bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conflicts over calcium and the treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Crespi Bernard , Alcock Joe
Published: November 2020

Several recent studies have provided evidence that use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), especially amlodipine and nifedipine, can reduce mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, hypocalcemia (a reduced level of serum ionized calcium) has been shown to be strongly positively associated with COVID-19 severity. Both effectiveness of CCBs as antiviral therapy, and positive associations of hypocalcemia with mortality, have been demonstrated for many other viruses as well. We evaluate these findings in the contexts of virus–host evolutionary conflicts over calcium metabolism, and hypocalcemia as either pathology, viral manipulation or host defence against pathogens. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that hypocalcemia represents a host defence. Indeed, hypocalcemia may exert antiviral effects in a similar manner as do CCBs, through interference with calcium metabolism in virus-infected cells. Prospective clinical studies that address the efficacy of CCBs and hypocalcemia should provide novel insights into the pathogenicity and treatment of COVID-19 and other viruses.
Information delivery channels and agricultural technology uptake: experimental evidence from Ghana
Authors: Dzanku Fred Mawunyo , Osei Robert Darko , Nkegbe Paul Kwame , Osei-Akoto Isaac
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Adequate information is necessary for investments. We use data from a randomized controlled experiment in northern Ghana to advance knowledge on which communication options are most effective for reaching farmers with a new technology (Bradyrhizobium inoculation) to boost adoption. Farmers received information through either video documentaries or radio listening clubs. Joint test of all treatment effects provide strong evidence that the video was effective for inducing technology uptake and increased yields; the radio listening club effects were mostly imprecise, partly due to insufficient statistical power. We conclude that barriers to learning about correct technology usage or benefits constrain adoption.
Alcohol consumption, cardiac biomarkers, and risk of atrial fibrillation and adverse outcomes
Authors: Csengeri Dora , Sprünker Ngoc-Anh , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Niiranen Teemu , Vishram-Nielsen Julie Kk , Costanzo Simona , Söderberg Stefan , Jensen Steen M , Vartiainen Erkki , Donati Maria Benedetta , Magnussen Christina , Camen Stephan , Gianfagna Francesco , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Kee Frank , Kontto Jukka , Mathiesen Ellisiv B , Koenig Wolfgang , Blankenberg Stefan , de Gaetano Giovanni , Jørgensen Torben , Kuulasmaa Kari , Zeller Tanja , Salomaa Veikko , Iacoviello Licia , Schnabel Renate B
Published: November 2020

Aims 

There is inconsistent evidence on the relation of alcohol intake with incident atrial fibrillation (AF), in particular at lower doses. We assessed the association between alcohol consumption, biomarkers, and incident AF across the spectrum of alcohol intake in European cohorts.

Methods and results 

In a community-based pooled cohort, we followed 107 845 individuals for the association between alcohol consumption, including types of alcohol and drinking patterns, and incident AF. We collected information on classical cardiovascular risk factors and incident heart failure (HF) and measured the biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin I. The median age of individuals was 47.8 years, 48.3% were men. The median alcohol consumption was 3 g/day. N = 5854 individuals developed AF (median follow-up time: 13.9 years). In a sex- and cohort-stratified Cox regression analysis alcohol consumption was non-linearly and positively associated with incident AF. The hazard ratio for one drink (12 g) per day was 1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.22, P < 0.001. Associations were similar across types of alcohol. In contrast, alcohol consumption at lower doses was associated with reduced risk of incident HF. The association between alcohol consumption and incident AF was neither fully explained by cardiac biomarker concentrations nor by the occurrence of HF.

Conclusions 

In contrast to other cardiovascular diseases such as HF, even modest habitual alcohol intake of 1.2 drinks/day was associated with an increased risk of AF, which needs to be considered in AF prevention.
Insights into community of photosynthetic microorganisms from permafrost
Authors: Vishnivetskaya Tatiana A , Almatari Abraham L , Spirina Elena V , Wu Xiaofen , Williams Daniel E , Pfiffner Susan M , Rivkina Elizaveta M
Published: November 2020

This work integrates cultivation studies of Siberian permafrost and analyses of metagenomes from different locations in the Arctic with the aim of obtaining insights into the community of photosynthetic microorganisms in perennially frozen deposits. Cyanobacteria and microalgae have been described in Arctic aquatic and surface soil environments, but their diversity and ability to withstand harsh conditions within the permafrost are still largely unknown. Community structure of photosynthetic organisms in permafrost sediments was explored using Arctic metagenomes available through the MG-RAST. Sequences affiliated with cyanobacteria represented from 0.25 to 3.03% of total sequences, followed by sequences affiliated with Streptophyta (algae and vascular plants) 0.01–0.45% and Chlorophyta (green algae) 0.01–0.1%. Enrichment and cultivation approaches revealed that cyanobacteria and green algae survive in permafrost and they could be revived during prolonged incubation at low light intensity. Among photosynthetic microorganisms isolated from permafrost, the filamentous Oscillatoria-like cyanobacteria and unicellular green algae of the genus Chlorella were dominant. Our findings suggest that permafrost cyanobacteria and green algae are expected to be effective members of the re-assembled community after permafrost thawing and soil collapse.
Temporal changes in water temperature and salinity drive the formation of a reversible plastic-specific microbial community
Authors: Pinnell Lee J , Turner Jeffrey W
Published: November 2020

Plastic is a ubiquitous pollutant in the marine environment. Here, we investigated how temporal changes in environmental factors affect the microbial communities formed on plastic (polyethylene terephthalate; PET) versus a ceramic substrate. In situ mesocosms (N = 90 replicates) were deployed at the sediment–water interface of a coastal lagoon and sampled every 4 weeks for 424 days. Sequencing data (16S rRNA) was parsed based on variation in temperature with the exposure starting in fall 2016 and remaining in situ through the next four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall 2017). PET biofilms were distinct during the summer when salinity and temperature were highest. In particular, a significant shift in the relative abundance of Ignavibacteriales and Cytophagales was observed during the summer, but PET and ceramic communities were again indistinguishable the following fall. Water temperature, salinity and pH were significant drivers of PET biofilm diversity as well as the relative abundance of plastic-discriminant taxa. This study illustrates the temporal and successional dynamics of PET biofilms and clearly demonstrates that increased water temperature, salinity, pH and exposure length play a role in the formation of a plastic-specific microbial community, but this specificity can be lost with a change in environmental conditions.
Microbiological assessment of street foods at the point of sale in Maputo (Mozambique)
Authors: Salamandane Acácio , Silva Ana Carla , Brito Luísa , Malfeito-Ferreira Manuel
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality and safety of street food sold in the main streets and informal markets of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.

Materials and Methods

From 83 different vendors selling different types of foods, 83 samples of ready-to-eat (RTE) street food were analyzed. Mesophiles, Escherichia coli and total coliforms were used as quality and hygiene indicators. Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) Salmonella and coagulase-positive staphylococci were used as food safety indicators.

Results

High proportions of unsatisfactory food samples were found in both traditional hot (76.7%) and cold (75%) foods. L. monocytogenes and Salmonella were tested negative in this survey. However, when coagulase-positive staphylococci was used as a food safety indicator, approximately 25% (23/83) of the food samples analyzed were classified as unsatisfactory/potentially hazardous.

Conclusions

These results, showing that street food sold in Maputo clearly requires adequate sanitary conditions for its preparation and sale, contribute to the development of good manufacturing practices (GMP) for street food in Maputo, Mozambique. This is the first report on the microbiological quality and safety of street food in Mozambique.
Telomere Length Change in a Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sindi Shireen , Solomon Alina , Kåreholt Ingemar , Hovatta Iiris , Antikainen Riitta , Hänninen Tuomo , Levälahti Esko , Laatikainen Tiina , Lehtisalo Jenni , Lindström Jaana , Paajanen Teemu , Peltonen Markku , Singh Khalsa Dharma , Wolozin Benjamin , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Soininen Hilkka , Ngandu Tiia , Kivipelto Miia ,   FINGER Study Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with aging and dementia. Impact of lifestyle changes on LTL, and relation to cognition and genetic susceptibility for dementia, has not been investigated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability is a 2-year RCT enrolling 1260 participants at risk for dementia from the general population, aged 60–77 years, randomly assigned (1:1) to multidomain lifestyle intervention or control group. The primary outcome was cognitive change (Neuropsychological Test Battery z-score). Relative LTL was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (trial registration: NCT01041989).

Results

This exploratory LTL substudy included 756 participants (377 intervention, 379 control) with baseline and 24-month LTL measurements. The mean annual LTL change (SD) was −0.016 (0.19) in the intervention group and −0.023 (0.17) in the control group. Between-group difference was nonsignificant (unstandardized β-coefficient 0.007, 95% CI −0.015 to 0.030). Interaction analyses indicated better LTL maintenance among apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ε4 carriers versus noncarriers: 0.054 (95% CI 0.007 to 0.102); younger versus older participants: −0.005 (95% CI −0.010 to −0.001); and those with more versus less healthy lifestyle changes: 0.047 (95% CI 0.005 to 0.089). Cognitive intervention benefits were more pronounced among participants with better LTL maintenance for executive functioning (0.227, 95% CI 0.057 to 0.396) and long-term memory (0.257, 95% CI 0.024 to 0.489), with a similar trend for Neuropsychological Test Battery total score (0.127, 95% CI −0.011 to 0.264).

Conclusions

This is the first large RCT showing that a multidomain lifestyle intervention facilitated LTL maintenance among subgroups of older people at risk for dementia, including APOE-ε4 carriers. LTL maintenance was associated with more pronounced cognitive intervention benefits.

Clinical Trials Registration Number

NCT01041989
A lattice method for seismic wave propagation in nonlinear viscoelastic media
Authors: O'Brien Gareth S
Published: November 2020

Nonlinear wave propagation is an important consideration in several geophysical problems as heterogeneities within the subsurface give rise to nonlinear stress–strain relationships in rocks. To address these problems, where the inclusion of subsurface complexity is accounted for, numerical solutions are required. Here, we outline a discrete particle or lattice numerical method that can simulate dynamic and static deformation in an isotropic viscoelastic nonlinear medium where the nonlinearity includes the fourth-order elastic tensor coefficients. The relationship between the local interaction constants in the lattice method and the macroscopic nonlinear coefficients is derived and the relationships presented. The theoretical dispersion properties of the system is determined from a nonlinear perturbation method and are validated against some numerical results. There is an excellent agreement between the theory and numerical results and the method reproduces the common features of nonlinear wave propagation, for example, harmonics, waveform distortion and spectra shifts. As expected the system is shown to be dependent on the wave amplitudes and an example is presented which shows the complexity that can arise in both dynamic and static deformation in a complex model where nonlinearity is included.
Learning from intersectoral action beyond health: a meta-narrative review
Authors: Mondal Shinjini , Van Belle Sara , Maioni Antonia
Published: November 2020

Intersectoral action (ISA) is considered pivotal for achieving health and societal goals but remains difficult to achieve as it requires complex efforts, resources and coordinated responses from multiple sectors and organizations. While ISA in health is often desired, its potential can be better informed by the advanced theory-building and empirical application in real-world contexts from political science, public administration and environmental sciences. Considering the importance and the associated challenges in achieving ISA, we have conducted a meta-narrative review, in the research domains of political science, public administration, environmental and health. The review aims to identify theory, theoretical concepts and empirical applications of ISA in these identified research traditions and draw learning for health. Using the multidisciplinary database of SCOPUS from 1996 to 2017, 5535 records were identified, 155 full-text articles were reviewed and 57 papers met our final inclusion criteria. In our findings, we trace the theoretical roots of ISA across all research domains, describing the main focus and motivation to pursue collaborative work. The literature synthesis is organized around the following: implementation instruments, formal mechanisms and informal networks, enabling institutional environments involving the interplay of hardware (i.e. resources, management systems, structures) and software (more specifically the realms of ideas, values, power); and the important role of leaders who can work across boundaries in promoting ISA, political mobilization and the essential role of hybrid accountability mechanisms. Overall, our review reaffirms affirms that ISA has both technical and political dimensions. In addition to technical concerns for strengthening capacities and providing support instruments and mechanisms, future research must carefully consider power and inter-organizational dynamics in order to develop a more fulsome understanding and improve the implementation of intersectoral initiatives, as well as to ensure their sustainability. This also shows the need for continued attention to emergent knowledge bases across different research domains including health.
On the Convolution Inequality f ≥ f ⋆ f
Authors: Carlen Eric A , Jauslin Ian , Lieb Elliott H , Loss Michael P
Published: November 2020

We consider the inequality $f \geqslant f\star f$ for real functions in $L^1({\mathbb{R}}^d)$ where $f\star f$ denotes the convolution of $f$ with itself. We show that all such functions $f$ are nonnegative, which is not the case for the same inequality in $L^p$ for any $1 < p \leqslant 2$, for which the convolution is defined. We also show that all solutions in $L^1({\mathbb{R}}^d)$ satisfy $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}f(x)\ \textrm{d}x \leqslant \tfrac 12$. Moreover, if $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}f(x)\ \textrm{d}x = \tfrac 12$, then $f$ must decay fairly slowly: $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}|x| f(x)\ \textrm{d}x = \infty $, and this is sharp since for all $r< 1$, there are solutions with $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}f(x)\ \textrm{d}x = \tfrac 12$ and $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}|x|^r f(x)\ \textrm{d}x <\infty $. However, if $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}f(x)\ \textrm{d}x =: a < \tfrac 12$, the decay at infinity can be much more rapid: we show that for all $a<\tfrac 12$, there are solutions such that for some $\varepsilon>0$, $\int _{{\mathbb{R}}^{\textrm{d}}}e^{\varepsilon |x|}f(x)\ \textrm{d}x < \infty $.
Understanding the Role of Emerging Vitamin D Biomarkers on Short-term Persistence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Mid-Adult Women
Authors: Troja Catherine , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Szpiro Adam , Stern Joshua E , Lin John , Winer Rachel L
Published: November 2020

Background

Associations between vitamin D biomarkers and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection have not been evaluated.

Methods

2011–2012 stored sera from 72 women aged 30–50 years with prevalent hrHPV (n = 116 type-specific infections) were tested for 5 vitamin D biomarkers: 25(OH)D and 4 emerging biomarkers, 1,25(OH)2D; 24,25(OH)2D; free vitamin D; and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). The hrHPV detection patterns (persistent vs transient/sporadic) were determined using cervicovaginal swabs collected monthly for 6 months. Associations between vitamin D and short-term type-specific hrHPV persistence were estimated using logistic regression. Our primary exposure was continuous 25(OH)D, with additional biomarkers evaluated as secondary exposures. Primary models were adjusted for age, race, body mass index, education, contraceptives, smoking, season, and calcium/phosphate levels. Sensitivity analyses were restricted from 19 hrHPV types to 14 used in cervical cancer screening.

Results

In primary analyses, nonsignificant positive associations with hrHPV persistence were observed for measures of 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D. Associations were stronger and significant when restricting to 14 hrHPV types (25(OH)D per 10 ng/mL increase: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.82 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.15–2.88] and aOR, 4.19 [95% CI, 1.18–14.88] DBP-adjusted; 25(OH)D ≥30 vs <30 ng/mL: aOR, 8.85 [95% CI, 2.69–29.06]; 24,25(OH)2D: aOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.18–2.88]). 1,25(OH)2D was unassociated with persistence.

Conclusions

Serum vitamin D measured by multiple biomarkers showed positive associations with short-term hrHPV persistence that were significant only when restricting to 14 clinically relevant hrHPV types.
Wing Musculature Reconstruction in Extinct Flightless Auks (PinguinusandMancalla) Reveals Incomplete Convergence with Penguins (Spheniscidae) Due to Differing Ancestral States
Authors: Watanabe Junya , Field Daniel J. , Matsuoka Hiroshige
Published: November 2020

Synopsis

Despite longstanding interest in convergent evolution, factors that result in deviations from fully convergent phenotypes remain poorly understood. In birds, the evolution of flightless wing-propelled diving has emerged as a classic example of convergence, having arisen in disparate lineages including penguins (Sphenisciformes) and auks (Pan-Alcidae, Charadriiformes). Nevertheless, little is known about the functional anatomy of the wings of flightless auks because all such taxa are extinct, and their morphology is almost exclusively represented by skeletal remains. Here, in order to re-evaluate the extent of evolutionary convergence among flightless wing-propelled divers, wing muscles and ligaments were reconstructed in two extinct flightless auks, representing independent transitions to flightlessness: Pinguinus impennis (a crown-group alcid), and Mancalla (a stem-group alcid). Extensive anatomical data were gathered from dissections of 12 species of extant charadriiforms and 4 aequornithine waterbirds including a penguin. The results suggest that the wings of both flightless auk taxa were characterized by an increased mechanical advantage of wing elevator/retractor muscles, and decreased mobility of distal wing joints, both of which are likely advantageous for wing-propelled diving and parallel similar functional specializations in penguins. However, the conformations of individual muscles and ligaments underlying these specializations differ markedly between penguins and flightless auks, instead resembling those in each respective group’s close relatives. Thus, the wings of these flightless wing-propelled divers can be described as convergent as overall functional units, but are incompletely convergent at lower levels of anatomical organization—a result of retaining differing conditions from each group’s respective volant ancestors. Detailed investigations such as this one may indicate that, even in the face of similar functional demands, courses of phenotypic evolution are dictated to an important degree by ancestral starting points.
The influence of haptics when assessing household products presented in different means: a comparative study in real setting, flat display, and virtual reality environments with and without passive haptics
Authors: Galán Julia , Felip Francisco , García-García Carlos , Contero Manuel
Published: November 2020

This research aimed to analyse the influence of presentation means in assessing different household product characteristics and to study the influence of physical contact with the product on that assessment. To this end, the presentation of an armchair in four different means was prepared: two offering the chance to touch the product (real setting and virtual reality with passive haptics) and two not offering the physical interaction possibility (virtual reality and 3D interactive image on a screen). The product was assessed by 128 volunteers (74 men, 54 women) on a semantic scale with 12 bipolar pairs. The results revealed that the presentation means did not influence the overall product assessment, but affected the assessment of 3 of 12 features (weight, size, and aesthetics), where coming into physical contact with the product impacted the assessment of these features. Finally, similar assessments of the product were obtained in both means of visual-only presentation.
COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liu Fan , Liu Feng , Wang Lu
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global public health emergency. Despite being caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), besides the lung, this infectious disease also has severe implications in the cardiovascular system. In this review, we summarize diverse clinical complications of the heart and vascular system, as well as the relevant high mortality, in COVID-19 patients. Systemic inflammation and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-involved signaling networking in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cardiovascular system may contribute to the manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, integration of clinical observations and experimental findings can promote our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, which would aid in identifying and treating cardiovascular injury in patients with COVID-19 appropriately.
Performance of a silicon-on-insulator direct electron detector in a low-voltage transmission electron microscope
Authors: Ishida Takafumi , Shinozaki Akira , Kuwahara Makoto , Miyoshi Toshinobu , Saitoh Koh , Arai Yasuo
Published: November 2020

The performance of a direct electron detector using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology in a low-voltage transmission electron microscope (LVTEM) is evaluated. The modulation transfer function and detective quantum efficiency of the detector are measured under backside illumination. The SOI-type detector is demonstrated to have high sensitivity and high efficiency for the direct detection of low-energy electrons. The detector is thus considered suitable for low-dose imaging in an LVTEM.
Precision Radiotherapy: Reduction in Radiation for Oropharyngeal Cancer in the 30 ROC Trial
Authors: Riaz Nadeem , Sherman Eric , Pei Xin , Schöder Heiko , Grkovski Milan , Paudyal Ramesh , Katabi Nora , Selenica Pier , Yamaguchi Takafumi N , Ma Daniel , Lee Simon K , Shah Rachna , Kumar Rahul , Kuo Fengshen , Ratnakumar Abhirami , Aleynick Nathan , Brown David , Zhang Zhigang , Hatzoglou Vaios , Liu Lydia Y , Salcedo Adriana , Tsai Chiaojung J , McBride Sean , Morris Luc G T , Boyle Jay , Singh Bhuvanesh , Higginson Daniel S , Damerla Rama R , Paula Arnaud da Cruz , Price Katharine , Moore Eric J , Garcia Joaquin J , Foote Robert , Ho Alan , Wong Richard J , Chan Timothy A , Powell Simon N , Boutros Paul C , Humm John L , Shukla-Dave Amita , Pfister David , Reis-Filho Jorge S , Lee Nancy
Published: November 2020

Background

Patients with human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal cancers have excellent outcomes but experience clinically significant toxicities when treated with standard chemoradiotherapy (70 Gy). We hypothesized that functional imaging could identify patients who could be safely deescalated to 30 Gy of radiotherapy.

Methods

In 19 patients, pre- and intratreatment dynamic fluorine-18-labeled fluoromisonidazole positron emission tomography (PET) was used to assess tumor hypoxia. Patients without hypoxia at baseline or intratreatment received 30 Gy; patients with persistent hypoxia received 70 Gy. Neck dissection was performed at 4 months in deescalated patients to assess pathologic response. Magnetic resonance imaging (weekly), circulating plasma cell-free DNA, RNA-sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to identify potential molecular determinants of response. Samples from an independent prospective study were obtained to reproduce molecular findings. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

Fifteen of 19 patients had no hypoxia on baseline PET or resolution on intratreatment PET and were deescalated to 30 Gy. Of these 15 patients, 11 had a pathologic complete response. Two-year locoregional control and overall survival were 94.4% (95% confidence interval = 84.4% to 100%) and 94.7% (95% confidence interval = 85.2% to 100%), respectively. No acute grade 3 radiation–related toxicities were observed. Microenvironmental features on serial imaging correlated better with pathologic response than tumor burden metrics or circulating plasma cell-free DNA. A WGS-based DNA repair defect was associated with response (P = .02) and was reproduced in an independent cohort (P = .03).

Conclusions

Deescalation of radiotherapy to 30 Gy on the basis of intratreatment hypoxia imaging was feasible, safe, and associated with minimal toxicity. A DNA repair defect identified by WGS was predictive of response. Intratherapy personalization of chemoradiotherapy may facilitate marked deescalation of radiotherapy.
Unusual presentation of appendicitis as soft tissue infection of the thigh
Authors: Bryan J , Ashcroft J , Hudson V E , Wong K Y
Published: November 2020

Appendicitis remains one of the most common causes of abdominal pain across the world typically presenting with right iliac fossa pain, fever and nausea or vomiting. We describe an unusual case of appendicitis presenting as a soft tissue infection of the thigh, thereby causing a delayed diagnosis from presentation. We discuss the pathophysiological process behind soft tissue infections caused by appendicitis and highlight investigation and management strategies to ensure prompt treatment to reduce patient mortality.
Mechanisms underlying iron deficiency-induced resistance against pathogens with different lifestyles
Authors: Trapet Pauline L , Verbon Eline H , Bosma Renda R , Voordendag Kirsten , Van Pelt Johan A , Pieterse Corné M J
Published: November 2020

Iron (Fe) is a poorly available mineral nutrient which affects the outcome of many cross-kingdom interactions. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Fe starvation limits infection by necrotrophic pathogens. Here, we report that Fe deficiency also reduces disease caused by the hemi-biotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae and the biotrophic oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, indicating that Fe deficiency-induced resistance is effective against pathogens with different lifestyles. Furthermore, we show that Fe deficiency-induced resistance is not caused by withholding Fe from the pathogen but is a plant-mediated defense response that requires activity of ethylene and salicylic acid. Because rhizobacteria-induced systemic resistance (ISR) is associated with a transient up-regulation of the Fe deficiency response, we tested whether Fe deficiency-induced resistance and ISR are similarly regulated. However, Fe deficiency-induced resistance functions independently of the ISR regulators MYB72 and BGLU42, indicating that both types of induced resistance are regulated in a different manner. Mutants opt3 and frd1, which display misregulated Fe homeostasis under Fe-sufficient conditions, show disease resistance levels comparable with those of Fe-starved wild-type plants. Our results suggest that disturbance of Fe homeostasis, through Fe starvation stress or other non-homeostatic conditions, is sufficient to prime the plant immune system for enhanced defense.
NSP2, a key symbiotic regulator in the spotlight
Authors: Quilbé Johan , Arrighi Jean-François
Published: November 2020

This article comments on:

Peng Z, Chen H, Tan L, Shu H, Varshney R.K., Zhou Z, Zhao Z, Luo Z, Chitikineni A, Wang L, Maku J, López Y, Gallo M, Zhou H, Wang J. 2021. Natural polymorphisms in a pair of NSP2 homoeologs can cause loss of nodulation in peanut. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 1104–1118.
Maize transcription factor ZmBES1/BZR1-5 positively regulates kernel size
Authors: Sun Fuai , Ding Lei , Feng Wenqi , Cao Yang , Lu Fengzhong , Yang Qingqing , Li Wanchen , Lu Yanli , Shabek Nitzan , Fu Fengling , Yu Haoqiang
Published: November 2020

The BES1/BZR1 transcription factors regulate the expression of genes responsive to brassinosteroids and play pivotal roles in plant development, but their role in regulating kernel development in maize remains unclear. In this study, we found that ZmBES1/BZR1-5 positively regulates kernel size. Association analysis of candidate genes in 513 diverse maize inbred lines indicated that three SNPs related to ZmBES1/BZR1-5 were significantly associated with kernel width and whilst four SNPs were related to 100-kernel weight. Overexpression of ZmBES1/BZR1-5 in Arabidopsis and rice both significantly increased seed size and weight, and smaller kernels were produced in maize Mu transposon insertion and EMS mutants. The ZmBES1/BZR1-5 protein locates in the nucleus, contains bHLH and BAM domains, and shows no transcriptional activity as a monomer but forms a homodimer through the BAM domain. ChIP-sequencing analysis, and yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that the protein binds to the promoters of AP2/EREBP genes (Zm00001d010676 and Zm00001d032077) and inhibits their transcription. cDNA library screening showed that ZmBES1/BZR1-5 interacts with casein kinase II subunit β4 (ZmCKIIβ4) and ferredoxin 2 (ZmFdx2) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Taken together, our study suggests that ZmBES1/BZR1-5 positively regulates kernel size, and provides new insights into understanding the mechanisms of kernel development in maize.
A Retrospective Study of Demographic, Medical, and Psychological Predictors of Readiness in Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Schneider Jillian C , Hendrix-Bennett Felicia , Beydoun Hind A , Johnstone Brick
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Given the significant number of service members who have incurred mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) over the past two decades, this study was completed to determine the relative contribution of demographic, TBI-related, and psychological factors that predict the readiness of service members with primarily mild TBI.

Methods and Materials

This retrospective study included 141 service members who were evaluated at an outpatient military TBI rehabilitation clinic. Information regarding demographics, TBI-related variables, and psychological factors was collected and entered into hierarchical multinomial logistic regressions to predict military work status. Demographic predictor variables included age, race, gender, rank, service branch; TBI-specific variables including time since injury and neuropsychological variables (i.e., Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and Processing Speed Indices; California Verbal Learning Test-IV total recall t-score); and psychiatric variables including concomitant psychiatric diagnoses and Personality Assessment Inventory indices. The outcome variable was the service member’s military work status (i.e., return to duty (RTD); Medical Evaluation Board-disabled (MEB); retired) at time of discharge from the TBI clinic.

Results

Statistical analyses indicated that the total model predicted 31% of the variance in work status, with demographics predicting 16% of the variance, concomitant psychiatric diagnoses and WAIS-IV FSIQ predicting an additional 12%, and subjective somatic/psychological distress (Personality Assessment Inventory indices) predicting an additional 3%. Regarding the primary groups of interest (i.e., RTD vs. MEB), stepwise regressions indicated that those who RTD have higher intelligence and report less physical/psychological distress than the disabled group.

Conclusions

In general, those service members who were able to RTD versus those who were classified as disabled (MEB) were of higher IQ and reported less somatic/psychological distress. Of note, traditional indices of TBI severity did not predict the ability of the sample to RTD. The results suggest the importance of treating psychological conditions and identifying possible indicators of resilience (e.g., higher intelligence) to increase the readiness of service members with mild TBI.
The Mitigation of Racial Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Among U.S. Active Duty Service Women
Authors: Pope Jessica , Banaag Amanda , Madsen Cathaleen , Hanson Tranessia , Khan Munziba , Koehlmoos Tracey Perez
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular cervical cancer screening for women aged 21-65 years. Such screening is key to reducing mortality and morbidity. Despite improvement in the screening rate, cervical cancer still disproportionately affects women of minority groups because of access to quality health care. The Military Health System (MHS) mitigates this barrier through universal healthcare coverage for all active duty service members and their families. However, such racial/ethnic disparities, seen in civilian population, have not been studied in the MHS.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing fiscal years 2011-2016 claims data obtained from the MHS Data Repository for 112,572 active duty service women aged 21-64 years. Study analyses included descriptive statistics on patient demographics, calculations of the proportion of patients who received cervical cancer screenings as well as the proportion of patients in compliance with USPSTF guidelines, and unadjusted odds ratios for the likelihood of compliance by race and military service.

Results

Of the study population, 50.0% of active duty women were screened for cervical cancer. When compared to White women, Black (1.05 OR, 1.03-1.08 CI), Native American/Alaskan Native (1.26 OR, 1.15-1.39 CI), and Other (1.12 OR, 1.06-1.18 CI) women were significantly more likely to receive cervical cancer screenings. The proportions of 3-year compliance were relatively equal within each race category (ranging from 43% to 45%), with no significant findings for the odds of compliance in any race when compared to White active duty women; however, proportions of 3-year compliance by service ranged from 11.7% in the Marines to 84.4% in the Navy, and active duty women in the Navy were six times more likely to be in compliance with guidelines than women in the Army. When looking at 5-year compliance in active duty women aged 30-64 years, women in the Navy were more likely than women in the Army to meet compliance guidelines (1.24 OR, 1.14-1.36 CI), while women in the Air Force were slightly less likely (0.90 OR, 0.82-0.98 CI).

Conclusions

The women in our population demonstrated similar or lower compliance than other studies conducted in the U.S. general population, and racial disparities for cervical cancer screening were partially mitigated in active duty service women. While our research demonstrates that universal insurance can help provide equal access and care, investigation into the factors that encourage greater usage among members of different military branches may help to understand and develop policies to improve health care systems.
The Toxicity, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Acute Hydrazine Propellant Exposure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nguyen HoanVu N , Chenoweth James A , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Albertson Timothy E , Nowadly Craig D
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Hydrazines are highly toxic inorganic liquids that are used as propellants in military and aviation industries, such as the U.S. Air Force F-16 Emergency Power Unit and SpaceX SuperDraco Rockets. The most commonly used derivatives include hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine). Industrial workers in close contact with hydrazines during routine maintenance tasks can be exposed to levels well above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health relative exposure limits.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Technical Server, and Defense Technical Information Center, and data related to hydrazine exposures were searched from inception to April 2020. Publications or reports addressing hydrazine toxicity, pathophysiology, and treatment of hydrazine fuel exposure were selected.

Results

Acute toxic exposures to hydrazine and its derivatives are rare. There are few case reports of acute toxic exposure in humans, and data are largely based on animal studies. The initial search identified 741 articles, manuscripts, and government reports. After screening for eligibility, 51 were included in this review. Eight articles reported acute exposures to hydrazine propellant in humans, and an additional 14 articles reported relevant animal data.

Conclusions

Exposure to small amounts of hydrazine and its derivatives can cause significant soft tissue injury, pulmonary injury, seizures, coma, and death. Neurologic presentations can vary based on exposure compound and dose. Decontamination is critical as treatment is mainly supportive. High-dose intravenous pyridoxine has been suggested as treatment for hydrazine-related neurologic toxicity, but this recommendation is based on limited human data. Despite recent research efforts to generate less toxic alternatives to hydrazine fuel, it will likely continue to have a role in military and aviation industries. Aerospace and military physicians should be aware of the toxicity associated with hydrazine exposure and be prepared to treat hydrazine toxicity in at-risk populations.
Severe Heart Failure in an Infant Born to a Mother Diagnosed With Influenza A Before Delivery
Authors: Ketchum Elizabeth H , Brooks Robert M , Greenwald Jeffrey R
Published: November 2020

Neonatal myocarditis and heart failure secondary to maternal infection with a myocarditis-associated virus in the weeks preceding delivery is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an infant with myocarditis and heart failure in the setting of a maternal diagnosis of influenza A. Influenza is, however, known to be a cause of myocarditis in children, and several studies have shown vertical transmission of antibodies to influenza. Here, we present a full-term infant who presented with central cyanosis and respiratory distress at 30 minutes of life. No prenatal concerns had been identified. The infant continued to have poor saturations and mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis despite intubation and administration of 100% FiO2. He was found to have severe biventricular dysfunction on echocardiogram. In discussion with the parents, it was elucidated that the mother had tested positive for influenza A 3 weeks before delivery. The presumptive diagnosis for this infant is heart failure secondary to influenza myocarditis that he contracted in utero. He demonstrated full return of heart function and was discharged home from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit by day of life 10. Neonates with central cyanosis must be evaluated and treated emergently as these infants are at risk for life-threatening disease and downstream morbidity secondary to tissue hypoxia. The purpose of this case report is to highlight a rare but devastating etiology of cyanosis in neonates and to discuss the recommended course of evaluation and treatment for health care providers.
“For the Letter Kills, but the Spirit Gives Life”: Halakha Versus Kabbalah in the Study of Jewish Mysticim1
Authors: Huss Boaz
Published: November 2020

In the 19th century, some Jewish scholars of the Wissenschaft des Judentums movement presented Kabbalah as the vital, spiritual and mystical aspect of Judaism, and juxtaposed it to legalistic, conservative, and petrified Halakha. Jewish neo-romantic and Zionist thinkers adopted this perception, which Christian Kabbalists and Hebraists first formulated in the Renaissance period. The assumption concerning the distinction and tension between Jewish mysticism and Halakha had a significant impact on the modern academic study of Judaism and it still governs the academic discipline of Jewish mysticism that Gershom Scholem and his disciples founded. This article argues that the modern identification of Kabbala as Jewish mysticism, and the assumed dichotomy between spiritual, vital Kabbalah, and dogmatic, petrified Halakha are a modern Jewish adaptation of the Pauline antithesis between the letter that kills and the Spirit that gives life.
PS15cey and PS17cke: prospective candidates from the Pan-STARRS Search for kilonovae
Authors: McBrien O R , Smartt S J , Huber M E , Rest A , Chambers K C , Barbieri C , Bulla M , Jha S , Gromadzki M , Srivastav S , Smith K W , Young D R , McLaughlin S , Inserra C , Nicholl M , Fraser M , Maguire K , Chen T-W , Wevers T , Anderson J P , Müller-Bravo T E , Olivares E. F , Kankare E , Gal-Yam A , Waters C
Published: November 2020

Time domain astronomy was revolutionized with the discovery of the first kilonova, AT2017gfo, in August 2017, which was associated with the gravitational wave signal GW170817. Since this event, numerous wide-field surveys have been optimizing search strategies to maximize their efficiency of detecting these fast and faint transients. With the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), we have been conducting a volume-limited survey for intrinsically faint and fast-fading events to a distance of D ≃ 200 Mpc. Two promising candidates have been identified from this archival search, with sparse data – PS15cey and PS17cke. Here, we present more detailed analysis and discussion of their nature. We observe that PS15cey was a luminous, fast-declining transient at 320 Mpc. Models of BH–NS mergers with a very stiff equation of state could possibly reproduce the luminosity and decline but the physical parameters are extreme. A more likely scenario is that this was an AT2018kzr-like merger event. PS17cke was a faint and fast-declining event at 15 Mpc. We explore several explosion scenarios of this transient including models of it as a NS–NS and BH–NS merger, the outburst of a massive luminous star, and compare it against other known fast-fading transients. Although there is uncertainty in the explosion scenario due to difficulty in measuring the explosion epoch, we find PS17cke to be a plausible kilonova candidate from the model comparisons.
Locating the gamma-ray emission region in the brightestFermi-LAT flat-spectrum radio quasars
Authors: Acharyya Atreya , Chadwick Paula M , Brown Anthony M
Published: November 2020

We present a temporal and spectral analysis of the gamma-ray flux from nine of the brightest flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) detected with the Fermi Large Area Telescope during its first 8 yr of operation, with the aim of constraining the location of the emission region. Using the increased photon statistics obtained from the two brightest flares of each source, we find evidence of sub-hour variability from B2 1520+31, PKS 1502+106, and PKS 1424−41, with the remaining sources showing variability on time-scales of a few hours. These indicate gamma-ray emission from extremely compact regions in the jet, potentially compatible with emission from within the broad-line region (BLR). The flare spectra show evidence of a spectral cut-off in 7 of the 18 flares studied, further supporting the argument for BLR emission in these sources. An investigation into the energy dependence of cooling time-scales finds evidence for both BLR origin and emission from within the molecular torus (MT). However, Monte Carlo simulations show that the very high energy (Eγ ≥ 20 GeV) emission from all sources except 3C 279, 3C 454.3, and 4C 21.35 is incompatible with a BLR origin. The combined findings of all the approaches used suggest that the gamma-ray emission in the brightest FSRQs originates in multiple compact emission regions throughout the jet, within both the BLR and the MT.
Quark-Novae in the outskirts of galaxies: an explanation of the fast radio burst phenomenon
Authors: Ouyed Rachid , Leahy Denis , Koning Nico
Published: November 2020

We show that old isolated neutron stars in groups and clusters of galaxies experiencing a Quark-Nova phase (QN: an explosive transition to a quark star) may be the source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Each of the millions of fragments of the ultrarelativistic QN ejecta provides a collisionless plasma for which the ambient medium (galactic/halo, the intragroup/intracluster medium) acts as a relativistic plasma beam. The Buneman and the Weibel instabilities, successively induced by the beam in the fragment, generate particle bunching and observed coherent emission at GHz frequency with a corresponding fluence in the Jy ms range. The duration, frequency drift, and the rate are in agreement with observed properties of FRBs. Repeats (on time-scales of minutes to months) are due to seeing multiple fragments each beaming at a different direction and coming in at different times. Single (non-repeating) FRBs occur when only emission from the primary fragment is within the detector’s sensitivity. Key properties of FRB 121102 (its years of activity) and of FRB 180916.J0158+65 (its ∼16 d period) are recovered. The spatial and temporal coincidence between SGR 1935+2154 and FRB 200428 finds an explanation in our model. We give testable predictions.