bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative spinal cord MRI in MOG-antibody disease, neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mariano Romina , Messina Silvia , Roca-Fernandez Adriana , Leite Maria I , Kong Yazhuo , Palace Jacqueline A
Published: September 2020

Spinal cord involvement is a hallmark feature of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica with AQP4 antibodies and MOG-antibody disease. In this cross-sectional study we use quantitative spinal cord MRI to better understand these conditions, differentiate them and associate with relevant clinical outcomes. Eighty participants (20 in each disease group and 20 matched healthy volunteers) underwent spinal cord MRI (cervical cord: 3D T1, 3D T2, diffusion tensor imaging and magnetization transfer ratio; thoracic cord: 3D T2), together with disability, pain and fatigue scoring. All participants had documented spinal cord involvement and were at least 6 months post an acute event. MRI scans were analysed using publicly available software. Those with AQP4-antibody disease showed a significant reduction in cervical cord cross-sectional area (P = 0.038), thoracic cord cross-sectional area (P = 0.043), cervical cord grey matter (P = 0.011), magnetization transfer ratio (P ≤ 0.001), fractional anisotropy (P = 0.004) and increased mean diffusivity (P = 0.008). Those with multiple sclerosis showed significantly increased mean diffusivity (P = 0.001) and reduced fractional anisotropy (P = 0.013), grey matter volume (P = 0.002) and magnetization transfer ratio (P = 0.011). In AQP4-antibody disease the damage was localized to areas of the cord involved in the acute attack. In multiple sclerosis this relationship with lesions was absent. MOG-antibody disease did not show significant differences to healthy volunteers in any modality. However, when considering only areas involved at the time of the acute attack, a reduction in grey matter volume was found (P = 0.023). This suggests a predominant central grey matter component to MOG-antibody myelitis, which we hypothesize could be partially responsible for the significant residual sphincter dysfunction. Those with relapsing MOG-antibody disease showed a reduction in cord cross-sectional area compared to those with monophasic disease, even when relapses occurred elsewhere (P = 0.012). This suggests that relapsing MOG-antibody disease is a more severe phenotype. We then applied a principal component analysis, followed by an orthogonal partial least squares analysis. MOG-antibody disease was discriminated from both AQP4-antibody disease and multiple sclerosis with moderate predictive values. Finally, we assessed the clinical relevance of these metrics using a multiple regression model. Cervical cord cross-sectional area associated with disability scores (B = −0.07, P = 0.0440, R2 = 0.20) and cervical cord spinothalamic tract fractional anisotropy associated with pain scores (B = −19.57, P = 0.016, R2 = 0.55). No spinal cord metric captured fatigue. This work contributes to our understanding of myelitis in these conditions and highlights the clinical relevance of quantitative spinal cord MRI.
The association between systemic autoimmune disorders and epilepsy and its clinical implications
Authors: Steriade Claude , Titulaer Maarten J , Vezzani Annamaria , Sander Josemir W , Thijs Roland D
Published: September 2020

Systemic autoimmune disorders occur more frequently in patients with epilepsy than in the general population, suggesting shared disease mechanisms. The risk of epilepsy is elevated across the spectrum of systemic autoimmune disorders but is highest in systemic lupus erythematosus and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Vascular and metabolic factors are the most important mediators between systemic autoimmune disorders and epilepsy. Systemic immune dysfunction can also affect neuronal excitability, not only through innate immune activation and blood–brain barrier dysfunction in most epilepsies but also adaptive immunity in autoimmune encephalitis. The presence of systemic autoimmune disorders in subjects with acute seizures warrants evaluation for infectious, vascular, toxic and metabolic causes of acute symptomatic seizures, but clinical signs of autoimmune encephalitis should not be missed. Immunosuppressive medications may have antiseizure properties and trigger certain drug interactions with antiseizure treatments. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying the co-existence of epilepsy and systemic autoimmune disorders is needed to guide new antiseizure and anti-epileptogenic treatments. This review aims to summarize the epidemiological evidence for systemic autoimmune disorders as comorbidities of epilepsy, explore potential immune and non-immune mechanisms, and provide practical implications on diagnostic and therapeutic approach to epilepsy in those with comorbid systemic autoimmune disorders.
Nationwide Trends of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Spain From 2009 Through 2019 in Children and Adults During the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era
Authors: de Miguel Sara , Domenech Mirian , González-Camacho Fernando , Sempere Julio , Vicioso Dolores , Sanz Juan Carlos , Comas Luis García , Ardanuy Carmen , Fenoll Asunción , Yuste Jose
Published: September 2020

Background

Introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has reduced the disease caused by vaccine serotypes in children, providing herd protection to adults. However, the emergence of nonvaccine serotypes is of great concern worldwide.

Methods

This study includes national laboratory data from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases that affected pediatric and adult populations during 2009–2019. The impact of implementing different vaccine strategies for immunocompetent adults by comparing Spanish regions that used the 13-valent PCV (PCV13) vs regions that used the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) was also analyzed for 2017−2019.

Results

The overall reductions in IPD cases by PCV13 serotypes in children and adults were 88% and 59%, respectively, during 2009–2019, with a constant increase in serotype 8 in adults since 2015. IPD cases by additional serotypes covered by PPV23 increased from 20% in 2009 to 52% in 2019. In children, serotype 24F was the most frequent in 2019, whereas serotypes 3 and 8 accounted for 36% of IPD cases in adults. Introduction of PCV13 or PPV23 in the adult calendar of certain Spanish regions reduced the IPD cases by PCV13 serotypes by up to 25% and 11%, respectively, showing a decrease of serotype 3 when PCV13 was used.

Conclusions

Use of PCV13 in children has affected the epidemiology, reducing the burden of IPD in children but also in adults by herd protection; however, the increase in serotype 8 in adults is worrisome. Vaccination with PCV13 in adults seems to control IPD cases by PCV13 serotypes including serotype 3.
Brexit Uncertainty and Trade Disintegration
Authors: Graziano Alejandro G , Handley Kyle , Limão Nuno
Published: September 2020

We estimate the uncertainty effects of preferential trade disagreements. Increases in the probability of Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) reduce bilateral export values and trade participation. These effects are increasing in trade policy risk across products. We estimate that at the average disagreement tariff of 4.5% the increase in the probability of Brexit after the referendum lowered EU–UK bilateral export values between 11–20%. Neither the EU or UK exporters believed a trade war was likely.
Factors affecting health promoting behavior among older women in Korea: a structural equation model
Authors: Oh Jihyun
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to explain the health promoting behaviors of older women in South Korea using a structural equation model. The health promotion model developed by Pender was used. A survey using self-administered questionnaires was carried out between 2 October 2016 and 26 November 2016, with 252 older women ≥65 years living in Korea. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The fitness parameters of the modified model (χ2 = 227.243, df = 176, χ2/df = 1.29, p = 0.006, root mean square error of approximation = 0.034, goodness of fit index = 0.927, Tucker−Lewis Index = 0.979, comparative fit index = 0.984, normed fit index = 0.933) indicated its suitability as the research model. Perceived benefits of action and social support directly influenced health promoting behavior, and prior related behavior indirectly influenced health promoting behavior. Interventions should aim to directly improve social support and perceived benefits to increase health promoting behaviors.
Kisspeptin deficiency leads to abnormal adrenal glands and excess steroid hormone secretion
Authors: Berthon Annabel , Settas Nikolaos , Delaney Angela , Giannakou Andreas , Demidowich Andrew , Faucz Fabio R , Seminara Stephanie B , Chen Margaret E , Stratakis Constantine A
Published: September 2020

Knockout mice for the kisspeptin receptor, Kiss1r (Kiss1r−/−) and its ligand kisspeptin, Kiss1 (Kiss1−/−) replicate the phenotype of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) associated with variants of these genes in humans. A recent report suggests that kisspeptin may be involved in human fetal adrenocortical development and function. Herein, we characterized the adrenal function and morphology in Kiss1−/− mice that do not go through normal puberty. Two fetal markers were expressed in eosinophilic cells potentially derived from the X-zone that should disappear at puberty in male mice and during the first pregnancy in female animals. Although the hypercorticosteronism observed in Kiss1−/− females corrected overtime, hyperaldosteronism persisted at 14 months and correlated with the overexpression of Star. To determine if KISS1 and KISS1R genes are involved in the development of primary aldosteronism (PA) and hypercortisolism [Cushing’s syndrome (CS)] in humans, we sequenced these 2 genes in 65 patients with PA and/or CS. Interestingly, a patient with CS presented with a germline KISS1 variant (p.H90D, rs201073751). We also found three rare variants in the KISS1R gene in three patients with PA: p.C95W (rs141767649), p.A189T (rs73507527) and p.R229R (rs115335009). The two missense variants have been previously associated with IHH. Our findings suggest that KISS1 may play a role in adrenal function in mice and possibly adrenocortical steroid hormone secretion in humans, beyond its recently described role in human fetal adrenocortical development.
Dystroglycan regulates proper expression, submembranous localization and subsequent phosphorylation of Dp71 through physical interaction
Authors: Fujimoto Takahiro , Yaoi Takeshi , Tanaka Hidekazu , Itoh Kyoko
Published: September 2020

Dystrophin–dystroglycan complex (DGC) plays important roles for structural integrity and cell signaling, and its defects cause progressive muscular degeneration and intellectual disability. Dystrophin short product, Dp71, is abundantly expressed in multiple tissues other than muscle and is suspected of contributing to cognitive functions; however, its molecular characteristics and relation to dystroglycan (DG) remain unknown. Here, we report that DG physically interacts with Dp71 in cultured cells. Intriguingly, DG expression positively and DG knockdown negatively affected the steady-state expression, submembranous localization and subsequent phosphorylation of Dp71. Mechanistically, two EF-hand regions along with a ZZ motif of Dp71 mediate its association with the transmembrane proximal region, amino acid residues 788–806, of DG cytoplasmic domain. Most importantly, the pathogenic point mutations of Dp71, C272Y in the ZZ motif or L170del in the second EF-hand region, impaired its binding to DG, submembranous localization and phosphorylation of Dp71, indicating the relevance of DG-dependent Dp71 regulatory mechanism to pathophysiological conditions. Since Dp140, another dystrophin product, was also regulated by DG in the same manner as Dp71, our results uncovered a tight molecular relation between DG and dystrophin, which has broad implications for understanding the DGC-related cellular physiology and pathophysiology.
Evaluation of extended thymectomy approaches based on residual fat tissue
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuteru , Yuasa Masao , Kondo Kazuya , Tsuboi Mitsuhiro , Kawakita Naoya , Tangoku Akira
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

This study analysed the patterns of extraction ranges, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of median sternotomy (MS) and subxiphoid (SX) approaches for extended thymectomy.

METHODS

This study included patients with anterior mediastinum tumour and myasthenia gravis who underwent extended thymectomy at our institution between 2015 and 2018. There were 5 MS and 6 SX extended thymectomy surgeries with the VINCENT software. On preoperative computed tomography, the thymus area and fat tissue surrounding the thymus, which were planned for extraction, were traced using VINCENT (Ver. 4.0). We then constructed three-dimensional images and calculated the volumes. Evaluation of the extended thymectomy approach based on the residual fat tissue was required to determine the area of extended thymectomy.

RESULTS

No significant differences in operation time (min) [SX: 197.3 ± 34.0, MS: 206.6 ± 91.4, drainage duration (days), SX: 2.2 ± 1.0, MS: 2.2 ± 0.4, hospital stay (days), SX: 11.8 ± 1.2, MS: 13.4 ± 2.1, residual rate (%), SX: 29.9 ± 17.5, MS: 58.7 ± 18.0 (P = 0.0519)] were observed between the 2 groups. Bleeding was significantly lower for SX than for MS. The residual rate was lower for SX than for MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the amount of the residual fat tissue, the SX approach allows an adequate dissection area for extended thymectomy compared with the MS approach.
Rotavirus Genotypes in Hospitalized Children With Acute Gastroenteritis Before and After Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in Blantyre, Malawi, 1997–2019
Authors: Mhango Chimwemwe , Mandolo Jonathan J , Chinyama End , Wachepa Richard , Kanjerwa Oscar , Malamba-Banda Chikondi , Matambo Prisca B , Barnes Kayla G , Chaguza Chrispin , Shawa Isaac T , Nyaga Martin M , Hungerford Daniel , Parashar Umesh D , Pitzer Virginia E , Kamng’ona Arox W , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Cunliffe Nigel A , Jere Khuzwayo C
Published: September 2020

Background

Rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix [RV1]) has reduced diarrhea-associated hospitalizations and deaths in Malawi. We examined the trends in circulating rotavirus genotypes in Malawi over a 22-year period to assess the impact of RV1 introduction on strain distribution.

Methods

Data on rotavirus-positive stool specimens among children aged <5 years hospitalized with diarrhea in Blantyre, Malawi before (July 1997–October 2012, n = 1765) and after (November 2012–October 2019, n = 934) RV1 introduction were analyzed. Rotavirus G and P genotypes were assigned using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A rich rotavirus strain diversity circulated throughout the 22-year period; Shannon (H′) and Simpson diversity (D′) indices did not differ between the pre- and postvaccine periods (H′ P < .149; D′ P < .287). Overall, G1 (n = 268/924 [28.7%]), G2 (n = 308/924 [33.0%]), G3 (n = 72/924 [7.7%]), and G12 (n = 109/924 [11.8%]) were the most prevalent genotypes identified following RV1 introduction. The prevalence of G1P[8] and G2P[4] genotypes declined each successive year following RV1 introduction, and were not detected after 2018. Genotype G3 reemerged and became the predominant genotype from 2017 onward. No evidence of genotype selection was observed 7 years post–RV1 introduction.

Conclusions

Rotavirus strain diversity and genotype variation in Malawi are likely driven by natural mechanisms rather than vaccine pressure.
Increased Dengue Transmissions in Singapore Attributable to SARS-CoV-2 Social Distancing Measures
Authors: Lim Jue Tao , Chew Lawrence Zheng Xiong , Choo Esther Li Wen , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , Ong Janet , Aik Joel , Ng Lee Ching , Cook Alex R
Published: September 2020

Social distancing (SD) measures aimed at curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 remain an important public health intervention. Little is known about the collateral impact of reduced mobility on the risk of other communicable diseases. We used differences in dengue case counts pre- and post implementation of SD measures and exploited heterogeneity in SD treatment effects among different age groups in Singapore to identify the spillover effects of SD measures. SD policy caused an increase of over 37.2% in dengue cases from baseline. Additional measures to preemptively mitigate the risk of other communicable diseases must be considered before the implementation/reimplementation of SARS-CoV-2 SD measures.
Functional analysis of BRCA1 RING domain variants: computationally derived structural data can improve upon experimental features for training predictive models
Authors: Masso Majid
Published: September 2020

Advancements in the interpretation of variants of unknown significance are critical for improving clinical outcomes. In a recent study, massive parallel assays were used to experimentally quantify the effects of missense substitutions in the RING domain of BRCA1 on E3 ubiquitin ligase activity as well as BARD1 RING domain binding. These attributes were subsequently used for training a predictive model of homology-directed DNA repair levels for these BRCA1 variants relative to wild type, which is critical for tumor suppression. Here, relative structural changes characterizing BRCA1 variants were quantified by using an efficient and cost-free computational mutagenesis technique, and we show that these features lead to improvements in model performance. This work underscores the potential for bench researchers to gain valuable insights from computational tools, prior to implementing costly and time-consuming experiments.
Molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producingEscherichia colifrom duck farms in south-east coastal China
Authors: Wang Min-Ge , Zhang Rong-Min , Wang Lin-Lin , Sun Ruan-Yang , Bai Shuan-Cheng , Han Lu , Fang Liang-Xing , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine the dissemination and molecular characteristics of NDM-producing Escherichia coli strains from duck farms in south-east coastal China and their threats to human health.

Methods

A total of 232 NDM-producing E. coli were recovered from 1505 samples collected from 25 duck farms and their surrounding environments in five provinces in China. Resistance genes were confirmed using PCR. Genomic characteristics of the carbapenemase-producing isolates were determined by WGS and bioinformatic analysis.

Results

The rate of NDM-positive E. coli detected in samples from the five provinces ranged from 3.7% to 28.5%. There was substantial variation in the prevalence of NDM-positive E. coli from different duck farms in each province studied. Three variants (blaNDM-1, blaNDM-4 and blaNDM-5) were found in 232 NDM-positive E. coli; blaNDM-5 (94.8%, 220/232) was the most prevalent. WGS analysis indicated that ST746, ST48, ST1011 and ST167 E. coli isolates were prevalent in the current study and poultry was likely the primary reservoir for NDM-positive ST746 and ST48 E. coli in China. Phylogenomic analysis showed that NDM-positive E. coli isolates from ducks were closely related to those of human origin. In addition, WGS analysis further revealed that blaNDM co-existed with other antibiotic resistance genes, conferring resistance to nine classes of antimicrobials.

Conclusions

This study revealed that ducks farm in China are an important reservoir for NDM-positive E. coli and STs of the isolates showed obvious distinctive diversities in geographical distribution. The distribution and spread of NDM-positive E. coli in duck farms poses a threat to public health.
Uniform infection screening allowed safe head and neck surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Ito Akiko , Kobayashi Kenya , Shiotsuka Mika , Sato Tetsufumi , Omura Go , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Ikeda Atsuo , Sakai Azusa , Eguchi Kohtaro , Takano Tomonari , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Kobayashi Osamu , Iwata Satoshi , Yoshimoto Seiichi
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a uniform infection screening protocol could be used to safely perform head and neck cancer surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and clarify how surgical treatment changed compared with the pre-pandemic period.

Materials and methods

During the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Tokyo, we continued providing head and neck cancer care, guided by our own uniform screening protocol. In this study, medical records of 208 patients with head and neck malignancy, who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital during the first and second wave of pandemic for each 2-month period (first wave: 30 March 2020–30 May 2020, second wave: 14 July 2020–14 September 2020) and the 2-month pre-pandemic period (30 October 2019–30 December 2020), were analysed.

Results

A total of 133 patients were admitted for surgical treatment and all, except six patients with emergency tracheostomy, were screened according to the protocol. As a result, all 127 patients received surgical treatment as planned, and all 1247 medical staff members involved in the surgeries were uninfected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. During the first wave of pandemic, 20% reduction of head and neck surgery was requited; however, restrictions of surgery were not necessary during the second wave. Surgical procedure, length of hospitalization, postoperative complications and number of medical staff were unchanged compared with pre-pandemic period.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that continuation of head and neck anticancer surgical treatment in an epidemic area during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic were safe and feasible, if adequate and strict preventive measures are vigorously and successfully carried out.
A case report of an unusual caecal metastatic location of a primary cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rockson Obed , Kora Christine , Ramdani Abdelbassir , Serji Badr , El Harroudi Tijani
Published: September 2020

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the colon is a rare malignant tumor occurring as either a primary or secondary lesion. Few cases of metastatic or secondary colonic SCC have been published. We report an unusual case of a 59-year-old female patient who was treated by Wertheim hysterectomy and adjuvant chemoradiation for stage IIB SCC of the uterine cervix. Two years later, she developed a metastatic location in the caecum causing an acute intestinal obstruction. She underwent an emergency open right hemicolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis and resection of two nodules of the umbilicus and the right parietal peritoneum. Histopathological examination confirmed a triple metastatic location of SCC. She is disease-free 11 months after surgery. We discuss the clinicopathological features, management strategies, and the prognosis of this rare entity.
The Preservation of The Feminine -T in Some Bedouin-Type Dialects of Arabia and Beyond
Authors: ProcháZka Stephan
Published: September 2020

In the overwhelming majority of Arabic dialects, and even in Modern Standard Arabic, the nominal feminine suffix /-at/ is pronounced without the final /-t/ unless it is in the construct state. This common development has apparently not—or at least only partially—occurred in some bedouin-type dialects of Arabia, particularly those of the Shammar confederation. This fact was discussed in a recent article by M. van Putten, who proposed the unusual sound shift *-t → -y to explain the Shammari pausal forms. This article challenges this view by discussing additional data from narratives and concludes that Shammari Arabic most likely took part in the usual development of Arabic. In the second part, dialects other than Shammari are analysed. These dialects either show a complete retention of /-t/ in feminine singular nouns in the absolute state except in pause, or a further development in which this phenomenon is restricted to noun-adjective phrases. In the conclusion it is argued that not all instances of the retention of /-t/ are archaic residues but in some cases are most prob-ably later innovations.
The H α star formation main sequence in cluster and field galaxies at z ∼ 1.6
Authors: Nantais Julie , Wilson Gillian , Muzzin Adam , Old Lyndsay J , Demarco Ricardo , Cerulo Pierluigi , Balogh Michael , Rudnick Gregory , Chan Jeffrey , Cooper M C , Forrest Ben , Hayden Brian , Lidman Chris , Noble Allison , Perlmutter Saul , Rhea Carter , Surace Jason , van der Burg Remco , van Kampen Eelco
Published: September 2020

We calculate H α-based star formation rates and determine the star formation rate–stellar mass relation for members of three Spitzer Adaptation of the Red-Sequence Cluster Survey (SpARCS) clusters at z ∼ 1.6 and serendipitously identified field galaxies at similar redshifts to the clusters. We find similar star formation rates in cluster and field galaxies throughout our range of stellar masses. The results are comparable to those seen in other clusters at similar redshifts, and consistent with our previous photometric evidence for little quenching activity in clusters. One possible explanation for our results is that galaxies in our z ∼ 1.6 clusters have been accreted too recently to show signs of environmental quenching. It is also possible that the clusters are not yet dynamically mature enough to produce important environmental quenching effects shown to be important at low redshift, such as ram-pressure stripping or harassment.
The degeneracy between primordial non-Gaussianity and foregrounds in 21 cm intensity mapping experiments
Authors: Cunnington Steven , Camera Stefano , Pourtsidou Alkistis
Published: September 2020

Potential evidence for primordial non-Gaussianity (PNG) is expected to lie in the largest scales mapped by cosmological surveys. Forthcoming 21 cm intensity mapping experiments will aim to probe these scales by surveying neutral hydrogen (H i) within galaxies. However, foreground signals dominate the 21 cm emission, meaning foreground cleaning is required to recover the cosmological signal. The effect this has is to damp the H i power spectrum on the largest scales, especially along the line of sight. Whilst there is agreement that this contamination is potentially problematic for probing PNG, it is yet to be fully explored and quantified. In this work, we carry out the first forecasts on fNL that incorporate simulated foreground maps that are removed using techniques employed in real data. Using an Monte Carlo Markov Chain analysis on an SKA1-MID-like survey, we demonstrate that foreground cleaned data recovers biased values [$f_{\rm NL}= -102.1_{-7.96}^{+8.39}$ (68 per cent CL)] on our fNL = 0 fiducial input. Introducing a model with fixed parameters for the foreground contamination allows us to recover unbiased results ($f_{\rm NL}= -2.94_{-11.9}^{+11.4}$). However, it is not clear that we will have sufficient understanding of foreground contamination to allow for such rigid models. Treating the main parameter $k_\parallel ^\text{FG}$ in our foreground model as a nuisance parameter and marginalizing over it, still recovers unbiased results but at the expense of larger errors ($f_{\rm NL}= 0.75^{+40.2}_{-44.5}$), which can only be reduced by imposing the Planck 2018 prior. Our results show that significant progress on understanding and controlling foreground removal effects is necessary for studying PNG with H i intensity mapping.
Impact of relativistic effects on the primordial non-Gaussianity signature in the large-scale clustering of quasars
Authors: Wang Mike (Shengbo) , Beutler Florian , Bacon David
Published: September 2020

Relativistic effects in clustering observations have been shown to introduce scale-dependent corrections to the galaxy overdensity field on large scales, which may hamper the detection of primordial non-Gaussianity fNL through the scale-dependent halo bias. The amplitude of relativistic corrections depends not only on the cosmological background expansion, but also on the redshift evolution and sensitivity to the luminosity threshold of the tracer population being examined, as parametrized by the evolution bias be and magnification bias s. In this work, we propagate luminosity function measurements from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) to be and s for the quasar (QSO) sample, and thereby derive constraints on relativistic corrections to its power spectrum multipoles. Although one could mitigate the impact on the fNL signature by adjusting the redshift range or the luminosity threshold of the tracer sample being considered, we suggest that, for future surveys probing large cosmic volumes, relativistic corrections should be forward modelled from the tracer luminosity function including its uncertainties. This will be important to quasar clustering measurements on scales $k \sim 10^{-3}\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ in upcoming surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), where relativistic corrections can overwhelm the expected fNL signature at low redshifts z ≲ 1 and become comparable to fNL ≃ 1 in the power spectrum quadrupole at redshifts z ≳ 2.5.
Nuclear burning in collapsar accretion discs
Authors: Zenati Yossef , Siegel Daniel M , Metzger Brian D , Perets Hagai B
Published: September 2020

The core collapse of massive, rapidly-rotating stars are thought to be the progenitors of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRB) and their associated hyperenergetic supernovae (SNe). At early times after the collapse, relatively low angular momentum material from the infalling stellar envelope will circularize into an accretion disc located just outside the black hole horizon, resulting in high accretion rates necessary to power a GRB jet. Temperatures in the disc mid-plane at these small radii are sufficiently high to dissociate nuclei, while outflows from the disc can be neutron-rich and may synthesize r-process nuclei. However, at later times, and for high progenitor angular momentum, the outer layers of the stellar envelope can circularize at larger radii ≳ 107 cm, where nuclear reactions can take place in the disc mid-plane (e.g. 4He + 16O → 20Ne + γ). Here we explore the effects of nuclear burning on collapsar accretion discs and their outflows by means of hydrodynamical α-viscosity torus simulations coupled to a 19-isotope nuclear reaction network, which are designed to mimic the late infall epochs in collapsar evolution when the viscous time of the torus has become comparable to the envelope fall-back time. Our results address several key questions, such as the conditions for quiescent burning and accretion versus detonation and the generation of 56Ni in disc outflows, which we show could contribute significantly to powering GRB SNe. Being located in the slowest, innermost layers of the ejecta, the latter could provide the radioactive heating source necessary to make the spectral signatures of r-process elements visible in late-time GRB-SNe spectra.
A search for star clusters in the outskirts of the Large Magellanic Cloud: indication of clusters in the age gap
Authors: Gatto M , Ripepi V , Bellazzini M , Cignoni M , Cioni M-R L , Dall’Ora M , Longo G , Marconi M , Schipani P , Tosi M
Published: September 2020

The YMCA (Yes, Magellanic Clouds Again) and STEP (The SMC in Time: Evolution of a Prototype interacting late-type dwarf galaxy) projects are deep g, i photometric surveys carried out with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) and devoted to study the outskirts of the Magellanic System. A main goal of YMCA and STEP is to identify candidate stellar clusters and complete their census out to the outermost regions of the Magellanic Clouds. We adopted a specific overdensity search technique coupled with a visual inspection of the colour–magnitude diagrams to select the best candidates and estimate their ages. To date, we analysed a region of 23 square degrees in the outskirts of the Large Magellanic Cloud, detecting 85 candidate cluster candidates, 16 of which have estimated ages falling in the so-called age gap. We use these objects together with literature data to gain insight into the formation and interaction history of the Magellanic Clouds.
Recent progress in reactivity study and synthetic application of N-heterocyclic phosphorus hydrides
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Jin-Dong , Cheng Jin-Pei
Published: September 2020

N-heterocyclic phosphines (NHPs) have recently emerged as a new group of promising catalysts for metal-free reductions, owing to their unique hydridic reactivity. The excellent hydricity of NHPs, which rivals or even exceeds those of many metal-based hydrides, is the result of hyperconjugative interactions between the lone-pair electrons on N atoms and the adjacent σ*(P–H) orbital. Compared with the conventional protic reactivity of phosphines, this umpolung P–H reactivity leads to hydridic selectivity in NHP-mediated reductions. This reactivity has therefore found many applications in the catalytic reduction of polar unsaturated bonds and in the hydroboration of pyridines. This review summarizes recent progress in studies of the reactivity and synthetic applications of these phosphorus-based hydrides, with the aim of providing practical information to enable exploitation of their synthetically useful chemistry.
Cloud–cloud collision in the Galactic Center Arc
Authors: Tsuboi Masato , Kitamura Yoshimi , Uehara Kenta , Miyawaki Ryosuke , Tsutsumi Takahiro , Miyazaki Atsushi , Miyoshi Makoto
Published: September 2020

We performed a search of cloud–cloud collision (CCC) sites in the Sagittarius A molecular cloud (SgrAMC) based on the survey observations using the Nobeyama 45 m telescope in the C32S J = 1–0 and SiO v = 0 J = 2–1 emission lines. We found candidates abundant in shocked molecular gas in the Galactic Center Arc (GCA). One of them, M0.014−0.054, is located in the mapping area of our previous ALMA mosaic observation. We explored the structure and kinematics of M0.014−0.054 in the C32S J = 2–1, C34S J = 2–1, SiO v = 0 J = 2–1, H13CO+J = 1–0, and SO N, J = 2, 2–1, 1 emission lines and fainter emission lines. M0.014−0.054 is likely formed by the CCC between the vertical molecular filaments (the “vertical part,” or VP) of the GCA, and other molecular filaments along Galactic longitude. The bridging features between these colliding filaments on the PV diagram are found, which are the characteristics expected in CCC sites. We also found continuum compact objects in M0.014−0.054, which have no counterpart in the H42α recombination line. They are detected in the SO emission line, and would be “hot molecular cores” (HMCs). Because the local thermodynamic equilibrium mass of one HMC is larger than the virial mass, it is bound gravitationally. This is also detected in the CCS emission line. The embedded star would be too young to ionize the surrounding molecular cloud. The VP is traced by a poloidal magnetic field. Because the strength of the magnetic field is estimated to be ∼mgauss using the Chandrasekhar–Fermi method, the VP is supported against fragmentation. The star formation in the HMC of M0.014−0.054 is likely induced by the CCC between the stable filaments, which may be a common mechanism in the SgrAMC.
Waiting in Pain II: An Updated Review of the Provision of Persistent Pain Services in Australia
Authors: Hogg Malcolm N , Kavanagh Anthony , Farrell Michael J , Burke Anne L J
Published: September 2020

Objective

To provide an update on Australian persistent pain services (number, structure, funding, wait times, activity).

Methods

An updated national search was conducted. Of those identified, 74 persistent pain services provided detailed responses between July 2016 and February 2018 (64 adult, seven pediatric, two pelvic pain, and one cancer pain). A similar structure to the original Waiting in Pain (WIP) survey was used, and participants chose online or telephone completion.

Results

Pediatric pain services had more than doubled but remained limited. Adult services had also increased, with a concurrent decrease in median wait times and an increase in the number of new referrals seen each year. Despite this, some lengthy wait times (≥3 years) persisted. Wait times were longest at clinics using public or combined funding models and offering pain management group programs (PMGPs). Although clinical activity had increased, medical staffing had not, suggesting that clinics were operating differently. Privately funded clinics performed more procedures than publicly funded services. Use of PMGPs had increased, but program structure remained diverse.

Conclusions

Specialist pain services have expanded since the original WIP survey, facilitating treatment access for many. However, wait time range suggested that the most disadvantaged individuals still experienced the longest wait times, often far exceeding the recommended 6-month maximum wait. More needs to be done. Numerous developments (e.g., National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management, health system changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) will continue to influence the delivery of pain services in Australia, and repeated analysis of service structures and wait times will optimize our health system response to the management of this condition.
The Area of Pressure-Induced Referred Pain Is Dependent on the Intensity of the Suprathreshold Stimulus: An Explorative Study
Authors: Palsson Thorvaldur Skuli , Boudreau Shellie Ann , Ortiz Lucas María , Bravo Esteban-Herreros Elisabeth , Garrigós-Pedrón Miriam , Herrero Pablo , Doménech-García Víctor
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the pain referral area (number of pixels) and extent (vector length) as elicited from increasing intensities of pressure-induced pain at the shoulder.

Design

Cross-sectional design.

Setting

Clinical laboratory setting.

Participants

Twenty-two healthy men and women participated in two experimental sessions.

Methods

Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) was induced in the dominant shoulder and assessed 24 hours later. Participants rated the level of DOMS on a 6-point Likert scale. Four different intensities (pressure pain threshold [PPT]+20%, PPT+30%, PPT+40%, and PPT+50%) were applied to the infraspinatus in a randomized, balanced fashion for 60 seconds from low to high intensity or vice versa. The resulting location, area, and extent of referred pain as drawn by the participants on a digital body chart were extracted and expressed in pixels. The extent of pain was defined as the vector length extending from the ipsilateral earlobe to the most distal location of the pain.

Results

The referred pain area from PPT+20% was smaller than PPT+30%, PPT+40%, and PPT+50%. The extent of referred pain did not differ between the pressure pain intensities.

Conclusions

Pressure intensity at PPT+30%, but no more, produces the greatest referred pain area as compared with the traditional pressure intensity of PPT+20%. Thus, the intensity of PPT+30% may be ideal for exploring the mechanisms of referred pain. The extent of the pain represents an independent expression of the intensity of the provoking stimulus and may be more closely related to the location of the stimulus.
Originality, Plagiarism, and Posthumous Publication: Grace Gethin’s Reliquiæ Gethinianæ (1699)
Authors: Wilkinson-Turnbull Ben
Published: September 2020

This article explores early modern ideas of originality by reconsidering the critical treatment of one of the first printed female-authored volumes of essays in English: Grace, Lady Gethin’s Misery’s Virtues Whet-stone. Reliquiæ Gethinianæ (1699). Previous scholars of Gethin’s work have used her unacknowledged intertextual borrowings from writers such as Francis Bacon and Joseph Hall to deride her work as unoriginal, plagiaristic, and uninteresting. By comparing Gethin’s essays to her source texts, this article reads Reliquiæ Gethinianæ’s intertextuality as a revealing insight into practices of commonplacing, the literary tastes of early modern women, and the importance of attending to unexceptional readers. It also attempts to reconstruct the intentions behind newly uncovered post-print editing of Reliquiæ Gethinianæ by Gethin’s mother. Manuscript citations made by Frances, Lady Norton in carefully selected copies of Reliquiæ Gethinianæ demonstrate the complex methods used to cultivate and maintain the integrity of Gethin’s posthumous reputation: highlighting her immersion in prestigious scholarly sources, and tactfully downplaying her reliance on Madeleine de Scudéry’s less reputable epic prose romance Clelia (1654–1660).
Tobacco Necrosis Virus-AC Single Coat Protein Amino Acid Substitutions Determine Host-Specific Systemic Infections of Nicotiana benthamiana and Soybean
Authors: Gao Zongyu , Pu Heng , Liu Jingyuan , Wang Xiaoling , Zhong Chenchen , Yue Ning , Zhang Ziding , Wang Xian-Bing , Han Chenggui , Yu Jialin , Li Dawei , Zhang Yongliang
Published: September 2020

Plant viruses often infect several distinct host species. Sometimes, viruses can systemically infect a specific host whereas, in other cases, only local infections occur in other species. How viral and host factors interact to determine systemic infections among different hosts is largely unknown, particularly for icosahedral positive-stranded RNA viruses. The Tobacco necrosis virus-A Chinese isolate belongs to the genus Alphanecrovirus in the family Tombusviridae. In this study, we investigated variations in systemic infections of tobacco necrosis virus-AC (TNV-AC) in Nicotiana benthamiana and Glycine max (soybean) by alanine-scanning mutagenesis of the viral coat protein (CP), which is essential for systemic movement of TNV-AC. We found that three amino acids, R169, K177, and Q233, are key residues that mediate varying degrees of systemic infections of N. benthamiana and soybean. Further analysis revealed that variations in systemic trafficking of TNV-AC CP mutants in N. benthamiana and soybean are associated with virion assembly and stability. The CP amino acids K177 and Q233 are highly conserved among all TNV-A isolates and are replaced by Q and K in the TNV-D isolates. We demonstrated that systemic infectivity of either TNV-AC K177A and Q233A or K177Q and Q233K mutants are correlated with the binding affinity of the mutated CPs to the host-specific Hsc70-2 protein. These results expand our understanding of host-dependent long-distance movement of icosahedral viruses in plants.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Molecular Aspects of Plant Growth Promotion and Protection byBacillus subtilis
Authors: Blake Christopher , Christensen Mathilde Nordgaard , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: September 2020

Bacillus subtilis is one of the most widely studied plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria. It is able to promote plant growth as well as control plant pathogens through diverse mechanisms, including the improvement of nutrient availability and alteration of phytohormone homeostasis as well as the production of antimicrobials and triggering induced systemic resistance, respectively. Even though its benefits for crop production have been recognized and studied extensively under laboratory conditions, the success of its application in fields varies immensely. It is widely accepted that agricultural application of B. subtilis often fails because the bacteria are not able to persist in the rhizosphere. Bacterial colonization of plant roots is a crucial step in the interaction between microbe and plant and seems, therefore, to be of great importance for its growth promotion and biocontrol effects. A successful root colonization depends thereby on both bacterial traits, motility and biofilm formation, as well as on a signal interplay with the plant. This review addresses current knowledge about plant-microbial interactions of the B. subtilis species, including the various mechanisms for supporting plant growth as well as the necessity for the establishment of the relationship.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.
Anteroposterior view of the knee does not reliably replace the lateral view during evaluation of femoral torsion: a case series
Authors: Hadeed Michael M. , Fashandi Ahmad H. , Novicoff Wendy , Yarboro Seth R.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Restoration of anatomic torsion is a critical step in operative fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Several accepted methods use the morphology of the femur to determine torsion. The anteroposterior view of the knee has been used to simplify the procedure, yet this method has not been validated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate native distal femoral and patellar anatomy to compare the reliability of using the anteroposterior view, which includes landmarks outside of the femur, to using the lateral view, which uses only femoral morphology, for establishing appropriate torsion in femoral shaft fractures.

Methods:

Fifteen patients without a history of lower extremity fractures participated. Each participant had anteroposterior and lateral images taken of their femurs. Data were compared between repetitions of a single limb, two legs of a single patients, and between patients. Intrarater and interrater reliability were measured.

Results:

Side-to-side variability in the relative position of the patella to the femur was identified on anteroposterior imaging, with up to 14-degree difference between limbs noted. Overall, strong intraclass reliability and reproducibility of the measurements was achieved.

Conclusions:

The use of anteroposterior imaging alone does not reliably replace the lateral view for evaluation of femoral torsion. Circumstances of erroneous results when using the anteroposterior view were identified. Due to side-to-side differences, the anteroposterior technique cannot be recommended to determine anatomic torsion in femoral shaft fractures. The conventional technique using overlapping posterior condyles on the lateral view of the knee remains an important part of determining femoral torsion.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
The utility of the Charlson Comorbidity Index and modified Frailty Index as quality indicators in total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort review
Authors: Rogozinski Jonathan , Kiskaddon Eric , Flanigan Trenden , Spitz Hunter , Froehle Andrew , Chen Roy , Krishnamurthy Anil
Published: September 2020

Background:

Total joint arthroplasty continues to burden the United States healthcare system as the population ages. Efforts to reduce costs have focused on quality measures following joint arthroplasty procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and modified Frailty Index (mFI) on length of stay (LOS), 90-day return to the operating room, 30-day readmission rates, and emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days of a joint arthroplasty procedure at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty between January 2, 2013 and March 1, 2018 (n=451). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared to preoperative calculated CCI and mFI values. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine the effects of CCI and mFI on each of these outcome measures. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for significant effects (ie, where P≤0.05).

Results:

Higher CCI was associated with LOS greater than one day (odds ration [OR]=1.25) and greater probability of readmission within 30 days (OR=1.4). Higher mFI was related to higher probability of postoperative ED visit (OR=4.95) and readmission rate (OR=10.75).

Conclusions:

Presurgical evaluation utilizing CCI and MFI may better identify those at risk and encourage modified preoperative counseling for these patients. Further study is needed to determine a risk stratification scheme that allows for more accurate prediction of patients who may require more intense hospital-based postoperative care.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.