patient-reported quality of life (QOL) has become an important endpoint for arrhythmia surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF). While studies specifically evaluating the effect of arrhythmia surgery on QOL are scarce, we aimed to summarize current evidence of QOL following concomitant and stand-alone arrhythmia surgery for AF.

METHODS

All studies reporting on QOL using questionnaires from patients undergoing arrhythmia surgery for AF, both stand-alone and concomitant, were included in this systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed on inter-study heterogeneity of changes in QOL on 9 of 12 included studies that used the Short-Form 36 tool and meta-regression based on rhythm outcome after 1 year was executed. Finally, differences in QOL following stand-alone arrhythmia surgery and concomitant procedures were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, QOL scores improved 1 year after surgical ablation for AF evaluated by several questionnaires. In stand-alone arrhythmia procedures, meta-regression showed significant improvements in those who were in sinus rhythm compared to those in AF after 1 year. This association between an improved QOL and the procedural effectiveness was also suggested in concomitant procedures. However, when comparing QOL of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with and without add-on surgical ablation for AF, only the variable ‘physical role’ demonstrated a significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AF, QOL improves after both stand-alone and concomitant arrhythmia surgery. In the concomitant group, this improvement can be attributed to both the cardiac procedure itself as well as the add-on arrhythmia surgery. However, both in stand-alone and concomitant procedures, the improvement in QOL seems to be related to the effectiveness of the procedure to maintain sinus rhythm after 12 months.
Coronavirus disease patients’ views and experiences of pharmaceutical care services in Lebanon
Authors: Mukattash Tareq L , Jarab Anan S , Al-Qerem Walid , Abu Farha Rana K , Itani Rania , Karout Samar , Mukattash Ibrahim L
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the experiences and views of domiciliary coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients towards pharmaceutical care services provided during their infection.

Methods

This was a single-centred observational study conducted among home-treated COVID-19 patients (n = 500), who were tested positive for COVID-19 in a medical centre in Lebanon.

Key findings

Out of the 500 home-treated COVID-19 patients invited to participate in the study, 279 patients completed the questionnaire. Although the participants had a good view of pharmacists caring for COVID-19 patients (mean view score: 17.79/25), their treatment experiences were unsatisfactory (mean experience score: 1.51/4).

Conclusions

COVID-19 patients reported minimal involvement of pharmacists in their treatment. Therefore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare authorities should intervene in restructuring, guiding and reviewing unrealized new pharmaceutical services to COVID-19 outpatients.
Determining the Impact of Migration on Labour Markets: The Mediating Role of Legal Institutions
Authors: Dias-Abey Manoj
Published: September 2021

Critics of migration often claim that migrant workers displace local workers from jobs and apply downward pressure on wages. This article begins from the premise that it is impossible to understand the impact of migrant workers on labour markets without considering the functioning of law. Drawing on a reconstructed version of legal institutionalism, one that attends to the structuring influences of capitalist political economy and racism, this article considers the mediating role played by labour market institutions, such as collective bargaining and the contract of employment. An analysis of the historiography of migration to the UK since 1945 shows that labour market institutions have played a key role in influencing the inflow of migrant workers as well as the method of their incorporation into the labour market. In turn, migrant workers have intensified dynamics in the labour market that legal institutions have helped create, such as labour market segmentation. Migrant workers have also impacted the legal institutions themselves, either by being crucial actors in the creation of new legal institutions or by shaping the operation of existing ones.
Effects of bismuth subsalicylate and encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate on feedlot beef cattle production
Authors: Mejia-Turcios Sebastian E , Osorio-Doblado Andrea M , Ciriaco Francine M , Urso Phil M , Araujo Rafael C , Woerner Dale R , Johnson Bradley J , Dubeux Jose C B , Sarturi Jhones O , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Henry Darren D
Published: September 2021

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN) on in vitro ruminal fermentation, growth, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, liver mineral concentration, and carcass quality of beef cattle. In Exp. 1, four ruminally cannulated steers (520 ± 30 kg body weight [BW]) were used as donors to perform a batch culture and an in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) procedure. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with factors being BSS (0 or 0.33% of substrate dry matter [DM]) and CAN (0 or 2.22% of substrate DM). In Exp. 2, 200 Angus-crossbred steers (385 ± 27 kg BW) were blocked by BW and allocated to 50 pens (4 steers/pen) in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included BSS (0 or 0.33% of the diet DM) and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) source (urea or encapsulated CAN [eCAN] included at 0.68% or 2.0% of the diet, respectively) with 0.28% ruminally available S (RAS). A low S diet was included as a positive control containing urea (0.68% of DM) and 0.14% RAS. For Exp. 1, data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effects of BSS, CAN, BSS × CAN, and the random effect of donor. For Exp. 2, the MIXED procedure of SAS was used for continuous variables and the GLIMMIX procedure for categorical data. For Exp. 1, no differences (P > 0.230) were observed for IVOMD. There was a tendency (P = 0.055) for an interaction regarding H2S production. Acetate:propionate increased (P = 0.003) with the addition of CAN. In Exp. 2, there was a NPN source effect (P = 0.032) where steers consuming urea had greater carcass-adjusted final shrunk BW than those consuming eCAN. Intake of DM (P < 0.001) and carcass-adjusted average daily gain (P = 0.024) were reduced by eCAN; however, it did not affect (P = 0.650) carcass-adjusted feed efficiency. Steers consuming urea had greater (P = 0.032) hot carcass weight, and a BSS × NPN interaction (P = 0.019) was observed on calculated yield grade. Apparent absorption of S decreased (P < 0.001) with the addition of BSS. Final liver Cu concentration was reduced (P = 0.042) by 58% in cattle fed BSS, indicating that BSS may decrease Cu absorption and storage in the liver. The results observed in this experiment indicate that BSS does not have negative effects on feedlot steer performance, whereas CAN may hinder performance of steers fed finishing diets.
Arctic fox winter dietary response to damped lemming cycles estimated from fecal DNA
Authors: Dudenhoeffer Megan , Roth James D , Johnson Lucy K , Petersen Stephen D
Published: September 2021

Climate-caused changes in prey abundance may alter predator–prey dynamics in the Arctic food web. Lemmings (Dicrostonyx spp.) are important prey for Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and their annual population fluctuations drive fox reproduction, creating strongly linked predator–prey population cycles. Winter diet directly impacts Arctic fox reproductive success, but winter prey diversity on the tundra is low. Strategies such as using the marine environment to scavenge seals have allowed Arctic foxes to persist during years of low lemming abundance. However, warming winters have decreased snowpack quality, preventing lemmings from reaching their previous high abundances, which may reduce their impact on predator dynamics. We investigated Arctic fox dietary response to lemming abundance by reconstructing Arctic fox winter diet in the low Arctic. Next-generation sequencing of fecal DNA, from samples (n = 627) collected at dens in winters of 2011–2018, identified prey both from terrestrial and marine environments. Despite lemming cycle damping, Arctic foxes still increased lemming consumption during years of higher lemming abundance. Alternative prey such as marine resources were consumed more during years of low lemming abundance, with up to 45% of samples containing marine resources in low lemming years. In addition, Arctic foxes consumed high proportions of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), which may represent a new alternative prey, suggesting climate change may be creating new foraging opportunities. Changes in prey abundance illustrate how climate-caused disturbances are altering Arctic food-web dynamics. Dietary flexibility and availability of alternative prey may become increasingly important for Arctic predators as the Arctic continues to change.
Materiality, Postcoloniality, and the Phenomenology of Mental Health
Authors: Nadadur Kannan Rajalakshmi
Published: September 2021

This article approaches mental health of postcolonial bodies through the lens of colonial gender politics. Using postcolonial feminist writings on Hindu mythology as a starting point, I discuss how trauma has been imbibed into women’s bodies through concepts such as pativrata. This problematises our contemporary, uncritical understandings of the mind/body dichotomy posited by popular discourses on yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques. Then, moving on to feminist writings on Indian indentured labour history and Bahujan communities, this article asserts that these traumas have continued throughout history, imbibing a mind/ body dichotomy textured by various forms of violence. I argue that these histories can neither be ignored nor completely overcome, and for a deeper engagement in mental health that is contextualised within these histories.
Inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids alone or in combination with fluconazole on Candida krusei biofilms in vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jamiu Abdullahi Temitope , Albertyn Jacobus , Sebolai Olihile , Gcilitshana Onele , Pohl Carolina H
Published: September 2021

The incidence of infections by non-albicans Candida species, including Candida krusei, is increasing. Candida krusei exhibits intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and rapidly develops acquired resistance to other antifungals. Moreover, this yeast can form biofilm with increased resistance. Hence, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by this pathogen. One such approach is through combination therapy with natural compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study aims to investigate the effect of PUFAs on fluconazole susceptibility of C. krusei biofilms, as well as the conserved nature of these effects in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. C. krusei biofilms were exposed to various fatty acids as well as combinations of fluconazole and linoleic acid (LA) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The effect of these treatments on biofilm formation, cell ultrastructure, membrane integrity, oxidative stress and efflux pump activity was evaluated. In addition, the ability of the PUFAs to prolong survival and reduce the fungal burden of infected C. elegans, in the absence and presence of fluconazole, was assessed. Two PUFAs, LA and GLA had displayed significant inhibition of C. krusei biofilms and both of them increased the susceptibility of C. krusei biofilm to fluconazole in vitro via induction of oxidative stress, cell membrane damage, and disruption of efflux pump activity. These PUFAs also extended the lifespan of infected nematodes and displayed a potentiating effect with fluconazole in this model. This may pave the way for future studies into novel antifungal drug targets and treatment options.

Lay summary

The pathogenic yeast, Candida krusei, is naturally resistant to the antifungal drug, fluconazole. This study finds that polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid, can inhibit C. krusei and overcome this resistance of in vitro biofilms, as well as in a nematode infection model.
Combined analysis of neutron star natal kicks using proper motions and parallax measurements for radio pulsars and Be X-ray binaries
Authors: Igoshev Andrei P , Chruslinska Martyna , Dorozsmai Andris , Toonen Silvia
Published: September 2021

Supernova explosion and the associated neutron star (NS) natal kicks are important events on a pathway of a binary to become a gravitational wave source, an X-ray binary, or a millisecond radio pulsar. Weak natal kicks often lead to binary survival, while strong kicks frequently disrupt the binary. In this article, we aim to further constrain NS natal kicks in binaries. We explore binary population synthesis models by varying prescription for natal kick, remnant mass, and mass accretion efficiency. We introduce a robust statistical technique to analyse combined observations of different nature. Using this technique, we further test different models using parallax and proper motion measurements for young isolated radio pulsars and similar measurements for Galactic Be X-ray binaries (BeXs). Our best model for natal kicks is consistent with both measurements and contains a fraction of w = 0.2 ± 0.1 weak natal kicks with $\sigma _1 = 45^{+25}_{-15}$ km s−1, the remaining natal kicks are drawn from the high-velocity component, same as in previous works: σ2 = 336 km s−1. We found that currently used models for natal kicks of NSs produced by electron capture supernova (ecSN; combination of Maxwellian σ = 265 km s−1 and σ = 30 km s−1 for electron capture) are inconsistent or marginally consistent with parallaxes and proper motions measured for isolated radio pulsars. We suggest a new model for natal kicks of ecSN, which satisfy both observations of isolated radio pulsars and BeXs.
Detectability of Population III stellar remnants as X-ray binaries from tidal captures in the local Universe
Authors: Husain Rabia , Liu Boyuan , Bromm Volker
Published: September 2021

We assess the feasibility of detecting the compact object remnants from Population III (Pop III) stars in nearby dense star clusters, where they become luminous again as X-ray binaries (XRBs) and tidal disruption events (TDEs) via strong tidal encounters. Analytically modelling the formation of Pop III stars, coupled with a top-heavy initial mass function predicted by numerical simulations, we derive the number of (active) Pop III XRBs and TDEs in the present-day Milky Way (MW) nuclear star cluster as ${\sim} 0.06\!-\!0.3 $ and ≲4 × 10−6, rendering any detection unlikely. The detection probability, however, can be significantly boosted when surveying all massive star clusters from the MW and neighbouring galaxy clusters. Specifically, we predict ∼1.5–6.5 and ∼40–2800 active Pop III XRBs in the MW and the Virgo Cluster, respectively. Our Pop III XRBs are dominated (${\sim} 99{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) by black holes with a typical mass and luminosity of ${\sim} 45\, \rm M_{\odot }$ and ${\sim} 10^{36}\, \rm erg\, s^{-1}$. Deep surveys of nearby (${\lesssim} 30\!-\!300\, \rm Mpc$) galaxy clusters for such Pop III XRBs are well within reach of next-generation X-ray telescopes, such as Athena and Lynx.
Eccentric millisecond pulsars by resonant convection
Authors: Ginzburg Sivan , Chiang Eugene
Published: September 2021

Eccentric millisecond pulsars (eMSPs) with white dwarf companions exhibit orbital eccentricities orders of magnitude larger than predicted by turbulent convection in the white dwarfs’ red giant progenitors. The orbital periods of eMSPs cluster around P = 20–30 d, remarkably close to the red giant convective eddy turnover time teddy. We propose that the anomalously large eccentricities are resonantly driven by convective flows somehow made coherent when the turnover time matches the tidally locked red giant’s spin period, which is also the tidal forcing period. Numerical simulations of rotating red giants and magnetic field studies of stars show some evidence for especially ordered flow patterns when the convective Rossby number P/teddy is of order unity. We show that resonant convection boosts eccentricities by a factor of (tnuc/P)1/2 ≈ 3 × 103 over the random-walk values that characterize conventional MSPs, in good agreement with observations (tnuc is the giant’s nuclear burning time-scale). We also show how variations in the eddy turnover time arising from red giant metallicity variations can reproduce the observed effective width of the resonance, ΔP/P ≈ 0.4.
Somatic Mutation Analysis in Salix suchowensis Reveals Early-Segregated Cell Lineages
Authors: Ren Yifan , He Zhen , Liu Pingyu , Traw Brian , Sun Shucun , Tian Dacheng , Yang Sihai , Jia Yanxiao , Wang Long
Published: September 2021

Long-lived plants face the challenge of ever-increasing mutational burden across their long lifespan. Early sequestration of meristematic stem cells is supposed to efficiently slow down this process, but direct measurement of somatic mutations that accompanies segregated cell lineages in plants is still rare. Here, we tracked somatic mutations in 33 leaves and 22 adventitious roots from 22 stem-cuttings across eight major branches of a shrub willow (Salix suchowensis). We found that most mutations propagated separately in leaves and roots, providing clear evidence for early segregation of underlying cell lineages. By combining lineage tracking with allele frequency analysis, our results revealed a set of mutations shared by distinct branches, but were exclusively present in leaves and not in roots. These mutations were likely propagated by rapidly dividing somatic cell lineages which survive several iterations of branching, distinct from the slowly dividing axillary stem cell lineages. Leaf is thus contributed by both slowly and rapidly dividing cell lineages, leading to varied fixation chances of propagated mutations. By contrast, each root likely arises from a single founder cell within the adventitious stem cell lineages. Our findings give straightforward evidence that early segregation of meristems slows down mutation accumulation in axillary meristems, implying a plant “germline” paralog to the germline of animals through convergent evolution.
A replication-linked mutational gradient drives somatic mutation accumulation and influences germline polymorphisms and genome composition in mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Sanchez-Contreras Monica , Sweetwyne Mariya T , Kohrn Brendan F , Tsantilas Kristine A , Hipp Michael J , Schmidt Elizabeth K , Fredrickson Jeanne , Whitson Jeremy A , Campbell Matthew D , Rabinovitch Peter S , Marcinek David J , Kennedy Scott R
Published: September 2021

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cause maternally inherited diseases, while somatic mutations are linked to common diseases of aging. Although mtDNA mutations impact health, the processes that give rise to them are under considerable debate. To investigate the mechanism by which de novo mutations arise, we analyzed the distribution of naturally occurring somatic mutations across the mouse and human mtDNA obtained by Duplex Sequencing. We observe distinct mutational gradients in G→A and T→C transitions delimited by the light-strand origin and the mitochondrial Control Region (mCR). The gradient increases unequally across the mtDNA with age and is lost in the absence of DNA polymerase γ proofreading activity. In addition, high-resolution analysis of the mCR shows that important regulatory elements exhibit considerable variability in mutation frequency, consistent with them being mutational ‘hot-spots’ or ‘cold-spots’. Collectively, these patterns support genome replication via a deamination prone asymmetric strand-displacement mechanism as the fundamental driver of mutagenesis in mammalian DNA. Moreover, the distribution of mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms in humans and the distribution of bases in the mtDNA across vertebrate species mirror this gradient, indicating that replication-linked mutations are likely the primary source of inherited polymorphisms that, over evolutionary timescales, influences genome composition during speciation.
Glioblastoma genetic drivers dictate the function of tumor-associated macrophages/microglia and responses to CSF1R inhibition
Authors: Rao Rohit , Han Rong , Ogurek Sean , Xue Chengbin , Wu Lai Man , Zhang Liguo , Zhang Li , Hu Jian , Phoenix Timothy N , Waggoner Stephen N , Lu Q Richard
Published: September 2021

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages/microglia (TAMs) are prominent microenvironment components in human glioblastoma (GBM) that are potential targets for anti-tumor therapy. However, TAM depletion by CSF1R inhibition showed mixed results in clinical trials. We hypothesized that GBM subtype-specific tumor microenvironment (TME) conveys distinct sensitivities to TAM targeting.

Methods

We generated syngeneic PDGFB- and RAS-driven GBM models that resemble proneural-like and mesenchymal-like gliomas, and determined the effect of TAM targeting by CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 on glioma growth. We also investigated the co-targeting of TAMs and angiogenesis on PLX3397-resistant RAS-driven GBM. Using single-cell transcriptomic profiling, we further explored differences in TME cellular compositions and functions in PDGFB- and RAS-driven gliomas.

Results

We found that growth of PDGFB-driven tumors was markedly inhibited by PLX3397. In contrast, depletion of TAMs at the early phase accelerated RAS-driven tumor growth and had no effects on other proneural and mesenchymal GBM models. In addition, PLX3397-resistant RAS-driven tumors did not respond to PI3K signaling inhibition. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling revealed that PDGFB-driven gliomas induced expansion and activation of pro-tumor microglia, whereas TAMs in mesenchymal RAS-driven GBM were enriched in pro-inflammatory and angiogenic signaling. Co-targeting of TAMs and angiogenesis decreased cell proliferation and changed the morphology of RAS-driven gliomas.

Conclusions

Our work identifies functionally distinct TAM subpopulations in the growth of different glioma subtypes. Notably, we uncover a potential responsiveness of resistant mesenchymal-like gliomas to combined anti-angiogenic therapy and CSF1R inhibition. These data highlight the importance of characterization of the microenvironment landscape in order to optimally stratify patients for TAM-targeted therapy.
Evaluation of metabolic syndrome and sleep quality in shift workers
Authors: Demiralp N , Özel F
Published: September 2021

Background

Shift workers have risks associated with metabolic syndrome and low sleep quality.

Aims

This study aimed to examine metabolic syndrome and sleep quality in firefighters and mine workers working shifts and daytime hours.

Methods

A comparative descriptive study was conducted in two institutions on firefighters and mine workers (n = 120) who were working shifts (n = 84) and working daytime hours (n = 36). The data were obtained using a questionnaire including socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results

When risk of metabolic syndrome was compared with sleep quality, it was found that according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, 11% of those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome among shift-working firefighters and 5% of those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome among shift-working miners had low sleep quality. It was found that according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, 9% of those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome among shift firefighters and 2% of those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome among shift miners had low sleep quality.

Conclusions

Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome in shift workers.
Police Powers and Public Assemblies: Learning from the Clapham Common ‘Vigil’ during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stott Clifford , Radburn Matt , Pearson Geoff , Kyprianides Arabella , Harrison Mark , Rowlands David
Published: September 2021

The policing of peaceful public assembly during the Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the most central challenges to police legitimacy. This is arguably because mass gatherings are assumed to carry a high risk of contagion yet, at the same time, peaceful public assembly is a protected human right. In this article, we explore this issue by using a case study to provide a detailed chronological interactional analysis of the policing operation surrounding a highly controversial public assembly that took place on Clapham Common in March 2021 in London, England. We explore the utility of a research and theory-based model for public order policing in pandemics as a framework for understanding the way the event evolved and identifying what lessons can be learnt for policing assemblies, both in future pandemics and more generally. We contend that ambiguity in the application of emergency powers and the potential for heavy fines to be applied using the legislation created a divergence between stakeholders and culminated in a leadership vacuum among protesters. Moreover, the context of acute political sensitivity led to a highly centralized public order operation that limited the capacity of police to enact dialogue-based solutions when leadership (re)emerged during the event. We conclude by discussing the implications of our analysis for understanding the inherent dangers of regulatory frameworks that place too heavy a burden of discretionary power into the hands of police in determining whether public assemblies are ‘lawful’, and under what conditions they can occur.
Classification of Geriatric Low Back Pain Based on Hip Characteristics With a 12-Month Longitudinal Exploration of Clinical Outcomes: Findings From Delaware Spine Studies
Authors: Hicks Gregory E , Pohlig Ryan T , Coyle Peter C , Sions J Megan , Weiner Debra K , Pugliese Jenifer M , Velasco Teonette O , O’Brien Victoria A
Published: September 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify geriatric chronic low back pain (LBP) subgroups based on the presence of potentially modifiable hip impairments, using Latent Variable Mixture Modeling (LVMM), and to examine the prospective relationship between these subgroups and key outcomes over time.

Methods

Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month data were collected from a prospective cohort of 250 community-dwelling older adults with chronic LBP. Comprehensive hip (symptoms, strength, range of motion, and flexibility), LBP (intensity and disability), and mobility function (gait speed and 6-Minute Walk Test) examinations were performed at each timepoint. Baseline hip measures were included in LVMM; observed classes/subgroups were compared longitudinally on LBP and mobility function outcomes using mixed models.

Results

Regarding LVMM, a model with 3 classes/subgroup fit best. Broadly speaking, subgroups were differentiated best by hip strength and symptom presence: subgroup 1 = strong and nonsymptomatic, subgroup 2 = weak and nonsymptomatic, and subgroup 3 = weak and symptomatic (WS). Regarding longitudinal mixed models, all subgroups improved in most outcomes over time. Specifically, over 12 months, the nonsymptomatic subgroups had lower LBP intensity and disability levels compared with the WS subgroup, whereas the strong and nonsymptomatic subgroup had better mobility function than the 2 “weak” subgroups.

Conclusion

These subgroup classifications may help in tailoring specific interventions in future trials. Special attention should be given to the WS subgroup given their consistently poor LBP and mobility function outcomes.

Impact

Among older adults with chronic low back pain, there are 3 hip subgroups: “strong and nonsymptomatic,” “weak and nonsymptomatic,” and “weak and symptomatic.” People in these subgroups demonstrate different outcomes and require different treatment; proper identification will result in tailored interventions designed to benefit individual patients. In particular, people in the WS subgroup deserve special attention, because their outcomes are consistently poorer than those in the other subgroups.
Rationalizability, Observability, and Common Knowledge
Authors: Penta Antonio , Zuazo-Garin Peio
Published: September 2021

We study the strategic impact of players’ higher-order uncertainty over the observability of actions in general two-player games. More specifically, we consider the space of all belief hierarchies generated by the uncertainty over whether the game will be played as a static game or with perfect information. Over this space, we characterize the correspondence of a solution concept which captures the behavioural implications of Rationality and Common Belief in Rationality (RCBR), where “rationality” is understood as sequential whenever the game is dynamic. We show that such a correspondence is generically single-valued, and that its structure supports a robust refinement of rationalizability, which often has very sharp implications. For instance, (1) in a class of games which includes both zero-sum games with a pure equilibrium and coordination games with a unique efficient equilibrium, RCBR generically ensures efficient equilibrium outcomes (eductive coordination); (2) in a class of games which also includes other well-known families of coordination games, RCBR generically selects components of the Stackelberg profiles (Stackelberg selection); (3) if it is commonly known that player $2$’s action is not observable (e.g. because $1$ is commonly known to move earlier, etc.), in a class of games which includes all of the above RCBR generically selects the equilibrium of the static game most favourable to player $1$ (pervasiveness of first-mover advantage).
Synovial single-cell heterogeneity, zonation and interactions: a patchwork of effectors in arthritis
Authors: Schonfeldova Barbora , Zec Kristina , Udalova Irina A
Published: September 2021

Despite extensive research, there is still no treatment that would lead to remission in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis as our understanding of the affected site, the synovium, is still incomplete. Recently, single-cell technologies helped to decipher the cellular heterogeneity of the synovium; however, certain synovial cell populations, such as endothelial cells or peripheral neurons, remain to be profiled on a single-cell level. Furthermore, associations between certain cellular states and inflammation were found; whether these cells cause the inflammation remains to be answered. Similarly, cellular zonation and interactions between individual effectors in the synovium are yet to be fully determined. A deeper understanding of cell signalling and interactions in the synovium is crucial for a better design of therapeutics with the goal of complete remission in all patients.
Extracting Circadian and Sleep Parameters from Longitudinal Data in Schizophrenia for the Design of Pragmatic Light Interventions
Authors: Skeldon Anne C , Dijk Derk-Jan , Meyer Nicholas , Wulff Katharina
Published: September 2021

Sleep and circadian rhythm dysfunction is prevalent in schizophrenia, is associated with distress and poorer clinical status, yet remains an under-recognized therapeutic target. The development of new therapies requires the identification of the primary drivers of these abnormalities. Understanding of the regulation of sleep–wake timing is now sufficiently advanced for mathematical model-based analyses to identify the relative contribution of endogenous circadian processes, behavioral or environmental influences on sleep-wake disturbance and guide the development of personalized treatments. Here, we have elucidated factors underlying disturbed sleep-wake timing by applying a predictive mathematical model for the interaction of light and the circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep to actigraphy, light, and melatonin profiles from 20 schizophrenia patients and 21 age-matched healthy unemployed controls, and designed interventions which restored sleep-circadian function. Compared to controls, those with schizophrenia slept longer, had more variable sleep timing, and received significantly fewer hours of bright light (light > 500 lux), which was associated with greater variance in sleep timing. Combining the model with the objective data revealed that non 24-h sleep could be best explained by reduced light exposure rather than differences in intrinsic circadian period. Modeling implied that late sleep offset and non 24-h sleep timing in schizophrenia can be normalized by changes in environmental light–dark profiles, without imposing major lifestyle changes. Aberrant timing and intensity of light exposure patterns are likely causal factors in sleep timing disturbances in schizophrenia. Implementing our new model-data framework in clinical practice could deliver personalized and acceptable light–dark interventions that normalize sleep-wake timing.
A chemical-genetic investigation of BDNF-NtrkB signaling in mammalian sleep
Authors: Muheim Christine M , Singletary Kristan G , Frank Marcos G
Published: September 2021

Study Objectives

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is hypothesized to be a molecular mediator of mammalian sleep homeostasis. This hypothesis is supported by correlational findings and results obtained from pharmacology. BDNF binds with high affinity to the membrane-bound receptor Neurotrophin Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B (NtrkB), which triggers several intracellular signaling cascades. It is therefore possible that BDNF’s role in sleep homeostasis is mediated via NtrkB. We examined this hypothesis using a chemical-genetic technique that allows for rapid and selective inhibition of NtrkB in vivo.

Methods

We used mutant mice bearing a point mutation in the NtrkB that allows for selective and reversible inactivation in the presence of a small binding molecule (1-NM-PP1). Using a crossover design, we determined the effects of NtrkB inhibition on baseline sleep architecture and sleep homeostasis.

Results

We find that NtrkB inhibition reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time and changed state transitions but had no effect on sleep homeostasis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that BDNF-NtrkB receptor signaling has subtle roles in sleep architecture, but no role in sleep homeostasis.