bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De novogenome assembly of the land snailCandidula unifasciata(Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Chueca Luis J , Schell Tilman , Pfenninger Markus
Published: May 2021

Among all molluscs, land snails are a scientifically and economically interesting group comprising edible species, alien species and agricultural pests. Yet, despite their high diversity, the number of genome drafts publicly available is still scarce. Here, we present the draft genome assembly of the land snail Candidula unifasciata, a widely distributed species along central Europe, belonging to the Geomitridae family, a highly diversified taxon in the Western-Palearctic region. We performed whole genome sequencing, assembly and annotation of an adult specimen based on PacBio and Oxford Nanopore long read sequences as well as Illumina data. A genome draft of about 1.29 Gb was generated with a N50 length of 246 kb. More than 60% of the assembled genome was identified as repetitive elements. In total, 22,464 protein-coding genes were identified in the genome, of which 62.27% were functionally annotated. This is the first assembled and annotated genome for a geometrid snail and will serve as reference for further evolutionary, genomic and population genetic studies of this important and interesting group.
Longitudinal Blood Pressure Patterns From Mid- to Late Life and Late-Life Hearing Loss in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Ting James , Jiang Kening , Du Simo , Betz Joshua , Reed Nicholas , Power Melinda C , Gottesman Rebecca , Sharrett A Richey , Griswold Michael , Walker Keenan A , Miller Edgar R , Lin Frank R , Deal Jennifer A
Published: May 2021

Background

Hearing loss is prevalent and associated with adverse functional outcomes in older adults. Prevention thus has far-reaching implications, yet few modifiable risk factors have been identified. Hypertension may contribute to age-related hearing loss, but epidemiologic evidence is mixed. We studied a prospective cohort of 3343 individuals from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, aged 44–65 years at baseline with up to 30 years of follow-up.

Methods

Hearing was assessed in late life (2016–2017) using a better-ear audiometric pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) and the Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or antihypertensive medication use. Midlife hypertension was defined by hypertension at 2 consecutive visits between 1987–1989 and 1996–1998. Late-life hypertension was defined in 2016–2017. Late-life low blood pressure was defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure less than 60 mmHg, irrespective of antihypertensive medication use. Associations between blood pressure patterns from mid- to late life and hearing outcomes were assessed using multivariable-adjusted linear regression.

Results

Compared to persistent normotension, persistent hypertension from mid- to late life was associated with worse central auditory processing (difference in QuickSIN score = −0.66 points, 95% CI: −1.14, −0.17) but not with audiometric hearing.

Conclusions

Participants with persistent hypertension had poorer late-life central auditory processing. These findings suggest that hypertension may be more strongly related to hearing-related changes in the brain than in the cochlea.
Increasing Faculty Involvement in the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Learning Experience
Authors: Lent David D , Estes Korenna M , Hansen Alexandria K
Published: May 2021

Synospis

More and more, we see that advances in life sciences are made because of Interdisciplinary collaborations. These collaborations are the future—they are necessary to solve the world’s most pressing problems and grand challenges. But are we preparing the next generation of scientists and the community for this future? At the University level, a number of initiatives and studies have suggested the need to reintegrate biology education and have made arguments that for students to build core competencies in biology, their education needs to be interdisciplinary. At the K-12 level, progress is being made to make learning interdisciplinary through the implementation of the Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS). As NGSS is implemented, it will fundamentally change life sciences education at the K-12 level. However, when seeing the effect these initiatives and studies have had on the courses offered to students for their undergraduate biology degree, they still appear to be often siloed, with limited integration across disciplines. To make interdisciplinary biology education more successful, we need biologists, who for one reason or another have not been part of these conversations in the past and are more involved. We also need to increase communication and collaboration between biologists and educational researchers.
Pursuit and Evasion Strategies in the Predator–Prey Interactions of Fishes
Authors: Peterson Ashley N , Soto Alberto P , McHenry Matthew J
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Predator–prey interactions are critical to the biology of a diversity of animals. Although prey capture is determined by the direction, velocity, and timing of motion by both animals, it is generally unclear what strategies are employed by predators and prey to guide locomotion. Here we review our research on fishes that tests the pursuit strategy of predators and the evasion strategy of prey through kinematic measurements and agent-based models. This work demonstrates that fish predators track prey with variations on a deviated-pursuit strategy that is guided by visual cues. Fish prey employ a mixed strategy that varies with factors such as the direction of a predator’s approach. Our models consider the stochastic nature of interactions by incorporating measured probability distributions to accurately predict measurements of survivorship. A sensitivity analysis of these models shows the importance of the response distance of prey to their survival. Collectively, this work demonstrates how strategy affects the outcome of predator–prey interactions and articulates the roles of sensing, control, and propulsion. The research program that we have developed has the potential to offer a framework for the study of strategy in the predator–prey interactions of a variety of animals.
Carbon management for savannah ecosystems in Central Africa: a case study from Cameroon
Authors: Awé Djongmo Victor , Noiha Noumi Valery , Zapfack Louis
Published: May 2021

The overall objective of this work is to assess the carbon sequestration potential and ecological service of savannah ecosystems in Cameroon. The destructive and non-destructive method was used to estimate the amount of carbon in different biomasses. The experimental setup used in this work is a random complete Fisher block device with four repetitions. The carbon stock in the aboveground biomass is ≥11.15 ± 2.41 tC/ha in the two regions. The carbon stock in litter biomass is ≥0.15 ± 0.02 tC/ha in the two regions. The carbon stock in herbaceous biomass is ≥3.00 ± 1.02 tC/ha in the savannah ecosystems within the regions. The carbon stock in dead wood biomass is ≥2.26 ± 1.09 tC/ha in the savannah ecosystems within regions. The carbon stock in the root biomass is ≥1.62 ± 0.18 tC/ha in the savannah ecosystems within the regions. Soil carbon stock is ≥3.74 ± 1.40 tC/ha in the two regions. The total carbon stocks ranged from 32.66 ± 3.05–71.06 ± 5.75 to 36.59 ± 3.50–69.85 ± 5.51 tC/ha in Adamawa and North regions, respectively. CO2 emissions are >100 tCO2/ha in the savannah ecosystems within the regions. These results therefore confirm the contributing role of savannah ecosystems studied in the fight against the mitigation of climate change in the Adamawa and North region of Cameroon.
Hyperbolic Jigsaws and Families of Pseudomodular Groups II
Authors: Lou Beicheng , Tan Ser Peow , Vo Anh Duc
Published: May 2021

In our previous paper [ 5], we introduced a hyperbolic jigsaw construction and constructed infinitely many noncommensurable, nonuniform, non-arithmetic lattices of $\textrm{PSL}(2,{\mathbb R})$ with cusp set $\mathbb{Q} \cup \{\infty \}$ (called pseudomodular groups by Long and Reid [ 4]), thus answering a question posed by Long and Reid. In this paper, we continue with our study of these jigsaw groups exploring questions of arithmeticity, pseudomodularity, and also related pseudo-Euclidean and continued fraction algorithms arising from these groups. We also answer another question of Long and Reid [ 4] by demonstrating a recursive formula for the tessellation of the hyperbolic plane arising from Weierstrass groups, which generalizes the well-known “Farey addition” used to generate the Farey tessellation.
Kivy’s Mystery: Absolute Music and What the Formalist Can (or Could) Hear
Authors: Hagberg Garry L
Published: May 2021

Peter Kivy has said that the power of purely instrumental music remains an unexplained wonder. With this larger question in mind, I will consider: (1) the issues in musical aesthetics that led to what Kivy termed his enhanced formalism, (2) his conception of expressive properties in music and how a distinction between having and understanding an emotion can help clarify this issues here (that is, where what we gain in human understanding from having had the emotion is not contained within the experience of that emotion itself), and, most importantly for Kivy’s larger mystery, (3) the way that counterpoint, in an often unrecognized way, can present mimetic content of a kind that can explain the sense of musical profundity that it often awakens. It may turn out that absolute music’s profundity can be explained by the resonances this kind of layered and complex music has with the living, the ordering, the making sense, of a life.
Placental transfer of doravirine, a recent HIV-1 NNRTI in the ex vivo human cotyledon perfusion model
Authors: Lê Minh Patrick , Pencolé Lucile , Peytavin Gilles , Bouchet-Crivat Florian , Mandelbrot Laurent
Published: May 2021

Background

The recent HIV-1 NNRTI doravirine is likely to be used in pregnant women despite the complete lack of data on safety and exposure in the fetus. The objective of this study was to determine its placental transfer.

Methods

Maternal-to-fetal transfer was investigated using the open-circuit ex vivo dually perfused human cotyledon model. Doravirine was added to a maternal perfusate (theoretical doravirine concentration of 250 ng/mL) containing 2 g/L human albumin and 20 g/L antipyrine, a marker to validate the cotyledon’s viability, and cotyledons were dually perfused for up to 90 min.

Results

In five experiments, the median (IQR) doravirine concentrations in the maternal and fetal compartments were, respectively, 303 (178–420) and 40 (30–54) ng/mL, the fetal-to-maternal ratio was 16% (12%–18%) and the clearance index (in comparison with antipyrine transfer) was 48% (35%–64%). The median accumulation index in cotyledon tissue was 39% (range 10%–66%).

Conclusions

Doravirine both crosses and accumulates in the placenta. This may be useful as pre/post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of vertical HIV transmission but carries the potential for fetal toxicities. Further investigation is required to determine the safety and efficacy of this new antiretroviral agent in pregnancy.
Role of AzoR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, in SmeVWX pump-mediated antibiotic resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Lu Hsu-Feng , Tsai Yu-Chieh , Li Li-Hua , Lin Yi-Tsung , Yang Tsuey-Ching
Published: May 2021

Background

The SmeVWX efflux pump of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia contributes to menadione (MD) tolerance and resistance to chloramphenicol, quinolones and tetracycline. The components of the SmeVWX efflux pump are encoded by a five-gene operon, smeU1VWU2X. We have previously demonstrated that the smeU1VWU2X operon is intrinsically unexpressed and inducibly expressed by MD via a SoxR- and SmeRv-involved regulatory circuit in S. maltophilia KJ. We also inferred that there should be other regulator(s) involved in MD-mediated smeU1VWU2X expression in addition to SoxR and SmeRv.

Objectives

To identify novel regulator(s) involved in the regulation of MD-mediated smeU1VWU2X expression and elucidate the regulatory circuit.

Methods

A possible regulator candidate involved in the regulation of MD-mediated smeU1VWU2X expression was identified by a homologue search using the helix-turn-helix domain of SmeRv as a query. Gene expression was assessed using the promoter-xylE transcriptional fusion assay and quantitative RT–PCR. The impact of the regulator on SmeVWX pump-mediated functions was investigated via mutant construction and functional tests (antibiotic susceptibility and MD tolerance).

Results

AzoR (Smlt3089), a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, was investigated. In unstressed logarithmically grown cells, AzoR was abundantly expressed and functioned as a repressor, inhibiting the expression of the smeU1VWU2X operon. MD challenge attenuated azoR expression, thus derepressing the expression of the smeU1VWU2X operon in S. maltophilia KJ. AzoR down-regulation-mediated smeU1VWU2X expression was observed in quinolone-resistant and SmeVWX-overexpressing S. maltophilia clinical isolates.

Conclusions

AzoR negatively regulates the expression of the smeU1VWU2X operon and SmeVWX pump-mediated antibiotic resistance in S. maltophilia.
Corn protein has greater concentrations of digestible amino acids and energy than low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles when fed to pigs but does not affect the growth performance of weanling pigs
Authors: Acosta Jessica P , Espinosa Charmaine D , Jaworski Neil W , Stein Hans H
Published: May 2021

Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in a new source of corn protein are greater than in corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and that corn protein may be included in diets for weanling pigs. In experiment 1, the SID of AA was determined in two sources of DDGS (DDGS-1 and DDGS-2) and in corn protein. Results indicated that SID of most AA was greater (P < 0.05) in DDGS-2 and corn protein than in DDGS-1, but corn protein contained more digestible AA than both sources of DDGS. In experiment 2, the DE and ME in corn, the two sources of DDGS, and corn protein were determined. Results demonstrated that DE (dry matter basis) in corn protein was greater (P < 0.05) than in corn, but ME (dry matter basis) was not different between corn and corn protein. However, DE and ME in corn (dry matter basis) were greater (P < 0.05) than in DDGS-1 and DDGS-2. In experiment 3, 160 weanling pigs were allotted to four treatments in phases 1 and 2 and a common diet in phase 3. Corn protein was included at 5% to 10% in phases 1 and 2 at the expense of plasma protein and enzyme-treated soybean meal. Results indicated that although differences in average daily gain and gain to feed ratio were observed in phase 1, no differences among treatments were observed for the overall experimental period. In conclusion, the concentration of digestible AA is greater in corn protein than in DDGS; DE and ME in corn protein are also greater than in DDGS; and up to 10% corn protein may be included in phase 1 and phase 2 diets for weanling pigs.
The Fat-glandular Interface and Breast Tumor Locations: Appearances on Ultrasound Tomography Are Supported by Quantitative Peritumoral Analyses
Authors: Littrup Peter J , Duric Nebojsa , Sak Mark , Li Cuiping , Roy Olivier , Brem Rachel F , Yamashita Mary
Published: May 2021

Objective

To analyze the preferred tissue locations of common breast masses in relation to anatomic quadrants and the fat-glandular interface (FGI) using ultrasound tomography (UST).

Methods

Ultrasound tomography scanning was performed in 206 consecutive women with 298 mammographically and/or sonographically visible, benign and malignant breast masses following written informed consent to participate in an 8-site multicenter, Institutional Review Board-approved cohort study. Mass locations were categorized by their anatomic breast quadrant and the FGI, which was defined by UST as the high-contrast circumferential junction of fat and fibroglandular tissue on coronal sound speed imaging. Quantitative UST mass comparisons were done for each tumor and peritumoral region using mean sound speed and percentage of fibroglandular tissue. Chi-squared and analysis of variance tests were used to assess differences.

Results

Cancers were noted at the FGI in 95% (74/78) compared to 51% (98/194) of fibroadenomas and cysts combined (P < 0.001). No intra-quadrant differences between cancer and benign masses were noted for tumor location by anatomic quadrants (P = 0.66). Quantitative peritumoral sound speed properties showed that cancers were surrounded by lower mean sound speeds (1477 m/s) and percent fibroglandular tissue (47%), compared to fibroadenomas (1496 m/s; 65.3%) and cysts (1518 m/s; 84%) (P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Breast cancers form adjacent to fat and UST localized the vast majority to the FGI, while cysts were most often completely surrounded by dense tissue. These observations were supported by quantitative peritumoral analyses of sound speed values for fat and fibroglandular tissue.
Unmet need for palliative rehabilitation in inpatient hospices/palliative care units: a nationwide post-bereavement survey
Authors: Hasegawa Takaaki , Akechi Tatsuo , Osaga Satoshi , Tsuji Tetsuya , Okuyama Toru , Sakurai Haruka , Masukawa Kento , Morita Tatsuya , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: May 2021

In end-of-life care, rehabilitation for terminally ill cancer patients is inconsistently provided and rarely discussed. We sought to clarify the prevalence of unmet rehabilitation need for patients admitted to inpatient hospice/palliative care units as perceived by bereaved family members. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey of 1001 family members of cancer patients who died at inpatient hospices/palliative care units. For cancer patients who did not receive rehabilitation, we asked if family members perceived that the patient would have wanted rehabilitation intervention. Data were obtained from 416 respondents. Of these, 281 (67.5%) cases received no rehabilitation. The need for physical modalities was the most frequently reported (27.8%; 95% CI: 22.6–33.4), followed by relief of dyspnea (25.6%; 95% CI: 20.6–31.1) and treatment of edema (23.8%; 95% CI: 19.0–29.3). A non-negligible proportion of bereaved families reported unmet need for rehabilitation related to symptom management in inpatient hospices/palliative care units.
Space use of cougars at the northern edge of their range
Authors: Smereka Corey A , Frame Paul F , Edwards Mark A , Slater Owen M , Frame Delaney D , Derocher Andrew E
Published: May 2021

The space use strategies animals use to acquire resources needed for survival and reproduction reflect life history traits and individual behaviors. For large solitary carnivores, such as cougars (Puma concolor), prey, mates, and safe habitat in which to raise offspring, are resources that influence space use. Most animal home range studies investigate differences between sexes but fail to explore the space use patterns among individuals. We first used 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel density estimate (KDE), and Brownian bridge estimator (BB), to estimate the home range of 43 cougars satellite-collared in west-central Alberta, Canada, in 2016–2018. We found that adult males (MCP = 498 km2; KDE = 623 km2; BB = 547 km2) had home ranges that were more than twice the size of those of adult females (MCP = 181 km2; KDE = 273 km2; BB = 217 km2). We then used net squared displacement, path segmentation analysis, and multi-response permutation procedure, to examine the space use patterns of 27 female and 16 male cougars. We constructed a decision tree and found that 23% of cougars were dispersers (12% of females and 44% of males), 47% were residents (58% of females and 31% of males), 9% were seasonal home range shifters (12% of females and 6% of males), and 19% shifted to a new area during the study period (19% of females and 19% of males). We learned that dispersers all were subadults, whereas all residents, seasonal shifters, and shifters, were adults, except for one subadult male. Our study provides insights on animal home ranges with methods to categorize different space use strategies which could be used to help assess the dynamics of a population.
Conservation of Dry Forest Old Growth in Eastern Oregon
Authors: Johnston James D , Greenler Skye M , Reilly Matthew J , Webb Mark R , Merschel Andrew G , Johnson K Norman , Franklin Jerry F
Published: May 2021

Conservation of old-growth forests has become an increasingly important objective of Forest Service managers over the last three decades. The US Forest Service recently made changes to policies that prohibit cutting of live trees >53 cm (the “21-inch rule”). We review the disturbance ecology of dry and mesic old-growth forests of Oregon and contrast conservation policies for these two forest types. We describe the development of age-based alternatives to the 21-inch rule on the Klamath Reservation and in the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon. We conclude by outlining an adaptive management strategy to conserve dry forest old growth that seeks to restore the ecological processes that perpetuate old tree populations over time. We argue that what is good for dry forest ecosystems is good for dry forest old growth, especially in the face of changing climate and disturbance regimes.
Strongyloides hyperinfection in a patient from Venezuela with lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Muelas-Fernandez Magdalena , Lerida-Urteaga Ana , Paules-Villar Maria Jose , Vidal-Bel August , Ruiz-Pombo Monica
Published: May 2021

We herein present a case of unsuspected Strongyloides stercoralis (Ss) hyperinfection diagnosis. No screening due to origin or immunosuppressed condition had been done and treatment was presumably prescribed lately, with subsequent vital risk for the patient.
NICER uncovers the transient nature of the type-B quasi-periodic oscillation in the black hole candidate MAXI J1348−630
Authors: Zhang L , Altamirano D , Uttley P , García F , Méndez M , Homan J , Steiner J F , Alabarta K , Buisson D J K , Remillard R A , Gendreau K C , Arzoumanian Z , Markwardt C , Strohmayer T E , Neilsen J , Basak A
Published: May 2021

We present a systematic spectral-timing analysis of a fast appearance/disappearance of a type-B quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO), observed in four Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) observations of MAXI J1348−630. By comparing the spectra of the period with and without the type-B QPO, we found that the main difference appears at energy bands above ∼2 keV, suggesting that the QPO emission is dominated by the hard Comptonized component. During the transition, a change in the relative contribution of the disc and Comptonized emission was observed. The disc flux decreased while the Comptonized flux increased from non-QPO to type-B QPO. However, the total flux did not change too much in the NICER band. Our results reveal that the type-B QPO is associated with a redistribution of accretion power between the disc and Comptonized emission. When the type-B QPO appears, more accretion power is dissipated into the Comptonized region than in the disc. Our spectral fits give a hint that the increased Comptonized emission may come from an additional component that is related to the base of the jet.
The VANDELS Survey: new constraints on the high-mass X-ray binary populations in normal star-forming galaxies at 3 < z < 5.5
Authors: Saxena A , Ellis R S , Förster P U , Calabrò A , Pentericci L , Carnall A C , Castellano M , Cullen F , Fontana A , Franco M , Fynbo J P U , Gargiulo A , Garilli B , Hathi N P , McLeod D J , Amorín R , Zamorani G
Published: May 2021

We use VANDELS spectroscopic data overlapping with the ≃7 Ms Chandra Deep Field South survey to extend studies of high-mass X-ray binary systems (HMXBs) in 301 normal star-forming galaxies in the redshift range 3 < z < 5.5. Our analysis evaluates correlations between X-ray luminosities (LX), star formation rates (SFRs), and stellar metallicities (Z⋆) to higher redshifts and over a wider range in galaxy properties than hitherto. Using a stacking analysis performed in bins of both redshift and SFR for sources with robust spectroscopic redshifts without AGN signatures, we find convincing evolutionary trends in the ratio LX/SFR to the highest redshifts probed, with a stronger trend for galaxies with lower SFRs. Combining our data with published samples at lower redshift, the evolution of LX/SFR to z ≃ 5 proceeds as (1 + z)1.03 ± 0.02. Using stellar metallicities derived from photospheric absorption features in our spectroscopic data, we confirm indications at lower redshifts that LX/SFR is stronger for metal-poor galaxies. We use semi-analytic models to show that metallicity dependence of LX/SFR alone may not be sufficient to fully explain the observed redshift evolution of X-ray emission from HMXBs, particularly for galaxies with SFR < 30 M⊙ yr−1. We speculate that reduced overall stellar ages and ‘burstier’ star formation histories in the early Universe may lead to higher LX/SFR for the same metallicity. We then define the redshift-dependent contribution of HMXBs to the integrated X-ray luminosity density and, in comparison with models, find that the contribution of HMXBs to the cosmic X-ray background at z > 6 may be ≳0.25 dex higher than previously estimated.
Evidence for multiple origins of fast declining Type II supernovae from spectropolarimetry of SN 2013ej and SN 2017ahn
Authors: Nagao T , Patat F , Taubenberger S , Baade D , Faran T , Cikota A , Sand D J , Bulla M , Kuncarayakti H , Maund J R , Tartaglia L , Valenti S , Reichart D E
Published: May 2021

The origin of the diverse light-curve shapes of Type II supernovae (SNe), and whether they come from similar or distinct progenitors, has been actively discussed for decades. Here, we report spectropolarimetry of two fast declining Type II (Type IIL) SNe: SN 2013ej and SN 2017ahn. SN 2013ej exhibited high continuum polarization from very soon after the explosion to the radioactive tail phase with time-variable polarization angles. The origin of this polarimetric behaviour can be interpreted as the combination of two different aspherical structures, namely an aspherical interaction of the SN ejecta with circumstellar matter (CSM) and an inherently aspherical explosion. Aspherical explosions are a common feature of slowly declining Type II (Type IIP) SNe. By contrast, SN 2017ahn showed low polarization not only in the photospheric phase but also in the radioactive tail phase. This low polarization in the tail phase, which has never before been observed in other Type IIP/L SNe, suggests that the explosion of SN 2017ahn was nearly spherical. These observations imply that Type IIL SNe have, at least, two different origins: they result from stars that have different explosion properties and/or different mass-loss processes. This fact might indicate that 13ej-like Type IIL SNe originate from a similar progenitor to those of Type IIP SNe accompanied by an aspherical CSM interaction, while 17ahn-like Type IIL SNe come from a more massive progenitor with less hydrogen in its envelope.
The size function of massive satellites from the Re–Rh and Mstar–Mh relations: constraining the role of environment
Authors: Zanisi L , Shankar F , Bernardi M , Mei S , Huertas-Company M
Published: May 2021

In previous work, we showed that a semi-empirical model in which galaxies in host dark matter haloes are assigned stellar masses via a stellar mass–halo mass (SMHM) relation and sizes (Re) via a linear and tight Re–Rh relation can faithfully reproduce the size function of local Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) central galaxies and the strong size evolution of massive galaxies (MGs; Mstar > 1011.2 M⊙). In this third paper of the series, we focus on the population of satellite MGs. We find that without any additional calibration and irrespective of the exact SMHM relation, fraction of quenched galaxies, or level of stellar stripping, the same model is able to reproduce the local size function of quiescent satellite MGs in SDSS. In addition, the same model can reproduce the puzzling weak dependence of mean size on host halo mass for both central and satellite galaxies. The model also matches the size function of star-forming satellite MGs, after assuming that some of them transform into massive lenticulars in a few Gyr after infalling in the group/cluster environment. However, the vast majority of satellite lenticulars are predicted to form before infall. The Re–Rh relation appears to be fundamental to connect galaxies and their host haloes.
Immunotherapy in association with stereotactic radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases: results from a multicentric retrospective study on behalf of AIRO
Authors: Scoccianti Silvia , Olmetto Emanuela , Pinzi Valentina , Osti Mattia Falchetto , Di Franco Rossella , Caini Saverio , Anselmo Paola , Matteucci Paolo , Franceschini Davide , Mantovani Cristina , Beltramo Giancarlo , Pasqualetti Francesco , Bruni Alessio , Tini Paolo , Giudice Emilia , Ciammella Patrizia , Merlotti Anna , Pedretti Sara , Trignani Marianna , Krengli Marco , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Desideri Isacco , Pecchioli Guido , Muto Paolo , Maranzano Ernesto , Fariselli Laura , Navarria Pierina , Ricardi Umberto , Scotti Vieri , Livi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Background

To define efficacy and toxicity of Immunotherapy (IT) with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) including radiosurgery (RS) or hypofractionated SRT (HFSRT) for brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a multicentric retrospective study from AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology).

Methods

NSCLC patients with BM receiving SRT + IT and treated in 19 Italian centers were analyzed and compared with a control group of patients treated with exclusive SRT.

Results

One hundred patients treated with SRT + IT and 50 patients treated with SRT-alone were included. Patients receiving SRT + IT had a longer intracranial Local Progression-Free Survival (iLPFS) (propensity score-adjusted P = .007). Among patients who, at the diagnosis of BM, received IT and had also extracranial progression (n = 24), IT administration after SRT was shown to be related to a better overall survival (OS) (P = .037). A multivariate analysis, non-adenocarcinoma histology, KPS = 70 and use of HFSRT were associated with a significantly worse survival (P = .019, P = .017 and P = .007 respectively). Time interval between SRT and IT ≤7 days (n = 90) was shown to be related to a longer OS if compared to SRT-IT interval >7 days (n = 10) (propensity score-adjusted P = .008). The combined treatment was well tolerated. No significant difference in terms of radionecrosis between SRT + IT patients and SRT-alone patients was observed. The time interval between SRT and IT had no impact on the toxicity rate.

Conclusions

Combined SRT + IT was a safe approach, associated with a better iLPFS if compared to exclusive SRT.
Differences in Quit Attempts, Successful Quits, Methods, and Motivations in a Longitudinal Cohort of Adult Tobacco Users by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Patterson Joanne G , Hinton Alice , Cooper Sarah E , Wewers Mary Ellen
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Sexual minority (SM) tobacco users are less likely to successfully quit than heterosexuals, yet little evidence describes cessation behaviors in this population over time.

Aims and Methods

Our study investigated quit motivations, attempts, and methods in a longitudinal cohort of adult tobacco users by sexual orientation. Participants (N = 1177) completed interviews every 6 months through 48 months and reported quit attempts (24-hour tobacco free), successful quits (7-day point prevalence abstinence), motivations, and methods. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests assessed differences by heterosexual and SM orientation, gender, and quit outcome (attempt-only vs. successful quit).

Results

Quit rates were similar for heterosexual and SM adults. Over half attempted to quit at least once over 48 months, but few remained abstinent (SM: 16.9%; heterosexual: 12.1%). Most used nicotine replacement therapy (SM: 31.9%; heterosexual: 26.1%) or tobacco product substitution (SM: 27.7%; heterosexual: 21.2%). Few used quitlines (SM: 4.3%; heterosexual: 1.3%) or Internet-based programs (SM: 6.4%; heterosexual: 1.3%). Quit motivations included health concerns, family, and physical fitness. Participants reporting a successful quit were more likely to report a household member quit smoking than 24-hour quit attempters. Among participants reporting a successful quit, more SM than heterosexual participants reported that a coworker quit smoking (55.6% vs. 33.1%, p = .009).

Conclusions

We found few differences between heterosexual and SM tobacco users in our sample. Many repeatedly attempt to quit, yet few used evidence-based methods. Leveraging online quit programs, health messages, and family members in tailored cessation interventions may help SM and heterosexual tobacco users successfully quit.

Implications

SM and heterosexual tobacco users evidenced few differences in quit behaviors. Over 4 years, a majority attempted to quit, with over a third making repeated quit attempts. Nicotine replacement therapy and tobacco product substitution were mostly used during quit attempts; however, more SM than heterosexual men reported using web-based quit programs. Personal health and family concerns were universal motivations to quit, yet SM women also cited physical fitness as a primary motivation. Tobacco users reporting that a household member stopped smoking were more likely to successfully quit. More SM than heterosexual men reported that a coworker quit smoking.
MADS-box transcription factors MADS11 and DAL1 interact to mediate the vegetative-to-reproductive transition in pine
Authors: Ma Jing-Jing , Chen Xi , Song Yi-Tong , Zhang Gui-Fang , Zhou Xian-Qing , Que Shu-Peng , Mao Fei , Pervaiz Tariq , Lin Jin-Xing , Li Yue , Li Wei , Wu Harry X. , Niu Shi-Hui
Published: May 2021

The reproductive transition is an important event that is crucial for plant survival and reproduction. Relative to the thorough understanding of the vegetative phase transition in angiosperms, a little is known about this process in perennial conifers. To gain insight into the molecular basis of the regulatory mechanism in conifers, we used temporal dynamic transcriptome analysis with samples from seven different ages of Pinus tabuliformis to identify a gene module substantially associated with aging. The results first demonstrated that the phase change in P. tabuliformis occurred as an unexpectedly rapid transition rather than a slow, gradual progression. The age-related gene module contains 33 transcription factors and was enriched in genes that belong to the MADS (MCMl, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS, SRF)-box family, including six SOC1-like genes and DAL1 and DAL10. Expression analysis in P. tabuliformis and a late-cone-setting P. bungeana mutant showed a tight association between PtMADS11 and reproductive competence. We then confirmed that MADS11 and DAL1 coordinate the aging pathway through physical interaction. Overexpression of PtMADS11 and PtDAL1 partially rescued the flowering of 35S::miR156A and spl1,2,3,4,5,6 mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but only PtMADS11 could rescue the flowering of the ft-10 mutant, suggesting PtMADS11 and PtDAL1 play different roles in flowering regulatory networks in Arabidopsis. The PtMADS11 could not alter the flowering phenotype of soc1-1-2, indicating it may function differently from AtSOC1 in Arabidopsis. In this study, we identified the MADS11 gene in pine as a regulatory mediator of the juvenile-to-adult transition with functions differentiated from the angiosperm SOC1.
Time-course miRNA alterations and SIRT1 inhibition triggered by adolescent lead exposure in mice
Authors: Liu Rundong , Wang Yawei , Bai Lin , Wang Ruike , Wu Yingying , Liu Mengchen , Li Qiong , Ba Yue , Zhang Huizhen , Zhou Guoyu , Cheng Xuemin , Huang Hui
Published: May 2021

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the NAD-dependent histone deacetylase, has been extensively investigated due to its cognitive protective effect. Studies suggest microRNAs (miRNAs) and histone modifications are key epigenetic regulators of gene expression and play important role in brain development. We previously showed that cognitive impairment by lead (Pb) was associated with downregulation of SIRT1, but the epigenetic role of this is unclear. Thus, we exposed 4-week-old male mice to 0.2% lead acetate solution for three months, and subsequently extracted brain homogenate from mice cortex and hippocampus at the age of 1, 4, and 16 months, respectively. In this study, we found that the protein level of SIRT1 was inhibited in the hippocampus and cortex of 16-month-old aged mice exposed to Pb. Moreover, changes in the levels of miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p, which were considered to the mechanistic target of SIRT1 by bioinformatic analysis, were negative correlations SIRT1 protein expression. We also found miR-34c-3p expression was increased in the cortex of mice at the age of 16 months. Collectively, our results showed the expression of neural SIRT1 and three selected microRNAs at different age nodes of mice for the first time of following Pb exposure. Our results suggest that additional efforts should focus on the consequences of early Pb exposure from an epigenetic perspective.
Obstetric Anesthesia and Heart Disease: Practical Clinical Considerations
Authors: Meng Marie-Louise , Arendt Katherine W.
Published: May 2021

Maternal morbidity and mortality as a result of cardiac disease is increasing in the United States. Safe management of pregnancy in women with heart disease requires appropriate anesthetic, cardiac, and obstetric care. The anesthesiologist should risk stratify pregnant patients based upon cardiac disease etiology and severity in order to determine the appropriate type of hospital and location within the hospital for delivery and anesthetic management. Increased intrapartum hemodynamic monitoring may be necessary and neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia is typically appropriate. The anesthesiologist should anticipate obstetric and cardiac emergencies such as emergency cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and peripartum arrhythmias. This clinical review answers practical questions for the obstetric anesthesiologist and the nonsubspecialist anesthesiologist who regularly practices obstetric anesthesiology.
Serum cytokine levels as markers of paralytic ileus following robotic radical prostatectomy at different pneumoperitoneum pressures
Authors: Hampson Alexander , Raj Nidhin , Lingamanaicker Vidhya , Thakur Shori , Shan Gowrie Mohan , Prasad Venkat , Baydoun Anwar , Vasdev Nikhil
Published: May 2021

Background:

To evaluate intraoperative and postoperative cytokines in patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy (RP) at a pressure of 12 or 15 mm Hg, and the risk of postoperative ileus.

Materials and methods:

We presented the first series evaluating intraoperative and postoperative cytokines in patients undergoing RP at a pressure of 12 or 15 mm Hg by a single surgeon. Changes in cytokine concentrations were shown to correlate with surgical outcomes and pathological states. The study investigated the changes in cytokine concentrations (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17) at different pneumoperitoneum pressures and their potential role in the development of postoperative ileus.

Results:

The data on 10 consecutive patients confirmed that a lower pneumoperitoneum pressure was associated with lower cytokine levels and a lower risk of ileus. There were increased levels of postoperative interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-17a at 15 mm Hg when compared to 12 mm Hg.

Conclusions:

The data indicated that lower pressure RP reduced intra-/postoperative cytokine levels confirming our hypothesis. Larger patient numbers are required to further validate this but the implications of this data will benefit not only urological patients but also other speciality patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery.
Effects of Beta-zone Peripapillary Atrophy and Focal Lamina Cribrosa Defects on Peripapillary Vessel Parameters in Young Myopic Eyes
Authors: Choe Sooyeon , Kim Yong Woo , Lim Hyung Bin , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook
Published: May 2021

Precis:

The development of beta-zone peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA) and focal lamina cribrosa defect (FLD) was significantly associated with decreased peripapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel parameters in young myopic eyes.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether β-PPA and FLD affect peripapillary vessel density (VD) or perfusion density (PD) from OCTA in young myopic eyes.

Materials and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 330 eyes of 165 healthy volunteers with myopia were involved. Eyes underwent OCTA to measure peripapillary PD and VD. Eyes were grouped according to the presence of β-PPA or FLD: eyes without β-PPA or FLD (group A), eyes with β-PPA but without FLD (group B), and eyes with both β-PPA and FLD (group C). PD and VD were compared among 3 groups, and linear mixed-effect regression model was used to investigate the determinants of PD.

Results:

β-PPA was found in 219 eyes (66.4%), and FLD was detected in 27 eyes (8.2%). The average VD and PD were greatest in group A (19.13±2.04 mm–1 and 0.375±0.038), followed by group B (18.34±2.26 mm–1 and 0.363±0.042) and group C (16.71±2.81 mm–1 and 0.330±0.052) (P<0.001). The linear mixed-effect model demonstrated that presence of FLD (P=0.001) or β-PPA (P<0.001), FLD count (P=0.004), and maximal β-PPA width (P<0.001) were significantly associated with average PD after controlling for multiple confounding factors.

Conclusions:

Development of β-PPA and FLD, which is closely related with axial elongation in myopic eyes, was significantly associated with reduced OCTA vessel parameters in young myopic eyes. OCTA may help to detect vascular changes and assess glaucoma risk in these eyes.
A Feasibility Study to Direct System Level Change for Hospital Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Golden Amber , Buchanan Lynne
Published: May 2021

Purpose/Background/Significance

The purpose of this feasibility study was to make system level change using motivational interviewing (MI), tailored discharge education, and electronic medical record (EMR) flow sheet intervention in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol is known to be one of the most commonly misused addictive substances.

Methods

It is a feasibility study with a descriptive exploratory design of an intervention with MI, tailored discharge education, and EMR flow sheet documentation. Participants were patients with AUD chosen over 3 months from two medical surgical floors. Instruments used were the readiness and confidence rulers (reliability/validity = .84 and .77, respectively). Analysis included descriptive statistics, estimation of effect size, and hypothesis generation.

Results

Of 14 participants, EMR flow sheet documentation was completed and the mean post readiness and confidence scores were 8.86 (1.167) and 8.07 (1.639), respectively.

Conclusion

The pre/post confidence scores were statistically significant (p = .095) using the .10 significance level, indicating the intervention was effective in raising the confidence level for behavior change. High scores indicated patients were in contemplation and intending to change. Seven scores increased postintervention suggesting a future hypothesis that MI, tailored education, and EMR flow sheet documentation intervention is feasible for patients with AUD contemplating change in the near future.
A Syringe Service Program Within a Federal System
Authors: Lynch Rebecca D. , Biederman Donna J. , Silva Susan , Demasi Kim
Published: May 2021

Background

Drug use, specifically opioid use, is a public health crisis in the United States. Harm reduction programs, including syringe service programs, show efficacy in improving individual and public health outcomes. Healthcare provider perceptions are an important initial assessment when considering implementing a syringe service program.

Objective

The objective of this quality improvement project, completed in a Northeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center (NEVAMC), was to lay the groundwork for implementation of a syringe service program.

Methods

This multiphase project included an initial needs assessment with stakeholders to determine the scope of substance use disorder within the facility and initiated the change process needed for syringe service program implementation. We administered an online survey, the Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ), to better understand staff perspectives of and comfort in working with people who use drugs. Two educational modules were developed and conducted for staff to increase their knowledge, skills, and trauma-informed practices when working with people who use drugs. Standardized document templates for program implementation in federal systems were also developed.

Results

The needs assessment identified 266 patients who could benefit from expanded harm reduction services and a recognition that staff perception be assessed within the facility. The DDPPQ, completed by 153 staff members, indicated positive perceptions of people who use drugs and ability to counsel/treat people who use drugs. The median DDPPQ total score was 73, indicative of an overall positive perception. Sixty-eight staff members attended the initial education session, and 35 attended the second session designed specifically for mental health service line professionals.

Conclusion

The findings indicate NEVAMC staff members have a high level of comfort working with people who use drugs. The staff educational programs were well received and have become a part of routine staff training at the NEVAMC. The standardized document templates are available for persons developing a syringe service program within a federal system.
Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Cessation in a Women's Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility
Authors: Madden Brandee J. , Fogger Susanne A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, and over 200,000 women die each year of diseases caused by tobacco. Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are disproportionately affected. Smoking prevalence among individuals enrolled in SUD treatment is 2–4 times higher than that of the general population, yet less than half of all treatment facilities offer tobacco treatment services. However, when individuals combine treatment, they have a greater likelihood of long-term abstinence from alcohol and other substances of use.

Methods

A quality improvement project was undertaken to implement the U.S. Public Health Service guideline for tobacco cessation in a women's residential substance use treatment facility. Tobacco users were advised on their health risk and recommended to cut down or quit. They were advised that help was available using nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling, or both.

Results

Upon admission, 67% of clients received brief advice to quit, and 30% participated in an intensive treatment aimed at reducing or eliminating cigarette use. At discharge, counseling participants (n = 21) smoked an average of nine cigarettes per day, reduced from 23, which was statistically significant.

Implications for Practice

Interventions reduced cigarette smoking in a population at a high risk for adverse outcomes related to use. Results suggest that more clients are interested in tobacco treatment than previously estimated. Increased administrative, clinical, and pharmacy support can sustain and further assist clients with cessation efforts.