bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The soil seed bank can buffer long‐term compositional changes in annual plant communities
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Kigel Jaime , Sternberg Marcelo
Published: November 2020

Ecological theory predicts that the soil seed bank stabilizes the composition of annual plant communities in the face of environmental variability. However, long‐term data on the community dynamics in the seed bank and the standing vegetation are needed to test this prediction.

We tested the hypothesis that the composition of the seed bank undergoes lower temporal variability than the standing vegetation in a 9‐year study in Mediterranean, semi‐arid and arid ecosystems. The composition of the seed bank was estimated by collecting soil cores from the studied sites on an annual basis. Seedling emergence under optimal watering conditions was measured in each soil core for three consecutive years, to account for seed dormancy.

In all sites, the composition of the seed bank differed from the vegetation throughout the years. Small‐seeded and dormant‐seeded species had a higher frequency in the seed bank than in the standing vegetation. In contrast, functional group membership (grasses vs. forbs) did not explain differences in species frequency between the seed bank and the vegetation after controlling for differences between grasses and forbs in seed mass and seed dormancy.

Contrary to predictions, the magnitude of year‐to‐year variability (the mean compositional dissimilarity between consecutive years) was not lower in the seed bank than in the vegetation in all sites. However, long‐term compositional trends in the seed bank were weaker than in the vegetation in the Mediterranean and semi‐arid sites. In the arid site where year‐to‐year variability was highest, no long‐term trends were observed.

Synthesis. The effect of the seed bank on the temporal variability of the vegetation in annual communities depends on site conditions and time‐scale. While the year‐to‐year variability of the seed bank is similar to the vegetation, the soil seed bank can buffer long‐term trends.
The Sedimentary Evolution During Late Triassic‐Jurassic Period and the Hydrocarbon Exploration Direction in the Eastern Part of the Qiangtang Basin, Tibet
Authors: LIU Ruohan , HE Bizhu , ZHENG Menglin , LUO Xiaoping , PENG Yang , YUN Xiaorui , CHEN Weiwei , YU Zhuoying
Published: November 2020

Based on the field outcrops surveyed, combined with recent published the regional tectonic evolution and geochronology data, we analyzed the lithologies and rock associations of strata, identified the sedimentary facies types, and discussed the distribution sedimentary facies and the hydrocarbon accumulation in the eastern Qiangtang basin during the Late Triassic – Jurassic. Marked by regional unconformities, there are two tectono‐stratigraphic units (from the Carnian to the Norian and from the Rhaetian to the Kimmeridgian, respectively) in the eastern part of Qiangtang basin. We systematically described the distribution range, thickness variation and lithological characteristics of different formations in the tectono‐stratigraphic units. The Late Triassic‐Jurassic is dominated by marine facies and marine ‐ continental transitional facies. The marine ‐ continental transitional facies include deltaic and tidal‐lagoon facies. Marine facies including gentle carbonate slope, evaporative platform, restricted platform, littoral, neritic, bathyal and abysmal facies. The Carnian stage is dominated by littoral–neritic–bathyal–abysmal facies in the north Qiangtang depression otherwise the littoral–neritic facies in the south Qiangtang depression. The early Norian stage is dominated by carbonate gentle slope‐mixed continental shelf facies. The late Norian, Bajocian, Callovian and Kimmeridgian stage are dominated by tidal flat‐delta facies in the north Qiangtang depression and littoral‐neritic facies in the south Qiangtang depression. The Bathonian and Oxfordian stage are dominated by evaporative platform‐ restricted platform‐ mixed continental shelf facies. The sedimentary facies formed zones from north to south and extended in an E–W direction. The Eastern Lower Uplift (ELU) played an important role in the division zones of sedimentary facies from north to south. During the Bathonian and Oxfordian, the ELU developed below the sea level and controlled the distribution of restricted platform, evaporative platform and platform margin. We analyzed 20 source rock samples from the upper Triassic‐Jurassic. The total organic carbon (TOC) value from Qoimaco, Buqu and Adula Formations. of late Triassic‐Jurassic in the eastern Qiangtang basin are ranges from 0.17∼0.33% (average 0.28%), 0.05∼0.25% (average 0.15%) and 10.32∼28.78% (average 19.33%), respectively. Obviously, the Adula Fm. developed good source rocks. The values of Tmax and S1+S2 in the Adula formation are 459–461°C (average 460°C) and 6.75‐28.55 mg/g (average 18.18mg/g), indicating that the Adula source rock has reached high‐over‐maturity stage. The bathyal, gentle slop and platform facie belts of the Upper Triassic can configurate the good hydrocarbon prospects in the northeastern area of the Qiangtang basin.
Neoproterozoic Trench‐arc System in the Western Segment of Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China
Authors: SHU Liangshu
Published: November 2020

The Jiangnan orogenic belt is a key to understanding of the Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block. We investigate the mafic‐ultramafic suites of lherzolite, pyroxenite, gabbro, pillow basalt and gabbroic diorite as well as red jasper interbedded with marine marbles that are mainly exposed as fault‐trapped blocks in the Yuanbaoshan and Longsheng domains of the western Jiangnan belt. The post‐collisional granite plutons that intruded the ultramafic‐mafic rocks are developed well. Zircons in the gabbro yield crystallization ages of 867±10 Ma, 863±8 Ma, 869±9 Ma and 855±5 Ma whereas those from the granites show ages of 823±5 Ma, 831±5 Ma, 824±5 Ma and 833±6 Ma. The Neoproterozoic serpentinited ultramafic samples display minor REE enriched pattern with depletion of Rb, Ba, Nb, Ta and Ti, similar to those of SSZ type ophiolite. The coeval gabbro shows tholeiitic features and is characterized by negative Ba, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Sr anomalies and LREE enriched patterns, with a minor negative Eu anomaly. Some zircon grains from the Longshen gabbro yield Neoarchean‐Paleoproterozoic ages (2859–2262 Ma), suggesting its continental arc setting. Geochemical signature of the mafic‐ultramafic rocks is consistent with subduction related setting. The pyroxene‐bearing diorite exhibits a distinctive arc affinity. The zircons from the gabbro show positive ∊Hf(t) values ranging from 3.9 to 13.8. The granitoids are typical S–type granites with high ACNK values (1.15–1.40) and negative ∊Hf(t) values (−15.1 to −3.2), and are classified as collision–related granites. Combined with the occurrences of mafic‐ultramafic rocks, siliceous marble and red jasper mixed with basalt, our new results suggest the presence of a Tonian (863–869 Ma) SSZ ophiolite system and continental arc‐type magmatism in the western Jiangnan orogen.
On the core of auctions with externalities: stability and fairness
Authors: Jeong Seungwon (Eugene)
Published: November 2020

In auctions with externalities, it is well‐known that the core can be empty, which is undesirable both in terms of stability and “fairness.” Nevertheless, some auction outcome must be chosen. We separate deviations into two types: deviations by paying more and deviations by refusing to pay. In high‐stakes auctions where bidders also care about their reputation, the latter are unlikely to occur, or else can be prevented by legal interventions. In contrast, the former is more undesirable in the sense that the seller and the bidders experience justified envy. We show that the core is nonempty if bidders cannot refuse to pay.
Micro‐anatomy of the ear of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Authors: Robert Mickaël P. , Carstens Ann , de Beer Frederik C. , Hoffman Jakobus W. , Steenkamp Gerhard
Published: November 2020

The white rhinoceros is the largest of the five extant rhinoceros species. The population is declining rapidly because of intense poaching. However, normal anatomical descriptions in this species are lacking. The purpose of this study is to describe the osseous anatomy of the middle and inner ear of the southern white rhinoceros using micro‐focus X‐ray computed tomography imaging. Four temporal bones obtained from two 1‐day old southern white rhinoceros preserved in 10% formalin were scanned. Tri‐dimensional reconstructions were obtained and volumes of the middle ear ossicles and inner ear structures were calculated. Excellent high spatial resolution 3D images were obtained for all samples and virtual models of the auditory ossicles and bony labyrinth were generated. Visualization of the tympanic membrane, middle ear and inner ear structures was possible in all samples. Whereas the stapes and incus had a shape similar to their human or equine counterparts, the malleus showed a unique appearance with a long rostral branch projecting latero‐distally to the manubrium. The cochlea described 2 turns rostro‐laterally around its axis, with a medial direction of rotation. However, identification of the soft tissue structures of the middle ear was sometimes difficult and visualization of the small structures of the membranous labyrinth was not possible using this formalin fixation and alternative techniques should be investigated. Further investigations are needed in order to provide a complete virtual model including both soft and bone tissues of this difficultly accessible region.
Unsettled Care: Temporality, Subjectivity, and the Uneasy Ethics of Care
Authors: Cook Joanna , Trundle Catherine
Published: November 2020

In this introduction, and indeed this special section, we explore care as a morally ambiguous and relationally unstable set of practices. By exploring care over longer temporal frames and across shifting subjectivities and intersubjectivities, we show how enactments of care are often unsettled by the transforming dynamics of relationships across time and often entail a multiplicity of competing affects and aspirations, such as hope and failure, love and resentment, pragmatism and utopianism, and connection and disconnection. We thus suggest an analytic approach to care that questions care as either morally suspect or morally virtuous and instead allows for the compromised, shifting, and ambiguous dimensions of care practices to take center stage. [care, anthropology, temporality, subjectivity]
Methylprednisolone pulse treatment improves ProSP‐C trafficking in twins with SFTPC mutation: An isoform story?
Authors: Delestrain Céline , Aissat Abdel , Simon Stéphanie , Tarze Agathe , Duprat Elodie , Nattes Elodie , Costes Bruno , Delattre Valérie , Finet Stéphanie , Fanen Pascale , Epaud Ralph
Published: November 2020

Mutations in the gene encoding surfactant protein C (SP‐C) cause interstitial lung disease (ILD), and glucocorticosteroid (GC) treatment is the most recognized therapy in children. We aimed to decipher the mechanisms behind successful GC treatment in twins carrying a BRICHOS c.566G > A (p.Cys189Tyr) mutation in the SP‐C gene (SFTPC).

Methods

The twins underwent bronchoscopy before and after GC treatment and immunoblotting analysis of SP‐C proprotein (proSP‐C) and SP‐C mature in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF). Total RNA was extracted and analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR assays. In A549 cells, the processing of mutated protein C189Y was studied by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting after heterologous expression of eukaryotic vectors containing wild type or C189Y mutant cDNA.

Results

Before treatment, BALF analysis identified an alteration of the proSP‐C maturation process. Functional study of C189Y mutation in alveolar A549 cells showed that pro‐SP‐CC189Y was retained within the endoplasmic reticulum together with ABCA3. After 5 months of GC treatment with clinical benefit, the BALF analysis showed an improvement of proSP‐C processing. SFTPC mRNA analysis in twins revealed a decrease in the expression of total SFTPC mRNA and a change in its splicing, leading to the expression of a second shorter proSP‐C isoform. In A549 cells, the processing and the stability of this shorter wild‐type proSP‐C isoform was similar to that of the longer isoform, but the half‐life of the mutated shorter isoform was decreased.

These results suggest a direct effect of GC on proSP‐C metabolism through reducing the SFTPC mRNA level and favouring the expression of a less stable protein isoform.
Are language skills related to structural features in Broca's and Wernicke's area?
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Liem Franz , Merillat Susan
Published: November 2020

This study used structural magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether specific anatomical features of Broca's and Wernicke's areas are related to language functions in typically developing older subjects with no specific language expertize. Data from 231 subjects from the Zurich LHAB‐study are used for this study. For these subjects, we obtained several psychometric measures from which we calculated performance measures reflecting specific psychological functions (language comprehension, verbal fluency, perceptual speed, visual memory, recognition of regularities, and logical thinking). From the MRI measurements, we calculated the cortical thickness and cortical surface of Broca's and Wernicke's areas. Applying multiple regression analyses, we identified a moderately strong relationship between language comprehension and the brain metrics from Broca's and Wernicke's areas and showed that approximately 10% of the variance in language comprehension performance is explained by the linear combination of all perisylvian brain metrics. The other psychological functions (verbal fluency, perceptual speed, visual memory, recognition of regularities, and logical thinking) are not related to these brain metrics. Subsequent detailed analyses revealed that the cortical thickness of Wernicke's area, in particular, contributed most to this structure‐function relationship. The better performance in the language comprehension tests was related to a thicker cortex in Wernicke's area. Thus, this study demonstrates a structure‐function relationship between the anatomical features of the perisylvian language areas and language comprehension, suggesting that particular anatomical features are associated with better language performance.
The hematology laboratory’s response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Bell Robert , Zini Gina , d’Onofrio Giuseppe , Rogers Heesun J. , Lee Yi‐Shan , Frater John L.
Published: November 2020

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has had a profound worldwide impact on the laboratory hematology community. Nevertheless, the pace of COVID‐19 hematology‐related research has continued to accelerate and has established the role of laboratory hematology data for many purposes including disease prognosis and outcome. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the current state of COVID‐19 laboratory hematology research. A comprehensive search of the literature published between December 1, 2019, and July 3, 2020, was performed, and we analyzed the sources, publication dates, study types, and topics of the retrieved studies. Overall, 402 studies were included in this scoping review. Approximately half of these studies (n = 202, 50.37%) originated in China. Retrospective cohort studies comprised the largest study type (n = 176, 43.89%). Prognosis/ risk factors, epidemiology, and coagulation were the most common topics. The number of studies published per day has increased through the end of May. The studies were heavily biased in favor of papers originating in China and on retrospective clinical studies with limited use of and reporting of laboratory data. Despite the major improvements in our understanding of the role of coagulation, automated hematology, and cell morphology in COVID‐19, there are gaps in the literature, including biosafety and the laboratory role in screening and prevention of COVID‐19. There is a gap in the publication of papers focused on guidelines for the laboratory. Our findings suggest that, despite the large number of publications related to laboratory data and their use in COVID‐19 disease, many areas remain unexplored or under‐reported.
The medical impact of hepatitis D virus infection in Asia and Africa; time for a reappraisal
Authors: Rizzetto Mario , Hamid Saeed
Published: November 2020

Although hepatitis D is believed to be an important medical problem in Africa and many areas of Asia, the geographical distribution and prevalence rates of infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV) vary considerably, are often inconsistent and sometimes conflicting. Discrepancies may depend on methodological problems, primarily on different modalities of patients' recruitment; these are analysed in this mini‐review, in order to provide a uniform clinical approach when testing patients with chronic HDV disease.
Contrasting adaptive responses to cope with drought stress and recovery in Cenchrus ciliaris L. and their implications for tissue lignification
Authors: Carrizo Iliana M. , López Colomba Eliana , Tommasino Exequiel , Carloni Edgardo , Bollati Graciela , Grunberg Karina
Published: November 2020

Cenchrus ciliaris L. is a widely used species for cattle feed in arid and semi‐arid regions due to good forage value and known tolerance to drought conditions. Here, we provide insights to adaptive responses of two contrasting genotypes of C. ciliaris (drought‐tolerant “RN51” and drought‐sensitive “RN1”) to face drought stress and recovery conditions and the implications for tissue lignification. Drought stress caused a reversible decrease in the leaf water relationship and damage to photosystem II, leading to an increased generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Plants of RN51 exhibited a pronounced increase of antioxidant enzymatic activities. Unlike the drought‐sensitive genotype, RN51 exhibited further development of lignified tissues and bulliform cells and had the greatest thickness of the adaxial epidermis. Drought stress led to the rapid activation of the expression of lignin biosynthesis pathway‐related enzymes. The transcript level of the caffeoyl‐CoA O‐methyltransferase gene decreased in RN1, whereas cinnamoyl‐CoA reductase transcripts were increased in RN51. After rewatering, the tolerant genotype recovered more rapidly than RN1. Even though the two genotypes survived when they were exposed to drought stress, RN1 showed the highest reduction in growth parameters, and this reduction was sustained during rewatering. The results indicated that the capacity to regulate lipid peroxidation and mitigate oxidative damage could be one of the mechanisms included in tolerance to drought stress. In addition, the development of foliar characteristics, like thickness of the adaxial epidermis, well‐developed bulliform cells, and intensive lignified tissues, are considered anatomical adaptive strategies for drought tolerance in C. ciliaris.
Reading Bavinck's EthicsGereformeerde ethiek, Herman Bavinck, KokBoekencentrum, 2019 (ISBN978‐90‐435‐3226‐6), 976 pp., hb €49.99Reformed Ethics, Volume I: Created, Fallen, and Converted Humanity, HermanBavinck, Baker Academic, 2019 (IISBN 978‐08‐010‐9802‐4), xliii + 564 pp., hb €60
Authors: Pass Bruce R.
Published: November 2020

The long‐awaited publication of Gereformeerde ethiek/Reformed Ethics by Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) is a landmark publication that sheds light on the range, scope, and development of the thought of this important Reformed theologian. Nevertheless, Bavinck's Ethics does not make the kind of contribution to moral theology that his magnum opus has made to systematic theology. In many places, it conveys the impression of a draft that lacks the qualities which have earned Reformed Dogmatics such high praise. Moreover, Bavinck's Ethics reflects positions which he would later revise or reject. This review article contrasts the Dutch critical edition with the first volume of the English translation, offering an analysis of Bavinck's conceptualization of this theological subdiscipline.
Periodontal condition and treatment in a patient with rare systemic condition: A case report for acid sphingomyelinase deficiency
Authors: Bitencourt Fernando Valentim , Bender Cláubia Viegas , Fiorini Tiago , Gomes Sabrina Carvalho , Visioli Fernanda , Angst Patricia Daniela Melchiors
Published: November 2020

Background

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a rare group of autosomal recessive disorders. This report provides the first detailed description of the periodontal condition and treatment response in a patient with chronic visceral ASMD.

Case description

A 49‐year‐old white woman with ASMD showed elevated visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at 100% of sites. Periodontal pocket depths (PPD) were mostly shallow to moderate (at 96% of sites), whereas the loss of clinical attachment (CAL) was moderate to severe (54% and 46% of sites, respectively, at 4‐6 mm and ≥7 mm categories). Periapical radiographs revealed the presence of furcation involvement and intra‐bony defects. The periodontal diagnosis was periodontitis stage IV, generalized, grade C. Ninety days after the end of the supra and subgingival control (e.g., cause‐related therapy), marked reduction was observed for all periodontal indicators: VPI (‐83%), GBI (‐79%), BOP (‐85%), elimination of sites PPD ≥7 mm, 27% increase in sites PPD 1‐3 mm (from 64% to 91%), and gain of clinical attachment (gain of 11% CAL 1‐3 mm and 25% CAL 4‐6 mm; and a reduction of 36% CAL ≥7 mm).

Practical implications

Despite the severity of the initial periodontal condition, the patient with chronic visceral ASMD responded well to the non‐surgical periodontal treatment.
OsClo5 functions as a transcriptional co‐repressor by interacting with OsDi19‐5 to negatively affect salt stress tolerance in rice seedlings
Authors: Jing Pei , Kong Dongyan , Ji Lingxiao , Kong Lin , Wang Yanting , Peng Liangcai , Xie Guosheng
Published: November 2020

Caleosins constitute a small protein family with one calcium‐binding EF‐hand motif. They are involved in the regulation of development and response to abiotic stress in plants. Nevertheless, how they impact salt stress tolerance in rice is largely unknown. Thereby, biochemical and molecular genetic experiments were carried out, and the results revealed that OsClo5 was able to bind calcium and phospholipids in vitro and localized in the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum in rice protoplasts. At the germination and early seedlings stages, overexpression transgenic lines and T‐DNA mutant lines exhibited reduced and increased tolerance to salt stress, respectively, compared with the wild‐type. Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and in vitro pull‐down assays demonstrated that the EF‐hand motif of OsClo5 was essential for the interactions with itself and OsDi19‐5. Yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic migration shift and dual‐luciferase reporter assays identified OsDi19‐5 as a transcriptional repressor via the TACART cis‐element in the promoters of two salt stress‐related target genes, OsUSP and OsMST. In addition, OsClo5 enhanced the inhibitory effect of OsDi19‐5 in the tobacco transient system, which was confirmed by qRT‐PCR analysis in rice seedlings under salt stress. The collective results deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the roles of caleosin in the salt stress response. These findings will also inform efforts to improve salt tolerance of rice.
Testing and Validation of Nuclear Fuel Composition Using SIMS Method
Authors: Elantyev Ivan , Kostal Michal , Losa Evzen , Sihelska Kristina , Rezankova Klara , Lorincik Jan
Published: November 2020

Correct mathematical models of a reactor core in benchmarking of reactor physics experiments require detailed knowledge of exact isotopic composition of fuel pellets, especially the presence of neutron absorbers. Among them, knowledge of 234U and 236U abundance in fuel is important, because their absorption is considerably stronger than that of the most common 238U and their concentration is significantly higher than any other absorbers. Thus, the fuel pellets used in the nuclear research reactor LR-0 have been experimentally investigated using the procedure that involves a method of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), which allowed for analyses of miniature amount of the pellet material without disturbing its integrity. The pellets were swiped with cotton cloths and the microscopic particles collected on the cloth were analyzed. The isotopic composition of individual uranium particles then provided information required for the reactor core modeling and in addition to that some hints about used source materials, history of nuclear material, and the manufacturing process of the pellets.
Determinants of seeding and spreading of α-synuclein pathology in the brain
Authors: Henrich Martin T. , Geibl Fanni F. , Lakshminarasimhan Harini , Stegmann Anna , Giasson Benoit I. , Mao Xiaobo , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Surmeier D. James
Published: November 2020

The uptake and spread of a-synuclein pathology in the brain are governed by neuronal phenotype and connectomics.
Artificial visual systems enabled by quasi–two-dimensional electron gases in oxide superlattice nanowires
Authors: Meng You , Li Fangzhou , Lan Changyong , Bu Xiuming , Kang Xiaolin , Wei Renjie , Yip SenPo , Li Dapan , Wang Fei , Takahashi Tsunaki , Hosomi Takuro , Nagashima Kazuki , Yanagida Takeshi , Ho Johnny C.
Published: November 2020

Quasi–two-dimensional electron gases in superlattice nanowires enable the ultralow-power artificial visual systems.
Assembly of the algal CO
2
-fixing organelle, the pyrenoid, is guided by a Rubisco-binding motif
Authors: Meyer Moritz T. , Itakura Alan K. , Patena Weronika , Wang Lianyong , He Shan , Emrich-Mills Tom , Lau Chun S. , Yates Gary , Mackinder Luke C. M. , Jonikas Martin C.
Published: November 2020

A protein motif mediates targeting of proteins to the pyrenoid and appears to link the pyrenoid’s three subcompartments.
Magnetic resonance imaging of spin-wave transport and interference in a magnetic insulator
Authors: Bertelli Iacopo , Carmiggelt Joris J. , Yu Tao , Simon Brecht G. , Pothoven Coosje C. , Bauer Gerrit E. W. , Blanter Yaroslav M. , Aarts Jan , van der Sar Toeno
Published: November 2020

Spins in diamond enable quantitative, phase-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of coherent spin waves in thin-film magnets.
Pairing of Parental Noroviruses with Unequal Competitiveness Provides a Clear Advantage for Emergence of Progeny Recombinants
Authors: Koo Eung Seo , Jeong Yong Seok
Published: November 2020

Novel recombinants, generated from inter- and intraspecies recombination of norovirus lineages, often emerge and pose a threat to public health. However, the factors determining emergence of these particular recombinants from all possible combinations of parental lineages remain largely unknown.
TRAF6 and TAK1 Contribute to SAMHD1-Mediated Negative Regulation of NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Espada Constanza E. , St. Gelais Corine , Bonifati Serena , Maksimova Victoria V. , Cahill Michael P. , Kim Sun Hee , Wu Li
Published: November 2020

Cells respond to pathogen infection by activating a complex innate immune signaling pathway, which culminates in the activation of transcription factors and secretion of a family of functionally and genetically related cytokines. However, excessive immune activation may cause tissue damage and detrimental effects on the host.
Supplemental Material: Differential crustal rotation and its control on giant ore clusters along the eastern margin of Tibet
Authors: Deng Jun , al. et
Published: November 2020

Detailed description of data analyses, geological settings, Figures S1 and S2, and Tables S1–S4.
Pregravid contraceptive use and fecundability: prospective cohort study
Authors: Yland Jennifer J , Bresnick Kathryn A , Hatch Elizabeth E , Wesselink Amelia K , Mikkelsen Ellen M , Rothman Kenneth J , Sørensen Henrik T , Huybrechts Krista F , Wise Lauren A
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between pregravid use of a variety of contraceptive methods and subsequent fecundability.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Denmark and North America, 2007-19.

Participants

17 954 women who had tried to conceive for up to six menstrual cycles at study entry. At baseline, participants reported their contraceptive histories, and personal, medical, and lifestyle characteristics.

Main outcome measures

Pregnancy, determined by bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months.

Results

Approximately 38% (n=6735) of participants had recently used oral contraceptives, 13% (n=2398) had used long acting reversible contraceptive methods, and 31% (n=5497) had used barrier methods. Women who had recently stopped using oral contraceptives, the contraceptive ring, and some long acting reversible contraceptive methods experienced short term delays in return of fertility compared with users of barrier methods. Use of injectable contraceptives was associated with decreased fecundability compared with use of barrier methods (fecundability ratio 0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.47 to 0.89). Users of injectable contraceptives had the longest delay in return of normal fertility (five to eight menstrual cycles), followed by users of patch contraceptives (four cycles), users of oral and ring contraceptives (three cycles), and users of hormonal and copper intrauterine devices and implant contraceptives (two cycles). Lifetime length of use of hormonal contraceptive methods was not associated with fecundability.

Conclusions

Use of some hormonal contraceptive methods was associated with delays in return of fertility, with injectable contraceptives showing the longest delay. The findings indicated little or no lasting effect of long term use of these methods on fecundability.
Fighting non-communicable diseases in East Africa: assessing progress and identifying the next steps
Authors: Kraef Christian , Juma Pamela A , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Ramaiya Kaushik , Ndikumwenayo Francois , Kallestrup Per , Yonga Gerald
Published: November 2020

Sub-Saharan Africa has seen a rapid increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) burden over the last decades. The East African Community (EAC) comprises Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda, with a population of 177 million. In those countries, 40% of deaths in 2015 were attributable to NCDs. We review the status of the NCD response in the countries of the EAC based on the available monitoring tools, the WHO NCD progress monitors in 2017 and 2020 and the East African NCD Alliance benchmark survey in 2017. In the EAC, modest progress in governance, prevention of risk factors, monitoring, surveillance and evaluation of health systems can be observed. Many policies exist on paper, implementation and healthcare are weak and there are large regional and subnational differences. Enhanced efforts by regional and national policy-makers, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders are needed to ensure future NCD policies and implementation improvements.
Alzheimer’s disease: from basic science to precision medicine approach
Authors: Forloni Gianluigi
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Together with cerebral amyloid accumulation, several factors contribute to AD pathology including vascular alterations, systemic inflammation, genetic/epigenetic status and mitochondrial dysfunction. Much is now being devoted to neuroinflammation. However, anti-inflammatory drugs as numerous other therapies, mainly targeted on β-amyloid, have failed to show efficacious effects in AD. Timing, proper selection of patients, and the need for a multitarget approach appear to be the main weak points of current therapeutic efforts. The efficacy of a treatment could be better evaluate if efficient biomarkers are available. We propose here the application of precision medicine principles in AD to simultaneously verify the efficacy of a treatment and the reliability of specific biomarkers according to individually tailored biomarker-guided targeted therapies. People at risk of developing AD or in the very early phase of the disease should be stratified according to: (1) neuropsychological tests; (2) apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotyping; (3) biochemical analysis of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); (4) MRI and positron emission tomography and (5) assessment of their inflammatory profile by an integration of various genetic and biochemical parameters in plasma, CSF and an analysis of microbiota composition. The selected population should be treated with antiamyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory drugs in randomised, longitudinal, placebo-controlled studies using ad hoc profiles (eg, vascular profile, mitochondrial profile, etc…) If these criteria are adopted widely and the results shared, it may be possible to rapidly develop innovative and personalised drug treatment protocols with more realistic chances of being efficacious.
Application of the theory of regulatory fit to promote adherence to evidence-based breast cancer screening recommendations: experimental versus longitudinal evidence
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Ludolph Ramona , Labrie Nanon H M , Schulz Peter
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To reduce overtreatment caused by overuse of screening, it is advisable to reduce the demand for mammography screening outside the recommended guidelines among women who are not yet eligible for inclusion in systematic screening programmes. According to principles of regulatory fit theory, people make decisions motivated by either orientation to achieving and maximising gains or avoiding losses. A study developed in two phases investigated whether video messages, explaining the risks and benefits of mammography screening for those not yet eligible, are perceived as persuasive

Design

Phase 1 was an experimental study in which women’s motivation orientation was experimentally induced and then they were exposed to a matching video message about mammography screening. A control group received a neutral stimulus. Phase 2 introduced a longitudinal component to study 1, adding a condition in which the messages did not match with the group’s motivation orientation. Participants’ natural motivation orientation was measured through a validated questionnaire

Participants

360 women participated in phase 1 and another 292 in phase 2. Participants’ age ranged from 30 to 45 years, and had no history of breast cancer or known BReast CAncer gene (BRCA) 1/2 mutation.

Results

In phase 1, a match between participants’ motivation orientation and message content decreased the intention to seek mammography screening outside the recommended guidelines. Phase 2, however, did not show such an effect. Fear of breast cancer and risk perception were significantly related to intention to seek mammography screening

Conclusions

Public health researchers should consider reducing the impact of negative emotions (ie, fear of breast cancer) and risk perception when promoting adherence to evidence-based breast cancer screening recommendations.
Efficacy of pragmatic same-day ring prophylaxis for adult individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland (COPEP): protocol of an open-label cluster randomised trial
Authors: Smit Mikaela , Marinosci Annalisa , Nicoletti Giovanni Jacopo , Perneger Thomas , Ragozzino Silvio , Andrey Diego O , Stoeckle Marcel , Jacquerioz Frederique , Lebowitz Dan , Agoritsas Thomas , Meyer Benjamin , Spechbach Herve , Salamun Julien , Back Moritz , Schaubhut Carla , Fuchs Simon , Decosterd Laurent , Battegay Manuel , Guessous Idris , Chappuis François , Kaiser Laurent , Labhardt Niklaus D , Calmy Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) has been proposed as repurposed drugs for pre-exposure and postexposure prophylaxis as well as therapy of COVID-19. Coronavirus postexposure prophylaxis (COPEP) trial aims at assessing their efficacy as postexposure ring-prophylaxis among adults exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

Methods and analysis

COPEP is a two-arm open-label cluster-randomised trial conducted in three cantons of Switzerland. Asymptomatic contacts (≥16 years) of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 will be randomised (2:1) to either LPV/r (400 mg/100 mg two times per day) for 5 days, or a standard of care arm (no treatment). Asymptomatic individuals may be either SARS-CoV-2 positive or negative. Contacts living in the single household will form a cluster and will be randomised into the same arm. All participants will be followed-up for 21 days and undergo daily monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. The primary endpoint is 21-day incidence of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 with ≥1 compatible symptom, analysed in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The secondary endpoints include the 21-day incidence of COVID-19 as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection in a modified ITT analysis, excluding participants who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR from oropharyngeal swab and/or a positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG serology at baseline. Assuming a 21-day incidence for COVID-19 of 20% among contacts without postexposure chemoprophylaxis, to detect a relative risk reduction of 60% (ie, translating in an absolute reduction from 20% to 8%), with a power of 80%, an alpha of 5%. Accounting for design effect of cluster design of circa 1.1, we plan to enrol 200 participants to the LPV/r arm and 100 to the standard of care arm, 300 participants in total.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Commission Cantonale d’Ethique de la Recherche, Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz and Comitato Etico Cantonale (ref 2020-00864) and Swissmedic (2020DR3056). Results from this trial will be disseminated via journal articles and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov Registry (NCT04364022); Swiss National Clinical Trial Portal Registry (SNCTP 000003732).

Registered report identifier

CCER 2020-0864.
User redesign, testing and evaluation of the Monitoring Risk and Improving System Safety (MoRISS) checklist for the general practice work environment
Authors: Bowie Paul , de Wet Carl , Crickett Tracey , McCulloch Jan , Young Pauline , Freestone John , Watson Paul , Houston Neil , Gillies Jill , McNab Duncan
Published: November 2020

Background

Inadequate checking of safety-critical issues can compromise care quality in general practice (GP) work settings. Adopting a systemic, methodical approach may lead to improved standardisation of processes and reliability of task performance, strengthening the safety systems concerned. This study aimed to revise, modify and test the content and relevance of a previously validated safety checklist to the current GP context.

Methods

A multimethod study was undertaken in Scottish GP involving: consensus building workshops with users and ‘experts’ to revise checklist content; regional testing of the modified checklist and follow-up usability evaluation survey of users. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistical analyses and selected survey free-text comments are presented.

Results

A redesigned checklist tool consisting of eight themes (eg, medication safety) and 61 items (eg, out-of-date stock is appropriately disposed) was agreed by 53 users/experts with items reclassified as: mandatory (n=25), essential (n=24) and advisory (n=12). Totally 42/55 GPs tested the tool and submitted checklist data (76.4%). The mean aggregated results demonstrated 92.0% compliance with all 61 checklist items (range: 83.0%–98.0%) and 25/42 GP managers responded to the survey (59.5%) and reported high mean levels of agreement on the usefulness of the checklist (77.0%), ease of use (89.0%), learnability (94.0%) and satisfaction (78.4%).

Conclusions

The checklist was comprehensively redesigned as a practical safety monitoring and improvement tool for potential implementation in Scottish GP. Testing and evaluation demonstrated high levels of checklist content compliance and strong usability feedback, but some variation was evident indicating room for improvement in current safety-critical checking processes. The checklist should be of interest in similar GP settings internationally and to other areas of primary care practice.
Pituitary macroadenoma leading to hypogonadism in a dog
Authors: Tørnqvist‐Johnsen Camilla , Woods Glynn A , Tan Yi Lin , Schwarz Tobias , Blackwood Laura , Mellanby Richard J , Salavati Silke
Published: November 2020

A six‐year‐old male entire dachshund presented for investigation of decreased testicular size noted over the last six months and progressive lethargy for two months. Apart from small symmetrical testicles and a small prostate gland, physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Neurological examination was repeatably normal. Extensive diagnostic investigations for extracranial disease with a focus on reproductive and metabolic‐endocrine disorders revealed no abnormalities. Decreased testosterone (0.2 nmol/l) with inappropriately low luteinising hormone (<0.7 iu/l) and follicle stimulating hormone (2.1 ng/ml) in comparison with six other male entire dogs was detected. Based on the exclusion of all other conditions, intracranial disease was suspected. MRI of the head revealed a 2 × 1.8 × 1.5 cm mass arising from the pituitary fossa. Radiotherapy (12 fractions of 4 Gy, three days per week for four weeks, three‐dimensional conformal plan, 6 MV) and pain relief resulted in resolution of lethargy. Twelve months after initial diagnosis, the dog was asymptomatic, while the testicles remained small.
Superheavy dark matter in $$R+R^2$$ cosmology with conformal anomaly
Authors: Arbuzova E. V. , Dolgov A. D. , Singh R. S.
Published: November 2020

Cosmological evolution and particle creation in $$R^2$$

R
2

-modified gravity are considered for the case of the dominant decay of the scalaron into a pair of gauge bosons due to conformal anomaly. It is shown that in the process of thermalization superheavy dark matter with the coupling strength typical for the GUT SUSY can be created. Such dark matter would have the proper cosmological density if the particle mass is close to $$10^{12}$$

10
12

GeV.
A High-Performance Fast Capacitance Compensation Method
Authors: Liu Jinzhen , Ye Fangfang , Xiong Hui
Published: November 2020

In the widely used single-molecule Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequencing and patch-clamp technique, the fast capacitance (C-Fast) noise in application circuit affects the accuracy of the system measurement. In this paper, a high-performance C-Fast compensation method based on compensation circuit and fuzzy adaptive algorithm is proposed. The model of C-Fast noise is analyzed and a C-Fast compensation circuit is designed, whose parameters can be automatically calculated and adjusted by fuzzy adaptive algorithm. The method is validated through simulations and experiments on the test setup. The results indicate that the proposed method can effectively eliminate the C-Fast noise and improve the measurement accuracy.
On the connected metric dimension of graphs and their complements
Authors: Yi Eunjeong
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with vertex set [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] denote the length of a shortest [Formula: see text] path in [Formula: see text]. A set [Formula: see text] is called a connected resolving set of [Formula: see text] if, for any distinct [Formula: see text], there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], and the subgraph of [Formula: see text] induced by [Formula: see text] is connected. The connected metric dimension, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] is the minimum of the cardinalities over all connected resolving sets of [Formula: see text]. For a graph [Formula: see text] and its complement [Formula: see text], each of order [Formula: see text] and connected, we conjecture that [Formula: see text]; if [Formula: see text] is a tree or a unicyclic graph, we prove the conjecture and characterize graphs achieving equality.
Primary Cutaneous Nocardiosis in an Adolescent with Crohn Disease
Authors: Svoboda Steven A. , Eikenberg Joshua D.
Published: November 2020

Nocardia is an aerobic, Gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacterium that often manifests as pulmonary infection since the primary route of entry is via the respiratory tract. As an opportunistic organism, Nocardia primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. Infection with Nocardia is uncommon. Primary cutaneous nocardiosis which is caused by percutaneous inoculation is even more rare. Here, we report a case of primary cutaneous nocardiosis in an adolescent with Crohn disease receiving treatment with adalimumab and azathioprine. Early identification and treatment are important to prevent disease progression and to avoid severe complications. Diagnosis is made principally by culture. Given that culture results may take up to two weeks to return, primary cutaneous nocardiosis should be maintained in the differential for any superficial cutaneous infection that arises in individuals undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive agents.
Analysis of a Fractional Reaction-Diffusion HBV Model with Cure of Infected Cells
Authors: Bachraoui Moussa , Hattaf Khalid , Yousfi Noura
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose a fractional reaction-diffusion model in order to better understand the mechanisms and dynamics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in human body. The infection transmission is modeled by Hattaf–Yousfi functional response, and the fractional derivative is in the sense of Caputo. The global stability of the model equilibria is analyzed by means of Lyapunov functionals. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to support our analytical results.
Three-Decade Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Open-Angle Glaucoma at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Knier Catherine G. , Fleischman David , Hodge David O. , Berdahl John P. , Fautsch Michael P.
Published: November 2020

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most prevalent risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. However, IOP alone does not fully describe a mechanical basis for disease in patients with normal tension glaucoma or primary open-angle glaucoma. The translaminar pressure difference (TLPD) theory proposes that the pressure gradient generated by the difference of IOP and cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFp) acting at the level of the optic nerve can lead to cupping and glaucoma when IOP is higher than normal and/or CSFp is lower than normal. The study results to date have generally supported the TLPD theory; however, varying methods, populations, and sample sizes make it difficult to compare results. To further assess whether there is an association between low CSFp and open-angle glaucoma, 30 years of clinical data that assess 96,543 lumbar punctures were analyzed. Patients with open-angle glaucoma showed a significantly lower CSFp than randomly selected normal control patients (9.9 ± 3 mm·Hg (n = 86) versus 12.1 ± 3.6 mm·Hg (n = 114),

p
<
0.001

) following adjustment for age and sex. This retrospective study provides strong evidence for an association between open-angle glaucoma and low CSFp.