bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniofacial morphology and soft tissue profile outcomes for complete unilateral and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate in New Zealand
Authors: Fowler Peter V. , Wholley Chris , Perry John G. , Thompson John M. D.
Published: February 2019

Structured Abstract

Objective

(a) To establish baseline lateral craniofacial morphology and soft tissue profile outcomes for New Zealand children with complete unilateral and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP/CBCLP) and determine differences in relation to demographic characteristics including cleft type, sex and ethnicity and (b) To compare these outcomes to similar international studies.

Settings and Sample Population

Nation‐wide prospective and retrospective cephalometric analysis of 76 patients with CUCLP and 23 patients with CBCLP pre‐secondary alveolar bone graft.

Materials and Methods

Assessment was undertaken by three experienced orthodontists blinded to patient identity. A total of 13 hard tissue and 8 soft tissue landmarks were identified allowing for an assessment of 16 angular, three linear and one ratio variables. Inter‐assessor reliability was determined by pre‐defined measurement error thresholds.

Results

Inter‐assessor reliability of cephalometric landmarks restricted reporting to 10 hard tissue, four soft tissue and one ratio variables. CUCLP had greater midface and mandibular retrusion than CBCLP. Females had greater midface and mandibular prominence and smaller nasal projections. The Pacific and Māori groups had more retrusive midfacial profiles, and the Pacific group had more prominent mandibles. A sub‐analysis of New Zealand European CUCLP results found they were closely aligned to Eurocleft and Americleft study centres with less favourable outcomes.

Conclusions

The reliability of a number of cephalometric measurements was poor. Lateral craniofacial morphology and soft tissue profile outcomes varied between CUCLP/CBCLP, sex and ethnicity. The New Zealand European outcomes are similar to or less favourable to other studies.
Role of basal ganglia neurocircuitry in the pathology of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Macpherson Tom , Hikida Takatoshi
Published: February 2019

Over the last few decades, advances in human and animal‐based techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. Many of these studies have indicated connectivity between and alterations within basal ganglia structures to be particularly pertinent to the development of symptoms associated with several of these disorders. Here we summarize the connectivity, molecular composition, and function of sites within basal ganglia neurocircuits. Then we review the current literature from both human and animal studies concerning altered basal ganglia function in five common psychiatric disorders: obsessive–compulsive disorder, substance‐related and addiction disorders, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia. Finally, we present a model based upon the findings of these studies that highlights the striatum as a particularly attractive target for restoring normal function to basal ganglia neurocircuits altered within psychiatric disorder patients.
Compassionate deactivation of ventricular assist devices in children: A survey of pediatric ventricular assist device clinicians’ perspectives and practices
Authors: Kaufman Beth D. , Hollander Seth A. , Zhang Yulin , Chen Sharon , Bernstein Daniel , Rosenthal David N. , Almond Christopher S. , Murray Jenna M. , Burgart Alyssa M. , Cohen Harvey J. , Kirkpatrick James N. , Blume Elizabeth D.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study's objective was to investigate compassionate ventricular assist device deactivation (VADdeact) in children from the perspective of the pediatric heart failure provider.

Background

Pediatric VAD use is a standard therapy for advanced heart failure. Serious adverse events may affect relative benefit of continued support, leading to consideration of VADdeact. Perspectives and practices regarding VADdeact have been studied in adults but not in children.

Methods

A web‐based anonymous survey of clinicians for pediatric VAD patients (<18 years) was sent to list‐serves for the ISHLT Pediatric Council, the International Consortium of Circulatory Assist Clinicians Pediatric Taskforce, and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist Society.

Results

A total of 106 respondents met inclusion criteria of caring for pediatric VAD patients. Annual VAD volume per clinician ranged from <4 (33%) to >9 (20%). Seventy percent of respondents had performed VADdeact of a child. Response varied to VADdeact requests by parent or patient and was influenced by professional degree and region of practice. Except for the scenario of intractable suffering, no consensus on VADdeact appropriateness was reported. Age of child thought capable of making informed requests for VADdeact varied by subspecialty. The majority of respondents (62%) do not feel fully informed of relevant legal issues; 84% reported that professional society supported guidelines for VADdeact in children had utility.

Conclusion

There is limited consensus regarding indications for VADdeact in children reported by pediatric VAD provider survey respondents. Knowledge gaps related to legal issues are evident; therefore, professional guidelines and educational resources related to pediatric VADdeact are needed.
Communication about prognosis and end‐of‐life in pediatric organ failure and transplantation
Authors: Cousino Melissa K. , Schumacher Kurt R. , Magee John C. , Wolfe Joanne , Yu Sunkyung , Eder Sally J. , Fredericks Emily M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Despite advancements in treatment and survival, pediatric organ failure and transplant populations continue to face significant risks of morbidity and mortality. Little scientific attention has been given to addressing the end‐of‐life care needs of this growing population of young people. This study characterized current practices, beliefs, and challenges specific to the disclosure of prognosis and end‐of‐life care topics among providers caring for pediatric organ failure and transplant populations.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 144 healthcare providers actively caring for children, adolescents, and young adults with organ failure or solid organ transplant history. Participants completed an electronic survey measuring frequency and comfort in discussing the following topics with patients and parents: prognosis/survival statistics, re‐transplantation, advance care planning (ACP), and death/dying. Descriptive statistics, two‐sample t tests, and analysis of variance were used.

Results

Fewer than half of respondents regularly discuss prognosis/survival statistics and potential need for re‐transplantation with their pediatric and young adult patients. Less than 20% of providers engage their pediatric patients in ACP discussions, and approximately 30% facilitate such discussions with young adult patients. Pediatric organ failure and transplant providers endorse a number of barriers specific to discussing these topics.

Conclusion

Pediatric organ failure and transplant providers do not regularly discuss prognosis or end‐of‐life care topics with this patient population. Communication‐focused intervention research is needed to improve honest and compassionate discussion of these topics that is aligned with both patients’ and parents’ needs and preferences.
What matters in clinical trial decision‐making: a systematic review of interviews exploring cancer patients’ experiences
Authors: Gregersen Trine A. , Birkelund Regner , Wolderslund Maiken , Netsey‐Afedo Mette Løwe , Steffensen Karina Dahl , Ammentorp Jette
Published: February 2019

Background

Being diagnosed with cancer is an existential challenge and involves difficult treatment decisions, including treatment in clinical trials. Therapy for advanced cancer is potentially life‐prolonging and only rarely cures advanced cancer, which often renders these patients in a special situation where dealing with end of life, hope and meaning, become an important part of life. Many existing reviews include both patients with advanced cancer and patients undergoing adjuvant cancer treatment, and there is a lack of reviews with consistent study designs and methods.

Aim

To systematically review and thematically synthesise the experiences of patients and relatives when they have to decide whether or not to participate in a clinical oncology trial and to provide knowledge about the decision‐making process.

Method

A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted based on methods for thematic synthesis by Thomas and Hardens.

Results

Eleven full‐text articles were included in this study. Six descriptive themes appeared and were grouped under two analytical themes: Individualised decisions and Hope and existential matters, which, through discussion, developed into the synthesis of What matters in treatment‐related decisions close to the end of life? This review has shown that existential matters are important in the decision‐making and that addressing these might be of great importance in medical decision‐making, whether it concerns the existential matters of the patients, of their relatives or of the health care professionals.

Conclusion

This review points to existential issues as important contributors in making decisions about treatment. It can be beneficial if health care professionals address the role of existential matters in patients’ decision‐making in terms of clinical trial participation and involve the relatives more directly to increase individualised decisions. Future research should include the health care professionals’ experiences when going in depth with decision‐making, with a focus on the existential matters and uncertainties of the health care professionals.
Why Do People Pay Bribes? A Survey Experiment with Resource Users*
Authors: Sundström Aksel
Published: February 2019

Objective

Although corruption is known to hinder natural resource regulations, the research area remains underexplored. Departing from a debate on the reasons driving people's engagement in corruption, this research note studies why some resource users bribe enforcement officers.

Methods

In a between‐subjects survey experiment, with a sample of resource users active in South African small‐scale fisheries, we examine the effects of inspectors’ response to bribes and other users’ involvement in corruption on attitudes toward bribery.

Results

Resource users are more willing to partake in bribery when inspectors turn a blind eye to violations and when fellow users are involved in corruption.

Conclusion

This lends support for the proposition that engagement in corruption is driven by both the anticipated gains from bribes as well as expectations of others’ behavior. This suggests that anti‐corruption policy should be designed with the insight that more than one of these features affect attitudes to bribe‐taking.
Evolution of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): an anchored phylogenomics approach
Authors: Winterton Shaun L. , Gillung Jessica P. , Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J. , Badano Davide , Breitkreuz Laura C.V. , Duelli Peter , Engel Michael S. , Liu Xingyue , Machado Renato J.P. , Mansell Mervyn , Mochizuki Atsushi , Penny Norman D. , Tauber Catherine A. , Oswald John D.
Published: February 2019

A phylogeny of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) using anchored hybrid enrichment data is presented. Using this phylogenomic approach, we analysed 137 kb of sequence data (with < 10% missing) for 82 species in 50 genera of Chrysopidae under Bayesian and maximum likelihood criteria. We recovered a strongly supported tree topologically congruent with recently published phylogenies, especially relationships amongst higher‐level groups. The subfamily Nothochrysinae was recovered as paraphyletic, with one clade sister to the rest of Chrysopidae, and the second clade containing the nominal genus (Nothochrysa Navás) as sister to the subfamily Apochrysinae. Chrysopinae was recovered as a monophyletic with the monobasic Nothancylini tribe n. sister to the rest of the subfamily. Leucochrysini was recovered sister to Belonopterygini, and Chrysopini was rendered paraphyletic with respect to Ankylopterygini. Divergence times and diversification estimates indicate a major shift in rate in ancestral Chrysopini at the end of the Cretaceous, and the extensive radiation of Chrysopinae, the numerically dominant clade of green lacewings, began in the Mid‐Paleogene (c. 45 Ma).
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPB1*896:01 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2019

HLA‐DPB1*896:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*15:01:01:01 by nucleotide substitutions at codons 183 and 215 (exons 3‐4).
On mantle drag force for the formation of a next supercontinent as estimated from a numerical simulation model of global mantle convection
Authors: Yoshida Masaki
Published: February 2019

Three‐dimensional spherical mantle convection was simulated to predict future continental motion and investigate the driving force of continental motion. Results show that both the time required (≥300 Ma from the present) and the process for the next supercontinent formation are sensitive to the choice of critical rheological parameters for mantle dynamics, such as a viscosity contrast between the upper and lower mantles and a yield strength of the lithosphere. From all the numerical models studied herein, mantle drag force by horizontal mantle flow beneath the continents may mostly act as a resistance force for the continental motion in the process of forming a new supercontinent. The maximum absolute magnitude of the tensional and compressional stress acting at the base of the moving continents is in the order of 100 MPa, which is comparable to a typical value of the slab pull force.
Allogeneic major histocompatibility complex antigens are necessary and sufficient for partial tolerance induced by transfusion of pathogen reduced platelets in mice
Authors: Tran Johnson Q. , Muench Marcus O. , Heitman John W. , Jackman Rachael P.
Published: February 2019

Background And Objectives

Alloimmunization is common following transfusion with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and can cause complications such as platelet refractoriness or transplant rejection. It has previously been shown that pathogen reduction of PRP with riboflavin and UV light (UV+R) can protect against alloimmunization in mice and induce partial tolerance to subsequent transfusions.

Materials and Methods

Using B6 H2d congenic mice, this study evaluated the relative contributions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and minor antigens to both the alloresponse to PRP transfusion and the partial tolerance induced by UV+R treatment.

Results

Both total and MHC‐specific alloantibody responses were highest when both MHC and minor antigens were mismatched, with lower alloantibody responses observed with MHC mismatch alone, demonstrating that allogeneic minor antigens can enhance the response to allogeneic MHC. There was a weak, but significant alloantibody response to minor antigens only. UV+R treatment protected against both major and minor antigen alloimmunization. Both allogeneic MHC and minor antigens primed an enhanced cytokine response ex vivo, though this was weaker with minor antigens, and both responses were blocked with UV+R treatment.

Conclusion

Allogeneic MHC is both necessary and sufficient to induce the partial tolerance associated with UV+R treatment.
Restoration of a chalk stream using wood: assessment of habitat improvements using the Modular River Survey
Authors: England Judy , Dobbek Lukasz , Finn Leeming Brishan , Gurnell Angela M. , Wharton Geraldene
Published: February 2019

The installation of large wood and sediment berms to narrow the overwide channel of the River Bulbourne, Hertfordshire, aimed to restore geomorphological processes, improve channel habitat diversity and increase the amenity value of the park in which the river is located. The Modular River Survey provides a framework and suite of tools for river managers and volunteers to monitor and assess restoration activities. Applying this technique to the River Bulbourne before and after restoration demonstrated that the works increased physical habitat and vegetation complexity. The restored section was narrowed, substrate composition changed and the range of in‐stream vegetation morphotypes increased. The initial slight improvement in riparian habitat complexity immediately following the restoration is expected to increase further over time as the riparian vegetation develops and the restored section of channel matures. A public perception and recreational use survey reviewed how visitor experience and use of the park changed following restoration.
Numerical Analysis of the Deterministic Stresses Associated to Impeller-Tongue Interactions in a Single Volute Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Fernández Oro J. M. , González J. , Barrio Perotti R. , Galdo Vega M.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a deterministic stress decomposition is applied over the numerical three-dimensional flow solution available for a single volute centrifugal pump. The numerical model has proven in previous publications its robustness to obtain the impeller to volute-tongue flow interaction, and it is now used as starting point for the current research. The main objective has been oriented toward a detailed analysis of the lack of uniformity in the flow that the volute tongue promotes on the blade-to-blade axisymmetric pattern. Through this analysis, the fluctuation field may be retrieved and main interaction sources have been pinpointed. The results obtained with the deterministic analysis become of paramount interest to understand the different flow features found in a typical centrifugal pump as a function of the flow rate. Moreover, this postprocessing tool provides an economic and easy procedure for designers to compare the different deterministic terms, also giving relevant information on the unresolved turbulence intensity scales. Complementarily, a way to model the turbulent effects in a systematic way is also presented, comparing their impact on the performance with respect to deterministic sources in a useful framework, that may be applied for similar kinds of pumps.
Analytical Solutions to Nonuniform Surface Heat Transfer With Volumetric Sources in Magnetohydrodynamic Duct Flow
Authors: Bluck Michael J.
Published: February 2019

A detailed understanding of the flow of a liquid metal in a rectangular duct subject to a strong transverse magnetic field is vital in a number of engineering applications, notably for proposed blanket technologies for fusion reactors. Fusion reactors offer the potential for clean base-load energy and their development is now entering an engineering phase where the practical means by which the energy released can be converted into useful heat must be addressed. To such ends, this article considers the convective heat transfer processes for fully developed laminar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows in rectangular ducts of the kind proposed in some blanket designs. Analytical solutions which incorporate the nonuniformity of peripheral temperature and heat flux and the effect of volumetric heating, are developed as functions of magnetic field strength and duct aspect ratio. A distinct feature of these MHD problems, not yet addressed in the literature, is that unlike the conventional characterization of heat transfer by a Nusselt number, it is necessary to generalize the concept to vectors and matrices of Nusselt coefficients, due to the extreme anisotropy of both the flow and heating. The new analytical results presented here capture more complex heat transfer behavior than non-MHD flows and in particular characterize the importance of aspect ratio. The importance of these new results lie not only in the improved understanding of this complex process but also in the provision of characterizations of convective heat transfer which underpin progress toward systems scale simulations of fusion blanket technology which will be vital for the realization of practical fusion reactors.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Heat Exchanger Tube Fitted With Cross-Cut Twisted Tape With Alternate Axis
Authors: Nakhchi M. E. , Esfahani J. A.
Published: February 2019

Numerical simulations are used to analyze the thermal performance of turbulent flow inside heat exchanger tube fitted with cross-cut twisted tape with alternate axis (CCTA). The design parameters include the Reynolds number (5000<Re<15,000), cross-cut width ratio (0.7<b/D<0.9), cross-cut length ratio (2<s/D<2.5), and twist ratio (2<y/D<4). The objective functions are the Nusselt number ratio (Nu/Nus), the friction factor ratio (f/fs), and the thermal performance (η). Response surface method (RSM) is used to construct second-order polynomial correlations as functions of design parameters. The regression analysis shows that heat transfer ratio decreased with increasing both the Reynolds number and the width to diameter ratio of the twisted tape. This means that the twisted tape has more influence on heat transfer at smaller inlet fluid velocities. Sensitivity analysis reveals that among the effective input parameters, the sensitivity of Nu/Nus to the Reynolds number is the highest. The results reveal that thermal performance enhances with increasing the width to diameter ratio of the twisted tape (b/D). The maximum thermal performance factor of 1.531 is obtained for the case of Re=5000, b/D=0.9, s/D=2.5, and y/D=4.
Free Convection in a Wavy Walled Cavity With a Magnetic Source Using Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Pekmen Geridonmez Bengisen
Published: February 2019

In this study, free convection in a cavity with differentially heated wavy walls is numerically investigated in the presence of a magnetic source. Polyharmonic spline radial basis function (RBF) is utilized to discretize the governing dimensionless equations formulated by stream function-vorticity. The effects of dimensionless Hartmann number, Rayleigh number, the number of undulations, amplitude of wave, and the location of magnetic source are visualized in streamlines and isotherms as well as calculating average Nusselt number through the heated wall. Results show that primary vortex in streamlines is altered with the impact of magnetic source. The augmentation of undulations and amplitude causes convective heat transfer to decrease if Ra = 105. The impact of location of magnetic source is noted close to the top wall.
Discussion: “Convection Heat Transfer of Power-Law Fluids Along the Inclined Nonuniformly Heated Plate With Suction or Injection” [Sui, J., Zheng, L., and Zhang, X., 2016, ASME J. Heat Transfer, 138(2), p. 021701]
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: February 2019

The present comment concerns some doubtful results in the above paper.
Impact of Pulse Length on the Accuracy of Defect Depth Measurements in Pulse Thermography
Authors: Pierce James , Crane Nathan B.
Published: February 2019

Pulse thermography (PT) is a nondestructive testing method in which an energy pulse is applied to a surface while the surface temperature evolution is measured to detect sub surface defects and estimate their depth. This nondestructive test method was developed on the assumption of instantaneous surface heating, but recent work has shown that relatively long pulses can be used to accurately determine defect depth in polymers. This paper examines the impact of varying input pulse length on the accuracy of defect depth quantification as a function of the material properties. Simulations using both thermoplastics and metals show that measurement error is dependent on a nondimensionalized pulse length. The simulation results agree with experimental results for three-dimensional (3D) printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) components. Analysis and experiments show that defects can be accurately detected with minor modification to the standard methods as long as the pulse ends before the characteristic defect signal is detected.
Simulating Ultrasound Tissue Deformation Using Inverse Mapping
Authors: Pepley David F. , Adhikary Sanjib D. , Miller Scarlett R. , Moore Jason Z.
Published: February 2019

Ultrasound guidance is used for a variety of surgical needle insertion procedures, but there is currently no standard for the teaching of ultrasound skills. Recently, computer ultrasound simulation has been introduced as an alternative teaching method to traditional manikin and cadaver training because of its ability to provide diverse scenario training, quantitative feedback, and objective assessment. Current computer ultrasound training simulation is limited in its ability to image tissue deformation caused by needle insertions, even though tissue deformation identification is a critical skill in performing an ultrasound-guided needle insertion. To fill this need for improved simulation, a novel method of simulating ultrasound tissue–needle deformation is proposed and evaluated. First, a cadaver study is conducted to obtain ultrasound video of a peripheral nerve block. Then, optical flow analysis is conducted on this video to characterize the tissue movement due to the needle insertion. Tissue movement is characterized into three zones of motion: tissue near the needle being pulled, and zones above and below the needle where the tissue rolls. The rolling zones were centered 1.34 mm above and below the needle and 4.53 mm behind the needle. Using this characterization, a vector field is generated mimicking these zones. This vector field is then applied to an ultrasound image using inverse mapping to simulate tissue movement. The resulting simulation can be processed at 3.1 frames per second. This methodology can be applied through future optimized graphical processing to allow for accurate real time needle tissue simulation.
Developing Convective Heat Transfer in Multiport Microchannel Flat Tubes
Authors: Sun Qin , Diao Yanhua , Zhao Yaohua , Tang Sheng , Zhang Ji , Wang Zeyu
Published: February 2019

An experimental investigation of fluid flow friction and heat transfer coefficient in simultaneously developing flow through a multiport microchannel flat tube (MMFT) was presented. The cross-sectional geometries of five tubes were rectangular with hydraulic diameters of 0.8–1.33 mm and aspect ratio of 0.44–0.94. The working fluid was water, and the Reynolds number was in the range 150–4500. The experiment result showed that friction factor was successfully predicted by classical correlation in laminar regime, whereas the laminar–turbulent transition in the developing flow was not as obvious as in the completely developed flow. The greater aspect ratio produced stronger heat transfer capacity in the developing flow, although the effect of the aspect ratio decreased at increased Reynolds numbers for heat transfer characteristics. Moreover, the scale effect improved the heat transfer performance of MMFTs, especially at high Reynolds numbers.
Gut bacteria linked to mental well-being and depression
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Microbial biochemistry may affect nerve cell function.
Space magnet homes in on dark matter clue
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: February 2019

But aging cosmic ray experiment may never explain the mystery of extra antimatter.
Separating host and microbiome contributions to drug pharmacokinetics and toxicity
Authors: Zimmermann Michael , Zimmermann-Kogadeeva Maria , Wegmann Rebekka , Goodman Andrew L.
Published: February 2019

Off-target drug metabolism

Anything humans swallow is exposed to the foraging and transforming activities of the gut microbiota. This applies to therapeutic drugs as well as food components and can be a major source of interpersonal variation in drug efficacy and toxicity. Zimmermann
et al.
found that individual drug responses depend on the genetics of an individual's microbiota. They explored the metabolism of nucleoside drugs (which are used as antivirals and antidepressants) in mice inoculated with a variety of mutant microbiota. They then modeled the pharmacokinetics in different body compartments and identified the host and microbe contributions. In some individuals, up to 70% of drug transformation can be ascribed to microbial metabolism.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat9931
Comment on “Friction at the bed does not control fast glacier flow”
Authors: Minchew Brent M. , Meyer Colin R. , Pegler Samuel S. , Lipovsky Bradley P. , Rempel Alan W. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Iverson Neal R.
Published: February 2019

Stearns and van der Veen (Reports, 20 July 2018, p. 273) conclude that fast glacier sliding is independent of basal drag (friction), even where drag balances most of the driving stress. This conclusion raises fundamental physical issues, the most striking of which is that sliding velocity would be independent of stresses imparted through the ice column, including gravitational driving stress.
Tilting a ground-state reactivity landscape by vibrational strong coupling
Authors: Thomas A. , Lethuillier-Karl L. , Nagarajan K. , Vergauwe R. M. A. , George J. , Chervy T. , Shalabney A. , Devaux E. , Genet C. , Moran J. , Ebbesen T. W.
Published: February 2019

Shaking up reaction-site selectivity

It seems intuitive that putting vibrational energy into a chemical bond ought to promote selective cleavage of that bond. In fact, the relation of vibrational excitation to reactivity has generally proven subtler and more complex. Thomas
et al.
studied how strong coupling of specific vibrational modes to an optical cavity might influence a molecule with two competing reactive sites. The molecule had two silicon centers that could react with fluoride by respective cleavage of a Si–C or Si–O bond. Exciting the vibrations at either center slowed down the overall reaction while favoring otherwise disfavored Si–O cleavage.

Science
, this issue p.
615
Choline acetyltransferase–expressing T cells are required to control chronic viral infection
Authors: Cox Maureen A. , Duncan Gordon S. , Lin Gloria H. Y. , Steinberg Benjamin E. , Yu Lisa X. , Brenner Dirk , Buckler Luke N. , Elia Andrew J. , Wakeham Andrew C. , Nieman Brian , Dominguez-Brauer Carmen , Elford Alisha R. , Gill Kyle T. , Kubli Shawn P. , Haight Jillian , Berger Thorsten , Ohashi Pamela S. , Tracey Kevin J. , Olofsson Peder S. , Mak Tak W.
Published: February 2019

ChAT-ty T cells fight viral infection

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is involved in processes such as muscle contraction, neuron communication, and vasodilation. Along with neurons, a population of immunological T cells and B cells express the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of ACh production. However, the role of immune cell–derived ACh is unclear. Cox
et al.
report that the cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) induces ChAT expression in CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection (see the Perspective by Hickman). T cell–specific deletion of ChAT strongly impaired vasodilation and trafficking of antiviral T cells into infected tissues, which undermined the effective control of a chronic viral infection. Thus, IL-21 plays a critical role during chronic infection. Furthermore, the findings reveal a cholinergic mechanism that can regulate immune cell migration into tissues.

Science
, this issue p.
639
; see also p.
585
Eliminating nonradiative decay in Cu(I) emitters: >99% quantum efficiency and microsecond lifetime
Authors: Hamze Rasha , Peltier Jesse L. , Sylvinson Daniel , Jung Moonchul , Cardenas Jose , Haiges Ralf , Soleilhavoup Michele , Jazzar Rodolphe , Djurovich Peter I. , Bertrand Guy , Thompson Mark E.
Published: February 2019

Helping copper glow

Copper's abundance makes the metal an appealing candidate for luminescence applications. However, many copper complexes tend to decay nonradiatively after photoexcitation. A recently described exception involves a two-coordinate complex that sandwiches the metal between an amide ligand and a carbene ligand. Hamze
et al.
thoroughly explored this motif and measured a nearly perfect luminescence efficiency. They used this property to produce a prototype blue organic light-emitting diode. The photodynamics appeared largely ligand-centered, with the excited state attributed to copper-facilitated charge transfer from amide to carbene.

Science
, this issue p.
601
Impact of preexisting dengue immunity on Zika virus emergence in a dengue endemic region
Authors: Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Costa Federico , Nascimento Eduardo J. M. , Nery Nivison , Castanha Priscila M. S. , Sacramento Gielson Almeida , Cruz Jaqueline , Carvalho Mayara , De Olivera Daiana , Hagan José E. , Adhikarla Haritha , Wunder Elsio A. , Coêlho Danilo F. , Azar Sasha R. , Rossi Shannan L. , Vasilakis Nikos , Weaver Scott C. , Ribeiro Guilherme S. , Balmaseda Angel , Harris Eva , Nogueira Maurício L. , Reis Mitermayer G. , Marques Ernesto T. A. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Ko Albert I.
Published: February 2019

Zika dynamics in South America

The infection dynamics of Zika virus (ZIKV) are difficult to characterize. Many ZIKV infections are asymptomatic, and the clinical presentation of ZIKV is nonspecific. Rodriguez-Barraqueret al.took advantage of a long-term health study under way in Salvador, Brazil, the epicenter of the recent outbreak in the Americas. They used multiple serological assays, from before and after the emergence of ZIKV in October 2015, to distinguish ZIKV immune responses from those against Dengue virus (DENV). About 73% of the population was attacked by ZIKV. The presence of preexisting antibodies to DENV was associated with less risk of ZIKV infection and fewer symptoms.

Science, this issue p.607
Structural insight into nucleosome transcription by RNA polymerase II with elongation factors
Authors: Ehara Haruhiko , Kujirai Tomoya , Fujino Yuka , Shirouzu Mikako , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Sekine Shun-ichi
Published: February 2019

Getting over nucleosomal barriers

In eukaryotic cells, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes DNA within nucleosome-coated chromatin. The nucleosomes can provide major roadblocks for transcription. Cells solve this problem by using transcription elongation factors. Ehara
et al.
solved the cryo–electron microscopy structures of the nucleosome-transcribing RNAPII with elongation factors Elf1 and Spt4/5. Elf1 and Spt4/5 cooperatively suppress RNAPII pausing at multiple super helical locations [SHL(−6), SHL(−5), and SHL(−2)] and facilitate RNAPII progression through SHL(−1) by adjusting the nucleosome position to favor forward progression.

Science
, this issue p.
744
How do aerosols affect cloudiness?
Authors: Sato Yousuke , Suzuki Kentaroh
Published: February 2019

Cloud-aerosol interactions can be determined more accurately by isolating aerosol effects
First Complete Genome Sequence of
Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus
from Pumpkin in the United States
Authors: Khanal Vivek , Ali Akhtar
Published: February 2019

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus
(CABYV) was first described in France in 1992 and since then has been reported in various parts of the world, including the United States. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of a CABYV isolate (BL4) that was collected from pumpkin during the 2017 growing season in Oklahoma.
ACE inhibitor use and risk of cataract: a case–control analysis
Authors: Becker Claudia , Jick Susan S , Meier Christoph R
Published: February 2019

Background/Aim

Use of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) has been associated with an increased risk of cataract in a previous observational study in humans. In contrast, ACEIs were associated with beneficial effects on cataract development in experimental studies. We assessed the risk of cataract in relation to exposure to ACEI and other antihypertensive drugs.

Methods

This is a case-control study based on data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). We included first-time cataract patients aged ≥40 years between 1995 and 2015 and an equal number of cataract-free controls. We matched the controls to cases on age, sex, general practice, date of first cataract (ie, index date) and years of history in the CPRD prior to the index date. We assessed the number of prescriptions for ACEI and other antihypertensive drugs in detail and explored the use of single ACEI substances. We performed conditional logistic regression and conducted various sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings. We calculated the risk of cataract associated with previous exposure to ACEI, measured as OR with 95% CIs, and adjusted the multivariable model for body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, prescriptions of systemic corticosteroids and other antihypertensive drugs.

Results

We identified 206 931 cataract cases and the same number of matched controls. Use of ACEI was not associated with a materially altered risk of cataract compared with non-use of ACEI, neither in the main analysis (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.08) nor in any of the sensitivity or stratified analyses.

Conclusion

In our large observational study, use of ACEI was not associated with an altered risk of cataract.
Plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids and markers of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled feeding trials
Authors: Wanders Anne J , Blom Wendy A M , Zock Peter L , Geleijnse Johanna M , Brouwer Ingeborg A , Alssema Marjan
Published: February 2019

The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Scopus and PubMed databases were searched until January 2018. Eligible studies were randomized controlled feeding trials that investigated the effects of a diet high in plant-derived PUFA as compared with saturated fatty acids (SFA) or carbohydrates and measured markers of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance as outcomes. Data from 13 relevant studies (19 comparisons of plant-derived PUFA with control) were retrieved. Plant-derived PUFA did not significantly affect fasting glucose (−0.01 mmol/L (95 % CI − 0.06 to 0.03 mmol/L)), but lowered fasting insulin by 2.6 pmol/L (−4.9 to −0.2 pmol/L) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) by 0.12 units (-0.23 to − 0.01 units). In dose–response analyses, a 5% increase in energy (En%) from PUFA significantly reduced insulin by 5.8 pmol/L (95% CI −10.2 to −1.3 pmol/L), but not glucose (change −0.07, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.04 mmol/L) and HOMA-IR (change − 0.24, 95% CI −0.56 to 0.07 units). In subgroup analyses, studies with higher PUFA dose (upper tertiles) reduced insulin (-6.7, –10.5 to −2.9 pmol/L) and HOMA-IR (-0.28, –0.45 to −0.12 units), but not glucose (−0.09, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.01 mmol/L), as compared with an isocaloric control. Subgroup analyses showed no differences in effects between SFA and carbohydrates as replacement nutrients (p interaction ≥0.05). Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicated that plant-derived PUFA as an isocaloric replacement for SFA or carbohydrates probably reduces fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in populations without diabetes.
Higher circulating adiponectin and lower orosomucoid were associated with postload glucose ≤70 mg/dL, a possible inverse marker for dysglycemia, in young Japanese women
Authors: Tsuboi Ayaka , Minato Satomi , Yano Megumu , Takeuchi Mika , Kitaoka Kaori , Kurata Miki , Yoshino Gen , Wu Bin , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine whether serum adiponectin and orosomucoid were associated with postload glucose ≤70 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), termed as postload low glycemia, a possible inverse marker for dysglycemia.

Research design and methods

75 g OGTTs were performed with multiple postload glucose and insulin measurements over a 30–120 min period in 168 normal-weight Japanese women (18–24 years). Insulin resistance (IR) and β-cell function inferred from serum insulin kinetics during OGTT, fat mass and distribution by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), serum adiponectin and inflammatory markers were compared cross-sectionally between 39 women with and 129 women without postload low glycemia.

Results

Of 168 women, 161 had normal glucose tolerance. Women with as compared with those without postload low glycemia had lower fasting and postload glycemia despite similar fasting and postload insulinemia. They had higher insulinogenic index (p=0.03) and lower adipose IR (a product of fasting free fatty acid and insulin, p=0.01), although DXA-derived general and central adiposity, the Matsuda Index and homeostasis model assessment-IR did not differ. In addition, they had higher adiponectin and lower orosomucoid (both p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that adiponectin (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26, p=0.009) and orosomucoid (0.96, 0.93 to 0.97, p=0.008) were associated with postload low glycemia independently of adipose IR and insulinogenic index.

Conclusions

Higher adiponectin and lower orosomucoid were associated with 70 or lower mg/dL of postload glucose, a possible inverse marker for dysglycemia, in young women independently of DXA-derived fat mass and distribution, insulin secretion and IR.
Diagnostics for filovirus detection: impact of recent outbreaks on the diagnostic landscape
Authors: Emperador Devy M , Mazzola Laura T , Wonderly Trainor Betsy , Chua Arlene , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra
Published: February 2019

Ebolaviruses and Marburg virus (MARV) both belong to the familyFiloviridaeand cause severe haemorrhagic fever in humans. Due to high mortality rates and potential for spread from rural to urban regions, they are listed on the WHO R&D blueprint of high-priority pathogens. Recent ebolavirus outbreaks in Western and Central Africa have highlighted the importance of diagnostic testing in epidemic preparedness for these pathogens and led to the rapid development of a number of commercially available benchtop and point-of-care nucleic acid amplification tests as well as serological assays and rapid diagnostic tests. Despite these advancements, challenges still remain. While products approved under emergency use licenses during outbreak periods may continue to be used post-outbreak, a lack of clarity and incentive surrounding the regulatory approval pathway during non-outbreak periods has deterred many manufacturers from seeking full approvals. Waning of funding and poor access to samples after the 2014–2016 outbreak also contributed to cessation of development once the outbreak was declared over. There is a need for tests with improved sensitivity and specificity, and assays that can use alternative sample types could reduce the need for invasive procedures and expensive equipment, making testing in field conditions more feasible. For MARV, availability of diagnostic tests is still limited, restricted to a single ELISA test and assay panels designed to differentiate between multiple pathogens. It may be helpful to extend the target product profile for ebolavirus diagnostics to include MARV, as the viruses have many overlapping characteristics.
Diagnostics for Lassa fever virus: a genetically diverse pathogen found in low-resource settings
Authors: Mazzola Laura T , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra
Published: February 2019

Lassa fever virus (LASV) causes acute viral haemorrhagic fever with symptoms similar to those seen with Ebola virus infections. LASV is endemic to West Africa and is transmitted through contact with excretions of infectedMastomysnatalensisrodents and other rodent species. Due to a high fatality rate, lack of treatment options and difficulties with prevention and control, LASV is one of the high-priority pathogens included in the WHO R&D Blueprint. The WHO LASV vaccine strategy relies on availability of effective diagnostic tests. Current diagnostics for LASV include in-house and commercial (primarily research-only) laboratory-based serological and nucleic acid amplification tests. There are two commercially available (for research use only) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and a number of multiplex panels for differential detection of LASV infection from other endemic diseases with similar symptoms have been evaluated. However, a number of diagnostic gaps remain. Lineage detection is a challenge due to the genomic diversity of LASV, as pan-lineage sensitivity for both molecular and immunological detection is necessary for surveillance and outbreak response. While pan-lineage ELISA and RDTs are commercially available (for research use only), validation and external quality assessment (EQA) is needed to confirm detection sensitivity for all known or relevant strains. Variable sensitivity of LASV PCR tests also highlights the need for improved validation and EQA. Given that LASV outbreaks typically occur in low-resource settings, more options for point-of-care testing would be valuable. These requirements should be taken into account in target product profiles for improved LASV diagnostics.
Diagnostic applications for Lassa fever in limited-resource settings
Authors: Emperador Devy M , Yimer Solomon A , Mazzola Laura T , Norheim Gunnstein , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra
Published: February 2019

Lassa fever, caused by arenavirus Lassa virus (LASV), is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that affects up to an estimated 300 000 individuals and causes up to 5000 deaths per year in West Africa. Currently available LASV diagnostic methods are difficult to operationalise in low-resource health centres and may be less sensitive to detecting all known or emerging LASV strains. To prioritise diagnostic development for LASV, we assessed the diagnostic applications for case detection, clinical management, surveillance, outbreak response, and therapeutic and vaccine development at various healthcare levels. Diagnostic development should prioritise point-of-care and near-patient diagnostics, especially those with the ability to detect all lineages of LASV, as they would allow for rapid detection in resource-limited health facilities closer to the patient.
Comparison of two malnutrition risk screening tools with nutritional biochemical parameters, BMI and length of stay in Chinese geriatric inpatients: a multicenter, cross-sectional study
Authors: Miao Jian-Ping , Quan Xiao-Qing , Zhang Cun-Tai , Zhu Hong , Ye Mei , Shen Li-Ya , Guo Qiu-Hui , Zhu Gang-Yan , Mei Qi-Jian , Wu Yan-Xia , Li Shu-Guo , Zhou Hong-Lian
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess malnutrition risk in Chinese geriatric inpatients using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and to identify the most appropriate nutritional screening tool for these patients.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Eight medical centres in Hubei Province, China.

Participants

A total of 425 inpatients aged ≥70 years were consecutively recruited between December 2014 and May 2016.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Nutritional risk was assessed using NRS2002, MNA, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters within 24 hours of admission. Comorbidities and length of hospitalisation were recorded. Nutritional parameters, body mass index (BMI) and length of hospital stay (LOS) were employed to compare MNA and NRS2002. Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the consistency of the two tools.

Results

The average age was 81.2±5.9 years (range, 70–98). The prevalence of undernutrition classified by NRS2002 and MNA was 40.9% and 58.6%, respectively. Patients undergoing malnutrition had lower BMI, haemoglobin, albumin and prealbumin (p<0.05), and longer LOS (p<0.05). The NRS2002 showed moderate agreement (κ=0.521, p<0.001) with MNA. Both tools presented significant correlation with age, BMI and laboratory parameters (p<0.001). In addition, a significant association between both tools and LOS was found (p<0.05). In addition, the NRS2002 was not different from MNA in predicting nutritional risk in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The results show a relatively high prevalence of malnutrition risk in our sample cohort. We found that NRS2002 and MNA were both suitable in screening malnutrition risk among Chinese geriatric inpatients.