bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype & phenotype in Lowe Syndrome: specificOCRL1patient mutations differentially impact cellular phenotypes
Authors: Ramadesikan Swetha , Skiba Lisette , Lee Jennifer , Madhivanan Kayalvizhi , Sarkar Daipayan , De La Fuente Agustina , Hanna Claudia B , Terashi Genki , Hazbun Tony , Kihara Daisuke , Aguilar R Claudio
Published: January 2021

Lowe Syndrome (LS) is a lethal genetic disorder caused by mutations in the OCRL1 gene which encodes the lipid 5′ phosphatase Ocrl1. Patients exhibit a characteristic triad of symptoms including eye, brain and kidney abnormalities with renal failure as the most common cause of premature death. Over 200 OCRL1 mutations have been identified in LS, but their specific impact on cellular processes is unknown. Despite observations of heterogeneity in patient symptom severity, there is little understanding of the correlation between genotype and its impact on phenotype.

Here, we show that different mutations had diverse effects on protein localization and on triggering LS cellular phenotypes. In addition, some mutations affecting specific domains imparted unique characteristics to the resulting mutated protein. We also propose that certain mutations conformationally affect the 5′-phosphatase domain of the protein, resulting in loss of enzymatic activity and causing common and specific phenotypes (a conformational disease scenario).

This study is the first to show the differential effect of patient 5′-phosphatase mutations on cellular phenotypes and introduces a conformational disease component in LS. This work provides a framework that explains symptom heterogeneity and can help stratify patients as well as to produce a more accurate prognosis depending on the nature and location of the mutation within the OCRL1 gene.
Fish consumption by great cormorants in Norwegian coastal waters—a human-wildlife conflict for wrasses, but not gadids
Authors: Dehnhard Nina , Langset Magdalene , Aglen Asgeir , Lorentsen Svein-Håkon , Anker-Nilssen Tycho
Published: January 2021

Piscivorous wildlife is often perceived as competitors by humans. Great cormorants of the continental subspecies (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) in the Baltic and North Sea increase, while local cod (Gadus morhua) stocks decline. In contrast, numbers of the Atlantic subspecies (Phalacrocorax carbo carbo), breeding along the Norwegian and Barents Seas, have been relatively stable. We investigated the diet of both great cormorant subspecies in breeding colonies along the Norwegian Coast from Lofoten to the Skagerrak and estimated the biomass of fish consumed annually by great cormorants in Norwegian waters. The birds’ consumption was compared with estimated fish stock sizes and fishery catches. Cod and saithe (Pollachius virens) dominated the diet in the Norwegian Sea and wrasses in the North Sea and Skagerrak. Estimated total fish consumption of cod and saithe by great cormorants was <1.7% of estimated fish stocks and <9% of that of human catches and therefore considered minor. Cormorant consumption of wrasses amounted to 110% of human catches. The practice of using wrasses as cleaner fish in the salmon farming industry leads to a conflict with cormorants, and we urge for a better understanding and management of wrasse populations, taking ecosystem functioning and natural predation into account.
Emergency pericardial drainage without aortic repair for type A intramural haematoma complicated by cardiac tamponade
Authors: Kitamura Tadashi , Miyaji Kagami
Published: January 2021

From April 2011 to March 2020, 87 patients with type A intramural haematoma and acute aortic dissection with thrombosed false lumen of the ascending aorta were treated at Kitasato University Hospital. The initial watch-and-wait strategy without emergency aortic repair was taken in 52 cases in which the maximum aortic diameter was ≤50 mm, pain score on arrival at our hospital was ≤3/10 on the numerical rating scale and there was no ulcer-like projection (ULP) in the ascending aorta. Eleven patients who fulfilled the criteria but developed cardiac tamponade underwent emergency pericardial drainage without aortic repair. Among these 11 patients, 3 patients developed an aortic event during the hospitalization; 1 patient developed enlargement of the ULP 18 days later but refused surgery, another patient developed rupture of the dissected brachiocephalic artery 4 days later and underwent emergency repair of the ascending aorta and the brachiocephalic artery and the other patient developed a new ULP in the ascending aorta 14 days later and underwent aortic repair. All 11 patients were discharged home. During follow-up (3.0 ± 2.4 years), 1 patient developed a recurrent type A acute aortic dissection and underwent emergency aortic repair 29 months later. There was no aorta-related death.
Complete sternal-sparing left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with improved postoperative mobility
Authors: Ayers Brian C , Bjelic Milica , Wood Katherine , Sheen Soun , Morrison Eric , Prasad Sunil , Gosev Igor
Published: January 2021

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via a complete sternal-sparing (CSS) technique is gaining interest due to several potential benefits. We hypothesized that the CSS approach for HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD implantation improves postoperative mobility and physical independence compared to full sternotomy (FS). We retrospectively reviewed patients who were implanted with a commercial HM3 at our institution from September 2017 to August 2018. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care short forms and Functional Independence Measure scores were used to assess the patient’s physical limitations postoperatively. A total of 43 patients were included in the study: 27 (63%) CSS patients and 16 (37%) FS patients. At postoperative day 3, the CSS cohort demonstrated improved mobility based on Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores compared to the FS group; 40% of the CSS cohort versus 67% of the FS cohort remained 100% impaired. The CSS cohort also demonstrated greater postoperative independence in the Functional Independence Measure sit-to-stand metric with 78% of the CSS cohort achieving modified or complete independence by postoperative day 15 compared to only 21% of the FS patients. These early data suggest that the CSS approach for HM3 LVAD implantation improves postoperative mobility and functional independence compared to FS.
Endovascular aortic arch repair with a pre-cannulated double-fenestrated physician-modified stent graft: a benchtop experiment
Authors: Lounes Youcef , Chassin-Trubert Lucien , Gandet Thomas , Ozdemir Baris Ata , Peyron Antoine , Akodad Mariama , Alric Pierre , Canaud Ludovic
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

The critical step in total endovascular aortic arch repair is to ensure alignment of fenestrations with, and thus maintenance of flow to, supra-aortic trunks. This experimental study evaluates the feasibility and accuracy of a double-fenestrated physician-modified endovascular graft [single common large fenestration for the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery and a distal small fenestration for left subclavian artery (LSA) with a preloaded guidewire for the LSA] for total endovascular aortic arch repair.

METHODS

Eight fresh human cadaveric thoracic aortas were harvested. Thoracic endografts with a physician-modified double fenestration were deployed for total endovascular aortic arch repair in a bench test model. A guidewire was preloaded through the distal fenestration for the LSA. All experiments were undertaken in a hybrid room under fluoroscopic guidance with subsequent angioscopy and open evaluation for assessment.

RESULTS

Mean aortic diameter in zone 0 was 31.3 ± 3.33 mm. Mean duration for stent graft modification was 20.1 ± 5.8 min. Mean duration of the procedure was 24 ± 8.6 min. The Medtronic Valiant Captivia stent graft was used in 6 and the Cook Alpha Zenith thoracic stent graft in 2 cases. LSA catheterization was technically successful with supra-aortic trunk patency in 100% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a double-fenestrated stent graft with a preloaded guidewire appears to be a useful technical addition to facilitate easy and correct alignment of stent graft fenestrations with supra-aortic trunk origins.
Do Interviewers Affect Measures of Factual Political Knowledge? Evidence from Austria and Germany
Authors: Johann David , Mayer Sabrina J
Published: January 2021

This study examines how interviewers’ gender and education affect the measured level of factual political knowledge by drawing on competing theoretical frameworks: stereotype threat theory and interviewer noncompliance with the instructions. Testing these mechanisms using survey data from the Austrian National Election Study (AUTNES) and the German Longitudinal Election Study (GLES), we find no evidence for a stereotype threat effect, but seem to observe interviewer effects resulting from interviewer non-compliance. In Germany, respondents’ measured level of knowledge was significantly higher when a male interviewer, regardless of his education, conducted the interview, compared with low educated female interviewers. This finding has implications for survey-based studies, which measure factual political knowledge, for example attempts to limit such effects should be made during the interviewer briefing.
Compressed Sensing with 1D Total Variation: Breaking Sample Complexity Barriers via Non-Uniform Recovery
Authors: Genzel Martin , März Maximilian , Seidel Robert
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates total variation minimization in one spatial dimension for the recovery of gradient-sparse signals from undersampled Gaussian measurements. Recently established bounds for the required sampling rate state that uniform recovery of all $s$-gradient-sparse signals in ${\mathbb{R}}^n$ is only possible with $m \gtrsim \sqrt{s n} \cdot{\operatorname{PolyLog}}(n)$ measurements. Such a condition is especially prohibitive for high-dimensional problems, where $s$ is much smaller than $n$. However, previous empirical findings seem to indicate that this sampling rate does not reflect the typical behavior of total variation minimization. The present work provides a rigorous analysis that breaks the $\sqrt{s n}$-bottleneck for a large class of “natural” signals. The main result shows that non-uniform recovery succeeds with high probability for $m \gtrsim s \cdot{\operatorname{PolyLog}}(n)$ measurements if the jump discontinuities of the signal vector are sufficiently well separated. In particular, this guarantee allows for signals arising from a discretization of piecewise constant functions defined on an interval. The key ingredient of the proof is a novel upper bound for the associated conic Gaussian mean width, which is based on a signal-dependent, non-dyadic Haar wavelet transform. Furthermore, a natural extension to stable and robust recovery is addressed.
Feasibility and Performance of Self-Collected Nasal Swabs for Detection of Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Suntarattiwong Piyarat , Mott Joshua A , Mohanty Sarita , Sinthuwattanawibool Chalinthorn , Srisantiroj Nattinee , Patamasingh Na Ayudhaya Orada , Klungthong Chonticha , Fernandez Stefan , Kim Lindsay , Hunt Danielle , Hombroek Danielle , Brummer Tana , Chotpitayasunondh Tawee , Dawood Fatimah S , Kittikraisak Wanitchaya ,   PRIME Study Group, Kaoaien Surasak , Phadungkiatwatana Podjanee , Asavapiriyanont Suvanna , Tomyabatra Krissada , Rawanban Boonsong , Ellison Damon
Published: January 2021

Background

We assessed performance of participant-collected midturbinate nasal swabs compared to study staff-collected midturbinate nasal swabs for the detection of respiratory viruses among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods

We enrolled pregnant women aged ≥18 years and followed them throughout the 2018 influenza season. Women with acute respiratory illness self-collected midturbinate nasal swabs at home for influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and human metapneumoviruses (hMPV) real-time RT-PCR testing and the study nurse collected a second midturbinate nasal swab during home visits. Paired specimens were processed and tested on the same day.

Results

The majority (109, 60%) of 182 participants were 20–30 years old. All 200 paired swabs had optimal specimen quality. The median time from symptom onsets to participant-collected swabs was 2 days and to staff-collected swabs was also 2 days. The median time interval between the 2 swabs was 2 hours. Compared to staff-collected swabs, the participant-collected swabs were 93% sensitive and 99% specific for influenza virus detection, 94% sensitive and 99% specific for RSV detection, and 100% sensitive and 100% specific for hMPV detection.

Conclusions

Participant-collected midturbinate nasal swabs were a valid alternative approach for laboratory confirmation of influenza-, RSV-, and hMPV-associated illnesses among pregnant women in a community setting.
Integrating crop growth models with remote sensing for predicting biomass yield of sorghum
Authors: Yang Kai-Wei , Chapman Scott , Carpenter Neal , Hammer Graeme , McLean Greg , Zheng Bangyou , Chen Yuhao , Delp Edward , Masjedi Ali , Crawford Melba , Ebert David , Habib Ayman , Thompson Addie , Weil Clifford , Tuinstra Mitchell R
Published: January 2021

Plant phenotypes are often descriptive, rather than predictive of crop performance. As a result, extensive testing is required in plant breeding programmes to develop varieties aimed at performance in the target environments. Crop models can improve this testing regime by providing a predictive framework to (i) augment field phenotyping data and derive hard-to-measure phenotypes and (ii) estimate performance across geographical regions using historical weather data. The goal of this study was to parameterize the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) crop growth models with remote-sensing and ground-reference data to predict variation in phenology and yield-related traits in 18 commercial grain and biomass sorghum hybrids. Genotype parameters for each hybrid were estimated using remote-sensing measurements combined with manual phenotyping in West Lafayette, IN, in 2018. The models were validated in hybrid performance trials in two additional seasons at that site and against yield trials conducted in Bushland, TX, between 2001 and 2018. These trials demonstrated that (i) maximum plant height, final dry biomass and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of photoperiod-sensitive and -insensitive forage sorghum hybrids tended to be higher than observed in grain sorghum, (ii) photoperiod-sensitive sorghum hybrids exhibited greater biomass production in longer growing environments and (iii) the parameterized and validated models perform well in above-ground biomass simulations across years and locations. Crop growth models that integrate remote-sensing data offer an efficient approach to parameterize larger plant breeding populations.
The value of federated learning during and post-COVID-19
Authors: Qian Feng , Zhang Andrew
Published: January 2021

Federated learning (FL) as a distributed machine learning (ML) technique has lately attracted increasing attention of healthcare stakeholders as FL is perceived as a promising decentralized approach to address data privacy and security concerns. The FL approach stores and maintains the privacy-sensitive data locally while allows multiple sites to train ML models collaboratively. We aim to describe the most recent real-world cases using the FL in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 scenarios and also highlight current limitations and practical challenges of FL.
The Recognition Dilemma: Negotiating Identity in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Freedman Joshua
Published: January 2021

During five years of US-sponsored Israeli–Palestinian peace talks (2009–2014), Israeli PM Netanyahu repeatedly demanded that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state as part of any final status agreement. Simultaneously, a chorus of Israeli political and military elites consistently challenged this negotiating posture as a threat to the state's very identity. What explains these competing positions on recognition's absence and necessity? Considerable attention in IR has recently focused on the lengths states go to correct acts of misrecognition, out of a genuine need for recognition, and the self-certainty recognition provides in a socially uncertain world. This structural and intrinsic model neglects, however, the powerful role agents can play in constructing, or avoiding, recognition conflict. Political considerations can cause recognition, and its absence, to matter more than it otherwise should, just as they can cause others to view recognition campaigns as vulnerable and ontologically harmful pursuits. This article proposes both an instrumental model of recognition and a theory on the recognition dilemma needed to explain these competing attitudes. In doing so, it shifts attention away from social structure, and relations, in order to take domestic processes seriously as a forum for both the construction and contestation of recognition politics.
Yield of Serum Dexamethasone Measurement for Reducing False-Positive Results of Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Testing
Authors: Roper Stephen M
Published: January 2021

Background

The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) using a cortisol cutoff of 1.8 µg/dL has approximate sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 80% for detecting Cushing syndrome. False-positive DST results can be caused by a variety of conditions, by low dexamethasone bioavailability, or by failure to take dexamethasone as instructed. In an effort to reduce false positives caused by low bioavailability or medication noncompliance, we evaluated the yield of serum dexamethasone measurement for identifying invalid results.

Methods

Data were queried for orders requesting concurrent measurement of serum cortisol and dexamethasone over a 41-month period. Inclusion criteria were serum cortisol and dexamethasone measured from the same specimen, specimen collection before 9 AM after 1 mg dexamethasone administration, and results for both analytes documented in the electronic medical record. Seventy paired measurements were identified with these criteria. Results were categorized into 4 groups based on observed cortisol and dexamethasone concentrations: (a) suppressed cortisol, low dexamethasone; (b) suppressed cortisol, therapeutic dexamethasone; (c) unsuppressed cortisol, low dexamethasone; or (d) unsuppressed cortisol, therapeutic dexamethasone.

Results

Overall, 35 (50%) results demonstrated suppressed cortisol and therapeutic dexamethasone levels. The next largest group was unsuppressed cortisol and therapeutic dexamethasone, representing approximately 32% (n = 22) of the study population. Ten result sets (14%) fell into the unsuppressed cortisol and low dexamethasone category, and 3 paired measurements (4%) fit the criteria for suppressed cortisol and low dexamethasone.

Conclusions

The measurement of serum dexamethasone following DST reduces the false-positive rate associated with subtherapeutic dexamethasone levels.
Acceptability and feasibility of a mobile health application for blood pressure monitoring in rural Uganda
Authors: Mugabirwe Beatrice , Flickinger Tabor , Cox Lauren , Ariho Pius , Dillingham Rebecca , Okello Samson
Published: January 2021

Background

Mobile technologies to improve blood pressure control in resource-limited settings are needed. We adapted and evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of PositiveLinks, a mobile phone application for self-monitoring, social support, and engagement in care for people living with HIV, among patients with hypertension in rural Uganda.

Methods

We enrolled adults on treatment for hypertension at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara Municipal health center IV, southwestern Uganda. We provided and educated all participants on the use of PositiveLinks application and automated blood pressure monitors. We administered a baseline questionnaire and performed in-depth interviews 30 days later to explore acceptability, feasibility, medication adherence, social support, and blood pressure control.

Results

A total of 37 participants completed the interviews, mean age of 58 years (SD 10.8) and 28 (75.7%) were female. All participants embraced the PositiveLinks mobile app and were enthusiastic about self-monitoring of blood pressure, 35 (94.6%) experienced peer to peer support. Among the 35 participants non-adherent to medications at baseline, 31 had improved medication adherence. All except 1 of the 31(83.8%) who had uncontrolled blood pressure at baseline, had self-reported controlled blood pressure after 30 days of use of PositiveLinks.

Conclusion

Patients with hypertension in rural Uganda embraced the PositiveLinks mobile application and had improved medication adherence, social support, and blood pressure control. Further assessment of cost-effectiveness of the application in blood pressure control in resource-limited settings will be pursued in future studies.
Malignant potential of colorectal neoplasms in Lynch syndrome: an analysis of 325 lesions endoscopically treated at a single institute
Authors: Hatamori Hiroyuki , Chino Akiko , Arai Masami , Ide Daisuke , Saito Shoichi , Igarashi Masahiro , Kita Mizuho , Nakajima Takeshi , Kawachi Hiroshi , Fujisaki Junko
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients with Lynch syndrome are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence is accelerated in these patients. However, the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal neoplasms in Lynch syndrome patients are not well-known.

Methods

A total of 325 consecutive colorectal neoplasms were endoscopically removed from 68 patients with Lynch syndrome between June 2005 and May 2018 and retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of the 325 lesions, 94 (29%), 220 (68%) and 11 (3%) were from patients with MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 mutations, respectively. The median lesion size was 5 mm (range 2–40 mm), with 229 (71%) lesions having a non-polypoid morphology. The frequencies of advanced neoplasms, including high-grade adenomas, intramucosal carcinomas and submucosal invasive carcinomas were 14, 34, 97 and 93% for lesions with diameters of <5, ≥5 and <10, ≥10 and <20, and ≥20 mm, respectively. The frequencies of advanced neoplasms in the proximal colon, distal colon and rectum did not significantly differ (36, 35 and 41%, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the malignant transformation interval from low-grade adenomas to advanced neoplasms is similar in all parts of the colon. Furthermore, since one-third of neoplastic lesions with diameters of ≥5 and <10 mm and most of those ≥10 mm were advanced neoplasms, we recommend that in Lynch syndrome patients, careful colonoscopic surveillance should be performed throughout the colon, and all neoplastic lesions, regardless of the size, should be subjected to detailed endoscopic examination, complete resection and detailed pathological examination.
Community Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Malaria Vector Control Strategies in Lagos State, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Omotayo Ahmed I , Ande Adeolu T , Oduola Adedayo O , Olakiigbe Abiodun K , Ghazali Aishat K , Adeneye Adeniyi , Awolola Samson T
Published: January 2021

Malaria is a leading public health challenge causing mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Prominent malaria vector control methods employed in sub-Saharan Africa include Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual spraying (IRS). This study investigated knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of malaria vector control methods in Lagos, South-West Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross-sectional survey which was carried out between May and August 2018. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select Lagos Mainland, Kosofe, and Ojo local government areas (LGAs). Five hundred and twenty questionnaires were used for the study. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, whereas χ 2 was used to determine influence of respondents’ LGA, level of education and type of dwelling on respondents’ attitude and practice. Respondents’ LGAs have no significant impact on attitude and practice to malaria vector control methods. However, ‘level of education’ as well as ‘type of dwelling structure’ impacted significantly on some practices and attitude. Basically, IRS is the major tool employed in malaria vector control, but sometimes it is used in combination with other methods. A good number of residents also use LLINs. ‘Choice of method’ employed is mainly based on the effectiveness of method. General perception about LLINs and IRS is that they are effective, cheap and safer. Considering the widespread use of IRS and LLINs for malaria vector control in Lagos, implementation of malaria control programs should consider KAP to these two strategies.
Evaluation of TEM specimen quality prepared by focused ion beam using symmetry breaking index of convergent-beam electron diffraction
Authors: Morikawa Daisuke , Ageishi Masaki , Sato Kaori , Tsuda Kenji , Terauchi Masami
Published: January 2021

Degradation of the crystalline quality of transmission electron microscopy specimens in silicon prepared with different conditions has been examined using convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED). The specimens are prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) with different accelerating voltages, Ar-ion milling and crushing method. Symmetry breaking of CBED patterns was quantitatively evaluated by symmetry breaking index S, which has been previously reported. The degradation and inhomogeneity of the FIB specimen were suppressed by decreasing the accelerating voltages of the FIB fabrication in the final process.
Augmented cytotoxicity using the physical adsorption of Poloxamer 188 on allicin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles
Authors: Ossama Muhammed , Hathout Rania M , Attia Dalia A , Mortada Nahed D
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the physically adsorbed Poloxamer 188 coating polymer on the cytotoxic activity of allicin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles.

Methods

The double desolvation method was utilised to prepare the nanoparticles which were characterised for particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential and visualised using transmission electron microscopy. The coating density of the used polymer was determined using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR); 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity on HepG-2 cell lines.

Key findings

The particles were spherical possessing a PS of 714 ± 25.21 nm and a PDI of 0.663 ± 0.143. These results together with the 1H-NMR results analysis confirmed the efficient coating of Poloxamer 188. The coating of particles rendered them more cytotoxic, scoring an IC50 of 6.736 µm (2-folds lower than the uncoated counter parts and 4-folds lesser than the allicin solution), and apt for cancer-targeting. Moreover, the prepared nanoparticles were stable to gamma-sterilisation and to a storage of 12 months.

Conclusions

Augmented cytotoxicity on HepG-2 cell lines was obtained using the physical adsorption of an abundant and relatively cheap material, Poloxamer 188, on allicin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles.
A review on phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Iris germanica
Authors: Yousefsani Bahareh Sadat , Boozari Motahareh , Shirani Kobra , Jamshidi Amirhossein , Dadmehr Majid
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Iris germanica L. is a medicinal plant, which has a long history of uses, mainly in medieval Persia and many places worldwide for the management of a wide variety of diseases. In this study, we aimed to review ethnopharmacological applications in addition to phytochemical and pharmacological properties of I. germanica.

Key findings

Ethnomedical uses of I. germanica have been reported from many countries such as China, Pakistan, India, Iran and Turkey. The medicinal part of I. germanica is the rhizome and the roots. Based on phytochemical investigations, different bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenes, sterols, phenolics, ceramides and benzoquinones, have been identified in its medicinal parts. Current pharmacological studies represent that the plant possesses several biological and therapeutic effects, including neuroprotective, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects.

Although the majority of preclinical studies reported various pharmacological activities of this plant, however, sufficient clinical trials are not currently available. Therefore, to draw a definitive conclusion about the efficacy and therapeutic activities of I. germanica and its bioactive compounds, further clinical and experimental studies are required. Moreover, it is necessary to focus on the pharmacokinetic and safety studies on the extracts of I. germanica.
Page kidney post ureteroscopy: a case report
Authors: AlAsmi Raed , Alfozan Mohammed
Published: January 2021

Renal injury after surgical intervention is not uncommon in current urological practice with most complication would be anticipated in high risk patient. Subcapsular renal hematoma is not known complication post some urological interventions such as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and trauma. Few cases of subcapsular hematomas are reported as a complication post ureteroscopy in the literature. Clinical spectrum varies from spontaneous resolution through acute renal failure secondary to Page kidney. Page kidney is the external compression of a kidney usually caused by a subcapsular hematoma associated with high blood pressure and occasional renal failure. It is named after Dr. Irvin Page who first demonstrated in 1939 that applying external compression on the renal parenchyma could cause hypertension. Various management options are mentioned in literature and depend upon the severity and presentation. Percutaneous drainage is an option for the management of subcapsular hematoma in hemodynamically stable patient.
Pitfalls of exceptions for COVID-19 travel quarantine: lessons from a dignitary visit to Thailand
Authors: Mungaomklang Anek , Atsawawaranunt Kamolthip , Kochakarn Theerarat , Batty Elizabeth M , Kaewmalang Prayuth , Kongklieng Amornmas , Panwijitkul Pukkaporn , Joonlasak Khajohn , Kotanan Namfon , Loesbanluechai Duangkamon , Pawun Vichan , Chantratita Wasun , Chookajorn Thanat
Published: January 2021

A dignitary from a European country made an official visit to Thailand in November 2020. Due to the nature of this visit, a standard 14-day quarantine was not implemented. After a series of meetings with diplomats and hotel staffers, the dignitary was diagnosed with COVID-19. Here, we detailed the transmission and the genomic investigation from the visit, presenting the factors that need to be considered when a standard quarantine was waivered.
Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy-enabled elemental mapping illuminates the ‘battle for nutrients’ between plant and pathogen
Authors: Naim Fatima , Khambatta Karina , Sanglard Lilian M V P , Sauzier Georgina , Reinhardt Juliane , Paterson David J , Zerihun Ayalsew , Hackett Mark J , Gibberd Mark R
Published: January 2021

Metal homeostasis is integral to normal plant growth and development. During plant–pathogen interactions, the host and pathogen compete for the same nutrients, potentially impacting nutritional homeostasis. Our knowledge of outcome of the interaction in terms of metal homeostasis is still limited. Here, we employed the X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) beamline at the Australian Synchrotron to visualize and analyse the fate of nutrients in wheat leaves infected with Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, a necrotrophic fungal pathogen. We sought to (i) evaluate the utility of XFM for sub-micron mapping of essential mineral nutrients and (ii) examine the spatiotemporal impact of a pathogen on nutrient distribution in leaves. XFM maps of K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn revealed substantial hyperaccumulation within, and depletion around, the infected region relative to uninfected control samples. Fungal mycelia were visualized as thread-like structures in the Cu and Zn maps. The hyperaccumulation of Mn in the lesion and localized depletion in asymptomatic tissue surrounding the lesion was unexpected. Similarly, Ca accumulated at the periphery of the symptomatic region and as microaccumulations aligning with fungal mycelia. Collectively, our results highlight that XFM imaging provides the capability for high-resolution mapping of elements to probe nutrient distribution in hydrated diseased leaves in situ.
Primary beam effects of radio astronomy antennas – II. Modelling MeerKAT L-band beams
Authors: Asad K M B , Girard J N , de Villiers M , Ansah-Narh T , Iheanetu K , Smirnov O , Santos M G , Lehmensiek R , Jonas J , de Villiers D I L , Thorat K , Hugo B , Makhathini S , Jozsa G I G , Sirothia S K
Published: January 2021

After a decade of design and construction, South Africa’s SKA-MID precursor MeerKAT has begun its science operations. To make full use of the widefield capability of the array, it is imperative that we have an accurate model of the primary beam of its antennas. We have taken available L-band full-polarization ‘astro-holographic’ observations of three antennas and a generic electromagnetic simulation and created sparse representations of the beams using principal components and Zernike polynomials. The spectral behaviour of the spatial coefficients has been modelled using discrete cosine transform. We have provided the Zernike-based model over a diameter of 10 deg averaged over the beams of three antennas in an associated software tool (EIDOS) that can be useful in direction-dependent calibration and imaging. The model is more accurate for the diagonal elements of the beam Jones matrix and at lower frequencies. As we get more accurate beam measurements and simulations in the future, especially for the cross-polarization patterns, our pipeline can be used to create more accurate sparse representations of MeerKAT beams.
Constraining the fast radio burst properties using the joint distributions of dispersion measure and fluence of the events detected at Parkes, ASKAP, CHIME, and UTMOST
Authors: Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Bharadwaj Somnath
Published: January 2021

The Parkes, ASKAP, CHIME, and UTMOST telescopes, which have all detected fast radio bursts (FRBs), each works at a different frequency and has a different detection criteria. Using simulations, we have combined the constraints from all four telescopes to identify an allowed range of model parameters $(\alpha , \overline{E}_{33})$ for the FRB source population. Here, α is the spectral index and $\overline{E}_{33}$ is the mean FRB energy in units of $10^{33} \, {\rm J}$ across a 2128–2848 MHz band in the FRB rest frame. We have considered several different FRB energy distributions, and also different scenarios for the scattering pulse broadening, the event rate density variation with z and the host dispersion measure (DM). We find that in all cases, the common allowed region includes the range −3.9 ≤ α ≤ −1.3 and $0.42\le \overline{E}_{33}\le 1$. In all case, large values α > 4 and $\overline{E}_{33} \gt 60$ are ruled out. Considering the allowed $(\alpha , \overline{E}_{33})$ parameter range, we predict that CHIME is unlikely to detect an FRB with extragalactic dispersion measure (DMEx) exceeding $3700\, {\rm pc\, cm}^{-3}$. A substantially larger DMEx in the large FRB sample anticipated from CHIME would falsify the assumptions of the present analysis. Our analysis is expected to yield tighter parameter constraints with the advent of more FRB data.
A hyperluminous obscured quasar at a redshift of z ≈ 4.3
Authors: Efstathiou Andreas , Małek Katarzyna , Burgarella Denis , Hurley Peter , Oliver Seb , Buat Veronique , Shirley Raphael , Duivenvoorden Steven , Lesta Vicky Papadopoulou , Farrah Duncan , Duncan Kenneth J , Varillas María del Carmen Campos
Published: January 2021

In this work we report the discovery of the hyperluminous galaxy HELP_J100156.75 + 022344.7 at a photometric redshift of $z$ ≈ 4.3. The galaxy was discovered in the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field, one of the fields studied by the Herschel Extragalactic Legacy Project (HELP). We present the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the galaxy and fit it with the CYprus models for Galaxies and their NUclear Spectra (CYGNUS) multi-component radiative transfer models. We find that its emission is dominated by an obscured quasar with a predicted total 1–1000 μm luminosity of $3.91^{+1.69}_{-0.55} \times 10^{13}\, \mathrm{ L}_\odot$ and an active galactic nucleus (AGN) fraction of $\sim 89{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We also fit HELP_J100156.75 + 022344.7 with the cigale(code investigating galaxy emission) code and find a similar result. This is only the second $z$ > 4 hyperluminous obscured quasar discovered to date. The discovery of HELP_J100156.75 + 022344.7 in the ∼2 deg2 COSMOS field implies that a large number of obscured hyperluminous quasars may lie in the HELP fields, which cover ∼1300 deg2. If this is confirmed, tension between supermassive black hole evolution models and observations will be alleviated. We estimate the space density of objects like HELP_J100156.75 + 022344.7 at $z$ ≈ 4.5 to be ∼1.8 × 10−8 Mpc−3. This is slightly higher than the space density of coeval hyperluminous optically selected quasars, suggesting that the obscuring torus in $z$ > 4 quasars may have a covering factor $\gtrsim 50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
Transcription Factors Drive Opposite Relationships between Gene Age and Tissue Specificity in Male and Female Drosophila Gonads
Authors: Witt Evan , Svetec Nicolas , Benjamin Sigi , Zhao Li
Published: January 2021

Evolutionarily young genes are usually preferentially expressed in the testis across species. Although it is known that older genes are generally more broadly expressed than younger genes, the properties that shaped this pattern are unknown. Older genes may gain expression across other tissues uniformly, or faster in certain tissues than others. Using Drosophila gene expression data, we confirmed previous findings that younger genes are disproportionately testis biased and older genes are disproportionately ovary biased. We found that the relationship between gene age and expression is stronger in the ovary than any other tissue and weakest in testis. We performed ATAC-seq on Drosophila testis and found that although genes of all ages are more likely to have open promoter chromatin in testis than in ovary, promoter chromatin alone does not explain the ovary bias of older genes. Instead, we found that upstream transcription factor (TF) expression is highly predictive of gene expression in ovary but not in testis. In the ovary, TF expression is more predictive of gene expression than open promoter chromatin, whereas testis gene expression is similarly influenced by both TF expression and open promoter chromatin. We propose that the testis is uniquely able to express younger genes controlled by relatively few TFs, whereas older genes with more TF partners are broadly expressed with peak expression most likely in the ovary. The testis allows widespread baseline expression that is relatively unresponsive to regulatory changes, whereas the ovary transcriptome is more responsive to trans-regulation and has a higher ceiling for gene expression.
Extract of bulbus ofFritillaria cirrhosainduces spindle multipolarity in human-derived colonic epithelial NCM460 cells through promoting centrosome fragmentation
Authors: Guo Xihan , Wang Chunlei , Tian Weimeng , Dai Xueqin , Ni Juan , Wu Xiayu , Wang Xu
Published: January 2021

Bulbus of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (BFC), an outstanding antitussive and expectorant herbal drug used in China and many other countries, has potential but less understood genotoxicity. Previously, we have reported that aqueous extract of BFC compromised the spindle assembly checkpoint and cytokinesis in NCM460 cells. Here, we found that one remarkable observation in BFC-treated NCM460 cells was multipolar mitosis, a trait classically compromises the fidelity of chromosome segregation. More detailed investigation revealed that BFC-induced spindle multipolarity in metaphases and ana-telophases in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting BFC-induced multipolar spindle conformation was not transient. The frequency of multipolar metaphase correlated well to that of multipolar ana-telophases, indicating that BFC-induced multipolar metaphases often persisted through anaphase. Unexpectedly, BFC blocked the proliferation of binucleated cells, suggesting spindle multipolarity was not downstream of BFC-induced cytokinesis failure. Exposure of BFC to early mitotic cells, rather than S/G2 cells, contributed greatly to spindle multipolarity, indicating BFC might disrupt centrosome integrity rather than induce centrosome overduplication. The immunofluorescence results showed that the centrosomes were severely fragmented by a short-term treatment of BFC and the extent of centrosome fragmentation in early mitotic cells was larger than this in S/G2 cells. Consistently, several genes (e.g. p53, Rb centrin-2, Plk-4, Plk-1 and Aurora-A) involved in regulating centrosome integrity were significantly deregulated by BFC. Together, our results suggest that BFC causes multipolar spindles primarily by inducing centrosome fragmentation. Coupling these results to our previous observations, we recommend the risk/benefit ratio should be considered in the practical use of BFC.
Periinterventional Vasospasm in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Predicts an Unfavorable Clinical Course
Authors: Marbacher Serge , Bircher Benjamin , Vogt Deborah R , Diepers Michael , Remonda Luca , Fandino Javier
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Preliminary evidence exists that ultra-early angiographic vasospasm (UEAV) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and poor functional outcome. Typically, detection of UEAV has been based on admission radiological imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the occurrence of the phenomenon of UEAV during treatment in SAH patients.

METHODS

A total of 206 consecutive patients underwent either endovascular or microsurgical treatment in a hybrid operating room within 48 h after SAH. Time to DCVS and DCI, and poor functional outcome (both binary) were analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards and logistic regression models. We examined both univariable models (admission and periinterventional UEAV) and multivariable models (backward variable selection, including further known and suspected risk factors).

RESULTS

For UEAV detected in 33 patients (16%), 10 were admission and periinterventional and 23 periinterventional only. Both admission and periinterventional UEAV significantly increased the risk of DCVS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.3, P = .001), DCI (odds ratio [OR] 5.9, CI 1.7-25.1, P = .001), and poor functional outcome (OR 4.7, CI 1.7-13.4, P = .004). Clipping, female sex, and higher Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scale increased the hazard for DCVS and the probability for DCI, whereas increasing patient age, poor initial World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage increased the probability for poor functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

Detection of admission or periinterventional UEAV poses high risk of DCVS, DCI, and poor outcome after SAH. Therefore, periinterventional UEAV should be considered an important warning sign that warrants both early monitoring and aggressive therapy.
Equity in agriculture-nutrition-health research: a scoping review
Authors: Harris Jody , Tan Winson , Mitchell Becky , Zayed Dina
Published: January 2021

Links among agriculture, nutrition, and health (ANH) are established, but the role of inequity is less understood. In this scoping review, we aimed to understand the range of ways that ANH research addresses inequity issues in low- and middle-income countries. We used PRISMA guidelines to structure our study. From an initial >26 000 studies, 243 published reports met inclusion criteria and were mapped. The number of reports addressing inequity in ANH research has increased over time from < 10 articles in 2008 to > 40 in 2018. Within equity, a majority of articles (n = 327) focused on describing how nutrition and health outcomes differ for different groups. Many (n = 134) looked at the material circumstances that shape people’s life chances. Fewer (n = 51) looked at the most basic structural determinants of (in)equity. The same aspects of equity remain the least studied in ANH research, including the intersections of equity issues shaping life chances, and inequity’s structural determinants. We suggest ways forward for this community, drawing on conceptual frameworks and theory of inequity from different disciplines.
Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age
Authors: Lemay Jean-François , Langenberger Shauna , McLeod Scott
Published: January 2021

Background

The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment.

Methods

We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs.

Results

For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour.

Conclusion

Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.