bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed mortality of males in Thylamys bruchi, a semelparous marsupial from the Monte Desert, Argentina
Authors: Albanese M Soledad , Ojeda Ricardo A , Astié Andrea A
Published: October 2020

Male-only obligate semelparity is a well-studied reproductive strategy in some Australian marsupials. This strategy has not been documented in South American species, although semelparity in both sexes occurs in some Neotropical didelphids. The fat-tailed mouse opossum, Thylamys bruchi, is an endemic species of the temperate Monte Desert, in Argentina. Seasonality and predictability of resources are two of the attributes associated with habitats where marsupial semelparity has evolved, and both are characteristic of the Monte Desert. We aimed to characterize the life-history strategy of T. bruchi to explore if it can be considered a semelparous species. We studied a fat-tailed mouse opossum population for 7 years with two different capture techniques (Sherman traps and nest boxes). Thylamys bruchi showed strong seasonality in abundance, with the highest captures during summer and autumn. Reproduction and weaning coincided with the most favorable period of the year with respect to climate and resource availability. Every year we observed a single cohort with little overlap until weaning of young. After breeding, all adults disappeared from the population; however, unlike any other didelphids, males showed delayed mortality and died, along with females, after weaning. We found no evidence of survival to a second breeding season for either sex. We therefore propose T. bruchi as a desert-dwelling marsupial with a semelparous reproductive strategy. Because the severity of winters may be acting as an important constraint on the energetic balance of adults in this population, we propose that challenging climatic conditions, coupled with the seasonality and high predictability of food resources, may have contributed to the evolution of the extreme reproductive strategy in this didelphid marsupial.
Shoulder septic arthritis following routine influenza vaccination
Authors: Damisa Josiah , Zulkeefli Zereda , Rohman Lebur , Burton David
Published: October 2020

The UK vaccination guidelines state that skin cleansing is not essential in socially clean patients. This report discusses a 69-year-old type 2 diabetic patient with a 4-week history of left shoulder pain with no precipitating factors other than a ‘flu vaccination without having had skin alcohol cleansing. She sustained a swollen left painful shoulder. Aspiration fluid grew Staphylococcus aureus and imaging confirmed diagnosis of septic arthritis. She underwent shoulder debridement and was started on antibiotics. Imaging 6 months later shows the sequelae of septic arthritis. The patient had ongoing stiffness and pain at 6 months. This report raises the question of whether there needs to be a revision of routine skin cleansing practice before vaccinations in certain groups of individuals.
Sulfoxidation regulation of transcription factor NAC42 influences its functions in relation to stress-induced fruit ripening in banana
Authors: Yan Huiling , Jiang Guoxiang , Wu Fuwang , Li Zhiwei , Xiao Lu , Jiang Yueming , Duan Xuewu
Published: October 2020

Redox modification of functional or regulatory proteins has emerged as an important mechanism of post-translational modification. However, the role of redox modifications of transcription factors mediated by methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) in regulating physiological processes in plants remains unclear, especially in fruit ripening. In this study, we determined that MaNAC42, a transcriptional activator, is involved in the regulation of fruit ripening in banana under oxidative stress. Integrated analysis of ChIP-qPCR and EMSA data showed that MaNAC42 directly binds to promoters of genes related to oxidative stress and ripening. Ectopic overexpression of MaNAC42 in Arabidopsis delays dark-induced senescence in leaves, indicating that MaNAC42 plays a negative role in senescence. Furthermore, we found that MaNAC42 is a target of MaMsrB2, a methionine sulfoxide reductase B. Methionine oxidation in MaNAC42 (i.e. sulfoxidation) or mimicking sulfoxidation by mutating methionine to glutamine both lead to decreased DNA-binding capacity and transcriptional activity. On the other hand, MaMsrB2 can partially repair oxidized MaNAC42 and restore its DNA-binding capacity. Thus, our results suggest a novel regulatory mechanism of fruit ripening in banana involving MaMsrB2-mediated redox regulation of the ripening-related transcription factor MaNAC42.
Regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis
Authors: Mitreiter Simon , Gigolashvili Tamara
Published: October 2020

Glucosinolates are secondary defense metabolites produced by plants of the order Brassicales, which includes the model species Arabidopsis and many crop species. In the past 13 years, the regulation of glucosinolate synthesis in plants has been intensively studied, with recent research revealing complex molecular mechanisms that connect glucosinolate production with responses to other central pathways. In this review, we discuss how the regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis is ecologically relevant for plants, how it is controlled by transcription factors, and how this transcriptional machinery interacts with hormonal, environmental, and epigenetic mechanisms. We present the central players in glucosinolate regulation, MYB and basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors, as well as the plant hormone jasmonate, which together with other hormones and environmental signals allow the coordinated and rapid regulation of glucosinolate genes. Furthermore, we highlight the regulatory connections between glucosinolates, auxin, and sulfur metabolism and discuss emerging insights and open questions on the regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis.
Effect of gibberellin-sensitive Rht18 and gibberellin-insensitive Rht-D1b dwarfing genes on vegetative and reproductive growth in bread wheat
Authors: Tang Ting , Botwright Acuña Tina , Spielmeyer Wolfgang , Richards Richard A
Published: October 2020

Gibberellin (GA)-insensitive dwarfing genes Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b that are responsible for the ‘Green Revolution’ have been remarkably successful in wheat improvement globally. However, these alleles result in shorter coleoptiles and reduced vigour, and hence poor establishment and growth in some environments. Rht18, on the other hand, is a GA-sensitive, dominant gene with potential to overcome some of the early growth limitations associated with Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b. We assessed progeny from both a biparental and a backcross population that contained tall, single dwarf, and double dwarf lines, to determine whether Rht18 differs from Rht-D1b and hence verify its value in wheat improvement. Progeny with Rht18 had an almost identical height to lines with Rht-D1b, and both were ~26% shorter than the tall lines, with the double dwarf 13% shorter again. However, coleoptile length of Rht18 was 42% longer than that of Rht-D1b. We detected no differences in time to terminal spikelet and anthesis, and few differences in stem or spike growth. Both dwarfing genes diverted more dry matter to the spike than tall lines from prior to heading. No differences were detected between Rht18 and Rht-D1b that could prevent the adoption of Rht18 in wheat breeding to overcome some of the limitations associated with the ‘Green Revolution’ genes.
Distribution of Si ii λ6355 velocities of Type Ia supernovae and implications for asymmetric explosions
Authors: Zhang Keto D , Zheng WeiKang , de Jaeger Thomas , Stahl Benjamin E , Brink Thomas G , Han Xuhui , Kasen Daniel , Shen Ken J , Tang Kevin , Filippenko Alexei V
Published: October 2020

The ejecta velocity is a very important parameter in studying the structure and properties of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and is a candidate key parameter in improving the utility of SNe Ia for cosmological distance determinations. Here, we study the velocity distribution of a sample of 311 SNe Ia from the kaepora data base. The velocities are derived from the Si ii λ6355 absorption line in optical spectra measured at (or extrapolated to) the time of peak brightness. We statistically show that the observed velocity has a bimodal Gaussian distribution (population ratio 201:110 or 65 per cent:35 per cent) consisting of two groups of SNe Ia: Group I with a lower but narrower scatter ($11\, 000 \pm 700\, \mathrm{km\, s}^{-1}$), and Group II with a higher but broader scatter ($12\, 300 \pm 1800\, \mathrm{km\, s}^{-1}$). The true origin of the two components is unknown. Naturally, there could exist two intrinsic velocity distributions observed. However, we try to use asymmetric geometric models through statistical simulations to reproduce the observed distribution assuming that all SNe Ia share the same intrinsic distribution. In the two cases we consider, 35 per cent of SNe Ia are considered to be asymmetric in Case 1, and all SNe Ia are asymmetric in Case 2. Simulations for both cases can reproduce the observed velocity distribution but require a significantly large portion ($\gt 35{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) of SNe Ia to be asymmetric. In addition, the Case 1 result is consistent with recent SNe Ia polarization observations that higher Si ii λ6355 velocities tend to be more polarized.
Evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere during Late Veneer accretion
Authors: Sinclair Catriona A , Wyatt Mark C , Morbidelli Alessandro , Nesvorný David
Published: October 2020

Recent advances in our understanding of the dynamical history of the Solar system have altered the inferred bombardment history of the Earth during accretion of the Late Veneer, after the Moon-forming impact. We investigate how the bombardment by planetesimals left-over from the terrestrial planet region after terrestrial planet formation, as well as asteroids and comets, affects the evolution of Earth’s early atmosphere. We develop a new statistical code of stochastic bombardment for atmosphere evolution, combining prescriptions for atmosphere loss and volatile delivery derived from hydrodynamic simulations and theory with results from dynamical modelling of realistic populations of impactors. We find that for an initially Earth-like atmosphere, impacts cause moderate atmospheric erosion with stochastic delivery of large asteroids, giving substantial growth (× 10) in a few ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of cases. The exact change in atmosphere mass is inherently stochastic and dependent on the dynamics of the left-over planetesimals. We also consider the dependence on unknowns including the impactor volatile content, finding that the atmosphere is typically completely stripped by especially dry left-over planetesimals ($\lt 0.02 ~ {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ volatiles). Remarkably, for a wide range of initial atmosphere masses and compositions, the atmosphere converges towards similar final masses and compositions, i.e. initially low-mass atmospheres grow, whereas massive atmospheres deplete. While the final properties are sensitive to the assumed impactor properties, the resulting atmosphere mass is close to that of current Earth. The exception to this is that a large initial atmosphere cannot be eroded to the current mass unless the atmosphere was initially primordial in composition.
Cosmic rates of black hole mergers and pair-instability supernovae from chemically homogeneous binary evolution
Authors: du Buisson L , Marchant P , Podsiadlowski Ph , Kobayashi C , Abdalla F B , Taylor P , Mandel I , de Mink S E , Moriya T J , Langer N
Published: October 2020

During the first three observing runs of the Advanced gravitational-wave detector network, the LIGO/Virgo collaboration detected several black hole binary (BHBH) mergers. As the population of detected BHBH mergers grows, it will become possible to constrain different channels for their formation. Here we consider the chemically homogeneous evolution (CHE) channel in close binaries, by performing population synthesis simulations that combine realistic binary models with detailed cosmological calculations of the chemical and star-formation history of the Universe. This allows us to constrain population properties, as well as cosmological and aLIGO/aVirgo detection rates of BHBH mergers formed through this pathway. We predict a BHBH merger rate at redshift zero of $5.8 \textrm {Gpc}^{-3} \textrm {yr}^{-1}$ through the CHE channel, to be compared with aLIGO/aVirgo’s measured rate of ${53.2}_{-28.2}^{+55.8} \text{Gpc}^{-3}\text{yr}^{-1}$, and find that eventual merger systems have BH masses in the range $17{-}43 \,\textrm {M}_{\odot }$ below the pair-instability supernova (PISN) gap, and ${\gt}124 \textrm {M}_{\odot }$ above the PISN gap. We investigate effects of momentum kicks during black hole formation, and calculate cosmological and magnitude limited PISN rates. We also study the effects of high-redshift deviations in the star formation rate. We find that momentum kicks tend to increase delay times of BHBH systems, and our magnitude limited PISN rate estimates indicate that current deep surveys should be able to detect such events. Lastly, we find that our cosmological merger rate estimates change by at most ${\sim}8{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for mild deviations of the star formation rate in the early Universe, and by up to ${\sim}40\,\text{per cent}$ for extreme deviations.
Asteroseismic modelling of solar-type stars: a deeper look at the treatment of initial helium abundance
Authors: Nsamba Benard , Moedas Nuno , Campante Tiago L , Cunha Margarida S , Hernández Antonio García , Suárez Juan C , Monteiro Mário J P F G , Fernandes João , Jiang Chen , Akinsanmi Babatunde
Published: October 2020

Detailed understanding of stellar physics is essential towards a robust determination of stellar properties (e.g. radius, mass, and age). Among the vital input physics used in the modelling of solar-type stars which remain poorly constrained, is the initial helium abundance. To this end, when constructing stellar model grids, the initial helium abundance is estimated either (i) by using the semi-empirical helium-to-heavy element enrichment ratio, (ΔY/ΔZ), anchored to the standard big bang nucleosynthesis value, or (ii) by setting the initial helium abundance as a free variable. Adopting 35 low-mass, solar-type stars with multiyear Kepler photometry from the asteroseismic ‘LEGACY’ sample, we explore the systematic uncertainties on the inferred stellar parameters (i.e. radius, mass, and age) arising from the treatment of the initial helium abundance in stellar model grids. The stellar masses and radii derived from grids with free initial helium abundance are lower compared to those from grids based on a fixed ΔY/ΔZ ratio. We find the systematic uncertainties on mean density, radius, mass, and age arising from grids which employ a fixed value of ΔY/ΔZ and those with free initial helium abundance to be ∼ 0.9 per cent, ∼ 2 per cent, ∼ 5 per cent, and ∼ 29 per cent, respectively. We report that the systematic uncertainties on the inferred masses and radii arising from the treatment of initial helium abundance in stellar grids lie within the expected accuracy limits of ESA’s PLATO, although this is not the case for the age.
Genome Variation Map: a worldwide collection of genome variations across multiple species
Authors: Li Cuiping , Tian Dongmei , Tang Bixia , Liu Xiaonan , Teng Xufei , Zhao Wenming , Zhang Zhang , Song Shuhui
Published: October 2020

The Genome Variation Map (GVM; http://bigd.big.ac.cn/gvm/) is a public data repository of genome variations. It aims to collect and integrate genome variations for a wide range of species, accepts submissions of different variation types from all over the world and provides free open access to all publicly available data in support of worldwide research activities. Compared with the previous version, particularly, a total of 22 species, 115 projects, 55 935 samples, 463 429 609 variants, 66 220 associations and 56 submissions (as of 7 September 2020) were newly added in the current version of GVM. In the current release, GVM houses a total of ∼960 million variants from 41 species, including 13 animals, 25 plants and 3 viruses. Moreover, it incorporates 64 819 individual genotypes and 260 393 manually curated high-quality genotype-to-phenotype associations. Since its inception, GVM has archived genomic variation data of 43 754 samples submitted by worldwide users and served >1 million data download requests. Collectively, as a core resource in the National Genomics Data Center, GVM provides valuable genome variations for a diversity of species and thus plays an important role in both functional genomics studies and molecular breeding.
The Zebrafish Information Network: major gene page and home page updates
Authors: Howe Douglas G , Ramachandran Sridhar , Bradford Yvonne M , Fashena David , Toro Sabrina , Eagle Anne , Frazer Ken , Kalita Patrick , Mani Prita , Martin Ryan , Moxon Sierra Taylor , Paddock Holly , Pich Christian , Ruzicka Leyla , Schaper Kevin , Shao Xiang , Singer Amy , Van Slyke Ceri E , Westerfield Monte
Published: October 2020

The Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN) (https://zfin.org/) is the database for the model organism, zebrafish (Danio rerio). ZFIN expertly curates, organizes, and provides a wide array of zebrafish genetic and genomic data, including genes, alleles, transgenic lines, gene expression, gene function, mutant phenotypes, orthology, human disease models, gene and mutant nomenclature, and reagents. New features at ZFIN include major updates to the home page and the gene page, the two most used pages at ZFIN. Data including disease models, phenotypes, expression, mutants and gene function continue to be contributed to The Alliance of Genome Resources for integration with similar data from other model organisms.
GlycoPOST realizes FAIR principles for glycomics mass spectrometry data
Authors: Watanabe Yu , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F , Ishihama Yasushi , Okuda Shujiro
Published: October 2020

For the reproducibility and sustainability of scientific research, FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable), with respect to the release of raw data obtained by researchers, is one of the most important principles underpinning the future of open science. In genomics and transcriptomics, the sharing of raw data from next-generation sequencers is made possible through public repositories. In addition, in proteomics, the deposition of raw data from mass spectrometry (MS) experiments into repositories is becoming standardized. However, a standard repository for such MS data had not yet been established in glycomics. With the increasing number of glycomics MS data, therefore, we have developed GlycoPOST (https://glycopost.glycosmos.org/), a repository for raw MS data generated from glycomics experiments. In just the first year since the release of GlycoPOST, 73 projects have already been registered by researchers around the world, and the number of registered projects is continuously growing, making a significant contribution to the future FAIRness of the glycomics field. GlycoPOST is a free resource to the community and accepts (and will continue to accept in the future) raw data regardless of vendor-specific formats.
RNA as the stone guest of protein aggregation
Authors: Louka Alexandra , Zacco Elsa , Temussi Piero Andrea , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Pastore Annalisa
Published: October 2020

The study of prions as infectious aggregates dates several decades. From its original formulation, the definition of a prion has progressively changed to the point that many aggregation-prone proteins are now considered bona fide prions. RNA molecules, not included in the original ‘protein-only hypothesis’, are also being recognized as important factors contributing to the ‘prion behaviour’, that implies the transmissibility of an aberrant fold. In particular, an association has recently emerged between aggregation and the assembly of prion-like proteins in RNA-rich complexes, associated with both physiological and pathological events. Here, we discuss the historical rising of the concept of prion-like domains, their relation to RNA and their role in protein aggregation. As a paradigmatic example, we present the case study of TDP-43, an RNA-binding prion-like protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Through this example, we demonstrate how the current definition of prions has incorporated quite different concepts making the meaning of the term richer and more stimulating. An important message that emerges from our analysis is the dual role of RNA in protein aggregation, making RNA, that has been considered for many years a ‘silent presence’ or the ‘stone guest’ of protein aggregation, an important component of the process.
BMPQ-1 binds selectively to (3+1) hybrid topologies in human telomeric G-quadruplex multimers
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Zhu , Hou Haitao , Ding Jieqin , Chen Xin , Xie Congbao , Song Zibing , Hu Zhe , Feng Mingqian , Mohamed Hany I , Xu Shengzhen , Parkinson Gary N , Haider Shozeb , Wei Dengguo
Published: October 2020

A single G-quadruplex forming sequence from the human telomere can adopt six distinct topologies that are inter-convertible under physiological conditions. This presents challenges to design ligands that show selectivity and specificity towards a particular conformation. Additional complexity is introduced in differentiating multimeric G-quadruplexes over monomeric species, which would be able to form in the single-stranded 3′ ends of telomeres. A few ligands have been reported that bind to dimeric quadruplexes, but their preclinical pharmacological evaluation is limited. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we identified a novel quinoline core ligand, BMPQ-1, which bound to human telomeric G-quadruplex multimers over monomeric G-quadruplexes with high selectivity, and induced the formation of G-quadruplex DNA along with the related DNA damage response at the telomere. BMPQ-1 reduced tumor cell proliferation with an IC50 of ∼1.0 μM and decreased tumor growth rate in mouse by half. Biophysical analysis using smFRET identified a mixture of multiple conformations coexisting for dimeric G-quadruplexes in solution. Here, we showed that the titration of BMPQ-1 shifted the conformational ensemble of multimeric G-quadruplexes towards (3+1) hybrid-2 topology, which became more pronounced as further G-quadruplex units are added.
Project Score database: a resource for investigating cancer cell dependencies and prioritizing therapeutic targets
Authors: Dwane Lisa , Behan Fiona M , Gonçalves Emanuel , Lightfoot Howard , Yang Wanjuan , van der Meer Dieudonne , Shepherd Rebecca , Pignatelli Miguel , Iorio Francesco , Garnett Mathew J
Published: October 2020

CRISPR genetic screens in cancer cell models are a powerful tool to elucidate oncogenic mechanisms and to identify promising therapeutic targets. The Project Score database (https://score.depmap.sanger.ac.uk/) uses genome-wide CRISPR–Cas9 dropout screening data in hundreds of highly annotated cancer cell models to identify genes required for cell fitness and prioritize novel oncology targets. The Project Score database currently allows users to investigate the fitness effect of 18 009 genes tested across 323 cancer cell models. Through interactive interfaces, users can investigate data by selecting a specific gene, cancer cell model or tissue type, as well as browsing all gene fitness scores. Additionally, users can identify and rank candidate drug targets based on an established oncology target prioritization pipeline, incorporating genetic biomarkers and clinical datasets for each target, and including suitability for drug development based on pharmaceutical tractability. Data are freely available and downloadable. To enhance analyses, links to other key resources including Open Targets, COSMIC, the Cell Model Passports, UniProt and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer are provided. The Project Score database is a valuable new tool for investigating genetic dependencies in cancer cells and the identification of candidate oncology targets.
DBAASP v3: database of antimicrobial/cytotoxic activity and structure of peptides as a resource for development of new therapeutics
Authors: Pirtskhalava Malak , Amstrong Anthony A , Grigolava Maia , Chubinidze Mindia , Alimbarashvili Evgenia , Vishnepolsky Boris , Gabrielian Andrei , Rosenthal Alex , Hurt Darrell E , Tartakovsky Michael
Published: October 2020

The Database of Antimicrobial Activity and Structure of Peptides (DBAASP) is an open-access, comprehensive database containing information on amino acid sequences, chemical modifications, 3D structures, bioactivities and toxicities of peptides that possess antimicrobial properties. DBAASP is updated continuously, and at present, version 3.0 (DBAASP v3) contains >15 700 entries (8000 more than the previous version), including >14 500 monomers and nearly 400 homo- and hetero-multimers. Of the monomeric antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), >12 000 are synthetic, about 2700 are ribosomally synthesized, and about 170 are non-ribosomally synthesized. Approximately 3/4 of the entries were added after the initial release of the database in 2014 reflecting the recent sharp increase in interest in AMPs. Despite the increased interest, adoption of peptide antimicrobials in clinical practice is still limited as a consequence of several factors including side effects, problems with bioavailability and high production costs. To assist in developing and optimizing de novo peptides with desired biological activities, DBAASP offers several tools including a sophisticated multifactor analysis of relevant physicochemical properties. Furthermore, DBAASP has implemented a structure modelling pipeline that automates the setup, execution and upload of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of database peptides. At present, >3200 peptides have been populated with MD trajectories and related analyses that are both viewable within the web browser and available for download. More than 400 DBAASP entries also have links to experimentally determined structures in the Protein Data Bank. DBAASP v3 is freely accessible at http://dbaasp.org.
Pediatric weight management, dietary restraint, dieting, and eating disorder risk: a systematic review
Authors: House Eve T , Gow Megan L , Lister Natalie B , Baur Louise A , Garnett Sarah P , Paxton Susan J , Jebeile Hiba
Published: October 2020

Context

Whether dietary restraint and dieting are risk factors associated with eating disorders has not been explored in the context of pediatric weight management.

Objective

To review associations between dietary pediatric weight management, dietary restraint, dieting, and eating disorder risk.

Data sources, selection, and extraction

Four databases – MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO – were searched to May 2020 to identify pediatric weight management interventions with a dietary component for children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. The review was limited to studies reporting dietary restraint and/or dieting at preintervention, postintervention, and/or follow-up. Screening and quality assessment were conducted in duplicate, and data extraction was completed by 1 reviewer and cross-checked for accuracy. Data extracted included study characteristics, dietary restraint/dieting, and eating disorder–related outcomes (including disordered eating, body image, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety).

Results

A total of 26 papers, representing 23 studies, were included. Of these, 20 studies reported on dietary restraint, which increased (10 postintervention, 6 follow-up) or remained unchanged (7 postintervention, 5 follow-up), and 5 studies reported on dieting, which increased (1 study), remained unchanged (2 studies) or decreased (2 studies) postintervention. All studies that reported on other eating disorder risk factors (eg, binge eating, body dissatisfaction, and depression) and weight-related outcomes found improvement or no change postintervention or at follow-up.

Conclusion

The results of this review suggest that current measures of dietary restraint and dieting are not associated with eating disorder risk within the context of pediatric weight management; however, long-term data is limited. In addition, those current measures may not be suitable risk markers. Concerns about dietary restraint and dieting leading to eating disorders should not prevent access to quality care for young people with obesity.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. 2017 CRD42017069488.
Using Silica Activity to Model Redox-dependent Fluid Compositions in Serpentinites from 100 to 700 °C and from 1 to 20 kbar
Authors: Lazar Codi
Published: October 2020

Serpentinization is a metamorphic process that can stabilize highly reduced hydrogen-rich fluids. Previous measurements of elevated CH4 and H2 concentrations in ultramafic-hosted submarine springs indicate that active serpentinization occurs along mid-ocean ridge systems at seafloor pressures (∼<500 bar) and temperatures (∼<350 °C). Serpentinites also exist at higher pressures in subduction zones; for example, during retrograde hydration of the forearc mantle wedge and during prograde deserpentinization within the subducted slab. However, many studies demonstrating the thermodynamic stability of reduced serpentinite fluids have been limited to terrestrial seafloor conditions. To investigate the redox state of serpentinite fluids at elevated pressures, phase equilibria and fluid compositions were computed for 100–700 °C and 1–20 kbar using aqueous silica activity (aSiO2(aq)) as a governing parameter. Silica-sensitive, redox-buffering assemblages were selected to be consistent with previously proposed reactions: SiO2(aq)–fayalite–magnetite (QFM), SiO2(aq)–Fe-brucite–cronstedtite, SiO2(aq)–Fe-brucite–Fe3+-serpentine, plus the silica-free buffer Fe-brucite–magnetite. Fluid species are limited to simple, zerovalent compounds. For silica-bearing redox reactions, aSiO2(aq) is buffered by coexisting ultramafic mineral assemblages in the system MgO–SiO2–H2O. Silica activity and fO2 are directly correlated, with the most reduced fluids stabilized by the least siliceous assemblages. Silica activity and fO2 increase with pressure, but are more strongly dependent on temperature, leading to greater silica enrichment and more oxidized conditions along shallow, warm subduction paths than along steeper, colder paths. Reduced fluids with mCH4/mCO2 > 1 and fO2 below QFM are present only when serpentine is stable, and are favored along all subduction trajectories except shallow P–T paths at eclogite-grade. Values of mH2 and mCO/mCO2 depend strongly on P and T, but also on the choice of redox buffer, especially whether the Fe-serpentine component is cronstedtite or Fe3+-serpentine. Methane and H2S production are thermodynamically favored throughout the P–T range of the serpentinized forearc mantle and in other settings with similar conditions; for example, deep planetary seafloors. The model offers a generalized technique for estimating the redox state of a fluid-saturated serpentinite at elevated P and T, and yields results consistent with previous petrographic and thermodynamic analyses. High-pressure serpentinization may be an important source of reduced species that could influence prebiotic chemistry, support microbial life in the deep biosphere or in deep planetary oceans, or promote greenhouse warming on early Earth.
Acute Rehabilitation of a Patient With COVID-19 Myocarditis: A Case Report
Authors: Butler Kelly , Clancy Malachy J , Adler Joe , Tevald Michael A
Published: October 2020

Objective

The purpose of this case report is to describe the acute rehabilitation of an individual with severe COVID-19 complicated by myocarditis, focusing on both facility-wide and patient-specific strategies.

Methods

A 50-year-old male presented to the emergency department with progressive dyspnea and confirmed COVID-19. He developed hypoxic respiratory failure and heart failure requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Mobility was limited by severe impairments in strength, endurance, balance, and cognition. The referral, screening, and rehabilitation of this patient were guided by a COVID-19 Service Delivery Plan designed to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of care delivery while minimizing staff exposure to the virus. Coordinated physical and occupational therapy sessions focused on progressive mobility and cognitive retraining. Progress was monitored using a series of standardized outcome measures, including the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, Timed Up and Go test, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status examination.

Results

Rehabilitation was initiated on day 18, and the patient participated in 19 treatment sessions, each approximately 30 minutes, over the remaining 30 days of his hospital stay. His Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care mobility and function scores both improved from 100% to 0% disability, he experienced substantial improvements in both Timed Up and Go (Δ = 4.2 seconds) and Saint Louis University Mental Status (discharge score = 25). There were no adverse events. He was discharged to home with his family and home rehabilitation services.

Conclusion

COVID-19 contributed to severe declines in mobility and function in this middle-aged man. He experienced substantial gains in his function, mobility, and cognition during his in-hospital rehabilitation, which was guided by a facility-wide plan to prevent virus transmission.

Impact

The rehabilitation of individuals with severe COVID-19 presents significant challenges, both at the level of the individual patient and the whole facility. This report describes clinical decision-making required to manage these individuals in the setting of a global pandemic.
Evaluation of Pragmatic Telehealth Physical Therapy Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Miller Matthew J , Pak Sang S , Keller Daniel R , Barnes Deborah E
Published: October 2020

Objective

The objective was to evaluate implementation of telehealth physical therapy in response to COVID-19 and identify implementation strategies to maintain and scale up telehealth physical therapy within a large urban academic medical center.

Methods

The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate telehealth physical therapy implementation. Patient-level data were extracted from electronic medical records between March 16, 2020, and May 16, 2020 (implementation phase). Reach was defined as the proportion of physical therapy sessions completed via telehealth. Effectiveness was assessed using a patient-reported satisfaction survey with a 5-point Likert scale. Adoption was defined as the proportion of physical therapists who used telehealth. Implementation was assessed through qualitative analysis of patient and clinician perspectives to identify emergent themes, retrospectively classify strategies used during the implementation phase, and prospectively identify evidence-based strategies to increase telehealth maintenance and scale-up. Maintenance of telehealth was defined as the proportion of patients who indicated they would attend another telehealth session.

Results

There were 4548 physical therapy sessions provided by 40 therapists from March 22, 2020, to May 16, 2020, of which 3883 (85%) were telehealth. Ninety-four percent of patients were satisfied. All physical therapists (100%) used telehealth technology at least once. Retrospectively classified and prospectively identified evidence-based strategies were organized into 5 qualitative themes that supported implementation: organizational factors (policies, preexisting partnerships), engaging external stakeholders (satisfaction survey), champions (clinician leaders), clinician education (dynamic, ongoing training), and process (promote adaptability, small tests of change). Ninety-two percent of patients reported they would attend another telehealth session.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that implementation of telehealth physical therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was feasible and acceptable in this setting.

Impact

These results can be used to guide future health policy, quality improvement, and implementation science initiatives to expand the use and study of telehealth for physical therapy.
Health services utilization and its determinants in the context of recession: evidence from Greece
Authors: Beletsioti Chrysoula , Niakas Dimitris
Published: October 2020

Background

In 2009, Greece entered a prolonged economic recession and adopted austerity reforms, which have profoundly affected many aspects of health sector, including health services use. The objective of this study was to investigate healthcare utilization in the Greek population in the context of austerity and its determinants.

Methods

Two National Health Surveys of the population aged 15 and over, conducted in 2009 and 2014—before and after the adoption of austerity measures—, were used to analyse possible changes in healthcare utilization and its determinants applying chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests and generalized linear models.

Results

Between 2009 and 2014, the share of those who had visited a specialist decreased, whereas that of those who had visited a general practitioner or had been hospitalized did not change significantly. The number of outpatient consultations decreased and the number of nights spent in hospital did not change significantly. The strongest predictors were self-rated health, presence of chronic diseases and experiencing pain.

Conclusions

Identifying the procyclical or counter-cyclical nature of healthcare utilization and the association between utilization and its determinants in different settings is an important priority in order to improve access and promote health equity.
The COVID-19 era: the view from Nigeria
Authors: Oleribe O O , Oskouipour P , Nwanyanwu O , Taylor-Robinson S D
Published: October 2020

If we were told that one day the entire world would take its guidance for managing a health crisis from empirical thought, nobody would have believed it. However, with the December 2019 arrival of COVID-19 in China, the world subsequently went into a frenzied state that resulted in the widespread adoption of untested strategies or potential cures; circumstantial evidence provided without randomized control trials (RCTs) was published rapidly and widely considered the gold standard in medical research and therapeutics. Nigeria and much of the rest of the world blindly adopted treatments like chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine and various prevention strategies, often without monitoring the efficacy of these treatment and social control strategies. COVID-19 provided Nigeria a critical opportunity to create or strengthen its national laboratory system by building up its Level 3 laboratories in all parts of the country with the capability to perform PCR tests and viral isolation. There was also an opportunity to establish hospitals in every region of a sufficient standard to reduce the numbers of Nigerians travelling abroad to seek medical treatment; to invest in building capacity to develop antiviral medications and vaccines in Nigeria, and to ensure better international health policies. Rather, Nigerian leaders, government and health managers decided (like most other nations of the world) to shut down the society using isolationist policies that were not necessarily tailored to local needs. Despite adopting these methods, COVID-19 cases continued to skyrocket in Nigeria. In the future, before adopting such broad sweeping policies, there should be local tailoring to assess their effectiveness in different communities. Given that the country has much experience in controlling Lassa and Marburg Fever outbreaks, Nigeria should lead by developing new strategies, new protocols and new local guidelines, based on validated and reproducible studies to ensure that the public health authorities are not caught unaware by any new outbreaks of emerging or remerging diseases.
Longitudinal changes in cerebral white matter microstructure in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Silvagni Ettore , Inglese Francesca , Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Borrelli Massimo , Goeman Jelle J , Revenaz Alfredo , Groppo Elisabetta , Steup-Beekman Gerda M , Huizinga Tom W J , Ronen Itamar , de Bresser Jeroen , Fainardi Enrico , Govoni Marcello , Ercan Ece
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate longitudinal variations in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of different white matter (WM) tracts of newly diagnosed SLE patients, and to assess whether DTI changes relate to changes in clinical characteristics over time.

Methods

A total of 17 newly diagnosed SLE patients (19–55 years) were assessed within 24 months from diagnosis with brain MRI (1.5 T Philips Achieva) at baseline, and after at least 12 months. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity values were calculated in several normal-appearing WM tracts. Longitudinal variations in DTI metrics were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance. DTI changes were separately assessed for 21 WM tracts. Associations between longitudinal alterations of DTI metrics and clinical variables (SLEDAI-2K, complement levels, glucocorticoid dosage) were evaluated using adjusted Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

Mean MD and RD values from the normal-appearing WM significantly increased over time (P = 0.019 and P = 0.021, respectively). A significant increase in RD (P = 0.005) and MD (P = 0.012) was found in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule; RD significantly increased in the left retro-lenticular part of the internal capsule (P = 0.013), and fractional anisotropy significantly decreased in the left corticospinal tract (P = 0.029). No significant correlation was found between the longitudinal change in DTI metrics and the change in clinical measures.

Conclusion

Increase in diffusivity, reflecting a compromised WM tissue microstructure, starts in initial phases of the SLE disease course, even in the absence of overt neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms. These results indicate the importance of monitoring NP involvement in SLE, even shortly after diagnosis.
Efficacy and safety of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates (lower-sodium oxybate [LXB]; JZP-258) in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized withdrawal study in adults with narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Bogan Richard K , Thorpy Michael J , Dauvilliers Yves , Partinen Markku , Del Rio Villegas Rafael , Foldvary-Schaefer Nancy , Skowronski Roman , Tang Lihua , Skobieranda Franck , Šonka Karel
Published: October 2020

Study Objectives

Evaluate efficacy and safety of lower-sodium oxybate (LXB), a novel oxybate medication with 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate (SXB).

Methods

Adults aged 18–70 years with narcolepsy with cataplexy were eligible. The study included a ≤30-day screening period; a 12-week, open-label, optimized treatment and titration period to transition to LXB from previous medications for the treatment of cataplexy; a 2-week stable-dose period (SDP); a 2-week, double-blind, randomized withdrawal period (DBRWP); and a 2-week safety follow-up. During DBRWP, participants were randomized 1:1 to placebo or to continue LXB treatment.

Results

Efficacy was assessed in 134 participants who received randomized treatment, and safety was assessed in all enrolled participants (N = 201). Statistically significant worsening of symptoms was observed in participants randomized to placebo, with median (first quartile [Q1], third quartile [Q3]) change in weekly number of cataplexy attacks from SDP to DBRWP (primary efficacy endpoint) in the placebo group of 2.35 (0.00, 11.61) versus 0.00 (−0.49, 1.75) in the LXB group (p < 0.0001; mean [standard deviation, SD] change: 11.46 [24.751] vs 0.12 [5.772]), and median (Q1, Q3) change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (key secondary efficacy endpoint) of 2.0 (0.0, 5.0) in the placebo group versus 0.0 (−1.0, 1.0) in the LXB group (p < 0.0001; mean [SD] change: 3.0 [4.68] vs 0.0 [2.90]). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events with LXB were headache (20.4%), nausea (12.9%), and dizziness (10.4%).

Conclusions

Efficacy of LXB for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness was demonstrated. The safety profile of LXB was consistent with SXB.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03030599.
Considerations for the Effective Integration of Virtual Simulation in the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum
Authors: Roye Jennifer , Anderson Mindi , Diaz Desiree A. , Rogers Meagan
Published: October 2020

Nursing education employs a cadre of strategies to address faculty shortages, increased student admissions, and the decreased availability of clinical sites. Virtual simulation provides an innovative way to provide a robust learning experience that can be used in conjunction with or in lieu of some portion of clinical experiences. The authors highlight how virtual simulation can be used and outline considerations for educators considering virtual simulation integration.
Experiences of Nursing Professionals Working With Women Diagnosed With Opioid Use Disorder and Their Newborns
Authors: Reese Sarah E. , Riquino Michael R. , Molloy Jen , Nguyen Van , Smid Marcela C. , Tenort Bernice , Gezinski Lindsay B.
Published: October 2020

Background:

As the rate of opioid use in pregnancy escalates, there are a growing number of women diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their newborns being cared for in inpatient settings.

Purpose:

In this study, we sought to better understand the experiences of nurses and nursing assistants working with women diagnosed with OUD and their newborns. By identifying the needs of nurses and nursing assistants, the findings from this study may contribute to reductions in stigma and improved patient care.

Methods:

Nurses and nursing assistants were recruited from a postpartum unit at a large urban hospital in Utah. Participants (n = 30) attended up to 4 semistructured focus groups. We utilized Braun and Clarke's 6-phase approach to thematic analysis to analyze transcribed interviews.

Findings/Results:

Themes identified during the data analysis process included negative feelings and reactions toward patients; preferential concern for the newborn over maternal well-being; and identification of organizational and training needs to overcome these challenges.

Implications for Practice:

These findings identify strategies for addressing challenges faced by nurses and nursing assistants in caring for women diagnosed with OUD and their newborns.

Implications for Research:

Future research should examine the effectiveness of approaches to reduce behaviors influenced by stigma among nurses and nursing assistants working with women diagnosed with OUD and their newborns, as well as employee and patient satisfaction, and long-term health outcomes.