bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making massive stars in the Galactic Centre via accretion on to low-mass stars within an accretion disc
Authors: Davies Melvyn B , Lin Doug N C
Published: August 2020

The origin of the population of very massive stars observed within ∼0.4 pc of the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Centre is a mystery. Tidal forces from the black hole would likely inhibit in situ star formation whilst the youth of the massive stars would seem to exclude formation elsewhere followed by transportation (somehow) into the Galactic Centre. Here, we consider a third way to produce these massive stars from the lower mass stars contained in the nuclear stellar cluster which surrounds the supermassive black hole. A passing gas cloud can be tidally shredded by the supermassive black hole forming an accretion disc around the black hole. Stars embedded within this accretion disc will accrete gas from the disc via Bondi–Hoyle accretion, where the accretion rate on to a star, $\dot{M}_\star \propto M_\star ^2$. This super-exponential growth of accretion can lead to a steep increase in stellar masses, reaching the required 40–50 M⊙ in some cases. The mass growth rate depends sensitively on the stellar orbital eccentricities and their inclinations. The evolution of the orbital inclinations and/or their eccentricities as stars are trapped by the disc, and their orbits are circularized, will increase the number of massive stars produced. Thus accretion on to low-mass stars can lead to a top heavy stellar mass function in the Galactic Centre and other galactic nuclei. The massive stars produced will pollute the environment via supernova explosions and potentially produce compact binaries whose mergers may be detectable by the LIGO–VIRGO gravitational waves observatories.
Avoided crossing in gravitational wave spectra from protoneutron star
Authors: Sotani Hajime , Takiwaki Tomoya
Published: August 2020

The ramp up signals of gravitational waves appearing in the numerical simulations could be important signals to estimate parameters of the protoneutron star (PNS) at supernova explosions. To identify the signals with PNS oscillations, we make a linear perturbation analysis and compare the resultant eigenfrequencies with the ramp up signals obtained via the 2D numerical simulations. Then, we find that the ramp up signals correspond well to the g1-mode in the early phase and to the f-mode, to which the g1-mode is exchanged via the avoided crossing. We also confirm that the f- and g1-modes are almost independent of the selection of the PNS surface density in the later phase after core bounce. In addition, we successfully find that the fitting formula of g1- and f-modes, which correspond to the ramp up signals in the numerical simulation, as a function of the PNS average density. That is, via the direct observation of the gravitational waves after supernova explosion, one could extract the time evolution of the PNS average density using our fitting formula.
Analysing the Epoch of Reionization with three-point correlation functions and machine learning techniques
Authors: Jennings W D , Watkinson C A , Abdalla F B
Published: August 2020

Three-point and high-order clustering statistics of the high-redshift 21 cm signal contain valuable information about the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). We present 3PCF-fast, an optimized code for estimating the three-point correlation function (3PCF) of 3D pixelized data such as the outputs from numerical and seminumerical simulations. After testing 3PCF-fast on data with known analytical 3PCF, we use machine learning techniques to recover the mean bubble size and global ionization fraction from correlations in the outputs of the publicly available 21cmfast code. We assume that foregrounds have been perfectly removed and negligible instrumental noise. Using ionization fraction data, our best multilayer perceptron (MLP) model recovers the mean bubble size with a median prediction error of around $10 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, or from the 21 cm differential brightness temperature with median prediction error of around $14 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. A further two MLP models recover the global ionization fraction with median prediction errors of around $4 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ (using ionization fraction data) or around $16 {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ (using brightness temperature). Our results indicate that clustering in both the ionization fraction field and the brightness temperature field encode useful information about the progress of the EoR in a complementary way to other summary statistics. Using clustering would be particularly useful in regimes where high signal-to-noise ratio prevents direct measurement of bubble size statistics. We compare the quality of MLP models using the power spectrum, and find that using the 3PCF outperforms the power spectrum at predicting both global ionization fraction and mean bubble size.
Shape and spin of minihaloes – II. The effect of streaming velocities
Authors: Druschke Maik , Schauer Anna T P , Glover Simon C O , Klessen Ralf S
Published: August 2020

Models of the decoupling of baryons and photons during the recombination epoch predict the existence of a large-scale velocity offset between baryons and dark matter at later times, the so-called streaming velocity. In this paper, we use high resolution numerical simulations to investigate the impact of this streaming velocity on the spin and shape distributions of high-redshift minihaloes, the formation sites of the earliest generation of stars. We find that the presence of a streaming velocity has a negligible effect on the spin and shape of the dark matter component of the minihaloes. However, it strongly affects the behaviour of the gas component. The most probable spin parameter increases from ∼0.03 in the absence of streaming to ∼0.15 for a run with a streaming velocity of three times σrms, corresponding to 1.4 km s−1 at redshift z = 15. The gas within the minihaloes becomes increasingly less spherical and more oblate as the streaming velocity increases, with dense clumps being found at larger distances from the halo centre. The impact of the streaming velocity is also mass-dependent: less massive objects are influenced more strongly, on account of their shallower potential wells. The number of haloes in which gas cooling and runaway gravitational collapse occurs decreases substantially as the streaming velocity increases. However, the spin and shape distributions of gas that does manage to cool and collapse are insensitive to the value of the streaming velocity and we therefore do not expect the properties of the stars that formed from this collapsed gas to depend on the value of the streaming velocity. The spin and shape of this central gas clump are uncorrelated with the same properties measured on the scale of the halo as a whole.
NEPSC2, the North Ecliptic Pole SCUBA-2 survey: 850-μm map and catalogue of 850-μm-selected sources over 2 deg2
Authors: Shim Hyunjin , Kim Yeonsik , Lee Dongseob , Lee Hyung Mok , Goto Tomo , Matsuhara Hideo , Scott Douglas , Serjeant Stephen , Ao Yiping , Barrufet Laia , Chapman Scott , Clements David L , Conselice Christopher J , Greve Thomas R , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Hwang Ho Seong , Im Myungshin , Jeong Woong-Seob , Jiang Linhua , Kim Minjin , Kim Seong Jin , Kong Albert K H , Koprowski Maciej , Marchetti Lucia , Michałowski Michał J , Parsons Harriet , Pearson Chris , Seo Hyunjong , Toba Yoshiki , White Glenn
Published: August 2020

We present an 850-μm mosaic map and extracted catalogue of submillimetre sources in the extended North Ecliptic Pole (NEP) region over about 2 deg2. The 850-μm map is constructed using newly obtained observations by SCUBA-2 at the East Asian Observatory’s James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, carried out using the observatory’s large programme opportunities. The recent 850-μm survey has extended the submillimetre data coverage by almost a factor of 4 compared to previous surveys, with a depth of $\sigma _\text{rms}\, {=}\, 1.0$–$2.3\, {\rm mJy}\, {\rm beam}^{-1}$. The catalogue contains 549 sources selected above a significance level of 4σ, where the false-detection rate is 10 per cent; a higher threshold of 4.5σ is required in order to achieve a false-detection rate below 3 per cent, which results in 342 sources being selected. Despite the large spatial variation of the noise, the deboosted flux density of sources is comparable to results from the SCUBA-2 Cosmology Legacy Survey, which covered the central 0.6 deg2 of our survey area with better sensitivity. We construct the source counts at 850 μm, finding results in agreement with other 850-μm surveys in cosmological blank fields over S850 = 4–15 mJy. We find a slight excess of bright galaxies ($S_{850}\, {\gt }\, 15$ mJy), which can be considered to be at $z_\text{phot}\, {=}\, 2$–4. The 850-μm data add valuable long-wavelength information to mid-infrared-selected sources from the AKARI NEP-deep and NEP-wide surveys, which will be helpful in preparing for future near-infrared to millimetre wavelength observations in the NEP region. Our 850-μm mosaic map and source catalogue will be made publicly available.
Long-term optical and infrared variability characteristics of Fermi blazars
Authors: Safna P Z , Stalin C S , Rakshit Suvendu , Mathew Blesson
Published: August 2020

We present long-term optical and near-infrared flux variability analysis of 37 blazars detected in the γ-ray band by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. Among them, 30 are flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and 7 are BL Lac objects (BL Lacs). The photometric data in the optical (BVR) and infrared (JK) bands were from the Small and Moderate Aperture Research Telescope System acquired between 2008–2018. From cross-correlation analysis of the light curves at different wavelengths, we did not find significant time delays between variations at different wavelengths, except for three sources, namely PKS 1144–379, PKS B1424–418, and 3C 273. For the blazars with both B- and J-band data, we found that in a majority of FSRQs and BL Lacs, the amplitude of variability (σm) in the J band is larger than that in B band, consistent with the dominance of the non-thermal jet over the thermal accretion disc component. Considering FSRQs and BL Lacs as a sample, there are indications of σm to increase gradually towards longer wavelengths in both, however, found to be statistically significant only between B and J bands in FSRQs. In the B−J v/s J-colour magnitude diagram, we noticed complicated spectral variability patterns. Most of the objects showed a redder when brighter (RWB) behaviour. Few objects showed a bluer when brighter (BWB) trend, while in some objects both BWB and RWB behaviours were noticed. These results on flux and colour characteristics indicate that the jet emission of FSRQs and BL Lacs is indistinguishable.
Global torques and stochasticity as the drivers of massive black hole pairing in the young Universe
Authors: Bortolas Elisa , Capelo Pedro R , Zana Tommaso , Mayer Lucio , Bonetti Matteo , Dotti Massimo , Davies Melvyn B , Madau Piero
Published: August 2020

The forthcoming Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will probe the population of coalescing massive black hole (MBH) binaries up to the onset of structure formation. Here, we simulate the galactic-scale pairing of ∼106 M⊙ MBHs in a typical, non-clumpy main-sequence galaxy embedded in a cosmological environment at z = 7–6. In order to increase our statistical sample, we adopt a strategy that allows us to follow the evolution of six secondary MBHs concomitantly. We find that the magnitude of the dynamical-friction-induced torques is significantly smaller than that of the large-scale, stochastic gravitational torques arising from the perturbed and morphologically evolving galactic disc, suggesting that the standard dynamical friction treatment is inadequate for realistic galaxies at high redshift. The dynamical evolution of MBHs is very stochastic, and a variation in the initial orbital phase can lead to a drastically different time-scale for the inspiral. Most remarkably, the development of a galactic bar in the host system either significantly accelerates the inspiral by dragging a secondary MBH into the centre, or ultimately hinders the orbital decay by scattering the MBH in the galaxy outskirts. The latter occurs more rarely, suggesting that galactic bars overall promote MBH inspiral and binary coalescence. The orbital decay time can be an order of magnitude shorter than what would be predicted relying on dynamical friction alone. The stochasticity and the important role of global torques have crucial implications for the rates of MBH coalescences in the early Universe: both have to be accounted for when making predictions for the upcoming LISA observatory.
Repeated mergers and ejection of black holes within nuclear star clusters
Authors: Fragione Giacomo , Silk Joseph
Published: August 2020

Current stellar evolution models predict a dearth of black holes (BHs) with masses $\gtrsim \! 50\, \rm M_\odot$ and $\lesssim \! 5\, \rm M_\odot$, and intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs; $\sim \! 10^2\!-\! 10^5\rm\, M_\odot$) have not yet been detected beyond any reasonable doubt. A natural way to form massive BHs is through repeated mergers, detectable via gravitational wave emission with current LIGO/Virgo or future LISA and ET observations. Nuclear star clusters (NSCs) have masses and densities high enough to retain most of the merger products, which acquire a recoil kick at the moment of merger. We explore the possibility that IMBHs may be born as a result of repeated mergers in NSCs, and show how their formation pathways depend on the NSC mass and density, and BH spin distribution. We find that BHs in the pair-instability mass gap can be formed and observed by LIGO/Virgo, and show that the typical mass of the ejected massive BHs is 400–$500\, \rm M_\odot$, with velocities of up to a few thousand $\, \rm km\, s^{-1}$. Eventually, some of these IMBHs can become the seeds of supermassive BHs, observed today in the centres of galaxies. In dwarf galaxies, they could potentially solve the abundance, core-cusp, too-big-to-fail, ultra-faint, and baryon-fraction issues via plausible feedback scenarios.
On the expanding roles of tRNA fragments in modulating cell behavior
Authors: Magee Rogan , Rigoutsos Isidore
Published: August 2020

The fragments that derive from transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are an emerging category of regulatory RNAs. Known as tRFs, these fragments were reported for the first time only a decade ago, making them a relatively recent addition to the ever-expanding pantheon of non-coding RNAs. tRFs are short, 16–35 nucleotides (nts) in length, and produced through cleavage of mature and precursor tRNAs at various positions. Both cleavage positions and relative tRF abundance depend strongly on context, including the tissue type, tissue state, and disease, as well as the sex, population of origin, and race/ethnicity of an individual. These dependencies increase the urgency to understand the regulatory roles of tRFs. Such efforts are gaining momentum, and comprise experimental and computational approaches. System-level studies across many tissues and thousands of samples have produced strong evidence that tRFs have important and multi-faceted roles. Here, we review the relevant literature on tRF biology in higher organisms, single cell eukaryotes, and prokaryotes.
A ribosomal RNA fragment with 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and GTP-binding activity acts as RIG-I ligand
Authors: Jung Stephanie , von Thülen Tina , Yang Ines , Laukemper Viktoria , Rupf Benjamin , Janga Harshavardhan , Panagiotidis Georgios-Dimitrios , Schoen Andreas , Nicolai Marina , Schulte Leon N , Obermann Hannah-Lena , Weber Friedemann , Kaufmann Andreas , Bauer Stefan
Published: August 2020

The RNA helicase RIG-I plays a key role in sensing pathogen-derived RNA. Double-stranded RNA structures bearing 5′-tri- or diphosphates are commonly referred to as activating RIG-I ligands. However, endogenous RNA fragments generated during viral infection via RNase L also activate RIG-I. Of note, RNase-digested RNA fragments bear a 5′-hydroxyl group and a 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate. How endogenous RNA fragments activate RIG-I despite the lack of 5′-phosphorylation has not been elucidated. Here we describe an endogenous RIG-I ligand (eRL) that is derived from the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) of the 45S ribosomal RNA after partial RNase A digestion in vitro, RNase A protein transfection or RNase L activation. The immunostimulatory property of the eRL is dependent on 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and its sequence is characterized by a G-quadruplex containing sequence motif mediating guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) binding. In summary, RNase generated self-RNA fragments with 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate function as nucleotide-5′-triphosphate binding aptamers activating RIG-I.
Replisome bypass of transcription complexes and R-loops
Authors: Brüning Jan-Gert , Marians Kenneth J
Published: August 2020

The vast majority of the genome is transcribed by RNA polymerases. G+C-rich regions of the chromosomes and negative superhelicity can promote the invasion of the DNA by RNA to form R-loops, which have been shown to block DNA replication and promote genome instability. However, it is unclear whether the R-loops themselves are sufficient to cause this instability or if additional factors are required. We have investigated replisome collisions with transcription complexes and R-loops using a reconstituted bacterial DNA replication system. RNA polymerase transcription complexes co-directionally oriented with the replication fork were transient blockages, whereas those oriented head-on were severe, stable blockages. On the other hand, replisomes easily bypassed R-loops on either template strand. Replication encounters with R-loops on the leading-strand template (co-directional) resulted in gaps in the nascent leading strand, whereas lagging-strand template R-loops (head-on) had little impact on replication fork progression. We conclude that whereas R-loops alone can act as transient replication blocks, most genome-destabilizing replication fork stalling likely occurs because of proteins bound to the R-loops.
NCBP3 positively impacts mRNA biogenesis
Authors: Dou Yuhui , Barbosa Isabelle , Jiang Hua , Iasillo Claudia , Molloy Kelly R , Schulze Wiebke Manuela , Cusack Stephen , Schmid Manfred , Le Hir Hervé , LaCava John , Jensen Torben Heick
Published: August 2020

The nuclear Cap-Binding Complex (CBC), consisting of Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein 1 (NCBP1) and 2 (NCBP2), associates with the nascent 5′cap of RNA polymerase II transcripts and impacts RNA fate decisions. Recently, the C17orf85 protein, also called NCBP3, was suggested to form an alternative CBC by replacing NCBP2. However, applying protein–protein interaction screening of NCBP1, 2 and 3, we find that the interaction profile of NCBP3 is distinct. Whereas NCBP1 and 2 identify known CBC interactors, NCBP3 primarily interacts with components of the Exon Junction Complex (EJC) and the TRanscription and EXport (TREX) complex. NCBP3-EJC association in vitro and in vivo requires EJC core integrity and the in vivo RNA binding profiles of EJC and NCBP3 overlap. We further show that NCBP3 competes with the RNA degradation factor ZC3H18 for binding CBC-bound transcripts, and that NCBP3 positively impacts the nuclear export of polyadenylated RNAs and the expression of large multi-exonic transcripts. Collectively, our results place NCBP3 with the EJC and TREX complexes in supporting mRNA expression.
Thirdhand Smoke Contamination and Infant Nicotine Exposure in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study
Authors: Northrup Thomas F , Stotts Angela L , Suchting Robert , Khan Amir M , Green Charles , Klawans Michelle R , Quintana Penelope J E , Hoh Eunha , Hovell Melbourne F , Matt Georg E
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is ultrafine particulate matter and residue resulting from tobacco combustion, with implications for health-related harm (eg, impaired wound healing), particularly among hospitalized infants. Project aims were to characterize nicotine (THS proxy) transported on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visitors and deposited on bedside furniture, as well as infant exposure.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from participants in a metropolitan NICU. Participants completed a survey and carbon monoxide breath sample, and 41.9% (n = 88) of participants (n = 210) were randomly selected for finger-nicotine wipes during a study phase when all bedside visitors were screened for nicotine use and finger-nicotine levels. During an overlapping study phase, 80 mother–infant dyads consented to bedside furniture-nicotine wipes and an infant urine sample (for cotinine analyses).

Results

Most nonstaff visitors’ fingers had nicotine above the limit of quantification (>LOQ; 61.9%). Almost all bedside furniture surfaces (93.8%) and infant cotinine measures (93.6%) had values >LOQ, regardless of household nicotine use. Participants who reported using (or lived with others who used) nicotine had greater furniture-nicotine contamination (Mdn = 0.6 [interquartile range, IQR = 0.2–1.6] µg/m2) and higher infant cotinine (Mdn = 0.09 [IQR = 0.04–0.25] ng/mL) compared to participants who reported no household-member nicotine use (Mdn = 0.5 [IQR = 0.2–0.7] µg/m2; Mdn = 0.04 [IQR = 0.03–0.07] ng/mL, respectively). Bayesian univariate regressions supported hypotheses that increased nicotine use/exposure correlated with greater nicotine contamination (on fingers/furniture) and infant THS exposure.

Conclusions

Potential furniture-contamination pathways and infant-exposure routes (eg, dermal) during NICU hospitalization were identified, despite hospital prohibitions on tobacco/nicotine use. This work highlights the surreptitious spread of nicotine and potential THS-related health risks to vulnerable infants during critical stages of development.

Implications

THS contamination is underexplored in medical settings. Infants who were cared for in the NICU are vulnerable to health risks from THS exposure. This study demonstrated that 62% of nonstaff NICU visitors transport nicotine on their fingers to the NICU. Over 90% of NICU (bedside) furniture was contaminated with nicotine, regardless of visitors’ reported household-member nicotine use or nonuse. Over 90% of infants had detectable levels of urinary cotinine during NICU hospitalizations. Results justify further research to better protect infants from unintended THS exposure while hospitalized.
Regulation of DELLA Proteins by Post-translational Modifications
Authors: Blanco-Touri��n Noel , Serrano-Mislata Antonio , Alabad� David
Published: August 2020

DELLA proteins are the negative regulators of the gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway. GAs have a pervasive effect on plant physiology, influencing processes that span the entire life cycle of the plant. All the information encoded by GAs, either environmental or developmental in origin, is canalized through DELLAs, which modulate the activity of many transcription factors and transcriptional regulators. GAs unlock the signaling pathway by triggering DELLA polyubiquitination and degradation by the 26S proteasome. Recent reports indicate, however, that there are other pathways that trigger DELLA polyubiquitination and degradation independently of GAs. Moreover, results gathered during recent years indicate that other post-translational modifications (PTMs), namely phosphorylation, SUMOylation and glycosylation, modulate DELLA function. The convergence of several PTMs in DELLA therefore highlights the strict regulation to which these proteins are subject. In this review, we summarize these discoveries and discuss DELLA PTMs from an evolutionary perspective and examine the possibilities these and other post-translational regulations offer to improve DELLA-dependent agronomic traits.
Hypogammaglobulinemia after rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis is not rare and is related with good response: 13 years real-life experience
Authors: Evangelatos Gerasimos , Fragoulis George E , Klavdianou Kalliopi , Moschopoulou Melina , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios , Iliopoulos Alexios
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Rituximab (RTX) use in the treatment of RA can be complicated by decrease in IgG, IgM or IgA levels (hypogammaglobulinemia-HGG). The aim of this study was to define the frequency of HGG in RA patients treated with RTX and to identify associations between its occurrence and patients’ characteristics, disease outcomes and serious infections rate.

Methods

RA patients treated with RTX in two rheumatology centers from January 2007 to January 2020 were retrospectively examined. Demographical, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded at baseline and at last visit.

Results

Eighty-three patients (84.3% females) with a mean age of 63.2 years were enrolled. They had baseline DAS28(CRP) of 5.2  (1.1) and received a median (range) of 8 (2–20) RTX cycles. A total of 43.4%, 24.1% and 31.3% developed ‘any HGG’, ‘low IgG’ and ‘low IgM’, respectively. Lower baseline IgG and IgM levels were predictors of ‘low IgG’ and ‘low IgM’ occurrence, respectively. Patients who developed ‘low IgM’ exhibited lower DAS28(CRP) and increased rates of remission and low disease activity compared with those with normal IgM levels. Patients who maintained normal IgG were receiving methotrexate more frequently. No differences were observed in serious infections rate among subgroups.

Conclusion

HGG occurred in 43% of RTX-treated patients. Patients who developed low IgG or low IgM had lower baseline levels than those who did not. Concomitant DMARD and corticosteroid therapy was not associated with HGG. Low IgM, but not low IgG, development was associated with better disease outcomes. HGG was not associated with an increased incidence of serious infections.
EFFECTIVE INDOOR DOSE OF GAMMA RADIATION FROM BUILDING MATERIALS: COMPARISON OF SEVERAL METHODS FOR ESTIMATION AND POSSIBLE UNDERESTIMATE
Authors: Krmar M , Milić K , Arsenić I , Hansman J
Published: August 2020

This paper compares several methods for estimation of the effective indoor dose of gamma radiation from building materials. It was found that specific dose ratios proposed for 3 cm thick layers in one recommendation gives 2.8 times lower value of gamma dose than other methods. The most common case is that granite has an elevated content of natural radionuclides and it is usually used in the form of decorative layers. If the decision about restricted or non-restricted use of granite as a building material is based on method which underestimate gamma dose, there is reasonable concern that materials having elevated concentrations of natural radionuclides than allowed will be used in dwellings. In addition, it is pointed out that existing regulations allow in some cases non-restricted use of building materials even in the case when their activity concentrations exceed exception limits.
Multivariate model for cooperation: bridging social physiological compliance and hyperscanning
Authors: Sciaraffa Nicolina , Liu Jieqiong , Aricò Pietro , Flumeri Gianluca Di , Inguscio Bianca M S , Borghini Gianluca , Babiloni Fabio
Published: August 2020

The neurophysiological analysis of cooperation has evolved over the past 20 years, moving towards the research of common patterns in neurophysiological signals of people interacting. Social physiological compliance (SPC) and hyperscanning represent two frameworks for the joint analysis of autonomic and brain signals, respectively. Each of the two approaches allows to know about a single layer of cooperation according to the nature of these signals: SPC provides information mainly related to emotions, and hyperscanning that related to cognitive aspects. In this work, after the analysis of the state of the art of SPC and hyperscanning, we explored the possibility to unify the two approaches creating a complete neurophysiological model for cooperation considering both affective and cognitive mechanisms We synchronously recorded electrodermal activity, cardiac and brain signals of 14 cooperative dyads. Time series from these signals were extracted, and multivariate Granger causality was computed. The results showed that only when subjects in a dyad cooperate there is a statistically significant causality between the multivariate variables representing each subject. Moreover, the entity of this statistical relationship correlates with the dyad’s performance. Finally, given the novelty of this approach and its exploratory nature, we provided its strengths and limitations.
Integrating immunotherapy in the (neo)adjuvant setting of early breast cancer
Authors: Chan Jack J. , Tan Tira J.Y. , Dent Rebecca A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review

Breast cancer is a relative latecomer in the success story of immuno-oncology. In this review, we focus on the preclinical and clinical lines of evidence to justify the evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for the curative-intent treatment of breast cancer, the latest and ongoing trials of (neo)adjuvant immunotherapy, and practical considerations in clinical practice associated with this new treatment paradigm.

Recent findings

Insights from the immunobiology of breast cancer have paved the way for the new frontier of immunotherapy in this malignancy, starting from advanced stages and moving onto curable cases. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte quantification and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry are forerunners of predictive biomarkers for sensitivity to ICI in breast cancers. Preliminary results from phase III trials of combinatorial immunochemotherapy to treat early high-risk or locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer are encouraging for pathological complete response. Additional efficacy and patient-reported outcomes of (neo)adjuvant immunochemotherapy trials are awaited.

The prospect of integrating ICI in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer is promising. Questions regarding patient selection, the choice of ICI agent and combination partner in escalation strategies, sequencing and duration of treatments, cost-effectiveness and mechanisms of resistance remain to be answered by future research.
Child Temperament Outcomes After Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Chmait Hikmat R. , Chon Andrew H. , Korst Lisa M. , Putnam Samuel P. , Llanes Arlyn , Vanderbilt Douglas L.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe pregnancy complication of monochorionic (identical) twins that results in markedly discordant in utero environments for each twin. The aim of this study was to test for differences in temperament between former donor (hypovolemic, smaller) and recipient (hypervolemic, larger) twins with TTTS.

Methods:

Parents of dual survivors aged 3 to 7 years who underwent in utero laser surgery for TTTS were surveyed using the Children's Behavior Questionnaire-Very Short Form (CBQ-VSF). The CBQ-VSF assessed 3 traits: Surgency, Negative Affect, and Effortful Control. Differences in traits between donor and recipients were assessed using a paired t test.

Results:

We studied 85 twin pairs treated in utero for TTTS. There were no statistically significant differences in Surgency, Negative Affect, or Effortful Control between recipients and donors, although score differences for each trait varied widely among sibling pairs.

Conclusion:

Despite varied in utero environments, no temperament differences between donor and recipient monozygotic twins were found for the population as a whole. This finding may be of some reassurance to parents whose pregnancies are complicated by TTTS.
Effectiveness of a 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma Using One Double-Stacked Pulse Session: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled Trial
Authors: Chow Maggie , Eimpunth Sasima , Hamman Michael Shane , Jiang Shang I. Brian
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Surgical and nonsurgical methods are used for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Few randomized controlled trials exist on the effectiveness of the pulsed dye laser (PDL) on BCC treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effectiveness of PDL treatment in a single session for the management of nodular and superficial BCCs on the trunk and extremities of adults using a randomized, double-blind, controlled technique.

METHODS

We used settings of fluence 7.5 J/cm2, 3-ms pulse duration, no dynamic cooling, 10-mm spot size, 10% overlap between pulses, and 2 stacked pulses on a 595-nm wavelength laser. Histopathologic clearance on excision of tumor with 4-mm margins was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included in the study, with 14 in the laser treatment group and 10 patients in the sham/control group. In total, 10/14 (71.4%) of the tumors in the treatment group were successfully treated with no residual tumor on excisional specimen histology, compared with 3/10 (30.0%) of the control group (p = .045).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that PDL may be an effective treatment for low-risk BCCs of the trunk and extremities, but the cure rate is lower than those of other treatments for BCC. Thus, PDL under the current settings cannot be recommended.
Anatomic Characteristics and Treatment of the Midcheek Groove by Deep Filling
Authors: Du Yuyang , Zhong Yuan , Wang Zhizhou , Sui Hongjin , Luo Sai
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Because the anatomic mechanisms underlying the formation of the midcheek groove are unclear, treatments to date have resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the anatomical foundation of the midcheek groove and evaluated appropriate treatment methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six cadaver hemifacial specimens were subjected to gross anatomic dissection and 6 to P45 sheet plastination. Based on the anatomic results, the area under the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) was selected for deep filling. Patients were evaluated by measuring 3D depth, regrading, and self-assessment.

RESULTS

The medial band was observed to be an important structure of the OOM, with the facial projection overlapping the midcheek groove trace. Two of the 6 P45 specimens were found to have compact fibroelastic bundles (CFBs) between the medial band and the dermis. Deep filling of the area under the OOM significantly reduced the depth of each section in all 34 patients (p < .001). Grades 3 and 4 midcheek grooves were downgraded distinctively. Most subjects expressed satisfaction with outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Formation of the midcheek groove is associated with the passage of CFBs. Deep filling of the area under the OOM effectively improves the midcheek grooves.
Preemptive percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease: identification of the appropriate high-risk lesion
Authors: Pu Zhongyue , Hakim Diaa , Croce Kevin , Stone Peter H.
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review

Management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been based on identification of a coronary obstruction causing ischemia and performing a revascularization procedure to reduce that ischemia, with the goal of thereby preventing subsequent major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in that vascular territory. Recent investigations demonstrate that preemptive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit coronary lesions (NCLs) that may not cause ischemia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reduces MACE. In this review, we focus on preemptive PCI, discuss its mechanistic benefits and speculate on its potential value for other coronary syndromes.

Recent findings

The COMPLETE trial in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI demonstrated that preemptive PCI of NCL obstructions, which may not cause ischemia, but often exhibit high-risk OCT plaque characteristics, reduced cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Reduction in MACE from preemptive PCI of NCL was similar for lesions confirmed to cause ischemia (fractional flow reserve <0.80) and for lesions that were only visually assessed to have luminal obstruction at least 70%.

The ISCHEMIA trial in patients with stable CAD and moderate/severe ischemia demonstrated that MACE risk increased progressively with more extensive atherosclerosis, but that performing PCI of ischemia-producing lesions did not reduce MACE. Adverse cardiac events likely originated in high-risk plaque areas not treated with PCI.

In STEMI patients, preemptive PCI of high-risk NCL that may not cause ischemia improves long-term MACE. In stable CAD patients, MACE increases as the atherosclerotic burden increases, but PCI of the ischemia-producing lesion itself does not improve outcomes compared with optimal medical therapy. Adverse events likely originate in high-risk plaque areas that are distinct from ischemia-producing obstructions. Identification of highest-risk atherosclerotic lesions responsible for future MACE may provide an opportunity for preemptive PCI in patients with a variety of coronary syndromes.
Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation: A Multicenter Study of Efficacy, Safety, and Factors Associated With Increased Risk of Complications
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sunita , Wan Juan , Tran Brendan , Thai Andy , Hernandez-Siman Jonathan , Chen Kaddie , Nguyen Ngoc , Pickering Terri-Diann , Tanaka H. George , Lieberman Marc , Wong Patricia , Iwach Andrew G.
Published: August 2020

Précis:

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCP) lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in the short-term but nearly half required additional intervention. Mydriasis was the most common complication (11%); 15% lost ≥3 Snellen lines of acuity; 11% had persistent complications at last follow-up.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of MPCP in a large series of patients with all stages of glaucoma.

Design:

Multicenter, retrospective chart review of patients from 3 clinical sites.

Participants:

One hundred sixty-seven eyes of 143 patients.

Methods:

MPCP was performed with 2000 mW energy, 31.3% duty cycle and 2 to 4 180-degree applications of 80 seconds duration each per treatment. The procedure was considered a failure if any of the following occurred: additional IOP lowering intervention, <20% IOP reduction from baseline at the last follow-up (with or without medication), or severe complications.

Results:

Mean age was 71 years, 53% were female, and 53% were Asian. 60% of eyes had POAG, 63% were pseudophakic, 38% had prior glaucoma surgery, and 51% had Snellen visual acuity (VA) of 20/40 or better. Mean follow-up time was 11.9±7.8 months. Mean IOP was 21.9±8.4 mm Hg before intervention, and 17.4±7.2 mm Hg at last follow-up (P<0.0001). There was no change in mean logMAR VA (P=0.0565) but 15% lost ≥3 Snellen lines of VA. The success rate was 36.5% (61/167 eyes) at last follow-up. The probability of survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 82%, 71%, and 57% at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure, respectively. The reasons for failure were additional intervention in 47%, inadequate IOP reduction in 14%, and severe complication in 1.8%. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, female sex was associated with a 56% decrease in failure rate compared with males (P<0.0001), while a unit increase in baseline IOP corresponded with a 5.7% increase in failure rate (P<0.0001). If repeat MPCP was allowed then success rate increased to 58%. There were no complications in 73% (122/167) but 11% (18/167) had persistent complications at the last follow-up and half of these 18 eyes had decrease in VA of 1 to 6 Snellen lines. Asian race (odds ratio 13.5, P=0.0131) and phakic status (odds ratio 3.1, P=0.0386) were associated with higher odds of developing mydriasis, which was the most common complication.

Conclusions:

MPCP lowered IOP in the short-term but nearly half required additional IOP lowering intervention. Potential complications should be discussed in detail especially when the procedure is being considered for those with good VA and early stage disease.
Revascularization After H-plasty Reconstructive Surgery in the Periorbital Region Monitored With Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Authors: Berggren Johanna , Castelo Nazia , Tenland Kajsa , Engelsberg Karl , Dahlstand Ulf , Albinsson John , Sheikh Rafi , Lindstedt Sandra , Malmsjö Malin
Published: August 2020

Background:

H-plasty reconstructive surgery is commonly used to close defects after tumor excision in the periorbital region. Revascularization of the bipedicle skin flaps is essential for healing. However, it has not previously been possible to study this revascularization in humans due to the lack of noninvasive perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim was to monitor perfusion in H-plasty flaps during surgery and during postoperative follow-up, using laser speckle contrast imaging.

Method:

H-plasty, i.e., bipedicle random advancement skin flaps, was used for reconstruction of the eyelids after tumor removal in 7 patients. The median length and width of the skin flaps were 13 mm (range, 8–20 mm) and 10 mm (range, 5–11 mm), respectively. Blood perfusion was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging during surgery and at follow up 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively, to monitor revascularization.

Results:

Immediately postoperatively, the perfusion in the distal end of the flaps had fallen to 54% (95% CI, 38%–67%). The perfusion then quickly increased during the healing process, being 104% (86%–124%) after 1 week, 115% (94%–129%) after 3 weeks, and 112% (96%–137%) after 6 weeks. There was no clinically observable ischemia or tissue necrosis.

Conclusions:

Revascularization of the H-plasty procedure flaps occurs quickly, within a week postoperatively, presumably due to the existing vascular network of the flap pedicle, and was not dependent on significant angiogenesis. This perfusion study confirms the general opinion that H-plasty is a good reconstructive technique, especially in the periorbital region with its rich vascular supply.
Dietary vitamin A, C, and E intake and subsequent fracture risk at various sites
Authors: Zhou Penghe , Shao Ruiyi , Wang Hua , Miao Jiaqing , Wang Xianhui
Published: August 2020

Background:

This study aimed to provide reliable estimates for dietary antioxidant vitamin (vitamins A, C, and E) intake and their effect on fracture risk at various sites.

Methods:

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify prospective cohort studies published throughout October 2019. The pooled relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model.

Results:

In total, 13 prospective cohort studies involving 384,464 individuals were selected for this meta-analysis. The summary RR indicated that increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.98; P = .015). When stratified by the vitamin types, increased vitamin E intake was found to be associated with a reduced fracture risk (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46–0.95; P = .025), whereas increased vitamin A and C intake did not affect this risk. Increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk, irrespective of fracture sites (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86–0.94; P < .001); however, it did not affect hip fracture risk. Furthermore, increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk in men (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68–0.96; P = .017) and combined men and women (RR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.73–0.93; P = .002); however, it did not affect fracture risk in women.

Conclusion:

Fracture risk at any site is significantly reduced with increased antioxidant vitamin intake, especially vitamin E intake and in men.
Study on the levels of 25(OH)D, inflammation markers and glucose and fat metabolism indexes in pregnant women of Han nationality in Jiangsu province with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yaqiong Liu , Guohua Wang , Fuyan Yang , Wei Lu , Dan Shi , Yi Zhang
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of 25(OH)D, inflammation markers and glucose and fat metabolism indexes in pregnant women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

One hundred and ten cases GDM and 100 cases healthy pregnant women in the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang City from October 2016 to December 2018 were recruited for this observational cross-sectional study. Each participant's anthropometric and demographic data was recorded. Blood samples were collected and analyzed to determine the levels of 25(OH)D, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cholesterol and triglycerides.

Inflammatory markers and glucose and fat metabolism indexes were all significantly higher in the GDM group than that in the control group, while Serum 25(OH)D level in the GDM group was significantly lower. Serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with hs-CRP, while not with TNF-α. Furthermore, Serum 25(OH)D, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels were all associated with increased risk of developing GDM.

Nowadays, the reports on the association between 25(OH)D level and GDM were controversial. Our results are consistent with the view that there was association between 25(OH)D level and GDM, and expand the literature by showing the roles of 25(OH)D, inflammation markers as well as glucose and fat metabolism indexes in the risk of developing GDM in the pregnant women with the low overall levels of 25(OH)D before delivery. This broadens our knowledge on the pathophysiology of GDM, which may be helpful in prevention and treatment of GDM.
Chinese medicine treatment of mastitis in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wen Dengpeng , Shi Yu , Zhang Xiaoxia , Lv Gang
Published: August 2020

Background:

Assessing the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicine for the mastitis in COVID-19 patients is the main purpose of this systematic review protocol.

Methods:

The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to April 2020: MEDLINE, Ovid, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VIP Database and Wanfang Database. In addition, Clinical trial registries, like the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), the Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR) and ClinicalTrials.gov, will be searched for ongoing trials with unpublished data. No language restrictions will be applied. The primary outcome will be the time of disappearance of main symptoms (including fever, asthenia, cough disappearance rate, and temperature recovery time), and serum cytokine levels. The secondary outcome will be the accompanying symptoms (such as myalgia, expectoration, stuffiness, runny nose, pharyngalgia, anhelation, chest distress, dyspnea, crackles, headache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea) disappear rate, negative COVID-19 results rate on 2 consecutive occasions (not on the same day), CT image improvement, average hospitalization time, occurrence rate of common type to severe form, clinical cure rate, and mortality. Two independent reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction and assessment. RevMan V.5.3 will be used for the assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis.

Results:

The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in this subject area.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of the study will provide an evidence to judge whether Chinese medicine is effective and safe for mastitis in COVID-19 patients.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020189924.