bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown in patients with implantable cardioverter and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators: insights from daily remote monitoring transmissions
Authors: Mascioli G , Lucca E , Napoli P , Giacopelli D
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

In Italy, a strict lockdown was imposed from 8 March 2020 to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Purpose

To explore the effect of this lockdown on data transmitted by remote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardioverter and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (ICDs/CRT-Ds).

Methods

RM daily transmissions from ICDs and CRT-Ds were analyzed and compared in two consecutive 1-month frames pre- and post-lockdown: Period I (7 February–7 March 2020) and Period II (8 March–7 April 2020).

Results

The study cohort included 180 patients (81.1% male, 63.3% ICDs and 36.7% CRT-Ds) with a median age of 70 (interquartile range 62-78) years. The median value of physical activity provided by accelerometric sensors showed a significant reduction between Period I and II (13.1% [8.2-18.1%] versus 9.4% [6.3-13.8%], p < 0.001]. Eighty-nine percent of patients decreased their activity, for 43.3% the relative reduction was ≥25%. The mean heart rate decreased significantly (69.2 [63.8-75.6] bpm vs 67.9 [62.7- 75.3] bpm, p < 0.001), but with greater reduction (≈3 beats/minute) in patients aged < 70 years. Resting heart rate and thoracic impedance showed minor variations. No differences were observed in device pacing percentages and arrhythmias.

Conclusions

In cardiac patients, the lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 outbreak significantly reduced the amount of physical activity and the mean heart rate. These side effects of in-home confinement quarantine should be taken in consideration for frail patients. Abstract Figure. Activity and mean heart rate trends
Long-term survival following transvenous lead extraction: importance of indication and comorbidities
Authors: Mehta VS , Elliott MK , Sidhu BS , Gould J , Vergani V , Kadiwar S , Niederer S , Razavi R , Rinaldi CA
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction: 

The significant rise in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has been paralleled by an increase in the number of procedures required for the removal of such devices and their associated leads.  High procedural success rates with low rates of major in hospital complications is well recognised.  Longer term mortality following transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is less well characterised. Long term outcomes are important as they should inform the decision making and consent process, especially in non-infected cases where there may not be a class I indication for lead removal. 

Purpose

 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing survival in patients undergoing TLE depending on extraction indication.

Methods

 Clinical data from consecutive patients undergoing TLE in the reference centre between the years 2000 to 2019 were prospectively collected.  Only patients surviving to discharge were included. The total cohort was divided into groups depending on whether there was an infective or non-infective indication for TLE.  We evaluated the association of demographic, clinical, device related and procedure-related factors on mortality.

Results

 A total of 1151 patients were included in the analysis.  632 (54.9%) and 519 patients (45.1%) were for infective and non-infective indications respectively. Analysis of long-term outcomes on the total cohort (mean 66-month follow-up) revealed a mortality of 34.1% (392 deaths).  A higher proportion of patients died in the infection vs the non-infection group (38.6% vs 28.5%, p < 0.001).  Local infection (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.12-1.75]) was associated with similar long-term mortality risk as systemic infection (HR = 1.3, CI[0.99-1.72]). Multivariate analysis demonstrated increased risk of mortality with higher age (HR = 1.05, CI[1.04-1.07]), eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2 (HR = 1.55, CI[11.22-1.97]), higher cumulative co-morbidity burden (HR = 1.15, CI [1.06-1.23], and reduced risk per percentage increase in LVEF (HR = 0.98, CI[0.96-1.00]). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated statistically worse prognosis in patients with a higher number of leads extracted and increasing co-morbidities.

Conclusion

  Long-term mortality for patients undergoing TLE remains high. Consensus guidelines recommend evaluating risk for major complications when determining whether to proceed with TLE. This study suggests assessing longer-term outcomes when considering TLE, particularly for non-infective indications. Abstract Figure.
Transvenous lead revision for cardiac perforation: a single centre experience
Authors: Elbatran A , Akhtar Z , Bajpai A , Leung L WM , Li A , Pearse S , Zuberi Z , Kaba R , Saba M , Norman M , Grimster A , Gallagher MM , Sohal M
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cardiac perforation is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. Management strategy commonly relies on diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) imaging and cardiac surgery. Emerging evidence has indicated a diversion from this approach. Transvenous culprit lead revision has been shown to be safe and efficacious in limited series.

We sought to evaluate the outcomes of transvenous lead revision in patients with cardiac perforation.

Method

Data was collected retrospectively of patients admitted to a single tertiary centre with CIED-related cardiac perforation between December 2013 – October 2019. Transvenous lead revision was performed as standard with cardiac surgery on standby. Patient demographics, use of CT imaging, method of removal and 30-day outcomes were recorded.

Results

Of the 46 recorded CIED-related cardiac perforations, the majority occurred in female patients (63%) and hypertensives (61%), whilst a proportion had cancer (20%) and ischaemic heart disease (30%). The culprit in most cases was a standard pacing lead (92%) of an active fixation (98%) in the right ventricle (80%) positioned at the ventricular apex (65%). The median time to presentation from implant was 14 days [IQR 4-50 days] with chest pain (44%); abnormal pacing indices was highly prevalent (95%) whilst a pericardial effusion was noted in the majority of cases (57%). CT scanning was performed in 19 cases (41%) for various indications but deemed essential in only 4, all of which had non-diagnostic pacing indices and imaging. Chest X-ray (CXR) found clear perforation, lead displacement or pleural effusion in 74% of cases, whilst an echocardiogram found these in 64% of cases. The culprit lead was replaced in the majority of cases (87%) under local anaesthesia (76%) with surgical backup. The median hospital stay was 7 days [IQR 3-10 days] with zero procedural and 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

Transvenous lead revision for CIED-related cardiac perforation is safe and efficacious. CT modality for diagnostic purposes is useful in providing incremental value in a minority of cases; patients with non-diagnostic pacing parameters and non-CT imaging benefit most from this.
Telemedicine-based early rule out and followup ECG algorithm for COVID-19 patients
Authors: Turan OE , Yilancioglu RY , Alak C , Baskurt AA , Hunuk B , Dugral E , Yilmaz MB , Ergene AO , Ozcan EE
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Drugs with the potential to prolong QT are used in the treatment of coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pneumonia. We have developed a telemedicine-based corrected QT (QTc) follow-up algorithm that allows early rule out for follow up.

Aims

In this study, we investigated the availability and safety of the algorithm.

Study design

Retrospective cohort

Methods

Consecutive patients; administered hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled into digital ECG recording program which includes QTc follow-up algorithm.

Results

Patients were classified into three groups as those, excluded promptly from the QTc follow-up based on two consecutive ECG findings (early rule out, n = 92) and those, for whom the follow-up was continued (n = 12) and usual care group (n = 68). Of note, 237 ECG tracings were performed in our algorithm population contrary to standard practice of daily recommended ECG monitoring which could have yielded 975 ECG tracings along with accompanied risks of exposure. This way; we ended in 738 (75.7%) fewer ECG tracings. Sustained ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death was not observed in the entire patient population.

Conclusions

It is safe to rely on telemedicine-based early rule out algorithm in COVID-19 patients, receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment. This algorithm abolished the need for further ECG in majority of patients without increased risk during follow up. These algorithms can significantly reduce the healthcare worker exposures by eliminating the need for ECG follow-up promptly. Abstract Figure. Covid-19 Follow up Algorithm
Cardiac reparative therapy with adipose graft transposition procedure reduces slow conduction areas in a chronic myocardial infarction swine model
Authors: Adelino Recasens R , Galvez-Monton C , Martinez-Falguera D , Curiel C , Marsal R , Teis A , Rodriguez-Leor O , Fadeuilhe E , Sarrias A , Bazan V , Villuendas R , Aranyo J , Bayes-Genis A , Lupon J , Bisbal F
Published: May 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Insituto de Salud Carlos III

BACKGROUND

Cardiac regenerative therapy is a promising treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease, but there are some concerns on the potential increased risk of arrhythmic events following specific cell therapies. Adipose graft transposition procedure (AGTP) is a cardiac reparative therapy consisting in transposing a vascularized adipose flap from the autologous pericardium and placing it over the epicardial scar area and has demonstrated to reduce infarct size and improve the left ventricular ejection fraction in preclinical and human studies. Specific electrophysiological properties of the scar, (i.e. slow conduction velocity (CV)) have been identified as key features of ventricular tachycardia (VT) isthmuses.

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of the AGTP on VT inducibility and the electrophysiological properties of the post-MI scar with ultra-high density (UHD) mapping.

METHODS

A left circumflex artery (first marginal branch) MI was induced in 10 Landrace X Large White pigs by delivering 1-3 coils. Two weeks post-MI, all subjects underwent baseline left ventricular endocardial UHD mapping during right ventricular pacing with 64-electrode basket mapping catheter, as well as electrophysiological study (EPS) to test for VT inducibility.  Following the mapping, subjects were allocated 1:1 to AGTP or sham group. UHD mapping and EPS were repeated 30 days post-treatment (6 weeks after MI). Voltage and activation maps were analyzed off-line with self-customized Paraview-based software. Voltage cut-offs of 1.5 and 0.5mV (bipolar) defined normal tissue, border zone (BZ) and dense scar, respectively, and 6.7mV for unipolar. Conduction velocity (CV) was determined for every pair of contiguous points and areas of similar CV were quantified for every 0.2m/s steps (for up to 4 m/s).

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups with regard of dense scar, BZ an low unipolar voltage areas. The AGTP group had a significant reduction of the size of slow CV (<0.2 m/s) areas, compared to the sham group in whom it increased (-4.1 ± 1.7 vs. +2.4 ± 1.6 mm2, p = 0.028)(Figure). There were no differences in the size of other ranges of CV. EPS did not induce VT in any subject at baseline, and only in 1 of the sham group at the follow-up EPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac reparative therapy with AGTP of post-MI scar reduced the size of slow conduction areas and could provide a protective effect against arrhythmic events in ischemic heart disease. Abstract Figure.
Intrabacterial lipid inclusions in mycobacteria: unexpected key players in survival and pathogenesis?
Authors: Mallick Ivy , Santucci Pierre , Poncin Isabelle , Point Vanessa , Kremer Laurent , Cavalier Jean-François , Canaan Stéphane
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rely on lipids to survive and chronically persist within their hosts. Upon infection, opportunistic and strict pathogenic mycobacteria exploit metabolic pathways to import and process host-derived free fatty acids, subsequently stored as triacylglycerols in the form of intrabacterial lipid inclusions (ILI). Under nutrient-limiting conditions, ILI constitute a critical source of energy that fuels the carbon requirements and maintain redox homeostasis, promoting bacterial survival for extensive periods of time. In addition to their basic metabolic functions, these organelles display multiple other biological properties, emphasizing their central role in the mycobacterial life cycle. However, despite their importance, the dynamics of ILI metabolism and their contribution to mycobacterial adaptation/survival in the context of infection has not been thoroughly documented. Herein, we provide an overview of the historical ILI discoveries, their characterization and current knowledge regarding the microenvironmental stimuli conveying ILI formation, storage and degradation. We also review new biological systems to monitor the dynamics of ILI metabolism in extra- and intracellular mycobacteria and describe major molecular actors in triacylglycerol biosynthesis, maintenance and breakdown. Finally, emerging concepts regarding the role of ILI in mycobacterial survival, persistence, reactivation, antibiotic susceptibility and inter-individual transmission are also discussed.
Frequency-dependent anisotropy in partially saturated porous rock with multiple sets of mesoscale fractures
Authors: Pang Shuo , Stovas Alexey , Xing Huilin
Published: May 2021

Accurate modelling of the frequency-dependence of seismic wave velocity related to fracture system and fluid content is crucial to the quantitative interpretation of seismic data in fractured reservoirs. Both mesoscale fractures and patchy saturation effects can cause significant velocity dispersion and attenuation in the seismic frequency band due to wave-induced fluid flow (WIFF) mechanism. Considering the coupled impact of ‘mesoscale fractures’ and ‘patchy saturation’, we derive expressions for the frequency-dependent anisotropy in partially saturated porous rock containing two fracture sets with different orientations, sizes and connectivities. Especially, we simplify the rock-physics model as an orthorhombic (ORT) media by assuming the mesoscale fractures to be orthogonal and give the explicit expressions for frequency-dependent elastic constants. Finally, we give the expressions for the frequency-dependent phase velocity in patchy saturated and fractured ORT media and investigate the effect of patchy saturation on P-wave velocity at different polar and azimuth angles. In this paper, we investigate the effects of fluid saturation and fluid pressure on frequency-dependent velocities and Thomsen anisotropy parameters. Also, the effect of the relative permeability is very noticeable. The relaxation frequency can be lower in partially saturated fractured rocks compared with the fully saturated case, which makes the rock have a larger stiffness. The non-monotonic relationships between frequency-dependent anisotropy and fluid saturation add complexity to seismic forward modelling and inversion in reservoirs with complex fracture patterns.
Video Recording and Analysis of Avian Movements and Behavior: Insights from Courtship Case Studies
Authors: Janisch Judith , Mitoyen Clementine , Perinot Elisa , Spezie Giovanni , Fusani Leonida , Quigley Cliodhna
Published: May 2021

Video recordings are useful tools for advancing our understanding of animal movements and behavior. Over the past decades, a burgeoning area of behavioral research has put forward innovative methods to investigate animal movement using video analysis, which includes motion capture and machine learning algorithms. These tools are particularly valuable for the study of elaborate and complex motor behaviors, but can be challenging to use. We focus in particular on elaborate courtship displays, which commonly involve rapid and/or subtle motor patterns. Here, we review currently available tools and provide hands-on guidelines for implementing these techniques in the study of avian model species. First, we suggest a set of possible strategies and solutions for video acquisition based on different model systems, environmental conditions, and time or financial budget. We then outline the available options for video analysis and illustrate how different analytical tools can be chosen to draw inference about animal motor performance. Finally, a detailed case study describes how these guidelines have been implemented to study courtship behavior in golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus).
The Stabilizing Function of the Tail During Arboreal Quadrupedalism
Authors: Young Jesse W , Chadwell Brad A , Dunham Noah T , McNamara Allison , Phelps Taylor , Hieronymus Tobin , Shapiro Liza J
Published: May 2021

Locomotion on the narrow and compliant supports of the arboreal environment is inherently precarious. Previous studies have identified a host of morphological and behavioral specializations in arboreal animals broadly thought to promote stability when on precarious substrates. Less well-studied is the role of the tail in maintaining balance. However, prior anatomical studies have found that arboreal taxa frequently have longer tails for their body size than their terrestrial counterparts, and prior laboratory studies of tail kinematics and the effects of tail reduction in focal taxa have broadly supported the hypothesis that the tail is functionally important for maintaining balance on narrow and mobile substrates. In this set of studies, we extend this work in two ways. First, we used a laboratory dataset on three-dimensional segmental kinematics and tail inertial properties in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) to investigate how tail angular momentum is modulated during steady-state locomotion on narrow supports. In the second study, we used a quantitative dataset on quadrupedal locomotion in wild platyrrhine monkeys to investigate how free-ranging arboreal animals adjust tail movements in response to substrate variation, focusing on kinematic measures validated in prior laboratory studies of tail mechanics (including the laboratory data presented). Our laboratory results show that S. boliviensis significantly increase average tail angular momentum magnitudes and amplitudes on narrow supports, and primarily regulate that momentum by adjusting the linear and angular velocity of the tail (rather than via changes in tail posture per se). We build on these findings in our second study by showing that wild platyrrhines responded to the precarity of narrow and mobile substrates by extending the tail and exaggerating tail displacements, providing ecological validity to the laboratory studies of tail mechanics presented here and elsewhere. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that the long and mobile tails of arboreal animals serve a biological role of enhancing stability when moving quadrupedally over narrow and mobile substrates. Tail angular momentum could be used to cancel out the angular momentum generated by other parts of the body during steady-state locomotion, thereby reducing whole-body angular momentum and promoting stability, and could also be used to mitigate the effects of destabilizing torques about the support should the animals encounter large, unexpected perturbations. Overall, these studies suggest that long and mobile tails should be considered among the fundamental suite of adaptations promoting safe and efficient arboreal locomotion.
Understanding fishery interactions and stock trajectory of yellowfin tuna exploited by Iranian fisheries in the Sea of Oman
Authors: Eighani Morteza , Cope Jason M , Raoufi Paria , Naderi Reza Abbaspour , Bach Pascal
Published: May 2021

The predominant policy for remedying the world fishing crisis aims at maximum sustainable yield (MSY) by adjusting gear selectivity and fishing effort to maintain sustainable stock levels. The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) fishery in the Sea of Oman has experienced intense increases in removals since 1980, with particularly high levels since the 1990s. Here, we apply a statistical catch-at-age model to time-series of catches and fishery-dependent length composition data to obtain a preliminary and general understanding of the population dynamics of this stock since the start of the fishery in 1950–2019. Despite limited data, population models consistently indicate a sharp decline in population status since the beginning of the time-series across a variety of assumptions on stock productivity and life history. The gillnet fishery takes almost exclusively immature individuals, with high fishing intensity and removal rates. Both reference models indicate the population is essentially at the same relative stock status in 2019 (10% of unfished), but with very different future projections and higher absolute stock size when recruitment is estimated. The yellowfin tuna population in 2019 is below estimated MSY reference points (based either on unfished size or spawning output at MSY) for current relative stock size, and over the fishing intensity at MSY, indicating current overfishing. Adjusting the interactions of that fishery with the population, while continuing to collected biological composition data representative of each fleet in the fishery, will help mitigate current stock decline and provide the ability to refine future population status determination and forecasts through more informed stock assessments.
Usability, inclusivity, and content evaluation of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in the United States
Authors: Blacklow Serena O , Lisker Sarah , Ng Madelena Y , Sarkar Urmimala , Lyles Courtney
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the usability of mobile COVID-19 contact tracing apps, especially for individuals with barriers to communication and limited digital literacy skills. We searched the Apple App Store, Google Play, peer-reviewed literature, and lay press to find contact tracing apps in the United States. We evaluated apps with a framework focused on user characteristics and user interface. Of the final 26 apps, 77% were on both iPhone and Android. 69% exceeded 9th grade readability, and 65% were available only in English. Only 12% had inclusive illustrations (different genders, skin tones, physical abilities). 92% alerted users of an exposure, 42% linked to a testing site, and 62% linked to a public health website within 3 clicks. Most apps alert users of COVID-19 exposure but require high English reading levels and are not fully inclusive of the U.S. population, which may limit their reach as public health tools.
Pyrosilviculture Needed for Landscape Resilience of Dry Western United States Forests
Authors: North M P , York R A , Collins B M , Hurteau M D , Jones G M , Knapp E E , Kobziar L , McCann H , Meyer M D , Stephens S L , Tompkins R E , Tubbesing C L
Published: May 2021

A significant increase in treatment pace and scale is needed to restore dry western US forest resilience owing to increasingly frequent and severe wildfire and drought. We propose a pyrosilviculture approach to directly increase large-scale fire use and modify current thinning treatments to optimize future fire incorporation. Recommendations include leveraging wildfire’s “treatment” in areas burned at low and moderate severity with subsequent pyrosilviculture management, identifying managed wildfire zones, and facilitating and financing prescribed fire with “anchor,” “ecosystem asset,” and “revenue” focused thinning treatments. Pyrosilviculture would also expand prescribed-burn and managed-wildfire objectives to include reducing stand density, increasing forest heterogeneity, and selecting for tree species and phenotypes better adapted to changing climate and disturbance regimes. The potential benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed. Fire is inevitable in dry western US forests and pyrosilviculture focuses on proactively shifting more of that fire into managed large-scale burns needed to restore ecosystem resilience.
Transitory Trust: Falsified Passports, Circulars, and Other Speculations in Nineteenth-Century Cuba
Authors: Sartorius David
Published: May 2021

In nineteenth-century Cuba, the increasing and uneven use of passports for maritime travel generated confusion about their authority and encouraged their falsification. This essay explores the forgery and misuse of travel papers alongside the fabrications of an official colonial record that concealed the illegal transatlantic slave trade as it implemented documentary procedures for legal travel. Cuban officials pursued individuals who traveled without passports, with other people’s passports, or lacked other papers, with a disproportionate focus on the circulation of free people of African descent. At the same time, the limited reach of government decrees and policies complicated strict determinations of transgression. Rather than taking this as evidence of a broken system, recognizing how various actors created the conditions for a collective susceptibility both to the authority conferred by passports and to plausible falsehoods lets us view borders, individual identity, and Caribbean mobility in new light. The essay calls on historians to approach the archival record of passports and mobility by balancing our retrospective recognition of falsifications with an awareness of fluctuating estimations of documentary veracity in the past.
Case Report: Soldier With Latrodectism After Black Widow Spider Bite During a Field Training Exercise
Authors: Kubena Bryan E , Umar Mohamad A , Walker Jerimiah D , Harper Hillary
Published: May 2021

Latrodectism from black widow spider (BWS) bites is rare in the United States. Latrodectism is a severe systemic manifestation of the envenomation that includes severe abdominal pain mimicking acute surgical abdomen and, in rare cases, could lead to acute myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis. The BWS typically inhabits dark, low-lying areas such as woodpiles, tree stumps, outdoor storage, outdoor furniture, outdoor toilets, and rock piles and is most active during warm weather months. Military service members often participate in field training exercises during warm weather in wooded areas littered with woodpiles and tree stumps; therefore, they are at an increased risk for bites by arachnids. We report the case of a 26-year-old active duty male soldier evacuated from field training with latrodectism and possible envenomation-induced myocarditis after a suspected BWS bite.
A binary with a δ Scuti star and an oscillating red giant: orbit and asteroseismology of KIC 9773821
Authors: Murphy Simon J , Li Tanda , Sekaran Sanjay , Bedding Timothy R , Yu Jie , Tkachenko Andrew , Colman Isabel , Huber Daniel , Hey Daniel , Baratashvili Tinatin , Janssens Soetkin
Published: May 2021

We study the δ Scuti – red giant (RG) binary KIC 9773821, the first double-pulsator binary of its kind. It was observed by Kepler during its 4-yr mission. Our aims are to ascertain whether the system is bound, rather than a chance alignment, and to identify the evolutionary state of the RG via asteroseismology. An extension of these aims is to determine a dynamical mass and an age prior for a δ Sct star, which may permit mode identification via further asteroseismic modelling. We determine spectroscopic parameters and radial velocities (RVs) for the RG component using HERMES@Mercator spectroscopy. Light arrival-time delays from the δ Sct pulsations are used with the red-giant RVs to determine that the system is bound and to infer its orbital parameters, including the binary mass ratio. We use asteroseismology to model the individual frequencies of the red giant to give a mass of $2.10^{+0.20}_{-0.10}$ M⊙ and an age of $1.08^{+0.06}_{-0.24}$ Gyr. We find that it is a helium-burning secondary clump star, confirm that it follows the standard $\nu _{\rm max}$ scaling relation, and confirm its observed period spacings match their theoretical counterparts in the modelling code mesa. Our results also constrain the mass and age of the δ Sct star. We leverage these constraints to construct δ Sct models in a reduced parameter space and identify four of its five pulsation modes.
Experimental branching fractions, transition probabilities, and oscillator strengths in La i
Authors: Wang Xinghao , Xie Hongqiang , Di Haoran , Su Zihuai , Yu Qi
Published: May 2021

The branching fraction (BF) determinations were performed for 87 La i lines from 290.963 to 1078.646 nm based on the emission spectra of hollow cathode lamps recorded using the 1.0 m Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and are available from the digital library of National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, USA (http://diglib.nso.edu/). Furthermore, by combining the determined BFs with reliable lifetime values reported in literature, the transition probabilities and absolute oscillator strengths for these lines were derived.
Predicting electromagnetic counterparts using low-latency gravitational-wave data products
Authors: Stachie Cosmin , Coughlin Michael W , Dietrich Tim , Antier Sarah , Bulla Mattia , Christensen Nelson , Essick Reed , Landry Philippe , Mours Benoit , Schianchi Federico , Toivonen Andrew
Published: May 2021

Searches for gravitational-wave counterparts have been going in earnest since GW170817 and the discovery of AT2017gfo. Since then, the lack of detection of other optical counterparts connected to binary neutron star or black hole–neutron star candidates has highlighted the need for a better discrimination criterion to support this effort. At the moment, low-latency gravitational-wave alerts contain preliminary information about binary properties and hence whether a detected binary might have an electromagnetic counterpart. The current alert method is a classifier that estimates the probability that there is a debris disc outside the black hole created during the merger as well as the probability of a signal being a binary neutron star, a black hole–neutron star, a binary black hole, or of terrestrial origin. In this work, we expand upon this approach to both predict the ejecta properties and provide contours of potential light curves for these events, in order to improve the follow-up observation strategy. The various sources of uncertainty are discussed, and we conclude that our ignorance about the ejecta composition and the insufficient constraint of the binary parameters by low-latency pipelines represent the main limitations. To validate the method, we test our approach on real events from the second and third Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)–Virgo observing runs.
The Worldwide Invasion ofDrosophila suzukiiIs Accompanied by a Large Increase of Transposable Element Load and a Small Number of Putatively Adaptive Insertions
Authors: Mérel Vincent , Gibert Patricia , Buch Inessa , Rodriguez Rada Valentina , Estoup Arnaud , Gautier Mathieu , Fablet Marie , Boulesteix Matthieu , Vieira Cristina
Published: May 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous and mobile repeated sequences. They are major determinants of host fitness. Here, we characterized the TE content of the spotted wing fly Drosophila suzukii. Using a recently improved genome assembly, we reconstructed TE sequences de novo and found that TEs occupy 47% of the genome and are mostly located in gene-poor regions. The majority of TE insertions segregate at low frequencies, indicating a recent and probably ongoing TE activity. To explore TE dynamics in the context of biological invasions, we studied the variation of TE abundance in genomic data from 16 invasive and six native populations of D. suzukii. We found a large increase of the TE load in invasive populations correlated with a reduced Watterson estimate of genetic diversity θw^ a proxy of effective population size. We did not find any correlation between TE contents and bioclimatic variables, indicating a minor effect of environmentally induced TE activity. A genome-wide association study revealed that ca. 2,000 genomic regions are associated with TE abundance. We did not find, however, any evidence in such regions of an enrichment for genes known to interact with TE activity (e.g., transcription factor encoding genes or genes of the piRNA pathway). Finally, the study of TE insertion frequencies revealed 15 putatively adaptive TE insertions, six of them being likely associated with the recent invasion history of the species.
Genetic Origins and Sex-Biased Admixture of the Huis
Authors: Ma Xixian , Yang Wenjun , Gao Yang , Pan Yuwen , Lu Yan , Chen Hao , Lu Dongsheng , Xu Shuhua
Published: May 2021

The Hui people are unique among Chinese ethnic minorities in that they speak the same language as Han Chinese (HAN) but practice Islam. However, as the second-largest minority group in China numbering well over 10 million, the Huis are under-represented in both global and regional genomic studies. Here, we present the first whole-genome sequencing effort of 234 Hui individuals (NXH) aged over 60 who have been living in Ningxia, where the Huis are mostly concentrated. NXH are genetically more similar to East Asian than to any other global populations. In particular, the genetic differentiation between NXH and HAN (FST = 0.0015) is only slightly larger than that between northern and southern HAN (FST = 0.0010), largely attributed to the western ancestry in NXH (∼10%). Highly differentiated functional variants between NXH and HAN were identified in genes associated with skin pigmentation (e.g., SLC24A5), facial morphology (e.g., EDAR), and lipid metabolism (e.g., ABCG8). The Huis are also distinct from other Muslim groups such as the Uyghurs (FST = 0.0187), especially, NXH derived much less western ancestry (∼10%) compared with the Uyghurs (∼50%). Modeling admixture history indicated that NXH experienced an episode of two-wave admixture. An ancient admixture occurred ∼1,025 years ago, reflecting the intensive west–east contacts during the late Tang Dynasty, and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. A recent admixture occurred ∼500 years ago, corresponding to the Ming Dynasty. Notably, we identified considerable sex-biased admixture, that is, excess of western males and eastern females contributing to the NXH gene pool. The origins and the genomic diversity of the Hui people imply the complex history of contacts between western and eastern Eurasians.
Optimizing protein V untranslated region sequence in M13 phage for increased production of single-stranded DNA for origami
Authors: Lee Bo-Young , Lee Jaewon , Ahn Dong June , Lee Seungwoo , Oh Min-Kyu
Published: May 2021

DNA origami requires long scaffold DNA to be aligned with the guidance of short staple DNA strands. Scaffold DNA is produced in Escherichia coli as a form of the M13 bacteriophage by rolling circle amplification (RCA). This study shows that RCA can be reconfigured by reducing phage protein V (pV) expression, improving the production throughput of scaffold DNA by at least 5.66-fold. The change in pV expression was executed by modifying the untranslated region sequence and monitored using a reporter green fluorescence protein fused to pV. In a separate experiment, pV expression was controlled by an inducer. In both experiments, reduced pV expression was correlated with improved M13 bacteriophage production. High-cell-density cultivation was attempted for mass scaffold DNA production, and the produced scaffold DNA was successfully folded into a barrel shape without compromising structural quality. This result suggested that scaffold DNA production throughput can be significantly improved by reprogramming the RCA in E. coli.
RNA pull-down confocal nanoscanning (RP-CONA) detects quercetin as pri-miR-7/HuR interaction inhibitor that decreases α-synuclein levels
Authors: Zhu Siran , Choudhury Nila Roy , Rooney Saul , Pham Nhan T , Koszela Joanna , Kelly David , Spanos Christos , Rappsilber Juri , Auer Manfred , Michlewski Gracjan
Published: May 2021

RNA–protein interactions are central to all gene expression processes and contribute to a variety of human diseases. Therapeutic approaches targeting RNA–protein interactions have shown promising effects on some diseases that are previously regarded as ‘incurable’. Here, we developed a fluorescent on-bead screening platform, RNA Pull-Down COnfocal NAnoscanning (RP-CONA), to identify RNA–protein interaction modulators in eukaryotic cell extracts. Using RP-CONA, we identified small molecules that disrupt the interaction between HuR, an inhibitor of brain-enriched miR-7 biogenesis, and the conserved terminal loop of pri-miR-7–1. Importantly, miR-7′s primary target is an mRNA of α-synuclein, which contributes to the aetiology of Parkinson’s disease. Our method identified a natural product quercetin as a molecule able to upregulate cellular miR-7 levels and downregulate the expression of α-synuclein. This opens up new therapeutic avenues towards treatment of Parkinson’s disease as well as provides a novel methodology to search for modulators of RNA–protein interaction.
Lectin receptor-like kinase LecRK-VIII.2 is a missing link in MAPK signaling-mediated yield control
Authors: Xiao Wenjun , Hu Shuai , Zou Xiaoxiao , Cai Ruqiong , Liao Rui , Lin Xiaoxia , Yao Ruifeng , Guo Xinhong
Published: May 2021

The energy allocation for vegetative and reproductive growth is regulated by developmental signals and environmental cues, which subsequently affects seed output. However, the molecular mechanism underlying how plants coordinate yield-related traits to control yield in changing source–sink relationships remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered the lectin receptor-like kinase LecRK-VIII.2 as a specific receptor-like kinase that coordinates silique number, seed size, and seed number to determine seed yield in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The lecrk-VIII.2 mutants develop smaller seeds, but more siliques and seeds, leading to increased yield. In contrast, the plants overexpressing LecRK-VIII.2 form bigger seeds, but less siliques and seeds, which results in similar yield to that of wild-type plants. Interestingly, LecRK-VIII.2 promotes the growth of the rosette, root, and stem by coordinating the source–sink relationship. Additionally, LecRK-VIII.2 positively regulates cell expansion and proliferation in the seed coat, and maternally controls seed size. The genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrated that LecRK-VIII.2 acts upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene MPK6 to regulate silique number, seed size, and seed number. Collectively, these findings uncover LecRK-VIII.2 as an upstream component of the MAPK signaling pathway to control yield-related traits and suggest its potential for crop improvement aimed at developing plants with stable yield, a robust root system, and improved lodging resistance.
Electron wave functions in beta-decay formulas revisited (I): Gamow–Teller and spin-dipole contributions to allowed and first-forbidden transitions
Authors: Horiuchi Wataru , Sato Toru , Uesaka Yuichi , Yoshida Kenichi
Published: May 2021

We propose formulas of the nuclear beta-decay rate that are useful in a practical calculation. The decay rate is determined by the product of the lepton and hadron current densities. A widely used formula relies upon the fact that the low-energy lepton wave functions in a nucleus can be well approximated by a constant and are linear to the radius for the $s$-wave and $p$-wave wave functions, respectively. We find, however, that the deviation from such a simple approximation is evident for heavy nuclei with large $Z$ by numerically solving the Dirac equation. In our proposed formulas, the neutrino wave function is treated exactly as a plane wave, while the electron wave function is obtained by iteratively solving the integral equation, thus we can control the uncertainty of the approximate wave function. The leading-order approximation gives a formula equivalent to the conventional one and overestimates the decay rate. We demonstrate that the next-to-leading-order formula reproduces well the exact result for a schematic transition density as well as a microscopic one obtained by a nuclear energy-density functional method.
Infections in immunosuppressed travellers with autoimmune inflammatory diseases—a narrative review and advice for clinical practice
Authors: Allen Victoria , Longley Nicky
Published: May 2021

The management of autoimmune, inflammatory diseases has been revolutionized by biologic therapies. A beneficial consequence of better disease control is that more patients are well enough to travel the world. There is now a class of traveller, the significantly immunosuppressed person with autoimmune disease, with specific risks and requirements. This review introduces the concept of the pre-travel risk assessment and discusses the major vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable travel-associated infections. The challenges and controversies around vaccination and immunosuppression are reviewed with advice for clinical practice.
Knee joint distraction results in MRI cartilage thickness increase up to 10 years after treatment
Authors: Jansen Mylène P , Mastbergen Simon C , MacKay James W , Turmezei Tom D , Lafeber Floris
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Knee joint distraction (KJD) has been shown to result in long-term clinical improvement and short-term cartilage restoration in young OA patients. The objective of the current study was to evaluate MRI cartilage thickness up to 10 years after KJD treatment, using a 3D surface-based approach.

Methods

Twenty end-stage knee OA patients were treated with KJD. MRI scans (1.5 T) were performed before and at 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10 years after treatment. Tibia and femur cartilage segmentation and registration to a canonical surface were performed semi-automatically. Statistical parametric mapping with linear mixed models was used to analyse whole-joint changes. The influence of baseline patient characteristics was analysed with statistical parametric mapping using linear regression. Relevant weight-bearing parts of the femur were selected to obtain the average cartilage thickness in the femur and tibia of the most- (MAC) and least-affected compartment. These compartmental changes over time were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA; missing data was imputed. In all cases, P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

One and 2 years post-treatment, cartilage in the MAC weight-bearing region was significantly thicker than pre-treatment, gradually thinning after 5 years, but still increased at 10 years post-treatment. Long-term results showed that areas in the least-affected compartment were significantly thicker than pre-treatment. Male sex and more severe OA at baseline somewhat predicted shorter-term benefit (P >0.05). Compartmental analyses showed significant short- and long-term thickness increase in the tibia and femur MAC (all P <0.05).

Conclusion

KJD results in significant short- and long-term cartilage regeneration, up to 10 years post-treatment.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, https://www.trialregister.nl, NL419.
Maternal depressive symptoms, sleep, and odds of spontaneous early birth: implications for racial inequities in birth outcomes
Authors: Christian Lisa M , Webber Shannon , Gillespie Shannon , Strahm Anna M , Schaffir Jonathan , Gokun Yevgeniya , Porter Kyle
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

Delivery prior to full term affects 37% of US births, including ~400,000 preterm births (<37 weeks) and >1,000,000 early term births (37–38 weeks). Approximately 70% of cases of shortened gestation are spontaneous—without medically-indicated cause. Elucidation of modifiable behavioral factors would have considerable clinical impact.

Methods

This study examined the role of depressive symptoms and sleep quality in predicting the odds of spontaneous shortened gestation among 317 women (135 black, 182 white) who completed psychosocial assessment in mid-pregnancy.

Results

Adjusting for key covariates, black women had 1.89 times higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation compared to White women (OR [95% CI] = 1.89 [1.01, 3.53], p = 0.046). Women who reported only poor subjective sleep quality (PSQI > 6) or only elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16) exhibited no statistically significant differences in odds of spontaneous shortened gestation compared to those with neither risk factor. However, women with comorbid poor sleep and depressive symptoms exhibited markedly higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation than those with neither risk factor (39.2% versus 15.7% [OR (95% CI) = 2.69 (1.27, 5.70)], p = 0.01). A higher proportion of black women met criteria for both risk factors (23% of black women versus 11% of white women; p = 0.004), with a lower proportion experiencing neither risk factor (40.7% of black versus 64.3% of white women; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Additive effects of poor subjective sleep quality and depressive symptoms were observed with markedly higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation among women with both risk factors. Racial inequities in rates of comorbid exposure corresponded with inequities in shortened gestation. Future empirical studies and intervention efforts should consider the interactive effects of these commonly co-morbid exposures.
Circular RNA circ_ASAP2 regulates drug sensitivity and functional behaviors of cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells by the miR-330-3p/NT5E axis
Authors: Sun Yongjun , Ma Jie , Lin Junkai , Sun Dawei , Song Ping , Shi Lujing , Li Hongtao , Wang Ruijie , Wang Ziwen , Liu Shijun
Published: May 2021

This study aims to explore the biological actions of circular RNA (circRNA) ArfGAP with SH3 domain, ankyrin repeat and PH domain 2 (circ_ASAP2, circ_0006089) in cisplatin (DDP) resistance of gastric cancer. Circ_ASAP2, ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E) and miR-330-3p were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR or western blot. The measurements of the IC50 value and cell proliferation were done using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell colony formation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by the colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeted relationship between different molecules. The role of circ_ASAP2 in tumor growth was gauged by in vivo animal studies. Circ_ASAP2 and NT5E were overexpressed in DDP-resistant gastric cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_ASAP2 promoted DDP sensitivity, apoptosis and repressed proliferation, migration and invasion of DDP-resistant gastric cancer cells in vitro and diminished tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, NT5E was a downstream effector of circ_ASAP2 in regulating cell DDP sensitivity and functional behaviors. Mechanistically, circ_ASAP2 directly bound to miR-330-3p to promote NT5E expression. Furthermore, circ_ASAP2 modulated cell DDP sensitivity and functional behaviors by targeting miR-330-3p. Knockdown of circ_ASAP2 promoted DDP sensitivity and suppressed malignant behaviors of DDP-resistant gastric cancer cells through targeting the miR-330-3p/NT5E axis.