bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does CCL19 act as a double-edged sword in cancer development?
Authors: Gowhari Shabgah Arezoo , Al-Obaidi Zaid Mahdi Jaber , Sulaiman Rahman Heshu , Kamal Abdelbasset Walid , Suksatan Wanich , Bokov Dmitry O , Thangavelu Lakshmi , Turki Jalil Abduladheem , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad , Mohammadi Hamed , Mashayekhi Kazem , Gholizadeh Navashenaq Jamshid
Published: January 2022

Cancer is considered a life-threatening disease, and several factors are involved in its development. Chemokines are small proteins that physiologically exert pivotal roles in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. The imbalance or dysregulation of chemokines has contributed to the development of several diseases, especially cancer. CCL19 is one of the homeostatic chemokines that is abundantly expressed in the thymus and lymph nodes. This chemokine, which primarily regulates immune cell trafficking, is involved in cancer development. Through the induction of anti-tumor immune responses and inhibition of angiogenesis, CCL19 exerts tumor-suppressive functions. In contrast, CCL19 also acts as a tumor-supportive factor by inducing inflammation, cell growth, and metastasis. Moreover, CCL19 dysregulation in several cancers, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancers, has been considered a tumor biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. Using CCL19-based therapeutic approaches has also been proposed to overcome cancer development. This review will shed more light on the multifarious function of CCL19 in cancer and elucidate its application in diagnosis, prognosis, and even therapy. It is expected that the study of CCL19 in cancer might be promising to broaden our knowledge of cancer development and might introduce novel approaches in cancer management.
T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in healthy controls and primary immunodeficiency patients
Authors: Awuah Arnold , Zamani Ava , Tahami Fariba , Davis Mark , Grandjean Louis , Buckland Matthew , Gilmour Kimberly
Published: January 2022

Understanding the T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 is key in patients who lack antibody production. We demonstrate the applicability of a functional assay to measure the T-cell response in a cohort of patients with immunodeficiency.
Theta:gamma phase coupling and evoked gamma activity reflect the fidelity of mental templates during memory matching in visual perception
Authors: Peylo Charline , Friedrich Elisabeth V C , Minarik Tamas , Biel Anna Lena , Sauseng Paul
Published: January 2022

Top-down predictions of future events shaped by prior experience are an important control mechanism to allocate limited attentional resources more efficiently and are thought to be implemented as mental templates stored in memory. Increased evoked gamma activity and theta:gamma phase-phase coupling over parieto-occipital areas have previously been observed when mental templates meet matching visual stimuli. Here, we investigated how these signatures evolve during the formation of new mental templates and how they relate to the fidelity of such. Based on single-trial feedback, participants learned to classify target shapes as matching or mismatching with preceding cue sequences. In the end of the experiment, they were asked to freely reproduce targets as means of template fidelity. We observed fidelity-dependent increments of matching-related gamma phase locking and theta:gamma phase coupling in early visual areas around 100–200-ms poststimulus over time. Theta:gamma phase synchronization and evoked gamma activity might serve as complementary signatures of memory matching in visual perception; theta:gamma phase synchronization seemingly most important in early phases of learning and evoked gamma activity being essential for transition of mental templates into long-term memory.
Neural dynamics and coupling underlying uncertain anticipatory conflicts in anxious individuals
Authors: Han Shangfeng , Hu Jie , Gao Jie , Fan Jiayu , Xu Xinyun , Xu Pengfei , Luo Yue-jia
Published: January 2022

Anticipation plays an important role in cognitive control and related psychiatric disorders such as anxiety. However, anticipation processing of conflicts in anxious individuals and the underlying brain mechanisms remain unknown. Using a newly designed cue-flanker task, we observed faster responses to congruent flankers with certain cues in individuals with high trait anxiety (HTA) than those with low trait anxiety (LTA). Microstate analyses revealed less occurrence of cue-evoked microstates in HTA than LTA. Importantly, the less occurrence of specific state was correlated to the larger flanker effect in HTA, suggesting that deficient conflict control in anxiety is associated with abnormal vigilance-related dynamic processing during anticipation. Delta–beta coupling at anticipation stage mediated the association between the level of anxiety and reaction time in conflict processing with uncertain cues in HTA, suggesting the mediatory role of delta–beta coupling in anticipatory conflict processing of anxious individuals. These results suggest hyperactive anticipatory processing of goal-relevant information for the upcoming conflict in anxious individuals. Our findings provide neurocognitive evidence for altered anticipatory cognitive control in anxious individuals and have important implications for diagnosis and treatment of anxiety-related disorders.
Trend in Sensitivity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Serology One Year After Mild and Asymptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Unpacking Potential Bias in Seroprevalence Studies
Authors: Bailie Christopher R , Tseng Yeu Yang , Carolan Louise , Kirk Martyn D , Nicholson Suellen , Fox Annette , Sullivan Sheena G
Published: January 2022

A key aim of serosurveillance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been to estimate the prevalence of prior infection, by correcting crude seroprevalence against estimated test performance for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19. We show that poor generalizability of sensitivity estimates to some target populations may lead to substantial underestimation of case numbers.
Timing of the pre-transplant workup for renal transplantation: is there room for improvement?
Authors: Dirix Marie , Philipse Ester , Vleut Rowena , Hartman Vera , Bracke Bart , Chapelle Thierry , Roeyen Geert , Ysebaert Dirk , Van Beeumen Gerda , Snelders Erik , Massart Annick , Leyssens Katrien , Couttenye Marie M , Abramowicz Daniel , Hellemans Rachel
Published: January 2022

Background

Since patient survival after kidney transplantation is significantly improved with a shorter time on dialysis, it is recommended to start the transplant workup in a timely fashion.

Methods

This retrospective study analyses the chronology of actions taken during the care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 who were waitlisted for a first kidney transplant at the Antwerp University Hospital between 2016 and 2019. We aimed to identify risk factors for a delayed start of the transplant workup (i.e. after dialysis initiation) and factors that prolong its duration.

Results

Of the 161 patients included, only 43% started the transplant workup before starting dialysis. We identified the number of hospitalization days {odds ratio [OR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.89]; P < 0.001}, language barriers [OR 0.20 (95% CI 0.06–0.61); P = 0.005] and a shorter nephrology follow-up before CKD stage 5 [OR 0.99 (95% CI 1.0–0.98); P = 0.034] as factors having a significant negative impact on the probability of starting the transplant screening before dialysis. The workup took a median of 8.6 months (interquartile range 5–14) to complete. The number of hospitalization days significantly prolonged its duration.

Conclusion

The transplant workup was often started too late and the time needed to complete it was surprisingly long. By starting the transplant workup in a timely fashion and reducing the time spent on the screening examinations, we should be able to register patients on the waiting list before or at least at the start of dialysis. We believe that such an internal audit could be of value for every transplant centre.
Dual atrial rhythms: a case report of an unusual cause of pacemaker syndrome
Authors: Sirinvaravong Natee , Heimann Mark , Liskov Steve , Yan Gan-Xin
Published: January 2022

Background

Atrial dissociation (AD) is described as the existence of two simultaneous electrically isolated atrial rhythms. Theoretically, detection of dual atrial rhythms with a sufficiently high rate by pacemaker can lead to automatic mode switching and associated pacemaker syndrome. Such a clinical observation has not been reported before in the literature.

Case summary

An 87-year-old female with Ebstein’s anomaly status post-tricuspid valve annuloplasty and tricuspid valve replacement and a dual-chamber pacemaker presented with congestive heart failure 1 week after undergoing atrial lead revision. Interrogation of her dual-chamber pacemaker revealed two atrial rhythms: sinus or atrial-paced rhythm and electrically isolated atrial tachycardia (AT). Sensing of both atrial rhythms by the pacemaker led to automatic mode switching, which manifested as ventricular paced rhythm with retrograde P waves on electrocardiogram. Adjusting the atrial lead sensitivity to a level higher than the sensing amplitude of AT restored atrial paced and ventricular sensed rhythm, which resulted in resolution of heart failure symptoms.

Discussion

Regardless of the cause of AD, there must be electrical insulation between the two rhythms for their independent coexistence in the atria. Atrial dissociation can lead to pacemaker syndrome from automatic mode switching. If the sensing amplitude during sinus rhythm is significantly larger than that of AT, adjusting the atrial lead sensitivity would solve the issue, as in the present case. Otherwise, atrial lead revision, pharmacotherapy, or AT ablation should be considered.
Mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates improves postoperative outcome
Authors: Rodríguez-Lima Marta Macarena , González-Calle Antonio , Adsuar-Gómez Alejandro , Sánchez-Martín María José , Sepúlveda Iturzaeta Álvaro , Sánchez-Valderrábanos Elia , García-Hernández Juan Antonio , Murillo-Pozo María Ángeles , Ordóñez-Fernández Antonio , Hosseinpour Amir-Reza
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Cardiopulmonary bypass generates a systemic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response is reduced if patients are ventilated during bypass, as evidenced by lower levels of postoperative circulating inflammatory mediators. However, this does not appear to make much clinical difference in adults, at least not consistently, but, to our knowledge, has never been assessed in paediatric cardiac surgery, which is the objective of this study.

METHODS

This is a prospective clinical study of 12 consecutive neonates operated for the correction of either transposition of the great arteries ± ventricular septal defect or aortic arch hypoplasia ± ventricular septal defect, who were ventilated during cardiopulmonary bypass. These were compared to 11 neonates with the same malformations, who had undergone the same operations but without being ventilated during bypass (historical control group).

RESULTS

One patient from the control group died on the 15th postoperative day due to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Bypass times and cross-clamp times were similar in the 2 groups. Ventilation on bypass was associated with significantly lower postoperative serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, shorter mechanical ventilation and lower vasoactive-inotropic score. Duration of stay on intensive care unit (ICU) showed a tendency to be shorter in patients who were ventilated on bypass, but this did not reach statistical significance. There were no differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturations and serum concentrations of lactate and troponin I.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates improves postoperative outcome.
Inequalities in the times of a pandemic
Authors: Stantcheva Stefanie
Published: January 2022

This paper summarizes some of the major inequalities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses avenues for policy intervention over the medium and long runs.
Fitness Effects of Mutations: An Assessment of PROVEAN Predictions Using Mutation Accumulation Data
Authors: Sandell Linnea , Sharp Nathaniel P
Published: January 2022

Predicting fitness in natural populations is a major challenge in biology. It may be possible to leverage fast-accumulating genomic data sets to infer the fitness effects of mutant alleles, allowing evolutionary questions to be addressed in any organism. In this paper, we investigate the utility of one such tool, called PROVEAN. This program compares a query sequence with existing data to provide an alignment-based score for any protein variant, with scores categorized as neutral or deleterious based on a pre-set threshold. PROVEAN has been used widely in evolutionary studies, for example, to estimate mutation load in natural populations, but has not been formally tested as a predictor of aggregate mutational effects on fitness. Using three large published data sets on the genome sequences of laboratory mutation accumulation lines, we assessed how well PROVEAN predicted the actual fitness patterns observed, relative to other metrics. In most cases, we find that a simple count of the total number of mutant proteins is a better predictor of fitness than the number of proteins with variants scored as deleterious by PROVEAN. We also find that the sum of all mutant protein scores explains variation in fitness better than the number of mutant proteins in one of the data sets. We discuss the implications of these results for studies of populations in the wild.
Association Between Baseline Buccal Telomere Length and Progression of Kidney Function: The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Westbrook Adrianna , Zhang Ruiyuan , Shi Mengyao , Razavi Alexander C , Huang Zhijie , Chen Jing , He Jiang , Kelly Tanika , Shen Ye , Li Changwei
Published: January 2022

We aimed to evaluate associations of baseline telomere length with overall and annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and trajectory of kidney function during an 8-year follow-up. A total of 3 964 participants of the Health and Retirement Study were included. We identified 3 trajectory groups of kidney function: consistently normal (n = 1 163 or 29.3%), normal to impaired (n = 2 306 or 58.2%), and consistently impaired groups (n = 495 or 12.5%). After controlling for age, sex, race, education, smoking, drinking, diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c, participants with longer telomere length were 20% less likely (odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.93, p = .003) to have a normal to impaired kidney function trajectory than a consistently normal function trajectory. Telomere length was not associated with changing rate of eGFR over 8 years (p = .45). Participants with longer telomere length were more likely to have consistently normal kidney function.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly for the holly (Ilex polyneura) provides insights into genomic adaptations to elevation in Southwest China
Authors: Yao Xin , Lu Zhiqiang , Song Yu , Hu Xiaodi , Corlett Richard T
Published: January 2022

Southwest China is a plant diversity hotspot. The near-cosmopolitan genus Ilex (c. 664 spp., Aquifoliaceae) reaches its maximum diversity in this region, with many narrow-range and a few widespread species. Divergent selection on widespread species leads to local adaptation, with consequences for both conservation and utilization, but is counteracted by geneflow. Many Ilex species are utilized as teas, medicines, ornamentals, honey plants, and timber, but variation below the species level is largely uninvestigated. We therefore studied the widespread Ilex polyneura, which occupies most of the elevational range available and is cultivated for its decorative leafless branches with persistent red fruits. We assembled a chromosome-scale genome using approximately 100x whole genome long-read and short-read sequencing combined with Hi-C sequencing. The genome is approximately 727.1 Mb, with a contig N50 size of 5 124 369 bp and a scaffold N50 size of 36 593 620 bp, for which the BUSCO score was 97.6%, and 98.9% of the assembly was anchored to 20 pseudochromosomes. Out of 32 838 genes predicted, 96.9% were assigned functions. Two whole genome duplication events were identified. Using this genome as a reference, we conducted a population genomics study of 112 individuals from 21 populations across the elevation range using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). Most populations clustered into four clades separated by distance and elevation. Selective sweep analyses identified 34 candidate genes potentially under selection at different elevations, with functions related to responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. This first high-quality genome in the Aquifoliales will facilitate the further domestication of the genus.
Radical Right Populism and the Politics of Cruelty: The Case of COVID-19 in Brazil Under President Bolsonaro
Authors: Farias Deborah Barros Leal , Casarões Guilherme , Magalhães David
Published: January 2022

In this article, we explore cruelty under populism, focusing on radical right populism. We develop our argument by introducing a two-dimensional model of cruel behavior in politics, in which cruelty is conceptualized as a dependent variable defined in terms of empathy (how the leader addresses those who suffer) and action (how the leader acts to alleviate suffering). This framework provides a nuanced understanding of how cruelty and populism connect, providing an original and cutting-edge contribution to both bodies of work. We use our two-dimensional model of cruel behavior to shed light on the different ways radical right populists (RRP) embrace cruelty as part of their political strategies. We have come to three “ideal” types of RRP cruel behavior: downplaying, blaming, and conspiring. In order to advance our ideas, we rely on the qualitative analysis of Brazil's far-right populist President Jair Bolsonaro and his (in)actions regarding COVID-19, who once asked about the soaring number of dead from COVID-19 simply answered: “So what? What do you want me to do?.” Using this case study, we empirically illustrate different ways in which how cruelty can manifest itself in practice and what real-life consequences it can have.
The Costs of Legitimacy for Political Institutions
Authors: Agné Hans , Söderbaum Fredrik
Published: January 2022

Can political institutions be too legitimate for their own good? The standard view of legitimacy treats it purely as a resource—political institutions that enjoy legitimacy can draw on voluntary cooperation among their subjects to reach their aims, which is believed to make them more effective than institutions that lack legitimacy and must instead use coercion or bribery to reach aims. We challenge this conventional wisdom by advancing a more general theory that is sensitive also to the costs of legitimacy. High levels of legitimacy, we suggest, can make political actors complacent about the status quo and cause them to pay insufficient attention to problems related to implementation. In contrast, low levels of legitimacy—or legitimacy crises—can serve as a wake-up call and motivate actors to work harder to reach their original or wider goals. We illustrate this theory through a case study of the African Union, assessing when and how legitimacy serves as a cost or as a resource for political institutions, with implications for decision-making, implementation, and effectiveness.
Espoo: an intelligent city
Authors: Hamilton Johanna
Published: January 2022

In 2020, a European Commission initiative was launched to make cities more intelligent, socially responsible and to grow in a more sustainable way, through the use of smart technology. Here, Espoo, part of the Greater Helsinki Municipal region in Finland, shares its smart story with Johanna Hamilton AMBCS.
The Turing Trust legacy
Authors:   BCS IT Department, Turing James
Published: January 2022

For many years, the BCS IT department has been sending old, unwanted and wiped devices to the Turing Trust. We share an update from Founder and CEO James Turing.
Insight: futurology
Authors: Lucas Matt
Published: January 2022

From chicken farms to server farms: Matt Lucas FBCS looks at what the poultry industry can teach us about effcient computing.
Why security needs to stop blaming the end user
Authors: O'Connor Oscar
Published: January 2022

To protect the most vulnerable, security education and awareness campaigns need also to target leaders, managers, architects, operators, administrators and developers. Oscar O’Connor FBCS presents his views and recommendations.
2021: hackers value quality over quantity
Authors: O'Connor Patrick
Published: January 2022

Reported intrusions are down, the amount of personal data exposed is down, so it’s all good, right? Well yes and no… Patrick O’Connor MBCS CISSP CEH explores the good and bad of events in cyber security in 2021.
5 key insights: making data good for society
Authors:   The BCS Data Management Specialist Group
Published: January 2022

How do we unlock data’s potential, ensuring it works effectively, efficiently and fairly within our organisations? The Data Management Specialist Group summarises a recent event focused on helping data practitioners and leaders develop their skills and teams.
The CIO role: a relentless march forward
Authors: Slough Stephen
Published: January 2022

Stephen Slough CITP CHCIO FBCS, CIO of the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, talks to Johanna Hamilton AMBCS about the digital legacy of COVID and the relentless speed of change within the NHS.
Novel non-cytotoxic antimicrobial peptides WSKK11 and WSRR11 with potent activity against Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Theansungnoen Tinnakorn , Phosri Santi , Bumrungthai Sureewan , Daduang Jureerut , Klaynongsruang Sompong , Daduang Sakda
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Cutibacterium acnes is one of the common multifactorial causes that play an important role in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris. We aimed to develop novel antimicrobial peptides for reduction of the hypercolonization.

Methods

Six cationic peptides were derived by de novo designation. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of peptides were investigated. The peptide conformation was determined by circular dichroism spectrometry. The antimicrobial effects of peptides were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and DNA-binding ability assay.

Results

Among designed peptides, WSKK11 and WSRR11 were effective antimicrobials against C. acnes at MICs of 128 and 64 mg/L, respectively. The MICs of WSKK11 against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were 8, 8 and 32 mg/L, while those of WSRR11 were 64, 32 and 32 mg/L, respectively. WSKK11 and WSRR11 were less toxic to human erythrocytes (<2%) and not toxic to macrophages, keratinocytes and fibroblasts up to 512 mg/L. WSKK11 and WSRR11 mostly revealed the conformation of the undefined or random coil structures under mimicked environmental conditions. The peptides affected cell surfaces and cell membranes of C. acnes as well as possibly translocating through the cell membrane, observed by a combination of SEM and TEM, respectively. WSKK11 and WSRR11 had the ability to bind bacterial DNA.

Conclusions

The two novel antimicrobial peptides WSKK11 and WSRR11 are members of a new class of antimicrobial agents that could deal with acne problems. Therefore, the antimicrobial peptides may be promising novel active agents for dermatological, beauty and cosmeceutical applications.
The Use of Fact-Finding within the Human Rights Council: Shaping Perceptions
Authors: de Vries Barry
Published: January 2022

Fact-finding has become increasingly important in the field of human rights. This has led to a proliferation of fact-finding mechanisms created by the Human Rights Council. Through the creation of a mandate there is significant political influence in the subject matter that a fact-finding commission can actually investigate. This article assesses to what extent the choices made in the creation of the mandates of fact-finding commissions are discussed and how these choices influence the outcomes of commissions and help shape the narrative. It puts the mandates of fact-finding commissions in the context of the political perception of the situation at the time of the creation of the mandate, the resulting report. This will show how the mandates of fact-finding missions are influenced by political considerations and how these considerations influence the reception of their outcomes.
Percutaneous CT-guided resection of acetabular osteoid osteoma: a case report
Authors: Arriaza Carlos R , Salguero Edgar Javier , Cobar Bustamante Andres
Published: January 2022

Osteoid osteoma located on the hip joint presents with atypical symptoms that can be misdiagnosed or missed. Multiple image studies can be made for diagnosis but OO should be suspected to properly choose the right one. Percutaneous resection with CT guidance is a reproducible and accurate technique with the appropriate tools and a specialist team to obtain optimal results.
Internal borders as a source of linguistic divergence: A multi-method dialectometric approach
Authors: Valls Esteve
Published: January 2022

Following the realization that the north-western dialect continuum of Catalan is splitting along the political border between Catalonia and Aragon, in Spain, this article upholds the view that internal borders should be incorporated into border studies, since they often trigger processes of linguistic convergence and divergence which alter the most common patterns of linguistic diffusion. The language change is analysed in apparent time using a combination of dialectometric techniques that constitute an innovation within the field of border effects, and which, in the specific case of Catalan in Aragon, illustrates the usefulness of dialectometry in detecting processes of structural hybridization in areas where the vitality of the language is most seriously undermined. Lastly, this article evinces the need to further develop a form of social dialectometry that not only answers sociolinguistic questions, but also makes it possible to objectively evaluate the social motivations fuelling the ongoing changes.
Independent Evaluation of Two Prototype Immunochromatographic Tests for Dengue Fever Developed by InBios
Authors: Chen Hua-Wei , Maldonado Tania D , Lee Cheng-Rei , Williams Maya , Defang Gabriel N , Ellison Damon W , Van De Wyngaerde Marshall , Rooney Calli M , Wu Shuenn-Jue L
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Dengue fever, caused by any of the four dengue viruses (DENV1–4), is endemic in more than 100 countries around the world. Each year, up to 400 million people get infected with dengue virus. It is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases. Dengue’s global presence poses a medical threat to deploying military personnel and their dependents. An accurate diagnosis followed by attentive supportive care can improve outcomes in patients with severe dengue disease. Dengue diagnostic tests based on PCR and ELISA platforms have been developed and cleared by the U.S. FDA. However, these diagnostic assays are laborious and usually require highly trained personnel and specialized equipment, which presents a significant challenge when conducting operations in austere and resource-constrained areas. InBios International, Inc. (Seattle, WA) has developed two rapid and instrument-free immunochromatographic test prototype devices (multiplex and traditional formats) for dengue diagnosis.

Materials and Methods

To determine the performance of the InBios immunochromatographic tests, 183 clinical samples were tested on both prototype devices. Both assays were performed without any instruments and the results were read in 20 minutes.

Results

The traditional format had better overall performance (sensitivity: 97.4%; specificity: 90%) than the multiplex format (sensitivity: 86.9%; specificity: 63.3%). The traditional format was superior in serotype-specific detection with 100% overall sensitivity for DENV1, DENV3, and DENV4 and 93.3% sensitivity for DENV2 compared to the multiplex format (91.7%, 78.3%, 83.3%, and 96.3% for DENV1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The traditional format was easier to read than the multiplex format. The multiplex format was simpler and faster to set up than the traditional format.

Conclusions

The InBios traditional format had a better overall performance and readability profile than the multiplex format, while the multiplex format was easier to set up. Both formats were highly sensitive and specific, were easy to perform, and did not require sophisticated equipment. They are ideal for use in resource-limited settings where dengue is endemic. Based on our overall assessment, the traditional format should be considered for further development and used in the upcoming multicenter clinical trial toward FDA clearance.
Parameters of the eclipsing binary α Draconis observed by TESS and SONG
Authors: Hey Daniel R , Kochoska Angela , Monier Richard , Kochukhov Oleg , Johnston Cole , Bedding Timothy R , Murphy Simon J , Abdul-Masih Michael , Southworth John , Andersen Mads Fredslund , Grundahl Frank , Pallé Pere L
Published: January 2022

We present an analysis of the eclipsing single-lined spectroscopic binary system α Dra based on photometry from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission and newly acquired spectroscopic measurements. Recently discovered to have eclipses in the TESS data, at a magnitude of V = 3.7, α Dra is now one of the brightest detached eclipsing binary (EB) systems known. We obtain the parameters of this system by simultaneously fitting the TESS light curve in conjunction with radial velocities (RVs) acquired from the SONG spectrograph. We determine the fractional radii (R/a) for the primary and secondary components of the system to be 0.0479 $\, \pm \,$ 0.0003 and 0.0226 $\, \pm \,$ 0.0005, respectively. We constrain the temperature, mass, and luminosity (log(L/L⊙)) of the primary to be $9975\, \pm \, 125$ K, $3.7\, \pm \, 0.1$ M⊙, and $2.49\, \pm \, 0.02$, respectively, using isochrone fitting. Although the secondary is too faint to appear in the spectra, the obtained mass function and observed inclination yields a secondary minimum mass of $M_2=2.5\, \pm \, 0.1$ M⊙, which suggests that it is an A2V type star. We were unable to obtain RVs of the secondary, and are only able to see a weak highly rotationally broadened absorption line, indicating that the secondary is rapidly rotating (vsin i ∼ 200 km s−1). We also perform an abundance analysis of the primary star for 21 chemical elements. We find a complex abundance pattern, with a few elements having mild underabundances while the majority have solar abundances. We make available the python code used in this paper to facilitate future modelling of EBs. https://github.com/danhey/adra
The ALPINE-ALMA [C ii] survey: Investigation of 10 galaxies at z ∼ 4.5 with [O ii] and [C ii] line emission − ISM properties and [O ii]−SFR relation
Authors: Vanderhoof Brittany N , Faisst A L , Shen L , Lemaux B C , Béthermin M , Capak P L , Cassata P , Le Fèvre O , Schaerer D , Silverman J , Yan L , Boquien M , Gal R , Kartaltepe J , Lubin L M , Dessauges-Zavadsky M , Fudamoto Y , Ginolfi M , Hathi N P , Jones G C , Koekemoer A M , Narayanan D , Romano M , Talia M , Vergani D , Zamorani G
Published: January 2022

We present 10 main-sequence ALPINE galaxies (log (M/M⊙) = 9.2−11.1 and ${\rm SFR}=23-190\, {\rm M_{\odot }\, yr^{-1}}$) at z ∼ 4.5 with optical [O ii] measurements from Keck/MOSFIRE spectroscopy and Subaru/MOIRCS narrow-band imaging. This is the largest such multiwavelength sample at these redshifts, combining various measurements in the ultraviolet, optical, and far-infrared including [C ii]158 $\mu$m line emission and dust continuum from ALMA and H α emission from Spitzer photometry. For the first time, this unique sample allows us to analyse the relation between [O ii] and total star-formation rate (SFR) and the interstellar medium (ISM) properties via [O ii]/[C ii] and [O ii]/H α luminosity ratios at z ∼ 4.5. The [O ii]−SFR relation at z ∼ 4.5 cannot be described using standard local descriptions, but is consistent with a metal-dependent relation assuming metallicities around $50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ solar. To explain the measured dust-corrected luminosity ratios of $\log (L_{\rm [OII]}/L_{\rm [CII]}) \sim 0.98^{+0.21}_{-0.22}$ and $\log (L_{\rm [OII]}/L_{\rm H\alpha }) \sim -0.22^{+0.13}_{-0.15}$ for our sample, ionization parameters log (U) < −2 and electron densities $\log (\rm n_e / {\rm [cm^{-3}]}) \sim 2.5-3$ are required. The former is consistent with galaxies at z ∼ 2−3, however lower than at z > 6. The latter may be slightly higher than expected given the galaxies’ specific SFR. The analysis of this pilot sample suggests that typical log (M/M⊙) > 9 galaxies at z ∼ 4.5 to have broadly similar ISM properties as their descendants at z ∼ 2 and suggest a strong evolution of ISM properties since the epoch of reionization at z > 6.
How much hydrogen is in Type Ib and IIb supernova progenitors?
Authors: Gilkis Avishai , Arcavi Iair
Published: January 2022

Core-collapse supernovae showing little or no hydrogen (denoted by Type IIb and Ib, respectively) are the explosions of massive stars that have lost some or most of their outer envelopes. How they lose their mass is unclear, but it likely involves binary interaction. So far, seven progenitors of such supernovae have been identified in pre-explosion imaging (five for Type IIb events and two for Type Ib events). Here, we evolve detailed binary stellar evolution models in order to better understand the nature of these progenitors. We find that the amount of hydrogen left in the envelope at the time of explosion greatly depends on the post-interaction mass-loss rate. The leftover hydrogen, in turn, strongly affects progenitor properties, such as temperature and photospheric radius, in non-trivial ways. Together with extinction and distance uncertainties in progenitor data, it is difficult to deduce an accurate progenitor hydrogen mass from pre-explosion imaging. We quantify this uncertainty and find that available data are consistent with a proposed Type Ib–IIb hydrogen mass threshold of ${\approx}0.033\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$, implying that even Type Ib progenitors are not pure helium stars. These results alleviate the proposed tension between the Type Ib classification of SN 2019yvr and its candidate progenitor properties. We also estimate the brightness of a surviving 2019yvr progenitor companion, which might be detected in future observations.
V4334 Sgr (Sakurai’s Object): still churning out the dust
Authors: Evans A , Banerjee D P K , Geballe T R , Gehrz R D , Woodward C E , Hinkle K , Joyce R R , Shahbandeh M
Published: January 2022

We present a 0.8–2.5 µm spectrum of the very late thermal pulse object V4334 Sgr (Sakurai’s Object), obtained in 2020 September. The spectrum displays a continuum that rises strongly to longer wavelengths, and is considerably brighter than the most recent published spectrum obtained 7 yr earlier. At the longer wavelengths, the continuum is well fitted by a blackbody with a temperature of 624 ± 8 K. However, there is excess continuum at the shortest wavelengths that we interpret as being due to hot dust that has very recently formed in an environment with C/O ≃ 2.5. Other possible sources for this excess continuum are discussed – such as the stellar photosphere dimly seen through the dust shell, and light scattered off the inner wall of the dust torus – but these interpretations seem unlikely. Numerous emission lines are present, including those of He i, C i, [C i], and O i. Our observations confirm that emission in the He i 1.083 µm and [C i] 0.9827/0.9852 µm lines is spatially extended. The [C i] line fluxes suggest that the electron density increased by an order of magnitude between 2013 and 2020, and that these two lines may soon disappear from the spectrum. The flux ratio of the 1.083 and 2.058 µm He i lines is consistent with the previously assumed interstellar extinction. The stellar photosphere remains elusive, and the central star may not be as hot as suggested by current evolutionary models.
Optical and near-infrared data and modelling of nova V5668 Sgr
Authors: Takeda L , Diaz M , Campbell R D , Lyke J E , Lawrence S S , Linford J D , Sokolovsky K V
Published: January 2022

We present Hubble Space Telescope optical images, Keck-OSIRIS near-infrared (NIR) integral field spectroscopy data cubes and Keck-Near InfraRed Camera-2 (NIRC2) NIR images of nova V5668 Sgr from 2016 to 2019. The observations indicate enhanced emission at the polar caps and equatorial torus for low-ionization lines, and enhanced high-ionization emission lines only at the polar caps. The radial velocities are compatible with a homogeneous expansion velocity of v = 590 km s−1 and a system inclination angle of 24°. These values were used to estimate an expansion parallax distance of 1200 ± 400 pc. The NIRC2 data indicate the presence of dust in 2016 and 2017, but no dust emission could be detected in 2019. The observational data were used for assembling 3D photoionization models of the ejecta. The model results indicate that the central source has a temperature of 1.88 × 105 K and a luminosity of 1.6 × 1035 erg s−1 in August of 2017 (2.4 yr post eruption), and that the shell has a mass of 6.3 × 10−5 M⊙. The models also suggest anisotropy of the ionizing flux, possibly by the contribution from a luminous accretion disc.
Forecasting Geomagnetic activity (Dst Index) using the ensemble kalman filter
Authors: Nilam B , Ram S Tulasi
Published: January 2022

A novel Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) method is adopted to make reliable forecasts of geomagnetic activity (Dst index) for real-time applications. In this method, an educated estimate (forecast) of Disturbance storm time (Dst) is made based on the ring current dynamics like injection and decay rates. This estimated Dst is further updated with the assimilation of real-time Dst values or ∆H values from a single ground based magnetometer observations. The forecasted Dst values by this EnKF method are validated with the true Dst during the severely disturbed period that consists of 2 super (Dst< -250 nT), 8 intense (Dst< -100 nT), and 13 moderate geomagnetic storms (Dst< -50 nT). It is found that the EnKF method implemented in this work offers the best accurate forecast of Dst with a root mean square error (RMSE) and regression coefficient (R) of 4.3 nT and 0.99, respectively.
Evolution of random initial magnetic fields in stably stratified and barotropic stars
Authors: Becerra Laura , Reisenegger Andreas , Valdivia Juan Alejandro , Gusakov Mikhail E
Published: January 2022

Long-lived magnetic fields are known to exist in upper main-sequence stars, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. In order to explore possible equilibrium configurations of the magnetic field inside these stars, we have performed 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the evolution of initially random magnetic fields in stably stratified and barotropic stars with an ideal-gas equation of state using the pencil code, a high-order finite-difference code for compressible hydrodynamic flows in the presence of magnetic fields. In barotropic (isentropic) stars, we confirm previous results in the sense that all initial magnetic fields we tried decay away, unable to reach a stable equilibrium. In the case of stably stratified stars (with radially increasing specific entropy), initially random magnetic fields appear to always evolve to a stable equilibrium. However, the nature of this equilibrium depends on the dissipation mechanisms considered. If magnetic diffusivity (or hyper-diffusivity) is included, the final state is more axially symmetric and dominated by large wavelengths than the initial state, whereas this is not the case if only viscosity (or hyper-viscosity) is present. In real stars, the main mechanism allowing them to relax to equilibrium is likely to be phase mixing, which we argue is more closely mimicked by viscosity. Therefore, we conclude that, depending on its formation mechanism, the equilibrium magnetic field in these stars could in principle be very asymmetric.
Mitogenomic analyses shed new light on phylogenetic relationships within the genus Ruditapes (Bivalvia: Veneridae)
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Ma Peizhen , Zhang Zhen , Li Cui , Hu Lisha , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2022

Ruditapes aspera is a member of the family Veneridae, the venus clams. This species is morphologically similar to other two globally economically important Ruditapes species, R. decussatus and R. philippinarum. Recent phylogenetic studies of Veneridae based on short DNA sequences have suggested that these species may be less closely related than originally thought. Relationships among species of Ruditapes clearly require further critical study. In this article, we show that the mitochondrial (mt) genome of R. aspera exhibits sex-linked heteroplasmy, that is doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI). Mitogenomic comparisons among three Ruditapes species showed that the features and gene arrangements of their mt genomes did not exhibit a high degree of similarity (this agrees with published data on other congeneric species of Veneridae) and that none of these species have a sister-group relationship with either of the other two species. These three species may belong to three different genera, but a fully revised classification will require considerable additional genomic and morphological data from a dense sampling of species and genera. Furthermore, we show that the pattern of relationships in our phylogeny of Ruditapes provides support for the polyphyletic origin of DUI.
A phage parasite deploys a nicking nuclease effector to inhibit viral host replication
Authors: LeGault Kristen N , Barth Zachary K , DePaola Peter , Seed Kimberley D
Published: January 2022

PLEs (phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements) are phage parasites integrated into the chromosome of epidemic Vibrio cholerae. In response to infection by its viral host ICP1, PLE excises, replicates and hijacks ICP1 structural components for transduction. Through an unknown mechanism, PLE prevents ICP1 from transitioning to rolling circle replication (RCR), a prerequisite for efficient packaging of the viral genome. Here, we characterize a PLE-encoded nuclease, NixI, that blocks phage development likely by nicking ICP1’s genome as it transitions to RCR. NixI-dependent cleavage sites appear in ICP1’s genome during infection of PLE(+) V. cholerae. Purified NixI demonstrates in vitro nuclease activity specifically for sites in ICP1’s genome and we identify a motif that is necessary for NixI-mediated cleavage. Importantly, NixI is sufficient to limit ICP1 genome replication and eliminate progeny production, representing the most inhibitory PLE-encoded mechanism revealed to date. We identify distant NixI homologs in an expanded family of putative phage parasites in vibrios that lack nucleotide homology to PLEs but nonetheless share genomic synteny with PLEs. More generally, our results reveal a previously unknown mechanism deployed by phage parasites to limit packaging of their viral hosts’ genome and highlight the prominent role of nuclease effectors as weapons in the arms race between antagonizing genomes.
Improved prediction of postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome using an artificial neural network
Authors: Sidpra Jai , Marcus Adam P , Löbel Ulrike , Toescu Sebastian M , Yecies Derek , Grant Gerald , Yeom Kristen , Mirsky David M , Marcus Hani J , Aquilina Kristian , Mankad Kshitij
Published: January 2022

Background

Postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome (pCMS) is a common but severe complication that may arise following the resection of posterior fossa tumors in children. Two previous studies have aimed to preoperatively predict pCMS, with varying results. In this work, we examine the generalization of these models and determine if pCMS can be predicted more accurately using an artificial neural network (ANN).

Methods

An overview of reviews was performed to identify risk factors for pCMS, and a retrospective dataset was collected as per these defined risk factors from children undergoing resection of primary posterior fossa tumors. The ANN was trained on this dataset and its performance was evaluated in comparison to logistic regression and other predictive indices via analysis of receiver operator characteristic curves. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy were calculated and compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with P < .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Two hundred and four children were included, of whom 80 developed pCMS. The performance of the ANN (AUC 0.949; accuracy 90.9%) exceeded that of logistic regression (P < .05) and both external models (P < .001).

Conclusion

Using an ANN, we show improved prediction of pCMS in comparison to previous models and conventional methods.
Prevalence and Healthcare Burden of Fungal Infections in the United States, 2018
Authors: Rayens Emily , Norris Karen A
Published: January 2022

Background

Fungal infections are responsible for >1.5 million deaths globally per year, primarily in those with compromised immune function. This is concerning as the number of immunocompromised patients, especially in those without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has risen in the past decade. The purpose of this analysis was to provide the current prevalence and impact of fungal disease in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed hospital discharge data from the most recent (2018) Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample, and outpatient visit data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Costs are presented in 2018 United States (US) dollars.

Results

In the 35.5 million inpatient visits documented in 2018 in the US, approximately 666 235 fungal infections were diagnosed, with an estimated attributable cost of $6.7 billion. Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Candida infections accounted for 76.3% of fungal infections diagnosed, and 81.1% of associated costs. Most fungal disease occurred in patients with elevated risk of infection. The visit costs, lengths of stay, and risks of mortality in this population were more than twice that of those without fungal diagnoses. A further 6.6 million fungal infections were diagnosed during outpatient visits.

Conclusions

Fungal disease is a serious clinical concern with substantial healthcare costs and significant increases in morbidity and mortality, particularly among predisposed patients. Increased surveillance, standardized treatment guidelines, and improvement in diagnostics and therapeutics are needed to support the rising numbers of at-risk patients.
Listeria-Associated Lymphadenitis: A Series of 11 Consecutive Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Blot Mathieu , Disson Olivier , Leclercq Alexandre , Moura Alexandra , Bracq-Dieye Hélène , Thouvenot Pierre , Valès Guillaume , Burroni Barbara , Lupo Audrey , Lecuit Marc , Charlier Caroline
Published: January 2022

We studied 11 cases of culture-proven Listeria-associated lymphadenitis reported to the French National Reference Center for Listeria from 1994 to 2019 and 8 additional published cases. Listeria-associated lymphadenitis is rare, but it is associated with a mortality as high as for invasive listeriosis, and it is frequently diagnosed with concomitant neoplasia.