bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic origin of grain boundary segregation of Al, Si, P, and S in bcc-Fe: combined analysis of ab initio local energy and crystal orbital Hamilton population
Authors: Ito Kazuma , Sawada Hideaki , Tanaka Shingo , Ogata Shigenobu , Kohyama Masanori
Published: October 2020

In steel, P and S cause serious grain boundary (GB) embrittlement, which is associated with high segregation energies. To investigate the origins of such high segregation energies of P and S, we applied the combination of ab initio local energy analysis and crystal orbital Hamiltonian population (COHP) analysis for the GB segregation of Al, Si, P, and S in bcc-Fe, which can provide local energetic and bonding views of segregation behavior of each solute, associated with the replacement between solute–Fe and Fe–Fe bonding at GB and bulk sites. The local energy analysis revealed that GB segregation of such solutes is mainly caused by the difference between local energy changes of Fe atoms adjacent to a solute atom in the GB and bulk sites, and that the local energy change of each Fe atom depends on the solute–Fe interatomic distance with a unique functional form for each solute species. The COHP analysis showed that such distance dependency of the Fe-atom local energy change is caused by that of solute–Fe bonding interactions, relative to the Fe–Fe ones, governed by the valence atomic-orbital characters of each solute species. P and S have smaller extents of atomic orbitals and larger numbers of valence electrons; thus, they greatly lower the local energies of Fe atoms at interatomic distances shorter than the bulk first-neighbor one, and they greatly increase those of Fe atoms at longer interatomic distances around the bulk second-neighbor one. Thus, high segregation energies of P and S occur at GB sites with short first-neighbor distances and reduced coordination numbers within the bulk second-neighbor distance. The GB embrittlement by P and S was also discussed by this local-bonding viewpoint. The combination of local energy and COHP analyses can provide novel insights into the behavior of solute elements in various materials.
Stabilization of DNA by sodium and magnesium ions during the synthesis of DNA-bridged gold nanoparticles
Authors: Sokolov Petr A , Ramazanov Ruslan R , Rolich Valeriy I , Popova Maria A , Shalygin Vyacheslav E , Kasyanenko Nina A
Published: October 2020

Nanostructures synthesized using DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in the field of biosensorics. The stability of the DNA duplex plays a critical role as it determines the final geometry of these nanostructures. The main way to control DNA stability is to maintain a high ionic strength of the buffer solution; at the same time, high salt concentrations lead to an aggregation of nanoparticles. In this study, by means of the instrumentality of DNA-bridged seeds using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as a soft reducing agent the dumbbell-like gold nanoparticles up to 35 nm were synthesized with a high concentration of sodium ions of up to 100 mM and magnesium ions up to 1 mM. We also examined at the atomic level the details of the effect of the gold nanoparticle surface, as well as Na+ and Mg2+ ions, on the stability of nucleotide pairs located in close proximity to the grafting site.
Effects of asymmetrical exercise demands on the symmetry of skin temperature in archers
Authors: Sanchis-Sanchis Roberto , Priego-Quesada Jose Ignacio , Ribas-Garcia Vicent , Carpes Felipe P , Encarnacion-Martinez Alberto , Perez-Soriano Pedro
Published: October 2020

Objective: To analyse skin temperature asymmetries in response to asymmetrical exercise demand in archers. Approach: The skin temperature of the trunk and upper limbs was measured in 30 archers with an infrared camera at three different moments: before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 10 min after (Post10) a simulated competition (18 warm-up shots and 72 qualifying round shots). Relative and absolute asymmetries were determined. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed using the variations of relative and absolute skin temperature asymmetries as predicting variables, and sex, age, experience, body mass index, bow mass, bow power, and rate of perceived exertion of competition as inputs. Main results: Relative symmetry values were lower, i.e. more negative values indicating more asymmetry (higher skin temperature on the bow side, p < 0.05 and ES > 0.5) in the Post than in the Pre moment in the upper back (95% CI [0.1, 0.4 °C]), posterior shoulder (95% CI [0.0, 0.5 °C]), posterior arm (95% CI [0.0, 0.6 °C]) and posterior elbow (95% CI [0.4, 0.9 °C]). Absolute asymmetries were higher (p < 0.01 and ES > 0.8) in the Post than in the Pre moment in the chest (95% CI [0.1, 0.4 °C]), upper back (95% CI [0.1, 0.3 °C]), posterior shoulder (95% CI [0.1, 0.5 °C]) and posterior elbow (95% CI [0.2, 0.7 °C]). The variation of asymmetries after competition could be explained by factors such as experience, effort perception, sex, and bow mass. Significance: Archery exercise results in skin temperature asymmetry related to higher temperature in the bow side, which plays a main role in sustaining muscle activation to keep position. The asymmetry characteristics may result from the archery technique.
Microwave measurements of the high magnetic field vortex motion pinning parameters in Nb3Sn
Authors: Alimenti Andrea , Pompeo Nicola , Torokhtii Kostiantyn , Spina Tiziana , Flükiger René , Muzzi Luigi , Silva Enrico
Published: October 2020

The high frequency vortex motion in Nb3Sn was analyzed in this work up to 12 T. We used a dielectric loaded resonator tuned at 15 GHz to evaluate the surface impedance Z of a Nb3Sn bulk sample (24.8 at.%Sn). From the field induced variation of Z, the high frequency vortex parameters (the pinning constant k

p
, the depinning frequency ν

p
and the flux flow resistivity ρ

ff
) were obtained over a large temperature and field range; their field and temperature dependencies were analyzed. Comparison with other superconducting materials shows that high frequency applications in strong magnetic fields are also feasible with Nb3Sn. In the present work, we report the first measurements about the microwave response in Nb3Sn in strong magnetic fields.
Microtubule catastrophe under force: mathematical and computational results from a Brownian ratchet model
Authors: Yadav Vandana , Srinivas Balaramamahanti , Gopalakrishnan Manoj
Published: October 2020

In the intracellular environment, the intrinsic dynamics of microtubule filaments is often hindered by the presence of barriers of various kind, such as kinetochore complexes and cell cortex, which impact their polymerisation force and dynamical properties such as catastrophe frequency. We present a theoretical study of the effect of a forced barrier, also subjected to thermal noise, on the statistics of catastrophe events in a single microtubule as well as a ‘bundle’ of two parallel microtubules. For microtubule dynamics, which includes growth, detachment, hydrolysis and the consequent dynamic instability, we employ a one-dimensional discrete stochastic model. The dynamics of the barrier is captured by over-damped Langevin equation, while its interaction with a growing filament is assumed to be hard-core repulsion. A unified treatment of the continuum dynamics of the barrier and the discrete dynamics of the filament is realized using a hybrid Fokker–Planck equation. An explicit mathematical formula for the force-dependent catastrophe frequency of a single microtubule is obtained by solving the above equation, under some assumptions. The prediction agrees well with results of numerical simulations in the appropriate parameter regime. More general situations are studied via numerical simulations. To investigate the extent of ‘load-sharing’ in a microtubule bundle, and its impact on the frequency of catastrophes, the dynamics of a two-filament bundle is also studied. Here, two parallel, non-interacting microtubules interact with a common, forced barrier. The equations for the two-filament model, when solved using a mean-field assumption, predicts equal sharing of load between the filaments. However, numerical results indicate the existence of a wide spectrum of load-sharing behaviour, which is characterized using a dimensionless parameter.
Sensitivity to double beta decay of 130Te to the first 0+ excited state of 130Xe in CUORE
Authors: Fantini G
Published: October 2020

We report a preliminary result on the sensitivity and analysis techniques to search for double beta decay of 130Te to the first 0+ excited state of 130Xe in CUORE. With a TeO2 exposure of 369.9 kg ⋅ y, we find an expected limit setting sensitivity of

T

1
/
2

0
v

>
3
⋅

10

24

y at 90 % C.I.
Organ-specific ECM arrays for investigating cell-ECM interactions during stem cell differentiation
Authors: Goh Saik-Kia , Halfter Willi , Richardson Thomas , Bertera Suzanne , Vaidya Vimal , Candiello Joe , Bradford Mahalia , Banerjee Ipsita
Published: October 2020

Pluripotent stem cells are promising source of cells for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug discovery applications. The process of stem cell differentiation is regulated by multi-parametric cues from the surrounding microenvironment, one of the critical one being cell interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a complex tissue-specific structure which is an important physiological regulator of stem cell function and fate. Recapitulating this native ECM microenvironment niche is best facilitated by decellularized tissue/organ derived ECM, which can faithfully reproduce the physiological environment with high fidelity to in vivo condition and promote tissue-specific cellular development and maturation. Recognizing the need for organ specific ECM in a 3D culture environment in driving phenotypic differentiation and maturation of hPSCs, we fabricated an ECM array platform using native-mimicry ECM from decellularized organs (namely pancreas, liver and heart), which allows cell-ECM interactions in both 2D and 3D configuration. The ECM array was integrated with rapid quantitative imaging for a systematic investigation of matrix protein profiles and sensitive measurement of cell-ECM interaction during hPSC differentiation. We tested our platform by elucidating the role of the three different organ-specific ECM in supporting induced pancreatic differentiation of hPSCs. While the focus of this report is on pancreatic differentiation, the developed platform is versatile to be applied to characterize any lineage specific differentiation.
A Quantitative Framework for Defining the End of an Infectious Disease Outbreak: Application to Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Djaafara Bimandra A , Imai Natsuko , Hamblion Esther , Impouma Benido , Donnelly Christl A , Cori Anne
Published: October 2020

The end-of-outbreak declaration is an important step in controlling infectious disease outbreaks. Objective estimation of the confidence level that an outbreak is over is important to reduce the risk of postdeclaration flare-ups. We developed a simulation-based model with which to quantify that confidence and tested it on simulated Ebola virus disease data. We found that these confidence estimates were most sensitive to the instantaneous reproduction number, the reporting rate, and the time between the symptom onset and death or recovery of the last detected case. For Ebola virus disease, our results suggested that the current World Health Organization criterion of 42 days since the recovery or death of the last detected case is too short and too sensitive to underreporting. Therefore, we suggest a shift to a preliminary end-of-outbreak declaration after 63 days from the symptom onset day of the last detected case. This preliminary declaration should still be followed by 90 days of enhanced surveillance to capture potential flare-ups of cases, after which the official end of the outbreak can be declared. This sequence corresponds to more than 95% confidence that an outbreak is over in most of the scenarios examined. Our framework is generic and therefore could be adapted to estimate end-of-outbreak confidence for other infectious diseases.
I know your face but can’t remember your name: Age-related differences in the FNAME-12NL
Authors: Enriquez-Geppert S , Flores-Vázquez J F , Lietz M , Garcia-Pimenta M , Andrés P
Published: October 2020

Objective

The Face-Name Associative Memory test (FNAME) has recently received attention as a test for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. So far, however, there has been no systematic investigation of the effects of aging. Here, we aimed to assess the extent to which the FNAME performance is modulated by normal ageing.

Method

In a first step, we adapted the FNAME material to the Dutch population. In a second step, younger (n = 29) and older adults (n = 29) were compared on recall and recognition performance.

Results

Significant age effects on name recall were observed after the first exposure of new face-name pairs: younger adults remembered eight, whereas older adults remembered a mean of four out of twelve names. Although both age groups increased the number of recalled names with repeated face-name exposure, older adults did not catch up with the performance of the younger adults, and the age-effects remained stable. Despite of that, both age groups maintained their performance after a 30-min delay. Considering recognition, no age differences were demonstrated, and both age groups succeeded in the recognition of previously shown faces and names when presented along with distractors.

Conclusions

This study presents for the first time the results of different age groups regarding cross-modal associative memory performance on the FNAME. The recall age effects support the hypothesis of age-related differences in associative memory. To use the FNAME as an early cognitive biomarker, further subscales are suggested to increase sensitivity and specificity in the clinical context.
How do the blind ‘see’? The role of spontaneous brain activity in self-generated perception
Authors: Hahamy Avital , Wilf Meytal , Rosin Boris , Behrmann Marlene , Malach Rafael
Published: October 2020

Spontaneous activity of the human brain has been well documented, but little is known about the functional role of this ubiquitous neural phenomenon. It has previously been hypothesized that spontaneous brain activity underlies unprompted (internally generated) behaviour. We tested whether spontaneous brain activity might underlie internally-generated vision by studying the cortical visual system of five blind/visually-impaired individuals who experience vivid visual hallucinations (Charles Bonnet syndrome). Neural populations in the visual system of these individuals are deprived of external input, which may lead to their hyper-sensitization to spontaneous activity fluctuations. To test whether these spontaneous fluctuations can subserve visual hallucinations, the functional MRI brain activity of participants with Charles Bonnet syndrome obtained while they reported their hallucinations (spontaneous internally-generated vision) was compared to the: (i) brain activity evoked by veridical vision (externally-triggered vision) in sighted controls who were presented with a visual simulation of the hallucinatory streams; and (ii) brain activity of non-hallucinating blind controls during visual imagery (cued internally-generated vision). All conditions showed activity spanning large portions of the visual system. However, only the hallucination condition in the Charles Bonnet syndrome participants demonstrated unique temporal dynamics, characterized by a slow build-up of neural activity prior to the reported onset of hallucinations. This build-up was most pronounced in early visual cortex and then decayed along the visual hierarchy. These results suggest that, in the absence of external visual input, a build-up of spontaneous fluctuations in early visual cortex may activate the visual hierarchy, thereby triggering the experience of vision.
One-Dose Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and the Risk of Genital Warts: A Danish Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Baandrup Louise , Dehlendorff Christian , Kjaer Susanne K
Published: October 2020

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that 1-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may protect significantly against HPV-related disease. We provide nationwide, real-world data on the risk of genital warts (GWs) after <3 vaccine doses.

Methods

All Danish women born in 1985–2003 were identified, and individual-level vaccination data were retrieved. The cohort was followed up for first occurrence of GWs until 31 December 2016. Using Poisson regression, we calculated incidence rates (IRs) of GWs per 100 000 person-years and IR ratios (IRRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for GWs, according to vaccination status, age at first dose, and calendar time.

Results

The cohort comprised 1 076 945 girls and women, of whom 485 408 were vaccinated. For girls initiating vaccination at age 12–14 years and 15–16 years, 1-dose vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 71% (IRR = 0.29; 95% CI, .22–.38) and 62% (0.38; .29–.49), respectively, compared with unvaccinated girls. In the same age groups, 2-dose VE was 78% (IRR, 0.22; 95% CI, .18–.26) and 68% (0.32; .26–.38), respectively. After 2009, the IRRs for 3 versus 1 dose and 2 versus 1 dose increased towards unity over calendar time, being 0.69 (95% CI, .57–.84) and 0.86 (.68–1.08) in 2016, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, 1 or 2 doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine was associated with substantial protection against GWs in girls vaccinated at age ≤16 years. The 1-dose VE approached that of 3 or 2 doses over calendar time, probably reflecting the impact of herd protection.
Immune Profiling Enables Stratification of Patients With Active Tuberculosis Disease or Mycobacteriu
m tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Duffy Darragh , Nemes Elisa , Llibre Alba , Rouilly Vincent , Musvosvi Munyaradzi , Smith Nikaïa , Filander Elizabeth , Africa Hadn , Mabwe Simbarashe , Jaxa Lungisa , Charbit Bruno , Mulenga Humphrey , Tameris Michele , Walzl Gerhard , Malherbe Stephanus , Thomas Stephanie , Hatherill Mark , Bilek Nicole , Scriba Thomas J , Albert Matthew L ,   for the Milieu Intérieur Consortium, Abel Laurent , Alcover Andres , Aschard Hugues , Astrom Kalla , Bousso Philippe , Bruhns Pierre , Cumano Ana , Demangel Caroline , Deriano Ludovic , Di Santo James , Dromer Françoise , Eberl Gérard , Enninga Jost , Fellay Jacques , Gelpi Odile , Gomperts-Boneca Ivo , Hasan Milena , Hercberg Serge , Lantz Olivier , Leclerc Claude , Mouquet Hugo , Patin Etienne , Pellegrini Sandra , Pol Stanislas , Rausell Antonio , Rogge Lars , Sakuntabhai Anavaj , Schwartz Olivier , Schwikowski Benno , Shorte Spencer , Soumelis Vassili , Tangy Frédéric , Tartour Eric , Toubert Antoine , Touvier Mathilde , Ungeheuer Marie-Noëlle , L. Albert Matthew , Duffy Darragh , Quintana-Murci Lluis
Published: October 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and is a major public health problem. Clinical challenges include the lack of a blood-based test for active disease. Current blood-based tests, such as QuantiFERON (QFT) do not distinguish active TB disease from asymptomatic Mtb infection.

Methods

We hypothesized that TruCulture, an immunomonitoring method for whole-blood stimulation, could discriminate active disease from latent Mtb infection (LTBI). We stimulated whole blood from patients with active TB and compared with LTBI donors. Mtb-specific antigens and live bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were used as stimuli, with direct comparison to QFT. Protein analyses were performed using conventional and digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as Luminex.

Results

TruCulture showed discrimination of active TB cases from LTBI (P < .0001, AUC = .81) compared with QFT (P = .45, AUC = .56), based on an interferon γ (IFNγ) readout after Mtb antigen (Ag) stimulation. This result was replicated in an independent cohort (AUC = .89). In exploratory analyses, TB stratification could be further improved by the Mtb antigen to BCG IFNγ ratio (P < .0001, AUC = .91). Finally, the combination of digital ELISA and transcriptional analysis showed that LTBI donors with high IFNγ clustered with patients with TB, suggesting the possibility to identify subclinical disease.

Conclusions

TruCulture offers a next-generation solution for whole-blood stimulation and immunomonitoring with the possibility to discriminate active and latent infection.
Survival Analysis of Treatment Efficacy in Comparative Coronavirus Disease 2019 Studies
Authors: McCaw Zachary R , Tian Lu , Kim Dae Hyun , Localio A Russell , Wei Lee-Jen
Published: October 2020

For survival analysis in comparative coronavirus disease 2019 trials, the routinely used hazard ratio may not provide a meaningful summary of the treatment effect. The mean survival time difference/ratio is an intuitive, assumption-free alternative. However, for short-term studies, landmark mortality rate differences/ratios are more clinically relevant and should be formally analyzed and reported.
Longitudinal Profile of Laboratory Parameters and Their Application in the Prediction for Fatal Outcome Among Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Hao-Long , Lu Qing-Bin , Yang Qing , Wang Xu , Yue Dao-Yuan , Zhang Lei-Ke , Li Hao , Liu Wei , Li Hui-Jun
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience a wide clinical spectrum, with over 2% developing fatal outcome. The prognostic factors for fatal outcome remain sparsely investigated.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in a cohort of patients with confirmed COVID-19 in one designated hospital in Wuhan, China, from 17 January–5 March 2020. The laboratory parameters and a panel of cytokines were consecutively evaluated until patients’ discharge or death. The laboratory features that could be used to predict fatal outcome were identified.

Results

Consecutively collected data on 55 laboratory parameters and cytokines from 642 patients with COVID-19 were profiled along the entire disease course, based on which 3 clinical stages (acute stage, days 1–9; critical stage, days 10–15; and convalescence stage, day 15 to observation end) were determined. Laboratory findings based on 75 deceased and 357 discharged patients revealed that, at the acute stage, fatality could be predicted by older age and abnormal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, lymphocyte count, and procalcitonin (PCT) level. At the critical stage, the fatal outcome could be predicted by age and abnormal PCT, LDH, cholinesterase, lymphocyte count, and monocyte percentage. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was remarkably elevated, with fatal cases having a more robust production than discharged cases across the whole observation period. LDH, PCT, lymphocytes, and IL-6 were considered highly important prognostic factors for COVID-19–related death.

Conclusions

The identification of predictors that were routinely tested might allow early identification of patients at high risk of death for early aggressive intervention.
The importance of pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection promoting adaptation to increasing temperatures
Authors: Gómez-Llano Miguel , Scott Eve , Svensson Erik I
Published: October 2020

Global temperatures are increasing rapidly affecting species globally. Understanding if and how different species can adapt fast enough to keep up with increasing temperatures is of vital importance. One mechanism that can accelerate adaptation and promote evolutionary rescue is sexual selection. Two different mechanisms by which sexual selection can facilitate adaptation are pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection. However, the relative effects of these different forms of sexual selection in promoting adaptation are unknown. Here, we present the results from an experimental study in which we exposed fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster to either no mate choice or 1 of 2 different sexual selection regimes (pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection) for 6 generations, under different thermal regimes. Populations showed evidence of thermal adaptation under precopulatory sexual selection, but this effect was not detected in the postcopulatory sexual selection and the no choice mating regime. We further demonstrate that sexual dimorphism decreased when flies evolved under increasing temperatures, consistent with recent theory predicting more sexually concordant selection under environmental stress. Our results suggest an important role for precopulatory sexual selection in promoting thermal adaptation and evolutionary rescue.
Mid- to long-term follow-up of pulmonary valve replacement with BioIntegral injectable valve
Authors: Ghiselli Simone , Carro Cristina , Uricchio Nicola , Annoni Giuseppe , Marianeschi Stefano M
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pulmonary valve (PV) regurgitation is a common late sequela after repair of congenital heart diseases like tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary stenosis, leading to right ventricular dilatation and failure and increased late morbidity and mortality. Timely reoperation may lead to a complete right ventricular recovery. An injectable PV allows pulmonary valve replacement, with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, under direct observation, thereby minimizing the impact of surgery on cardiac function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and mid- to long-term clinical outcomes with this device.

METHODS

From April 2007 to October 2019, a total of 85 symptomatic patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation or pulmonary stenosis underwent pulmonary valve replacement with an injectable stented pulmonary prosthesis. Data were collected from the international proctoring registry. Mean patient age was 26.7 years. The underlying diagnosis was repaired tetralogy of Fallot in 69.4% patients; moderate or severe pulmonary regurgitation was present in 72.9%. All patients had echocardiographic scans before the operation and during the follow-up period. A total of 54.1% patients also had preoperative/postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or catheterization; 25.9% had off-pump implants. In 53% patients, pulmonary valve replacement was associated with the repair of other cardiac defects.

RESULTS

Minor postoperative complications were observed in 10.8% patients. The overall mortality rate was 2.3%; mortality after valve replacement was linked to a severe cardiac insufficiency and it was not related to a prosthesis failure; 1 prosthesis was explanted from 1 patient because of endocarditis, and 6% of patients developed PV stenosis; minor complications occurred in 4.8%. The mean follow-up period was 4.8 years (2 months–12.7 years); 42% of the patients were followed for more than 5 years. Follow-up echocardiography and cardiac MRI showed a significant reduction in RV size and low gradients across the PV.

CONCLUSIONS

An injectable PV may be implanted without cardiopulmonary bypass and in a hybrid operating theatre with minimal surgical impact. The bioprosthesis, available up to large sizes, has a low profile, laminar flow and no risk of coronary artery compression. Incidence of endocarditis is rare. The lack of a suture ring permits the implant of a relatively larger prosthesis, thereby avoiding a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This device permits future percutaneous valve-in-valve procedures, if needed. Results concerning durability are encouraging, and mid- to long-term haemodynamic performance is excellent.
European experience with a first totally leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker system
Authors: Carabelli Adrien , Jabeur Mariem , Jacon Peggy , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo , Leclercq Christophe , Rovaris Giovanni , Arnold Martin , Venier Sandrine , Neuzil Petr , Defaye Pascal
Published: October 2020

Aims

Totally leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be delivered with a combination of Micra and WiSE-CRT systems. We describe the technical feasibility and first insights into the safety and efficacy of this combination in European experience.

Methods and results

Patients enrolled had indication for both Micra and WiSE-CRT systems because of heart failure related to high burden of pacing by a Micra necessitating system upgrade or inability to implant a conventional CRT system because of infectious or anatomical conditions. The endpoints of the study were technical success of WiSE-CRT implantation with right ventricle-synchonized CRT delivery, acute QRS duration reduction, and freedom from procedure-related major adverse events. All eight WiSE-CRT devices were able to detect the Micra pacing output and to be trained to deliver synchronous LV endocardial pacing. Acute QRS reduction following WiSE-CRT implantation was observed in all eight patients (mean QRS 204.38 ± 30.26 vs. 137.5 ± 24.75 mS, P = 0.012). Seven patients reached 6 months of follow-up. At 6 months after WiSE-CRT implantation, there was a significant increase in LV ejection fraction (28.43 ± 8.01% vs. 39.71 ± 11.89%; P = 0.018) but no evidence of LV reverse remodelling or improvement in New York Heart Association class.

Conclusion

The Micra and the WiSE-CRT systems can successfully operate together to deliver total leadless CRT to a patient. Moreover, the WiSE-CRT system provides the only means to upgrade the large population of Micra patients to CRT capability without replacing the Micra. The range of application of this combination could broaden in the future with the upcoming developments of leadless cardiac pacing.
Phylogenomic Analysis of Wolbachia Strains Reveals Patterns of Genome Evolution and Recombination
Authors: Wang Xiaozhu , Xiong Xiao , Cao Wenqi , Zhang Chao , Werren John H , Wang Xu
Published: October 2020

Wolbachia are widespread intracellular bacteria that mediate many important biological processes in arthropod species. In this study, we identified 210 conserved single-copy genes in 33 genome-sequenced Wolbachia strains in the A–F supergroups. Phylogenomic analyses with these core genes indicate that all 33 Wolbachia strains maintain the supergroup relationship, which was classified previously based on the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) genes. Using an interclade recombination screening method, 14 inter-supergroup recombination events were discovered in six genes (2.9%) among 210 single-copy orthologs. This finding suggests a relatively low frequency of intergroup recombination. Interestingly, they have occurred not only between A and B supergroups (nine events) but also between A and E supergroups (five events). Maintenance of such transfers suggests possible roles in Wolbachia infection-related functions. Comparisons of strain divergence using the five genes of the MLST system show a high correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.98) between MLST and whole-genome divergences, indicating that MLST is a reliable method for identifying related strains when whole-genome data are not available. The phylogenomic analysis and the identified core gene set in our study will serve as a valuable foundation for strain identification and the investigation of recombination and genome evolution in Wolbachia.
Symbiotic and Nonsymbiotic Members of the Genus Ensifer (syn. Sinorhizobium) Are Separated into Two Clades Based on Comparative Genomics and High-Throughput Phenotyping
Authors: Fagorzi Camilla , Ilie Alexandru , Decorosi Francesca , Cangioli Lisa , Viti Carlo , Mengoni Alessio , diCenzo George C
Published: October 2020

Rhizobium–legume symbioses serve as paradigmatic examples for the study of mutualism evolution. The genus Ensifer (syn. Sinorhizobium) contains diverse plant-associated bacteria, a subset of which can fix nitrogen in symbiosis with legumes. To gain insights into the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), and interkingdom mutualisms more generally, we performed extensive phenotypic, genomic, and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Ensifer. The data suggest that SNF likely emerged several times within the genus Ensifer through independent horizontal gene transfer events. Yet, the majority (105 of 106) of the Ensifer strains with the nodABC and nifHDK nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes were found within a single, monophyletic clade. Comparative genomics highlighted several differences between the “symbiotic” and “nonsymbiotic” clades, including divergences in their pangenome content. Additionally, strains of the symbiotic clade carried 325 fewer genes, on average, and appeared to have fewer rRNA operons than strains of the nonsymbiotic clade. Initial characterization of a subset of ten Ensifer strains identified several putative phenotypic differences between the clades. Tested strains of the nonsymbiotic clade could catabolize 25% more carbon sources, on average, than strains of the symbiotic clade, and they were better able to grow in LB medium and tolerate alkaline conditions. On the other hand, the tested strains of the symbiotic clade were better able to tolerate heat stress and acidic conditions. We suggest that these data support the division of the genus Ensifer into two main subgroups, as well as the hypothesis that pre-existing genetic features are required to facilitate the evolution of SNF in bacteria.
Does Chronic Stress Moderate Age Differences in Emotional Well-Being? Testing Predictions of Strength and Vulnerability Integration
Authors: Sliwinski Martin J , Freed Sara , Scott Stacey B , Pasquini Giancarlo , Smyth Joshua M
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) theory posits boundary conditions, such as chronic stress, which place constraints on positive emotional aging. We examine SAVI’s prediction that higher levels of chronic stress will attenuate favorable age gradients for multiple indices of well-being.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from a diverse systematic probability sample of adults (n = 260, ages 25–65). Multiple regression analysis was used to examine age gradients and test age × chronic stress interactions on 5 measures of well-being relevant for SAVI’s prediction: positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, emotional distress, and rumination.

Results

Age was unrelated to well-being unless individual differences in health limitations were statistically controlled, in which case older age was associated with more favorable levels of well-being. Chronic stress significantly interacted with age for negative affect, emotional distress, rumination, and life satisfaction; examination of the interactions indicated that age was no longer associated with more favorable levels of well-being at higher levels of chronic stress.

Discussion

Our findings support a key prediction of SAVI by demonstrating that high levels of chronic stress present a boundary condition for favorable age gradients on well-being. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the “paradox” of well-being.
Salmon lice-induced mortality of Atlantic salmon during post-smolt migration in Norway
Authors: Johnsen Ingrid A , Harvey Alison , Sævik Pål Næverlid , Sandvik Anne D , Ugedal Ola , Ådlandsvik Bjørn , Wennevik Vidar , Glover Kevin A , Karlsen Ørjan
Published: October 2020

The expansion of salmonid aquaculture has resulted in environmental challenges, including salmon lice that may infest both farmed and wild fish. For wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts that migrate from their rivers to the ocean, the first phase of their journey in the coastal zone, where aquaculture occurs, is critical when considering lice exposure. To evaluate the lice influence during the post-smot migration we have developed a migration model. An archive with spatiotemporal concentrations of lice larvae in Norwegian coastal waters has been established using a combination of state-of-the-art hydrodynamic and lice biology models. To estimate lice-induced mortality of wild salmon from Norwegian rivers, the infestation level on the virtual post-smolts was calibrated to match that observed on wild post-smolts genetically assigned their rivers of origin. The lice infestation pressure was modelled on post-smolts from 401 rivers covering all of Norway. Based on this, aquaculture-produced salmon lice-induced mortality of wild salmon post-smolts was estimated as <10% for 179 rivers, 10–30% for 140 rivers, and >30% for 82 rivers in 2019. Estimated mortalities were used together with other data sets to evaluate aquaculture sustainability in Norway. The aquaculture regulatory system represents a globally leading example of science-based management that considers the environmental impact.
Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve the HIV Continuum of Care and HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in Kenya: A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Luong Nguyen Liem B , Freedberg Kenneth A , Wanjala Sitima , Maman David , Szumilin Elisabeth , Mendiharat Pierre , Yazdanpanah Yazdan
Published: October 2020

Background

In Western Kenya up to one-quarter of the adult population was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected in 2012. The Ministry of Health, Médecins Sans Frontières, and partners implemented an HIV program that surpassed the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets. In this generalized epidemic, we compared the effectiveness of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with improving continuum of care.

Methods

We developed a dynamic microsimulation model to project HIV incidence and infections averted to 2030. We modeled 3 strategies compared to a 90-90-90 continuum of care base case: (1) scaling up the continuum of care to 95-95-95, (2) PrEP targeting young adults with 10% coverage, and (3) scaling up to 95-95-95 and PrEP combined.

Results

In the base case, by 2030 HIV incidence was 0.37/100 person-years. Improving continuum levels to 95-95-95 averted 21.5% of infections, PrEP averted 8.0%, and combining 95-95-95 and PrEP averted 31.8%. Sensitivity analysis showed that PrEP coverage had to exceed 20% to avert as many infections as reaching 95-95-95.

Conclusions

In a generalized HIV epidemic with continuum of care levels at 90-90-90, improving the continuum to 95-95-95 is more effective than providing PrEP. Continued improvement in the continuum of care will have the greatest impact on decreasing new HIV infections.
Harmonization and Standardization: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Miller W Greg , Greenberg Neil
Published: October 2020

Background

The purpose of a medical laboratory test is to provide information on the pathophysiologic condition of an individual patient as an aid in diagnosis, therapy, or assessment of risk for a disease. For optimal laboratory service, results from different measurement procedures (MPs) for the same measurand should be equivalent (harmonized) within stated specifications, enabling the results to be used reliably for medical decisions. The term “harmonization” refers to any process that enables establishing equivalence of reported values among different end-user MPs. The term “standardization” refers to achieving harmonization by metrological traceability of patients’ results to higher order reference materials and/or reference measurement procedures.

Content

New procedures for harmonization and standardization were published in 2020 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and by the IFCC. ISO 17511:2020 provides revised requirements for establishing metrologically traceable calibration hierarchies for end-user MPs used in clinical laboratories. ISO 21151:2020 provides new requirements to implement a harmonization protocol to address the situation when there are no fit-for-purpose certified reference materials or reference MPs available for a measurand. The IFCC Working Group on Commutability published recommendations for applying a correction for noncommutability of a certified reference material to enable using that material in a metrologically traceable calibration hierarchy for an end-user MP.

We review metrological traceability and how these new approaches will improve the capability to achieve harmonized results for clinical samples.
Effects of processing, moisture, and storage length on the fermentation profile, particle size, and ruminal disappearance of reconstituted corn grain
Authors: Gomes Ana L M , Bueno Antonio V I , Jacovaci Fernando A , Donadel Guilherme , Ferraretto Luiz F , Nussio Luiz G , Jobim Clóves C , Daniel João L P
Published: October 2020

Our objective was to examine the effects of processing, moisture, and anaerobic storage length of reconstituted corn grain (RCG) on the fermentation profile, geometric mean particle size (GMPS), and ruminal dry matter disappearance (DMD). Dry corn kernels were ground (hammer mill, 5-mm screen) or rolled, then rehydrated to 30%, 35%, or 40% moisture, and stored for 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 d in laboratory silos. Rolled corn had an increased GMPS compared with ground corn (2.24 and 1.13 mm, respectively, at ensiling). However, there was a trend for an interaction between processing and moisture concentration to affect particle size, with GMPS increasing with increased moisture concentration, especially in ground corn. Longer storage periods also slightly increased GMPS. Processing, moisture, and storage length interacted to affect the fermentation pattern (two- or three-way interactions). Overall, pH decreased, whereas lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and NH3-N increased with storage length. RCG with 30% moisture had less lactic acid than corn with 35% and 40% moisture, indicating that fermentation might have been curtailed and also due to the clostridial fermentation that converts lactic acid to butyric acid. Ensiling reconstituted ground corn with 30% of moisture led to greater concentrations of ethanol and butyric acid, resulting in greater DM loss than grain rehydrated to 35% or 40% of moisture. Ammonia-N and in situ ruminal DMD were highest for reconstituted ground corn with 35% or 40% of moisture, mainly after 60 d of storage. Therefore, longer storage periods and greater moisture contents did not offset the negative effect of greater particle size on the in situ ruminal DMD of rolled RCG. Nonetheless, RCG should be ensiled with more than 30% moisture and stored for at least 2 mo to improve the ruminal DMD and reduce the formation of ethanol and butyric acid.
Crystalline amino acids do not influence calculated values for standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in feed ingredients included in diets for pigs
Authors: Oliveira Maryane S F , Abelilla Jerubella J , Jaworski Neil W , Htoo John K , Stein Hans H
Published: October 2020

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that addition of crystalline amino acids (AA) to diets during the adaptation or collection periods will not influence calculated values for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) or standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM). Seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight: 77.9 ± 2.6 kg) were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin Square design with 7 dietary treatments and 7 periods. Dietary treatments included feeding diets based on corn or SBM without or with crystalline AA for the entire 7-d period or with crystalline AA during the adaptation period, but without crystalline AA during the collection period. An N-free diet was also used. Each experimental period consisted of 5 d of adaptation to the diets followed by 2 d of ileal digesta collection, with digesta being collected for 9 hr/d starting after feeding the morning meal. Thus, the entire experiment lasted 49 d. The AID and SID of crude protein (CP) and AA were calculated using values determined in corn or in SBM without or with crystalline AA to determine if crystalline AA influenced calculated values for AID or SID of CP and AA. Results indicated that addition of crystalline AA to diets fed during the entire 7-d period increased (P < 0.05) AID of some AA in corn and SBM. However, no differences in SID of CP and AA were observed between pigs fed the diets without crystalline AA and pigs fed the diets with crystalline AA if dietary crystalline AA were ignored in calculations of SID values. This indicates that crystalline AA were 100% absorbed before the distal ileum and did not affect calculated values for SID of AA if calculations were based only on the AA in corn or SBM. Therefore, it is concluded that crystalline AA may be added to experimental diets in digestibility experiments before and during collection periods without affecting results, if crystalline AA are disregarded in the calculation of AID or SID of AA in ingredients.
Does Eumelanin Oxidation Play a Role on the Photostability of Ethyl Glucuronide in Hair Exposed to Simulated Solar Radiation?
Authors: Miolo Giorgia , Vicario Benedetta , Stocchero Giulia , Causin Valerio , Vogliardi Susanna , Favretto Donata
Published: October 2020

The action of solar radiation on the concentration of the ethanol metabolite ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in 40 hair samples of nonabstinent subjects was investigated. Hair samples of different colors were analyzed before and after irradiation with artificial sunlight under a light dose corresponding to 3 months of sun exposure. After irradiation, an increase of EtG concentration was detected in 55% of the samples ranging from 5% to 141%. In 16 cases, a concentration reduction ranging from −2% to −74% was observed. The measure of the level of pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a marker of eumelanin oxidation, demonstrated the largest increase in oxidation in light brown hair where the greatest degradation of EtG was observed after irradiation. However, the rise of PTCA in all hair tested was accompanied by increase in EtG concentration in 8/10 samples and by decrease in 2/10, suggesting no correlation between the two markers. To verify if hair structure was modified by light, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed on irradiated hair of different colors and compared with the dark samples. SEM revealed modification of hair structure in all samples showing partial shaft exfoliation and reduction of hair thickness under the treatment with solar radiation.
From the Ancient Myth of the Caesars to the Medieval and Renaissance Tradition: The Practice of Caesarean Section in De universa mulierum medicina by Rodrigo de Castro
Authors: Foscati Alessandra
Published: October 2020

The caesarean section performed on a living woman to save both mother and baby is first considered in gynaecological texts in the late sixteenth century after the treatise by the French physician François Rousset. It is included alongside descriptions of the post-mortem caesarean section, already practised in the Middle Ages in order to save the baby. The early seventeenth-century work by the Lusitanian physician Rodrigo de Castro is often referenced on this subject, seen as critical of Rousset's theory. Castro is cited above all for formulating a new suggestion – operating on a woman in the throes of death – because he was convinced that the post-mortem caesarean section was pointless. This article provides thorough analysis of Castro's work, comparing it to Rousset’s treatise and medical texts by other authors to reveal its originality and its real contribution to the interpretation of the two different caesarean sections.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening and Recent Increases in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nyame Yaw A , Gulati Roman , Tsodikov Alex , Gore John L , Etzioni Ruth
Published: October 2020

Recent studies show decreasing prostate-specific antigen utilization and increasing incidence of metastatic prostate cancer in the United States after national recommendations against screening in 2012. Yet, whether the increasing incidence of metastatic prostate cancer is consistent in magnitude with the expected impact of decreased screening is unknown. We compared observed incidence of metastatic prostate cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and published effects of continued historical screening and discontinued screening starting in 2013 projected by 2 models of disease natural history, screening, and diagnosis. The observed rate of new metastatic prostate cancer cases in 2017 was 44%-60% of the projected increase under discontinued screening relative to continued screening. Thus, the observed increase in incident metastatic prostate cancer is consistent with the expected impact of reduced screening. Although this comparison does not establish a causal relationship, it highlights the plausible role of decreased screening in the observed trend.