bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drosophila Male-Specific Lethal 2 Protein Controls Sex-Specific Expression of the roX Genes
Authors: Rattner Barbara P , Meller Victoria H
Published: April 2021

The MSL complex of Drosophila upregulates transcription of the male X chromosome, equalizing male and female X-linked gene expression. Five male-specific lethal proteins and at least one of the two noncoding roX RNAs are essential for this process. The roX RNAs are required for the localization of MSL complexes to the X chromosome. Although the mechanisms directing targeting remain speculative, the ratio of MSL protein to roX RNA influences localization of the complex. We examine the transcriptional regulation of the roX genes and show that MSL2 controls male-specific roX expression in the absence of any other MSL protein. We propose that this mechanism maintains a stable MSL/roX ratio that is favorable for localization of the complex to the X chromosome.
Global Population Genetic Structure and Male-Mediated Gene Flow in the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Analysis of Microsatellite Loci
Authors: Roberts Mark A , Schwartz Tonia S , Karl Stephen A
Published: April 2021

We assessed the degree of population subdivision among global populations of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, using four microsatellite loci. Previously, a single-copy nuclear DNA study indicated significant male-mediated gene flow among populations alternately fixed for different mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and that genetic divergence between populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans was more common than subdivisions among populations within ocean basins. Even so, overall levels of variation at single-copy loci were low and inferences were limited. Here, the markedly more variable microsatellite loci confirm the presence of male-mediated gene flow among populations within ocean basins. This analysis generally confirms the genetic divergence between the Atlantic and Pacific. As with the previous study, phylogenetic analyses of genetic distances based on the microsatellite loci indicate a close genetic relationship among eastern Atlantic and Indian Ocean populations. Unlike the single-copy study, however, the results here cannot be attributed to an artifact of general low variability and likely represent recent or ongoing migration between ocean basins. Sequence analyses of regions flanking the microsatellite repeat reveal considerable amounts of cryptic variation and homoplasy and significantly aid in our understanding of population connectivity. Assessment of the allele frequency distributions indicates that at least some of the loci may not be evolving by the stepwise mutation model.
Evolutionary Relationships of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Genes in Simian Primates
Authors: Sawai Hiromi , Kawamoto Yoshi , Takahata Naoyuki , Satta Yoko
Published: April 2021

New World monkeys (NWMs) occupy a critical phylogenetic position in elucidating the evolutionary process of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes in primates. From three subfamilies of Aotinae, Cebinae, and Atelinae, the 5′-flanking regions of 18 class I genes are obtained and phylogenetically examined in terms of Alu/LINE insertion elements as well as the nucleotide substitutions. Two pairs of genes from Aotinae and Atelinae are clearly orthologous to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -E and -F genes. Of the remaining 14 genes, 8 belong to the distinct group B, together with HLA-B and -C, to the exclusion of all other HLA class I genes. These NWM genes are classified into four groups, designated as NWM-B1, -B2, -B3, and -B4. Of these, NWM-B2 is orthologous to HLA-B/C. Also, orthologous relationships of NWM-B1, -B2, and -B3 exist among different families of Cebidae and Atelidae, which is in sharp contrast to the genus-specific gene organization within the subfamily Callitrichinae. The other six genes belong to the distinct group G. However, a clade of these NWM genes is almost equally related to HLA-A, -J, -G, and -K, and there is no evidence for their orthologous relationships to HLA-G. It is argued that class I genes in simian primates duplicated extensively in their common ancestral lineage and that subsequent evolution in descendant species has been facilitated mainly by independent loss of genes.
Integrating Genetic Linkage Maps With Pachytene Chromosome Structure in Maize
Authors: Anderson Lorinda K , Salameh Naser , Bass Hank W , Harper Lisa C , Cande W Z , Weber Gerd , Stack Stephen M
Published: April 2021

Genetic linkage maps reveal the order of markers based on the frequency of recombination between markers during meiosis. Because the rate of recombination varies along chromosomes, it has been difficult to relate linkage maps to chromosome structure. Here we use cytological maps of crossing over based on recombination nodules (RNs) to predict the physical position of genetic markers on each of the 10 chromosomes of maize. This is possible because (1) all 10 maize chromosomes can be individually identified from spreads of synaptonemal complexes, (2) each RN corresponds to one crossover, and (3) the frequency of RNs on defined chromosomal segments can be converted to centimorgan values. We tested our predictions for chromosome 9 using seven genetically mapped, single-copy markers that were independently mapped on pachytene chromosomes using in situ hybridization. The correlation between predicted and observed locations was very strong (r2 = 0.996), indicating a virtual 1:1 correspondence. Thus, this new, high-resolution, cytogenetic map enables one to predict the chromosomal location of any genetically mapped marker in maize with a high degree of accuracy. This novel approach can be applied to other organisms as well.
Genomic Background Predicts the Fate of Duplicated Genes: Evidence From the Yeast Genome
Authors: Zhang Ze , Kishino Hirohisa
Published: April 2021

Gene duplication with subsequent divergence plays a central role in the acquisition of genes with novel function and complexity during the course of evolution. With reduced functional constraints or through positive selection, these duplicated genes may experience accelerated evolution. Under the model of subfunctionalization, loss of subfunctions leads to complementary acceleration at sites with two copies, and the difference in average rate between the sequences may not be obvious. On the other hand, the classical model of neofunctionalization predicts that the evolutionary rate in one of the two duplicates is accelerated. However, the classical model does not tell which of the duplicates experiences the acceleration in evolutionary rate. Here, we present evidence from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome that a duplicate located in a genomic region with a low-recombination rate is likely to evolve faster than a duplicate in an area of high recombination. This observation is consistent with population genetics theory that predicts that purifying selection is less effective in genomic regions of low recombination (Hill-Robertson effect). Together with previous studies, our results suggest the genomic background (e.g., local recombination rate) as a potential force to drive the divergence between nontandemly duplicated genes. This implies the importance of structure and complexity of genomes in the diversification of organisms via gene duplications.
How to Stick the Landing: Kangaroo Rats Use Their Tails to Reorient during Evasive Jumps Away from Predators
Authors: Schwaner M Janneke , Freymiller Grace A , Clark Rulon W , McGowan Craig P
Published: April 2021

Synopsis

Tails are widespread in the animal world and play important roles in locomotor tasks, such as propulsion, maneuvering, stability, and manipulation of objects. Kangaroo rats, bipedal hopping rodents, use their tail for balancing during hopping, but the role of their tail during the vertical evasive escape jumps they perform when attacked by predators is yet to be determined. Because we observed kangaroo rats swinging their tails around their bodies while airborne following escape jumps, we hypothesized that kangaroo rats use their tails to not only stabilize their bodies while airborne, but also to perform aerial re-orientations. We collected video data from free-ranging desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti) performing escape jumps in response to a simulated predator attack and analyzed the rotation of their bodies and tails in the yaw plane (about the vertical-axis). Kangaroo rat escape responses were highly variable. The magnitude of body re-orientation in yaw was independent of jump height, jump distance, and aerial time. Kangaroo rats exhibited a stepwise re-orientation while airborne, in which slower turning periods corresponded with the tail center of mass being aligned close to the vertical rotation axis of the body. To examine the effect of tail motion on body re-orientation during a jump, we compared average rate of change in angular momentum. Rate of change in tail angular momentum was nearly proportional to that of the body, indicating that the tail reorients the body in the yaw plane during aerial escape leaps by kangaroo rats. Although kangaroo rats make dynamic 3D movements during their escape leaps, our data suggest that kangaroo rats use their tails to control orientation in the yaw plane. Additionally, we show that kangaroo rats rarely use their tail length at full potential in yaw, suggesting the importance of tail movement through multiple planes simultaneously.
Chemical Communication in Lizards and a Potential Role for Vasotocin in Modulating Social Interactions
Authors: Campos Stephanie M , Belkasim Selma S
Published: April 2021

Synopsis

Lizards use chemical communication to mediate many reproductive, competitive, and social behaviors, but the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying chemical communication in lizards are not well understood and understudied. By implementing a neuroendocrine approach to the study of chemical communication in reptiles, we can address a major gap in our knowledge of the evolutionary mechanisms shaping chemical communication in vertebrates. The neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) and its mammalian homolog vasopressin are responsible for a broad spectrum of diversity in competitive and reproductive strategies in many vertebrates, mediating social behavior through the chemosensory modality. In this review, we posit that, though limited, the available data on AVT-mediated chemical communication in lizards reveal intriguing patterns that suggest AVT plays a more prominent role in lizard chemosensory behavior than previously appreciated. We argue that these results warrant more research into the mechanisms used by AVT to modify the performance of chemosensory behavior and responses to conspecific chemical signals. We first provide a broad overview of the known social functions of chemical signals in lizards, the glandular sources of chemical signal production in lizards (e.g., epidermal secretory glands), and the chemosensory detection methods and mechanisms used by lizards. Then, we review the locations of vasotocinergic populations and neuronal projections in lizard brains, as well as sites of peripheral receptors for AVT in lizards. Finally, we end with a case study in green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), discussing findings from recently published work on the impact of AVT in adult males on chemosensory communication during social interactions, adding new data from a similar study in which we tested the impact of AVT on chemosensory behavior of adult females. We offer concluding remarks on addressing several fundamental questions regarding the role of AVT in chemosensory communication and social behavior in lizards.
Dogs as Pets and Pests: Global Patterns of Canine Abundance, Activity, and Health
Authors: Bryce Caleb M
Published: April 2021

Synopsis

Dogs (Canis familiaris) were the first domesticated species and, at an estimated population of 1 billion individuals, are globally ubiquitous today. Describing the tremendous morphometric diversity and evolutionary origins of dogs is a scientific endeavor that predates Darwin, yet our interdisciplinary understanding of the species is just beginning. Here, I present global trends in dog abundance, activity, and health. While the human–dog relationship has for millennia been close, it is also complicated. As pets, companion dogs are often treated as family members and constitute the largest sector of the ever-growing >$200 billion USD global pet care industry. As pests, free-roaming dogs are an emerging threat to native species via both predation and nonconsumptive effects (e.g., disturbance, competition for resources, and hybridization). Furthermore, I briefly discuss mounting evidence of dogs as not only infectious disease reservoirs but also as bridges for the transmission of pathogens between wild animals and humans in zoonotic spillover events, triggering intensive dog population management strategies such as culling. Dog mobility across the urban-wildland interface is an important driver for this and other adverse effects of canines on wildlife populations and is an active topic of disease ecologists and conservation biologists. Other canine scientists, including veterinary clinicians and physiologists, study more mechanistic aspects of dog mobility: the comparative kinetics, kinematics, and energetics of dog locomotor health. I outline the prevalent methodological approaches and breed-specific findings within dog activity and health research, then conclude by recognizing promising technologies that are bridging disciplinary gaps in canine science.
Centering Microbes in the Emerging Role of Integrative Biology in Understanding Environmental Change
Authors: Weems Ebony I , de la Sancha Noé U , Anderson Laurel J , Zambrana-Torrelio Carlos , Ferraris Ronaldo P
Published: April 2021

The current environmental changes stressing the Earth’s biological systems urgently require study from an integrated perspective to reveal unexpected, cross-scale interactions, particularly between microbes and macroscale phenomena. Such interactions are the basis of a mechanistic understanding of the important connections between deforestation and emerging infectious disease, feedback between ecosystem disturbance and the gut microbiome, and the cross-scale effects of environmental pollutants. These kinds of questions can be answered with existing techniques and data, but a concerted effort is necessary to better coordinate studies and data sets from different disciplines to fully leverage their potential.
A convergent finite element algorithm for generalized mean curvature flows of closed surfaces
Authors: Binz Tim , Kovács Balázs
Published: April 2021

An algorithm is proposed for generalized mean curvature flow of closed two-dimensional surfaces, which include inverse mean curvature flow and powers of mean and inverse mean curvature flow. Error estimates are proved for semidiscretizations and full discretizations for the generalized flow. The algorithm proposed and studied here combines evolving surface finite elements, whose nodes determine the discrete surface, and linearly implicit backward difference formulae for time integration. The numerical method is based on a system coupling the surface evolution to nonlinear second-order parabolic evolution equations for the normal velocity and normal vector. A convergence proof is presented in the case of finite elements of polynomial degree at least 2 and backward difference formulae of orders 2 to 5. The error analysis combines stability estimates and consistency estimates to yield optimal-order $H^1$-norm error bounds for the computed surface position, velocity, normal vector, normal velocity and therefore for the mean curvature. The stability analysis is performed in the matrix–vector formulation and is independent of geometric arguments, which only enter the consistency analysis. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the convergence results and also to report on monotone quantities, e.g. Hawking mass for inverse mean curvature flow, and complemented by experiments for nonconvex surfaces.
A likelihood-based convolution approach to estimate major health events in longitudinal health records data: an external validation study
Authors: Pruinelli Lisiane , Zhou Jiaqi , Stai Bethany , Schold Jesse D , Pruett Timothy , Ma Sisi , Simon Gyorgy
Published: April 2021

Objective

In electronic health record data, the exact time stamp of major health events, defined by significant physiologic or treatment changes, is often missing. We developed and externally validated a method that can accurately estimate these time stamps based on accurate time stamps of related data elements.

Materials and Methods

A novel convolution-based change detection methodology was developed and tested using data from the national deidentified clinical claims OptumLabs data warehouse, then externally validated on a single center dataset derived from the M Health Fairview system.

Results

We applied the methodology to estimate time to liver transplantation for waitlisted candidates. The median error between estimated date within the period of the actual true date was zero days, and median error was 92% and 84% of the transplants, in development and validation samples, respectively.

Discussion

The proposed method can accurately estimate missing time stamps. Successful external validation suggests that the proposed method does not need to be refit to each health system; thus, it can be applied even when training data at the health system is insufficient or unavailable. The proposed method was applied to liver transplantation but can be more generally applied to any missing event that is accompanied by multiple related events that have accurate time stamps.

Conclusion

Missing time stamps in electronic healthcare record data can be estimated using time stamps of related events. Since the model was developed on a nationally representative dataset, it could be successfully transferred to a local health system without substantial loss of accuracy.
Evaluation of Beta-Cyfluthrin Resistance of Cigarette Beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) from Cigarette Manufacturing Factories of China and Underlying Metabolic Mechanisms Responsible for Resistance
Authors: Sun Qian , Chen Xiang , Lin Tao , Cheng Xinsheng
Published: April 2021

Beta-cyfluthrin, as a synthetic pyrethroid, has been widely used in cigarette manufacturing factories in China to control Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae). In this study, spray toxicity bioassays and filter paper residual contact toxicity bioassays were conducted to investigate the beta-cyfluthrin sensitivity level of five field strains of L. serricorne collected from cigarette manufacturing factories in China. Bioassay results indicated that five field strains had developed different levels of resistance to beta-cyfluthrin with RR50 of 3.51–10.20 at 2 hr after application and 4.05–49.50 at 24 hr after application in spray toxicity bioassays, and RR50 of 4.74–14.47 at 2 hr exposure in filter paper residual contact bioassays. In addition, we examined CarE, GST, and CYP450 enzyme activity and content of L. serricorne adults and larvae. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results suggested that there was no significant difference in GST, CYP450, and CarE content of L. serricorne adults between field strains and reference sensitive strain. Biochemical assay results indicated that CYP450 activity of L. serricorne adults and larvae of five field strains was significantly higher than that of reference sensitive strain, with increased CYP450 activity of 1.08–1.82-fold in adults and 1.08–2.12-fold in larvae. The results implied that elevated CYP450 activity may contribute to metabolic resistance of L. serricorne to pyrethroid. Our study indicated that there was no clear evidence that the enhanced CarE and GST activity was associated with pyrethroid resistance of L. serricorne.
Recalibrating the WTO Dispute Settlement System: Towards New Standards of Appellate Review
Authors: Cottier Thomas
Published: April 2021

This paper analyses the legal nature of the dispute settlement system in the World Trade Organization. It places the Panel stage at the heart of it and stresses the crucial role of the World Trade Organization Secretariat. It submits proposals for structural reform. It qualifies Panel reports as a product of a legal agency process in global administrative law. It consequently recalibrates the role of the Appellate Body with a view to bring about checks and balances. This paper explores the neglected role of standards of review of the Appellate Body vis-à-vis Panels. While securing a continued leading role of the Appellate Body on constitutional issues and fundamental principles of the system, it suggests a more deferential standard of reasonableness in reviewing Panel findings on World Trade Organization rules.
Enhancing the developing brain: tensions between parent, child, and state in the United States
Authors: Jwa Anita S
Published: April 2021

Recent technological advances in neuroscience offer a novel way for parents to nurture their children: altering brain activation to improve cognitive functions. Parental use and state regulation of cognitive enhancement will inevitably cause tensions between parent, child, and state. These tensions stem from three different but fundamentally related causes, namely minors’ incompetency in making decisions about their own welfare, parental autonomy to make decisions about the upbringing of their minor children, and the state’s interests in protecting minors’ well-being. However, these tensions are not without precedents. The courts have frequently struggled to set the boundary of parental autonomy and to balance parents’ rights, children’s interests, and state’s interests, and have accumulated extensive precedents in various contexts. This article reviews previous US court decisions in select contexts analogous to cognitive enhancement—medical intervention, education, and mandatory vaccination—and analyzes their implications for the use of cognitive enhancement on minors. This article will provide a useful guide for policy makers and researchers to identify and analyze issues regarding cognitive enhancement and to develop sound policies to ensure responsible use of this novel technology.
Screening for Problematic Sleep in a Diverse Sample of Infants
Authors: Honaker Sarah M , McQuillan Maureen E , Mindell Jodi A , Downs Stephen M , Slaven James E , Schwichtenberg A J
Published: April 2021

Objective

To examine screening strategies for identifying problematic sleep in a diverse sample of infants.

Methods

Parents of infants (5–19 months; N = 3,271) presenting for a primary care visit responded to five screening items and the Infant Sleep Questionnaire (ISQ), a validated measure of problematic infant sleep. If parents responded affirmatively to any screening item, primary care providers received a prompt to evaluate. For each of the screening questions, we examined differences in item endorsement and criterion related validity with the ISQ. Using conceptual composites of night waking and sleep difficulty, prevalence, criterion-related validity, and concurrent demographic correlates were analyzed.

Results

Infants were primarily of Black race (50.1%) or Hispanic ethnicity (31.7%), with the majority (63.3%) living in economically distressed communities. Rates of problematic sleep ranged from 7.4%, for a single item assessing parental perception of an infant having a sleep problem, to 74.0%, for a single item assessing night wakings requiring adult intervention. Items assessing sleep difficulty had high (95.0–97.8%) agreement with the ISQ in identifying infants without problematic sleep, but low agreement (24.9–34.0%) in identifying those with problematic sleep. The opposite was true for items assessing night waking, which identified 91.0–94.6% of those with sleep problems but only 31.8–46.9% of those without.

Conclusions

Screening strategies for identifying problematic infant sleep yielded highly variable prevalence rates and associated factors, depending on whether the strategy emphasized parent-perceived sleep difficulty or night wakings. The strategy that is most appropriate will depend on the system’s goals.
Elephant Genomes Reveal Accelerated Evolution in Mechanisms Underlying Disease Defenses
Authors: Tollis Marc , Ferris Elliott , Campbell Michael S , Harris Valerie K , Rupp Shawn M , Harrison Tara M , Kiso Wendy K , Schmitt Dennis L , Garner Michael M , Aktipis Christina Athena , Maley Carlo C , Boddy Amy M , Yandell Mark , Gregg Christopher , Schiffman Joshua D , Abegglen Lisa M
Published: April 2021

Disease susceptibility and resistance are important factors for the conservation of endangered species, including elephants. We analyzed pathology data from 26 zoos and report that Asian elephants have increased neoplasia and malignancy prevalence compared with African bush elephants. This is consistent with observed higher susceptibility to tuberculosis and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in Asian elephants. To investigate genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance, including differential responses between species, among other elephant traits, we sequenced multiple elephant genomes. We report a draft assembly for an Asian elephant, and defined 862 and 1,017 conserved potential regulatory elements in Asian and African bush elephants, respectively. In the genomes of both elephant species, conserved elements were significantly enriched with genes differentially expressed between the species. In Asian elephants, these putative regulatory regions were involved in immunity pathways including tumor-necrosis factor, which plays an important role in EEHV response. Genomic sequences of African bush, forest, and Asian elephant genomes revealed extensive sequence conservation at TP53 retrogene loci across three species, which may be related to TP53 functionality in elephant cancer resistance. Positive selection scans revealed outlier genes related to additional elephant traits. Our study suggests that gene regulation plays an important role in the differential inflammatory response of Asian and African elephants, leading to increased infectious disease and cancer susceptibility in Asian elephants. These genomic discoveries can inform future functional and translational studies aimed at identifying effective treatment approaches for ill elephants, which may improve conservation.
Amino Acid Interactions (INTAA) web server v2.0: a single service for computation of energetics and conservation in biomolecular 3D structures
Authors: Vymětal Jiří , Jakubec David , Galgonek Jakub , Vondrášek Jiří
Published: April 2021

Interactions among amino acid residues are the principal contributor to the stability of the three-dimensional structure of a protein. The Amino Acid Interactions (INTAA) web server (https://bioinfo.uochb.cas.cz/INTAA/) has established itself as a unique computational resource, which enables users to calculate the contribution of individual residues in a biomolecular structure to its total energy using a molecular mechanical scoring function. In this update, we describe major additions to the web server which help solidify its position as a robust, comprehensive resource for biomolecular structure analysis. Importantly, a new continuum solvation model was introduced, allowing more accurate representation of electrostatic interactions in aqueous media. In addition, a low-overhead pipeline for the estimation of evolutionary conservation in protein chains has been added. New visualization options were introduced as well, allowing users to easily switch between and interrelate the energetic and evolutionary views of the investigated structures.
Drones and deep learning produce accurate and efficient monitoring of large-scale seabird colonies
Authors: Hayes Madeline C , Gray Patrick C , Harris Guillermo , Sedgwick Wade C , Crawford Vivon D , Chazal Natalie , Crofts Sarah , Johnston David W
Published: April 2021

Population monitoring of colonial seabirds is often complicated by the large size of colonies, remote locations, and close inter- and intra-species aggregation. While drones have been successfully used to monitor large inaccessible colonies, the vast amount of imagery collected introduces a data analysis bottleneck. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are evolving as a prominent means for object detection and can be applied to drone imagery for population monitoring. In this study, we explored the use of these technologies to increase capabilities for seabird monitoring by using CNNs to detect and enumerate Black-browed Albatrosses (Thalassarche melanophris) and Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes c. chrysocome) at one of their largest breeding colonies, the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands. Our results showed that these techniques have great potential for seabird monitoring at significant and spatially complex colonies, producing accuracies of correctly detecting and counting birds at 97.66% (Black-browed Albatrosses) and 87.16% (Southern Rockhopper Penguins), with 90% of automated counts being within 5% of manual counts from imagery. The results of this study indicate CNN methods are a viable population assessment tool, providing opportunities to reduce manual labor, cost, and human error.
Do metal mines and their runoff affect plumage color? Streak-backed Orioles in Mexico show unexpected patterns
Authors: Kiere Lynna Marie , Osorio-Beristain Marcela , Sorani Valentino , Prieto-Torres David A , Navarro-Sigüenza Adolfo G , Sánchez-González Luis Antonio
Published: April 2021

Metal mining causes serious ecological disturbance, due partly to heavy metal (HM) pollution that can accumulate at mining sites themselves and be dispersed downstream as runoff. Plumage coloration is important in birds’ social and ecological interactions and sensitive to environmental stressors, and several local-scale studies have found decreased carotenoid-based plumage and/or increased melanin-based plumage in wild birds exposed to HM pollution. We investigated regional-scale effects of proximity to mines and their downstream rivers as a proxy of exposure to HM-contaminated mining waste on plumage coloration in Streak-backed Orioles (Icterus pustulatus) in south-central Mexico. We measured the plumage color of museum skins using reflectance spectrometry and digital photography, then used geographic information systems to estimate each specimen’s distance from the nearest mining concession and river and determine whether that river’s watershed contained mines. Proximity to mines and their downstream rivers was related to ventral (but not dorsal) carotenoid-based coloration; birds collected farther from mines had more vivid yellow-orange breast plumage, and belly plumage was more vivid and redder with increasing distance from rivers with upstream mines. Breast background reflectance unexpectedly decreased with mine distance and was higher among birds whose nearest river had mines upstream. The area (but not reflectance) of melanin-based plumage was also related to mines. The area of dark back streaks decreased with mine distance, while the bib patch was smaller among birds presumably more exposed to mining waste. While some of these results are consistent with predicted effects of HM pollution on plumage, most were not straightforward, and effects differed among plumage patches and variables. Further investigation is needed to understand the direct (e.g., toxicity, oxidative stress) and/or indirect (e.g., decreased availability of carotenoid-rich food) mechanisms responsible and their individual-, population-, and community-level implications.
Science, religion and state: a multidimensional perspective
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G
Published: April 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) does not discriminate; it affects everyone regardless of beliefs, gender, nationality, skin color, and social class. A recent correspondence published in the Journal of Public Health proposed the ‘collaboration of science and religion in COVID-19 vaccine promotion.’ The said article was in response to a previously published correspondence, which proposed a multi-sectoral approach on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination hesitancy. This article further adds that science, religion and state are not mutually exclusive with each other. What this article, therefore, proposes is a multidimensional relationship of science, religion and state to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and other science-based findings to combat the public fear of the public on vaccine and virus.
The last rites in a time of pandemic
Authors: Brazal Dr Agnes M
Published: April 2021

This correspondence argues that it is not only rituals after the death of a loved one that are important for grieving and eventual healing but also rituals at the point of death, such as the Last Rites in the Catholic Church. Because of the raging pandemic, however, the Last Rites have been done virtually for a number of Covid 19 patients. Cybertechnologies have provided an alternative space for the Last Rites to enable the dying, the family, and friends, to experience the gracious presence of God, the support of the Christian community, and to find meaning in their suffering.
Immunosuppressive therapy withdrawal after remission achievement in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Zen Margherita , Fuzzi Enrico , Loredo Martinez Marta , Depascale Roberto , Fredi Micaela , Gatto Mariele , Larosa Maddalena , Saccon Francesca , Iaccarino Luca , Doria Andrea
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Whether immunosuppressive therapy may be safely withdrawn in lupus nephritis (LN) is still unclear. We assessed rate and predictors of flare after IS withdrawal in patients with LN in remission.

Methods

Patients with biopsy-proven LN treated with immunosuppressants (IS) between 1980 and 2020 were considered. Remission was defined as normal serum creatinine, proteinuria <0.5 g/24 h, inactive urine sediment, and no extra-renal SLE activity on stable immunosuppressive and/or antimalarial therapy and/or prednisone ≤5mg/day. IS discontinuation was defined as the complete withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy, flares according to SLEDAI Flare Index. Predictors of flare were analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 513 SLE patients included in our database, 270 had LN. Of them, 238 underwent renal biopsy and were treated with IS. Eighty-three patients (34.8%) discontinued IS, 46 (30) months after remission achievement. During a mean (s.d.) follow-up of 116.5 (78) months, 19 patients (22.9%) developed a flare (8/19 renal) and were re-treated; 14/19 (73.7%) re-achieved remission after restarting therapy. Patients treated with IS therapy for at least 3 years after remission achievement had the lowest risk of relapse (OR 0.284, 95% CI: 0.093, 0.867; P = 0.023). At multivariate analysis, antimalarial maintenance therapy (OR 0.194, 95% CI: 0.038, 0.978; P = 0.047), age at IS discontinuation (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.868, 0.997; P = 0.040), remission duration >3 years before IS discontinuation (OR 0.231, 95% CI: 0.058, 0.920; P = 0.038) were protective against disease flares.

Conclusions

Withdrawal of IS is feasible in LN patients in remission for at least 3 years and on antimalarial therapy. Patients who experience flares can re-achieve remission with an appropriate treatment.
MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH IN GRID-TIED PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Authors: Bedeloğlu Merve , İl Niyazi , Ateş Kayhan , Özen Şükrü
Published: April 2021

In this study, electric field and magnetic field strengths at 50 Hz are measured in a solar power plant located far from residential areas, and the measurement results near various sources of the electric and magnetic fields in the power plant are presented. Although the measured values for the electric field caused by the solar panel range between 0.07 and 1.33 V/m, the measured values for the magnetic field by the solar panel range between 0.037 and 0.19 μT. In front of the inverter, the measured value of the electric field reaches 0.7 V/m, whereas the measured value of the magnetic field reaches 2.2 μT. The results are presented and evaluated in light of the exposure limits to electromagnetic fields published by international organisations.
Where Does the Peanut Smut Pathogen, Thecaphora frezii, Fit in the Spectrum of Smut Diseases?
Authors: Arias Silvina L. , Mary Verónica S. , Velez Pilar A. , Rodriguez María G. , Otaiza-González Santiago N. , Theumer Martín G.
Published: April 2021

Smut fungi, such as Ustilago maydis, have been studied extensively as a model for plant-pathogenic basidiomycetes. However, little attention has been paid to smut diseases of agronomic importance that are caused by species of the genus Thecaphora, probably due to their more localized distribution. Peanut smut incited by Thecaphora frezii has been reported only in South America, and Argentina is the only country where this disease has been noted in commercial peanut production. In this work, important advances in deciphering T. frezii specific biology/pathobiology in relation to potato (T. solani), wheat (U. tritici), and barley (U. nuda) smuts are presented. We summarize the state of knowledge of fungal effectors, functionally characterized to date in U. maydis and most recently in T. thlaspeos, as well as the potential to be present in other Thecaphora species involved in dicot-host interactions like T. frezii-peanut. We also discuss applicability and limitations of currently available methods for identification of smut fungi in different situations and management strategies to reduce their impact on agri-food quality. We conclude by describing some of the challenges in elucidating T. frezii strategies that allow it to infect the host and tolerate or evade plant immune defense mechanisms, and assessing other aspects related to pest control and their implications for human health.
Resistance to Mefenoxam of Phytophthora cactorum and Phytophthora nicotianae Causing Crown and Leather Rot in Florida Strawberry
Authors: Marin Marcus V. , Seijo Teresa E. , Zuchelli Elias , Peres Natalia A.
Published: April 2021

Phytophthora cactorum and Phytophthora nicotianae cause leather rot on fruit and crown rot (PhCR) of strawberry plants. Leather rot is not a common disease in Florida; however, up to 50% yield loss has been reported in harvests after intense rainfall events. PhCR is an important disease worldwide and is characterized by a sudden wilting and collapse of plants. Mefenoxam is the most effective and widely used fungicide to control both diseases. P. cactorum and P. nicotianae isolates from leather rot and PhCR have been collected from multiple strawberry fields in Florida since 1997, and the sensitivity of 185 isolates was tested at 0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 100 µg/ml. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of sensitive isolates ranged from 0.05 to 1 µg/ml. Resistance to mefenoxam (EC50 values >100 µg/ml) was found among P. cactorum isolates collected after 2015, but no resistance was found in P. nicotianae isolates. During the 2015 to 2016, 2016 to 2017, 2017 to 2018, and 2018 to 2019 seasons, resistance was detected on 9, 10, 21, and 23% of the isolates collected, respectively. Mefenoxam-resistant isolates originated from 3 of the 24 strawberry nurseries monitored. This is the first report of the occurrence of P. cactorum resistance to mefenoxam in Florida, suggesting that alternative control strategies are needed to avoid the increase of mefenoxam-resistant populations of P. cactorum in Florida fields.
Abnormal bone marrow microenvironment: the “harbor” of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Chen Zehui , Zheng Yaxin , Yang Yaling , Kang Junnan , You M. James , Tian Chen
Published: April 2021

Bone marrow (BM) microenvironment regulates and supports the production of blood cells which are necessary to maintain homeostasis. In analogy to normal hematopoiesis, leukemogenesis is originated from leukemic stem cells (LSCs) which gives rise to more differentiated malignant cells. Leukemia cells occupy BM niches and reconstruct them to support leukemogenesis. The abnormal BM niches are the main sanctuary of LSCs where they can evade chemotherapy-induced death and acquire drug resistance. In this review, we focus on the protective effects of BM niche cells on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
SIEVE: identifying robust single cell variable genes for single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Xie Xiaowei , Wu Peng , Zhu Ping
Published: April 2021

Single-cell RNA-seq data analysis generally requires quality control, normalization, highly variable genes screening, dimensionality reduction and clustering. Among these processes, downstream analysis including dimensionality reduction and clustering are sensitive to the selection of highly variable genes. Though increasing number of tools for selecting the highly variable genes have been developed, an evaluation of their performances and a general strategy are lack. Here, we compare the performance of nine commonly used methods for screening variable genes by using single-cell RNA-seq data from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and mature blood cells, and find that SCHS outperforms other methods regarding to reproducibility and accuracy. However, this method prefers the selection of highly expressed genes. We further propose a new strategy SIEVE (SIngle-cEll Variable gEnes) by multiple rounds of random sampling, therefore minimizing the stochastic noise and identifying a robust set of variable genes. Moreover, SIEVE recovers lowly expressed genes as variable genes and substantially improves the accuracy of single cell classification, especially for the methods with lower reproducibility. The SIEVE software is freely available at https://github.com/YinanZhang522/SIEVE.
The Kappa Line as a Regional Modification of the K-line
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Park Sehan , Kim Hyoungmin , Hwang Chang Ju , Cho Jae Hwan , Yang Jae Jun , Lee Choon Sung
Published: April 2021

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study

Objective:

The aim was to introduce Kappa line (modification of K-line) for the prediction of postoperative neurological recovery after selective cervical laminoplasty (LMP) and use in determining the decompression level.

Summary of Background Data:

The K-line is a radiographic marker that can predict prognosis and aid in surgical planning for patients undergoing LMP through C3 to C7. However, its efficacy in LMP involving limited segments is unclear. Furthermore, no specific radiographic marker to predict the prognosis of selective LMP has been reported.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-one consecutive patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after selective LMP for cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament were retrospectively reviewed. The Kappa line was defined as a straight line connecting the midpoints of the spinal canal made by remaining bony structure after decompression procedures on a plain lateral radiograph in the neutral position. Patients were classified as K-line (+) or (−) and Kappa line (+) or (−) based on whether the ossified mass crossed the indicator line.

Results:

The Kappa line (+) group demonstrated significantly higher Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) recovery rate (P=0.01), final JOA score (P<0.01), and dural sac diameter (P<0.01) postoperatively than the Kappa line (−) group. Cord compression grade was significantly lesser in the Kappa line (+) group. However, the K-line-based classification did not demonstrate significant difference in JOA recovery rate, final JOA score, and cord compression grade between the (+) and (−) groups; the dural sac diameter was significantly higher in the K-line (+) group (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

The Kappa line showed better correlation with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament size and cervical alignment, providing better prediction of neurological recovery and remaining cord compression following selective LMP. Therefore, the Kappa line can aid in determining the level of decompression in selective LMP.
Checklists Improve Team Performance During Simulated Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Emergencies: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Stentz Michael J. , Wiepking Matthew D. , Hodge Kiley A. , Ramonell Richard P. , Jabaley Craig S.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–related complications are potentially catastrophic if not addressed quickly. Because complications are rare, high-fidelity simulation is recommended as part of the training regimen for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialists. We hypothesized that the use of standardized checklists would improve team performance during simulated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergencies.

Design:

Randomized simulation-based trial.

Setting:

A quaternary-care academic hospital with a regional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation referral program.

Subjects:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialists and other healthcare providers.

Interventions:

We designed six read-do checklists for use during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergencies using a modified Delphi process. Teams of two to three providers were randomized to receive the checklists or not. All teams then completed four simulated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergencies.

Measurements and Main Results:

Simulation sessions were video-recorded, and the number of critical tasks performed and time-to-completion were compared between groups. A survey instrument was administered before and after simulations to assess participants’ attitudes toward the simulations and checklists. We recruited 36 subjects from a single institution, randomly assigned to 15 groups. The groups with checklists completed more critical tasks than participants in the control groups (90% vs 75%; p < 0.001). The groups with checklists performed a higher proportion of both nontechnical tasks (71% vs 44%; p < 0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–specific technical tasks (94% vs 86%; p < 0.001). Both groups reported an increase in reported self-efficacy after the simulations (p = 0.003). After adjusting for multiple comparisons, none of the time-to-completion measures achieved statistical significance.

Conclusions:

The use of checklists resulted in better team performance during simulated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergencies. As extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use continues to expand, checklists may be an attractive low-cost intervention for centers looking to reduce errors and improve response to crisis situations.
Hemodynamic Effects of an Increased Midodrine Dosing Frequency
Authors: Macielak Shea A. , Vollmer Nicholas J. , Haddad Natalie A. , Nabzdyk Christoph G. S. , Nei Scott D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

In practice, midodrine has been used to reduce IV vasopressor requirements and decrease ICU length of stay. However, recent publications have failed to show clinical success when midodrine was administered every 8 hours. One possible reason for the lack of clinical efficacy at this dosing interval may be the pharmacokinetic properties of midodrine that support a more frequent dosing interval. Here, we report our institutional experience with midodrine at a dosing frequency of every 6 hours.

Design:

Single, quaternary academic medical center, retrospective, descriptive study.

Setting:

Floor and ICU patients admitted to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from May 7, 2018, to September 30, 2020.

Patients:

Adult patients with an order for midodrine with a dosing frequency of “every 6 hours” or “four times daily” were eligible for inclusion.

Interventions:

No intervention performed. All data were abstracted retrospectively from the electronic medical record.

Measurements and Main Results:

Forty-four unique patients were identified that met inclusion criteria. Patients were an average of 65 years and 63.6% were male. The individual doses of midodrine ranged from 5 to 20 mg. Twenty-three patients (52.3%) were receiving IV vasopressors at the time midodrine was ordered every 6 hours. Vasopressor requirements decreased from an average of 0.10 norepinephrine equivalents 24 hours prior to the every 6-hour order to 0.05 norepinephrine equivalents 24 hours after an order for midodrine every 6 hour was placed.

Conclusions:

Increasing the dosing frequency of midodrine to every 6 hours may optimize its pharmacokinetic profile without compromising safety. This midodrine dosing frequency should be prospectively evaluated as a primary strategy for accelerated IV vasopressor wean.