bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid approach to complex arrhythmias
Authors: Maesen Bart , Luermans Justin G L M , Bidar Elham , Chaldoupi Sevasti-Maria , Gelsomino Sandro , Maessen Jos G , Pison Laurent , Meir Mark La
Published: January 2021

Despite many years of research, the different aspects of the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) are still incompletely understood. And although the latest guidelines recommend catheter ablation with pulmonary vein isolation as a rhythm control strategy, long-term results in persistent and long-standing persistent AF are suboptimal. Historically, a mechanistic-based patient-tailored approach for the treatment of AF was impossible because of the lack real-time mapping techniques and advanced ablation tools. Therefore, surgeons created lesion sets based upon the anatomy of both atria and the safety of the incisions made by the knife. These complex open-heart procedures had to be performed through a sternotomy on the arrested heart and where therefore not generally adopted. The use of controlled energy sources such as cryothermy and radiofrequency where the first step to make the creation of these lesions less complex. With the development and improvement of electrophysiology techniques and catheters, this invasive and solely anatomical approach could again be partially redesigned. Now less invasive, it prepared the way for collaboration between electrophysiologists working on the endocardial side of the heart and cardiac surgeons providing epicardial access. The introduction of video-assisted technology and hybrid procedures has further increased the possibilities of new successful therapies. Now more than 40 years since the beginning of this exciting maze of AF procedures and still working towards a less aggressive and more comprehensive approach we give an overview of the history of the different minimally invasive surgical solutions and of the hybrid approach.
Potential Recolonization Benefits of Retention Forestry Practices
Authors: Loehle Craig , Solarik Kevin A , Greene Daniel U , Six Laura , Sleep Darren J H
Published: January 2021

Tree retention after forest harvest is often used to enhance biodiversity in forests that are otherwise managed using even-aged systems. It remains unclear to what extent scattered trees and residual patches (i.e., retained structures) actually facilitate recolonization of species in logged areas. For assessing recolonization benefits, it is necessary to consider both survival in retained structures postharvest and recolonization in cleared areas. We conducted a literature review to assess recolonization responses of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, vascular plants, invertebrates, lichens/bryophytes, and mycorrhizal fungi. The clearest benefits of retention were for poorly dispersing plants. Seed dispersal type may be a key life-history trait relative to effectiveness of recolonization, with animal-dispersed seeds having the greatest dispersal range. We found that lichens/bryophytes are likely not dispersal limited (with possible exceptions) but are slow growing and require the development of moist microsite conditions. Significant literature gaps exist for amphibians, nonvolant invertebrates, and mycorrhizal fungi. Overall, recolonization success postharvest is taxon specific, where the benefits of implementing retention systems will depend on the region and species within that region. Species that require a long growth period (some lichens) or are poor dispersers (some herbaceous species) may benefit more from the creation of forest reserves than from retention practices.
Application of multi-trait Bayesian decision theory for parental genomic selection
Authors: Villar-Hernández Bartolo de Jesús , Pérez-Elizalde Sergio , Martini Johannes W R , Toledo Fernando , Perez-Rodriguez P , Krause Margaret , García-Calvillo Irma Delia , Covarrubias-Pazaran Giovanny , Crossa José
Published: January 2021

In all breeding programs, the decision about which individuals to select and intermate to form the next selection cycle is crucial. The improvement of genetic stocks requires considering multiple traits simultaneously, given that economic value and net genetic merits depend on many traits; therefore, with the advance of computational and statistical tools and genomic selection (GS), researchers are focusing on multi-trait selection. Selection of the best individuals is difficult, especially in traits that are antagonistically correlated, where improvement in one trait might imply a reduction in other(s). There are approaches that facilitate multi-trait selection, and recently a Bayesian decision theory (BDT) has been proposed. Parental selection using BDT has the potential to be effective in multi-trait selection given that it summarizes all relevant quantitative genetic concepts such as heritability, response to selection and the structure of dependence between traits (correlation). In this study, we applied BDT to provide a treatment for the complexity of multi-trait parental selection using three multivariate loss functions (LF), Kullback–Leibler (KL), Energy Score, and Multivariate Asymmetric Loss (MALF), to select the best-performing parents for the next breeding cycle in two extensive real wheat data sets. Results show that the high ranking lines in genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) for certain traits did not always have low values for the posterior expected loss (PEL). For both data sets, the KL LF gave similar importance to all traits including grain yield. In contrast, the Energy Score and MALF gave a better performance in three of four traits that were different than grain yield. The BDT approach should help breeders to decide based not only on the GEBV per se of the parent to be selected, but also on the level of uncertainty according to the Bayesian paradigm.
A data mining approach for improved interpretation of ERT inverted sections using the DBSCAN clustering algorithm
Authors: Sabor Kawtar , Jougnot Damien , Guerin Roger , Steck Barthélémy , Henault Jean-Marie , Apffel Louis , Vautrin Denis
Published: January 2021

Geophysical imaging using the inversion procedure is a powerful tool for the exploration of the Earth's subsurface. However, the interpretation of inverted images can sometimes be difficult, due to the inherent limitations of existing inversion algorithms, which produce smoothed sections. In order to improve and automate the processing and interpretation of inverted geophysical models, we propose an approach inspired from data mining. We selected an algorithm known as DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) to perform clustering of inverted geophysical sections. The methodology relies on the automatic sorting and clustering of data. DBSCAN detects clusters in the inverted electrical resistivity values, with no prior knowledge of the number of clusters. This algorithm has the advantage of being defined by only two parameters: the neighbourhood of a point in the data space, and the minimum number of data points in this neighbourhood. We propose an objective procedure for the determination of these two parameters. The proof of concept described here is applied to simulated ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) sections, for the following three cases: two layers with a step, two layers with a rebound, and two layers with an anomaly embedded in the upper layer. To validate this approach, sensitivity studies were carried out on both of the above parameters, as well as to assess the influence of noise on the algorithm's performance. Finally, this methodology was tested on real field data. DBSCAN detects clusters in the inverted electrical resistivity models, and the former are then associated with various types of earth materials, thus allowing the structure of the prospected area to be determined. The proposed data-mining algorithm is shown to be effective, and to improve the interpretation of the inverted ERT sections. This new approach has considerable potential, as it can be applied to any geophysical data represented in the form of sections or maps.
Upper crustal shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy beneath Jeju Island volcanoes from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Lee Sang-Jun , Kim Seongryong , Rhie Junkee , Kang Tae-Seob , Kim YoungHee
Published: January 2021

Jeju Island offshore of the southern Korean Peninsula is an isolated intraplate volcano formed by multiple basaltic eruptions from the Pleistocene (∼1.8 Ma) to the Holocene (∼3.7 ka). Due to the lack of available seismic data, magma structures at upper crustal depths of the island have not been clearly revealed. In this study, we imaged upper crustal isotropic and radial anisotropic structures beneath the island using ambient noise data from a temporary seismic network. A series of transdimensional hierarchical Bayesian inversions were performed to construct upper crustal (1–10 km) isotropic and anisotropic structures. Surface wave (Rayleigh and Love wave) group and phase velocity dispersion data were jointly inverted for 2–15 s. The results show that layers of negative anisotropy (VSH < VSV) are predominant at shallower (<2 km) and deeper (>5 km) depths, which was interpreted as reflecting dyke swarms responsible for the more than 400 cinder cones at the surface and the vertical plumbing systems supplying magma from deeper sources, respectively. Additionally, a layer with significantly positive radial anisotropy (VSH > VSV, up to 5 per cent) was found at middle depths (2–5 km), and was interpreted as horizontally aligned magma plumbing systems (e.g. sills) through comparisons with several other volcanoes worldwide. In comparison with the isotropic structure, the positive anisotropic layer was separated into upper and lower layers with locally neutral to slightly fast and slower shear wave velocities, respectively, beneath the largest central crater (Mt Halla). Such a structure indicates that the cooled upper part of the magma plumbing systems formed within the horizontally developed sill complex, and is underlain by still-warm sill structures, potentially with a small fraction of melting. With dykes predominant above and below, the island-wide sill layer and locally high-temperature body at the centre explain the evolution of the Jeju Island volcanoes by island-forming surface lava flows and central volcanic eruptions before and after the eruptions of cinder cones.
Prevalence and factors associated with use of sleeping pills among older adults in Brazil
Authors: Seixas Brayan V
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Little is known about sleeping pills consumption among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with sleeping pills use among Brazilians aged 50 and over.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), a nationally representative study of persons aged 50 years and older (n = 9412). Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to describe the sample. Robust Poisson regression was employed to estimate prevalence ratios and predict probabilities.

Key findings

Prevalence of sleeping pills use among older Brazilians was estimated at 16.8%, with considerable disparities related to gender (22.3% among women and 10.3% among men), race/skin colour (19.7% among whites and 11.9% among blacks) and geographic region (ranging from 5.9% in the North to 20.5% in the South). The multivariate analysis showed associations between sleeping pills consumption and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, race/skin colour, geographic region and income), health status/behaviour characteristics (poor self-rated health status, number of chronic conditions and alcohol consumption) and variables related to healthcare utilisation (number of visits, usual source of care, care coordination, doctor’s awareness of all medication, difficulty in managing own medication and number of medicines).

Conclusions

Our work found that sleeping pills consumption is disproportionately prevalent among women, is associated with worse health status and increases with more medical office visits and use of additional medicines. Moreover, the large inexplicable variations in care deserve special attention from policy-makers and clinicians.
High burden of infections caused by ESBL-producing MDR Escherichia coli in paediatric patients, Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: San Thida , Moe Ingyin , Ashley Elizabeth A , San Nilar
Published: January 2021

Background

There is mounting evidence of a high burden of antimicrobial-resistant infections in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives

To detect the frequency of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in clinical specimens from paediatric patients attending Yangon Children’s Hospital in Myanmar.

Methods

All children attending Yangon Children’s Hospital who had clinical specimens submitted to the hospital diagnostic microbiology laboratory from June 2019 to December 2019 were included in the study. Specimens were processed routinely using standard methods with BD Phoenix used for pathogen identification and susceptibility testing. Presence of ESBLs was determined using the cephalosporin/clavulanate combination disc method with confirmation by PCR.

Results

From 3462 specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory, a total of 123 E. coli were isolated. Among them, 100 isolates were phenotypically ESBL producers, 94 (76.4%) of which were confirmed by PCR [82/94 (87%) CTX-M, 72/94 (77%) TEM, 1/94 (1%) SHV]. Most of the ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from urine samples (52.1%, 49/94) and the majority were from the surgical unit (61.7%, 58/94). Only 34/94 (36%) isolates were susceptible to meropenem.

Conclusions

This study confirms a high proportion of infections caused by ESBL-producing and MDR E. coli in children hospitalized in Yangon, where access to effective second-line antimicrobials is limited.
Selective Determination of Entecavir in the Presence of its Oxidative Degradate by Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods
Authors: El-Sayed Heba M , Abdel Fattah Laila E , Abdellatef Hisham E , Hegazy Maha A , Abd El-Aziz Mai M
Published: January 2021

Background

Entecavir (ENT) is an antiretroviral agent prescribed for the treatment of the hepatitis B virus(HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).

Objective

Development and validation of three simple, sensitive, selective, and precise methods for determination of ENT in the presence of its oxidative degradation product (ENT deg.).

Method

The first method was based on second derivative (D2) spectrophotometry through measuring the peak amplitude of D2 spectra at 293.6 nm. The second one is mean centering of the ratio spectra (MCR), which enabled measurement of the peak amplitude at 280.0 nm. The third method was HPLC, where ENT was separated from ENT deg. using a Zobrax C18 column and methanol:water (30:70, v/v) with pH 3 as a mobile phase. The three developed methods were validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.

Results

Linearity range of ENT was 5.00–50.00 μg/mL for both D2 and MCR. However, higher sensitivity was achieved using HPLC (1.00–50.00 μg/mL). Accuracy of ENT were 100.60 ± 0.547%, 101.55 ± 1.2071%, and 100.61 ± 1.207% for D2, MCR, and HPLC methods, respectively, and precision was within 1.280.

Conclusions

The developed methods were successfully applied for the determination of ENT in Tecavir® tablets without interference from ENT deg. They showed no significant difference in comparison with the official method and they can be applied in the quality analysis of ENT with high selectivity, accuracy, and precision.

Highlights

ENT was quantified using two spectrophotometric (D2 and MCR) methods and an HPLC method in presence of ENT deg. The proposed methods were applied to analysis of ENT tablets with high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy.
The Effect of the Musca domestica Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus on Food Consumption in Its Adult Host, the Common House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Rachimi Suzanna , Burand John P , Geden Chris , Stoffolano John G
Published: January 2021

The Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV) substantially enlarges the house fly’s salivary glands and prevents or delays ovarian development in its adult host, but the effect that MdSGHV has on the house fly’s food consumption is currently unknown. Using house flies from a laboratory-reared colony, we evaluated the effect of MdSGHV infection on food consumption over a 7-d period. Both treatment (virus-infected) and control (saline-injected) flies were provided with a choice of 8% sucrose solution and 4% powdered milk solution to determine food preferences. Quantities of each solution consumed were measured every 24 h for each fly to measure food consumptions. Infected house flies were shown to consume less overall of both solutions than house flies injected with saline. The largest consumption discrepancy was seen between female house flies. Healthy female flies with developing ovaries continued to consume a sugar and protein diet, whereas infected female flies fed predominantly on a sugar diet. Additionally, infected male and female flies consumed significantly lower quantities of protein and sucrose than control flies. This suggests that MdSGHV has a negative consumption effect (e.g., hunger, starvation) on its host. Thus, differences in food consumption of infected and control flies probably represent differences in the nutritional requirements of flies resulting from viral infection.
High Proportion of Unfed Larval Blacklegged Ticks, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), Collected From Modified Nest Boxes for Mice
Authors: Larson R T , Bron G M , Lee X , Paskewitz S M
Published: January 2021

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, is the primary vector of several tick-borne pathogens, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis, in the eastern United States and active collection methods for this species include dragging or wild animal sampling. Nest boxes targeting mice may be an alternative strategy for the surveillance and collection of immature I. scapularis feeding on these hosts and would be much safer for animals compared to small mammal trapping. We constructed double-walled insulated nest boxes (DWINs) with collection tubes mounted below the nesting chamber and deployed eleven in southern Wisconsin from June until September of 2020. The DWINs were occupied by Peromyscus spp. and birds (wren species, Troglodytidae family). We collected 192 ticks from collection tubes, all of which were identified as either I. scapularis (95%) or Dermacentor variabilis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) (5%). Only 12% (21/182) and 20% (2/10) of I. scapularis and D. variabilis were blood-fed, respectively. The high proportion of unfed ticks found in collection tubes may be due to grooming by hosts inside the nest boxes. Alternatively, immature ticks may have climbed trees and entered the DWIN seeking a host. Results suggest that nest boxes could be a tool for finding ticks in areas of low density or at the leading edge of invasion, when small mammal trapping or drag sampling is not feasible.
A study of continuous vector representations for theorem proving
Authors: PurgaŁ StanisŁaw , Parsert Julian , Kaliszyk Cezary
Published: January 2021

Applying machine learning to mathematical terms and formulas requires a suitable representation of formulas that is adequate for AI methods. In this paper, we develop an encoding that allows for logical properties to be preserved and is additionally reversible. This means that the tree shape of a formula including all symbols can be reconstructed from the dense vector representation. We do that by training two decoders: one that extracts the top symbol of the tree and one that extracts embedding vectors of subtrees. The syntactic and semantic logical properties that we aim to preserve include both structural formula properties, applicability of natural deduction steps and even more complex operations like unifiability. We propose datasets that can be used to train these syntactic and semantic properties. We evaluate the viability of the developed encoding across the proposed datasets as well as for the practical theorem proving problem of premise selection in the Mizar corpus.
The PAU Survey: an improved photo-zsample in the COSMOS field
Authors: Alarcon Alex , Gaztanaga Enrique , Eriksen Martin , Baugh Carlton M , Cabayol Laura , Casas Ricard , Carretero Jorge , Castander Francisco J , De Vicente Juan , Fernandez Enrique , Garcia-Bellido Juan , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Hoekstra Henk , Joachimi Benjamin , Manzoni Giorgio , Miquel Ramon , Norberg Peder , Padilla Cristobal , Renard Pablo , Sanchez Eusebio , Serrano Santiago , Sevilla-Noarbe Ignacio , Siudek Malgorzata , Tallada-Crespí Pau
Published: January 2021

We present – and make publicly available – accurate and precise photometric redshifts in the ACS footprint from the COSMOS field for objects with iAB ≤ 23. The redshifts are computed using a combination of narrow-band photometry from PAUS, a survey with 40 narrow bands spaced at $100\,\mathring{\rm A}$ intervals covering the range from 4500 to $8500\,\mathring{\rm A}$, and 26 broad, intermediate, and narrow bands covering the UV, visible and near-infrared spectrum from the COSMOS2015 catalogue. We introduce a new method that models the spectral energy distributions as a linear combination of continuum and emission-line templates and computes its Bayes evidence, integrating over the linear combinations. The correlation between the UV luminosity and the O ii line is measured using the 66 available bands with the zCOSMOS spectroscopic sample, and used as a prior which constrains the relative flux between continuum and emission-line templates. The flux ratios between the O ii line and Hα, Hβ and $\mathrm{O\,{\small III}}$ are similarly measured and used to generate the emission-line templates. Comparing to public spectroscopic surveys via the quantity Δz ≡ (zphoto − zspec)/(1 + zspec), we find the photometric redshifts to be more precise than previous estimates, with σ68(Δz) ≈ (0.003, 0.009) for galaxies at magnitude iAB ∼ 18 and iAB ∼ 23, respectively, which is three times and 1.66 times tighter than COSMOS2015. Additionally, we find the redshifts to be very accurate on average, yielding a median of the Δz distribution compatible with |median(Δz)| ≤ 0.001 at all redshifts and magnitudes considered. Both the added PAUS data and new methodology contribute significantly to the improved results. The catalogue produced with the technique presented here is expected to provide a robust redshift calibration for current and future lensing surveys, and allows one to probe galaxy formation physics in an unexplored luminosity-redshift regime, thanks to its combination of depth, completeness, and excellent redshift precision and accuracy.
Searching for signatures of chaos in γ-ray light curves of selected Fermi-LAT blazars
Authors: Ostapenko O , Tarnopolski M , Żywucka N , Pascual-Granado J
Published: January 2021

Blazar variability appears to be stochastic in nature. However, a possibility of low-dimensional chaos was considered in the past, but with no unambiguous detection so far. If present, it would constrain the emission mechanism by suggesting an underlying dynamical system. We rigorously searched for signatures of chaos in Fermi-Large Area Telescope light curves of 11 blazars. The data were comprehensively investigated using the methods of nonlinear time-series analysis: phase-space reconstruction, fractal dimension, and maximal Lyapunov exponent (mLE). We tested several possible parameters affecting the outcomes, in particular the mLE, in order to verify the spuriousness of the outcomes. We found no signs of chaos in any of the analysed blazars. Blazar variability is either truly stochastic in nature or governed by high-dimensional chaos that can often resemble randomness.
The impact of asymmetric neutrino emissions on nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae II – progenitor dependences
Authors: Fujimoto Shin-ichiro , Nagakura Hiroki
Published: January 2021

We investigate the impact of asymmetric neutrino emissions on explosive nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) of progenitors with a mass range of 9.5–25 M⊙. We perform axisymmetric, hydrodynamic simulations of the CCSN explosion with a simplified neutrino transport, in which anticorrelated dipolar emissions of νe and ${\bar{\nu }}_{\rm e}$ are imposed. We then evaluate abundances and masses of the CCSN ejecta in a post-processing manner. We find that the asymmetric ν-emission leads to the abundant ejection of p- and n-rich matter in the high-νe and -${\bar{\nu }}_{\rm e}$ hemispheres, respectively. It substantially affects the abundances of the ejecta for elements heavier than Ni regardless of progenitors, although those elements lighter than Ca are less sensitive. Based on these results, we calculate the initial mass function-averaged abundances of the CCSN ejecta with taking into account the contribution from Type Ia SNe. For $m_{\rm asy} = 10/3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, where masy denotes the asymmetric degree of the dipole components in the neutrino emissions, the averaged abundances for elements lighter than Y are comparable to those of the solar abundances, whereas those of elements heavier than Ge are overproduced in the case with $m_{\rm asy} \ge 30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Our result also suggests that the effect of the asymmetric neutrino emissions is imprinted in the difference of abundance ratio of [Ni/Fe] and [Zn/Fe] between the high-νe and -${\bar{\nu }}_{\rm e}$ hemispheres, indicating that the future spectroscopic X-ray observations of a CCSN remnant will bring evidence of the asymmetric neutrino emissions if exist.
Core-collapse, superluminous, and gamma-ray burst supernova host galaxy populations at low redshift: the importance of dwarf and starbursting galaxies
Authors: Taggart K , Perley D A
Published: January 2021

We present a comprehensive study of an unbiased sample of 150 nearby (median redshift, z = 0.014) core-collapse supernova (CCSN) host galaxies drawn from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) for direct comparison to the nearest long-duration gamma-ray burst (LGRB) and superluminous supernova (SLSN) hosts. We use public imaging surveys to gather multiwavelength photometry for all CCSN host galaxies and fit their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to derive stellar masses and integrated star formation rates (SFRs). CCSNe populate galaxies across a wide range of stellar masses, from blue and compact dwarf galaxies to large spiral galaxies. We find 33$^{+4}_{-4}$ per cent of CCSNe are in dwarf galaxies (M* < 109 M⊙) and 2$^{+2}_{-1}$ per cent are in dwarf starburst galaxies [specific star formation rate (sSFR) > 10−8 yr−1]. We reanalyse low-redshift SLSN and LGRB hosts from the literature (out to z < 0.3) in a homogeneous way and compare against the CCSN host sample. The relative SLSN to CCSN supernova rate is increased in low-mass galaxies and at high sSFRs. These parameters are strongly covariant and we cannot break the degeneracy between them with our current sample, although there is some evidence that both factors may play a role. Larger unbiased samples of CCSNe from projects such as ZTF and LSST will be needed to determine whether host-galaxy mass (a proxy for metallicity) or sSFR (a proxy for star formation intensity and potential IMF variation) is more fundamental in driving the preference for SLSNe and LGRBs in unusual galaxy environments.
Successive occurrences of quasi-circular ribbon flares in a fan-spine-like configuration involving hyperbolic flux tube
Authors: Mitra Prabir K , Joshi Bhuwan
Published: January 2021

We present a comprehensive analysis of the formation and the evolution of a fan-spine-like configuration that developed over a complex photospheric configuration where dispersed negative polarity regions were surrounded by positive polarity regions. This unique photospheric configuration, analogous to the geological ‘atoll’ shape, hosted four homologous flares within its boundary. Computation of the degree of squashing factor (Q) maps clearly revealed an elongated region of high Q-values between the inner and outer spine-like lines, implying the presence of an hyperbolic flux tube (HFT). The coronal region associated with the photospheric atoll configuration was distinctly identified in the form of a diffused dome-shaped bright structure directly observed in Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) images. A filament channel resided near the boundary of the atoll region. The activation and eruption of flux ropes from the filament channel led to the onset of four eruptive homologous quasi-circular ribbon flares within an interval of ≈11 h. During the interval of the four flares, we observed continuous decay and cancellation of negative polarity flux within the atoll region. Accordingly, the apparent length of the HFT gradually reduced to a null-point-like configuration before the fourth flare. Prior to each flare, we observed localized brightening beneath the filaments which, together with flux cancellation, provided support for the tether-cutting model of solar eruption. The analysis of magnetic decay index revealed favourable conditions for the eruption, once the pre-activated flux ropes attained the critical heights for torus instability.
Modelled 3D distribution of OH/IR stars in the Galactic disc
Authors: Uno Y , Imai H , Shinano K , Qiao H-H , Dawson J R , Breen S L , Gómez J F
Published: January 2021

We have modelled the 3D distribution of OH/IR stars in the Galactic plane, traced by 1612 MHz OH maser sources with classic double horned spectral profiles. We statistically analysed over 700 maser sources detected by the HI/OH/Recombination line survey of the Milky Way (THOR) and the Australia Telescope Compact Array interferometric follow-up observations of the Southern Parkes Large-Area Survey in Hydroxyl (SPLASH). With a simple model constructed from a classical density distribution of stars and luminosity functions of OH maser sources in the Galaxy, we estimate the scale height, or the half thickness of the OH/IR star distribution along the Galactic disc to be 90–290 pc. The simple model also implies that there are ∼4000 OH/IR stars hosting 1612 MHz OH masers along the Galactic Plane. Therefore, next generation telescopes such as the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and SKA Phase 1 will detect about 80 per cent of such OH/IR stars in the Galaxy at a 10 mJy detection limit. Comparing the data of previously detected circumstellar 1612 MHz OH maser sources with those of THOR and SPLASH, the maser source lifetime is estimated to be ∼300 yr. This is likely a lower limit, since non-detections of masers in some cases could be affected by the flux variation of the maser source.
A combined analysis of the H0 late time direct measurements and the impact on the Dark Energy sector
Authors: Di Valentino Eleonora
Published: January 2021

We combine 23 Hubble constant measurements based on Cepheids-SN Ia, TRGB-SN Ia, Miras-SN Ia, Masers, Tully Fisher, Surface Brightness Fluctuations, SN II, Time-delay Lensing, Standard Sirens and γ-ray Attenuation, obtaining our best optimistic H0 estimate, that is H0 = 72.94 ± 0.75 km s–1 Mpc–1 at 68 per cent CL. This is in 5.9σ tension with the ΛCDM model, therefore we evaluate its impact on the extended Dark Energy cosmological models that can alleviate the tension. We find more than 4.9σ evidence for a phantom Dark Energy equation of state in the wCDM scenario, the cosmological constant ruled out at more than 3σ in a w0waCDM model and more than 5.7σ evidence for a coupling between Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the IDE scenario. Finally, we check the robustness of our results; and we quote two additional combinations of the Hubble constant. The ultra-conservative estimate, H0 = 72.7 ± 1.1 km s–1 Mpc–1 at 68 per cent CL, is obtained removing the Cepheids-SN Ia and the Time-Delay Lensing based measurements, and confirms the evidence for new physics.
Small-molecule inhibitors of histone deacetylase improve CRISPR-based adenine base editing
Authors: Shin Ha Rim , See Ji-Eun , Kweon Jiyeon , Kim Heon Seok , Sung Gi-Jun , Park Sojung , Jang An-Hee , Jang Gayoung , Choi Kyung-Chul , Kim Inki , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Yongsub
Published: January 2021

CRISPR-based base editors (BEs) are widely used to induce nucleotide substitutions in living cells and organisms without causing the damaging DNA double-strand breaks and DNA donor templates. Cytosine BEs that induce C:G to T:A conversion and adenine BEs that induce A:T to G:C conversion have been developed. Various attempts have been made to increase the efficiency of both BEs; however, their activities need to be improved for further applications. Here, we describe a fluorescent reporter-based drug screening platform to identify novel chemicals with the goal of improving adenine base editing efficiency. The reporter system revealed that histone deacetylase inhibitors, particularly romidepsin, enhanced base editing efficiencies by up to 4.9-fold by increasing the expression levels of proteins and target accessibility. The results support the use of romidepsin as a viable option to improve base editing efficiency in biomedical research and therapeutic genome engineering.
Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning for Brachial Plexus Avulsion: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Gebreyohanes Axumawi Mike Hailu , Ahmed Aminul Islam , Choi David
Published: January 2021

Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning is a neurosurgical procedure that aims to relieve severe neuropathic pain in patients with brachial plexus avulsion by selectively destroying nociceptive neural structures in the posterior cervical spinal cord. Since the introduction of the procedure over 4 decades ago, the DREZ lesioning technique has undergone numerous modifications, with a variety of center- and surgeon-dependent technical differences and patient outcomes. We have reviewed the literature to discuss reported methods of DREZ lesioning and outcomes.
Use of Continuous Electrical Impedance Measurement for Accurate Nerve Block in Rabbits
Authors: Ootaki Chiyo , Kobayashi Yo , Koyama Yuki
Published: January 2021

Objective

To perform an effective and safe nerve block, the needle must be placed near the target nerve while avoiding nerve damage. Our objective was to conduct an animal study to determine whether changes in electrical impedance (EI) could be used to guide the needle and achieve a safe and accurate nerve block.

Methods

We measured the EI of rabbit tissues during ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block using a bipolar needle via the in-plane needle approach. The EI values and needle track on the ultrasound monitor were video-recorded. When there was a change in the EI, the needle advancement was stopped, and a stained anesthetic was injected. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and the anesthetic-stained tissue was examined via dissection, while the other tissue was preserved at –80°C for microscopic analysis.

Results

The EI remained stable as the needle advanced through the muscle (extraneural); however, it markedly decreased when the needle tip contacted the nerve or slightly punctured the epineurium (paraneural). The mean extra- and paraneural EIs were 4.92 ± 1.31 kΩ (range, 2.39–9.67 kΩ) and 2.86 ± 0.96 kΩ (range, 1.66–5.13 kΩ), respectively. Examination of the dissections and cryostat sections showed anesthetic delivery around the nerve.

Conclusions

EI values differed between extra- and paraneural sites, and monitoring these values allowed prediction of the needle tip location with respect to the target nerve. Real-time EI measurement could improve the nerve block.
A Comparison of Genicular Nerve Blockade With Corticosteroids Using Either Classical Anatomical Targets vs Revised Targets for Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fonkoue Loïc , Steyaert Arnaud , Kouame Jean-Eric K , Bandolo Eric , Lebleu Julien , Fossoh Hermann , Behets Catherine , Detrembleur Christine , Cornu Olivier
Published: January 2021

Objective

Compare the effectiveness of genicular nerve blockade (GNB) using classical anatomical targets (CT) versus revised targets (RT) in patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis pain.

Design

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Pain medicine center of a teaching hospital.

Methods

We randomly assigned 55 patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain to receive a GNB (using a fluid mixture of 2 mL: lidocaine 1% + 20 mg triamcinolone) with either classical targets (CT-group, n = 28) or revised targets (RT-group, n = 27). Numeric rating pain scale (NRS), Oxford knee score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index score (WOMAC), Quantitative analgesic questionnaire (QAQ) and global perceived effects were assessed at baseline, and at 1-hour, 24-hours, 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Results

The RT-group showed greater reduction in NRS mean score at 1-hour post-intervention (2.4 ± 2.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.0–.8] vs [1.6–3.2], P < .001). The proportion of patients achieving more than 50% knee pain reduction was higher in the RT-group at each follow up interval, yet these differences were statistically significant only at 1-hour post intervention (82.1% [95% CI = 63.1–93.9] vs 100% [95% CI = 97.2–100] P = .02). Both protocols resulted in significant pain reduction and joint function improvement up to 12 weeks post-intervention.

Conclusions

The revised technique allowed more pain relief as well as greater proportion of successful responders at 1-hour post intervention. The large volume injected during therapeutic GNB could have compensated the lack of precision of the classical anatomical targets, mitigating differences in outcomes between both techniques.
Gait Variability and Relationships With Fear, Avoidance, and Pain in Adolescents With Chronic Pain
Authors: Beebe Justin A , Kronman Corey , Mahmud Farah , Basch Molly , Hogan Melinda , Li Eileen , Ploski Chris , Simons Laura E
Published: January 2021

Objective

Some children with chronic pain struggle with fear of pain, avoidance behaviors, and associated disability; however, movement adaptations in the context of chronic pain in childhood is virtually unknown. Variability in adaptive movement responses previously observed between individuals might be largely explained by the presence of problematic psychological drivers (eg, fear, avoidance). The goals of this study were to quantify the variability of gait and examine relationships among pain, fear, avoidance, function (perceived and objective), and gait variability.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design. Eligible patients were between 8 and 17 years of age and had musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or headache pain that was not due to acute trauma (eg, active sprain) or any specific or systemic disease. Participants completed the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FOPQ), Functional Disability Inventory, and 6-Minute Walk Test and received kinematic gait analysis. Relationships were analyzed among these measures, and the self-report and functional measures were examined to determine whether they predicted gait variability (GaitSD).

Results

The 16 participants who were evaluated (13.8 [SD = 2.2] years of age; 13 female) had high Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores (6.2 [SD = 2.1]), FOPQ-Fear scores (25.9 [SD = 12.1]), FOPQ-Avoidance scores (22.8 [SD = 10.2]), and Functional Disability Inventory scores (28.6 [SD = 9.4]) and low 6-Minute Walk Test distance (437.1 m [SD = 144.6]). Participants had greater GaitSD than age-predicted norms. Fear was related to self-selected GaitSD, and avoidance was related to both self-selected and standardized GaitSD. Avoidance predicted 43% and 47% of the variability in self-selected and standardized GaitSD, respectively.

Conclusion

GaitSD was significantly related to both fear of pain and avoidance behaviors, suggesting the interplay of these psychological drivers with movement. FOPQ-Avoidance was robust in accounting for GaitSD.

Impact

This study offers preliminary evidence in understanding movement adaptations associated with adolescents with chronic pain. They may lend to more directed interventions.
Custom Dynamic Orthoses and Physical Therapist Intervention for Bilateral Midfoot Amputation: A Case Report
Authors: Anderson Kirsten M , Evans Richard E , Connerly Charles E , Pacha Molly , Wilken Jason M
Published: January 2021

Objective

Partial foot amputation is often associated with decreased mobility and function. Recent advances in custom carbon-fiber dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (CDOs) have improved gait, pain, and function following musculoskeletal trauma and can benefit individuals with partial foot amputation. However, limited information is available related to CDO use outside the military. The purpose of this case report is to describe the course of care and outcomes of a civilian provided with CDOs after bilateral transmetatarsal amputation.

Case Description

A 72-year-old man had a blood-borne bacterial infection (septicemia) of unknown origin at 68 years of age, developed limb-threatening necrosis of the hands and feet, and received bilateral transmetatarsal amputations with skin grafting. The patient initially used foam toe fillers and cushioned shoes but was functionally limited and experienced recurrent ulceration. He was fitted with bilateral CDOs 39 months after amputation and completed device-specific training with a physical therapist.

Results

After 1 week with the CDOs, ankle range of motion during gait was reduced, but greater than 40% increases were observed in bilateral ankle plantarflexor moments and ankle plantarflexion push-off power compared with the toe fillers. With additional therapist-directed training focused on gait and activity performance, ankle plantarflexor moments and plantarflexion push-off power further increased when compared with results after 1 week of CDO use. The patient reported marked improvement in quality of life with the CDOs due to improved walking ability on level and uneven terrain, marked improvement in confidence, and reduced pain.

Conclusion

This case reflects the lessons learned and outcomes of a civilian using bilateral CDOs after bilateral transmetatarsal amputation and with poor skin quality. The results from this case study suggest that carbon-fiber CDOs and focused training by a physical therapist can result in improved gait biomechanics, mobility, and quality of life.
Predictors of the intention to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Meier Brian P , Dillard Amanda J , Lappas Courtney M
Published: January 2021

Background

It is imperative to understand the predictors of vaccine hesitancy for current and future pandemics.

Methods

A representative sample (age, race & gender) of 1054 US adults was collected in October 2020 to examine the predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Participants were asked several questions including their intention to receive a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

Results

Predictors significantly associated with a greater intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine included greater perceived feelings of vulnerability to COVID-19, having received a flu vaccination at the time the question was asked, more liberal political orientation, non-Black race, male gender, and a lower naturalness bias.

Conclusions

Vaccines are essential for mitigating current and future pandemics. Multiple strategies are important in encouraging people to be vaccinated and the predictors highlighted here and elsewhere are likely to be useful targets.
EQ-5D-3L full health state discriminates between drug and placebo in clinical trials of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lindblom Julius , Gomez Alvaro , Borg Alexander , Emamikia Sharzad , Ladakis Dimitris  , Matilla Joaquin , Pehr Martin , Cobar Flordelyn , Enman Yvonne , Heintz Emelie  , Regardt Malin , Parodis Ioannis
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate the discriminative ability of EQ-5D-3L full health state (FHS) in clinical trials of SLE, and to identify factors associated with FHS after treatment.

Methods

Data from the BLISS-52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS-76 (NCT00410384) trials of belimumab (N = 1684) were utilized. FHS was defined as a response of no problems in all five EQ-5D-3L dimensions, yielding an index score of 1. The Pearson’s χ2 or Fisher’s exact test was employed for comparisons, and logistic regression for adjustments and assessment of independence.

Results

We demonstrated higher EQ-5D-3L FHS frequencies among patients given standard therapy (ST) plus the licensed belimumab dose vs ST alone (26.1% vs 19.4%; P = 0.001; week 52), and within SRI-4 responders vs non-responders (27.0% vs 19.8%; P < 0.001; week 52) from weeks 36 to 52. In multivariable regression analysis, SLEDAI-2K (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.94; P < 0.001) and SLICC/ACR Damage Index (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.91; P = 0.001) scores were independently associated with lower FHS frequencies at week 52, while adding monthly infusions of belimumab 10 mg/kg to ST favoured FHS perception (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.24; P = 0.006). Add-on belimumab 10 mg/kg yielded higher FHS frequencies in antimalarial users vs non-users (29.9% vs 20.1%; P = 0.011), and in anti-dsDNA- and anti-Sm- positive vs negative patients (31.4% vs 13.4%; P < 0.001 and 33.0% vs 22.6%; P = 0.010, respectively), whereas no significant differences were observed in patients given ST alone.

Conclusion

EQ-5D-3L FHS distinguished belimumab from placebo and responders from non-responders, and exhibited known-group validity in subgroup analysis. FHS may prove a useful patient-reported outcome in SLE studies.
Hidden in Plain Sight—Reconsidering the Use of Race Correction in Clinical Algorithms
Authors: Vyas Darshali A. , Eisenstein Leo G. , Jones David S.
Published: January 2021

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2020;383(9):874–882)

The role of race and ethnicity in medicine continues to be debated. On one side, categories of race and ethnicity are seen as clinically useful because they reflect population genetics.
Identification of Factors Associated With Delayed Treatment of Obstetric Hypertensive Emergencies
Authors: Kantorowska Agata , Heiselman Cassandra J. , Halpern Tara A. , Akerman Meredith B. , Elsayad Ashley , Muscat Jolene C. , Sicuranza Genevieve B. , Vintzileos Anthony M. , Heo Hye J.
Published: January 2021

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020;223:250.e1–250.e11)

Obstetric hypertensive emergency is a serious hypertensive disorder that can complicate pregnancy and lead to maternal death. It is defined as acute-onset and severe high blood pressure (BP) that lasts for 15 minutes or longer.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Prenatally Diagnosed Boys With 47,XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome) and the Potential Influence of Early Hormonal Therapy
Authors: Samango-Sprouse Carole A. , Tran Selena L. , Lasutschinkow Patricia C. , Sadeghin Teresa , Powell Sherida , Mitchell Francie L. , Gropman Andrea
Published: January 2021

(Abstracted from Am J Med Genet 2020;182A:1881–1889)

47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) is characterized by disruption in neurodevelopment, the endocrine and musculoskeletal systems, and brain morphology. It is also associated with an increased risk of asthma, infertility, decreased muscle tone, emotional lability, and decreased libido.
Implementation of Population-Based Newborn Screening Reveals Low Incidence of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Kay Denise M. , Stevens Colleen F. , Parker April , Saavedra-Matiz Carlos A. , Sack Virginia , Chung Wendy K. , Chiriboga Claudia A. , Engelstad Kristin , Laureta Emma , Farooq Osman , Ciafaloni Emma , Lee Bo Hoon , Malek Sohail , Treidler Simona , Anziska Yaacov , Delfiner Leslie , Sakonju Ai , Caggana Michele
Published: January 2021

(Abstracted from Genet Med 2020;22:1296–1302)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy. There are several subtypes that are categorized as SMA type 1 (presenting in early infancy), where infants are unable to sit unassisted; SMA type 2 (presenting between 6 and 18 months of age), where patients are unable to walk independently; SMA type 3 (presenting after 18 months of age), where some patients were able to walk independently, but others lose this ability; and SMA type 4 (presenting in adulthood), which is rare and less severe.