bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and paleo‐climatic data uncover the impact of an ancient bottleneck on the demographic history and contemporary genetic structure of endangered Pinus uliginosa
Authors: Łabiszak Bartosz , Zaborowska Julia , Wójkiewicz Błażej , Wachowiak Witold
Published: February 2020

With the current rate of biodiversity loss, conservation management practices require a comprehensive understanding of eco‐evolutionary relationships, history, and genetic structure of species. Assessments of genetic diversity are crucial, especially in rare, endemic, or threatened forest tree species with small and isolated populations, such as peat bog pine (Pinus uliginosa N.). Here, we used a novel approach, combining genetic diversity assessment, ecological niche modeling, and population demography inference to explore the complex history of a few remnant populations of this endangered pine. To asses the relative influence of isolation and fragmentation on genetic diversity in the taxonomic context, the patterns of genetic variation found in P. uliginosa were contrasted with those observed in its close relatives with much bigger distribution ranges and larger populations (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus mugo, and Pinus uncinata). We found a similar level of genetic diversity across the species at nuclear loci but contrasting patterns of variability distribution at chloroplast markers. We detected the signatures of an ancient genetic bottleneck dated at around 26 400 years ago, indicating a drastic reduction in the population size of P. uligionosa during the Last Glacial Maximum. In addition, we found substantial differentiation between current populations as a result of enhanced genetic drift during long‐lasting isolation. The research suggests potential conservation management strategies for peat bog pine and emphasizes the importance of using complementary approaches for their successful development.
A systematic review of adaptive wildlife management for the control of invasive, non‐native mammals, and other human–wildlife conflicts
Authors: Richardson Suzanne , Mill Aileen C. , Davis Darryl , Jam David , Ward Alastair I.
Published: February 2020

We are entering an era where species declines are occurring at their fastest ever rate, and the increased spread of non‐native species is among the top causes. High uncertainty in biological processes makes the accurate prediction of the outcomes of management interventions very challenging. Adaptive management (AM) offers solutions to reduce uncertainty and improve predictability so that the outcomes of interventions can continuously improve.

We quantitatively assess the extent to which AM is used for managing vertebrates, with a focus on invasive non‐native species (INNS). Using the Web of Science, we evaluated 3992 articles returned by the search terms ‘adaptive management’ or ‘adaptive harvest management’ against seven recommended elements of AM (engagement with stakeholders, defining objectives, forecasting and estimating uncertainty, implementing management, monitoring populations, adjusting management in response to monitoring, and improving forecasting and reducing uncertainty in response to monitoring populations).

The use of AM for vertebrates was reported in 56 (1%) of the evaluated studies; including four for managing INNS. Of these, ten studies excluding INNS and no studies of INNS management implemented all seven recommended elements of AM. Those elements infrequently implemented were as follows: the use of analysis or models to forecast and represent uncertainty (44%) and the feedback of monitoring data to improve forecasting and reduce uncertainty (25%).

Complete active AM has rarely been implemented and reported for managing INNS, despite the significant advantages it offers. Among studies purporting to have implemented AM, most did not use analyses or models to forecast and represent uncertainty, while most defined objectives, implemented management, and monitored populations.

Improvements to ongoing control programmes and much broader adoption of the AM approach are required to increase the efficiency and success of INNS management campaigns and reduce their negative impacts on native species.
Partial amorphization of experimentally shocked plagioclase: A spectroscopic study
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Fritz Joerg , Roszjar Julia , Lenz Christoph , Chanmuang N. Chutimun , Koeberl Christian
Published: February 2020

Shock amorphization of plagioclase, from partial to complete, has been used to evaluate the degree of shock in meteorites. Important information on the shock amplitude can be derived from the measurement of the refractive index in plagioclase, either from mineral separates or in petrographic thin sections. However, this technique is time‐consuming, and associated sample preparations are considered destructive and are not always possible for precious and rare meteorite samples. In addition, plagioclase amorphization is commonly inhomogeneous at the sample scale and a statistically meaningful number of grains must be considered. Here, we apply several nondestructive spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence, to plagioclase experimentally shocked at 28 GPa, and thus in the transition regime between crystalline plagioclase and fully amorphous material. Most of the plagioclase was transformed into diaplectic glass at 28 GPa, yet some grains exhibit heterogeneously distributed crystalline domains. This confirms that intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to local variations in the intensity of the shock pressure within individual plagioclase crystals of homogeneous composition. The amorphization of plagioclase can qualitatively (and potentially also quantitatively) be investigated by spectroscopic techniques, highlighting such local variations in the shock efficiency.
Supporting, failing to support and undermining breastfeeding self‐efficacy: Analysis of helpline calls
Authors: Thorpe Karen , Danby Susan , Cromack Ceridwen , Gallegos Danielle
Published: February 2020

Although a complexity of factors explain early cessation of breastfeeding, the encounter of a problem is often a critical point in this decision. For this reason, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, a mother's evaluations of her ability to successfully overcome challenges, is an effective target in interventions to sustain breastfeeding. This study examined factors affecting the success of one such intervention, reactive telephone support. Across a 4‐week period, recordings of all calls to a nurse‐staffed parent helpline in Queensland, Australia were made. Of these calls, 60 were from mothers encountering a breastfeeding problem. Using a standard protocol, each call was scored for trajectories of mother's breastfeeding self‐efficacy from opening to close of call. Calls showing an upward trajectory were defined as supporting (53%), those with no change were defined as ineffective (25%), and those with downward trajectory as undermining (22%). Using trajectory scores, case exemplars were purposively selected for detailed analysis of interactional sequences to identify strategies that distinguished outcome. The supportive call was distinguished by information sharing, mutual trust and respectful relationships, and personalized affirmation and advice. The ineffective call focused on technical aspects of breastfeeding, whereas the undermining call made moral judgements of mother's behaviour. The findings identify interactional quality of telephone support, not simply provision, as the key success factor in reactive telephone support. The findings also present interactional quality as a potential explanation for inconsistent outcomes in evaluation of reactive telehealth interventions to support breastfeeding.
Nutritional status and intestinal parasites among young children from pastoralist communities of the Ethiopian Somali region
Authors: Osman Kadra A. , Zinsstag Jakob , Tschopp Rea , Schelling Esther , Hattendorf Jan , Umer Abdurezak , Ali Seid , Cercamondi Colin I.
Published: February 2020

Pastoralist children in the Ethiopian Somali Regional State (ESRS) are at high risk for undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). We assessed the nutritional status and its association with IPIs in 500 children <5 years of age in a clustered cross‐sectional study in Adadle district, ESRS. Stool samples were microscopically examined for IPIs and biomarkers for iron and vitamin A status, anthropometry, and food variety score (FVS) were assessed. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) FVS was 2.0 (2.0, 4.0), and 35% of children were exclusively breastfed up to age 6 months. Prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) <12.5 cm was 30, 34, 40, and 16%, respectively. Median (IQR) haemoglobin, ferritin, and retinol‐binding protein concentrations were 9.5 g dL‐1 (8.2, 10.9), 6.2 μg L‐1 (4.0, 10.2), and 0.8 μmol L−1 (0.67, 0.91), respectively. Prevalence of anaemia, iron, and vitamin A deficiency was 75, 91, and 30%, respectively. IPIs' prevalence was 47%; the most prevalent IPIs were Giardia lamblia (22%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (15%). Giardial infections but not A. lumbricoides increased the risk for MUAC <12.5 cm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.21, 5.54]). The odds for anaemia were 97% (aOR: 0.03, 95% CI [0.03, 0.07]) and 89% (aOR: 0.11, 95% CI [0.11, 0.23]) less for children with FVS >2 or with exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, respectively. Undernutrition and IPIs are alarmingly high in <5 years of age children in ESRS. Giardial infections and low nutritional adequacy of the diet seem to be major contributing factors to the precarious nutritional status and should be addressed by appropriate interventions.
Gut commensal bacteria show beneficial properties as wildlife probiotics
Authors: Stedman Anna , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , A. Chambers Mark , Gutierrez‐Merino Jorge
Published: February 2020

Probiotics are noninvasive, environmentally friendly alternatives for reducing infectious diseases in wildlife species. Our aim in the present study was to evaluate the potential of gut commensals such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as wildlife probiotics. The LAB selected for our analyses were isolated from European badgers (Meles meles), a wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis, and comprised four different genera: Enterococcus, Weissella, Pediococcus, and Lactobacillus. The enterococci displayed a phenotype and genotype that included the production of antibacterial peptides and stimulation of antiviral responses, as well as the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes; Weissella showed antimycobacterial activity owing to their ability to produce lactate and ethanol; and lactobacilli and pediococci modulated proinflammatory phagocytic responses that associate with protection against pathogens, responses that coincide with the presence of immunomodulatory markers in their genomes. Although both lactobacilli and pediococci showed resistance to antibiotics, this was naturally acquired, and almost all isolates demonstrated a phylogenetic relationship with isolates from food and healthy animals. Our results show that LAB display probiotic benefits that depend on the genus, and that lactobacilli and pediococci are probably the most obvious candidates as probiotics against infectious diseases in wildlife because of their food‐grade status and ability to modulate protective innate immune responses.
Pemphigus‐like eruption as a complication of molluscum contagiosum treatment with imiquimod in a 5‐year‐old girl
Authors: Zhong Connie S. , Hasbun Maria Trinidad , Jones Krystal M. , Schmidt Birgitta A.R. , Hussain Sadaf H.
Published: February 2020

Pemphigus and pemphigus‐like reactions can be triggered by a variety of medications including topical therapies, such as imiquimod. While the association between imiquimod and pemphigus‐like reactions has been reported in adults, this is the first report of a generalized reaction beyond the site of imiquimod application in a child. The mechanism by which this occurs may be through a unique pathway, separate from the classic antibody‐mediated pathway. Our patient had a full recovery without recurrence after cessation of the inciting drug.
Role of 904 nm superpulsed laser‐mediated photobiomodulation on nitroxidative stress and redox homeostasis in burn wound healing
Authors: Yadav Anju , Verma Saurabh , Keshri Gaurav K. , Gupta Asheesh
Published: February 2020

Background

Burn wound healing is delayed due to several critical factors such as sustained inflammation, vascular disorder, neuropathy, enhanced proteolysis, infection, and oxidative stress. Burn wounds have limited oxygen supply owing to compromised blood circulation. Hypoxic burn milieu leads to free radicals overproduction incurring oxidative injury, which impedes repair process causing damage to cell membranes, proteins, lipids, and DNA. Photobiomodulation (PBM) with 904 nm superpulsed laser had shown potent healing efficacy via attenuating inflammation while enhancing proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen accumulation, and bioenergetic activation in burn wounds.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of 904 nm superpulsed laser at 0.4 mW/cm2 average power density, 0.2 J/cm2 total energy density, 100 Hz frequency, and 200 ns pulse width for 10 min daily for seven days postburn injury on nitroxidative stress, endogenous antioxidants status, and redox homeostasis.

Results

Photobiomodulation treatment significantly decreased reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation levels as compared to non‐irradiated control. Further, protective action of PBM against protein oxidative damage was evidenced by reduced protein carbonylation and advanced oxidation protein product levels along with significantly enhanced endogenous antioxidants levels of SOD, catalase, GPx, GST, reduced glutathione, and thiol (T‐SH, Np‐SH, P‐SH). Biochemical changes aid in reduction of oxidative stress and maintenance of redox homeostasis, which further well corroborated by significantly up‐regulated protein expression of Nrf 2, hemeoxygenase (HO‐1), and thioredoxin reductase 2 (Txnrd2).

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation with 904 nm superpulsed laser led to reduction of nitroxidative stress, induction of endogenous antioxidants, and maintenance of redox homeostasis that could play a vital role in augmentation of burn wound healing.
Causal Mediation Analysis for Stochastic Interventions
Authors: Díaz Iván , Hejazi Nima S.
Published: February 2020

Mediation analysis in causal inference has traditionally focused on binary exposures and deterministic interventions, and a decomposition of the average treatment effect in terms of direct and indirect effects. We present an analogous decomposition of the population intervention effect, defined through stochastic interventions on the exposure. Population intervention effects provide a generalized framework in which a variety of interesting causal contrasts can be defined, including effects for continuous and categorical exposures. We show that identification of direct and indirect effects for the population intervention effect requires weaker assumptions than its average treatment effect counterpart, under the assumption of no mediator–outcome confounders affected by exposure. In particular, identification of direct effects is guaranteed in experiments that randomize the exposure and the mediator. We propose various estimators of the direct and indirect effects, including substitution, reweighted and efficient estimators based on flexible regression techniques, allowing for multivariate mediators. Our efficient estimator is asymptotically linear under a condition requiring n1/4-consistency of certain regression functions. We perform a simulation study in which we assess the finite sample properties of our proposed estimators. We present the results of an illustrative study where we assess the effect of participation in a sports team on the body mass index among children, using mediators such as exercise habits, daily consumption of snacks and overweight status.
Queering Menstruation: Trans and Non‐Binary Identity and Body Politics
Authors: Frank Sarah E.
Published: February 2020

Menstruation has been historically known as a function of the female body that affects women. Trans and non‐binary people face this biological function as a potential social signal of gender/sex identity. This research involves virtual ethnographic content analysis of menstruation discourse written by or informed by trans and non‐binary people in addition to 19 interviews with trans and non‐binary participants. The research yields analysis within three gendered/sexed social spheres that trans and non‐binary bodies contest: (1) the gendering of menstrual products; (2) men’s restrooms; and (3) health care. The findings depict the variety of strategies trans and non‐binary people employ when navigating and interpreting menstruation in relationship to their gender/sex identities.
Four new HLA alleles, HLA‐A*02:912, ‐B*15:557, ‐B*15:558, and ‐B*40:97, identified in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Wang Yanpeng , Shi Li , Yao Yufeng , Dai Shuying
Published: February 2020

The new HLA‐A*02:912, ‐B*15:557, ‐B*15:558, and ‐B*40:97 alleles in Chinese Han.
Analysis of the Thermomechanical Stresses in Double-Wall Effusion Cooled Systems
Authors: Elmukashfi Elsiddig , Murray Alexander V. , Ireland Peter T. , Cocks Alan C. F.
Published: February 2020

In this study, thermal stresses in a double-wall cooling system are analyzed. We consider an infinite flat double-wall geometry and assume that it can be represented by an axisymmetric unit cell, wherein the thermal loadings and deformation at the boundaries are determined by periodicity conditions. A thermal model is initially developed to obtain the thermal fields using a combination of empirical correlations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The thermal fields are then analyzed such that both the first-order and higher order approximations are determined. A theoretical solution is derived assuming that the temperature gradient takes place only across the outer skin using the first-order approximations. The solution yields an equibiaxial stress state in the skins, which are driven by the thermal curvature of the outer skin. To investigate other geometrical features and higher order approximations, a finite element model is used to solve Fourier’s law of heat conduction and mechanical equilibrium equations. The numerical and theoretical results are found to be in excellent agreement. We determine that the increase of distance between pedestals reduces the stresses. Furthermore, the stress concentration factor at the fillet increases with the increase of both the radius and pedestal diameter and the decrease of the skin thickness. Increasing the number of film holes limits stresses to the external surface of the outer skin. The increase of the Reynolds number in the impingement hole increases the Biot number in the outer skin, which increases the stresses. The higher order approximations of the heat transfer coefficients play a minor role.
Assessment of speech impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease from acoustic quantifications of oral diadochokinetic sequences
Authors: Karlsson Fredrik , Schalling Ellika , Laakso Katja , Johansson Kerstin , Hartelius Lena
Published: February 2020

This investigation aimed at determining whether an acoustic quantification of the oral diadochokinetic (DDK) task may be used to predict the perceived level of speech impairment when speakers with Parkinson's disease (PD) are reading a standard passage. DDK sequences with repeated [pa], [ta], and [ka] syllables were collected from 108 recordings (68 unique speakers with PD), along with recordings of the speakers reading a standardized text. The passage readings were assessed in five dimensions individually by four speech-language pathologists in a blinded and randomized procedure. The 46 acoustic DDK measures were merged with the perceptual ratings of read speech in the same recording session. Ordinal regression models were trained repeatedly on 80% of ratings and acoustic DDK predictors per dimension in 10-folds, and evaluated in testing data. The models developed from [ka] sequences achieved the best performance overall in predicting the clinicians' ratings of passage readings. The developed [pa] and [ta] models showed a much lower performance across all dimensions. The addition of samples with severe impairments and further automation of the procedure is required for the models to be used for screening purposes by non-expert clinical staff.
Informational masking of negative masking
Authors: Conroy Christopher , Mason Christine R. , Kidd Gerald
Published: February 2020

Negative masking (NM) is a ubiquitous finding in near-“threshold” psychophysics in which the detectability of a near-threshold signal improves when added to a copy of itself, i.e., a pedestal or masker. One interpretation of NM suggests that the pedestal acts as an informative cue, thereby reducing uncertainty and improving performance relative to detection in its absence. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Intensity discrimination thresholds were measured for 100-ms, 1000-Hz near-threshold tones. In the reference condition, thresholds were measured in quiet (no masker other than the pedestal). In comparison conditions, thresholds were measured in the presence of one of two additional maskers: a notched-noise masker or a random-frequency multitone masker. The additional maskers were intended to cause different amounts of uncertainty and, in turn, to differentially influence NM. The results were generally consistent with an uncertainty-based interpretation of NM: NM was found both in quiet and in notched-noise, yet it was eliminated by the multitone masker. A competing interpretation of NM based on nonlinear transduction does not account for all of the results. Profile analysis may have been a factor in performance and this suggests that NM may be attributable to, or influenced by, multiple mechanisms.
Portable, One-Dimensional, Trunk-Flexor Muscle Strength Measurement System
Authors: Loss Jefferson Fagundes , Wagner Neto Edgar Santiago , de Siqueira Tatiane Borsoi , Winck Aline Dill , de Moura Laura Silveira , Gertz Luiz Carlos
Published: February 2020

Trunk-flexor muscle strength plays a fundamental role in athletic performance, but objective measurements are usually obtained using expensive and nonportable equipment, such as isokinetic dynamometers. The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of a portable, one-dimensional, trunk-flexor muscle strength measurement system (Measurement System) that uses calibrated barbells and the reliability of the measurements obtained using the Measurement System, by conducting test–retests. As a complementary assessment, the measurements obtained during a maximum contraction test performed by a group of 15 subjects were also recorded. Four conditions were assessed: repeatability, time reproducibility, position reproducibility, and subject reproducibility. The results demonstrate that both the concurrent validity and the measured reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > .98) of the Measurement System are acceptable. The Measurement System provides valid and reliable measures of trunk-flexor muscle strength.
The Influence of Playing Surface on the Loading Response to Soccer-Specific Activity
Authors: Jones Adam , Page Richard , Brogden Chris , Langley Ben , Greig Matt
Published: February 2020

Context: The influence of playing surface on injury risk in soccer is contentious, and contemporary technologies permit an in vivo assessment of mechanical loading on the player. Objective: To quantify the influence of playing surface on the PlayerLoad elicited during soccer-specific activity. Design: Repeated measures, field-based design. Setting: Regulation soccer pitches. Participants: Fifteen amateur soccer players (22.1 [2.4] y), injury free with ≥6 years competitive experience. Interventions: Each player completed randomized order trials of a soccer-specific field test on natural turf, astroturf, and third-generation artificial turf. GPS units were located at C7 and the mid-tibia of each leg to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). Main Outcome Measures: Total accumulated PlayerLoad in each movement plane was calculated for each trial. Ratings of perceived exertion and visual analog scales assessing lower-limb muscle soreness were measured as markers of fatigue. Results: Analysis of variance revealed no significant main effect for playing surface on total PlayerLoad (P = .55), distance covered (P = .75), or postexercise measures of ratings of perceived exertion (P = .98) and visual analog scales (P = .61). There was a significant main effect for GPS location (P < .001), with lower total loading elicited at C7 than mid-tibia (P < .001), but with no difference between limbs (P = .70). There was no unit placement × surface interaction (P = .98). There was also a significant main effect for GPS location on the relative planar contributions to loading (P < .001). Relative planar contributions to loading in the anterioposterior:mediolateral:vertical planes was 25:27:48 at C7 and 34:32:34 at mid-tibia. Conclusions: PlayerLoad metrics suggest that playing surface does not influence mechanical loading during soccer-specific activity (not including tackling). Clinical reasoning should consider that PlayerLoad magnitude and axial contributions were sensitive to unit placement, highlighting opportunities in the objective monitoring of load during rehabilitation.
Awake functional MRI detects neural circuit dysfunction in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Tamada Kota , Ono Nobukazu , Karakawa Sachise , Kodama Yuko , Debacker Clement , Hata Junichi , Okano Hideyuki , Kitamura Akihiko , Zalesky Andrew , Takumi Toru
Published: February 2020

Awake fMRI detects the hypoconnectivity partially rescued by
d
-cycloserine treatment in
15q dup
mice.
Stochastic transcriptional pulses orchestrate flagellar biosynthesis in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim J. Mark , Garcia-Alcala Mayra , Balleza Enrique , Cluzel Philippe
Published: February 2020

Biosynthesis program of the flagellum in
Escherichia coli
obeys stochastic dynamics.
The origin of life as a planetary phenomenon
Authors: Sasselov Dimitar D. , Grotzinger John P. , Sutherland John D.
Published: February 2020

Comparative planetary evolution for Earth, Mars, and exoplanets holds the key to uncovering the chemistry-to-life transition.
Deep-reaching acceleration of global mean ocean circulation over the past two decades
Authors: Hu Shijian , Sprintall Janet , Guan Cong , McPhaden Michael J. , Wang Fan , Hu Dunxin , Cai Wenju
Published: February 2020

The global mean ocean circulation from surface to deep oceans has accelerated over the past two decades.
12,000-Year-old Aboriginal rock art from the Kimberley region, Western Australia
Authors: Finch Damien , Gleadow Andrew , Hergt Janet , Levchenko Vladimir A. , Heaney Pauline , Veth Peter , Harper Sam , Ouzman Sven , Myers Cecilia , Green Helen
Published: February 2020

Radiocarbon-dated mud wasp nests provide a terminal Pleistocene age estimate for an Australian Aboriginal rock art style.
Pathogenic siderophore ABC importer YbtPQ adopts a surprising fold of exporter
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Hu Wenxin , Zheng Hongjin
Published: February 2020

The inward-open conformation of YbtPQ reveals a siderophore-binding pocket and substrate release mechanism.
The fuel of atmospheric chemistry: Toward a complete description of reactive organic carbon
Authors: Heald C. L. , Kroll J. H.
Published: February 2020

Tracking reactive organic carbon in the atmosphere is critical to advancing our understanding of air quality and climate.
Neutralization of pertussis toxin by a single antibody prevents clinical pertussis in neonatal baboons
Authors: Nguyen Annalee W. , DiVenere Andrea M. , Papin James F. , Connelly Sheila , Kaleko Michael , Maynard Jennifer A.
Published: February 2020

An antibody prevents the symptoms of whooping cough in newborn baboons when administered 5 weeks before infection.
Knocking out barriers to engineered cell activity
Authors: Hamilton Jennifer R. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: February 2020

CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited T cells show safety and long-term engraftment in humans
Osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is controlled by a compensatory network of secreted and membrane-tethered metalloproteinases
Authors: Zhu Lingxin , Tang Yi , Li Xiao-Yan , Keller Evan T. , Yang Jingwen , Cho Jung-Sun , Feinberg Tamar Y. , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: February 2020

Independent of cathepsin K, the osteoclast-derived matrix metalloproteinases MMP9 and MMP14 codependently drive bone resorption.
The prolactin receptor long isoform regulates nociceptor sensitization and opioid-induced hyperalgesia selectively in females
Authors: Chen Yanxia , Moutal Aubin , Navratilova Edita , Kopruszinski Caroline , Yue Xu , Ikegami Megumi , Chow Michele , Kanazawa Iori , Bellampalli Shreya Sai , Xie Jennifer , Patwardhan Amol , Rice Kenner , Fields Howard , Akopian Armen , Neugebauer Volker , Dodick David , Khanna Rajesh , Porreca Frank
Published: February 2020

Female selective nociceptor sensitization and opioid-induced hyperalgesia result from an imbalance of prolactin receptor isoforms.
Livening up pertussis vaccine development
Authors: Boyle Michelle
Published: February 2020

Vaccination with a
Bordetella pertussis
live attenuated vaccine induces a beneficial T
H
1 cell bias and broadly targeting functional antibodies in humans.
Genomic Evidence for Formate Metabolism by
Chloroflexi
as the Key to Unlocking Deep Carbon in Lost City Microbial Ecosystems
Authors: McGonigle Julia M. , Lang Susan Q. , Brazelton William J.
Published: February 2020

Primitive forms of life may have originated around hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ancient ocean. The Lost City hydrothermal vent field, fueled by just rock and water, provides an analog for not only primitive ecosystems but also potential extraterrestrial rock-powered ecosystems. The microscopic life covering the towering chimney structures at the Lost City has been previously documented, yet little is known about the carbon cycling in this ecosystem. These results provide a better understanding of how carbon from the deep subsurface can fuel rich microbial ecosystems on the seafloor.
DNA Damage Kills Bacterial Spores and Cells Exposed to 222-Nanometer UV Radiation
Authors: Taylor Willie , Camilleri Emily , Craft D. Levi , Korza George , Granados Maria Rocha , Peterson Jaliyah , Szczpaniak Renata , Weller Sandra K. , Moeller Ralf , Douki Thierry , Mok Wendy W. K. , Setlow Peter
Published: February 2020

Spores of a variety of bacteria are resistant to common decontamination agents, and many of them are major causes of food spoilage and some serious human diseases, including anthrax caused by spores of
Bacillus anthracis
. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for efficient methods for spore eradication, in particular methods that have minimal deleterious effects on people or the environment. UV radiation at 254 nm (UV
254
) is sporicidal and commonly used for surface decontamination but can cause deleterious effects in humans. Recent work, however, suggests that 222-nm UV (UV
222
) may be less harmful to people than UV
254
yet may still kill bacteria and at lower fluences than UV
254
. The present work has identified the damage by UV
222
that leads to the killing of growing cells and spores of some bacteria, many of which are human pathogens, and UV
222
also inactivates a herpesvirus.
Coexistence of Two Chiral Helices Produces Kink Translation in
Spiroplasma
Swimming
Authors: Nakane Daisuke , Ito Tatsuro , Nishizaka Takayuki
Published: February 2020

Many swimming bacteria generate a propulsion force by rotating helical filaments like a propeller. However, the nonflagellated bacteria
Spiroplasma
spp. swim without the use of the appendages. The tiny wall-less bacteria possess two chiral helices at a time, and the boundary called a kink travels down, possibly accompanying the dual rotations of the helices. To solve this enigma, we developed an assay to determine the handedness of the body helices at the single-wind level, and demonstrated that the coexistence of body helices triggers the translation of the kink and that the cell body moves by the resultant cell bend propagation. This finding provides us a totally new aspect of bacterial motility, where the body functions as a transformable screw to propel itself forward.
Continuous evolution of oceanic crustal structure following an eruption at Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge
Authors: Doran Adrian K. , Crawford Wayne C.
Published: February 2020

We present the first continuous observations of the temporal evolution of oceanic crustal shear velocity beneath Axial Seamount, a submarine volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (offshore northwestern North America). Weekly values of seafloor compliance, the periodic deformation of the seafloor under ocean waves, were estimated over the time period between December 2014 and May 2018 using data from two cabled broadband ocean-bottom seismometers with collocated absolute pressure sensors. We inverted these measurements for shear-wave velocity within the volcano beneath the two stations as a function of depth and time. Our results, combined with estimates of seismic compressional wave velocity, suggest that the shallow melt reservoir and the lower crust beneath the central caldera contain melt fractions of 14% and at least 4%, respectively. The eruption of April 2015 induced a dramatic drop in shear velocities beneath the central station, primarily in the lower crust, which could have been caused by an increase in melt fraction, a change in small-scale melt geometry, or both. The absence of such a change beneath the eastern flank of the caldera indicates that there is a lower-crustal conduit beneath the caldera center, which is much narrower in cross section (<1 km2) than the overlying melt reservoir (≥42 km2). Our study demonstrates the promise of using continuous data to understand submarine volcanism and crustal accretionary processes.
A critical magma chamber size for volcanic eruptions
Authors: Townsend Meredith , Huber Christian
Published: February 2020

We present a model for a coupled magma chamber–dike system to investigate the conditions required to initiate volcanic eruptions and to determine what controls the size of eruptions. The model combines the mechanics of dike propagation with internal chamber dynamics including crystallization, volatile exsolution, and the elastic response of the magma and surrounding crust to pressure changes within the chamber. We find three regimes for dike growth and eruptions: (1) below a critical magma chamber size, eruptions are suppressed because chamber pressure drops to lithostatic before a dike reaches the surface; (2) at an intermediate chamber size, the erupted volume is less than the dike volume (“dike-limited” eruption regime); and (3) above a certain chamber size, dikes can easily reach the surface and the erupted volume follows a classic scaling law, which depends on the attributes of the magma chamber (“chamber-limited” eruption regime). The critical chamber volume for an eruption ranges from ∼0.01 km3 to 10 km3 depending on the water content in the magma, depth of the chamber, and initial overpressure. This implies that the first eruptions at a volcano likely are preceded by a protracted history of magma chamber growth at depth, and that the crust above the magma chamber may have trapped several intrusions or “failed eruptions.” Model results can be combined with field observations of erupted volume, pressure, and crystal and volatile content to provide tighter constraints on parameters such as the eruptible chamber size.
Suboptimal heart rate assessment and airway management in infants receiving delivery room chest compressions: a quality assurance project
Authors: Boldingh Anne Marthe , Skåre Christiane , Nakstad Britt , Solevåg Anne Lee
Published: February 2020

Objective

In a previous audit, we demonstrated poor compliance with the neonatal resuscitation algorithm. Training can improve guideline compliance and performance. We aimed to prospectively collect detailed data on delivery room resuscitations to identify needs for educational interventions.

Design

Observational study using video recordings of neonatal resuscitations. We analysed episodes where chest compressions (CCs) were provided.

Setting

A Norwegian university hospital.

Patients

All delivery room resuscitations August 2014 to November 2016.

Interventions

The recordings were transcribed using Interact V.9 software (Mangold Int GmbH, Arnstorf, Germany). Supplementary information was collected from the patient electronic records.

Main outcome measures

Heart rate (HR) assessment, provision of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and CC, endotracheal intubation and team communication.

Results

Twenty-nine CC episodes were analysed. We identified team discordance in the decisions to perform CC and only 6 (21%) were retrospectively judged to be in need for CC: 8 (28%) infants had adequate spontaneous respiration, 18 (62%) infants received ineffective PPV and 5 (17%) had a HR >60 bpm. Only one infant was intubated before CC, and we could not identify a consistent pattern of ventilation corrective actions. One infant received CC without prior HR assessment. In some infants, CC duration was exceedingly short, and 11 (38%) of the infants that received CC were not admitted to the NICU. Six (21%) infants had no documentation of CPR in the delivery record.

Conclusions

Education and training should focus on team function and communication, correct and timely HR assessment, effective PPV, and indications for endotracheal intubation.
Priorities for collaborative research using very preterm birth cohorts
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Sentenac Mariane , Morgan Andrei S , Ancel Pierre Yves , Barros Henrique , Cuttini Marina , Draper Elizabeth , Johnson Samantha , Lebeer Jo , Maier Rolf F , Norman Mikael , Varendi Heili
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To develop research priorities on the consequences of very preterm (VPT) birth for the RECAP Preterm platform which brings together data from 23 European VPT birth cohorts.

Design and setting

This study used a two-round modified Delphi consensus process. Round 1 was based on 28 research themes related to childhood outcomes (<12 years) derived from consultations with cohort researchers. An external panel of multidisciplinary stakeholders then ranked their top 10 themes and provided comments. In round 2, panel members provided feedback on rankings and on new themes suggested in round 1.

Results

Of 71 individuals contacted, 64 (90%) participated as panel members comprising obstetricians, neonatologists, nurses, general and specialist paediatricians, psychologists, physiotherapists, parents, adults born preterm, policy makers and epidemiologists from 17 countries. All 28 initial themes were ranked in the top 10 by at least six panel members. Highest ranking themes were: education (73% of panel members' top 10 choices); care and outcomes of extremely preterm births, including ethical decisions (63%); growth and nutrition (60%); emotional well-being and social inclusion (55%); parental stress (55%) and impact of social circumstances on outcomes (52%). Highest ranking themes were robust across panel members classified by background. 15 new themes had at least 6 top 10 endorsements in round 2.

Conclusions

This study elicited a broad range of research priorities on the consequences of VPT birth, with good consensus on highest ranks between stakeholder groups. Several highly ranked themes focused on the socioemotional needs of children and parents, which have been less studied.
Split median superficial sural artery perforator (MSSAP) flap and medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap for posterior thigh sarcoma reconstruction
Authors: Mazur Natalia , Osinga Rik , Lo Steven
Published: February 2020

Reconstruction of composite defects of the posterior thigh and knee is challenging. Pedicled medial gastrocnemius flaps are the traditional reconstructive approach, but late contractures related to skin grafted muscle may affect knee function. More recently, the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been described for such defects, although may necessitate skin grafting of the donor site. To minimise the drawbacks with these options, we describe a combination of a median superficial sural artery perforator (MSSAP) flap and MSAP flap. This allows both tension free closure of the donor site without skin grafting, and facilitates coverage of a round defect by splitting the flap into two adjacent triangular flaps. This is the first report of posterior thigh defect reconstruction with a combination of MSSAP and MSAP flaps.
Introducing pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men in Sweden: insights from a mathematical pair formation model
Authors: Hansson Disa , Strömdahl Susanne , Leung Ka Yin , Britton Tom
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Since 2017, the Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV should be offered to high-risk individuals, in particular to men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model investigating the effect of introducing PrEP to MSM in Sweden.

Design

A pair formation model, including steady and casual sex partners, is developed to study the impact of introducing PrEP. Two groups are included in the model: sexually high active MSM and sexually low active MSM. Three mixing assumptions between the groups are considered.

Setting

A gay-friendly MSM HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. This clinic started offering PrEP to MSM in October 2018.

Participants

The model is calibrated according to detailed sexual behaviour data gathered in 2015 among 403 MSM.

Results

By targeting sexually high active MSM, a PrEP coverage of 3.5% of the MSM population (10% of all high actives) would result in the long-term HIV prevalence to drop considerably (close to 0%). While targeting only low actives would require a PrEP coverage of 35% for a similar reduction. The main effect of PrEP is the reduced susceptibility, whereas the increased HIV testing rate (every third month) among PrEP users plays a lesser role.

Conclusions

To create a multifaceted picture of the effects of interventions against HIV, we need models that include the different stages of HIV infection and real-world data on detailed sexual behaviour to calibrate the mathematical models. Our findings conclude that targeting HIV high-risk individuals, within HIV risk populations such as MSM, with PrEP programmes could greatly decrease the long-term HIV prevalence in Sweden. Therefore, risk stratification of individuals is of importance in PrEP implementation programmes, to ensure optimising the effect and cost-effectiveness of such programmes.
Effect of once weekly folic acid supplementation on erythrocyte folate concentrations in women to determine potential to prevent neural tube defects: a randomised controlled dose-finding trial in Malaysia
Authors: Samson Kaitlyn L I , Loh Su Peng , Khor Geok Lin , Mohd Shariff Zalilah , Yelland Lisa N , Leemaqz Shalem , Makrides Maria , Hutcheon Jennifer A , Sulistyoningrum Dian C , Yu Jessica J , Roche Marion L , De-Regil Luz Maria , Green Tim J , Karakochuk Crystal D
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Folic acid (0.4 mg) taken prior to and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Because these birth defects occur early in pregnancy, before women may know they are pregnant, many countries have mandated the addition of folic acid to food staples. In countries where fortification is not possible, and weekly iron folic acid programmes exist to reduce anaemia, the WHO recommends that 2.8 mg (7×0.4 mg) folic acid be given instead of the current weekly practice of 0.4 mg. Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support if the 2.8 mg folic acid per week dose is sufficient to raise erythrocyte folate concentrations to a level associated with a reduced risk of a NTD-affected pregnancy. We aim to conduct a three-arm randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of weekly folic acid with iron on erythrocyte folate, a biomarker of NTD risk.

Methods and analysis

We will recruit non-pregnant women (n=300; 18–45 years) from Selangor, Malaysia. Women will be randomised to receive either 2.8, 0.4 or 0.0 (placebo) mg folic acid with 60 mg iron weekly for 16 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome will be erythrocyte folate concentration at 16 weeks and the mean concentration will be compared between randomised treatment groups (intention-to-treat) using a linear regression model adjusting for the baseline measure.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of British Columbia (H18-00768) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2018-255). The results of this trial will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration numbers

ACTRN12619000818134 and NMRR-19-119-45736.
De-implementing wisely: developing the evidence base to reduce low-value care
Authors: Grimshaw Jeremy M , Patey Andrea M , Kirkham Kyle R , Hall Amanda , Dowling Shawn K , Rodondi Nicolas , Ellen Moriah , Kool Tijn , van Dulmen Simone A , Kerr Eve A , Linklater Stefanie , Levinson Wendy , Bhatia R Sacha
Published: February 2020

Choosing Wisely (CW) campaigns globally have focused attention on the need to reduce low-value care, which can represent up to 30% of the costs of healthcare. Despite early enthusiasm for the CW initiative, few large-scale changes in rates of low-value care have been reported since the launch of these campaigns. Recent commentaries suggest that the focus of the campaign should be on implementation of evidence-based strategies to effectively reduce low-value care. This paper describes the Choosing Wisely De-Implementation Framework (CWDIF), a novel framework that builds on previous work in the field of implementation science and proposes a comprehensive approach to systematically reduce low-value care in both hospital and community settings and advance the science of de-implementation.

The CWDIF consists of five phases:Phase 0, identification of potential areas of low-value healthcare;Phase 1, identification of local priorities for implementation of CW recommendations;Phase 2, identification of barriers to implementing CW recommendations and potential interventions to overcome these;Phase 3, rigorous evaluations of CW implementation programmes;Phase 4, spread of effective CW implementation programmes. We provide a worked example of applying the CWDIF to develop and evaluate an implementation programme to reduce unnecessary preoperative testing in healthy patients undergoing low-risk surgeries and to further develop the evidence base to reduce low-value care.