bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes as a risk factor for severe exacerbation and death in patients with COPD: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Castañ-Abad Maria T , Montserrat-Capdevila Josep , Godoy Pere , Marsal Josep R , Ortega Marta , Alsedà Miquel , Barbé Ferran
Published: November 2019

Background

Type 2 diabetes comorbidity is common in patients with COPD. One of the most frequent causes of hospital admission in patients with COPD are exacerbations.

Methods

Prospective cohort study, which included 512 patients with COPD recruited in a primary care centre in Mollerussa (Lleida, Spain). Inclusion criteria were: patients >40 years of age with COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Variables collected were as follows: age, gender, civil status, education level, smoking habit, severity (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), comorbidities (Charlson), history of severe exacerbations, dyspnoea (mMRC), BODEx, EuroQol 5 D and depression (HAD). Logistic regression was used to determine the association of diabetes with risk of hospital admission and death.

Results

Prevalence of diabetes was 25.8%. During the second year of follow up, 18.2% of patients with COPD and diabetes were admitted for exacerbation, in comparison with 8.9% non-diabetic COPD patients. The variables associated with hospital admission were diabetes (ORa=1.54); gender (men, ORa=1.93); age (ORa=1.02); number of hospital admissions during the previous year: 1 (ORa=2.83) or more than one admission (ORa=4.08); EuroQol 5 D (ORa=0.76) and BODEx (ORa=1.24). With the exclusion of BODEx, all these variables were associated with a higher risk of death.

Conclusion

Prevalence of diabetes is high in patients suffering from COPD. COPD patients with diabetes are at higher risk of severe exacerbation and death. The suggested predictive model could identify patients at higher risk so that adequate preventive and therapeutic measures can be implemented.
Improving mental health through neighbourhood regeneration: the role of cohesion, belonging, quality and disorder
Authors: Greene Giles , Fone David , Farewell Daniel , Rodgers Sarah , Paranjothy Shantini , Carter Bethan , White James
Published: November 2019

Poor mental health has been associated with socioeconomic deprivation. The aim was to describe possible mechanisms underpinning the narrowing of mental health inequalities demonstrated by Communities First, an area-wide regeneration programme in Wales, UK. Propensity score matched data from the Caerphilly Health and Social Needs Electronic Cohort Study, assessed changes in mental health, neighbourhood-level social cohesion, belongingness, quality and disorder. A multiple mediation analysis found c.76% of the total indirect effect was accounted for by neighbourhood quality and disorder. Targeted regeneration that increases neighbourhood quality and reduced neighbourhood disorder could mitigate the mental health inequalities associated with socioeconomic deprivation.
Dear medical mycologists, it is time to look outside the box
Authors: Morio Florent
Published: November 2019

Opulente et al. (Opulente DA, Langdon QK, Buh KV et al. Pathogenic budding yeasts isolated outside of clinical settings. FEMS Yeast Res 2019;19:foz032) published early this year a study aiming to investigate the diversity of wild yeast species, by collecting 1000 environmental samples coming from different substrates across the United States of America. The main finding of this work is the recovery of 54 strains of budding yeasts of which several are having a pathogenic potential in the clinical setting, such as Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, Nakaseomyces glabrata and Pichia kudriavzevii. These findings, discussed here in light of other recent studies highlighting the role of fungicides in the rise of antifungal resistance in the clinical setting or the emergence of Candida auris, demonstrate that our environment can represent an alternative niche for several opportunistic fungal pathogens that can be a concern for human health.
Within-population genome size variation is mediated by multiple genomic elements that segregate independently during meiosis
Authors: Stelzer Claus-Peter , Pichler Maria , Stadler Peter , Hatheuer Anita , Riss Simone
Published: November 2019

Within-species variation in genome size has been documented in many animals and plants. Despite its importance for understanding eukaryotic genome diversity, there is only sparse knowledge about how individual-level processes mediate genome size variation in populations. Here we study a natural population of the rotifer Brachionus asplanchnoidis whose members differ up to 1.9-fold in diploid genome size, but were still able to interbreed and produce viable offspring. We show that genome size is highly heritable and can be artificially selected up or down, but not below a certain basal diploid genome size for this species. Analyses of segregation patterns in haploid males reveal that large genomic elements (several megabases in size) provide the substrate of genome size variation. These elements, and their segregation patterns, explain the generation of new genome size variants, the short-term evolutionary potential of genome size change in populations, and some seemingly paradoxical patterns, like an increase in genome size variation among highly inbred lines. Our study suggests that a conceptual model involving only two variables, (1) a basal genome size of the population, and (2) a vector containing information on additional elements that may increase genome size in this population (size, number, and meiotic segregation behaviour), can effectively address most scenarios of short-term evolutionary change of genome size in a population.
The Influence of Simulated Sunlight on the Inactivation of Influenza Virus in Aerosols
Authors: Schuit Michael , Gardner Sierra , Wood Stewart , Bower Kristin , Williams Greg , Freeburger Denise , Dabisch Paul
Published: November 2019

Background

Environmental parameters, including sunlight levels, are known to affect the survival of many microorganisms in aerosols. However, the impact of sunlight on the survival of influenza virus in aerosols has not been previously quantified.

Methods

The present study examined the influence of simulated sunlight on the survival of influenza virus in aerosols at both 20% and 70% relative humidity using an environmentally controlled rotating drum aerosol chamber.

Results

Measured decay rates were dependent on the level of simulated sunlight, but they were not significantly different between the 2 relative humidity levels tested. In darkness, the average decay constant was 0.02 ± 0.06 min−1, equivalent to a half-life of 31.6 minutes. However, at full intensity simulated sunlight, the mean decay constant was 0.29 ± 0.09 min−1, equivalent to a half-life of approximately 2.4 minutes.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with epidemiological findings that sunlight levels are inversely correlated with influenza transmission, and they can be used to better understand the potential for the virus to spread under varied environmental conditions.
Early- and Late-Onset Bloodstream Infections in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective 5-Year Study of Patients at a University Hospital in China
Authors: Xie Jianfeng , Li Shuzi , Xue Ming , Yang Congshan , Huang Yingzi , Chihade Deena B , Liu Ling , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: November 2019

Background

Limited data are available regarding the current microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in intensive care units (ICUs) in China. This retrospective study aimed to determine the epidemiology of early- and late-onset BSIs in our ICU.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data about ICU patients with BSI from 2013 to 2017. The patients were divided into the early- and late-onset BSI groups according to if BSI occurred within or beyond 48 hours after ICU admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors for infection with multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs).

Results

Of 5474 ICU admissions, 486 (8.9%) patients with BSIs and with 500 microorganisms were included in this study, 246 (50.6%) of whom had early-onset BSIs. Two hundred and seventy patients were infected with MDROs. The proportion of MDRO infections was significantly higher among patients with late-onset BSIs than among those with early-onset BSIs (57.9% vs. 41.5%, P = .017). The ICU mortality rate was significantly higher in the late-onset BSI group (44.6% vs. 33.8%, P = .014) and early and appropriate antimicrobial treatment significantly improved the survival rate among patients with BSI (P < .001).

Conclusions

MDROs affected more than half of patients with BSI in the ICU. Early appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy could improve clinical outcome of patients with BSIs.
Delving into Data Centre Design
Authors: Booth John
Published: November 2019

John Booth MBCS, Vice Chair of the Green IT Specialist Group, asks: what is a data centre and why are they so important to today’s digital society?
Saving the World One Block at a Time
Authors: Lucas Matt
Published: November 2019

Blockchain is often associated with high energy usage, writes Matt Lucas from IBM’s blockchain team. But, is the environmental impact of this much-hyped technology as bad as we’ve been led to believe?
Smart Electric Vehicle Charging
Authors: Leeks Harry
Published: November 2019

What does IT have to do with the charging of electric vehicles? In this article, Harry Leeks, a graduate IT Analyst at National Grid, explains how IT plays a pivotal role in the electric vehicle charging market.
The Politics of Ethics and Sustainability
Authors: Oram Denis
Published: November 2019

Dr. Denise Oram MBCS, Senior Lecturer at Glyndwr University, examines how business must balance innovation in IT with both recycling and the ethical demands of society.
10 Database Attacks
Authors: Pill Martin
Published: November 2019

Enterprise database and information storage infrastructures, holding the crown jewels of an organisation, are subject to a wide range of abuses and attacks, particularly when left vulnerable by poor system design or configuration. Martin Pill CITP, Principal Consultant and Security Architect with BSI Cybersecurity and Information Resilience, describes the most critical of these, followed by recommendations for mitigating the risk of each.
2019 Security Lockdown or Hacker Bonanza?
Authors: O'Connor Patrick
Published: November 2019

Reviewing some of 2019’s cyber incidents Patrick O’Connor, Principal Systems Analyst Programmer, finds there are new lessons to be learned, but old ones to be remembered in order to stay secure
The Changing Role of the BA
Authors: Hamilton Johanna
Published: November 2019

Debra Paul, out-going chief examiner for the BCS Busniness Analysis certification scheme, tells Johanna Hamilton AMBCS how business analysis has evolved and where it is going in the future.
The Future of Computer History
Authors: Blobel Johannes , Viehoff Jochen
Published: November 2019

Johannes Blobel is a PhD student at Paderborn University, Germany. Together with Jochen Vieho , the director of one of the largest computer museums worldwide, he wants to make computer history a vital part of every computer science degree.
miR-206 regulates non-small-cell lung cancer cell aerobic glycolysis by targeting hexokinase 2
Authors: Jia Ke-Gang , Feng Gang , Tong Yu-Suo , Tao Guang-Zhou , Xu Lian
Published: November 2019

Aerobic glycolysis was closely associated with the malignant transformation and prognosis of tumours. miR-206 was found to be downregulated in several cancers. However, whether miR-206 functions in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) via the process of aerobic glycolysis remains poorly characterized. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect miR-206 level in NSCLC cells and tissues. The effect of miR-206 on hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression was examined through miR-206 overexpression or miR-206 knockdown. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were carried out to explore the role of miR-206 on cell proliferation and colony formation, respectively. The relationship between miR-206 and HK2 was measured by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Glucose consumption, lactate production assay and ATP generation were performed in NSCLC cells following miR-206 and HK2 overexpression. We found that miR-206 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. miR-206 overexpression downregulated the expression of HK2 via targeting HK2 3′UTR in NSCLC cells. In addition, miR-206 decreased the cell viability and colony formation in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, miR-206 reduced glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP generation in NSCLC cells via HK2 repression. In conclusion, these findings suggested that miR-206 regulated NSCLC cell aerobic glycolysis by targeting HK2.
Muscle Homeostasis Is Disrupted in Burned Adults
Authors: Clark Audra T , Song Juquan , Yao Xiao , Carlson Deborah , Huebinger Ryan M , Mei Liu Ming , Madni Tarik D , Imran Jonathan B , Taveras Luis R , Weis Holly B , Arnoldo Brett D , Phelan Herb A , Wolf Steven E
Published: November 2019

Severe burn leads to substantial skeletal muscle wasting that is associated with adverse outcomes and protracted recovery. The purpose of our study was to investigate muscle tissue homeostasis in response to severe burn. Muscle biopsies from the right m. lateralis were obtained from 10 adult burn patients at the time of their first operation. Patients were grouped by burn size (total body surface area of <30% vs ≥30%). Muscle fiber size and factors of cell death and muscle regeneration were examined. Muscle cell cross-sectional area was significantly smaller in the large-burn group (2174.3 ± 183.8 µm2 vs 3687.0 ± 527.2 µm2, P = .04). The expression of ubiquitin E3 ligase MuRF1 and cell death downstream effector caspace 3 was increased in the large-burn group (P < .05). No significant difference was seen between groups in expression of the myogenic factors Pax7, MyoD, or myogenin. Interestingly, Pax7 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in muscle tissue were significantly correlated to injury severity only in the smaller-burn group (P < .05). In conclusion, muscle atrophy after burn is driven by apoptotic activation without an equal response of satellite cell activation, differentiation, and fusion.
Accountability for Syria
Authors: Sweeney Caroline
Published: November 2019

To date, apart from a few prosecutions in European states, there has been widespread impunity for international crimes committed in Syria since March 2011. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is arguably the most suitable forum for prosecuting alleged perpetrators. However, thus far no accused has appeared before the Court. Indeed, the Prosecutor has yet to even open an investigation due primarily to the inability to establish a precondition for the exercise of jurisdiction. This article examines if this situation is now likely to change in light of a number of recent and controversial decisions of the Court, most notably, Pre-Trial Chamber I’s ruling that the Court may exercise jurisdiction on a territorial basis over the alleged deportation of members of the Rohingya people from Myanmar, a non-state party to the ICC Statute, to Bangladesh, a state party, because an element or part of the alleged crime took place on the territory of a state party. The article considers whether this decision could potentially be relied upon as a precedent to enable the Court to exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed in the context of the Syrian unrest where a part or element of those crimes was committed on Jordanian territory, as Jordan is also a state party to the ICC Statute. Even if territorial jurisdiction is shown to exist based on the ‘Myanmar precedent’, the article examines whether an investigation might nonetheless be frustrated having regard to Pre-Trial Chamber II’s refusal to authorize an investigation proprio motu into the situation in Afghanistan since May 2003 on the grounds that it would not serve the interests of justice. Finally, the article considers the potential impact of the Jordan Referral Judgment on the likelihood of high-ranking Syrian officials appearing before the Court. In that judgment, the Appeals Chamber controversially affirmed that head of state immunity is inapplicable before international courts. The decisions discussed in the article generated rigorous and at times divisive debate amongst academic commentators. Accordingly, the article also incorporates a cross-cutting theoretical analysis of the extent to which the differing responses to these decisions reflects the historic fault-line between realists and liberals.
A hybrid ranking ELECTRE algorithm and its applications in agricultural decision-making
Authors: Simić Dragan , Gajić Jovana , Ilin Vladimir , Simić Svetislav D , Simić Svetlana
Published: November 2019

A vast number of real-world problems can be associated with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). This paper discusses MCDM in agricultural industry. Methodological hybrid analytical hierarchy processes, ELECTRE I and genetic algorithm method are proposed here, and it is shown how such a model can be used for complete ranking model. The proposed hybrid bio-inspired method is implemented on real-world data set collected from agricultural industry in Serbia.
Court of Appeal clarifies joint authorship criteria under UK copyright law
Authors: Shaw John
Published: November 2019

Julia Kogan v (1) Nicholas Martin (2) Big Hat Stories Limited (3) Florence Film Limited (4) Pathe Productions Limited (5) Qwerty Films Limited [2019] EWCA Civ 1645

The dispute between Ms Kogan and Mr Martin (and various film companies) regarding the authorship (or joint authorship) of the screenplay for the film depicting socialite Florence Foster Jenkins has been granted a retrial following a decision by the Court of Appeal that included an explanation of the criteria for joint authorship under UK law.
A comparison of liquid-based and conventional cytology using data for cervical cancer screening from the Japan Cancer Society
Authors: Ito Kiyoshi , Kimura Ryusei , Konishi Hiroshi , Ozawa Nobuyoshi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Ohashi Yasuo , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Kakizoe Tadao
Published: November 2019

Objective

Liquid-based cytology has replaced conventional cytology in cervical cancer screening in many countries. However, a detailed comparison of liquid-based cytology with conventional cytology has not been reported in Japan. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate efficacy of liquid-based cytology in Japan.

Methods

We first evaluated the prevalence of use of liquid-based cytology and then examined the efficacy of liquid-based cytology and conventional cytology for detecting CIN and the rate of unsatisfactory specimens using data from cancer screening collected by the Japanese Cancer Society from FY2011 to FY2014. A Poisson regression model with random effects analyses was used to classify histological outcomes and unsatisfactory specimens using liquid-based cytology compared to conventional cytology.

Results

A total of 3 815 131 women were analyzed in the study. The rate of liquid-based cytology increased from approximately 8% in FY2011 to 37% in FY2014. Compared to conventional cytology, the detection rates with liquid-based cytology were significantly higher (1.42 times) for CIN1+ [detection rate ratio (DRR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35–1.48, P < 0.001] and CIN2+ (DRR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.25, P < 0.001). Positive predictive value ratios of CIN1+ and CIN2+ were also significantly higher for liquid-based cytology than for conventional cytology. However, there was no significant difference between liquid-based cytology and conventional cytology for detection rates and positive predictive values of CIN3+ and cancer. The rate of unsatisfactory specimens was significantly lower with liquid-based cytology compared to conventional cytology (DRR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.05–0.09, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In order to avoid the unsatisfactory specimens in cervical cancer screening, the results of this study did indicate that liquid-based cytology was more useful than conventional cytology in practical standpoints.
Dental microwear texture analysis and diet in caviomorphs (Rodentia) from the Serra do Mar Atlantic forest (Brazil)
Authors: Robinet Céline , Merceron Gildas , Candela Adriana M , Marivaux Laurent
Published: November 2019

The Serra do Mar Atlantic forest (Brazil) shelters about 15 different species of caviomorph rodents and thus represents a unique opportunity to explore resource partitioning. We studied 12 species with distinct diets using dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA). Our results revealed differences (complexity, textural fill volume, and heterogeneity of complexity) among species with different dietary preferences, and among taxa sharing the same primary dietary components but not those with similar secondary dietary preferences (heterogeneity of complexity). We found three main dietary tendencies characterized by distinct physical properties: consumers of young leaves had low complexity; bamboo specialists, fruit and seed eaters, and omnivorous species, had intermediate values for complexity; grass, leaf, and aquatic vegetation consumers, had highly complex dental microwear texture. Dietary preferences and body mass explained a major part of the resource partitioning that presumably enables coexistence among these rodent species. DMTA was useful in assessing what foods contributed to resource partitioning in caviomorphs. Our database for extant caviomorph rodents is a prerequisite for interpretation of dental microwear texture of extinct caviomorph taxa, and thus for reconstructing their diets and better understanding the resource partitioning in paleocommunities and its role in the successful evolutionary history of this rodent group.
Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for an atomic-scale quantitative analysis of Pd–Pt core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Inamoto Shin , Otsuka Yuji
Published: November 2019

The properties of core-shell nanoparticles, which are used for many catalytic processes as an alternative to platinum, depend on the size of both the particle and the shell. It is thus necessary to develop a quantitative method to determine the shell thickness. Pd–Pt core-shell particles were analyzed using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Quantitative EDX line profiles acquired from the core-shell particle were compared to four core-shell models. The results indicate that the thickness of the Pt shell corresponds to two atomic layers. Meanwhile, high-angle annular dark-field STEM images from the same particle were analyzed and compared to simulated images. Again, this experiment demonstrates that the shell thickness was of two atomic layers. Our results indicate that, in small particles, it is possible to use EDX for a precise atomic-scale quantitative analysis.
Exploring the fundamental role of potassium channels in novel model plants
Authors: Dreyer Ingo , Vergara-Jaque Ariela , Riedelsberger Janin , González Wendy
Published: November 2019

This article comments on:

Villette J, Cuéllar T, Zimmermann SD, Verdeil JL, Gaillard I. 2019. Unique features of the grapevine VvK5.1 channel support novel functions for outward K+ channels in plants. Journal of Experimental Botany 70, 6181–6193.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy-Based Intervention in the Treatment of Acute Stress Reactions During Deployed Military Operations
Authors: Toukolehto Olli T , Waits Wendi M , Preece Daniella M , Samsey Kathleen M
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The treatment and resolution of psychological traumas during military deployments directly supports medical readiness and the military mission and potentially prevents symptom progression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, current evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapies can be difficult to employ during military contingency operations due to various barriers. Deployed military behavioral health providers need an effective, trauma-focused intervention that is suitable for the operational environment. In this retrospective case series, we describe how a therapeutic intervention based on accelerated resolution therapy (ART), an emerging trauma-focused psychotherapy, was pivotal in the treatment of acute stress reactions in eight deployed U.S. Army soldiers.

Materials and Method

ART can be conceptualized as a hybrid of several evidence-based psychotherapy techniques. In brief, ART is a manualized, procedural adaptation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) that incorporates mindful awareness of emotions and sensations, bilateral eye movements, imaginal exposure, desensitization, visual and cognitive rescripting, and gestalt-style interventions for the processing of traumatic experiences. The eight deployed U.S. soldiers in this case series received a single 45 to 60 minute session of an ART-based intervention within 96 hours of a traumatic death.

Results

All of the treated soldiers had rapid improvement in both depressive and acute stress symptoms after treatment. Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits were sustained at 1 year postincident despite continued exposure to the stress of deployed military operations for up to 6 months after treatment.

Conclusion

Based on these encouraging preliminary findings, the authors recommend that behavioral health providers who are preparing to deploy become familiar with ART or related interventions in order to develop the confidence and the skills that are needed to provide timely and effective trauma-focused care for deployed soldiers.
Satellites of Satellites: The Case for Carina and Fornax
Authors: Pardy Stephen A , D’Onghia Elena , Navarro Julio F , Grand Robert , Gómez Facundo A , Marinacci Federico , Pakmor Rüdiger , Simpson Christine , Springel Volker
Published: November 2019

We use the Auriga cosmological simulations of Milky Way (MW)-mass galaxies and their surroundings to study the satellite populations of dwarf galaxies in ΛCDM. As expected from prior work, the number of satellites above a fixed stellar mass is a strong function of the mass of the primary dwarf. For galaxies as luminous as the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and for halos as massive as expected for the LMC (from its rotation speed), the simulations predict about ∼3 satellites with stellar masses exceeding M* > 105 M⊙. If the LMC is on its first pericentric passage, then these satellites should be near the LMC and should have orbital angular momenta roughly coincident with that of the LMC. We use 3D positions and velocities from the 2nd data release of the Gaia mission to revisit which of the “classical” MW dwarf spheroidals could plausibly be LMC satellites. The new proper motions of the Fornax and Carina dwarf spheroidals place them on orbits closely aligned with the orbital plane of the Magellanic Clouds, hinting at a potential Magellanic association. Together with the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), this result raises to 3 the number of LMC satellites with M* > 105 M⊙, as expected from simulations. This also fills the 12-mag luminosity gap between the SMC and the ultra-faints Hyi1, Car2, Hor1, and Car3, the few ultra-faint satellites confirmed to have orbits consistent with a Magellanic origin.
Dynamical Environment and Surface Characteristics of Asteroid (16) Psyche
Authors: Moura T S , Winter O C , Amarante A , Sfair R , Borderes-Motta G , Valvano G
Published: November 2019

Radar observations show that (16) Psyche is one of the largest and most massive asteroids of the M-class located in the main belt, with a diameter of approximately 230 km. This fact makes Psyche a unique object since observations indicated an iron-nickel composition. It is believed that this body may be what was left of a metal core of an early planet that would have been fragmented over millions of years due to violent collisions. In this work we study a variety of dynamical aspects related to the surface, as well as, the environment around this asteroid. We use computational tools to explore the gravitational field generated by this body, assuming constant values for its density and rotation period. We then determine a set of physical and dynamical characteristics over its entire surface. The results include the geometric altitude, geopotential altitude, tilt, slope, among others. We also explore the neighborhood around the asteroid (16) Psyche, so that the location and linear stability of the equilibrium points were found. We found four external equilibrium points, two of them linearly stable. We confirmed the stability of these points by performing numerical simulations of massless particles around the asteroid, which also showed an asymmetry in the size of the stable regions. In addition, we integrate a cloud of particles in the vicinity of (16) Psyche in order to verify in which regions of its surface the particles are most likely to collide.
NGTS and WASP photometric recovery of a single-transit candidate from TESS
Authors: Gill Samuel , Bayliss Daniel , Cooke Benjamin F , Wheatley Peter J , Nielsen Louise D , Lendl Monika , McCormac James , Bryant Edward M , Acton Jack S , Anderson David R , Belardi Claudia , Bouchy François , Burleigh Matthew R , Cameron Andrew Collier , Casewell Sarah L , Chaushev Alexander , Goad Michael R , Günther Maximilian N , Hellier Coel , Jackman James A G , Jenkins James S , Moyano Maximiliano , Pollacco Don , Raynard Liam , Smith Alexis M S , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Turner Oliver , Udry Stéphane , West Richard G
Published: November 2019

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) produces a large number of single-transit event candidates, since the mission monitors most stars for only ∼27 days. Such candidates correspond to long-period planets or eclipsing binaries. Using the TESS Sector 1 full-frame images, we identified a 7750 ppm single-transit event with a duration of 7 hours around the moderately evolved F-dwarf star TIC-238855958 (Tmag=10.23, Teff=6280±85 K). Using archival WASP photometry we constrained the true orbital period to one of three possible values. We detected a subsequent transit-event with NGTS, which revealed the orbital period to be 38.20 d. Radial velocity measurements from the CORALIE Spectrograph show the secondary object has a mass of M2= 0.148 ± 0.003 M⊙, indicating this system is an F-M eclipsing binary. The radius of the M-dwarf companion is R2 = 0.171 ± 0.003 R⊙, making this one of the most well characterised stars in this mass regime. We find that its radius is 2.3-σ lower than expected from stellar evolution models.
Adolescents and Music Therapy: Contextualized Recommendations for Research and Practice
Authors: McFerran Katrina Skewes
Published: November 2019

Music therapists have been working with, writing about, and researching their work with adolescents for many decades. This paper provides a reflective review of the research literature in the field that is categorized in three contexts: education, mental health, and community. Grouping knowledge in this way affords a new perspective on how music therapists describe adolescents, including the terms we use to describe them, the types of programs we offer, the approaches to research that are most popular, and the way we talk about the focus of therapy. Distinctions between research in these fields are highlighted, with reference to the beliefs and values that are most congruent with each of these contexts. Following this reflective review on the literature, I provide five recommendations for consideration by researchers and practitioners. These include: determining if and when evidence is an appropriate focus; continuing to seek understanding; not underestimating the value of positive experiences; avoiding an exclusive focus on the music therapist’s perspective; and being realistic about the outcomes of group versus individual therapy. The paper concludes with an illustrative example to emphasize how one adolescent might be “seen” differently in each context.
SIRT1/2 orchestrate acquisition of DNA methylation and loss of histone H3 activating marks to prevent premature activation of inflammatory genes in macrophages
Authors: Li Tianlu , Garcia-Gomez Antonio , Morante-Palacios Octavio , Ciudad Laura , Özkaramehmet Sevgi , Van Dijck Evelien , Rodríguez-Ubreva Javier , Vaquero Alejandro , Ballestar Esteban
Published: November 2019

Sirtuins 1 and 2 (SIRT1/2) are two NAD-dependent deacetylases with major roles in inflammation. In addition to deacetylating histones and other proteins, SIRT1/2-mediated regulation is coupled with other epigenetic enzymes. Here, we investigate the links between SIRT1/2 activity and DNA methylation in macrophage differentiation due to their relevance in myeloid cells. SIRT1/2 display drastic upregulation during macrophage differentiation and their inhibition impacts the expression of many inflammation-related genes. In this context, SIRT1/2 inhibition abrogates DNA methylation gains, but does not affect demethylation. Inhibition of hypermethylation occurs at many inflammatory loci, which results in more drastic upregulation of their expression upon macrophage polarization following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. SIRT1/2-mediated gains of methylation concur with decreases in activating histone marks, and their inhibition revert these histone marks to resemble an open chromatin. Remarkably, specific inhibition of DNA methyltransferases is sufficient to upregulate inflammatory genes that are maintained in a silent state by SIRT1/2. Both SIRT1 and SIRT2 directly interact with DNMT3B, and their binding to proinflammatory genes is lost upon exposure to LPS or through pharmacological inhibition of their activity. In all, we describe a novel role for SIRT1/2 to restrict premature activation of proinflammatory genes.
The Correlation of Fluorescence of Protoporphyrinogen IX and Status of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase in Gliomas
Authors: Ohba Shigeo , Murayama Kazuhiro , Kuwahara Kiyonori , Pareira Eriel Sandika , Nakae Shunsuke , Nishiyama Yuya , Adachi Kazuhide , Yamada Seiji , Sasaki Hikaru , Yamamoto Naoki , Abe Masato , Mukherjee Joydeep , Hasegawa Mitsuhiro , Pieper Russell O , Hirose Yuichi
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The extent of resection has been reported to be associated with overall survival in gliomas. The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been recognized to increase the extent of tumor resection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate what factors affect the intraoperative fluorescence after administration of 5-ALA in gliomas.

METHODS

Correlation of intraoperative fluorescence and several clinical, radiographic, molecular biologic, and histopathologic characters was retrospectively evaluated in 104 patients (53 males and 51 females; mean age 54.2 yr) with gliomas at our institution. To clarify the mechanisms that mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) affect the intraoperative fluorescence, in Vitro experiments using genetically engineered glioma cells harboring mutant IDH1 were performed.

RESULTS

Intraoperative fluorescence was observed in 82 patients (78.8%). In addition to age, magnetic resonance imaging enhancement, World Health Organization grades, and MIB-1 index, the status of IDH was revealed to be correlated with intraoperative fluorescence. In Vitro assay revealed that mutant IDH indirectly reduced the amount of exogenous 5-ALA-derived protoporphyrinogen IX in glioma cells by increasing activity of ferrochelatase and heme oxygenase 1.

CONCLUSION

Mutant IDH1/2-induced metabolite changes of exogenous 5-ALA were suggested to contribute to the lesser intraoperative fluorescence in gliomas with mutant IDH1/2 than in those without.
Concurrent Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia and Hemi-Laryngopharyngeal Spasm (HeLPS): A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Honey C Michael , Krüger Marie T , Rheaume Alan R , Avecillas-Chasin Josue M , Morrison Murray D , Honey Christopher R
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Hemi-laryngopharyngeal spasm (HeLPS) has been recently described but is not yet widely recognized. Patients describe intermittent coughing and choking and can be cured following microvascular decompression of their Xth cranial nerve. This case report and literature review highlight that HeLPS can co-occur with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) and has been previously described (but not recognized) in the neurosurgical literature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A patient with GN and additional symptoms compatible with HeLPS is presented. The patient reported left-sided, intermittent, swallow-induced, severe electrical pain radiating from her ear to her throat (GN). She also reported intermittent severe coughing, throat contractions causing a sense of suffocation, and dysphonia (HeLPS). All her symptoms resolved following a left microvascular decompression of a loop of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery that was pulsating against both the IXth and Xth cranial nerves. A review of the senior author's database revealed another patient with this combination of symptoms. An international literature review found 27 patients have been previously described with symptoms of GN and the additional (but not recognized at the time) symptoms of HeLPS.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights that patients with symptoms compatible with HeLPS have been reported since 1926 in at least 4 languages. This additional evidence supports the growing recognition that HeLPS is another neurovascular compression syndrome. Patients with HeLPS continue to be misdiagnosed as conversion disorder. The increased recognition of this new medical condition will require neurosurgical treatment and should alleviate the suffering of these patients.
The Mutual Friend: Dual Holder Monitoring and Firm Investment Efficiency
Authors: Antón Miguel , Lin Luca X
Published: November 2019

We investigate the influence of simultaneous equity holdings by creditors (dual holders) on investment efficiency. Such creditors have stronger incentives and power to monitor firm investment as they have cash flow and control rights from both debt and equity sides. We provide evidence that dual holders, particularly noncommercial bank dual holders, significantly mitigate overinvestment. For high growth firms and those subject to debt overhang, dual holders also alleviate underinvestment. Equity value increases at the presence of dual holders. Our results indicate that by improving firm investment efficiency, dual holders not only make creditor investments safer but also create value for shareholders.

Received March 26, 2019; editorial decision September 17, 2019 by Editor Isil Erel.
Patterns of morphological diversification in giant Berberomeloe blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) reveal an unexpected taxonomic diversity concordant with mtDNA phylogenetic structure
Authors: Sánchez-Vialas Alberto , García-París Mario , Ruiz José L , Recuero Ernesto
Published: November 2019

Delimiting species boundaries is a complex challenge usually hindered by overlooked morphological diversification or misinterpretation of geographically structured phenotypic variability. Independent molecular data are extremely useful to characterize and understand such morphological diversity. Morphological and molecular variability of the non-phoretic and apterous, widely distributed, giant blister beetles of the genus Berberomeloe, were investigated within and between lineages across most of the distributional range of the genus. We used two mtDNA gene fragments to characterize genetic variability and to produce a time-calibrated phylogeny of the genus. Our results reveal several mitochondrial lineages, allopatrically, parapatrically and sympatrically distributed. Most clades are not distinguishable between each other based on morphometrics. However, no morphometric overlap is observed between two closely related clades, one of them occurring in sympatry with a distantly congeneric species (B. insignis), suggesting that sympatry could trigger morphological diversification. Although most species share a morphometric space, they can be morphologically identified by a combination of easily observed characteristic qualitative features. Based on the concordance between mtDNA clades and morphological units, we describe six new species of Berberomeloe (B. castuo sp. nov., B. comunero sp. nov., B. indalo sp. nov, B. yebli sp. nov., B. payoyo sp. nov. and B. tenebrosus sp. nov.), revalidate two taxa (B. maculifrons comb. nov. and B. laevigatus comb. nov.) and redefine B. majalis.
Screening for HIV Infection in Pregnant Women: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force
Authors: Selph Shelley S. , Bougatsos Christina , Dana Tracy , Grusing Sara , Chou Roger
Published: November 2019

(Abstracted from JAMA 2019;321(23):2349–2360)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted from mother to child (MTCT) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The number of perinatal HIV infections in the United States declined from 1985 to 2001 after routine prenatal screening was implemented across the country, along with the use of effective therapies for preventing MTCT.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Impact of Intraurethral Lidocaine on Urodynamic Voiding Parameters
Authors: Kisby Cassandra K. , Gonzalez Eric J. , Visco Anthony G. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Grill Warren M.
Published: November 2019

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2019;25:265–270)

Neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord regulate the storage and elimination of urine to coordinate function between the urinary bladder and the urethra. The elimination of urine during micturition is facilitated by pelvic floor muscle relaxation and bladder wall contraction.
Surgical Site Infection After Open Upper Extremity Fracture and the Effect of Urgent Operative Intervention
Authors: Ryan Devon J. , Minhas Shobhit V. , Konda Sanjit , Catalano Louis W.
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

To identify which factors are predictive of surgical site infection in upper extremity fractures, and to assess whether the timing of operative debridement influences infection risk.

Design:

Retrospective database review.

Setting:

Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

Patients:

Patients in the NSQIP database with fractures involving the upper extremity.

Intervention:

Surgical management of upper extremity fracture, including operative debridement for open injuries.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Surgical site infection, including both superficial and deep infections.

Results:

A total of 22,578 patients were identified, including 1298 patients with open injuries (5.7% of total). The overall wound infection rate was 0.79%. Patients with open injuries were found to have a higher incidence of infection compared with those with closed injuries (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001). Independent risk factors for 30-day infection included open fracture diagnosis, obesity, smoking, and American Society of Anesthesiolgists class >2 (all P < 0.05). Of patients with open fractures, 79.7% were taken expediently to the operating room. The rate of infection did not differ based on whether surgery was performed expediently or not (1.8% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.431).

Conclusions:

Based on an analysis of the NSQIP database, the overall risk of surgical site infection following intervention for open or closed upper extremity fractures remains low. Risk factors for infection include open injury, obesity, and cigarette smoking. There was no difference in the infection rate based on the urgency of operative debridement.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Combined Biomechanical and Tomographic Model for Identifying Cases of Subclinical Keratoconus
Authors: Atalay Eray , Özalp Onur , Erol Mehmet Akif , Bilgin Muzaffer , Yıldırım Nilgün
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To develop a combined biomechanical and tomographic model for identifying eyes with subclinical keratoconus (SKC) that are categorized as normal or borderline in the Pentacam Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display.

Methods:

This case–control study comprised 62 eyes with SKC and randomly selected eyes of 186 age-matched healthy controls. SKC was defined as the presence of the following: 1) normal topography, topometric indices, and slit lamp; 2) normal or borderline Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display D index, back and front elevation difference; and 3) keratoconus in the fellow eye. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the best variable combination for detecting SKC cases from Ocular Response Analyzer and Pentacam parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the predictive accuracy [area under the curve (AUC)] of the model. Based on the predictors in the final logistic regression model, a linear equation was derived using the discriminant function analysis.

Results:

The final model (AUC: 0.948, sensitivity: 87.1%, and specificity: 91.4%) chose corneal hysteresis (CH) and D index from a total of 63 candidate variables. The final model had a higher AUC compared with D (0.933, P = 0.053) and CH (0.80, P < 0.001) alone. According to the discriminant function analysis, a higher CH was required with increasing D index to classify an eye as normal.

Conclusions:

The proposed combined model provided varying cutoffs for CH and D as a function of the other. The probability plot as a function of CH and D index may be used for identifying eyes with SKC.
Discrepancies in Endothelial Cell Density Values of Human Donor Corneas Resulting From Comparison Between Specular Microscopes and Endothelial Analysis Methods
Authors: Shi Yue , Huang Jianyan , Conrick Patrick , Hoover Caroline , Lee Olivia L.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

The methods for specular microscopy evaluation across eye banks differ, which may result in variability in endothelial cell density (ECD) values that influence the surgeon's decision about donor tissue. A comparison of instruments and analysis methods is conducted in this study.

Methods:

Specular images were captured from 97 donor corneas using both HAI and Konan specular microscopes. A single best quality image of each cornea from each instrument was graded using the respective inherent software and analysis method (HAI: variable frame method; Konan: center method). All raw specular images were standardized for dimensions and regraded in the CellChek system in a blinded fashion. The grading variances and paired t test were performed between instruments in both inherent and standardized analyses. Correlation and Bland–Altman analyses between instruments were also performed.

Results:

Using the software inherent within HAI and Konan, the mean ECD readings for the 97 corneas were 2764 ± 583 and 2605 ± 517 cell/mm2 (P = 0.045), respectively, with a variance of 8.05% (range 0.26%–27.2%). HAI resulted in a higher ECD value in 79 corneas (81.4%). In CellChek software analysis, the mean ECD readings did not differ (2609 ± 514 and 2496 ± 507 cells/mm2, respectively, P = 0.127), with a variance of 5.6% (range 0.24%–19.8%).

Conclusions:

There is a slight statistically significant mean difference between the ECD values obtained from the 2 specular microscopes, which is negated by standardization to a single analysis method. Eye banks and surgeons should use caution in making decisions based only on very small differences in ECD between otherwise equivalent corneal donor tissues.
Neonatal Meningitis and Subdural Empyema Caused by an Unusual Pathogen
Authors: Keus Anne Marie J. M. H. , Peeters Daphne D. , Bekker Vincent V. , Veldkamp Karin Ellen K. E. , Lambregts Merel MMC , Bolt-Wieringa Jantien J. , Steggerda Sylke S. J.
Published: November 2019

We report a case of neonatal meningitis with subdural empyema, caused by Ureaplasma parvum. In this case, diagnosis was made by genus-specific polymerase chain reaction, after regularly used diagnostic techniques failed. This unusual pathogen should be considered in cases that do not respond to therapy and/or where cultures for typical pathogens in neonatal sepsis and meningitis remain negative.