bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment and characterization of a cold‐sensitive neural cell line from the brain of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Long Yong , Liu Ran , Song Guili , Li Qing , Cui Zongbin
Published: December 2020

The aquaculture of tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) is adversely affected by the sensitivity to cold stress. A large number of genes in tilapia were found to be regulated by cold stress, but their functions and mechanisms in cold tolerance remain largely unknown, partially due to the lack of a suitable in vitro model. An immortal neural cell line designated as tilapia brain neural (TBN) was established from brain tissue of the genetically improved farmed tilapia strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The TBN cells show a neuron‐like morphology at low density and form a fibroblast‐like monolayer at high density. Transcriptome profiling through RNA‐sequencing revealed that a total of 15,011 genes were expressed in the TBN cells. The TBN cells express a wide array of marker genes for neural cells. A comparative analysis of the featured genes among the 17 cell clusters isolated from the subventricular zone of mouse brain revealed the highest transcriptome similarity between the TBN cells and the transient amplifying progenitors (TAPs). The TBN cells tolerate relatively high culture temperatures, and the highest growth rate was observed for the cells cultured at 32°C compared with those at 30°C, 28°C and 26°C. Nonetheless, this cell line is cold sensitive. Exposure of the cells to 16°C or lower temperatures significantly decreased cell confluences and induced apoptosis. The TBN cells were more sensitive to cold stress than the ZF4 cells (embryonic zebrafish fibroblasts). Moreover, the TBN cells can be efficiently transfected through electroporation. This study provides an invaluable research tool to understand the nature of cold sensitivity of tilapia and to dissect the function and mechanism of genes in regulating cold tolerance of fish.
The association of mode of location activity and mobility with acute coronary syndrome: a nationwide ecological study
Authors: Mohammad M. A. , Koul S. , Gale C. P. , Alfredsson J. , James S. , Fröbert O. , Omerovic E. , Erlinge D.
Published: December 2020

Background

We aimed to study the effect of social containment mandates on ACS presentation during COVID‐19 pandemic using location activity and mobility data from mobile phone map services.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) including all ACS presentations during the pandemic until 7 May 2020. Using a count regression model, we adjusted for day of the week, daily weather and incidence of COVID‐19.

Results

A 10% increase in activity around areas of residence was associated with 38% lower rates of ACS hospitalizations, whereas increased activity relating to retail and recreation, grocery stores and pharmacies, workplaces and mode of mobility was associated with 10‐20% higher rates of ACS hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Government policy regarding social containment mandates has important public health implications for medical emergencies such as ACS and may explain the decline in ACS presentations observed during COVID‐19 pandemic.
Current and emerging disease‐modulatory therapies and treatment targets for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Piehl F.
Published: December 2020

The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), continues to transform. In recent years, a number of novel and increasingly effective disease‐modulatory therapies (DMTs) have been approved, including oral fumarates and selective sphingosine 1‐phosphate modulators, as well as cell‐depleting therapies such as cladribine, anti‐CD20 and anti‐CD52 monoclonals. Amongst DMTs in clinical development, inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase represent an entirely new emerging drug class in MS, with three different drugs entering phase III trials. However, important remaining fields of improvement comprise tracking of long‐term benefit‐risk with existing DMTs and exploration of novel treatment targets relating to brain inherent disease processes underlying the progressive neurodegenerative aspect of MS, which accumulating evidence suggests start already early in the disease process. The aim here is to review current therapeutic options in relation to an improved understanding of the immunopathogenesis of MS, also highlighting examples where controlled trials have not generated the desired results. An additional aim is to review emerging therapies undergoing clinical development, including agents that interfere with disease processes believed to be important for neurodegeneration or aiming to enhance reparative responses. Notably, early trials now have shown initial evidence of enhanced remyelination both with small molecule compounds and biologicals. Finally, accumulating evidence from clinical trials and post‐marketing real‐world patient populations, which underscore the importance of early high effective therapy whilst maintaining acceptable tolerability, is discussed.
Tuberculosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus–a 37‐year longitudinal survey‐based study
Authors: Xiao X. , Da G. , Xie X. , Liu X. , Zhang L. , Zhou B. , Li H. , Li P. , Yang H. , Chen H. , Fei Y. , Tsokos G. C. , Zhao L. , Zhang X.
Published: December 2020

Background

Infections are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients have a higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection due to impaired immune defence.

Objectives

To investigate the demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with SLE and concomitant TB.

Methods

Medical records of SLE patients with TB who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital in 1983–2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Age‐ and sex‐matched SLE inpatients without TB were randomly selected as controls. Clinical and laboratory features and treatment were analysed and compared, and subjects were followed up to assess their outcome.

Results

Of the 10 469 SLE inpatients, 249 (2.4%) were diagnosed with TB. Compared with controls, SLE/TB + patients exhibited higher frequency of prior haematologic, mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal system involvement, and prior treatment with potent glucocorticoid/immunosuppressive agents (GC/ISA). Arthritis and alopecia, positive T‐SPOT.TB test and lymphocytopenia were more common in SLE/TB + patients. SLE/TB + patients with lupus before TB (SLE → TB) had higher risk of miliary TB (22.8%) and intracranial TB (16.5%) than SLE/TB + patients with lupus after TB (TB → SLE). SLE/TB + patients exhibited shorter long‐term survival than SLE/TB‐ patients; those with poorer in‐hospital outcomes had more severe lymphocytopenia and had received less treatment with ISAs.

Conclusion

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated vigorously with GC/ISA should be alerted of increased risk of TB infection, especially miliary and intracranial TB. Positive T‐SPOT.TB and lymphocytopenia served as discriminatory variables between SLE/TB + and SLE/TB‐ patients. Lymphocytopenia was associated with poorer outcomes in SLE/TB + patients.
Relapse prevention in ambulant mental health care tailored to patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Authors: Johansen Kirsten Kjær , Hounsgaard Lise , Frandsen Tove Faber , Fluttert Frans A. J. , Hansen Jens Peter
Published: December 2020

Accessible summary

What is already known on the subject?

Understanding the need for psychoeducation and management strategies in relapse prevention, for individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Interventions for individuals with severe mental illness, especially schizophrenia, often requires support from family or social network to successfully improve mental stability in the life of the mentally ill.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

To our knowledge, no previous review has provided an overview of state of the art intervention elements currently used in ambulant mental health care interventions and how these elements are combined in interventions tailored to individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Moreover, this systematic review indicates the effect of the different intervention elements.

This review reveals an apparent gab in knowledge regarding patient perceptions of and need for individualized relapse prevention interventions.

What are the implications for practice?

The review is a relevant tool for stakeholders and practitioners in community mental health service when planning future interventions. Considering the specific needs for intervention complexity of the target group is likely to improve not only treatment outcome, but also patient satisfaction and treatment adherence.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a development in ambulant mental health care towards a more preventive approach, resulting in relapse prevention interventions. Interventions may be patient tailored, to a greater or lesser extent, in relation to the treatment elements included.

Aim

To create an overview of non‐pharmacological intervention elements described in relapse prevention interventions for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder based on a systematic review.

Method

Six scientific databases were systematically searched. The search strategy, identification and selection of literature complied with the PRISMA statement.

Results

Of 7.429 studies screened, 25 were included for analysis. Six treatment elements were identified: Pharmacological treatment, personalized action plan, patient education, patient skills, treatment adherence and family involvement.

Discussion

The varying degree of complexity of the interventions indicates that patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have, respectively, different treatment needs. Patients with schizophrenia seem to benefit more from interventions that include support from social network or family than patients with bipolar disorder. More qualitative studies clarifying the patient's perspective on tailored relapse prevention are indicated.

Implications for practice

Optimally tailoring relapse prevention for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will improve treatment outcome, and probably also treatment satisfaction and adherence.
Gender moderates the relationship between media use and sleep quality
Authors: McManus Benjamin , Underhill Andrea , Mrug Sylvie , Anthony Thomas , Stavrinos Despina
Published: December 2020

With high screen time and poor sleep commonly reported in adolescents, it is important to more fully understand how screen time impacts sleep. Despite similar overall screen times, male and female media preferences and usages differ, making it critical to determine if different domains of screen time differentially affect sleep quality. The present study examined whether differing amounts and domains of screen‐based media vary in impact on sleep quality of 16‐year‐old male and female adolescents over a 3‐month period. A total of 98 adolescents (mean [SD] age 16.27 [0.29] years; 51% female) completed two online surveys spaced 3 months apart and comprised of well‐validated self‐reported measures of sleep quality, media usage, and depressive symptoms. The various domains of media were categorised into screen‐based media with little‐to‐no peer‐to‐peer interaction involved (video‐only) and screen‐based media with interaction a predominant component to the usage (peer‐to‐peer interaction‐involved). Self‐reported sleep quality decreased across the 3‐month study period. Gender moderated the effect of interactive screen time on sleep quality 3 months later, with interactive screen time associated with better sleep quality in males, but remaining poorer in females. Screen time competes with sleep time and may do so differentially depending on the media domain. Compared to females, interactive components of screen time may lessen worsening sleep quality over time in males. Understanding the relationships among screen time, its content, age, and gender may inform guidelines for educators, parents, and adolescents to help improve sleep quality of adolescents.
The Immigrant‐Native Gap in Union Membership: A Question of Time, Sorting, or Culture?
Authors: Cools Sara , Finseraas Henning , Bergli Rasmussen Magnus
Published: December 2020

Trade union membership is an indicator of social integration. In this paper, we study the gap in unionization rates between immigrants and natives using high‐quality population‐wide administrative data from Norway. We document that the average unionization rate among immigrants increases strongly with time since arrival, but it never catches up fully with that of natives. Variables describing labour market sorting explain well above half of the gap, mainly because immigrants tend to be employed in firms and industries with lower levels of unionization. There are significant differences in immigrants' unionization by their country of origin, but these differences are also largely accounted for by background characteristics and labour market sorting — and they do not extend to the second generation. We conclude that existing research, which has mainly relied on survey data, has understated the importance of labour market sorting for immigrants' low unionization rates.
Soil nitrogen dynamics and competition during plant invasion: insights from Mikania micrantha invasions in China
Authors: Yu Hanxia , Le Roux Johannes J. , Jiang Zhaoyang , Sun Feng , Peng Changlian , Li Weihua
Published: December 2020

Invasive plants often change a/biotic soil conditions to increase their competitiveness. We compared the microbially mediated soil nitrogen (N) cycle of invasive Mikania micrantha and two co‐occurring native competitors, Persicaria chinensis and Paederia scandens.

We assessed how differences in plant tissue N content, soil nutrients, N cycling rates, microbial biomass and activity, and diversity and abundance of N‐cycling microbes associated with these species impact their competitiveness.

Mikania micrantha outcompeted both native species by transferring more N to plant tissue (37.9–55.8% more than natives). We found total soil N to be at lowest, and available N highest, in M. micrantha rhizospheres, suggesting higher N cycling rates compared with both natives. Higher microbial biomass and enzyme activities in M. micrantha rhizospheres confirmed this, being positively correlated with soil N mineralization rates and available N. Mikania micrantha rhizospheres harbored highly diverse N‐cycling microbes, including N‐fixing, ammonia‐oxidizing and denitrifying bacteria and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA). Structural equation models indicated that M. micrantha obtained available N via AOA‐mediated nitrification mainly. Field data mirrored our experimental findings.

Nitrogen availability is elevated under M. micrantha invasion through enrichment of microbes that participate in N cycling, in turn increasing available N for plant growth, facilitating high interspecific competition.
Poverty and prosperity among Sama Bajo fishing communities (Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Authors: McWilliam Andrew R. , Wianti Nur Isiyana , Taufik Yani
Published: December 2020

Over recent decades, sustained economic growth in Indonesia has lifted many millions of Indonesians out of poverty. But despite these developments, 28 per cent of the population still live below the official poverty line and many more remain vulnerable to falling into poverty. Coastal and fishing communities represent some of the poorer populations across Indonesia, their livelihoods increasingly threatened by deleterious environmental impacts and overfishing. This paper draws on an analysis of household surveys from two Sama Bajo fishing settlements in coastal Southeast Sulawesi. A predominantly maritime language community, Sama Bajo livelihoods are shaped by seasonal patterns of fishing and marine based harvesting and trading. Using a modified poverty survey instrument, the paper explores comparative patterns of poverty and prosperity in these two communities with a focus on livelihood dynamics, seasonality effects, and the enduring patron‐client relationships that sustain their market‐oriented way of life. Key findings highlight the vulnerability of female headed households given the highly gendered access to fishing success, and the significance of relational co‐dependencies between patron‐client networks that sustain the current patterns of fishing livelihoods. The paper highlights the need for more focussed livelihood research among vulnerable populations in Indonesia and smallholder fishing communities in particular.
Long‐term rice–crayfish farming aggravates soil gleying and induced changes of soil iron morphology
Authors: Yuan Pengli , Wang Jinping , Li Chengfang , Cao Cougui
Published: December 2020

The integrated rice–crayfish (RC) farming has become popular in rice‐growing areas in China. In order to raise crayfish in paddy, the RC system requires large amounts of feed and flooding of fields, and changes in the use and management of paddy may have an impact on soil properties. This study investigated the effects of feed placement and long‐term flooding on soil profile structure, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, redox status and iron oxides during RC farming. A series of paddy soil profiles from rice–crayfish paddies were sampled. Samples from adjacent paddies with rice monoculture (RM) were used for comparison. Soil samples from each paddy field were collected vertically every 20 cm from surface to a depth of 1 m. Our research indicated that the thicknesses of the gley horizons and concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, soil organic carbon, total amount of reductive mater, active reducing matter, ferrous iron, divalent manganese, oxalate‐extractable iron (Feo), and pyrophosphate‐extractable iron (Fep) increased with the duration of RC farming. Conversely, Eh, and dithionite‐extractable iron (Fed) content significantly decreased with time. In comparison with RM, the longer RC system lasts, the more severe gleying of the surface soil occurs, and the depth of gley extends downwards in the soil profile. Particularly thickened gleization layer, high content of organic nutrients, presence of reducing substances, low Eh value, and changes of soil iron minerals which affect soil fertility can predictably worse the function of the rice paddy environment and ecosystems.
Detection of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*55:71, in a Chinese hematopoietic stem cell donor and platelet donor
Authors: Li Jian‐Ping , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Yu Xiao‐Nan , Li Xiao‐Feng
Published: December 2020

HLA‐B*55:71 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐B*55:02:01:01 where histidine (3) is changed to tyrosine.
Plant apocarotenoids: from retrograde signaling to interspecific communication
Authors: Moreno Juan C. , Mi Jianing , Alagoz Yagiz , Al‐Babili Salim
Published: December 2020

Carotenoids are isoprenoid compounds synthesized by all photosynthetic and some non‐photosynthetic organisms. They are essential for photosynthesis and contribute to many other aspects of a plant's life. The oxidative breakdown of carotenoids gives rise to the formation of a diverse family of essential metabolites called apocarotenoids. This metabolic process either takes place spontaneously through reactive oxygen species or is catalyzed by enzymes generally belonging to the CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE family. Apocarotenoids include the phytohormones abscisic acid and strigolactones (SLs), signaling molecules and growth regulators. Abscisic acid and SLs are vital in regulating plant growth, development and stress response. SLs are also an essential component in plants’ rhizospheric communication with symbionts and parasites. Other apocarotenoid small molecules, such as blumenols, mycorradicins, zaxinone, anchorene, β‐cyclocitral, β‐cyclogeranic acid, β‐ionone and loliolide, are involved in plant growth and development, and/or contribute to different processes, including arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis, abiotic stress response, plant–plant and plant–herbivore interactions and plastid retrograde signaling. There are also indications for the presence of structurally unidentified linear cis‐carotene‐derived apocarotenoids, which are presumed to modulate plastid biogenesis and leaf morphology, among other developmental processes. Here, we provide an overview on the biology of old, recently discovered and supposed plant apocarotenoid signaling molecules, describing their biosynthesis, developmental and physiological functions, and role as a messenger in plant communication.
Normalization Techniques For Translating Cultural - Specific Expressions
Authors: Imjidee Nuchanad , Bee Kwee Soh
Published: December 2020

For readability of audience in target culture (TC), cultural-specific expressions (CSEs) which have been embedded with specific characteristics, need specific techniques to transfer them into target language (TL). This study aims to identify normalization techniques (NTs) from domestication strategies to show that they are particularly necessary for CSE translation. Based on the previous studies of different scholars, the overlap between domestication and normalization is clarified, following by the clarification of the relation between normalization and the use of translator’s subjectivity, as well as the distinction between CSEs and universals for simple explanation on what normalization and CSE are. Last but not least, the overlapping NTs, classified from domestication strategies will be unified. Finally, illustration of normalization of CSEs, selected from Thai target text (TT) and its English source text (ST), The Da Vinci Code (DVC), a novel by Dan Brown, will give an overt explanation of how each NT is used to deal with CSEs in order to show relation between characteristics of CSEs and each NT. This will answer why NTs are necessary.
Challenges in Teaching Pronunciation in Malaysian Secondary Schools: Novice Teacher's Perspective
Authors: Mohd Asikin Norbazila , Ibrahim Noor Aireen
Published: December 2020

Pronunciation is a key component of speaking skill and providing students with sufficient knowledge on correct pronunciation will help to improve their overall speaking skills. However, pronunciation remains a contentious issue in English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning process as teaching pronunciation has often been avoided by language teachers. There are many factors that make teaching pronunciation a challenge for teachers and can be divided into internal and external challenges. This study was conducted to examine challenges faced by teacher trainees in teaching pronunciation and ways in which these challenges were managed. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A set of self-developed questionnaire with two main sections and a total of eight items was distributed to 34 teacher trainees, six of whom were interviewed to gather data for this study. Challenges in teaching pronunciation found in this study can be divided into two categories which were internal and external challenges. Internal challenges consist of i) lack of confidence, ii) lack of sufficient knowledge and iii) pedagogical issues. On the other hand, external challenges faced by novice teachers in this study included i) lack of priority, ii) limitation of time; and iii) lack of teaching materials and resources. Although novice teachers face both internal and external challenges in teaching pronunciation, three main methods were employed by the respondents to manage these challenges. The management of these challenges showed that novice teachers were aware of the importance of teaching pronunciation and therefore did not allow these challenges to become a barrier.
Lung transplantation for patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Bharat Ankit , Querrey Melissa , Markov Nikolay S. , Kim Samuel , Kurihara Chitaru , Garza-Castillon Rafael , Manerikar Adwaiy , Shilatifard Ali , Tomic Rade , Politanska Yuliya , Abdala-Valencia Hiam , Yeldandi Anjana V. , Lomasney Jon W. , Misharin Alexander V. , Budinger G. R. Scott
Published: December 2020

Some patients with severe COVID-19 develop end-stage pulmonary fibrosis for which lung transplantation may be the only treatment.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analyses of Cefiderocol, a Parenteral Siderophore Cephalosporin, in Patients with Pneumonia, Bloodstream Infection/Sepsis, or Complicated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Kawaguchi Nao , Katsube Takayuki , Echols Roger , Wajima Toshihiro
Published: December 2020

Cefiderocol is a novel siderophore cephalosporin with antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant strains. The standard dosing regimen of cefiderocol is 2 g administered every 8 hours over 3 hours infusion in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCL) of 60 to 119 ml/min, and it is adjusted for patients with <60 ml/min or ≥120 ml/min CrCL.
Impact of Culture Condition Modulation on the High-Yield, High-Specificity, and Cost-Effective Production of Terpenoids from Microbial Sources: a Review
Authors: Shukla Vibha , Phulara Suresh Chandra
Published: December 2020

Recent years have seen a remarkable increase in the nonnatural production of terpenoids by the microbial route. This is due to advancements in synthetic biology tools and techniques, which have overcome the challenges associated with the nonnative production of terpenoids from microbial hosts.
Innate IFN-γ Is Essential for Systemic Chlamydia muridarum Control in Mice, While CD4 T Cell-Dependent IFN-γ Production Is Highly Redundant in the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Mercado Miguel A. B. , Du Wuying , Malaviarachchi Priyangi A. , Gann Jessica I. , Li Lin-Xi
Published: December 2020

Protective immunity against the obligate intracellular bacteriumChlamydiahas long been thought to rely on CD4 T cell-dependent gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production. Nevertheless, whether IFN-γ is produced by other cellular sources duringChlamydiainfection and how CD4 T cell-dependent and -independent IFN-γ contribute differently to host resistance have not been carefully evaluated.
Regulatory Cross Talk between Motility and Interbacterial Communication in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Plitnick Jonathan , Chevance Fabienne F. V. , Stringer Anne , Hughes Kelly T. , Wade Joseph T.
Published: December 2020

Initiation of bacterial transcription requires association of a σ factor with the core RNA polymerase to facilitate sequence-specific recognition of promoter elements. FliA is a widely conserved σ factor that directs transcription of genes involved in flagellar motility.
Systematic Analysis of c-di-GMP Signaling Mechanisms and Biological Functions in Dickeya zeae EC1
Authors: Chen Yufan , Zhou Jianuan , Lv Mingfa , Liang Zhibin , Parsek Matthew R. , Zhang Lian-hui
Published: December 2020

Dickeya zeae
is the etiological agent of bacterial foot rot disease, which can cause massive economic losses in banana and rice plantations. Genome sequence analysis showed that
D. zeae
strain EC1 contains multiple c-di-GMP turnover genes, but their roles and regulatory mechanisms in bacterial physiology and virulence remain vague. By generating consecutive in-frame deletion mutants of the genes encoding c-di-GMP biosynthesis and degradation, respectively, we analyzed the individual and collective impacts of these c-di-GMP metabolic genes on the c-di-GMP global pool, bacterial physiology, and virulence. The significance of our study is in identifying the mechanism of c-di-GMP signaling in strain EC1 more clearly, which expands the c-di-GMP regulating patterns in Gram-negative species. The methods and experimental designs in this research will provide a valuable reference for the exploration of the complex c-di-GMP regulation mechanisms in other bacteria.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis MmsA (Rv0753c) Interacts with STING and Blunts the Type I Interferon Response
Authors: Sun Yifan , Zhang Wei , Dong Chunsheng , Xiong Sidong
Published: December 2020

It is unclear how the type I IFN response is regulated by mycobacterial determinants. Here, we characterized the previously unreported role of
M. tuberculosis
MmsA in immunological regulation of type I IFN response by targeting the central adaptor STING in the DNA sensing pathway. We identified STING-interacting MmsA by coimmunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry-based (IP-MS) proteomic analysis and showed MmsA interacting with STING and autophagy receptor p62 via its N terminus and C terminus, respectively. We also showed that MmsA downregulated type I IFN by promoting p62-mediated STING degradation. Moreover, the MmsA mutant R138W is potentially associated with the virulence of
M. tuberculosis
clinical strains owing to the modulation of STING protein. Our results provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanism of type I IFN response manipulated by mycobacterial MmsA and the additional cross talk between autophagy and STING in
M. tuberculosis
infection, wherein a protein from microbial pathogens induces autophagic degradation of host innate immune molecules.
Factors influencing the episode duration and the anatomical and functional outcome in cases of acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Parajuli Anil , Joshi Purushottam
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the factors affecting the duration of subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution and their correlation with the final anatomical and functional outcome in cases of treatment naïve acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods and analysis

We retrospectively studied 93 eyes of 93 patients diagnosed with treatment naïve acute CSCR presenting within 30 days of onset of symptoms. The eyes were divided into two groups (1 and 2) based on the duration of SRF resolution; which was ≤3 months in group 1 and >3 months in group 2. Demographic and medical history, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography features were noted and their association with duration for SRF resolution, final central macular thickness (CMT) and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were studied. All the patients were prescribed topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for 1 month at the diagnosis of CSCR.

Results

Longer duration of symptoms, female gender and baseline OCT factors like hyper-reflective dots and retinal pigment epithelial bumps were associated with longer duration for SRF resolution (p<0.001, p=0.04, p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). The SRF resolution time had strong correlations with the final CMT (r=−0.589, p<0.001) and final BCVA in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) (r=+0.599, p<0.001). Group 2 eyes had worse final BCVA and thinner final CMT than Group 1 (both p<0.001). The final CMT of the patients of Group 1 was statistically thinner than the normal population (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patient’s baseline clinicodemographic and OCT features can be used to predict the course and visual outcome in cases of treatment naïve acute idiopathic CSCR.
Physical preparation and return to performance of an elite female football player following ACL reconstruction: a journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Authors: Taberner Matt , van Dyk Nicol , Allen Tom , Jain Neil , Richter Chris , Drust Barry , Betancur Esteban , Cohen Daniel D
Published: December 2020

ACL injuries are among the most severe knee injuries in elite sport, with a high injury burden and re-injury risk. Despite extensive literature on the injury and the higher incidence of injury and re-injury in female athletes, there is limited evidence on the return to sport (RTS) of elite female football players following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). RTS is best viewed on a continuum aligning the recovery and rehabilitation process with the ultimate aim — a return to performance (RTPerf). We outline the RTS and RTPerfof an elite female football player following ACLR and her journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the gym-based physical preparation and the on-pitch/sports-specific reconditioning. We used the ‘control–chaos continuum’ as a framework for RTS, guiding a return above pre-injury training load demands while considering the qualitative nature of movement in competition. We then implemented the ‘RTPerfpathway’ to facilitate a return to team training, competitive match play and a RTPerf. Objective information, clinical reasoning and shared decision-making contributed to this process and helped the player to reach her goal of representing her country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Comprehensive analysis of cutaneous and uveal melanoma liver metastases
Authors: Hoefsmit Esmee P , Rozeman Elisa A , Van Trieu My , Dimitriadis Petros , Krijgsman Oscar , Conway Jordan W , Pires da Silva Ines , van der Wal Jacqueline E , Ketelaars Steven L C , Bresser Kaspar , Broeks Annegien , Kerkhoven Ron M , Reeves Jason W , Warren Sarah , Kvistborg Pia , Scolyer Richard A , Kapiteijn Ellen W , Peeper Daniel S , Long Georgina V , Schumacher Ton N M , Blank Christian U
Published: December 2020

Background

The profound disparity in response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) by cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) patients is not well understood. Therefore, we characterized metastases of CM and UM from the same metastatic site (liver), in order to dissect the potential underlying mechanism in differential response on ICB.

Methods

Tumor liver samples from CM (n=38) and UM (n=28) patients were analyzed at the genomic (whole exome sequencing), transcriptional (RNA sequencing) and protein (immunohistochemistry and GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling) level.

Results

Comparison of CM and UM metastases from the same metastatic site revealed that, although originating from the same melanocyte lineage, CM and UM differed in somatic mutation profile, copy number profile, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and consequently predicted neoantigens. A higher melanin content and higher expression of the melanoma differentiation antigen MelanA was observed in liver metastases of UM patients. No difference in B2M and human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression was observed. A higher expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was found in CM compared with UM liver metastases, although the majority of CM and UM liver metastases lacked PD-L1 expression. There was no difference in the extent of immune infiltration observed between CM and UM metastases, with the exception of a higher expression of CD163 (p<0.0001) in CM liver samples. While the extent of immune infiltration was similar for CM and UM metastases, the ratio of exhausted CD8 T cells to cytotoxic T cells, to total CD8 T cells and to Th1 cells, was significantly higher in UM metastases.

Conclusions

While TMB was different between CM and UM metastases, tumor immune infiltration was similar. The greater dependency on PD-L1 as an immune checkpoint in CM and the identification of higher exhaustion ratios in UM may both serve as explanations for the difference in response to ICB. Consequently, in order to improve current treatment for metastatic UM, reversal of T cell exhaustion beyond programmed cell death 1 blockade should be considered.
Creatine kinase during non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes is associated with major bleeding
Authors: Brewster Lizzy Maritza , Fernand Jim
Published: December 2020

Background

It was recently reported that highly elevated plasma activity of the ADP-scavenging enzyme creatine kinase (CK), to >10 times the upper reference limit (URL), is independently associated with fatal or non-fatal bleeding during treatment for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR 2.6 (95% CI, 1.8 to 2.7)/log CK increase). Evidence indicates that CK attenuates ADP-dependent platelet aggregation. This study investigates whether moderately elevated CK in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is associated with major bleeding.

Methods

The Thrombolysis In Myocardial Ischemia (TIMI) 3B trial compared recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) (35–80 mg) with placebo and early catheterisation with conservative management in patients with NSTE-ACS. Main outcomes of the current study are the independent association of peak plasma CK (CKmax) with adjudicated fatal or non-fatal major bleeding (primary) and with combined major bleeding, stroke and hospital death (secondary), with covariables including age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, creatinine and assignment to add-on rt-PA versus placebo. Discrimination was assessed with C-statistics.

Results

The study included 1473 patients (66% men, 80% white, mean age 59 years, SE 0.3). CKmax ranged between 15 and 19 045 IU/L (mean (SE), 450 (24) IU/L; two times URL). Major bleeding occurred in 2.0% (mean age 65 (1.3) years; mean CKmax 1015 (319) IU/L; six times URL), and the combined outcome in 4.3% of the patients, adjusted OR per log CK increase, respectively, 3.1 (1.6 to 5.9) for major bleeding and 3.9 (2.5 to 6.1) for the combined outcome; C-index 0.8 for both outcomes. The association between CK and bleeding was independent of the use of thrombolytic therapy.

Discussion

The presented data add to the existing evidence that proportionate to its plasma activity, the ADP-binding enzyme CK is strongly and independently associated with non-fatal and fatal major bleeding during treatment for NSTE-ACS. CK might increase the accuracy of prediction models for major bleeding in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Trial registration number

NCT00000472.
Traumatic abdominal wall hernias: a single-center case series of surgical management
Authors: Chow Kevin L , Omi Ellen C , Santaniello John , Lee Jane K , McElmeel David P , Thomas Yalaunda M , Cartolano Thomas J , Doherty James C , Smith-Singares Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Background

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are a rare clinical entity that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. There is no consensus on management of TAWH due to its low incidence and complex concomitant injury patterns. We hereby present the largest single-center case series in the USA to characterize associated injury patterns, identify optimal strategies for hernia management, and determine outcomes.

Methods

Patients who presented with a TAWH from blunt trauma requiring operative management were retrospectively identified over a 14-year period. Demographic data, Injury Severity Score (ISS), associated injuries, type of repair, durability of repair, and complications were collected, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

Fifteen patients were identified. The average age was 31±11 years, ISS 15±9, and body mass index 33.4±7.1 kg/m2. Mechanisms included falls (13%), motor vehicle collisions (60%), motorcycle accidents (20%), and pedestrian versus motor vehicle collisions (7%). The most commonly associated injuries included colonic injuries (53%), long bone fractures (47%), pelvic fractures (40%), and small bowel injuries (33%). Nineteen hernia repairs were performed: 6 underwent primary suture repair (32%) and 13 used mesh (68%). There were four recurrences. We could not find any significant relationship between contamination and mesh use or recurrence. There was one mortality related to sepsis.

Discussion

TAWHs have an associated injury pattern involving fractures and abdominopelvic visceral injuries where a tailored approach is advisable. Without hollow viscous injuries and gross contamination, these hernias can be repaired safely with mesh in the acute setting. However, in patients with gross contamination or hemodynamic instability, the risk of recurrence with primary repair must be weighed against the risk of infection and prolonged surgery with mesh repair. In those cases, a delayed reconstruction in the elective setting may be optimal.
A new f(R) gravity model and properties of gravitational waves in it
Authors: Gogoi Dhruba Jyoti , Dev Goswami Umananda
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we have introduced a new f(R) gravity model as an attempt to have a model with more parametric control, so that the model can be used to explain the existing problems as well as to explore new directions in physics of gravity, by properly constraining it with recent observational data. Here basic aim is to study the properties of Gravitational Waves (GWs) in this new model. In f(R) gravity metric formalism, the model shows the existence of scalar degree of freedom as like other f(R) gravity models. Due to this reason, there is a scalar mode of polarization of GWs present in the theory. This polarization mode exists in a mixed state, of which one is transverse massless breathing mode with non-vanishing trace and the other is massive longitudinal mode. The longitudinal mode being massive, travels at speed less than the usual tensor modes found in General Relativity (GR). Moreover, for a better understanding of the model, we have studied the potential and mass of scalar graviton in both Jordan frame and Einstein frame. This model can pass the solar system tests and can explain primordial and present dark energy. Also, we have put constraints on the model. It is found that the correlation function for the third mode of polarization under certain mass scale predicted by the model agrees well with the recent data of Pulsar Timing Arrays. It seems that this new model would be useful in dealing with different existing issues in the areas of astrophysics and cosmology.
Traversable wormhole solutions in f(R) gravity via Karmarkar condition
Authors: Shamir M. Farasat , Fayyaz I.
Published: December 2020

Motivated by recent proposals of possible wormhole shape functions, we construct a wormhole shape function by employing the Karmarkar condition for static traversable wormhole geometry. The proposed shape function generates wormhole geometry that connects two asymptotically flat regions of spacetime and satisfies the required conditions. Further, we discuss the embedding diagram in three-dimensional Euclidean space to present the wormhole configurations. The main feature of current study is to consider three well-known f(R) gravity models, namely exponential gravity model, Starobinsky gravity Model and Tsujikawa f(R) gravity model. Moreover, we investigate that our proposed shape function provides the wormhole solutions with less (or may be negligible) amount of exotic matter corresponding to the appropriate choice of f(R) gravity models and suitable values of free parameters. Interestingly, the solutions obtained for this shape function generate stable static spherically symmetric wormhole structure in the context of non-existence theorem in f(R) gravity. This may lead to a better analytical representation of wormhole solutions in other modified gravities for the suggested shape function.
How to form a wormhole
Authors: Dai De-Chang , Minic Djordje , Stojkovic Dejan
Published: December 2020

We provide a simple but very useful description of the process of wormhole formation. We place two massive objects in two parallel universes (modeled by two branes). Gravitational attraction between the objects competes with the resistance coming from the brane tension. For sufficiently strong attraction, the branes are deformed, objects touch and a wormhole is formed. Our calculations show that more massive and compact objects are more likely to fulfill the conditions for wormhole formation. This implies that we should be looking for wormholes either in the background of black holes and compact stars, or massive microscopic relics. Our formation mechanism applies equally well for a wormhole connecting two objects in the same universe.
RF deflecting cavity for fast radioactive ion beams
Authors: Kutsaev S. V. , Plastun A. S. , Agustsson R. , Bazin D. , Bultman N. , Ostroumov P. N. , Smirnov A. Y. , Taletski K. , Tarasov O. , Zegers R. G. T.
Published: December 2020

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) will be a new scientific user facility that produces rare-isotope beams for experiments from the fragmentation of heavy ions at energies of 100–200 MeV/u. During the projectile fragmentation, the rare isotope of interest is produced along with many contaminants that need to be removed before the beam reaches detectors. At FRIB, this is accomplished with a magnetic projectile fragment separator. However, to achieve higher beam purity, in particular for proton-rich rare isotopes, additional purification is necessary. RadiaBeam in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) has designed a 20.125 MHz radiofrequency (RF) fragment separator capable of producing a 4 MV kick with 18 cm aperture in order to remove contaminant isotopes based on their time of flight. In this paper, we will discuss the RF and engineering design considerations of this separator cavity.
Reflectional Topology in Residuated Lattices
Authors: Forouzesh F. , Hosseini S. N.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we introduce soaker filters in a residuated lattice, give some characterizations and investigate some properties of them. Then we define a topology on the set of all the soaker filters, which we call reflectional topology, show it is an Alexandrov topology and give a basis for it. We introduce the notion of join-soaker filters and prove that when the residuated lattice is a join-soaker filter, then the reflectional topology is compact. We also give a characterization of connectedness of the reflectional topology. Finally, we prove the reflectional topology is [Formula: see text], give necessary and sufficient conditions under which it is [Formula: see text] and prove that being [Formula: see text] is equivalent to being [Formula: see text]. Several illustrative examples are given.
Intrinsic Quasi-Periodicity in Hong Kong Housing Price and Its Prediction
Authors: Yam Wun Kwan , Fong Kin Long , Wang Juntao , Cheong Siew Ann , Michael Wong K. Y.
Published: December 2020

Housing price time series is worth studying as it is closely related to the well-being of society. In the Hong Kong housing market from 1992 to 2010, signs of quasi-periodicity in housing price and transaction volume can be observed. We find that there is an overall periodicity of approximately 30 months in housing price changes and a strong lead–lag relationship between housing price and transaction volume. Analysis of the cross-covariance of the housing price, transaction volume and prime lending rate reveals that this quasi-periodicity is potentially driven by prime lending rates. Incorporation of quasi-periodicity into the kernel of Gaussian processes further enables us to construct a predictive model of the Hong Kong housing price trends that outperforms other traditional kernel functions.
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Cancer Epigenetics and Metabolism
Authors: Izzo Luke T. , Affronti Hayley C. , Wellen Kathryn E.
Published: December 2020

Metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are characteristics of cancer cells that, in many cases, are linked. Oncogenic signaling, diet, and tumor microenvironment each influence the availability of metabolites that are substrates or inhibitors of epigenetic enzymes. Reciprocally, altered expression or activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes can exert direct and indirect effects on cellular metabolism. In this article, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between epigenetics and metabolism in cancer. First, we focus on epigenetic control of metabolism, highlighting evidence that alterations in histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, or the enhancer landscape can drive metabolic features that support growth and proliferation. We then discuss metabolic regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes and roles in tumor growth and progression. Throughout, we highlight proposed therapeutic and dietary interventions that leverage metabolic-epigenetic cross talk and have the potential to improve cancer therapy.
Portfolio Choice Over the Life Cycle: A Survey
Authors: Gomes Francisco
Published: December 2020

Life-cycle portfolio choice models capture the role of human capital, housing, borrowing constraints, background risk, and several other crucial ingredients for determining the savings and investment decisions of households. Over the last two decades, this literature has provided us with multiple insights regarding the asset allocation decisions of individual investors. This article provides a critical survey of this research and suggests directions for future research, namely incorporating additional forms of household heterogeneity.