bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
crl mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae resemble both mutants affecting general control of amino acid biosynthesis and omnipotent translational suppressor mutants.
Authors: McCusker J H , Haber J E
Published: January 2021

Cyocloheximide resistant lethal (crl) mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, defining 22 unlinked complementation groups, are unable to grow at 37 degrees. They are also highly pleiotropic at their permissive temperature of 25 degrees. The mutants are all unable to arrest at the G1 stage of the cell cycle when grown to stationary phase or when starved for a single amino acid, though they do arrest at G1 when deprived of all nitrogen. The crl mutants are also hypersensitive to various amino acid analogs and to 3-aminotriazole. These mutants also "tighten" leaky auxotrophic mutations that permit wild-type cells to grow in the absence of the appropriate amino acid. All of these phenotypes are also exhibited by gcn mutants affecting general control of amino acid biosynthesis. In addition, the crl mutants are all hypersensitive to hygromycin B, an aminoglycoside antibiotic that stimulates translational misreading. The crl mutations also suppress one nonsense mutation which is phenotypically suppressed by hygromycin B. Many crl mutants are also osmotically sensitive. These are phenotypes which the crl mutations have in common with previously isolated omnipotent suppressors. We suggest that the the crl mutations all affect the fidelity of protein translation.
X chromosome duplications affect a region of the chromosome they do not duplicate in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Authors: Meneely P M , Nordstrom K D
Published: January 2021

X chromosome duplications have been used previously to vary the dose of specific regions of the X chromosome to study dosage compensation and sex determination in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show here that duplications suppress and X-linked hypomorphic mutation and elevate the level of activity of an X-linked enzyme, although these two genes are located in a region of the X chromosome that is not duplicated. The effects do not depend on the region of the X chromosome duplicated and is stronger in strains with two doses of a duplication than in strains with one dose. This is evidence for a general elevation of X-linked gene expression in strains carrying X-chromosome duplications, consistent with the hypothesis that the duplications titrate a repressor acting on many X-linked genes.
The behavior of insertions near a site of mitotic gene conversion in yeast.
Authors: Golin J E , Falco S C
Published: January 2021

In yeast, coincident gene conversion events involving the LEU1 and TRP5 loci (16 cM apart) occur at frequencies that are far greater than is expected for two independent acts of recombination. When a large plasmid (pJM53) is placed between these genes so that a direct repeat is produced, there is frequent loss of the insert among coincident convertants. Previous results strongly suggest that this is due to a separate, intrachromosomal exchange between the direct repeats rather than to excision from an extensive region of heteroduplex DNA. In this paper, we extend our genetic and molecular analysis to a plasmid insertion (pKSH) which replaces rather than duplicates the chromosomal material. The relative stabilities of pKSH and pJM53 are compared among coincident Leu+Trp+ convertants and convertants involving only one locus (LEU1). The pKSH insertion is significantly more stable in the latter which constitute a large majority of the selectable recombinants. In the former, both insertions are lost with high frequency. These results are used to argue that, while most mitotic conversion does not result from long intermediates, coincident convertants may arise from either multiple intermediates or extensive heteroduplex regions.
Analysis of Nondisjunction Induced by the R-X1 Deficiency during Microsporogenesis in Zea Mays L.
Authors: Zhao Z Y , Weber D F
Published: January 2021

The r-X1 deficiency in maize induces nondisjunction at the second mitotic division during embryo sac formation. However, it was not known if this deficiency also induces nondisjunction during the microspore divisions. Microsporogenesis in plants lacking or containing this deficiency was compared using two approaches. First, chromosome numbers were determined in generative nuclei. Many (8.3%) of the generative nuclei in r-X1-containing plants were aneuploid; however, those from control plants were all haploid. Thus, this deficiency induces nondisjunction during the first microspore division. Second, nucleoli were analyzed in microspores. The only nucleolar organizing region in maize is on chromosome 6. If chromosome 6 underwent nondisjunction during the first microspore division, one nucleus in binucleate microspores would contain no nucleolus and the other would contain two nucleoli (or one nucleolus if the nucleoli fused). Only one (0.03%) microspore of this type was observed in control plants while 1.12% were found in r-X1-containing plants. Thus, the r-X1 deficiency induces nondisjunction of chromosome 6 during the first microspore division. However, both of the sperm nuclei in trinucleate microspores contained one nucleolus in r-X1-containing and control plants; thus, this deficiency does not induce nondisjunction of chromosome 6 (and presumably other chromosomes) during the second microspore division.
Mapping flagellar genes in Chlamydomonas using restriction fragment length polymorphisms.
Authors: Ranum L P , Thompson M D , Schloss J A , Lefebvre P A , Silflow C D
Published: January 2021

To correlate cloned nuclear DNA sequences with previously characterized mutations in Chlamydomonas and, to gain insight into the organization of its nuclear genome, we have begun to map molecular markers using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). A Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain (CC-29) containing phenotypic markers on nine of the 19 linkage groups was crossed to the interfertile species Chlamydomonas smithii. DNA from each member of 22 randomly selected tetrads was analyzed for the segregation of RFLPs associated with cloned genes detected by hybridization with radioactive DNA probes. The current set of markers allows the detection of linkage to new molecular markers over approximately 54% of the existing genetic map. This study focused on mapping cloned flagellar genes and genes whose transcripts accumulate after deflagellation. Twelve different molecular clones have been assigned to seven linkage groups. The alpha-1 tubulin gene maps to linkage group III and is linked to the genomic sequence homologous to pcf6-100, a cDNA clone whose corresponding transcript accumulates after deflagellation. The alpha-2 tubulin gene maps to linkage group IV. The two beta-tubulin genes are linked, with the beta-1 gene being approximately 12 cM more distal from the centromere than the beta-2 gene. A clone corresponding to a 73-kD dynein protein maps to the opposite arm of the same linkage group. The gene corresponding to the cDNA clone pcf6-187, whose mRNA accumulates after deflagellation, maps very close to the tightly linked pf-26 and pf-1 mutations on linkage group V.
Discrepancies in the estimation of gene flow in partula.
Authors: Johnson M S , Clarke B , Murray J
Published: January 2021

Methods for estimating gene flow (Nm) from genetic data should provide important insights into the dynamics of natural populations. If they are to be used with confidence, however, the methods must be shown to produce valid results. Estimates of Nm have been obtained for the snails Partula taeniata and Partula suturalis, based on F(ST) and on the frequencies of private alleles, p(1). Jackknifing was used to reduce the bias of estimates and to obtain confidence limits. The estimates derived from F(ST) are consistent with the low vagility of snails, and with direct field studies of gene flow in P. taeniata. In contrast, the estimates derived from p(1) were up to seven times as large, less precise and less consistent. Although the underlying causes of these discrepancies are not clear, the results suggest that F(ST) is the more reliable indirect estimator of gene flow, at least for Partula.
Chain-bias of Escherichia coli Rec-mediated lambda patch recombinants is independent of the orientation of lambda cos.
Authors: Rosenberg S M
Published: January 2021

Chi is a hotspot for homologous recombination mediated by the RecBCD (Rec) pathway of Escherichia coli. For Rec-mediated recombination of phage lambda, the orientation of lambda cos in the lambda chromosome dictates the direction of travel of RecBCD enzyme through DNA and dictates which orientation of Chi or Chi-like sequences will be active in stimulating recombination. I previously found that Rec-mediated lambda patch heteroduplexes, stimulated by Chi or not, are chain-biased; at the lambda P locus, recombinant information resides on the lambda r chain. This bias exists in the presence or absence of Chi sites. Reported herein is the finding that r-chain-bias at the P locus is independent of the orientation of lambda cos and thus also independent of the orientation of active Chi's or Chi-like sequences and of the direction of travel of RecBCD enzyme. These results disprove previously elaborated models in which a chain-specific nick at Chi initiates recombination, and imply that some other chain-distinguishing process is involved with recombination. Replication and transcription are candidates for such a process.
The naturally occurring alleles of MAL1 in Saccharomyces species evolved by various mutagenic processes including chromosomal rearrangement.
Authors: Charron M J , Michels C A
Published: January 2021

In order for a yeast strain to ferment maltose it must contain any one of the five dominant MAL loci. Each dominant MAL locus thus far analyzed contains three genes: GENE 1, encoding maltose permease, GENE 2 encoding maltase and GENE 3 encoding a positive trans-acting regulatory protein. In addition to these dominant MAL loci, several naturally occurring, partially functional alleles of MAL1 and MAL3 have been identified. Here, we present genetic and molecular analysis of the three partially functional alleles of MAL1: the MAL1p allele which can express only the MAL activator; the MAL1 g allele which can express both a maltose permease and maltase; and the mal1(0) allele which can express only maltase. Based on our results, we propose that the MAL1p, MAL1g and mal1(0) alleles evolved from the dominant MAL1 locus by a series of rearrangements and/or deletions of this yeast telomere-associated locus as well as by other mutagenic processes of gene inactivation. One surprising finding is that the MAL1g-encoded maltose permease exhibits little sequence homology to the MAL1-encoded maltose permease though they appear to be functionally homologous.
Interaction of the Stubble-stubbloid locus and the Broad-complex of Drosophila melanogaster.
Authors: Beaton A H , Kiss I , Fristrom D , Fristrom J W
Published: January 2021

The 2B5 region on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster forms an early ecdysone puff at the end of the third instar. The region is coextensive with a complex genetic locus, the Broad-Complex (BR-C). The BR-C is a regulatory gene that contains two major functional domains, the br domain and the l(1)2Bc domain. BR-C mutants prevent metamorphosis, including morphogenesis of imaginal discs; br mutants prevent elongation and eversion of appendages and l(1)2Bc mutants prevent fusion of the discs. The Stubble-stubbloid (Sb-sbd) locus at 89B9-10 is best known for the effects of its mutants on bristle structure. Mutants of the BR-C and the Sb-sbd locus interact to produce severe malformation of appendages. Viable heteroallelic and homoallelic combinations of Sb-sbd mutants, including loss-of-function mutants, affect the elongation of imaginal disc appendages. Thus, the Sb-sbd+ product is essential for normal appendage elongation. Sb-sbd mutants, however, do not affect eversion or fusion of discs. Correspondingly, only BR-C mutants deficient in br function interact with Sb-sbd mutants. The interaction occurs in deficiency heterozygotes using single, wild-type doses of the BR-C, of the Sb-sbd locus, or of both loci. These last results are formally consistent with the possibility that the BR-C acts as a positive regulator of the Sb-sbd locus. The data do not exclude other possible nonregulatory interactions between the two loci, e.g., interactions between the products of both genes.
Genetic factors controlling the proliferative activity of mouse epidermal melanocytes during the healing of skin wounds.
Authors: Hirobe T
Published: January 2021

A cut was made on the middorsal skin of newborn mice of strains C57BL/10J, C57BL/10J-A/A, and C3H/He using fine iridectomy scissors. In the epidermis within 1 mm of the wound edge in C57BL/10J and C57BL/10J-A/A, the melanocyte population positive to the dopa reaction as well as the melanoblast-melanocyte population positive to the combined dopa-premelanin reaction increased dramatically until the 3rd day, then gradually decreased. In contrast, the melanocyte population of C3H/He did not increase after wounding, despite that the melanoblast-melanocyte population increased. Pigment-producing melanocytes in mitosis were frequently found in C57BL/10J and C57BL/10J-A/A, but not in C3H/He. The F1, F2, and backcross matings were performed to get some information about the genetic basis of the difference between C57BL/10J and C3H/He. In the F1 generation the offspring from reciprocal crosses exhibited intermediate values in both populations on the 3rd day after wounding. The F2 generation included the C3H/He type, F1 type, and C57BL/10J type in a ratio of 1:2:1 in both populations. Moreover, both reciprocal backcrosses gave 1:1 ratios of parent type to F1 type in both populations. These results indicate that the proliferative activity of mouse epidermal melanocytes during the healing of skin wounds are controlled by semidominant genes.
Is the Suppressor-mutator element controlled by a basic developmental regulatory mechanism?
Authors: Fedoroff N V , Banks J A
Published: January 2021

We report the results of genetic studies on derivatives of two different alleles of the maize a locus with an insertion of the Suppressor-mutator (Spm) transposable element in which the element is inactive, but can be reactivated readily. We present evidence that the mechanism that determines whether the element is in an active or inactive phase has two genetically distinguishable components. One determines whether or not the element is genetically active (the phase setting) and the other determines the stability of the setting in development, its heritability, and its phase in the next generation (the phase program). We show that the element's phase can be reset in a reproducible pattern during plant development. We also show that the Spm element can be reprogrammed to undergo a subsequent phase change without a concomitant phase change. The capacity to reset and reprogram the Spm element is differentially expressed within the plant in a pattern that is correlated with the developmental fate of apical and lateral meristems, suggesting the involvement of a basic developmental determination mechanism.
The maintenance of single-locus polymorphism. I. Numerical studies of a viability selection model.
Authors: Spencer H G , Marks R W
Published: January 2021

The ability of viability selection to maintain single-locus polymorphism is investigated with two models in which the population is bombarded with a series of mutations with random fitnesses. In the first model, the population is allowed to reach equilibrium before mutation resumes; in the second the iterations and mutation occur simultaneously. Monte Carlo simulations of these models show that viability selection is easily able to maintain stable 6- or 7-allele polymorphisms and that monomorphisms and diallelic polymorphisms are uncommon. The question of how monomorphisms arise is also discussed.
The Effects of Selective Survival on Black Adults’ Cognitive Development
Authors: Tan Shyuan Ching , Gamaldo Alyssa A , Brick Timothy , Thorpe Roland J , Allaire Jason C , Whitfield Keith E
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The theory of selective survival suggests that possibly around 70–75 years of age, Blacks may display substantive changes in their pattern of cognitive decline. This study examined the age-graded pattern of cognitive decline within older Blacks by describing a trend that characterizes differences in the change of cognitive decline from ages 51.5 to 95.5, and hypothesized that this age-graded pattern is nonlinear.

Method

Utilizing 2 waves of longitudinal data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging, this study used multilevel modeling to test whether the interaction between age and the 3-year study period (time between waves) had a positive effect on changes in inductive reasoning, declarative memory, working memory, and perceptual speed.

Results

A significant positive interaction between age and wave was found for inductive reasoning, demonstrating an age-grade pattern of change/decline in cognitive pattern for Blacks aged 51.5–95.4. Simple slope probing via the Johnson–Neyman Technique suggested that Black adults ~64 years and younger experienced significant decline in inductive reasoning across study time, whereas for those older than 63.71, the decline was nonsignificant. No significant age–wave interactions were found for declarative memory, working memory, or perceptual speed.

Discussion

Findings suggest a selective survival effect for inductive reasoning ability among Blacks. With decline evident so early, common cognitive intervention programs targeting adults 65+ may come too late for Blacks, signifying the importance and urgency for early health interventions and public policy designed to promote cognitive reserve.
The moderating role of colour in modelling the effectiveness of COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on the health behaviour of social media users in Nigeria
Authors: Okpara Chukwuemeka Vincent , Anselm Anibueze U , Felix Talabi Olajide , Omowale Adelabu , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: January 2021

Previous studies on the effect of cartoon hardly consider the moderating role of colour. Additionally, studies on the use of social media for health promotion pay less attention to sustainability of health behaviour. In this study, we examined the moderating role of colour on the effectiveness of COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on health behaviour of social media users in Nigeria. We survey a total of 470 social media users in Nigeria who reported exposure to YouTube COVID-19 animated cartoons. It was found that colour significantly predict recall of YouTube animated cartoons on COVID-19. In addition, the result of the study revealed that colour significantly moderate impact ofCOVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on health behaviour of social media users. The result further showed that exposure to COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons will significantly predict knowledge of the virus. The result also showed that recall of messages theme in COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons significantly predicts health behaviour of social media users. Finally, the result of the study showed that self-efficacy, task self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy significantly predict health behaviour sustainability among social media users who are exposed to COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoon. We highlighted the implications of these results on health promotions.
Bases and BGG Resolutions of Simple Modules of Temperley–Lieb Algebras of Type B
Authors: Michailidis Dimitris
Published: January 2021

We construct explicit bases of simple modules and Bernstein–Gelfand–Gelfand (BGG) resolutions of all simple modules of the (graded) Temperley–Lieb algebra of type B over a field of characteristic zero.
The Implementation in Canada of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Prais Victoria
Published: January 2021

This article provides a practitioner’s view of the extent to which the 1955 UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (SMRs) have been utilized in Canada. The author reviews how the SMRs are being used by national authorities, civil society organizations and criminal law practitioners in Canada and presents reflections as to how the SMRs could be better utilized to ensure that prisoners’ rights are protected in Canada. The SMRs, which, as revised in 2015, are often referred to as the Nelson Mandela Rules, are not in themselves binding upon states. However, they do carry weight: this is evidenced by the UN human rights bodies which have invoked the SMRs as a minimum universal standard in interpretations of binding international legal standards in their decisions and comments. Furthermore, the SMRs (traditionally classified as ‘soft law’) provide key stakeholders with useful and practical guidelines on all aspects of prisoners’ rights. This article argues that the SMRs are being utilized to a degree in Canada, but that there is room for improvement. Canada is, in general, rather insular in its application of soft law standards. The Canadian courts have ruled, for example, that the SMRs are not binding in the domestic context. Thus, within the context of litigation, compliance with the SMRs is a challenge. Furthermore, a lack of legal literacy and training in prisoners’ rights in general and in the SMRs more specifically is evident in Canada. The author’s view is that legal training on the SMRs for criminal law practitioners and the judiciary would be one significant step towards more effective utilization of the SMRs in Canada.
Deuterium chemodynamics of massive pre-stellar cores
Authors: Hsu Chia-Jung , Tan Jonathan C , Goodson Matthew D , Caselli Paola , Körtgen Bastian , Cheng Yu
Published: January 2021

High levels of deuterium fractionation of N2H+ (i.e. $\mathrm{D^{{\mathrm{N_2H^+}}}_{\text{frac}}}$≳ 0.1) are often observed in pre-stellar cores (PSCs) and detection of N2D+ is a promising method to identify elusive massive PSCs. However, the physical and chemical conditions required to reach such high levels of deuteration are still uncertain, as is the diagnostic utility of N2H+ and N2D+ observations of PSCs. We perform 3D magnetohydrodynamics simulations of a massive, turbulent, magnetized PSC, coupled with a sophisticated deuteration astrochemical network. Although the core has some magnetic/turbulent support, it collapses under gravity in about one free-fall time, which marks the end of the simulations. Our fiducial model achieves relatively low $\mathrm{D^{{\mathrm{N_2H^+}}}_{\text{frac}}}$∼0.002 during this time. We then investigate effects of initial ortho-para ratio of H2 ($\mathrm{OPR^{H_2}}$), temperature, cosmic ray (CR) ionization rate, CO and N-species depletion factors, and prior PSC chemical evolution. We find that high CR ionization rates and high depletion factors allow the simulated $\mathrm{D^{{\mathrm{N_2H^+}}}_{\text{frac}}}$ and absolute abundances to match observational values within one free-fall time. For $\mathrm{OPR^{H_2}}$, while a lower initial value helps the growth of $\mathrm{D^{{\mathrm{N_2H^+}}}_{\text{frac}}}$, the spatial structure of deuteration is too widespread compared to observed systems. For an example model with elevated CR ionization rates and significant heavy element depletion, we then study the kinematic and dynamic properties of the core as traced by its N2D+ emission. The core, undergoing quite rapid collapse, exhibits disturbed kinematics in its average velocity map. Still, because of magnetic support, the core often appears kinematically subvirial based on its N2D+ velocity dispersion.
Three-dimensional simulations of X-ray cavities inflated by radio galaxies
Authors: Smith Michael D , Donohoe Justin
Published: January 2021

Vast cavities in the intergalactic medium are excavated by radio galaxies. The cavities appear as such in X-ray images because the external medium has been swept-up, leaving a hot but low-density bubble surrounding the radio lobes. We explore here the predicted thermal X-ray emission from a large set of high-resolution three-dimensional simulations of radio galaxies driven by supersonic jets. We assume adiabatic non-relativistic hydrodynamics with injected straight and precessing jets of supersonic gas emitted from nozzles. Images of X-ray bremsstrahlung emission tend to generate oval cavities in the soft keV bands and leading arcuate structures in hard X-rays. However, the cavity shape is sensitive to the jet-ambient density contrast, varying from concave-shaped at η = 0.1 to convex for η = 0.0001 where η is the jet/ambient density ratio. We find lateral ribs in the soft X-rays in certain cases and propose this as an explanation for those detected in the vicinity of Cygnus A. In bi-lobed or X-shaped sources and in curved or deflected jets, the strongest X-ray emission is not associated with the hotspot but with the relic lobe or deflection location. This is because the hot high-pressure and dense high-compression regions do not coincide. Directed towards the observer, the cavity becomes a deep round hole surrounded by circular ripples. With short radio-mode outbursts with a duty cycle of 10 per cent, the intracluster medium simmers with low Mach number shocks widely dissipating the jet energy in between active jet episodes.
Clinical evaluation of a fully automated, laboratory-developed multiplex RT-PCR assay integrating dual-target SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B detection on a high-throughput platform
Authors: Nörz Dominik , Hoffmann Armin , Aepfelbacher Martin , Pfefferle Susanne , Lütgehetmann Marc
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Laboratories worldwide are facing high demand for molecular testing during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which might be further aggravated by the upcoming influenza season in the northern hemisphere.

Gap Statement. Given that the symptoms of influenza are largely indistinguishable from those of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), both SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza viruses require concurrent testing by RT-PCR in patients presenting with symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

Aim. We adapted and evaluated a laboratory-developed multiplex RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 (dual target), influenza A and influenza B (SC2/InflA/InflB-UCT) on a fully automated high-throughput system (cobas6800).

Methodology. Analytical performance was assessed by serial dilution of quantified reference material and cell culture stocks in transport medium, including pretreatment for chemical inactivation. For clinical evaluation, residual portions of 164 predetermined patient samples containing SARS-CoV-2 (n=52), influenza A (n=43) or influenza B (n=19), as well as a set of negative samples, were subjected to the novel multiplex assay.

Results. The assay demonstrated comparable analytical performance to currently available commercial tests, with limits of detection of 94.9 cp ml−1 for SARS-CoV-2, 14.6 cp ml−1 for influenza A and 422.3 cp ml−1 for influenza B. Clinical evaluation showed excellent agreement with the comparator assays (sensitivity of 98.1, 97.7 and 100 % for Sars-CoV-2 and influenza A and B, respectively).

Conclusion. The SC2/InflA/InflB-UCT allows for efficient high-throughput testing for all three pathogens and thus provides streamlined diagnostics while conserving resources during the influenza season.
Modeling COVID-19 outbreaks in United States with distinct testing, lockdown speed and fatigue rates
Authors: Macdonald J. C. , Browne C. , Gulbudak H.
Published: January 2021

Each state in the United States exhibited a unique response to the COVID-19 outbreak, along with variable levels of testing, leading to different actual case burdens in the country. In this study, via per-capita testing dependent ascertainment rates, along with case and death data, we fit a minimal epidemic model for each state. We estimate infection-level responsive lockdown entry and exit rates (representing government and behavioral reaction), along with the true number of cases as of May 31, 2020. Ultimately we provide error corrected estimates for commonly used metrics such as infection fatality ratio and overall case ascertainment for all 55 states and territories considered, along with the United States in aggregate, in order to correlate outbreak severity with first wave intervention attributes and suggest potential management strategies for future outbreaks. We observe a theoretically predicted inverse proportionality relation between outbreak size and lockdown rate, with scale dependent on the underlying reproduction number and simulations suggesting a critical population quarantine “half-life” of 30 days independent of other model parameters.
Twitter Discourse on Nicotine as Potential Prophylactic or Therapeutic for COVID-19
Authors: Kavuluru Ramakanth , Noh Jiho , Rose Shyanika W.
Published: January 2021

Background

An unproven “nicotine hypothesis” that indicates nicotine’s therapeutic potential for COVID-19 has been proposed in recent literature. This study is about Twitter posts that misinterpret this hypothesis to make baseless claims about benefits of smoking and vaping in the context of COVID-19. We quantify the presence of such misinformation and characterize the tweeters who post such messages.

Methods

Twitter premium API was used to download tweets (n = 17,533) that match terms indicating (a) nicotine or vaping themes, (b) a prophylactic or therapeutic effect, and (c) COVID-19 (January-July 2020) as a conjunctive query. A constraint on the length of the span of text containing the terms in the tweets allowed us to focus on those that convey the therapeutic intent. We hand-annotated these filtered tweets and built a classifier that identifies tweets that extrapolate the nicotine hypothesis to smoking/vaping with a positive predictive value of 85%. We analyzed the frequently used terms in author bios, top Web links, and hashtags of such tweets.

Results

21% of our filtered COVID-19 tweets indicate a vaping or smoking-based prevention/treatment narrative. Qualitative analyses show a variety of ways therapeutic claims are being made and tweeter bios reveal pre-existing notions of positive stances toward vaping.

Conclusion

The social media landscape is a double-edged sword in tobacco communication. Although it increases information reach, consumers can also be subject to confirmation bias when exposed to inadvertent or deliberate framing of scientific discourse that may border on misinformation. This calls for circumspection and additional planning in countering such narratives as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage our world. Our results also serve as a cautionary tale in how social media can be leveraged to spread misleading information about tobacco products in the wake of pandemics.
Reminiscence therapy‐based care program relieves anxiety, depression, and improves quality of life in post‐operational non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Liu Meifang , Li Yao
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to explore the effect of reminiscence therapy‐based care program (RTCP) on anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL), and survival profiles in post‐operational non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

In this randomized, controlled study, a total of 192 newly diagnosed post‐operational NSCLC patients were randomly assigned to control care program (CCP) group (N = 96) or RTCP group (N = 96), and both groups experienced 12‐month intervention and 36‐month follow‐up without intervention. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ‐C30) were evaluated at baseline (M0), month (M)3, M6, and M12.

Results

Reduced HADS‐anxiety score at M6 and M12, anxiety rate at M12, and anxiety severity at M6 and M12 were observed in RTCP group compared with CCP group. Additionally, HADS‐depression score was decreased at M6 and M12, while both depression rate and severity were of no difference at each time point between two groups. Furthermore, QLQ‐C30 global health status score at M6 and M12, QLQ‐C30 functions score at M12 were increased, while QLQ‐C30 symptoms score was of no difference at each time point in RTCP group compared with CCP group. Regarding survival profiles, Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that disease‐free survival and overall survival were of no difference between two groups, further multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard regression analysis also observed the same trends.

Conclusion

RTCP effectively relieves anxiety and depression, improves QoL, but did not prolong survival, suggesting its value as a non‐pharmacological approach for post‐operational NSCLC management.
Exploring penile cancer survivors' motivations and experiences of attending a support group: eUROGEN study
Authors: Akers C. , Plant H. , Riley V. , Alnajjar H.M. , Muneer A.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore men's motivations and experiences of attending a penile cancer support group and critically analyse whether participating in the support group has an impact on their psychological well‐being. Eleven men attended a focus group facilitated by a cancer nurse specialist and a group facilitator. This was held in the hospital in the same setting as the monthly support group meeting. Written consent was gained. On the day an open question was asked to identify what motivates the men to attend the support group. The results were recorded using a digital audio recording device and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then utilised to identify common themes. Six themes were identified as to why these men attended the penile cancer support group on a regular basis: making friendships, supporting others, sharing experiences, peer support, receiving information and raising awareness. Face to face support groups have shown to be a mode of delivering support to men who have been diagnosed and treated for this rare disease. These findings suggest that meeting men with a similar condition and sharing experiences of living with the disease were important to the men participating in this study.
Role of mitochondrial complex III/IV in the activation of transcription factor Rst2 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Jiang Guanglie , Liu Qiannan , Kato Toshiaki , Miao Hao , Gao Xiang , Liu Kun , Chen Si , Sakamoto Norihiro , Kuno Takayoshi , Fang Yue
Published: January 2021

Mitochondria play essential roles in eukaryotic cells for glucose metabolism to produce ATP. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, transcription factor Rst2 can be activated upon glucose deprivation. However, the link between Rst2 and mitochondrial function remains elusive. Here, we monitored Rst2 transcriptional activity in living cells using a Renilla luciferase reporter system, and found that inhibition of mitochondrial complex III/IV caused cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), which in turn activated Rst2. Furthermore, Rst2‐GFP was observed to translocate from cytoplasm to nucleus upon mitochondrial complex III/IV inhibitors treatment, and deletion of genes associated with complex III/IV resulted in delayed process of Rst2‐GFP nuclear exportation under glucose‐rich condition. In particular, we found that Rst2 was phosphorylated following the treatment of complex III/IV inhibitors or SNAP. Altogether, our findings suggest that mitochondrial complex III/IV participates in the activation of Rst2 through ROS and NO generation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Effect of an anti‐inflammatory pomegranate otic treatment on the clinical evolution and microbiota profile of dogs with otitis externa
Authors: Puigdemont Anna , D’Andreano Sara , Ramió‐Lluch Laura , Cuscó Anna , Francino Olga , Brazis Pilar
Published: January 2021

Background

Canine otitis externa (OE) is a common disease characterised by inflammation of the epithelial tissue of the external ear canal. Secondary infections are frequent, and Malassezia pachydermatis and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are routinely isolated and treated with antifungal and antibiotic compounds.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To analyse the otitis ear microbiome before and after a treatment with prednisolone plus pomegranate or antimicrobial drugs

Animals

15 dogs with nonpurulent OE.

Methods and materials

A 30 day, double‐blinded, multicentre, randomized and controlled parallel‐group (1:1) trial was conducted in 15 dogs with nonpurulent OE, following two different topical treatments (prednisolone plus pomegranate versus prednisolone plus antibiotic and antifungal drugs). On days (D)0, D15 and D30, serum and skin otic samples were collected, and clinical examination and microbiome analysis (bacteria and fungi) were performed. Results were compared with validated otitis clinical scores to assess the effectiveness of both treatments.

Results

Nine bacterial and four fungal families were detected during the three time‐points tested. An increase in fungal diversity (Shannon index) and composition was the most significant change observed after both treatments. At treatment D15 and D30, the reduction in clinical signs was statistically significant in both treatment groups (P ≤ 0.05). Prednisolone plus pomegranate cleanser treatment was able to control the clinical signs of otitis as well as the bacterial and fungal overgrowth.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Mild otitis cases associated with microbial overgrowth may be managed with topical antiseptic and anti‐inflammatory agents without the need for antibiotic and/or antifungal compounds.
Spherical sector harmonics representation of sound fields using a microphone array over spherical sector
Authors: Kumari Deepika , Kumar Lalan
Published: January 2021

Spherical microphone arrays (SMAs) are widely used for sound recording and analysis, with processing being done in the spherical harmonics (SH) domain. This is due to the ease of array processing in the SH domain without spatial ambiguity. However, it is uneconomical to construct a full SMA when sources are present in restricted regions of the environment. Additionally, the use of a full SMA comes at the cost of more microphone signals to process. Attempts have been made to use hemispherical microphone arrays on the basis of the acoustic image principle, enabling application of SH but with greater computational complexity. In this paper, the use of a spherical sector microphone array instead of a full SMA is proposed. An orthonormal spherical sector harmonics (S2H) basis function is developed for accurate representation of pressure over the sector. The orthonormality of the S2H function is established using orthogonality of shifted associated Legendre polynomials and a scaled exponential function. An addition theorem for S2H basis functions is derived. The S2H basis function is applied to the decomposition of a sound field over a sector array. The S2H basis function has potential applications to brain source localization and physiological shape description.
CRISPR cuts disease course short in blood disorders
Authors: György Bence
Published: January 2021

Gene editing for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia results in potential curative response.
Efficacy of Coxsackievirus A5 Vaccine Candidates in an Actively Immunized Mouse Model
Authors: Jin Wei-Ping , Lu Jia , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Wu Jie , Wei Zhen-Ni , Mai Jian-Yi , Qian Sha-Sha , Yu Yu-Ting , Meng Sheng-Li , Wang Ze-Jun , Shen Shuo
Published: January 2021

The vaccine candidate strain CV-A5 was produced with a high infectivity titer and a high viral particle yield. Three particle forms, empty particles (EPs), full particles (FPs), and dense particles (DPs), were obtained and characterized after purification.
Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 2 V Protein Modulates Iron Homeostasis
Authors: Ohta Keisuke , Saka Naoki , Nishio Machiko
Published: January 2021

hPIV-2 V protein interferes with interaction between FTH1 and NCOA4 and inhibits NCOA4-mediated ferritin degradation, leading to the inhibition of iron release to the cytoplasm. This iron homeostasis modulation allows infected cells to avoid apoptotic cell death, resulting in effective growth of hPIV-2.
Closed Genome and Plasmid Sequences of Legionella pneumophila AW-13-4, Isolated from a Hot Water Loop System of a Large Occupational Building
Authors: Gomez-Alvarez Vicente , Boczek Laura , Raffenberg Ian , Revetta Randy P.
Published: January 2021

Unused water in unoccupied buildings can become stagnant, with reductions in temperature and levels of disinfectant resulting in increased microbial growth. We report the closed and complete genome and plasmid of
Legionella pneumophila
strain AW-13-4 (serogroup 1), which was isolated from a hot water loop system of a large building.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Free-Living, Iridescent Bacterium Tenacibaculum mesophilum Strain ECR
Authors: Mickol Rebecca L. , Louyakis Artemis S. , Kee H. Lynn , Johnson Lisa K. , Dawson Scott C. , Hargreaves Katherine R. , Chadwick Grayson L. , Newman Dianne K. , Leadbetter Jared R. , Brown C. Titus
Published: January 2021

Here, we report the genome sequence of
Tenacibaculum mesophilum
strain ECR, which was isolated from the river/ocean interface at Trunk River, Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA. The isolation and sequencing were performed as part of the 2016 and 2018 Microbial Diversity courses at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA.
Metagenomic Exploration of
Atelerix albiventris
Gut Microbiome
Authors: Amanbayeva Makhabbat , Anarkulova Elmira , Bogoyavlenskiy Andrey , Alexyuk Madina , Imangazy Anar , Berezin Vladimir
Published: January 2021

Here, we report the metagenomic analysis of the gut of
Atelerix albiventris
, an animal typically kept as a pet in Kazakhstan. In this case, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the RNA and DNA viral community was performed.
Supplemental Material: Recalibrating Rodinian rifting in the northwestern United States
Authors: Brennan Daniel , al. et
Published: January 2021

Individual sample detrital zircon results, alternative maximum depositional age calculations, conventional laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) methodology, rapid LA-ICP-MS methodology, sample locations, and detrital zircon U-Pb/Lu-Hf results for all analyses and compiled U-Pb data.
Supplemental Material: Redefining the age of the lower Colorado River, southwestern United States
Authors: Crow Ryan , al. et
Published: January 2021

Additional details on methods, summary of previous Ar/Ar dating relevant to the timing of Colorado River integration, sample locations, and full analytical results.
Torsion of the gallbladder: a rare but important differential to consider when treating acute cholecystitis non-operatively
Authors: Ahluwalia Arun , Allaway Matthew George Roy , Giga Serena , Curran Richard James
Published: January 2021

A 79-year-old woman presented with postprandial epigastric pain. She had normal vital signs, inflammatory markers and liver function tests. Ultrasound and CT of the abdomen demonstrated features consistent with acute cholecystitis. Her medical comorbidities and extensive abdominal surgical history prompted the decision to treat non-operatively. Despite optimal medical management, worsening abdominal pain and uptrending inflammatory markers developed. She underwent an emergency laparoscopy which revealed a necrotic gallbladder secondary to an anticlockwise complete gallbladder torsion; a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality if managed non-operatively. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was achieved without complication and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Preoperative diagnosis of torsion of the gallbladder is difficult. However, there are certain patient demographics and imaging characteristics that can help surgeons differentiate it from acute cholecystitis; a condition which can be safely managed non-operatively in selected patients. The differentiating features are elaborated on in this case report.
Resolution of bilateral foveal cysts in dome-shaped macula after treatment with topical dorzolamide
Authors: Vukkadala Tejaswini , Gowdar Kuberappa Ranjitha , Azad Shorya Vardhan , Kumar Vinod
Published: January 2021

Dome-shaped macula (DSM) is characterised by a convex anterior bulging of the macular area. It can further get complicated by accumulation of subretinal fluid (SRF). Foveal cysts that are bilateral, in a setting of DSM, are an entity not yet reported. Management options for DSM with SRF showed variable success. Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) have been successful in treating certain macular pathologies. The authors report a rare case of bilateral intraretinal foveal cyst in a myopic child with DSM with favourable response to topical dorzolamide. Topical CAIs may be considered a safe and effective option in such cases.
Tracheo-oesophageal groove Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting as stridor: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Agilinko Joshua , Gomati Anas , Bashat Ghada , Shakeel Muhammad
Published: January 2021

A 38-year-old male patient presented to the ear, nose and throat department with shortness of breath over last 2 months. The CT scan of the neck and chest revealed a 3.3×3 cm tumour behind the right thyroid lobe extending into the tracheo-oesophageal (TO) groove with tracheal compression. The ultrasound scan of the neck and targeted fine needle aspiration followed by core biopsy raised a suspicion of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The patient underwent a right hemithyroidectomy and incisional biopsy of the right TO groove tumour. The histology confirmed a Hasenclever’s three nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which he received adjuvant chemotherapy. An incidental pT1a pN0 thyroid papillary microcarcinoma in the adjacent thyroid parenchyma was completely excised. This represents a case of TO Hodgkin’s lymphoma, of which there are no current published case reports. We aim to raise awareness about this rare condition by sharing the diagnostic work up and successful management in a multidisciplinary team setting.
Recurrent haematochezia in an 85-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Nicolaides Steven , Niewiadomski Ola , Nicoll Amanda
Published: January 2021

An 85-year-old man with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis presented to casualty with four days of painless haematochezia with dark blood without haemodynamic compromise. This was in the setting of receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as treatment for his hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

He was found to have haemorrhagic radiation colitis which was treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Our case demonstrates the importance of considering radiation induced colitis as a cause for painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a background of radiation therapy for HCC. Earlier review of the imaging and consideration of this differential could have prevented the need for repeat hospitalisations and would have led to prompt colonoscopy and diagnosis.