bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dwarf spheroidal J-factor likelihoods for generalized NFW profiles
Authors: Chiappo A , Cohen-Tanugi J , Conrad J , Strigari L E
Published: July 2019

Indirect detection strategies of particle dark matter (DM) in Dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxies (dSphs) typically entail searching for annihilation signals above the astrophysical background. To robustly compare model predictions with the observed fluxes of product particles, most analyses of astrophysical data – which are generally frequentist – rely on estimating the abundance of DM by calculating the so-called J factor. This quantity is usually inferred from the kinematic properties of the stellar population of a dSph using the Jeans equation, commonly by means of Bayesian techniques that entail the presence (and additional systematic uncertainty) of prior choice. Here, extending earlier work, we develop a scheme to derive the profile likelihood for J factors of dwarf spheroidals for models with five or more free parameters. We validate our method on a publicly available simulation suite, released by the Gaia Challenge, finding satisfactory statistical properties for bias and probability coverage. We present the profile likelihood function and maximum likelihood estimates for the J-factor of 10 dSphs. As an illustration, we apply these profile likelihoods to recently published analyses of γ-ray data with the Fermi Large Area Telescope to derive new, consistent upper limits on the DM annihilation cross-section. We do this for a subset of systems, generally referred to as classical dwarfs. The implications of these findings for DM searches are discussed, together with future improvements and extensions of this technique.
Thermodynamics of pure fast solar wind: radial evolution of the temperature–speed relationship in the inner heliosphere
Authors: Perrone Denise , Stansby D , Horbury T S , Matteini L
Published: July 2019

A strong correlation between speed and proton temperature has been observed, across many years, on hourly averaged measurements in the solar wind. Here, we show that this relationship is also observed at a smaller scale on intervals of a few days, within a single stream. Following the radial evolution of a well-defined stream of coronal-hole plasma, we show that the temperature–speed (T–V) relationship evolves with distance, implying that the T–V relationship at 1 au cannot be used as a proxy for that near the Sun. We suggest that this behaviour could be a combination of the anticorrelation between speed and flux-tube expansion factor near the Sun and the effect of a continuous heating experienced by the plasma during the expansion. We also show that the cooling index for the radial evolution of the temperature is a function of the speed. In particular, T⊥ in faster wind, although higher close to the Sun, decreases more quickly with respect to slower wind, suggesting that it has less time to interact with the mechanism(s) able to heat the plasma. Finally, we predict the expected T–V relationship in fast streams closer to the Sun with respect to the Helios observations, which Parker Solar Probe will explore in the near future.
Conserved regions in long non-coding RNAs contain abundant translation and protein–RNA interaction signatures
Authors: Ruiz-Orera Jorge , Albà M Mar
Published: July 2019

The mammalian transcriptome includes thousands of transcripts that do not correspond to annotated protein-coding genes and that are known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). A handful of lncRNAs have well-characterized regulatory functions but the biological significance of the majority of them is not well understood. LncRNAs that are conserved between mice and humans are likely to be enriched in functional sequences. Here, we investigate the presence of different types of ribosome profiling signatures in lncRNAs and how they relate to sequence conservation. We find that lncRNA-conserved regions contain three times more ORFs with translation evidence than non-conserved ones, and identify nine cases that display significant sequence constraints at the amino acid sequence level. The study also reveals that conserved regions in intergenic lncRNAs are significantly enriched in protein–RNA interaction signatures when compared to non-conserved ones; this includes sites in well-characterized lncRNAs, such as Cyrano, Malat1, Neat1 and Meg3, as well as in tens of lncRNAs of unknown function. This work illustrates how the analysis of ribosome profiling data coupled with evolutionary analysis provides new opportunities to explore the lncRNA functional landscape.
Magnetohydrodynamics in a cylindrical shearing box
Authors: Suzuki Takeru K , Taki Tetsuo , Suriano Scott S
Published: July 2019

We develop a framework for magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) simulations in a local cylindrical shearing box by extending the formulation of the Cartesian shearing box. We construct shearing-periodic conditions at the radial boundaries of a simulation box from the conservation relations of the basic MHD equations, taking into account the explicit radial dependence of physical quantities. We demonstrate quasi-steady mass accretion, which cannot be handled by the standard Cartesian shearing box model, with an ideal MHD simulation in a vertically unstratified cylindrical shearing box for up to 200 rotations. In this demonstrative run we set up (i) net vertical magnetic flux, (ii) a locally isothermal equation of state, and (iii) a sub-Keplerian equilibrium rotation, whereas the sound velocity and the initial Alfvén velocity have the same radial dependence as that of the Keplerian velocity. Inward mass accretion is induced to balance the outward angular momentum flux of the MHD turbulence triggered by the magnetorotational instability in a self-consistent manner. We discuss detailed physical properties of the saturated magnetic field, in comparison to the results of a Cartesian shearing box simulation.
Pain Catastrophizing and Arthritis Self-Efficacy as Mediators of Sleep Disturbance and Osteoarthritis Symptom Severity
Authors: Tighe Caitlan A , Youk Ada , Ibrahim Said A , Weiner Debra K , Vina Ernest R , Kwoh C Kent , Gallagher Rollin M , Bramoweth Adam D , Hausmann Leslie R M
Published: July 2019

Objective

Sleep and pain-related experiences are consistently associated, but the pathways linking these experiences are not well understood. We evaluated whether pain catastrophizing and arthritis self-efficacy mediate the association between sleep disturbance and osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity in patients with knee OA.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data collected from Veterans Affairs (VA) patients enrolled in a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a positive psychology intervention in managing pain from knee OA. Participants indicated how often in the past two weeks they were bothered by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much. We used validated scales to assess the primary outcome (OA symptom severity) and potential mediators (arthritis self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing). To test the proposed mediation model, we used parallel multiple mediation analyses with bootstrapping, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with bivariate associations with OA symptom severity.

Results

The sample included 517 patients (Mage = 64 years, 72.9% male, 52.2% African American). On average, participants reported experiencing sleep disturbance at least several days in the past two weeks (M = 1.41, SD = 1.18) and reported moderate OA symptom severity (M = 48.22, SD = 16.36). More frequent sleep disturbance was associated with higher OA symptom severity directly (b = 3.08, P <0.001) and indirectly, through higher pain catastrophizing (b = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20 to 1.11) and lower arthritis self-efficacy (b = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.42 to 1.42).

Conclusions

Pain catastrophizing and arthritis self-efficacy partially mediated the association between sleep disturbance and OA symptom severity. Behavioral interventions that address pain catastrophizing and/or self-efficacy may buffer the association between sleep disturbance and OA symptom severity.
Thinking Fast and Furious: Emotional Intensity and Opinion Polarization in Online Media
Authors: Asker David , Dinas Elias
Published: July 2019

How do online media increase opinion polarization? The “echo chamber” thesis points to the role of selective exposure to homogeneous views and information. Critics of this view emphasize the potential of online media to expand the ideological spectrum that news consumers encounter. Embedded in this discussion is the assumption that online media affects public opinion via the range of information that it offers to users. We show that online media can induce opinion polarization even among users exposed to ideologically heterogeneous views, by heightening the emotional intensity of the content. Higher affective intensity provokes motivated reasoning, which in turn leads to opinion polarization. The results of an online experiment focusing on the comments section, a user-driven tool of communication whose effects on opinion formation remain poorly understood, show that participants randomly assigned to read an online news article with a user comments section subsequently express more extreme views on the topic of the article than a control group reading the same article without any comments. Consistent with expectations, this effect is driven by the emotional intensity of the comments, lending support to the idea that motivated reasoning is the mechanism behind this effect.
Sudanese and Swedish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: immunological and clinical comparisons
Authors: Elbagir Sahwa , Elshafie Amir I , Elagib Elnour M , Mohammed NasrEldeen A , Aledrissy Mawahib I E , Sohrabian Azita , Nur Musa A M , Svenungsson Elisabet , Gunnarsson Iva , Rönnelid Johan
Published: July 2019

Objective

SLE is known to have an aggressive phenotype in black populations, but data from African cohorts are largely lacking. We therefore compared immunological and clinical profiles between Sudanese and Swedish patients using similar tools.

Methods

Consecutive SLE patients from Sudan (n = 115) and Sweden (n = 340) and from 106 Sudanese and 318 Swedish age- and sex-matched controls were included. All patients fulfilled the 1982 ACR classification criteria for SLE. Ten ANA-associated specificities and C1q-binding immune complexes (CICs) were measured. Cut-offs were established based on Sudanese and Swedish controls, respectively. Disease activity was measured with a modified SLEDAI and organ damage with the SLICC Damage Index. In a nested case–control design, Swedish and Sudanese patients were matched for age and disease duration.

Results

Females constituted 95.6% and 88.1% of Sudanese and Swedish patients, respectively (P = 0.02), with younger age at inclusion (33 vs 47.7 years; P < 0.0001) and shorter disease duration (5 vs 14 years; P < 0.0001) among Sudanese patients. Anti-Sm antibodies were more frequent in Sudanese patients, whereas anti-dsDNA, anti-histone and CICs were higher in Swedish patients. In the matched analyses, there was a trend for higher SLEDAI among Swedes. However, Sudanese patients had more damage, solely attributed to high frequencies of cranial/peripheral neuropathy and diabetes.

Conclusion

While anti-Sm is more common in Sudan than in Sweden, the opposite is found for anti-dsDNA. Sudanese patients had higher damage scores, mainly because of neuropathy and diabetes. Sudanese patients were younger, with a shorter SLE duration, possibly indicating a more severe disease course with impact on survival rates.
Bounded relationality: how intermediary organizations encourage consumer exchanges with routinized relational work in a social insurance market
Authors: Chen Katherine K
Published: July 2019

Using observations of US governmental, advocacy and human service organizations’ (GAHSOs) talks, I show how these intermediary organizations endorsed ‘bounded relationality’ when teaching conventions about exchanges in the social insurance market. Bounded relationality synthesizes (a) Simon’s argument that organizations’ goals and practices help people compensate for bounded rationality—their cognitive limitations with decision-making—and (b) Zelizer’s relational work, which emphasizes how social relations animate market exchanges. GAHSOs attempted to acculturate older adults and their agents to decision-making routines of information-gathering and processing consumers, savvy information-seekers and watchful monitors. GAHSOs advised routinizing relational work toward making exchanges, including layperson relational work by family members and friends and expert relational work by professionals and advocacy and human service organizations. Bounded relationality supported people’s decision-making when initiating, maintaining or ending exchanges that organizations would recognize and process. By studying how intermediary actors facilitate bounded relationality, we understand how organizations encourage consumer exchanges.
Genome Sequence Resource for Ilyonectria mors-panacis, Causing Rusty Root Rot of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Zhu Bo , Wang Sai , Mi Chun-Yi , Yang Rui-Huan , Zen Guo-Hong , Hu Xiu-Fang
Published: July 2019

Ilyonectria mors-panacis is the cause of a serious disease hampering the production of Panax notoginseng, an important Chinese medicinal herb, widely used for its anti-inflammatory, antifatigue, hepato-protective, and coronary heart disease prevention effects. Here, we report the first Illumina-Pacbio hybrid sequenced draft genome assembly of I. mors-panacis strain G3B and its annotation. The availability of this genome sequence not only represents an important tool toward understanding the genetics behind the infection mechanism of I. mors-panacis strain G3B but also will help illuminate the complexities of the taxonomy of this species.
The Zymoseptoria tritici ORFeome: A Functional Genomics Community Resource
Authors: Chaudhari Yogesh , Cairns Timothy C. , Sidhu Yaadwinder , Attah Victoria , Thomas Graham , Csukai Michael , Talbot Nicholas J. , Studholme David J. , Haynes Ken
Published: July 2019

Libraries of protein-encoding sequences can be generated by identification of open reading frames (ORFs) from a genome of choice that are then assembled into collections of plasmids termed ORFeome libraries. These represent powerful resources to facilitate functional genomic characterization of genes and their encoded products. Here, we report the generation of an ORFeome for Zymoseptoria tritici, which causes the most serious disease of wheat in temperate regions of the world. We screened the genome of strain IP0323 for high confidence gene models, identifying 4,075 candidates from 10,933 predicted genes. These were amplified from genomic DNA, were cloned into the Gateway entry vector pDONR207, and were sequenced, providing a total of 3,022 quality-controlled plasmids. The ORFeome includes genes predicted to encode effectors (n = 410) and secondary metabolite biosynthetic proteins (n = 171) in addition to genes residing at dispensable chromosomes (n = 122) or those that are preferentially expressed during plant infection (n = 527). The ORFeome plasmid library is compatible with our previously developed suite of Gateway destination vectors, which have various combinations of promoters, selection markers, and epitope tags. The Z. tritici ORFeome constitutes a powerful resource for functional genomics and offers unparalleled opportunities to understand the biology of Z. tritici.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Verticillium isaacii is a Pathogen and Endophyte of Potato and Sunflower in the Columbia Basin of Washington
Authors: Wheeler David Linnard , Johnson Dennis A.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that Verticillium isaacii causes diseases of sunflower and potato plants. Two sunflower genotypes and one potato cultivar were inoculated with five V. isaacii isolates and three pathogenic V. dahliae isolates. Biomass, disease expression, and stem colonization were quantified. Overt wilt symptoms were observed on both sunflower genotypes and potato plants inoculated with a subset of the V. isaacii isolates. Biomass of both sunflower genotypes was not affected by V. isaacii infection. Tuber yields either decreased in response to infection by one V. isaacii isolate or were not affected by infection. Stems of sunflower and potato plants were infected by at least four of the five V. isaacii isolates. A new disease of sunflower and potato is documented. Evidence that V. isaacii exhibits different lifestyles including pathogenicity and endophytism is presented. Finally, this research documents variation in fungal lifestyles that can exist in samples from a single field.
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Teodorczyk-Injeyan Julita A. , Triano John J. , Injeyan H. Stephen
Published: July 2019

Background:

The pathogenesis of low back pain (LBP) remains unclear. However, recent studies suggest that the inflammatory response may be inherent in spinal pain. The purpose of this study was to discern inflammatory profiles in patients with nonspecific acute and chronic LBP in relation to those in asymptomatic individuals.

Materials and Methods:

Peripheral blood samples were obtained from asymptomatic controls and patients with nonspecific acute and chronic LBP reporting a minimum pain score of 3 on a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The levels of in vitro production of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α [TNFα], interleukin [IL] 1β, IL-6, IL-2, interferon γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble receptors of TNF2, and IL-10) mediators were determined by specific immunoassays.

Results:

The mean VAS scores were comparable between the acute and chronic LBP patient groups. Compared with asymptomatic group, the production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and their ratios to IL-10 levels were significantly elevated in both patient groups (P=0.0001 to 0.003). In acute LBP group, the ratio of IL-2:IL-10 was also significantly increased (P=0.02). In contrast, the production of interferon γ was significantly reduced compared with the other study groups (P=0.005 to 0.01), nevertheless, it was positively correlated (P=0.006) with pain scores. In chronic LBP patients, the production of TNFα, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and soluble receptors of TNF2 was significantly increased (P=0.001 to 0.03) in comparison with the control and acute LBP groups, and TNFα and IL-1β levels were positively correlated (P<0.001) with VAS scores.

Conclusions:

The inflammatory profiles of patients with acute and chronic LBP are distinct. Nonetheless, in both patient groups, an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator levels favors the production of proinflammatory components.
Parenteral Nutrition Administration by Critical Care Nurses in Iran
Authors: Taherkhani Atefeh , Shahrokhi Akram , Barikani Ameneh , Rashvand Farnoosh
Published: July 2019

In Iran, nurses are responsible for administering parenteral nutrition (PN) to hospitalized patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, little information is available among nurses in Iran regarding best practices in PN administration. This study evaluates the performance of critical care nurses in Iran in the administration of PN. The performance of 50 nurses in the administration of PN in the ICU was observed 3 times during a 5-month period for a total of 150 observations. A researcher-developed checklist, “Critical Care Nurses' Performance in Parenteral Nutrition Administration,” was used for data collection. The total score in this checklist ranged from 0 to 52. Based on the procedural steps in the checklist and whether the steps were performed appropriately, nurses' performance was scored as poor, moderate, or good. The mean score of nurses' performances in PN administration skills was 24.6 ± 2.5. This study found that 46 nurses had moderate skill levels in PN administration, and 3 demonstrated poor skills. Overall, the results indicated that critical care nurses in Iran have poor to moderate PN administration skills.
Relationship of Pain Quality Descriptors and Quantitative Sensory Testing
Authors: Dyal Brenda W. , Ezenwa Miriam O. , Yoon Saunjoo L. , Fillingim Roger B. , Yao Yingwei , Schlaeger Judith M. , Suarez Marie L. , Wang Zaijie J. , Molokie Robert E. , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Chronic pain in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be the result of altered processing in the central nervous system, as indicated by quantitative sensory testing (QST). Sensory pain quality descriptors on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) are indicators of typical or altered pain mechanisms but have not been validated with QST-derived classifications.

Objectives

The specific aim of this study was to identify the sensory pain quality descriptors that are associated with the QST-derived normal or sensitized classifications. We expected to find that sets of sensory pain quality descriptors would discriminate the classifications.

Methods

A cross-sectional quantitative study of existing data from 186 adults of African ancestry with SCD. Variables included MPQ descriptors, patient demographic data, and QST-derived classifications.

Results

The participants were classified as central sensitization (n = 33), mixed sensitization (n = 23), and normal sensation. Sensory pain quality descriptors that differed statistically between mixed sensitization and central sensation compared to normal sensitization included cold (p = .01) and spreading (p = .01). Aching (p = .01) and throbbing (p = .01) differed statistically between central sensitization compared with mixed sensitization and normal sensation. Beating (p = .01) differed statistically between mixed sensitization compared with central sensitization and normal sensation. No set of sensory pain quality descriptors differed statistically between QST classifications.

Discussion

Our study is the first to examine the association between MPQ sensory pain quality descriptors and QST-derived classifications in adults with SCD. Our findings provide the basis for the development of a MPQ subscale with potential as a mechanism-based screening tool for neuropathic pain.
Microhematuria as an Indicator of Significant Abdominal Injury
Authors: Ohana-Sarna-Cahan Lea , Levin Yonatan , Gross Itai , Hassidim Ayal , Yuval Jonathan Benjamin , Hess Amit , Bala Miklosh , Hashavya Saar
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. In many centers, microhematuria is used as a screening tool for the presence of significant abdominal injury and as an indication for further imaging. Our objective was to evaluate the role of microhematuria by dipstick as an indicator of significant abdominal injury in children.

Methods

A retrospective review of children aged 0 to 16 years admitted for a motor vehicle accident or a fall from 2007 to 2017 who had urinalyses performed.

Results

The charts of 655 children were reviewed. Microhematuria was found in 100 children, of whom 49 (49%), 28 (28%), and 23 (23%) had small, moderate, and large amounts of hematuria, respectively. Of the children who had microhematuria, 41 underwent a computed tomography scan. Positive findings were recorded in 16 (39%) of these patients. There was a clear association between microhematuria as detected by the urine dipstick and a significant finding on the computed tomography scan (P = 0.002). The sensitivity of microhematuria for significant abdominal pathology on imaging was 66.6% and the specificity was 68.3% (positive predictive value, 39%; negative predictive value, 87.1%). Microhematuria was associated with increased length of stay in the hospital (P < 0.001), surgical interventions (P = 0.036), and admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The diagnostic role of dipstick urine analysis in the assessment of intra-abdominal injury has low sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, it is still a valuable screening tool for the evaluation of the severity of injury.
Are We Doing Enough to Reduce Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Children?
Authors: Iyer Shweta , Patel Juhee , Moscatelli Marc , Narayanan Nisha , Brunsting Ella , Laub Daniel , Hooley Gwen , Tunik Michael , Foltin Jessica Cooper
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate current imaging approaches in children with suspected appendicitis (AP) in the pediatric emergency department (ED) of a major urban medical center.

Methods

Children aged 6 to 18 years who presented to a pediatric ED in 2016 with possible AP were identified by a keyword search. Charts were reviewed for the following: age, sex, time of evaluation, imaging study, results of imaging study, disposition, and outcome.

Results

We calculated mean values and SD for continuous data. Initially, 503 charts were identified. Of these 503, 292 children were identified as having possible AP. Mean age was 10.7 years (SD, 2.7); 50.6% presented between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am the next morning. Of the 287 US studies performed, 114 (39.7%) were definitively positive or negative. Of these, 46 (16.0%) were negative for AP and 68 (23.7%) were positive. There were 173 (60.3%) ultrasounds that were equivocal. Computed tomography scans were performed in 41 (13.9%) of the total 292 patients, and 2 (0.7%) of the 292 received magnetic resonance imaging. Patient dispositions were as follows: discharged home, 163 (55.8%); admitted for appendectomy, 69 (23.6%); admitted for observation, 37 (12.7%); and extended observation in ED, 10 (3.4%). There were 83 (28.4%) total surgical and interventional radiology cases and 209 (71.6%) nonsurgical cases. Of the 81 appendectomies, 79 (97.5%) had an abnormal appendix, and 2 (2.5%) had no AP. Of the 79 abnormal appendices, 22 (27.8%) were perforated, 55 (69.6%) were not, and 2 (2.6%) were unclear.

Conclusions

Computed tomography scans were performed in 13.9% of patients with suspected AP. The overall AP rate was 28.4%. We plan to increase the use of magnetic resonance imaging and other modalities to reduce overall computed tomography usage.
Propionibacterium acnes Pacemaker Endocarditis in a Patient With a Redundant Loop of the Ventricular Lead
Authors: Gorospe Luis , Miguelena-Hycka Javier , Martín-García Miren , Ajuria-Illarramendi Odile , Almeida-Aróstegui Nicolás Alejandro
Published: July 2019

A 59-year-old man with a pacemaker who was admitted for evaluation of fever was found to have a redundant loop of the ventricular lead and a vegetation attached to it. An FDG PET/CT revealed a focus of FDG uptake at the ventricular lead loop. Surgical extraction of the pacemaker device confirmed a Propionibacterium acnes pacemaker endocarditis. We hypothesize that the redundant loop of the ventricular lead induced a chronic mechanical stress both to the tricuspid valve and to the lead itself, facilitating the bacterial colonization of the lead.
Calcitonin-Negative Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Thyroid on 68Ga DOTANOC PET-CT
Authors: Tripathy Sarthak , Aggrawal Shipra , Subudhi Kishan , Kumar Rakesh , Narwal Anubhav
Published: July 2019

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the thyroid gland are generally considered to be derived from parafollicular endocrine or C cells and are known as medullary thyroid carcinomas. Non–calcitonin-producing NETs of the thyroid are extremely rare in occurrence and pose a significant diagnostic dilemma for the physician and pathologist. We describe a case of a 58-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having primary NET thyroid with normal calcitonin levels and 68Ga DOTANOC PET-CT scan findings which were done for initial extent evaluation of the disease.
18F-NaF Uptake in Ocular Prosthesis (Implant)
Authors: Kothekar Esha , Seraj Siavash Mehdizadeh , Kaghazchi Fatemeh , Werner Thomas J. , Alavi Abass
Published: July 2019

Ocular prosthesis is used as a replacement in the orbit following enucleation or evisceration of the eye. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), hydroxyapatite (HA) and porous polyethylene (PP) are some examples of the materials used in ocular prosthesis. We present a case of an 82-year-old man with prostate cancer who underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging for evaluation of bone metastases and was incidentally found to have increased NaF uptake in the ocular prosthesis.
Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Volume and Physiology of Nasal Cavity After Septhorhinoplasty
Authors: Tugrul Selahattin , Dogan Remzi , Hassouna Hasan , Sharifov Rasul , Ozturan Orhan , Eren Sabri Baki
Published: July 2019

Objective:

In this study, the authors aimed to compare the nasal physiology and nasal cavity volume with three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) 1 year after the operation with the values before the operation to investigate the possible narrowing and loss of function in the nasal cavity after septorhinoplasty (SRP) operation.

Methods:

Of 415 patients who had a primary SRP operation, 28 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Nasal cavity volumes of patients with postoperative CTs were measured three-dimensionally after a mean 13 months, and objective rhinologic measurements (rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF]) and subjective assessment methods (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]) were performed.

Results:

The mean postoperative VAS and PNIF values of the patients were significantly higher than the mean preoperative values. The mean postoperative NOSE value of the patients was significantly lower than the mean preoperative values. Although the mean MCA-1 and MCA-2 levels of the patients increased postoperatively, the increase was not significant. Although the postoperative mean values of VOL-1 and VOL-2 increased compared with the preoperative values, the increase was not significant. In the CT measurements of the patients, the nasal cavity volumes were significantly higher than the preoperative values.

Conclusion:

Nasal cavity volumes in patients undergoing SRP were compared with 3D-CT for the first time in the literature, and a significant increase in nasal volume was observed in the postoperative first year. This finding suggests that the correction of intranasal problems leads to an increase in the nasal volume in SRP operations, although nasal osteotomy is performed.
Lymph Node Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Urakawa Shinya , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Tanaka Koji , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Motoori Masaki , Kimura Yutaka , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate primary tumor (PT) and lymph node (LN) responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for predicting long-term survival in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer (EC).

Background:

In evaluating NACT responses in patients with EC, imaging modalities typically target the PT in the esophagus, which is unmeasurable. Targeting measurable organs, like positive LNs, might provide more accurate assessments.

Methods:

We enrolled 251 patients with EC and clinically positive LNs that underwent curative resections, after triplet NACT. The percent reduction of PT area was measured with bidimensional computed tomography. The LN response was defined as the percent reduction of the sum of the short diameters in all positive LNs.

Results:

NACT reduced PTs and LNs by (median, range) 58.0% (38.1–94.9) and 34.5% (46.2–68.2), respectively. Based on the receiver-operating characteristic analyses for predicting a histological response and a 10% stepwise cutoff analyses of recurrence-free survival (RFS), responder/nonresponder cutoff values were ≥60% for PT area reductions and ≥30% for LN size reductions. 39.6% of patients showed discordant PT and LN responses. Compared with PT-responders, LN-responders had significantly less advanced pN (P < 0.0001) and pM (P = 0.015) in addition to less advanced pT (P < 0.0001) and better histological responses (P < 0.0001), and closer correlations to lymphatic, distant metastases and dissemination. A multivariate analysis of RFS identified 2 independent prognostic factors: the LN response [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.63–3.95, P < 0.0001] and the pN (HR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.44–5.64, P = 0.0016), but not the PT response.

Conclusions:

The LN response to NACT predicted long-term survival more precisely than the PT response in patients with metastatic EC.
Establishing Normal Values for F-Wave Latencies in Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathies for the Pediatric Population
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Sorenson Eric J. , Ryan Conor S. , Conlee Erin M. , Boon Andrea J. , Laughlin Ruple S.
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

We present a unique technique applying F-wave latencies to assist in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy within the pediatric age group.

Methods:

We calculated an F-wave estimated deviance adjusted for limb length measurements, distal motor conduction velocity, and distal motor latencies. We compared the F-wave estimated deviance from the normal subjects with those with peripheral neuropathy (both axonal and demyelinating) to establish diagnostic accuracy in pediatric patients.

Results:

The normal range for the F-wave estimated deviance in the upper limb was −1 to +6 ms and in the lower limb was −8 to +5 ms. When compared with 82 subjects with peripheral neuropathy, there was a significant difference between the normal subjects and those with neuropathy (P values between 0.002 and 0.0005 for each of the individual nerves tested).

Conclusions:

The F-wave estimated deviance is independent of age and can be accurately applied to the electrodiagnostic testing of pediatric patients with suspected neuropathy.
Individual Variation in Brain Network Topography is Linked to Schizophrenia Symptomatology
Authors: Nawaz Uzma , Lee Ivy , Beermann Adam , Eack Shaun , Keshavan Matcheri , Brady Roscoe
Published: July 2019

Background

Resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) demonstrates that the brain is organized into distributed networks. Numerous studies have examined links between psychiatric symptomatology and network functional connectivity. Traditional rsfMRI analyses assume that the spatial organization of networks is invariant between individuals. This dogma has recently been overturned by the demonstration that networks show significant variation between individuals. We tested the hypothesis that previously observed relationships between schizophrenia negative symptom severity and network connectivity are actually due to individual differences in network spatial organization.

Methods

44 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia underwent rsfMRI scans and clinical assessments. A multivariate pattern analysis determined how whole brain functional connectivity correlates with negative symptom severity at the individual voxel level.

Results

Brain connectivity to a region of the right dorso-lateral pre-frontal cortex correlates with negative symptom severity. This finding results from individual differences in the topographic distribution of two networks: the default mode network (DMN) and the task positive network (TPN). Both networks demonstrate strong (r∼0.49) and significant (p<0.001) relationships between topography and symptom severity. For individuals with low symptom severity, this critical region is part of the DMN. In highly symptomatic individuals, this region is part of the TPN.

Conclusion

Previously overlooked individual variation in brain organization is tightly linked to differences in schizophrenia symptom severity. Recognizing critical links between network topography and pathological symptomology may identify key circuits that underlie cognitive and behavioral phenotypes. Individual variation in network topography likely guides different responses to clinical interventions that rely on anatomical targeting (e.g. TMS).
Taxonomic Uncertainty and the Anomaly Zone: Phylogenomics Disentangle a Rapid Radiation to Resolve Contentious Species (Gila robusta complex) in the Colorado River
Authors: Chafin Tyler K. , Douglas Marlis R. , Bangs Max R. , Martin Bradley T. , Mussmann Steven M. , Douglas Michael E.
Published: July 2019

Species is an indisputable unit for biodiversity conservation, yet their delimitation is fraught with both conceptual and methodological difficulties. A classic example is the taxonomic controversy surrounding the Gila robusta complex in the lower Colorado River of southwestern North America. Nominal species designations were originally defined according to weakly diagnostic morphological differences that conflicted with traditional genetic analyses. Consequently, the complex was re-defined as a single polytypic unit, with the proposed ‘threatened’ status of two being withdrawn at the federal level. Here, we utilized dense spatial and genomic sampling (N=387 and >22k loci) to re-evaluate the status of the complex, based on SNP-based coalescent and polymorphism-aware phylogenetic models. In doing so, all three species were supported as evolutionarily independent lineages, despite widespread phylogenetic discordance. To understand this discrepancy with past studies, we categorized evolutionary mechanisms driving discordance. We tested (and subsequently rejected) prior hypotheses suggesting that phylogenetic discord in the complex was hybridization-driven. Instead, we found the G. robusta complex to have diverged within the ‘anomaly zone’ of tree space and, as such, have accumulated inconsistent patterns of diversity which have confounded prior studies. After extending these analyses with phylogeographic modeling, we propose that this is reflective of a rapid radiation promoted by Plio-Pleistocene tectonism. Our results not only support resurrection of the three species as distinct entities, but also offer an empirical example of how phylogenetic discordance can be categorized in other recalcitrant taxa where variation is primarily partitioned at the species-level.
Effects of distraction on taste-related neural processing
Authors: Duif I. , Wegman J. , Mars M. , de Graaf C. , Smeets P.A.M. , Aarts E.
Published: July 2019

Distracted eating is associated with increased food intake and overweight. However, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms are unknown. To elucidate these mechanisms, 41 healthy normal-weight participants received sips of high- and low-sweet isocaloric chocolate milk, while performing a high- or low-distracting detection task during fMRI on two test days. Subsequently, we measured ad libitum food intake. As expected, a region in the primary taste cortex – located in the insula – responded more to the sweeter drink. Distraction did not affect this right insula sweetness response across the group, but did weaken sweetness-related connectivity of this region to a secondary taste region in the right orbitofrontal cortex. Moreover, distraction-related attenuation of taste processing in the insula predicted increased subsequent ad libitum food intake after distraction between subjects. These results reveal a previously unknown mechanism explaining how distraction during consumption attenuates neural taste processing and increases food intake. The study was preregistered at https://osf.io/vxdhg/register/5771ca429ad5a1020de2872e?view_only=e3207cd6567f41f0a1505e343a64b5aa.
Assessment of Phenotype Microarray plates for rapid and high-throughput analysis of collateral sensitivity networks
Authors: Dunkley Elsie J. , Chalmers James D. , Cho Stephanie , Finn Thomas J. , Patrick Wayne M.
Published: July 2019

The crisis of antimicrobial resistance is driving research into the phenomenon of collateral sensitivity. Sometimes, when a bacterium evolves resistance to one antimicrobial, it becomes sensitive to others. In this study, we have investigated the utility of Phenotype Microarray (PM) plates for identifying collateral sensitivities with unprecedented throughput. We assessed the relative resistance/sensitivity phenotypes of nine strains ofStaphylococcus aureus(two laboratory strains and seven clinical isolates) towards the 72 antimicrobials contained in three PM plates. In general, the PM plates reported on resistance and sensitivity with a high degree of reproducibility. However, a rigorous comparison of PM growth phenotypes with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements revealed a trade-off between throughput and accuracy. Small differences in PM growth phenotype did not necessarily correlate with changes in MIC. Thus, we conclude that PM plates are useful for the rapid and high-throughput assessment of large changes in collateral sensitivity phenotypes during the evolution of antimicrobial resistance, but more subtle examples of cross-resistance or collateral sensitivity cannot be reliably identified using this approach.
Evaluation of waste paper for cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) with some added supplementary materials
Authors: Tesfay Teklemichael , Godifey Tesfay , Mesfin Roman , Kalayu Girmay
Published: July 2019

Mushroom cultivation is an economically feasible bio-technological process for conversion of various lignocellulosic wastes. This study was conducted at Aksum University with the aim of evaluating the suitability of waste paper supplemented with corn stalk and wheat bran for Oyster mushroom cultivation. Spawn were prepared in Microbiology laboratory and inoculated into the prepared substrates. Waste paper supplemented with corn stalk and wheat bran with 0%, 25% and 50% were tested for their productivity and biological efficiency (BE) for cultivation ofP.ostreatusmushroom. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Higher (26.20± 19.36) mean weight, pileus diameter (7.90 ±2.66cm), total yield (646.4 ±273.1gm) and BE (64.64± 273 % were obtained from waste paper (50%) +cornstalk (25%) +wheat bran (25%). However, Lower (17.92±81.95%) BE were obtained from waste paper (100%). Moreover, the highest (3.88 ±0.32 cm) mean stalk length were obtained from waste paper (50%) + cornstalk (50). This study revealed that waste paper supplemented with corn stalk and wheat bran results in high BE and total yield. Thus, appears to be a promising alternative for the cultivation of oyster mushroom. Yet, waste paper without supplement poorly supports the growth ofP.ostreatusmushroom.
A restriction enzyme reduced representation sequencing approach for low-cost, high-throughput metagenome profiling
Authors: Hess Melanie K. , Rowe Suzanne J. , Van Stijn Tracey C. , Henry Hannah M. , Hickey Sharon M. , Brauning Rudiger , McCulloch Alan F. , Hess Andrew S. , Kirk Michelle R. , Kittelmann Sandra , Wood Graham R. , Janssen Peter H. , McEwan John C.
Published: July 2019

Microbial community profiles have been associated with a variety of traits, including methane emissions in livestock, however, these profiles can be difficult and expensive to obtain for thousands of samples. The objective of this work was to develop a low-cost, high-throughput approach to capture the diversity of the rumen microbiome. Restriction enzyme reduced representation sequencing (RE-RRS) using ApeKI or PstI, and two bioinformatic pipelines (reference-based and reference-free) were compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing using repeated samples collected two weeks apart from 118 sheep that were phenotypically extreme (60 high and 58 low) for methane emitted per kg dry matter intake (n=236). DNA was extracted from freeze-dried rumen samples using a phenol chloroform and bead-beating protocol prior to sequencing. The resulting sequences were used to investigate the repeatability of the rumen microbial community profiles, the effect of host genetics, laboratory and analytical method, and the genetic and phenotypic correlations with methane production. The results suggested that the best method was PstI RE-RRS analyzed with the reference-free approach via a correspondence analysis, with estimates for repeatability of 0.62±0.06, heritability 0.31±0.29, and genetic and phenotypic correlation with methane emissions of 0.88±0.25 and 0.64±0.05 respectively for the first component of correspondence analysis. The reference-free approach assigned 62.0±5.7% of reads to common 65 bp tags, much higher than the reference-based approach of 6.8±1.8% of reads assigned. Sensitivity studies suggested approximately 2000 samples could be sequenced in a single lane on an Illumina HiSeq 2500, therefore the current work of 118 samples/lane and future proposed 384 samples/lane are well within that threshold. Our approach is now being used to investigate host factors affecting the rumen and its association with a variety of production and environmental traits. With minor adaptations, our approach could be used to obtain microbial profiles from other metagenomic samples.
Macropinocytosis and Clathrin-Dependent Endocytosis Play Pivotal Roles for the Infectious Entry of Puumala Virus
Authors: Bauherr Sandy , Larsberg Filip , Petrich Annett , Sperber Hannah Sabeth , Klose Victoria , Azab Walid , Schade Matthias , Luckner Madlen , Höfer Chris Tina , Lehmann Maik Joerg , Witkowski Peter T. , Krüger Detlev H. , Herrmann Andreas , Schwarzer Roland
Published: July 2019

Viruses from the taxonomic familyHantaviridaeare encountered as emerging pathogens causing two life-threatening human zoonoses: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) with case fatalities of up to 50%. Here we comprehensively investigated entry of the Old-World Hantavirus, Puumala virus (PUUV), into mammalian cells, showing that upon treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, PUUV infections are significantly reduced. We demonstrated that the inhibitors did not interfere with viral replication and that RNA interference, targeting cellular mediators of macropinocytosis, is able to decrease PUUV infection levels significantly. Moreover, we established lipophilic tracer staining of PUUV virus particles and showed co-localization of stained virions and markers of macropinocytic uptake. Cells treated with lysosomotrophic agents were shown to exhibit an increased resistance to infection, confirming previous data suggesting that a low pH-dependent step is involved in PUUV infection. Finally, we observed a significant increase in the fluid-phase uptake of cell infected with PUUV, indicative of a virus-triggered promotion of macropinocytosis.

Author Summary

TheHantaviridaefamily comprises a very diverse group of virus species and is considered an emerging global public health threat. Human pathogenic hantaviruses are primarily rodent-borne. Zoonosis is common with more than 150,000 annually registered cases and a case fatality index of up to 50%. Individual hantavirus species differ significantly in terms of their pathogenicity, but also their cell biology and host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we focused on the most prevalent pathogenic hantavirus in Europe, Puumala virus (PUUV), and investigated the entry and internalization of PUUV virions into mammalian cells. We showed that both, clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, are cellular pathways exploited by the virus to establish productive infections and demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of macropinocytosis or its targeted knockdown using RNA interference significantly reduced viral infections. We also found indications for an increase of macropinocytic uptake upon PUUV infections, suggesting that the virus triggers specific cellular mechanisms in order to promote its own internalization and facilitate infections.