bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A copia-like retrotransposon insertion in the upstream region of the SHATTERPROOF1 gene, BnSHP1.A9, is associated with quantitative variation in pod shattering resistance in oilseed rape
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhou Rijin , Wang Wenxiang , Wang Hui , Qiu Yu , Raman Rosy , Mei Desheng , Raman Harsh , Hu Qiong
Published: June 2020

Seed loss resulting from pod shattering is a major constraint in production of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying pod shatter resistance are not well understood. Here, we show that the pod shatter resistance at quantitative trait locus qSRI.A9.1 is controlled by one of the B. napus SHATTERPROOF1 homologs, BnSHP1.A9, in a doubled haploid population generated from parents designated R1 and R2 as well as in a diverse panel of oilseed rape. The R1 maternal parental line of the doubled haploid population carried the allele for shattering at qSRI.A9.1, while the R2 parental line carried the allele for shattering resistance. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that BnSHP1.A9 was expressed specifically in flower buds, flowers, and developing siliques in R1, while it was not expressed in any tissue of R2. Transgenic plants constitutively expressing either of the BnSHP1.A9 alleles from the R1 and R2 parental lines showed that both alleles are responsible for pod shattering, via a mechanism that promotes lignification of the enb layer. These findings indicated that the allelic differences in the BnSHP1.A9 gene per se are not the causal factor for quantitative variation in shattering resistance at qSRI.A9.1. Instead, a highly methylated copia-like long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion (4803 bp) in the promotor region of the R2 allele of BnSHP1.A9 repressed the expression of BnSHP1.A9, and thus contributed to pod shatter resistance. Finally, we showed a copia-like retrotransposon-based marker, BnSHP1.A9R2, can be used for marker-assisted breeding targeting the pod shatter resistance trait in oilseed rape.
Overexpression of the manganese/cadmium transporter OsNRAMP5 reduces cadmium accumulation in rice grain
Authors: Chang Jia-Dong , Huang Sheng , Konishi Noriyuki , Wang Peng , Chen Jie , Huang Xin-Yuan , Ma Jian Feng , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: June 2020

Rice is a major dietary source of the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), and reducing its accumulation in the grain is therefore important for food safety. We selected two cultivars with contrasting Cd accumulation and generated transgenic lines overexpressing OsNRAMP5, which encodes a major influx transporter for manganese (Mn) and Cd. We used two different promoters to control the expression, namely OsActin1 and maize Ubiquitin. Overexpression of OsNRAMP5 increased Cd and Mn uptake into the roots, but markedly decreased Cd accumulation in the shoots, whilst having a relatively small effect on Mn accumulation in the shoots. The overexpressed OsNRAMP5 protein was localized to the plasma membrane of all cell types in the root tips and lateral root primordia without polarity. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping showed that the overexpression lines accumulated more Cd in the root tips and lateral root primordia compared with the wild-type. When grown in three Cd-contaminated paddy soils, overexpression of OsNRAMP5 decreased concentration of Cd in the grain by 49–94% compared with the wild type. OsNRAMP5-overexpression plants had decreased Cd translocation from roots to shoots as a result of disruption of its radial transport into the stele for xylem loading, demonstrating the effect of transporter localization and polarity on ion homeostasis.
Evolution of fractality and rotation in embedded star clusters
Authors: Ballone Alessandro , Mapelli Michela , Di Carlo Ugo N , Torniamenti Stefano , Spera Mario , Rastello Sara
Published: June 2020

More and more observations indicate that young star clusters could retain imprints of their formation process. In particular, the degree of substructuring and rotation are possibly the direct result of the collapse of the parent molecular cloud from which these systems form. Such properties can, in principle, be washed-out, but they are also expected to have an impact on the relaxation of these systems. We ran and analysed a set of 10 hydrodynamical simulations of the formation of embedded star clusters through the collapse of turbulent massive molecular clouds. We systematically studied the fractality of our star clusters, showing that they are all extremely substructured (fractal dimension D = 1.0–1.8). We also found that fractality is slowly reduced, with time, on small scales, while it persists on large scales on longer time-scales. Signatures of rotation are found in different simulations at every time of the evolution, even for slightly supervirial substructures, proving that the parent molecular gas transfers part of its angular momentum to the new stellar systems.
A radio continuum and polarization study of the pulsar wind nebula CTB 87 (G74.9+1.2)
Authors: Kothes R , Reich W , Safi-Harb S , Guest B , Reich P , Fürst E
Published: June 2020

We present radio continuum and linear polarization observations of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) CTB 87 (G74.9+1.2) with the Effelsberg 100-m Radio Telescope between 4.75 and 32 GHz. An analysis of these new data including archived low-frequency observations at 1420 and 408 MHz from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey shows that CTB 87 consists of two distinct emission components: a compact kidney-shaped component, 14 × 8.5 pc2 (7.8 × 4.8 arcmin2) in size and a larger diffuse, spherical, and centrally peaked component of about 30 pc (17 arcmin) in diameter. The kidney-shaped component with a much steeper radio continuum spectrum is highly linearly polarized and likely represents a relic PWN. The diffuse component represents the undisturbed part of the PWN expanding inside a cavity or stellar wind bubble. The previously reported spectral break above 10 GHz is likely the result of missing large-scale emission and insufficient sensitivity of the high-frequency radio continuum observations. The simulation of the system’s evolution yields an age of about 18 000 yr as the result of a Type II supernova explosion with ejecta mass of about 12 M⊙ and explosion energy of about 7 × 1050 erg. We also found evidence for a radio shell in our polarization data that represents the blast wave that entered the molecular cloud complex at a radius of about 13 pc.
Assessing the photometric redshift precision of the S-PLUS survey: the Stripe-82 as a test-case
Authors: Molino A , Costa-Duarte M V , Sampedro L , Herpich F R , Sodré L , Mendes de Oliveira C , Schoenell W , Barbosa C E , Queiroz C , Lima E V R , Azanha L , Muñoz-Elgueta N , Ribeiro T , Kanaan A , Hernandez-Jimenez J A , Cortesi A , Akras S , Lopes de Oliveira R , Torres-Flores S , Lima-Dias C , Castellon J L Nilo , Damke G , Alvarez-Candal A , Jiménez-Teja Y , Coelho P , Pereira E , Montero-Dorta A D , Benítez N , Gonçalves T S , Santana-Silva L , Werner S V , Almeida L A , Lopes P A A , Chies-Santos A L , Telles E , de Souza Thom , C R , Gonçalves D R , de Souza R S , Makler M , Buzzo M L , Placco V M , Nakazono L M I , Saito R K , Overzier R A , Abramo L R
Published: June 2020

In this paper we present a thorough discussion about the photometric redshift (photo-z) performance of the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS). This survey combines a seven narrow +5 broad passband filter system, with a typical photometric-depth of r ∼ 21 AB. For this exercise, we utilize the Data Release 1 (DR1), corresponding to 336 deg2 from the Stripe-82 region. We rely on the BPZ2 code to compute our estimates, using a new library of SED models, which includes additional templates for quiescent galaxies. When compared to a spectroscopic redshift control sample of ∼100 k galaxies, we find a precision of σz <0.8 per cent, <2.0 per cent, or <3.0 per cent for galaxies with magnitudes r < 17, <19, and <21, respectively. A precision of 0.6 per cent is attained for galaxies with the highest Odds values. These estimates have a negligible bias and a fraction of catastrophic outliers inferior to 1 per cent. We identify a redshift window (i.e. 0.26 < z < 0.32) where our estimates double their precision, due to the simultaneous detection of two emission lines in two distinct narrow bands; representing a window opportunity to conduct statistical studies such as luminosity functions. We forecast a total of ∼2 M, ∼16 M and ∼32 M galaxies in the S-PLUS survey with a photo-z precision of σz <1.0 per cent, <2.0 per cent, and <2.5 per cent after observing 8000 deg2. We also derive redshift probability density functions, proving their reliability encoding redshift uncertainties and their potential recovering the n(z) of galaxies at z < 0.4, with an unprecedented precision for a photometric survey in the Southern hemisphere.
The manifestation of secondary bias on the galaxy population from IllustrisTNG300
Authors: Montero-Dorta Antonio D , Artale M Celeste , Abramo L Raul , Tucci Beatriz , Padilla Nelson , Sato-Polito Gabriela , Lacerna Ivan , Rodriguez Facundo , Angulo Raul E
Published: June 2020

We use the improved IllustrisTNG300 magnetohydrodynamical cosmological simulation to revisit the effect that secondary halo bias has on the clustering of the central galaxy population. With a side length of 205 h−1 Mpc and significant improvements on the subgrid model with respect to previous Illustris simulations, IllustrisTNG300 allows us to explore the dependencies of galaxy clustering over a large cosmological volume and halo mass range. We show at high statistical significance that the halo assembly bias signal (i.e. the secondary dependence of halo bias on halo formation redshift) manifests itself on the clustering of the galaxy population when this is split by stellar mass, colour, specific star formation rate, and surface density. A significant signal is also found for galaxy size: at fixed halo mass, larger galaxies are more tightly clustered than smaller galaxies. This effect, in contrast to the rest of the dependencies, seems to be uncorrelated with halo formation time, with some small correlation only detected for halo spin. We also explore the transmission of the spin bias signal, i.e. the secondary dependence of halo bias on halo spin. Although galaxy spin retains little information about the total halo spin, the correlation is enough to produce a significant galaxy spin bias signal. We discuss possible ways to probe this effect with observations.
A thirty-four billion solar mass black hole in SMSS J2157–3602, the most luminous known quasar
Authors: Onken Christopher A , Bian Fuyan , Fan Xiaohui , Wang Feige , Wolf Christian , Yang Jinyi
Published: June 2020

From near-infrared spectroscopic measurements of the Mg ii emission line doublet, we estimate the black hole (BH) mass of the quasar, SMSS J215728.21–360215.1, as being (3.4 ± 0.6) × 1010 M⊙ and refine the redshift of the quasar to be z = 4.692. SMSS J2157 is the most luminous known quasar, with a 3000 Å luminosity of (4.7 ± 0.5) × 1047 erg s−1 and an estimated bolometric luminosity of 1.6 × 1048 erg s−1, yet its Eddington ratio is only ∼0.4. Thus, the high luminosity of this quasar is a consequence of its extremely large BH – one of the most massive BHs at z > 4.
Testing MOdified Gravity (MOG) theory and dark matter model in Milky Way using the local observables
Authors: Davari Zahra , Rahvar Sohrab
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we have investigated one of the alternative theories to dark matter named MOdified Gravity (MOG) by testing its ability to describe the local dynamics of the Milky Way (MW) in vertical and transverse directions with the baryonic matter. MOG is designed to interpret the dynamics of galaxies and cluster of galaxies without the need for dark matter. We use local observational data such as the vertical dispersion, rotation curve, surface density, and number density of stars in the Milky Way to obtain the parameters of MOG and the baryonic component of MW by implementing a Bayesian approach to the parameter estimation based on a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. We compare our results with the dark matter model of MW. The two models of MOG and cold dark matter are able to describe equally well the rotation curve and the vertical dynamics of stars in the local MW. The best values for the free parameters of MOG in this analysis are obtained as α = 8.99 ± 0.02 and μ = 0.054 ± 0.005 kpc−1. Also, we obtain the parameters of the generalized gNFW model in the dark matter model. Our best value of bulge mass from MOG is $(1.06 \pm 0.26)\times 10^{10}\, \rm M_{\odot }$, which is consistent with the estimations form the microlensing observations.
The fate of disc galaxies in IllustrisTNG clusters
Authors: Joshi Gandhali D , Pillepich Annalisa , Nelson Dylan , Marinacci Federico , Springel Volker , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Vogelsberger Mark , Hernquist Lars
Published: June 2020

We study the stellar morphological evolution of disc galaxies within clusters in the TNG50 and TNG100 runs from the IllustrisTNG simulation suite. We select satellites of masses 109.7 ≤ M*, z = 0/M⊙ ≤ 1011.6 residing in clusters of masses 1014 ≲ M200c, z = 0/M⊙ ≤ 1014.6 at z = 0 and that were discs at accretion according to a kinematic morphology indicator (the circularity fraction). These are traced from the time of accretion to z = 0 and compared to a control sample of central galaxies mass-matched at accretion. Most cluster discs become non-discy by z = 0, in stark contrast with the control discs, of which a significant fraction remains discy over the same timescales. Cluster discs become non-discy accompanied by gas removal and star formation quenching, loss of dark matter, and little growth or a loss of stellar mass. In contrast, control discs transform while also losing gas mass and quenching, but growing significantly in dark matter and stellar mass. Most cluster satellites change morphologies on similar timescales regardless of stellar mass, in ∼0.5–4 Gyr after accretion. Cluster discs that experienced more numerous and closer pericentric passages show the largest change in morphology. Morphological change in all cases requires the presence of a gravitational perturbation to drive stellar orbits to non-discy configurations, along with gas removal/heating to prevent replenishment of the disc through continued star formation. For cluster discs, the perturbation is impulsive tidal shocking at pericentres and not tidal stripping of outer disc stellar material, whereas for control discs, a combination of mergers and feedback from active galactic nuclei appears to be the key driving force behind morphological transformations.
Imprint of local environment on fast radio burst observations
Authors: Lu Wenbin , Phinney E Sterl
Published: June 2020

When fast radio burst (FRB) waves propagate through the local (${\lesssim}\rm 1\, pc$) environment of the FRB source, electrons in the plasma undergo large-amplitude oscillations. The finite-amplitude effects cause the effective plasma frequency and cyclotron frequency to be dependent on the wave strength. The dispersion measure and rotation measure should therefore vary slightly from burst to burst for a repeating source, depending on the luminosity and frequency of the individual burst. Furthermore, free–free absorption of strong waves is suppressed due to the accelerated electrons’ reduced energy exchange in Coulomb collisions. This allows bright low-frequency bursts to propagate through an environment that would be optically thick to low-amplitude waves. Given a large sample of bursts from a repeating source, it would be possible to use the deficit of low-frequency and low-luminosity bursts to infer the emission measure of the local intervening plasma and its distance from the source. Information about the local environment will shed light on the nature of FRB sources.
Smoking Assessment and Current Smoking Status Among Adolescents in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Bailey Steffani R , Fankhauser Katie , Marino Miguel , Schmidt Teresa , Giebultowicz Sophia , Ezekiel-Herrera David , Heintzman John
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Initiating tobacco use in adolescence increases the risk of nicotine dependence and continued use into adulthood. Primary care visits provide opportunities for the assessment and treatment of tobacco use; however, little is known about prevalence and correlates of assessing smoking status and current use among adolescents in these settings.

Aims and Methods

Using electronic health record data from the OCHIN network, we identified adolescents with greater than or equal to one primary care visit to a study clinic (n = 366 clinics from 15 US states) during January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. We estimated odds ratios of smoking assessment and current smoking status by patient covariates.

Results

Of 140 887 patients, 87.4% were assessed for smoking. Being Latino or Black (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–1.32; adjusted odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.29, respectively, vs. non-Hispanic White), publicly insured, having more visits, and having an asthma diagnosis or other respiratory symptoms were associated with higher odds of assessment. Odds were lower if the patient was male and uninsured. Of those assessed, 1.6% identified as current smokers. Being older, having more visits, an asthma diagnosis, other respiratory symptoms, and lower household income was associated with higher odds of being a current smoker. Latinos and Blacks had lower odds than non-Hispanic Whites.

Conclusions

Although some commonly reported tobacco-related disparities were not present, smoking assessment and current smoking status differed significantly by most patient demographics. Implementation of adolescent tobacco assessment protocols and the development of interventions to target subpopulations of adolescents with higher rates of smoking could mitigate disparate rates of assessment and smoking, respectively.

Implications

Clinical guidelines recommend screening adolescents for tobacco use in primary care settings. We found that most adolescents seen in US safety-net primary care clinics were assessed for smoking. We also found that smoking assessment and current smoking status differed significantly by most patient demographics. Implementing tobacco assessment protocols specific to adolescents could mitigate disparate rates of assessment and ensure accurate documentation of all forms of tobacco use, given the evolution of alternative tobacco products and poly use among adolescents. Interventions to target subpopulations of adolescents with higher smoking rates are needed to prevent the negative health effects of continued smoking.
Basic concepts and unique features of human circadian rhythms: implications for human health
Authors: Yamanaka Yujiro
Published: June 2020

Most physiological functions and behaviors exhibit a robust approximately 24-hour rhythmicity (circadian rhythm) in the real world. These rhythms persist under constant conditions, but the period is slightly longer than 24 hours, suggesting that circadian rhythms are endogenously driven by an internal, self-sustained oscillator. In mammals, including humans, the central circadian pacemaker is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus. The primary zeitgeber for this pacemaker is bright sunlight, but nonphotic time cues also affect circadian rhythms. The human circadian system uniquely exhibits spontaneous internal desynchronization between the sleep-wake cycle and core body temperature rhythm under constant conditions and partial entrainment of the sleep-wake cycle in response to nonphotic time cues. Experimental and clinical studies of human circadian rhythms must take into account these unique features. This review covers the basic concepts and unique features of the human circadian system, the mechanisms underlying phase adjustment of the circadian rhythms by light and nonphotic time cues (eg, physical exercise), and the effects of eating behavior (eg, chewing frequency) on the circadian rhythm of glucose metabolism.
Chronic Primary Headache Subjects Have Greater Forward Head Posture than Asymptomatic and Episodic Primary Headache Sufferers: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Elizagaray-Garcia Ignacio , Beltran-Alacreu Hector , Angulo-Díaz Santiago , Garrigós-Pedrón Miriam , Gil-Martínez Alfonso
Published: June 2020

Objective

To summarize the cervical physical examination characteristics in subjects with chronic primary headache and compare those with a healthy population and a population with episodic primary headache.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Subjects

Humans ≥18 years old. At least one of the study groups should be constituted by subjects diagnosed with one of the chronic primary headache subtypes according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition.

Comparison

Neck physical examination outcomes of subjects with chronic primary headache compared with a healthy population or subjects with episodic primary headache.

Outcomes

Forward head posture (FHP), cervical range of movement, motor control, neck muscle activity, and reproduction and resolution of symptoms.

Methods

Two reviewers assessed independently the MEDLINE, EMBASE, WOS, MEDES, PEDro, and CINAHL databases to select observational studies. First, both implemented an agreement for a search strategy. Then, they screened independently for duplicates, titles, abstracts, and full-text information. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare measures between groups.

Results

Twelve studies (N = 1,083) with moderate quality (mean ± SD = 7.75 ± 1.48 on the Newcastle Ottawa Scale) were selected for the qualitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed that patients with chronic primary headache presented greater forward head posture than asymptomatic participants (N = 275, Hg = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.25–1.1, Z = 3.14, P < 0.01) and patients with episodic primary headache (N = 268, Hg = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.13–0.65, Z = 2.98, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

There is moderate to strong evidence that patients with chronic primary headache present greater FHP than asymptomatic individuals and moderate evidence that patients with chronic primary headache present greater forward head posture than those with episodic primary headache.
Ideological Bubbles and Two Types of Conservatives
Authors: Schildkraut Deborah J , Berry Jeffrey M , Glaser James M
Published: June 2020

For several years, and through different administrations, surveys have shown that self-identified liberals are more likely than self-identified conservatives to avoid interactions with and exposure to ideological disagreement. In this study, we demonstrate that this ideological asymmetry in outgroup avoidance can be partially explained by the well-established tendency of self-identified conservatives to hold moderate or liberal policy preferences. Using a nationally representative survey, we show that ideologically consistent conservatives look more like liberals (almost all of whom are ideologically consistent) in their tendency to engage in behaviors that promote ideologically homogeneous social networks. Inconsistent conservatives, on the other hand, are more likely to have ideologically heterogeneous social networks, making them less likely to clash with those on the other side and thus less likely to retreat from engagement, even if they hold conservative identities. This set of findings offers insight into the contours of polarization in contemporary America.
The impact of seropositivity on the effectiveness of biologic anti-rheumatic agents: results from a collaboration of 16 registries
Authors: Courvoisier Delphine S , Chatzidionysiou Katarina , Mongin Denis , Lauper Kim , Mariette Xavier , Morel Jacques , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Bergstra Sytske Anne , Suarez Manuel Pombo , Codreanu Catalin , Kvien Tore K , Santos Maria Jose , Pavelka Karel , Hetland Merete L , Askling Johan , Turesson Carl , Kubo Satoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Iannone Florenzo , Choquette Denis , Nordström Dan C , Rotar Ziga , Lukina Galina , Gabay Cem , Van Vollenhoven Ronald , Finckh Axel
Published: June 2020

Objectives

RF and ACPA are used as diagnostic tools and their presence has been associated with clinical response to some biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) in RA. This study compared the impact of seropositivity on drug discontinuation and effectiveness of bDMARDs in patients with RA, using head-to-head comparisons in a real-world setting.

Methods

We conducted a pooled analysis of 16 observational RA registries. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of RA, initiation of treatment with rituximab (RTX), abatacept (ABA), tocilizumab (TCZ) or TNF inhibitors (TNFis) and available information on RF and/or ACPA status. Drug discontinuation was analysed using Cox regression, including drug, seropositivity, their interaction, adjusting for concomitant and past treatments and patient and disease characteristics and accounting for country and calendar year of bDMARD initiation. Effectiveness was analysed using the Clinical Disease Activity Index evolution over time.

Results

Among the 27 583 eligible patients, the association of seropositivity with drug discontinuation differed across bDMARDs (P for interaction <0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios for seropositive compared with seronegative patients were 1.01 (95% CI 0.95, 1.07) for TNFis, 0.89 (0.78, 1.02)] for TCZ, 0.80 (0.72, 0.88) for ABA and 0.70 (0.59, 0.84) for RTX. Adjusted differences in remission and low disease activity rates between seropositive and seronegative patients followed the same pattern, with no difference in TNFis, a small difference in TCZ, a larger difference in ABA and the largest difference in RTX (Lundex remission difference +5.9%, low disease activity difference +11.6%).

Conclusion

Seropositivity was associated with increased effectiveness of non-TNFi bDMARDs, especially RTX and ABA, but not TNFis.
Food restriction induces functional resilience to sleep restriction in rats
Authors: Loomis Sally , McCarthy Andrew , Dijk Derk-Jan , Gilmour Gary , Winsky-Sommerer Raphaelle
Published: June 2020

Study Objectives

Sleep restriction (SR) leads to performance decrements across cognitive domains but underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. The impact of SR on performance in rodents is often assessed using tasks in which food is the reward. Investigating how the drives of hunger and sleep interact to modulate performance may provide insights into mechanisms underlying sleep loss-related performance decrements.

Methods

Three experiments were conducted in male adult Wistar rats to assess: (1) effects of food restriction on performance in the simple response latency task (SRLT) across the diurnal cycle (n = 30); (2) interaction of food restriction and SR (11 h) on SRLT performance, sleep electroencephalogram, and event-related potentials (ERP) (n = 10–13); and (3) effects of food restriction and SR on progressive ratio (PR) task performance to probe the reward value of food reinforcement (n = 19).

Results

Food restriction increased premature responding on the SRLT at the end of the light period of the diurnal cycle. SR led to marked impairments in SRLT performance in the ad libitum-fed group, which were absent in the food-restricted group. After SR, food-restricted rats displayed a higher amplitude of cue-evoked ERP components during the SRLT compared with the ad libitum group. SR did not affect PR performance, while food restriction improved performance.

Conclusions

Hunger may induce a functional resilience to negative effects of sleep loss during subsequent task performance, possibly by maintaining attention to food-related cues.
Trusts and Swiss withholding tax—who gets to claim reimbursement, and trustees as future paying agents?
Authors: Fischer Michael
Published: June 2020

Swiss withholding tax (WHT) is levied on Swiss investment income at a hefty 35%. Reimbursement, in full or in part, chiefly depends on the recipient’s tax residence at the time the income became due and his being its “beneficial owner”. If the income subject to WHT is received by a trust, then the eligibility to claim reimbursement may lie with the settlor or with the beneficiary, and, in very limited circumstances, with the trustee or the trust. Finally, the article also takes a look ahead: Swiss trustees may become paying agents under a proposed legislative amendment.
Development and Initial Evaluation of the Patterns of Activity Measure—Pain Short Form
Authors: Cane Douglas , Mazmanian Dwight
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

There has been growing interest in examining pain-related activity patterns and their relationships to psychosocial functioning. The Patterns of Activity Measure—Pain (POAM-P) is frequently used to measure 3 pain-related activity patterns: avoidance, overdoing, and pacing. Although the POAM-P possesses excellent psychometric properties, its length may limit its utility where multiple measures of functioning are required or the time available for assessment is limited. The present studies describe the development and evaluation of a short-form version of this measure.

Materials and Methods:

In Study 1, 775 individuals with ongoing pain completed the original POAM-P at the start of a treatment program. Item analyses were conducted to construct a short-form of the POAM-P. In Study 2, a separate sample of 171 individuals completed the original and short-form of the POAM-P, and measures of psychosocial functioning. Correlations between the short-form and original, and between the short-form and measures of psychosocial functioning were examined to evaluate the reliability and validity of the short-form.

Results:

The 3 scales of the short-form were found to have excellent internal consistency and correlated well with corresponding scales on the original POAM-P. Correlations between scales on the short-form and measures of psychosocial functioning supported the construct validity of the measure.

Discussion:

The short-form of the POAM-P possesses good psychometric properties and correlates well with the long-form of the measure. It appears to be a promising addition to existing measures of pain-related activity. It may be useful as an addition to questionnaire batteries that comprehensively assess the psychosocial functioning of individuals with ongoing pain.
Increased Experimental Pain Sensitivity in Chronic Pain Patients Who Developed Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Compton Peggy A. , Wasser Thomas E. , Cheatle Martin D.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Although the great majority of individuals who take opioids for chronic pain use them appropriately and to good effect, a certain minority will develop the problematic outcome of opioid use disorder (OUD). Characteristics associated with the development of OUD in individuals with chronic pain have been described; however, relatively unexplored is how sensitivity to pain is associated with OUD outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

We examined for differences in response to static and dynamic experimental pain stimuli between individuals with chronic nonmalignant pain who developed OUD after starting opioid therapy (n=20) and those on opioid therapy who did not (n=20). During a single experimental session, participants underwent cold pressor and quantitative sensory testing pain assays, and objective and subjective responses were compared between groups; the role of pain catastrophizing in mediating pain responses was examined.

Results:

Results suggested that both groups of opioid-dependent patients were similarly hyperalgesic to the cold pressor pain stimulus, with nonparametric testing revealing worsened central pain sensitization (temporal summation) in those who developed OUD. Significant group differences were evident on subjective ratings of experimental pain, such that those who developed OUD rated the pain as more severe than those who did not. Pain catastrophizing was unrelated to pain responses.

Discussion:

Despite the small sample size and cross-sectional design, these findings suggest that experimental pain testing may be a novel technique in identifying patients with chronic pain likely to develop OUD, in that they are likely to evidence exacerbated temporal summation and to rate the associated pain as more severe.
Laryngeal Tuberculosis in a Patient on Avelumab for Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Song Jin Soo , Jeffery Caroline C.
Published: June 2020

Increasing numbers of head and neck cancer patients are placed on immune checkpoint inhibitors for indications such as recurrent and metastatic disease. There is a theoretical increased risk of contracting and reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) with programmed cell death-1 blockade due to potentiation of type 1 T helper response and increased production of interferon-gamma. This is a potentially life-threatening complication of therapy and requires expedient diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of a patient with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with avelumab, a programmed cell death-ligand 1 inhibitor with resulting laryngeal TB as the presenting symptom of reactivated TB. The patient required quadruple anti-TB therapy, but developed ongoing sequelae of laryngeal TB, including dysphagia and laryngeal stenosis. Ongoing trials are examining the use of avelumab in head and neck cancer patients with locally advanced disease, recurrent, or metastatic disease. Awareness of the risk of new and reactivated TB is crucial.
A Topographic Comparison of OCT Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW) and Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (cRNFL) Thickness Measures in Eyes With or Suspected Glaucoma
Authors: La Bruna Sol , Tsamis Emmanouil , Zemborain Zane Z. , Wu Zhichao , De Moraes Carlos Gustavo , Ritch Robert , Hood Donald C.
Published: June 2020

Précis:

Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cRNFL) thickness measures may be improved by comparing probability levels and accounting for blood vessel locations.

Purpose:

To understand the differences between 2 optical coherence tomography measures of glaucomatous damage: the BMO-MRW and cRNFL thickness.

Materials and Methods:

Optical coherence tomography circle scans were obtained for an early glaucoma group (EG) of 88 eyes (88 patients) with 24-2 mean deviation better than –6.0 dB, and a broader group (BG) of 188 eyes (110 patients) with 24-2 mean deviation from −0.15 to −27.0 dB. On the basis of a commercial report, the cRNFL and BMO-MRW of each hemidisc was classified as abnormal if either of the 2 superior (inferior) sectors, temporal superior and nasal superior (temporal inferior and nasal inferior), was yellow or red (P<5%); and as normal if both were green (P≥5%). In addition, a post hoc analysis identified the reasons for disagreements on the basis of the presence (or absence) of glaucomatous damage at a hemidisc level (consensus of 4 experts).

Results:

The BMO-MRW and cRNFL measures agreed in 81.9% (broader group) and 73.9% (EG) of the hemidiscs. In both groups, an abnormal-BMO-MRW/normal-cRNFL disagreement was as common as a normal-BMO-MRW/abnormal-cRNFL. Of the 46 EG hemidisc disagreements, the number of “mistakes” for BMO-MRW (28) was nonsignificantly higher than for cRNFL (18) (P=0.15). Primary causes for disagreement were as follows: borderline significance level, a local defect, and aberrant blood vessel location.

Conclusions:

Although BMO-MRW and cRNFL measures agreed in the majority of hemidiscs, they still disagreed in over 25% of the EG hemidiscs. These measures may be improved by comparing actual probability levels and accounting for blood vessel locations. However, both can miss information available on retinal ganglion cell/retinal nerve fiber layer probability maps.
Efficacy and safety of clopidogrel and aspirin do not differ in patients with stable ischemic stroke
Authors: Chien Li-Nien , Liu Hung-Yi , Chiou Hung-Yi , Chi Nai-Fang
Published: June 2020

Background:

The current study compared the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel vs aspirin in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods:

We included patients from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database who were aged between 20 and 80 years, had their first ever IS, had no diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, and had not used an oral anticoagulant before the index IS between 2002 and 2010. We excluded patients who died or were admitted to a hospital due to acute myocardial infarction, recurrent IS, or major bleeding within 3 months of IS. Patients were then classified into clopidogrel as aspirin users. Propensity score matching was adopted to select clopidogrel and aspirin groups with similar baseline characteristics (n = 8457 vs 16,914, mean follow-up period of 2.1 years and 1.9 years, respectively). Conditional Cox proportional hazard regression was used to compare risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, recurrent stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and major bleeding in clopidogrel users and aspirin users.

Results:

The risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, recurrent stroke, and acute myocardial infarction did not differ between clopidogrel and aspirin users. Subgroup analyses revealed that the results were consistent regardless of age, disease severity, or comorbidity.

Conclusion:

According to real-world data, the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel and aspirin for secondary prevention of stable IS did not differ.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and the deduction effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in pregnancy
Authors: Lai Yu-Ju , Chang Chia-Ming , Lin Chi-Kung , Yang Yi-Ping , Chien Chian-Shiu , Wang Peng-Hui , Chang Cheng-Chang
Published: June 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, later named SARS-CoV-2) is a pandemic disease worldwide. The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuing at a rapid speed. Till May 4, 2020, there have been 3,407,747 confirmed cases and 238,198 deaths globally. The common symptoms in pregnant women are fever, cough, and dyspnea. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has transient overexpression and increased activity during pregnancy, which is now confirmed as the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and plays essential roles in human infection and transmission. There is no evidence that pregnant women are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is no valid medication or vaccination. The immune suppression or modulation during pregnancy increases the risk of severe pneumonia. Remdesivir is an antiviral medication targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis that has clinical improvement in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Chloroquine is controversial in its effectiveness and safety to treat SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir is safe in pregnancy. Chloroquine has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The management strategy includes monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine contractions; early oxygenation if O2 saturation is less than 95%; empiric antibiotics for prevention of secondary infection; corticosteroid to treat maternal SARS-CoV-2 disease routinely is not suggested, only for fetal lung maturation in selected cases; and consideration of delivery is according to the obstetric indication, gestational age, and severity of the disease. During epidemics, delivery at 32–34 weeks is considered. The indication for the Cesarean section should be flexible to minimize the risk of infection during the delivery. The newborn should be in isolation ward immediately after birth; breastfeeding is not contraindicated but should avoid direct transmission infection.
Computed tomography-based differentiation of primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Kang-Lung , Wu Mei-Han , Jhang Ying-Yu , Chen Chun-Ku , Yen Yi-Chen , Chen Yi-Chun
Published: June 2020

Background:

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare subtype of lung cancer. Both small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and LELC often manifest as a centrally located tumor with lymphadenopathy. This retrospective study investigated and compared the initial computed tomography (CT) features and subsequent survival outcomes of LELC and SCLC.

Methods:

A total of 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of LELC were enrolled and matched at a ratio of 1:1 with patients with SCLC according to the tumor stage. Utilizing a consensus approach, two radiologists reviewed pretreatment CT images. Survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

Well-defined tumors were significantly more common in the LELC group (LELC: 42% vs SCLC: 24%, p = 0.005). Based on the comparisons of the primary tumor with the muscles, LELC tumors exhibited a significantly higher percentage of attenuation on contrast-enhanced CT scans (21.6% ± 29% vs −14.2% ± 37%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of vascular or bronchial encasement (18% vs 40%, p = 0.028), background emphysematous changes (10% vs 60%, p < 0.001), and tumors located in upper lobes (18% vs 64%, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the LELC group. Female gender (70% vs 12%, p < 0.001), younger age (57.6 ± 12.0 years vs 68.0 ± 11.0 years, p < 0.001), and without a history of smoking (16% vs 88%, p < 0.001) were factors more commonly found in the LELC group. The patients with LELC had a better prognosis with significantly longer median survival than did the patients with SCLC (23.4 months vs 17.3 months, p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Because SCLC demonstrated a more aggressive disease progression, differentiating LELC from SCLC is crucial. In Epstein–Barr virus-endemic areas, the diagnosis of LELC should be considered when approaching a patient with the above-mentioned CT and clinical features.
Printing a patient-specific instrument guide for skull osteoma management
Authors: Wang Tien-Hsiang , Ma Hsu , Huang Li-Ying , Hung Yu-Cheng , Wang Te-Han , Yu Wen-Chan , Chiu Fang-Yau , Wang Shyh-Jen , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: June 2020

Background:

To surgically remove osteoma and to keep an optimal cosmetic profile would be very challenging. To solve the difficulty, we utilized the three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in generating a patient-specific instrument guide (PSIG) for the safe removal of a skull bone tumor.

Methods:

The preoperational brain computed tomography (CT) provided the digital imaging with thin slices, and then images were reconstructed into a 3D skull model. Based on the model, we designed a PSIG to make landmarks on the osteoma to avoid excessive removal of the skull bone. During the operation, the surgeons could remove the osteoma piece by piece by using the landmark as a reference point.

Results:

The PSIG was successfully applied to remove an osteoma that measured 60 × 48 × 40 mm3 over the left frontoparietal skull of a female patient. The 3D CT reconstruction taken both before and 4 months after surgery showed a significant change in the appearance of the osteoma.

Conclusion:

The PSIG was able to guide the surgeon in the safe removal of the skull osteoma, as well as in maintaining the cosmetic skull profile.
The place of extracorporeal life support in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Bréchot Nicolas , Combes Alain
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review

Temporary circulatory support (TCS) devices are increasingly used as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. The exact place of the different TCS devices in the management of cardiogenic shock patients remains unclear and intensely debated. This article provides an overview on new cardiogenic shock classification, currently available devices, place of TCS in the management of cardiogenic shock patients, and discusses the results of recent case series and trials in this setting.

Recent finding

A new classification system for cardiogenic shock has recently been proposed to homogenize definitions of cardiogenic shock and appropriately differentiate patient subsets in clinical trials and registries. Although the routine use of intraaortic balloon pump is no more recommended, other TCS are increasingly used and investigated but many advantages favor the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as the first-line TCS.

TCS devices have become the cornerstone of the management of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. VA-ECMO has emerged as the first-line support system in this setting, with a growing number of accepted indications. Large adequately powered randomized controlled trials are now underway and should help to determine the respective place of different TCS devices in strategies to treat cardiogenic shock patients.
When to lower triglycerides?
Authors: Ganda Om P.
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review

Substantial risk of ASCVD events persists despite intensive statin therapy and other agents to lower LDL-C. The optimal way to address other elements of dyslipidemia, such as triglyceride-rich particles (TRL) and when to treat has remained unclear.

Recent findings

Several lines of evidence indicate that TRL are associated with atherogenesis, partly because of associated factors, such as cholesterol-enriched remnant particles, high LDL particle number, high apo-B, high apo-CIII, and others. High triglyceride is increasingly prevalent because of worsening of lifestyle factors, obesity, and diabetes. Trials with fibrates, and niacin to reduce residual dyslipidemia have not provided evidence of benefits after statin therapy, thus far. A recent trial with an omega 3 fatty acid (OM3FA), icosapent-ethyl (IPE), provided evidence for a 25% reduction in ASCVD events in statin-treated high-risk population. These results were unexplained by triglyceride reduction alone, and are likely related to unique biologic effects of IPE on atherosclerosis. Finally, in patients with very high triglycerides, lifestyle measures and several triglyceride-lowering agents are indicated, often in combination, to prevent episodes of pancreatitis. A novel Apo C-III inhibitor may provide additional benefit in such patients.

There is evidence for the benefits of IPE in preventing ASCVD events. A novel fibrate is in clinical trials.
Current opinion in the assessment and management of ballistic trauma to the craniomaxillofacial region
Authors: Breeze John , Powers David Bryan
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review

Ballistic trauma represents a small proportion of injuries to the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) region, even in societies where the availability of firearms is more prevalent. The aim of this article is to review current opinion in the assessment and management of ballistic injuries sequentially from primary survey to definitive reconstruction.

Recent findings

For mandibular fractures because of ballistic trauma, load-bearing fixation remains the mainstay in the treatment. The use of load sharing fixation is rarely advised, even if the fracture pattern radiologically appears to fulfil the traditional indications for its use. Clinicians must be aware of specific situations in early internal fixation is contraindicated, particularly in those unstable patients requiring short damage control surgical procedures, avulsive soft and hard tissue defects and those injuries at increased risk of infection.

Staged surgery for complex injuries is increasingly becoming accepted, by which injuries are temporarily stabilized by means of maxillary--mandibular fixation (MMF) or an external fixation. Patients are subsequently repeat CT-scanned, and definitive internal fixation performed a few days later. Increased access to virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional plates has revolutionized fracture reconstruction.