bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Palaeoecological Factors in Shaping Modern Landscape of Republic of Kalmykia
Authors: Sangadzhiev M M , Onkaev V A , Germasheva Y S
Published: April 2021

This paper examines environmental issues from the point of view of historical geology and geoecology. The territory of the Caspian region has undergone many geological and geographical changes for more than 180 million years. The waters of the Tethys ocean covering the entire region gradually regressed. One of the remnants of the ocean is the Caspian (Khazar) sea. The Caspian Sea has also undergone many changes. If in the Quaternary period it washed the Ergeninsky upland, then now it has gone 300 km south of the coastline. The history of the Caspian Sea is very interesting and entertaining. The tribes that lived on the territory of the Caspian Sea, from the Scythians to the descendants of Genghis Khan, were mainly engaged in cattle breeding. They mainly bred horses and sheep intended for long-distance raids on this territory. At different times and eras, the livestock in the studied area varied, it was about 2 million or more animal units. For more than 30,000 years, the soil layer has been destroyed. If 200 years ago the territory of the Caspian lowland and especially the territory of the Republic of Kalmykia were blooming, then for more than 2-3 centuries this zone has changed a lot. The peak of degradation of the soil layer occurred in the 1960-1980s. One of the reasons for the destruction of the natural balance is the system of land reclamation, widely carried out in the 20th century. The purpose of this research is to analyze the process of soil degradation, landscape changes, and gully-girder system over the past 30 centuries. To solve this problem, we used the materials of archaeological expeditions conducted by scientists of the Kalmyk University, as well as information available in open sources. The hypothesis accepted for the study was the system of nature variability with consideration for the influence of other factors. The destruction of the soil layer and its degradation led to the formation of the Sahel belt on the territory of the Republic. Another part of the accepted hypothesis was the system of equilibrium in nature, entropy. Any of these disruptions can lead to adverse consequences. Such consequences are not yet fully understood. The obtained data will allow us to assess the current environmental status of the study area.
Influence of Diagnostics of Axle Boxes of Freight Cars on Traffic Safety of the Railway Transport
Authors: Pitsenko I , Muradian L , Myamlin S
Published: April 2021

Failures of axle boxes of freight cars due to poor-quality repair and maintenance can be reduced by applying diagnostic methods and tools. Therefore, the study carried out a study of the influence of diagnostics of axle boxes of freight cars on traffic safety of the railway transport. To reduce the magnitude of risks arising from failures of axle box units of freight cars, it is proposed to use vibration diagnostics during maintenance and repair, and to exclude the human factor, it is proposed to completely eliminate the operator’s influence on the conclusions of the diagnostic process. Also, a method for assessing the risks arising from failures of axle boxes of freight cars was developed. The presented method for assessing of traffic safety the railway transport allows you to determine and predict risks. Vibration diagnostics allows reducing the risks arising from failures of axle boxes of freight cars, thereby increasing the level of traffic safety up to 3.7 times. In this regard, it can be argued that the use of vibration diagnostics during the maintenance and repair of axle boxes of freight cars makes it possible to reduce the threats to human life and possible harmful environmental consequences on the railway transport.
Analysis of Oreoxerophite Flora within Chechnia
Authors: Taisumov M A , Umarov M U , Astamirova M A-M , Abdurzakova A S , Magomadova R S , Baybatyrova E R
Published: April 2021

The article provides information on xerophilous vegetation and its classification from the point of view of ecology, physiology and morphology. The localization of the oeroxerophyte belt above the forest belt along river valleys and in the arid basins of the republic was noted. The vegetation cover here is complex and consists of numerous microgroups, which differ sharply from each other in their coenotic character, since they develop in arid conditions on mountain slopes characterized by a wide variety of microrelief elements. The belt is not continuous, it is located in spots in a chain of arid basins located between the Skalisty and Lateral ridges; the most significant areas are in the upper reaches of the Sharo-Argun and Chanty-Argun, but it reaches its greatest development within arid basins, occupying all the southern mountain slopes. A classification of xerophytes in the flora of the Russian Caucasus has been developed. The most important representatives of oeroxerophytes of various substrates and plant communities are indicated.
Assessment of the Level of Food Security in Russia in the Context of Import Substitution
Authors: Antamoshkina E N , Rogachev A F
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to assessing the food security of the Russian Federation in the context of the implementation of the import substitution policy. With this objective in view, the authors consider the system of indicators of food security assessment: level of food self-sufficiency, degree of satisfaction of population’s physiological needs for principal food products, level of economic affordability of food. As provided by the suggested method of assessment, the study determines the criteria by every index allowing the authors to evaluate the level of food security (using point system) as optimal, permissible or low one. Economic affordability of food analysis assumes that several indicators are to be considered in conformity with the following criteria: proportion of population with incomes below living wage; ratio of food expenses in the final consumption expenses structure of households; degree of inequality of population distribution according to income level. The level of economic affordability of food determines the possibility of acquiring food, depending on the size of incomes and price levels. As a result of the calculations, it was found that the integrated assessment of food security in Russia amounted to 8 points, which corresponds to permissible level. At the same time there are explicit threats to food security: rather high level of income inequality in the region, growing index of consumer price for food products. The obtained results are necessary while planning and elaborating the measures of the economic policy to ensure, maintain and increase the level of food security.
Enhancing gas sensing properties of novel palladium-decorated zinc oxide surface: a first-principles study
Authors: Liangruksa Monrudee , Laomettachit Teeraphan , Siriwong Chawarat
Published: April 2021

Doping and surface engineering of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are the practical approach in promoting the gas sensing capabilities. However, the mechanism and the factors that affect such improvement are not well understood. We performed the first-principles based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate palladium (Pd) decoration on the gas sensing properties of ZnO (0001) surface. Various Pd loading contents on the ZnO surface have been simulated for the resulting sensing capabilities towards a series of gas molecules. The simulations indicate that the modified ZnO surfaces actively interact with the CO and NH3 gas molecules with great adsorption energies ranging from −1.02 eV to −5.56 eV. Moreover, the most stable structure of the decorated ZnO surface by a three-Pd ring cluster has revealed the drastically enhanced selectivity towards NH3 gas. Hence, surface decoration by Pd atoms could be an effective approach in promoting gas selectivity and sensitivity.
Microwave absorbing characteristics of Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell polyaniline-based composites
Authors: Yusmaniar  , Erdawati  , Sosiati Harini , Budi Setia , Alaydrus Mudrik , Handoko Erfan
Published: April 2021

In this study, Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell/polyaniline composites were successfully prepared by mechanical and chemical methods. The crystalline structure, morphology, magnetic and microwave absorption property of the Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell polyaniline-based composites were investigated with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, permagraph and vector network analyzer, respectively. The results indicate the composites of 4 wt% Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell filleras a potential candidate for X-band electromagnetic absorbing material. The frequency bands for reflection loss below –10 dB (90% microwave absorption) areobtained from 8.0 to 12.2 GHz at the thickness of 2 to 5 mm. This enhancement could be attributed to the addition of Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell as a filler.
Effect of Nd on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Mg-Gd-Nd-Zr alloys
Authors: Bao Jian , Li Quanan , Chen Xiaoya , Zhang Qian , Chen Ziyi
Published: April 2021

The corrosion behavior of Mg-12.5Gd-xNd-0.3Zr (x = 1, 2, 3 wt%) alloys were investigated by weight loss tests and electrochemical measurements in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that the increase of Nd content refine the grains gradually and promote the precipitates. Mg-12.5Gd-xNd-0.3Zr alloy is composed of α-Mg and Mg5Gd and Nd41Mg5 phase, and the semi-continuous phase is formed with addition of 3% Nd. The corrosion resistance of Mg-12.5Gd-xNd-0.3Zr alloys sharply increases with the increase of Nd element by weight loss tests and the tendency is proven by means of electrochemical measurements. The corrosion resistance is improved when Nd content increases from 1% to 3% owning to the diminishing grain size and the change of distribution for second phase. The second phase play a dual effect on corrosion which depend on its distribution.
Kinetic model of dynamic recrystallization of DP1000 steel for auto body structures
Authors: Li Hui , Rui Feng , Xiao-li Cui , Yao-kun Pan , Xue-jie Fu , Xuan Ding
Published: April 2021

Hot compression tests were performed in DP1000 steel under a temperature range of 950 ∼ 1150 °C with corresponding strain rate of 0.05 ∼ 10 s−1 to investigate the kinetic model of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) on a Gleeble 3800 thermal simulation test machine. The characteristic parameters such as critical stress/strain (σ
c/ε
c), peak stress/strain (σ
p/ε
p), maximum softening stress/strain (σ
m/ε
m) and steady-state stress/strain (σ
ss/ε
ss) were acquired according to the stress-strain data. The beginning of DRX was found from the inflection point of the cubic spline θ-σ curve. The Zahiri model was used to calculate the DRX percentage. The revised MZ DRX model based on multiple characteristic parameters was developed, and the prediction value had good agreement with the experimental results.
Ultrafast electron–hole relaxation dynamics in CdS nanocrystals
Authors: Makkar Mahima , Moretti Luca , Maiuri Margherita , Cerullo Giulio , Viswanatha Ranjani
Published: April 2021

Surface traps significantly influence the charge carrier dynamics within semiconductor nanocrystals, introducing non-radiative exciton recombination channels which are detrimental for their applications. Understanding the nature of these trap states and modulating them synthetically bears immense potential in designing defect-free colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals for efficient optoelectronic devices. Thus, systems devoid of surface traps can be used to study the relaxation pathways of excitons generated within these nanocrystals. In this work, we study the ultrafast charge carrier relaxation dynamics upon near-edge resonance excitation and above-resonance excitation in CdS nanocrystals using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, in order to understand intraband cooling and mid-gap trap states. The time-resolved studies reveal that the above bandgap excitation results in a three-step process, including instantaneous growth followed by a fast sub-picosecond decay and a long-lived (>1 ns) excited state or a trap state recombination. The large percentage of long-lived excitons in CdS nanocrystals elucidates the defect-free nature of the system arising from the absence of surface states.
In situ XAS study of the local structure of the nano-Li2FeSiO4/C cathode
Authors: Kucuk Kamil , Aryal Shankar , Moazzen Elahe , Timofeeva Elena V , Segre Carlo U
Published: April 2021

Despite the challenges in achieving its full theoretical capacity of reversible extraction of two Li ions, the Li2FeSiO4 (LFS) cathode shows a remarkable cycling stability once its low electronic conductivity is addressed. By studying the local structure around the iron during electrochemical cycling using in situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), it is possible to gain insight into the factors which determine the electrochemical properties of this material. In order to practically perform in situ XAS studies, the charge/discharge of LFS was maximized using two approaches: (a) reducing the particle size of LFS samples from micro-scale to nano-scale in order to reduce the diffusion path for intercalating ions; and (b) applying a conductive coating to each nanoparticle to facilitate electron transfer. A family of LFS materials was synthesized and characterized using x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis for structural and morphological analysis, as well as cyclic voltammetry and cycling tests for electrochemical performance diagnosis. This material was then characterized by in situ XAS. The results provide insight into the stable electrochemical performance of LFS and suggest new synthetic routes to reaching the theoretical capacity.
Minimal-Contact Versus Standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Cost-Effectiveness Results of a Multisite Trial
Authors: Dunlap Laura J , Jaccard James , Lackner Jeffrey M
Published: April 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, often disabling gastrointestinal (GI) disorder for which there is no satisfactory medical treatment but is responsive to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

Purpose

To evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of a minimal contact version of CBT (MC-CBT) condition for N = 145 for IBS relative to a standard, clinic-based CBT (S-CBT; N = 146) and a nonspecific comparator emphasizing education/support (EDU; N = 145).

Method

We estimated the per-patient cost of each treatment condition using an activity-based costing approach that allowed us to identify and estimate costs for specific components of each intervention as well as the overall total costs. Using simple means analysis and multiple regression models, we estimated the incremental effectiveness of MC-CBT relative to S-CBT and EDU. We then evaluated the cost-effectiveness of MC-CBT relative to these alternatives for selected outcomes at immediate posttreatment and 6 months posttreatment, using both an intent-to-treatment and per-protocol methodology. Key outcomes included scores on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale and the percentage of patients who positively responded to treatment.

Results

The average per-patient cost of delivering MC-CBT was $348, which was significantly less than the cost of S-CBT ($644) and EDU ($457) (p < .01). Furthermore, MC-CBT produced better average patient outcomes at immediate and 6 months posttreatment relative to S-CBT and EDU (p < .01). The current findings indicated that MC-CBT is a cost-effective option relative to S-CBT and EDU.

Conclusion

As predicted, MC-CBT was delivered at a lower cost per patient than S-CBT and performed better over time on the primary outcome of global IBS symptom improvement.
Predicting Expectations of Side-Effects for Those Which Are Warned Versus Not Warned About in Patient Information Leaflets
Authors: Webster Rebecca K , Rubin G James
Published: April 2021

Background

Research investigating predictors of side-effect expectations is disparate and largely based on hypothetical vignettes.

Purpose

To carry out a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial and investigate the predictors of side-effect expectations for side-effects that were, or were not, warned about.

Methods

Two hundred and three healthy adults completed measures concerning demographics, psychological factors, baseline symptoms, and medication-related beliefs before reading one of two types of patient information leaflet (PIL) (standard or positively framed PIL) for a sham medication and asking them about their side-effect expectations. Associations between these measures and side-effect expectations whilst controlling for the PIL received were assessed using regression analyses.

Results

82.8% of participants expected side-effects that were warned about in the PIL, and 29.1% expected side-effects that were not warned about. Participants who were younger, from White backgrounds, less optimistic, experienced increased anxiety and received the standard PIL were more likely to expect side-effects that were warned about. Those with higher beliefs about medicine overuse and lower trust in medicine development were more likely to expect side-effects that were not warned about. Higher somatization, baseline symptoms, modern health worries scores, and lower trust in pharmaceutical companies were associated with increased expectations for all side-effects. The results suggest we can not only rely on altering side-effect risk communication to reduce side-effect expectations and therefore nocebo effects. We must also consider patients’ beliefs about trust in medicines. More work is needed to investigate this in a patientsample in which the medication is known to them.
Using Virtual Technology for Fear of Medical Procedures: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions
Authors: Kılıç Ayşenur , Brown Ashley , Aras Işıl , Hui Rita , Hare Jennifer , Hughes Lyndsay D , McCracken Lance M
Published: April 2021

Background

Innovations in virtual reality (VR) technologies have improved the adaptability of its use in therapeutic settings, and VR has shown to be a promising treatment for fear of medical procedures, with research increasing in this area in recent years.

Purpose

This review aims to collate evidence for the impact of VR on fear of medical procedures.

Methods

CENTRAL (Cochrane), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO databases were searched up to October 2020. A mix of experimental and case–control studies were included for review, which evaluated the effectiveness of VR for fear, anxiety, and pain of medical procedures for people with needle phobia, dental phobia, claustrophobia of medical scans, and burn wound care anxiety. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by Cochrane and ROBINS-I tools.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were selected. Some studies included mixed participant groups of young people adults. The interventions varied, with VR used for distraction, hypnosis, or exposure. These were shown to be effective for reducing fear of medical procedures. However, effectiveness for blood-injection-injury phobias and burn wound care patients was unclear.

Conclusions

Evidence on the effectiveness of VR suggests that it does decrease fear of medical procedures in some situations. However, the RoB assessment illustrated a poor quality of studies across those included in this review, limiting the ability to draw firm general conclusions from the study findings. There is a need for further research exploring the use of VR technologies in the management of anxiety in physical health care settings.
Emotional Vulnerability to Short Sleep Predicts Increases in Chronic Health Conditions Across 8 Years
Authors: Sin Nancy L , Rush Jonathan , Buxton Orfeu M , Almeida David M
Published: April 2021

Background

Sleep is a robust determinant of next-day emotions, but people vary in the extent that their emotions fluctuate on days following short sleep duration. These individual differences in day-to-day sleep and emotion dynamics may have long-term health implications.

Purpose

To evaluate emotional vulnerability to short sleep (within-person associations between sleep duration and next-day emotions) as a risk factor for future chronic conditions.

Methods

Adults aged 33–84 (N = 1,426; 57% female) in the Midlife in the United States Study reported sleep duration and emotions by telephone for eight consecutive days. Chronic conditions were assessed via checklist at baseline and at a median follow-up of eight years (range: 5–10 years). Short sleep was examined in three ways: person-centered continuous variable, ≤6 hr, and <7 hr; long sleep was defined as ≥9 hr.

Results

Multilevel structural equation models revealed that people with greater negative emotions following nights of sleep ≤6 hr (vs. their negative emotions after longer sleep) had increased chronic conditions at follow-up, compared to people who were less emotionally vulnerable to short sleep (Est. = 1.04, SE = .51, p < .028). Smaller declines in positive emotions following ≤6 hr of sleep were marginally predictive of lower risk for chronic conditions (Est. = –.77, SE = .44, p = .054). Emotional vulnerability to <7, ≥9, and continuous sleep hours were not associated with subsequent chronic conditions.

Conclusions

Emotional vulnerability to short sleep is a unique risk factor for the development of chronic conditions, independent of mean-level sleep duration and emotions.
Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Transplant Patients Receiving Immunosuppressant Drugs: A Retrospective Electronic Medical Record–Based Analysis
Authors: Chae Hyojin , Bevins Nicholas , Seymann Gregory B , Fitzgerald Robert L
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT) in transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy compared with nonimmunosuppressed patients.

Methods

We analyzed a data set of 9,500 inpatient encounters to compare levels of PCT and other biomarkers of infection (C-reactive protein [CRP], WBC count, and absolute neutrophil count [ANC]) between immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed cohorts. We also assessed the correlation between PCT and clinical variables in immunosuppressed patients.

Results

Patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs had significantly higher levels of maximal and minimal PCT compared with the nonimmunosuppressed patients (P < .0001 and P = .0019, respectively). However, CRP levels, WBC count, and ANC were significantly lower in immunosuppressed patients compared with the nonimmunosuppressed patients (P = .0003, P < .0019, and P = .0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results from real-world data demonstrated that PCT dynamics remain intact despite immunosuppressive therapy, in contrast to other biomarkers such as CRP, WBC, and ANC. In addition, higher PCT levels are associated with systemic infections and reflect disease severity.
Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study of the Cutaneous Effects of a Topical Body Treatment Compared to a Bland Moisturizer
Authors: Carruthers Jean , Bourne Gyasi , Bell Michaela , Widgerow Alan
Published: April 2021

Background

Over time human skin thins and loses elasticity; topical treatments attempt to reverse this process.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) in skin rejuvenation compared to a bland moisturizer on the extensor and volar forearms.

Methods

Blinded participants were given 2 products to apply on the designated forearms with follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Measurements included skin thickness, photography, dermatopathology, cutaneous elasticity determined by 2 different methods, and patient-reported outcomes. All were compared to baseline.

Results

Changes between bland moisturizer and TFB were recorded for the following parameters. (1) Roughness: extensor –0.09 mm for bland moisturizer and –0.26 mm for TFB (P = 0.174); volar 0.01 mm for bland moisturizer and –0.23 mm for TFB (P = 0.004). (2) Recoil velocity: volar –56°/sec for bland moisturizer and –24°/sec for TFB (P = 0.61); extensor –95°/sec for bland moisturizer and –63°/sec for TFB (P = 0.57). Retraction speed: volar –3.25 ms for bland moisturizer and –20.08 ms for TFB (P = 0.33); extensor –2.17 ms for bland moisturizer and –10.83 ms for TFB (P = 0.66). Histologically, TFB resulted in an increase in mucopolysaccharide content, new collagen, and number of elastin fibers in the papillary dermis. Changes in the Rao-Goldman score were also observed: volar –0.17 for bland moisturizer and –0.33 for TFB (P = 0.25); extensor –0.08 for bland moisturizer and –0.17 for TFB (P = 0.36).

Conclusions

Histology showed production of new collagen and elastin. Quantification of changes in skin thickness, skin retraction speed, and skin recoil velocity showed trends that agree with the visual data.

Level of Evidence: 4
RNAStructViz: graphical base pairing analysis
Authors: Schmidt Maxie Dion , Kirkpatrick Anna , Heitsch Christine
Published: April 2021

We present a new graphical tool for RNA secondary structure analysis. The central feature is the ability to visually compare/contrast up to three base pairing configurations for a given sequence in a compact, standardized circular arc diagram layout. This is complemented by a built-in CT-style file viewer and radial layout substructure viewer which are directly linked to the arc diagram window via the zoom selection tool. Additional functionality includes the computation of some numerical information, and the ability to export images and data for later use. This tool should be of use to researchers seeking to better understand similarities and differences between structural alternatives for an RNA sequence.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/gtDMMB/RNAStructViz/wiki.
mzRAPP: a tool for reliability assessment of data pre-processing in non-targeted metabolomics
Authors: El Abiead Yasin , Milford Maximilian , Salek Reza M , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: April 2021

Reliability assessment of automated pre-processing of liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data presents a significant challenge. Here, we present a tool named mzRAPP, which generates and validates a benchmark from user-supplied information and later utilizes it for reliability assessment of data pre-processing. As a result, mzRAPP produces several performance metrics for different steps of the pre-processing workflow, supporting five of the most commonly used pre-processing tools.

Availability and implementation

mzRAPP is implemented in R and can be downloaded from GitHub under GNU GPL v.3.0 licence. Extensive documentation, background and examples are available at (https://github.com/YasinEl/mzRAPP).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Novel mineral regulatory pathways in ovine pregnancy: II. Calcium-binding proteins, calcium transporters, and vitamin D signaling
Authors: Stenhouse Claire , Halloran Katherine M , Newton Makenzie G , Gaddy Dana , Suva Larry J , Bazer Fuller W
Published: April 2021

Mineralization of the fetal mammalian skeleton requires a hypercalcemic gradient across the placenta from mother to fetus. However, the mechanisms responsible for maintaining the placental transport of calcium remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify calcium and vitamin D regulatory pathway components in ovine endometria and placentae across gestation. Suffolk ewes were bred with fertile rams upon detection of estrus (Day 0). On Days 9, 12, 17, 30, 70, 90, 110, and 125 of pregnancy (n=3–14/Day), ewes were euthanized and hysterectomized. Calcium abundance was influenced by gestational day in uterine flushings and allantoic fluid (P<0.05). The expression of S100G, S100A9, S100A12, ATP2B3, ATP2B4, TRPV5, TRPV6, CYP11A1, CYP2R1, CYP24, and VDR mRNAs known to be involved in calcium binding, calcium transport, and vitamin D metabolism were quantified by qPCR. Mediators of calcium and vitamin D signaling were expressed by Day 17 conceptus tissue, and endometria and placentae across gestation. Gestational day influenced the expression of S100G, S100A9, S100A12, TRPV6, VDR, and CYP24 mRNAs in endometria and placentae (P<0.05). Gestational day influenced endometrial expression of ATP2B3, and placental expression of TRPV5, ATP2B4, and CYP11A1 (P<0.05). VDR protein localized to the endoderm and trophectoderm (Day 17 conceptus) and was expressed in endometria and placentae throughout gestation. The observed spatiotemporal profile suggests a potential role of calcium and vitamin D in the establishment of pregnancy and regulation of fetal and placental growth, providing a platform for further mechanistic investigation.
DominantACO2mutations are a frequent cause of isolated optic atrophy
Authors: Charif Majida , Gueguen Naïg , Ferré Marc , Elkarhat Zouhair , Khiati Salim , LeMao Morgane , Chevrollier Arnaud , Desquiret-Dumas Valerie , Goudenège David , Bris Céline , Kane Selma , Alban Jennifer , Chupin Stéphanie , Wetterwald Céline , Caporali Leonardo , Tagliavini Francesca , LaMorgia Chiara , Carbonelli Michele , Jurkute Neringa , Barakat Abdelhamid , Gohier Philippe , Verny Christophe , Barth Magalie , Procaccio Vincent , Bonneau Dominique , Zanlonghi Xavier , Meunier Isabelle , Weisschuh Nicole , Schimpf-Linzenbold Simone , Tonagel Felix , Kellner Ulrich , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Carelli Valerio , Wissinger Bernd , Amati-Bonneau Patrizia , Reynier Pascal ,   European ION Group, Lenaers Guy
Published: April 2021

Biallelic mutations in ACO2, encoding the mitochondrial aconitase 2, have been identified in individuals with neurodegenerative syndromes, including infantile cerebellar retinal degeneration and recessive optic neuropathies (locus OPA9). By screening European cohorts of individuals with genetically unsolved inherited optic neuropathies, we identified 61 cases harbouring variants in ACO2, among whom 50 carried dominant mutations, emphasizing for the first time the important contribution of ACO2 monoallelic pathogenic variants to dominant optic atrophy. Analysis of the ophthalmological and clinical data revealed that recessive cases are affected more severely than dominant cases, while not significantly earlier. In addition, 27% of the recessive cases and 11% of the dominant cases manifested with extraocular features in addition to optic atrophy. In silico analyses of ACO2 variants predicted their deleterious impacts on ACO2 biophysical properties. Skin derived fibroblasts from patients harbouring dominant and recessive ACO2 mutations revealed a reduction of ACO2 abundance and enzymatic activity, and the impairment of the mitochondrial respiration using citrate and pyruvate as substrates, while the addition of other Krebs cycle intermediates restored a normal respiration, suggesting a possible short-cut adaptation of the tricarboxylic citric acid cycle. Analysis of the mitochondrial genome abundance disclosed a significant reduction of the mitochondrial DNA amount in all ACO2 fibroblasts. Overall, our data position ACO2 as the third most frequently mutated gene in autosomal inherited optic neuropathies, after OPA1 and WFS1, and emphasize the crucial involvement of the first steps of the Krebs cycle in the maintenance and survival of retinal ganglion cells.
Global and Parallel Cortical Processing Based on Auditory Gamma Oscillatory Responses in Humans
Authors: Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Ishishita Yohei , Takasago Megumi , Kunii Naoto , Uka Takanori , Shimada Seijiro , Ibayashi Kenji , Kawai Kensuke , Saito Nobuhito , Koshiyama Daisuke , Fujioka Mao , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: April 2021

Gamma oscillations are physiological phenomena that reflect perception and cognition, and involve parvalbumin-positive γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneuron function. The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is the most robust index for gamma oscillations, and it is impaired in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Although ASSR reduction is known to vary in terms of frequency and time, the neural mechanisms are poorly understood. We obtained high-density electrocorticography recordings from a wide area of the cortex in 8 patients with refractory epilepsy. In an ASSR paradigm, click sounds were presented at frequencies of 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 120, and 160 Hz. We performed time-frequency analyses and analyzed intertrial coherence, event-related spectral perturbation, and high-gamma oscillations. We demonstrate that the ASSR is globally distributed among the temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices. The ASSR was composed of time-dependent neural subcircuits differing in frequency tuning. Importantly, the frequency tuning characteristics of the late-latency ASSR varied between the temporal/frontal and parietal cortex, suggestive of differentiation along parallel auditory pathways. This large-scale survey of the cortical ASSR could serve as a foundation for future studies of the ASSR in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Tweet me: conferencing in the era of COVID-19 and 280 characters
Authors: Stevens Kate I , Melilli Edoardo , Diniz Hugo , Gillis Keith , Guerrot Dominique , Montero Nuria , Soler Maria Jose , Desai Tejas
Published: April 2021

The European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Social Media (SoMe) Team provides Twitter coverage of the annual congress. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, #ERAEDTA20 was the first major Nephrology congress to be delivered virtually. The effect of The SoMe Team and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been explored previously. Tweets of the ERA-EDTA congresses 2016–20, using official hashtags, were evaluated. Metadata of each tweet were collected prospectively; original tweets, retweets and evidence-based tweets were identified. The gender of tweet author and location of Twitter activity were established. Network maps were created to ascertain the degree of polarization between the 2019 and 2020 Twitter activity, using Gephi 0.9.2.

Between 2016 and 2019, the total number of tweets and the number of tweet authors increased, as did the proportion of female authors (20% versus 27%). In 2019, there were fewer multimedia and evidence-based tweets: 8% versus 20% in 2016. Globally, there were fewer Nephrology conferences in 2020 and the number of tweets per day reduced by 53% from 2019. In 2020, The ERA-EDTA congress saw an increase in authors of 9% and only an 8% reduction in tweets. It was easier to disseminate information in 2020, measured by increased correlation coefficient (0.14 versus 0.12 in 2019). A higher proportion of countries was represented (n = 55 versus n = 48 in 2019) and a higher proportion of tweets came from women. In conclusion, the introduction of SoMe Team was associated with increased usage of Twitter and ease of information dissemination. Compared with #nephtwitter activity as a whole in 2020, SoMe Team has mitigated some of the pandemic's deleterious effects in scientific dissemination, relevant to Nephrology.
Who sang Hamor in Handel’s Jephtha?
Authors: Baldwin Olive , Wilson Thelma
Published: April 2021

When Jephtha an Oratorio was published by John Walsh in April 1752, music allocated to the character Hamor was headed as sung by ‘Mr. Brent’. William Barclay Squire began his Dictionary of national biography entry (1885) on the soprano Charlotte Brent by stating that she was the daughter of ‘a fencing-master and alto singer, who sang in Handel’s “Jephtha” in 1752’, and this has been generally accepted. Charlotte’s father, Charles, was a leading fencing-master, but he was in his late 50s at the time of the Jephtha premiere and his only known ‘musical’ appearance was as the player of the salt-box in a burlesque ode at his daughter’s benefit at Ranelagh in 1763. Handel began composing the oratorio expecting that the alto castrato Gaetano Guadagni would create the role of Hamor, but when the premiere took place in February 1752 Guadagni was unavailable. For the revival of the oratorio in 1758 Hamor was sung by the 17-year-old Isabella Young, who probably also took the role in 1756. No male singer called Brent is recorded in concerts or on the London stage, so it is extremely likely that the singer at the premiere of the oratorio was the young Charlotte Brent.
Social inequalities in participation in cancer screening: does the mode of data collection matter? The CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Aranda Ezequiel , Franck Jeanna-eve , Ringa Virginie , Sassenou Jeanne , Coeuret-Pellicer Mireille , Rigal Laurent , Menvielle Gwenn
Published: April 2021

Background

Self-reported data are prone to item non-response and misreporting. We investigated to what extent the use of self-reported data for participation in breast (BCS) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) impacted socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening participation.

Methods

We used data from a large population-based survey including information on cancer screening from self-reported questionnaire and administrative records (n = 14 122 for BCS, n = 27 120 CCS). For educational level, occupation class and household income per capita, we assessed the accuracy of self-reporting using sensitivity, specificity and both positive and negative predictive value. In addition, we estimated to what extent the use of self-reported data modified the magnitude of socioeconomic differences in BCS and CCS participation with age-adjusted non-screening rate difference, odds ratios and relative indices of inequality.

Results

Although women with a high socioeconomic position were more prone to report a date for BCS and CCS in questionnaires, they were also more prone to over-declare their participation in CCS if they had not undergone a screening test within the recommended time frame. The use of self-reported cancer screening data, when compared with administrative records, did not impact the magnitude of social differences in BCS participation but led to an overestimation of the social differences in CCS participation. This was due to misreporting rather than to item non-response.

Conclusions

Women’s socioeconomic position is associated with missingness and the accuracy of self-reported BCS and CCS participation. Social inequalities in cancer screening participation based on self-reports are likely to be overestimated for CCS.
Association between sunlight exposure and risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yoon Jong-Gyum , Kim Hong-Bae
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of prostate cancer (PC) is increasing worldwide. An association between sunlight exposure and PC risk has been described by a previously published meta-analysis, although the level of statistical significance was not reached. We have, therefore, performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to further elucidate this potential connection.

Methods

To identify relevant articles, we conducted an in-depth search of 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science and Scopus) for manuscripts published prior to March 2021. A random-effects model was used to compute a meta-estimate of the effects of sunlight exposure on risk of PC.

Results

Of the 5680 articles that were initially identified in our search, 12 observational epidemiological studies encompassing 29 282 cases of PC were selected for inclusion in the qualitative systematic review. Of these, two case-control studies were excluded from the meta-analysis. Comparing highest-to-lowest exposure, personal sunlight exposure was significantly associated with a decreased risk of PC [odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57–0.78] in a random-effects meta-analysis; however, high heterogeneity was present (I2 = 85.9%). Comparing moderate-to-lowest exposure, there was a non-significant relationship between personal sunlight exposure and the risk of PC (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.68–1.10; I2 = 74.0%).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that exposure to sunlight may protect against PC. The limitations of our research are occurrence of publication bias and a substantial heterogeneity due to a diversity of criteria for measuring sunlight exposure.
US Import Demand for Softwood Plywood: A Cointegration Approach
Authors: Assogba Noel Perceval , Zhang Daowei
Published: April 2021

In this article, we present a model and estimates of US import demand for softwood plywood from Brazil, Canada, Chile, and China using a cointegration framework. We find evidence of long-run cointegration for time series variables in US import demand functions from Brazil, Canada, and China but not from Chile. The short-run own price elasticity estimates of US import demand from Brazil, Canada, Chile, and China are at –0.53, –0.80, –0.82, and –0.91, respectively. The estimates of long-run price elasticity suggest that US import demand for softwood plywood from the three countries is more sensitive to softwood plywood price change.
Predicting Logging Residue Volumes in Alaska
Authors: Berg Erik C , Simmons Eric A , Morgan Todd A , Zarnoch Stanley J
Published: April 2021

Alaska forest managers seek information on how timber harvesting practices change the creation of postharvest woody residues. To predict residue volumes, researchers investigated how residue ratios—growing-stock residue volume per mill-delivered volume—related to readily available data on logging site and tree attributes in Alaska. Residue ratios were not related to logging site-level variables but were related to individual tree variables with predictive models. Ratios varied widely by tree species and were predicted to increase with larger stump height and larger small-end used diameters and decline exponentially with increasing diameter breast height (dbh) to approximately 25 inches. Ratios were then predicted to increase progressively in larger dbh trees. Results from this study update previous findings in other US Northwest states and can be used to produce or improve residue prediction tools for Alaska land managers.
Population genomic analysis of Cryptococcus Brazilian isolates reveals an African type subclade distribution
Authors: Maufrais Corinne , de Oliveira Luciana , Bastos Rafael W , Moyrand Frédérique , Reis Flavia C G , Valero Clara , Gimenez Bianca , Josefowicz Luisa J , Goldman Gustavo H , Rodrigues Marcio L , Janbon Guilhem
Published: April 2021

The genomes of a large number of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates have been sequenced and analyzed in recent years. These genomes have been used to understand the global population structure of this opportunistic pathogen. However, only a small number of South American isolates have been considered in these studies, and the population structure of C. neoformans in this part of the world remains elusive. Here, we analyzed the genomic sequences of 53 Brazilian Cryptococcus isolates and deciphered the C. neoformans population structure in this country. Our data reveal an African-like structure that suggested repeated intercontinental transports from Africa to South America. We also identified a mutator phenotype in one VNBII Brazilian isolate, exemplifying how fast-evolving isolates can shape the Cryptococcus population structure. Finally, phenotypic analyses revealed wide diversity but not lineage specificity in the expression of classical virulence traits within the set of isolates.
Elevated IL-6 and CRP Levels Are Associated With Incident Self-Reported Major Mobility Disability: A Pooled Analysis of Older Adults With Slow Gait Speed
Authors: Beavers Daniel P , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Gill Thomas M , Ambrosius Walter T , Anton Stephen D , Fielding Roger A , King Abby C , Rejeski W Jack , Lovato Laura , McDermott Mary M , Newman Anne B , Pahor Marco , Walkup Michael P , Tracy Russell P , Manini Todd M
Published: April 2021

Background

Elevated interleukine-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with aging-related reductions in physical function, but little is known about their independent and combined relationships with major mobility disability (MMD), defined as the self-reported inability to walk a quarter mile.

Methods

We estimated the absolute and relative effect of elevated baseline IL-6, CRP, and their combination on self-reported MMD risk among older adults (≥68 years; 59% female) with slow gait speed (<1.0 m/s). Participants were MMD-free at baseline. IL-6 and CRP were assessed using a central laboratory. The study combined a cohort of community-dwelling high-functioning older adults (Health ABC) with 2 trials of low-functioning adults at risk of MMD (LIFE-P, LIFE). Analyses utilized Poisson regression for absolute MMD incidence and proportional hazards models for relative risk.

Results

We found higher MMD risk per unit increase in log IL-6 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.13–1.41). IL-6 meeting predetermined threshold considered to be high (>2.5 pg/mL) was similarly associated with higher risk of MMD (HR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.12–1.54). Elevated CRP (CRP >3.0 mg/L) was also associated with increased MMD risk (HR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.10–1.74). The CRP effect was more pronounced among participants with elevated IL-6 (HR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.12–2.33) compared to lower IL-6 levels (HR = 1.19; 95% CI 0.85–1.66).

Conclusions

High baseline IL-6 and CRP were associated with an increased risk of MMD among older adults with slow gait speed. A combined biomarker model suggests CRP was associated with MMD when IL-6 was elevated.
Synonymous variants that disrupt messenger RNA structure are significantly constrained in the human population
Authors: Gaither Jeffrey B S , Lammi Grant E , Li James L , Gordon David M , Kuck Harkness C , Kelly Benjamin J , Fitch James R , White Peter
Published: April 2021

Background

The role of synonymous single-nucleotide variants in human health and disease is poorly understood, yet evidence suggests that this class of “silent” genetic variation plays multiple regulatory roles in both transcription and translation. One mechanism by which synonymous codons direct and modulate the translational process is through alteration of the elaborate structure formed by single-stranded mRNA molecules. While tools to computationally predict the effect of non-synonymous variants on protein structure are plentiful, analogous tools to systematically assess how synonymous variants might disrupt mRNA structure are lacking.

Results

We developed novel software using a parallel processing framework for large-scale generation of secondary RNA structures and folding statistics for the transcriptome of any species. Focusing our analysis on the human transcriptome, we calculated 5 billion RNA-folding statistics for 469 million single-nucleotide variants in 45,800 transcripts. By considering the impact of all possible synonymous variants globally, we discover that synonymous variants predicted to disrupt mRNA structure have significantly lower rates of incidence in the human population.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that synonymous variants may play a role in genetic disorders due to their effects on mRNA structure. To evaluate the potential pathogenic impact of synonymous variants, we provide RNA stability, edge distance, and diversity metrics for every nucleotide in the human transcriptome and introduce a “Structural Predictivity Index” (SPI) to quantify structural constraint operating on any synonymous variant. Because no single RNA-folding metric can capture the diversity of mechanisms by which a variant could alter secondary mRNA structure, we generated a SUmmarized RNA Folding (SURF) metric to provide a single measurement to predict the impact of secondary structure altering variants in human genetic studies.