bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major and trace element mapping of garnet: Unravelling the conditions, timing and rates of metamorphism of the Snowcap assemblage, west‐central Yukon
Authors: Gaidies Fred , Morneau Yannick E. , Petts Duane C. , Jackson Simon E. , Zagorevski Alex , Ryan Jim J.
Published: August 2020

Garnet crystallization has been simulated in the MnNCKFMASHT model system using a simple nucleation and growth scenario, calibrated with three‐dimensional garnet crystal size distribution data as well as garnet compositional data obtained by electron probe micro‐analysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results indicate wide‐spread Barrovian‐type metamorphism for garnet‐zone rocks from the Snowcap assemblage along a hairpin‐shaped pressure–temperature loop with garnet growth from ~515°C and 4 kbar to metamorphic peak conditions of ~600°C and 6 kbar. Lu–Hf garnet‐whole geochronology points to initial garnet growth at c. 192.2 ± 4.7 Ma. Sm–Nd garnet–whole‐rock geochronology applied to a sample with garnet rims enriched in Sm indicates that the metamorphic peak conditions have been attained at c. 172.9 ± 2.4 Ma. Older garnet growth at c. 245.3 ± 0.8 Ma during a low‐P–high‐T event has been preserved as garnet cores separated from the Jurassic garnet rims by a sharp microstructural and compositional discontinuity. These polyphase garnets are restricted to Mn‐rich metapelitic lithologies. Trace element zoning in the outermost ~50 μm thin segments of the Early Triassic garnet cores reflects a short garnet growth episode in the presence of melt at peak conditions of ~710°C and 2.5 kbar, supported by phase equilibrium and diffusion geospeedometry calculations. Diffusion simulations across the interface between the Early Triassic garnet core and the Jurassic garnet rim indicate that the Barrovian‐type metamorphism during the Jurassic lasted for 20–25 Myr, in line with the radiometric data.
The environmental, social and economic effects of recent technological changes in sugarcane on the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Baccarin José Giacomo , de Oliveira Jonatan Alexandre , Mardegan Gláucia Elisa
Published: August 2020

From 2007 to 2017, the Agro‐Environmental Protocol of the Sugar and Energy Sector was in force, an agreement between sugarcane mill owners and the State Government of São Paulo, Brazil, proposing to eliminate sugarcane burning as a method to facilitate the harvest. Simultaneously, the sugarcane harvest was becoming widely mechanized while, under the interests of capital accumulation, the mills were entering the information and communication technology era and providing the agricultural processes with more precise and immediate management and technological controls, similar to those implemented in the mills' administrative and industrial operations in the 1990s. Short‐term factors, including environmental factors, favoured sugarcane technological changes. As a result, there was a mass layoff of rural workers and an increasing number of people/workers in agricultural mechanization, transportation and maintenance of machinery and administrative as well. The whole process highlighted the differences between mills, resulting in small and medium sugarcane farmers and mills to become the most impacted, in operational and financial terms, by the accelerating mechanization of the sugarcane industry as a whole.
Immunoregulatory protein V‐set and immunoglobulin domain‐containing 4 is overexpressed in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Jeon Gyun‐Ho , Lee Dae Sim , Byun Jung Mi , Kim Ki Tae , Jeong Dae Hoon
Published: August 2020

Aim

V‐set and immunoglobulin domain‐containing 4 (VSIG4) is a potent negative regulator of T‐cell responses and is suggested to regulate antitumor immunity. This study investigates whether VSIG4 is significantly expressed in endometriosis patients and the association between VSIG4 levels and serum cancer antigen (CA)‐125 levels, VSIG4 levels and endometriosis severity.

Methods

Tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples were obtained during surgery from 42 endometriotic cyst and 21 nonendometriotic tumor patients. The levels of VSIG4 mRNA, VSIG4 protein expression in tumor tissue and serum soluble VSIG4 concentration were compared between the two groups. After dividing the cohort using the optimized cut‐off values obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we examined the association between VSIG4 levels and serum CA‐125 levels, VSIG4 levels and the factors indicating endometriosis severity.

Results

The expressions of VSIG4 mRNA, VSIG4 protein and serum VSIG4 concentration were significantly increased in the endometriotic cyst group compared with the control group (P = 0.001, 0.002 and 0.049, respectively). The optimized VSIG4 cut‐off values for endometriosis prediction were 0.71, 0.32 and 144.37 pg/mL, respectively. After cohort division using these values, high VSIG4 levels group showed significantly elevated CA‐125 compared with low VSIG4 level group (P = 0.010, 0.043 and 0.039, respectively). There was no association between VSIG4 levels and the factors indicating endometriosis severity.

Conclusion

The expression of VSIG4 in endometriosis patients is increased compared with nonendometriotic tumor patients, and higher VSIG4 levels are significantly associated with higher serum CA‐125 levels. VSIG4 may be importantly involved in the immunological alteration of endometriosis.
Geniposide in Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino modulates blood pressure via inhibiting WNK pathway mediated by the estrogen receptors
Authors: Fu Yang , Yuan Pei-pei , Cao Yan-gang , Ke Ying-ying , Zhang Qi , Hou Ying , Zhang Yan-li , Feng Wei-sheng , Zheng Xiao-ke
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of geniposide in an iridoid found in Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino (GJRM) in spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and explore the possible mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, we detected the content of geniposide in GJRM by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, we used acute diuretic experiments to determine whether geniposide has diuretic effect. Moreover, we carried out experiments on SHR to further study the mechanism of hypertension, while real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for the experiments in vivo test. Hypotonic model was used for in vitro test.

Key findings

Our data showed that the content of geniposide in the extract of GJRM is 27.54%. Meanwhile, 50 mg/kg geniposide showed the strongest effect on promoting urine volume. Further study indicated that the extract of GJRM and geniposide could significantly reduce blood pressure and promote the excretion of urine and Na+ in SHR. In addition, geniposide significantly inhibited the activation of the with-no-lysine kinase (WNK) signalling pathway and significantly increases the protein expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in SHR. In hypotonic model, geniposide significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of NKCC and NCC and could be antagonistic to estrogen receptor antagonists.

Conclusions

Collectively, we would suggest that geniposide may potentially be utilized as an adjunct to existing thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics to control hypertension, mainly through inhibiting the activation of the WNK signalling pathway mediated by the estrogen receptor.
Factors associated with concurrent wasting and stunting among children 6–59 months in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Odei Obeng‐Amoako Gloria Adobea , Karamagi Charles Amnon Sunday , Nangendo Joanita , Okiring Jaffer , Kiirya Yerusa , Aryeetey Richmond , Mupere Ezekial , Myatt Mark , Briend André , Kalyango Joan Nakayaga , Wamani Henry
Published: August 2020

Children with concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) and children with severe wasting have a similar risk of death. Existing evidence shows that wasting and stunting share similar causal pathways, but evidence on correlates of WaSt remains limited. Research on correlates of WaSt is needed to inform prevention strategies. We investigated the factors associated with WaSt in children 6–59 months in Karamoja Region, Uganda.

We examined data for 33,054 children aged 6–59 months using June 2015 to July 2018 Food Security and Nutrition Assessment in Karamoja. We defined WaSt as being concurrently wasted (weight‐for‐height z‐scores <−2.0) and stunted (height‐for‐age z‐score <−2.0). We conducted multivariate mixed‐effect logistic regression to assess factors associated with WaSt. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

In multivariate analysis, being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.60–2.00]), aged 12–23 months (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI [1.85–2.74]), 36–47 months (aOR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.50–0.84]) and 48–59 months (aOR = 0.71; 95% CI [0.54–0.93]) were associated with WaSt. In addition, acute respiratory infection (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.15–1.48]), diarrhoea (aOR = 1.25; 95% CI [1.06–1.48]) and malaria/fever (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI [0.73–0.96]) episodes were associated with WaSt. WaSt was significantly associated with maternal underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2), short stature (height <160 cm), low mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC <23 cm) and having ≥4 live‐births. WaSt was prevalent in households without livestock (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13–1.59]).

Preventing the occurrence of WaSt through pragmatic and joint approaches are recommended. Future prospective studies on risk factors of WaSt to inform effective prevention strategies are recommended.
Toward a New Multilingual Educational Policy in Israel: Attitudes and Perceptions of Teachers and Students
Authors: TANNENBAUM MICHAL , MICHALOVICH AMIR , SHOHAMY ELANA
Published: August 2020

Israel's Education Ministry invited proposals for the development of a new multilingual policy for the country's education system. We submitted a proposal for an ‘engaged language policy’ approach, which helps schools to conceptualize and develop a policy that best fits them ideologically and demographically. This study aimed to map teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward various principles and practices of multilingual education in order to gather baseline data for the policy. It consisted of a mixed method design that included 2,157 Jewish and Arab teachers and students. Results showed a positive stance toward a multilingual policy and general readiness to implement it. There was overall support for expanding the range of languages offered and for strengthening immigrants’ languages, beside positive attitudes toward Arabic and Hebrew instruction for Jews and Arabs, respectively, together with various reservations, especially about translanguaging and accommodations for immigrants. Several differences emerged between Jews and Arabs, reflecting essential gaps between them regarding language and identity in Israel. The findings provide a basis for developing the new policy on more stable ground, adjusting its central principles to different contexts and implementing it gradually, enabling each school to design its own language policy based on its own ideology and demography.
Different Surgical Strategy for Patients with Cervical Angina: A Potential Role of Luschka's Joint Osteophyte
Authors: Feng Fan , Chen Xiu‐yuan , Shen Long , Li Quan , Lao Li‐feng , Shen Hong‐xing
Published: August 2020

Objective

Cervical angina is an underrecognized type of noncardiac chest pain and its mechanism of pain remains obscure. The objective of the current study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of different surgical strategies for patients with cervical angina and to analyze the potential pathogenesis of Luschka's joint osteophyte.

Methods

From February 2013 to March 2018, a prospective study on cervical angina was performed in our hospital. All patients who were diagnosed with both noncardiac chest pain and cervical pathology were identified. During admission, they consulted with a cardiologist and underwent strict cardiac workups to exclude true angina pectoris. The included 41 patients were randomly divided into two groups according to different surgical strategies of whether or not to remove Luschka's joint osteophyte during anterior cervical decompression surgery: the osteophyte resection (OR group) and the nonresection (NR group).

Results

The OR group consisted of 21 patients (8 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 54.7 years (range, 41–65 years). The NR group was composed of 20 patients (9 men and 11 women) with an average age of 56.3 years (range, 43–68 years). Before surgery, the mean duration of symptoms was 6.1 months (range, 4–20 months). The Luschka's joint osteophytes were located at C6–C7 (19 cases, 46.3%), C5–C6 (17 cases, 41.5%), and C4–C5 (4 cases, 12.2%). Their average area was 34.85 mm2 and the average length were 5.09 mm. No statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics were detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). After operation, there were significant improvements in the Japanese Orthopedic Association score and the Neck Disability Index score in both groups (P < 0.05). However, the visual analogue scale score for chest pain in the OR group was statistically lower than that in the NR group (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 1.6, P < 0.05). In the OR group, the results of cervical spine surgery were excellent in 18 patients (85.7%), and fair in 3 patients (14.3%). In the NR group, there were 10 patients (50.0%) with excellent results, 9 patients with fair results (45.0%), and 1 patient with poor results (5.0%). Notably, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (χ2 = 6.265, P = 0.044). The average follow‐up was 31 months (24–52 months).

Conclusion

Anterior cervical decompression surgery with resection of Luschka's joint osteophyte can effectively reduce cervical angina symptom and improve the patient's quality of life. In addition to nerve root compression, Luschka's joint osteophyte may be another pathogenic factor in cervical angina.
Extreme Wind and Wave Predictability From Operational Forecasts at the Drake Passage
Authors: Campos Ricardo Martins , D’Agostini Andressa , França Bruna Reis Leite , Cruz Leandro Machado , Soares C. Guedes
Published: August 2020

The Drake Passage is an ocean area between South America and Antarctica with very extreme wind and wave climates. The quality of forecasts of surface winds and significant wave heights is analyzed in the present paper, in order to study the error and distribution of model uncertainties as a function of forecast range, severity, location, and numerical model. The operational metocean forecasts selected are run twice a day by the Brazilian Navy and the forecast horizon analyzed is five days. A period of 1 year (2017) is considered for the assessment. Observations consist of four satellite missions: JASON2, JASON3, CRYOSAT, and SARAL. The atmospheric models with 10-m winds are Global Forecast System (GFS) and Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic Model (icon). They are used as inputs to force the wave model WAVEWATCH III with a mosaic of two grids. Results show that under calm to moderate conditions, within the first 2 days of forecast, the wind and wave model skill is very high. However, above the 90th percentile and beyond the third forecast day, the predictability drops significantly. It highlights specific contours of forecast range versus percentiles where the wind and wave modelers should focus, in order to anticipate and to improve the predictability of extreme events at the Drake Passage.
Four new species of torrenticolid water mites with a newly recorded subgenus from Yunnan, China (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae)

Authors: Gu Xinyao , Jin Daochao , Guo Jianjun
Published: August 2020

New material of water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China is reported. Four new species are described herein: Monatractides (Monatractides) dingi, sp. nov.; Torrenticola (Torrenticola) rectrostrum, sp. nov.; T. (T.) yunnanensis, sp. nov.; T. (Megapalpis) aduncrostrum, sp. nov., of which the last one represents a newly recorded subgenus Megapalpis from China. In addition, a key is provided to the world species of the subgenus Megapalpis.
When Sport Event Work Stopped: Exposure of Sport Event Labor Precarity by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sheptak R. Dale , Menaker Brian E.
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has exposed major weaknesses in economic, governmental, and social structures that many have taken for granted in everyday life. The sport industry, which has gained unprecedented popularity in recent decades, is no exception. Decisions, driven in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, to suspend play in major sports leagues across the globe have exposed the precarious nature of the work situation that hourly event workers find themselves in. As the games stopped, so did the earnings of workers who impact essential aspects of the sport spectators’ experience. These workers include the part-time front of house staff for public assembly facilities, including ushers, concessions workers, ticket takers, and security personnel. This essay, drawing on ideas from C.W. Mills, Arne Kalleberg, and Guy Standing, will examine the impact of the pandemic on the employment of these workers by looking at the state of labor associated with sport and sports events. Furthermore, the essay will explore the challenges facing a class of workers who depend on numerous part-time or seasonal sports event jobs to scrape together an existence when sport suddenly stops. Finally, the essay will address the potential aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sport labor and consider how sport work could change as a result. This scholarly commentary lays the groundwork for further study and analysis of an important, yet rarely remarked on, aspect of employment morality and sport labor studies.
Predictive Strength of Physical Education-Centered Physical Literacy Indicators on Physical Activity
Authors: Yli-Piipari Sami , Gråsten Arto , Huhtiniemi Mikko , Salin Kasper , Seppälä Sanni , Hakonen Harto , Jaakkola Timo
Published: August 2020

This study examined the predictive strength of selected physical education (PE)-centered physical literacy indicators on elementary school students’ accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (PA). The study was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 450 Finnish children (M = 11.26 [0.32]; nfemales = 194; nmales = 256). Data on a set of predictor variables (motor competence, in-class PE moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA [MVPA], health-related fitness, and PE motivation and enjoyment) and total MVPA as a single outcome variable were collected. The entire model explained almost 30% of MVPA (R2adj = .298). Cardiorespiratory endurance (β = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [0.22, 0.62], p < .001) and MVPA in PE (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [0.09, 0.44], p = .004) were statistically significant predictors of MVPA. It can be concluded that, of all included variables, cardiorespiratory endurance and MVPA in PE were the most important factors contributing to healthy levels of total MVPA in childhood.
“It’s a Lot Less Hassle and a Lot More Fun”: Factors That Sustain Teachers’ Enthusiasm for and Ability to Deliver Sport Education
Authors: Curtner-Smith Matthew D. , Kinchin Gary D. , Hastie Peter A. , Brunsdon Jamie J. , Sinelnikov Oleg A.
Published: August 2020

Purposes: (a) To describe how more experienced and expert teachers interpreted and delivered sport education (SE) during their careers and (b) to discover and describe factors within their occupational socialization that sustained the teachers’ enthusiasm for and ability to deliver SE. Method: Participants were nine teachers. Primary data sources were formal interviews. Secondary supporting sources were documents and film. They were analyzed by employing standard interpretive methods. Credibility and trustworthiness were established through a search for discrepant and negative cases and member checking. Findings: At different times in their careers, the teachers delivered SE in one of four ways: watered down, through a cafeteria approach, the full version, and the full+ version. A number of factors from their acculturation, professional socialization, and organizational socialization enabled the teachers to deliver the full+ version or led to them delivering other versions of the model. Conclusions: The findings allow us to make practical suggestions for preservice and inservice teacher education that may help university faculty facilitate the teaching of SE.
Evaluation of the Combination of Azithromycin and Naphthoquine in Animal Malaria Models
Authors: Bei Zhu-Chun , Li Guo-Fu , Zhao Jing-Hua , Zhang Min , Ji Xiao-Guang , Wang Jing-Yan
Published: August 2020

Combination therapy using drugs with different mechanisms of action is the current state of the art in antimalarial treatment. However, except for artemisinin-based combination therapies, only a few other combinations are now available. Increasing concern regarding the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
has led to a need for the development of new antimalarials. Moreover, the efficacy of current available chemoprophylaxis is compromised by drug resistance and noncompliance due to intolerable adverse effects or complicated dosing regimens.
Three Candidate Probiotic Strains Impact Gut Microbiota and Induce Anergy in Mice with Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Esber Nathalie , Mauras Aurélie , Delannoy Johanne , Labellie Chantal , Mayeur Camille , Caillaud Marie-Aurore , Kashima Toma , Souchaud Landry , Nicolis Ioannis , Kapel Nathalie , Waligora-Dupriet Anne-Judith
Published: August 2020

We showed previously that three probiotic strains, i.e.,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
LA305,
L. salivarius
LA307, and
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
LA308, exerted different preventive effects in a mouse model of cow’s milk allergy. In this study, we evaluated their potential benefits in a curative mouse model of cow’s milk allergy. When administered for 3 weeks after the sensitization process and a first allergic reaction, none of the strains modified the levels of sensitization and allergic markers. However, all three strains affected gut bacterium communities and modified immune and inflammatory responses, leading to a tolerogenic profile. Interestingly, all three strains exerted a direct effect on dendritic cells, which are known to play a major role in food sensitization through their potentially tolerogenic properties and anergic responses. Taken together, these data indicate a potentially beneficial role of the probiotic strains tested in this model of cow’s milk allergy with regard to tolerance acquisition.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Drives a Super-Enhancer-Mediated Survival Gene Expression Program in Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Authors: Manzano Mark , Günther Thomas , Ju Hyunwoo , Nicholas John , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Grundhoff Adam , Gottwein Eva
Published: August 2020

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes the aggressive disease primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Here, we show that a viral transcription factor (vIRF3) cooperates with the cellular transcription factor IRF4 to control an oncogenic gene expression program in PEL cells. These proteins promote KSHV-mediated B cell transformation by activating the expression of prosurvival genes through super-enhancers. Our report thus demonstrates that this DNA tumor virus encodes a transcription factor that functions with cellular IRF4 to drive oncogenic transcriptional reprogramming.
GRL-0920, an Indole Chloropyridinyl Ester, Completely Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Hattori Shin-ichiro , Higshi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Raghavaiah Jakka , Das Debananda , Bulut Haydar , Davis David A. , Takamatsu Yuki , Matsuda Kouki , Takamune Nobutoki , Kishimoto Naoki , Okamura Tadashi , Misumi Shogo , Yarchoan Robert , Maeda Kenji , Ghosh Arun K. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: August 2020

Targeting the main protease (M
pro
) of SARS-CoV-2, we identified two indole-chloropyridinyl-ester derivatives, GRL-0820 and GRL-0920, active against SARS-CoV-2, employing RNA-qPCR and immunocytochemistry and show that the two compounds exerted potent activity against SARS-CoV-2. While GRL-0820 and remdesivir blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral breakthrough occurred as examined with immunocytochemistry. In contrast, GRL-0920 completely blocked the infectivity and cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 without significant toxicity. Structural modeling showed that indole and chloropyridinyl of the derivatives interacted with two catalytic dyad residues of M
pro
, Cys145 and His41, resulting in covalent bonding, which was verified using HPLC/MS. The present data should shed light on the development of therapeutics for COVID-19, and optimization of GRL-0920 based on the present data is essential to develop more-potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds for treating COVID-19.
The Viral Polymerase Complex Mediates the Interaction of Viral Ribonucleoprotein Complexes with Recycling Endosomes during Sendai Virus Assembly
Authors: Genoyer Emmanuelle , Kulej Katarzyna , Hung Chuan Tien , Thibault Patricia A. , Azarm Kristopher , Takimoto Toru , Garcia Benjamin A. , Lee Benhur , Lakdawala Seema , Weitzman Matthew D. , López Carolina B.
Published: August 2020

Paramyxoviruses are members of a family of viruses that include a number of pathogens imposing significant burdens on human health. In particular, human parainfluenza viruses are an important cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children for which there are no vaccines or directly acting antivirals. These cytoplasmic replicating viruses bud from the plasma membrane and co-opt cellular endosomal recycling pathways to traffic viral ribonucleoprotein complexes from the cytoplasm to the membrane of infected cells. The viral proteins required for viral engagement with the recycling endosome pathway are still not known. Here, we used the model paramyxovirus Sendai virus, or murine parainfluenza virus 1, to investigate the role of viral proteins in this initial step of viral assembly. We found that the viral polymerase components large protein L and accessory protein C are necessary for engagement with recycling endosomes. These findings are important in identifying viral proteins as potential targets for development of antivirals.
Niche Partitioning between Coastal and Offshore Shelf Waters Results in Differential Expression of Alkane and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Catabolic Pathways
Authors: Doyle Shawn M. , Lin Genmei , Morales-McDevitt Maya , Wade Terry L. , Quigg Antonietta , Sylvan Jason B.
Published: August 2020

In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the taxonomic response of marine microbial communities to oil and dispersants has been extensively studied. However, relatively few studies on the functional response of these microbial communities have been reported, especially in a longitudinal fashion. Moreover, despite the fact that marine oil spills typically impact thousands of square kilometers of both coastal and offshore marine environments, little information is available on how the microbial response to oil and dispersants might differ between these biomes. The results of this study help fill this critical knowledge gap and provide valuable insight into how oil spill response efforts, such as chemically dispersing oil, may have differing effects in neighboring coastal and offshore marine environments.
From source to sink: Glacially eroded, Late Devonian algal “cysts” (Tasmanites) delivered to the Gulf of Mexico during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Kohl Barry , Curry B. Brandon , Miller Merrell
Published: August 2020

The source of reworked Devonian algal “cysts” in last glacial maximum (LGM) sediment in the Gulf of Mexico is traced to their host black shales, which ring the southwestern Great Lakes. The source-to-sink pathway includes intermediate storage in fine-grained LGM glacial lacustrine sediment and till. The “cysts” are pelagic chlorophyllous algae (Tasmanites and Leiosphaeridia), collectively referred to herein as tasmanitids. Radiocarbon dates of syndepositional Gulf of Mexico foraminifera, derived from accelerator mass spectrometry, bracket the Gulf of Mexico sediment age with common tasmanitids from 28.5 ± 0.6–17.8 ± 0.2 cal kyr B.P.

Approximately 1400 km north of the Gulf of Mexico, tasmanitids are abundant in Upper Devonian black shales (New Albany, Antrim, and Ohio Shales) that ring the Michigan, Illinois, and Appalachian intracratonic basins. Tasmanitids were eroded from bedrock and incorporated in glacial sediment dating from ca. 28.0–17.6 cal kyr B.P. by the Lake Michigan, and Huron-Erie lobes of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The physical characteristics of tasmanitids are ideal for long-distance transport as suspended sediment (density: 1.1–1.3 g/cc, size ranging from 63 µm to 300 µm), and these sand-sized tasmanitids traveled with the silt-clay fraction. Thus, the source-to-sink journey of tasmanitids was initiated by subglacial erosion by water or friction, sequestering in till or glaciolacustrine sediment, re-entrainment and suspension in meltwater, and final delivery in meltwater plumes to the Gulf of Mexico. River routes included the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Wabash, Kaskaskia, and many of their tributaries.

Reworked Devonian tasmanitids are a previously unrecognized link between their occurrence in deep-water deposits of the Gulf of Mexico and the late Wisconsin glacial history of the Upper Mississippi Valley. We propose that tracking occurrences of tasmanitid concentrations from the source area to sink, along with adjunct proxies such as clay minerals, will facilitate a more refined analysis of the timing and duration of megafloods. This study also demonstrates that isotopically dead carbon, from reworked Devonian tasmanitid “cysts,” can contaminate radiocarbon dating of LGM bulk sediment samples toward older ages.
Painful thoracic swelling in a refugee teenager
Authors: Occhipinti Alessandro Agostino , Di Bella Stefano , Degrassi Ferruccio , Tornese Gianluca , Cova Maria Assunta , Barbi Egidio
Published: August 2020

Case

A 14-year-old refugee, escaping from a Middle East war zone, was admitted with a 3-month history of chest pain and a 2-week history of sternal swelling. The patient had no previous medical history, but reported having been beaten by a policeman at a border at the beginning of his journey. He did not have the following symptoms: cough, wheezing fever, weight loss and sweating. When he was admitted to the hospital, he was afebrile; blood pressure was 120/70 mm Hg, pulse 95 beats per minute and oxygen saturation 97% while breathing ambient air. On physical examination, there was a 10 cm fluctuating swelling in the sternal region. The lesion was reddish, warm, tender and painful (figure 1). Digital clubbing was also noticed. The remaining examination was normal. White blood cell count was 9000 cells per mm3, haemoglobin 145 g/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein were normal as well as renal and liver function tests. ECG was regular.

Figure 1

Swelling in the sternal region.

Question 1

Based on the clinical picture, laboratory tests and history, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Chest wall tuberculosis

Lymphoma

Thoracic actinomycosis

Infected haematoma

Question 2

Which is the best diagnostic test to confirm this diagnosis?

Ultrasound scan

MRI

CT

Chest radiograph

Question 3

What is the mainstay of the management of this condition?

Drainage of the abscess

Antitubercular chemotherapy

Aspiration of the abscess and antitubercular chemotherapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Answers can be found on page 02.
Fifteen-minute consultation: A practical approach to remote consultations for paediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Galway Niamh , Stewart Gemma , Maskery Julia , Bourke Thomas , Lundy Claire Teresa
Published: August 2020

Objective

This practical approach to the use of telehealth aims to offer clinicians a framework for video and telephone interactions with children and families accessing healthcare.

Design

Using a standardised case to illustrate how video and telephone consultations can be used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting

The emergence of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a massive impact on society. Routine face-to-face consultations were reduced to reduce potential spread of the virus. Clinicians still need to provide ongoing safe care, particularly for more complex patients. Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services across geographical barriers using information and communication technologies to improve health outcomes.

Intervention

In this article, we describe a ‘How to’ approach to using virtual consultations based on our experience and a review of expert guidelines.

Conclusion

Virtual consultations can be more convenient and have the potential to improve access for patients. Many have embraced these technologies for the first time during this pandemic.
Does caesarean delivery in the first pregnancy increase the risk for adverse outcome in the second? A registry-based cohort study on first and second singleton births in Norway
Authors: Bjellmo Solveig , Andersen Guro L , Hjelle Sissel , Klungsøyr Kari , Krebs Lone , Lydersen Stian , Romundstad Pål Richard , Vik Torstein
Published: August 2020

Objective

To explore if newborns in the second pregnancy following a previous caesarean delivery (CD) have higher risk of perinatal mortality or cerebral palsy than newborns in pregnancies following a previous vaginal delivery (VD).

Design

Cohort study with information from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the Cerebral Palsy Registry of Norway.

Setting

Births in Norway.

Participants

294 598 women with their first and second singleton delivery during 1996–2015.

Main outcome measures

Stillbirth, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy.

Results

Among 294 598 included women, 42 962 (15%) had a CD in their first pregnancy while 251 636 (85%) had a VD. Compared with the second delivery of mothers with a previous VD, the adjusted OR (adjOR), for stillbirth in the second pregnancy following a previous CD was 1.45, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.73; for perinatal death the adjOR was 1.42 (1.22 to 1.73) and for neonatal death 1.13 (0.86 to 1.49). Among children who survived the neonatal period, the adjOR for cerebral palsy was 1.27 (0.99 to 1.64). Secondary outcomes, including small for gestational age, preterm and very preterm birth, uterine rupture and placental complications (eg, postpartum haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia) were more frequent in the subsequent pregnancy following a previous CD compared with a previous VD, in particular for uterine rupture adjOR 86.7 (48.2 to 156.1). Adjustment for potential confounders attenuated the ORs somewhat, but the excess risk in the second pregnancy persisted for all outcomes.

Conclusion

A previous CD was in this study associated with increased risk for stillbirth and perinatal death compared with a previous VD. Although less robust, we also found that a previous CD was associated with a slightly increased risk of cerebral palsy among children surviving the neonatal period. The aetiology behind these associations needs further investigation.
Association between concussion education and concussion knowledge, beliefs and behaviours among youth ice hockey parents and coaches: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Black Amanda M. , Yeates Keith Owen , Babul Shelina , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Emery Carolyn A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To examine the association between self-reported exposure to concussion education and knowledge, beliefs and self-reported behaviour among parents and coaches of youth ice hockey players.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Community ice hockey teams from Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Parents and coaches of ice hockey players (ages 11–17, all divisions of play).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants completed a questionnaire developed and validated to measure concussion knowledge, beliefs and concussion management behaviour (ie, coaches removing athletes from play; parents taking children with suspected concussions to physicians) consistent with the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). The questionnaire examined specific HAPA constructs (ie, risk perception, outcome expectancies, action self-efficacy, intention, action planning, maintenance self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy) relevant to concussion management behaviour.

Results

Participants included 786 parents (31.8% with coaching experience) and 10 non-parent coaches. Of the participants, 649 (82.6%) previously received concussion education. Based on a multivariable regression analysis adjusting for coaching experience, previous history of a child sustaining one or more concussions, first aid experience and cluster by team, exposure to concussion education was associated with a mean score difference of 1.36 (95% CI 0.68 to 2.03), p<0.0001, in the knowledge score. Exposure to concussion education was not significantly associated with any of the HAPA constructs based on Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Conclusion

Exposure to concussion education may be associated with small overall differences in concussion knowledge but may not be associated with significant differences in beliefs or intended behaviours related to concussion management among youth hockey parents and coaches.

When providing education or recommendations for concussion education sources to coaches and parents, educational strategies grounded in behavioural change theory that specifically target the motivators of behavioural change should be considered.
Sinusoidal dilatation and congestion in post-transplant liver biopsies from patients presenting with transaminitis
Authors: Bakshi Neha , Rastogi Archana , Pamecha Viniyendra , Bihari Chhagan
Published: August 2020

Aims

Sinusoidal dilatation and congestion (SDC) in liver biopsy may be obstructive (due to venous outflow impairment) or non-obstructive in nature. The significance of this finding in the post-liver transplant setting remains unexplored.

Methods

We herein retrospectively analysed all post-transplant liver biopsies showing SDC and examined histopathological features in detail. Association with transaminitis and concurrent graft rejection was assessed.

Results

A total of 30 post-transplant liver biopsies from 27 patients showed SDC with atrophy of hepatocyte cords (SDC; incidence 7.4%). All patients had transaminitis. Most patients (n=22; 81.5%) were asymptomatic with deranged liver function tests (LFTs) detected during routine follow-up, raising clinical suspicion of graft rejection. SDC was non-obstructive in 19 (70.4%) and obstructive (due to sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS)) in 8 (29.6%) cases. The incidence of SOS was 2%. SDC was mild, moderate and severe in 18 (66.7%), 7 (25.9%) and 2 (7.4%) cases, respectively. Perivenular and centrilobular sinusoidal fibrosis was seen in the obstructive SDC group (n=3, 11.1%). Concurrent graft rejection was present in 7 (25.9%) cases, of which acute cellular rejection comprised 5 (18.5%), and late acute rejection accounted for 2 cases (7.4%). Serum tacrolimus levels ranged from normal (n=14) to below and above normal (n=5 each). Modulation of immunosuppressive therapy led to normalisation of LFTs in one patient.

Conclusion

Obstructive and non-obstructive SDC in post-liver transplant patients presenting with transaminitis mimics graft rejection clinically and may represent a form of drug-induced liver injury. Liver biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis.
Anti-tumor effects of NK cells and anti-PD-L1 antibody with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in PD-L1-positive cancer cell lines
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Kim Seong-Eun , Keam Bhumsuk , Park Ha-Ram , Kim Soyeon , Kim Miso , Kim Tae Min , Doh Junsang , Kim Dong-Wan , Heo Dae Seog
Published: August 2020

Background

Although programmed cell death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors show remarkable antitumor activity, a large portion of patients with cancer, even those with high PD-L1-expressing tumors, do not respond to their effects. Most PD-L1 inhibitors contain modified fragment crystallizable region (Fc) receptor binding sites to prevent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against PD-L1-expressing non-tumor cells. However, natural killer (NK) cells have specific antitumor activity in the presence of tumor-targeting antibody through ADCC, which could enhance NK cell-induced cytotoxicity. We evaluated the antitumor efficacy of ADCC via anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and NK cells against several PD-L1-positive cancer cell lines.

Methods

Various cancer cell lines were used as target cell lines. Surface PD-L1 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. IMC-001 and anti-hPD-L1-hIgG1 were tested as anti-PD-L1 mAbs with ADCC and atezolizumab as an anti-PD-L1 mAb without ADCC. NK cell cytotoxicity was measured by 51Cr-release assay and CD107a degranulation assay. Also, live cell imaging was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity in a single-cell level. NK-92-CD16 (CD16-transduced NK-92 cell line) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors, respectively, were used as an effector cell. FcγRIIIa (CD16a)-V158F genotyping was performed for healthy donors.

Results

We demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of NK-92-CD16 cells toward PD-L1-positive cancer cell lines was significantly enhanced in the presence of anti-PD-L1 mAb with ADCC. We also noted a significant increase in primary human NK cell cytotoxicity against PD-L1-positive human cancer cells when cocultured with anti-PD-L1 mAb with ADCC. Moreover, NK cells expressing a FCGR3A high-affinity genotype displayed higher anti-PD-L1 mAb-mediated ADCC lysis of tumor cells than donors with a low-affinity genotype.

Conclusion

These results suggest that NK cells induce an ADCC response in combination with anti-PD-L1 mAbs, which helps promote ADCC antitumor activity against PD-L1-positive tumors. This study provides support for NK cell immunotherapy against high PD-L1-expressing tumors in combination with ADCC through anti-PD-L1 mAbs.
Against the strengthened impairment argument: never-born fetuses have no FLO to deprive
Authors: Gillham Alex R
Published: August 2020

In order for the so-called strengthened impairment argument (SIA) to succeed, it must posit some reason R that causing fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is immoral, one that also holds in cases of abortion. In formulating SIA, Blackshaw and Hendricks borrow from Don Marquis to claim that the reason R that causing FAS is immoral lies in the fact that it deprives an organism of a future like ours (an FLO). I argue here that SIA fails to show that it is immoral to cause FAS and abort fetuses that will not be born because it deprives them of an FLO. This is because fetuses that will not be born have no chance of having an FLO in the first place, so causing FAS for and aborting them cannot deprive them of one. I then consider three responses to my argument. I conclude that each fails. SIA does not accomplish its task of showing why it is immoral to impair fetuses that will not be born. Perhaps it can accomplish the task of showing why it is immoral to impair fetuses that will be born, but not without sacrificing at least some of its alleged significance.
Pancreatolithiasis in a cat with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Chilla Almuth , Fischer Anneke , Neumann Stephan
Published: August 2020

Pancreatolithiasis has been described in humans and cattle. In cats, only three reports have documented the condition so far. In humans, pancreatolithiasis is associated with chronic pancreatitis, whereas in cattle, the condition is asymptomatic. In humans, decreased pancreatic stone protein (PSP) levels may promote the crystallisation and deposition of calcium carbonate.

This case report describes a cat with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatolithiasis. The mechanism of pancreatolith formation in cats remains unclear because we have paucity of information about this condition in cats. Compared with humans, pancreatolithiasis seems to be more common than in cats. Determining the consequences of chronic pancreatitis in cats requires an investigation of feline PSP and other factors. This might reduce the risk of pancreatoliths.
Embryo development is impaired in goats that are treated for hydrometra and subsequently subjected to superovulation
Authors: Maia Ana Lucia R S , Arrais Aline M , Prellwitz Lucia , Batista Ribrio I T P , Figueira Lucas M , Correia Lucas F L , Fonseca Jeferson F , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna M G
Published: August 2020

Background

Reproductive efficiency after hydrometra (HD) treatment is usually unsatisfactory.

Methods

To identify mechanisms involved in low reproductive efficiency of HD‐treated goats, pluriparous dairy goats treated for HD (n=10, HD) or with no reproductive disorders (n=11, control: CONT) were induced to oestrus and superovulated. Goats were mated with fertile bucks and seven days after oestrus, non‐surgical embryo recovery was performed. Embryos were evaluated and gene expression was performed.

Results

There were no differences (P>0.05) in sexual behaviour parameters, superovulation response, mean number of retrieved structures and viable embryos between groups; although embryo recovery rate was higher (P=0.01) in CONT group. Structures in delayed stage (8–16 cells) were more frequent (P<0.05) in HD (29 vs 1 per cent) goats, as well as the percentage of advanced embryos was greater (P<0.05) for CONT (59.3 vs 33.3 per cent) goats. However, the expression of genes related to apoptosis (BAX and Bcl‐2), trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2) and pluripotency maintenance (NANOG) was not affected (P>0.05) in embryos that reached the morulae and blastocyst stages.

Conclusion

Although the HD embryos that developed to morula and blastocyst stages showed no change in the expression of genes related to their quality and implantation capacity, overall, embryo development was impaired in HD‐treated goats.
Two-particle contributions and nonlocal effects in the QCD sum rules for the axial vector tetraquark candidate Zc(3900)
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2020

In this article, we study the [Formula: see text] with the QCD sum rules in details by including the two-particle scattering state contributions and nonlocal effects between the diquark and antidiquark constituents. The two-particle scattering state contributions cannot saturate the QCD sum rules at the hadron side, the contribution of the [Formula: see text] plays an unsubstitutable role, we can saturate the QCD sum rules with or without the two-particle scattering state contributions. If there exists a repulsive barrier or spatial distance between the diquark and antidiquark constituents, the Feynman diagrams can be divided into the factorizable and nonfactorizable diagrams. The factorizable diagrams consist of two-colored clusters and lead to a stable tetraquark state. The nonfactorizable Feynman diagrams correspond to the tunneling effects, which play a minor important role in the QCD sum rules, and are consistent with the small width of the [Formula: see text]. It is feasible to apply the QCD sum rules to study the tetraquark states, which begin to receive contributions at the order [Formula: see text], not at the order [Formula: see text].