bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Universe at z > 10: predictions for JWST from the universemachine DR1
Authors: Behroozi Peter , Conroy Charlie , Wechsler Risa H , Hearin Andrew , Williams Christina C , Moster Benjamin P , Yung L Y Aaron , Somerville Rachel S , Gottlöber Stefan , Yepes Gustavo , Endsley Ryan
Published: October 2020

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is expected to observe galaxies at z > 10 that are presently inaccessible. Here, we use a self-consistent empirical model, the universemachine, to generate mock galaxy catalogues and light-cones over the redshift range z = 0−15. These data include realistic galaxy properties (stellar masses, star formation rates, and UV luminosities), galaxy–halo relationships, and galaxy–galaxy clustering. Mock observables are also provided for different model parameters spanning observational uncertainties at z < 10. We predict that Cycle 1 JWST surveys will very likely detect galaxies with M* > 107 M⊙ and/or M1500 < −17 out to at least z ∼ 13.5. Number density uncertainties at z > 12 expand dramatically, so efforts to detect z > 12 galaxies will provide the most valuable constraints on galaxy formation models. The faint-end slopes of the stellar mass/luminosity functions at a given mass/luminosity threshold steepen as redshift increases. This is because observable galaxies are hosted by haloes in the exponentially falling regime of the halo mass function at high redshifts. Hence, these faint-end slopes are robustly predicted to become shallower below current observable limits (M* < 107 M⊙ or M1500 > −17). For reionization models, extrapolating luminosity functions with a constant faint-end slope from M1500 = −17 down to M1500 = −12 gives the most reasonable upper limit for the total UV luminosity and cosmic star formation rate up to z ∼ 12. We compare to three other empirical models and one semi-analytic model, showing that the range of predicted observables from our approach encompasses predictions from other techniques. Public catalogues and light-cones for common fields are available online.
On the origin of X-ray oxygen emission lines in obscured AGN
Authors: Reynaldi V , Guainazzi M , Bianchi S , Andruchow I , García F , Salerno N , López I E
Published: October 2020

We present the Catalogue of High Resolution Spectra of Obscured Sources (CHRESOS) from the XMM–Newton Science Archive. It comprises the emission-line luminosities of H- and He-like transitions from C to Si, and the Fe 3C and Fe 3G L-shell ones. Here, we concentrate on the soft X-ray O vii (f) and O viii Lyα emission lines to shed light on to the physical processes with which their formation can be related to active galactic nucleus (AGN) versus star-forming regions. We compare their luminosity with that of two other important oxygen key lines [O iii] λ5007 Å, in the optical, and [O iv] 25.89 μm, in the infrared (IR). We also test O vii (f) and O viii Lyα luminosities against that of continuum bands in the IR and hard X-rays, which point to different ionization processes. We probe into those processes by analysing photoionization and collisional ionization model predictions upon our lines. We show that both scenarios can explain the formation and observed intensities of O vii (f) and O viii Lyα. By analysing the relationships between O vii (f) and O viii Lyα, and all other observables: [O iii] λ5007 Å, [O iv] 25.89 μm emission lines, and mid-infrared (MIR) 12 μm, far-infrared (FIR) 60 and 100 μm, 2–10 and 14–195 keV continuum bands, we conclude that the AGN radiation field is mainly responsible of the soft X-ray oxygen excitation.
Individual optical variability of active galactic nuclei from the MEXSAS2 sample
Authors: Laurenti M , Vagnetti F , Middei R , Paolillo M
Published: October 2020

At present, most of the variability studies of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are based on ensemble analyses. Nevertheless, it is interesting to provide estimates of the individual variability properties of each AGN, in order to relate them with intrinsic physical quantities. A useful data set is provided by the Catalina Surveys Data Release 2 (CSDR2), which encompasses almost a decade of photometric measurements of ∼500 million objects repeatedly observed hundreds of times. We aim to investigate the individual optical variability properties of 795 AGNs originally included in the Multi-Epoch XMM Serendipitous AGN Sample 2 (MEXSAS2). Our goals consist of (i) searching for correlations between variability and AGN physical quantities and (ii) extending our knowledge of the variability features of MEXSAS2 from the X-ray to the optical. We use the structure function (SF) to analyse AGN flux variations. We model the SF as a power law, $\text{SF}(\tau)=A\, (\tau /\tau _0)^\gamma$, and we compute its variability parameters. We introduce the V-correction as a simple tool to correctly quantify the amount of variability in the rest frame of each source. We find a significant decrease of variability amplitude with increasing bolometric, optical and X-ray luminosity. We obtain the indication of an intrinsically weak positive correlation between variability amplitude and redshift, z. Variability amplitude also appears to be positively correlated with αox. The slope of the power-law SF, γ, is weakly correlated with the bolometric luminosity Lbol and/or with the black hole mass MBH. When comparing optical to X-ray variability properties, we find that X-ray variability amplitude is approximately the same for those AGNs with larger or smaller variability amplitude in the optical. On the contrary, AGNs with steeper SF in the optical do present steeper SF in the X-ray, and vice versa.
Interaction of a cold cloud with a hot wind: the regimes of cloud growth and destruction and the impact of magnetic fields
Authors: Sparre Martin , Pfrommer Christoph , Ehlert Kristian
Published: October 2020

Multiphase galaxy winds, the accretion of cold gas through galaxy haloes, and gas stripping from jellyfish galaxies are examples of interactions between cold and hot gaseous phases. There are two important regimes in such systems. A sufficiently small cold cloud is destroyed by the hot wind as a result of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, which shatter the cloud into small pieces that eventually mix and dissolve in the hot wind. In contrast, stripped cold gas from a large cloud mixes with the hot wind to intermediate temperatures, and then becomes thermally unstable and cools, causing a net accretion of hot gas to the cold tail. Using the magneto-hydrodynamical code arepo, we perform cloud crushing simulations and test analytical criteria for the transition between the growth and destruction regimes to clarify a current debate in the literature. We find that the hot-wind cooling time sets the transition radius and not the cooling time of the mixed phase. Magnetic fields modify the wind–cloud interaction. Draping of wind magnetic field enhances the field upstream of the cloud, and fluid instabilities are suppressed by a turbulently magnetized wind beyond what is seen for a wind with a uniform magnetic field. We furthermore predict jellyfish galaxies to have ordered magnetic fields aligned with their tails. We finally discuss how the results of idealized simulations can be used to provide input to subgrid models in cosmological (magneto-)hydrodynamical simulations, which cannot resolve the detailed small-scale structure of cold gas clouds in the circumgalactic medium.
FireProtDB: database of manually curated protein stability data
Authors: Stourac Jan , Dubrava Juraj , Musil Milos , Horackova Jana , Damborsky Jiri , Mazurenko Stanislav , Bednar David
Published: October 2020

The majority of naturally occurring proteins have evolved to function under mild conditions inside the living organisms. One of the critical obstacles for the use of proteins in biotechnological applications is their insufficient stability at elevated temperatures or in the presence of salts. Since experimental screening for stabilizing mutations is typically laborious and expensive, in silico predictors are often used for narrowing down the mutational landscape. The recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence further facilitate the development of such computational tools. However, the accuracy of these predictors strongly depends on the quality and amount of data used for training and testing, which have often been reported as the current bottleneck of the approach. To address this problem, we present a novel database of experimental thermostability data for single-point mutants FireProtDB. The database combines the published datasets, data extracted manually from the recent literature, and the data collected in our laboratory. Its user interface is designed to facilitate both types of the expected use: (i) the interactive explorations of individual entries on the level of a protein or mutation and (ii) the construction of highly customized and machine learning-friendly datasets using advanced searching and filtering. The database is freely available at https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/fireprotdb.
Associations of meningioma molecular subgroup and tumor recurrence
Authors: Youngblood Mark W , Miyagishima Danielle F , Jin Lan , Gupte Trisha , Li Chang , Duran Daniel , Montejo Julio D , Zhao Amy , Sheth Amar , Tyrtova Evgeniya , Özduman Koray , Iacoangeli Francesco , Peyre Matthieu , Boetto Julien , Pease Matthew , Avşar Timuçin , Huttner Anita , Bilguvar Kaya , Kilic Türker , Pamir M Necmettin , Amankulor Nduka , Kalamarides Michel , Erson-Omay E Zeynep , Günel Murat , Moliterno Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Background

We and others have identified mutually exclusive molecular subgroups of meningiomas; however, the implications of this classification for clinical prognostication remain unclear. Integrated genomic and epigenomic analyses implicate unique oncogenic processes associated with each subgroup, suggesting the potential for divergent clinical courses. The aim of this study was to understand the associated clinical outcomes of each subgroup, as this could optimize treatment for patients.

Methods

We analyzed outcome data for 469 meningiomas of known molecular subgroup, including extent of resection, postoperative radiation, surveillance imaging, and time to recurrence, when applicable. Statistical relationships between outcome variables and subgroup were assessed. Features previously associated with recurrence were further investigated after stratification by subgroup. We used Kaplan–Meier analyses to compare progression-free survival, and identified factors significantly associated with recurrence using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results

Meningioma molecular subgroups exhibited divergent clinical courses at 2 years of follow-up, with several aggressive subgroups (NF2, PI3K, HH, tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 7 [TRAF7]) recurring at an average rate of 22 times higher than others (KLF4, POLR2A, SMARCB1). PI3K-activated tumors recurred earlier than other subgroups but had intermediate long-term outcome. Among low-grade tumors, HH and TRAF7 meningiomas exhibited elevated recurrence compared with other subgroups. Recurrence of NF2 tumors was associated with male sex, high grade, and elevated Ki-67. Multivariate analysis identified molecular subgroup as an independent predictor of recurrence, along with grade and previous recurrence.

Conclusion

We describe distinct clinical outcomes and recurrence rates associated with meningioma molecular subgroups. Our findings emphasize the importance of genomic characterization to guide postoperative management decisions for meningiomas.
Fetoscopic Multilayer, Dural Patch Closure Technique for Intrauterine Myelomeningocele Repair: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Patel Smruti K , Habli Mounira A , McKinney David N , Tabbah Sammy M , Lim Foong-Yen , Peiro Jose L , Stevenson Charles B
Published: October 2020

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common open neural tube defect associated with long-term survival. In 2011, The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) trial demonstrated that fetal repair for MMC reduced the rate of shunted hydrocephalus and improved developmental, motor, and ambulation outcomes at 30 mo compared to postnatal intervention.
1
Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of fetoscopic MMC repair as well as reduction in preterm birth, lower risk of uterine dehiscence, and the option of vaginal delivery with this approach compared to open fetal repair.
2-4
The patient is a 25-yr-old female, G4 P2, who presented at 20 wk's gestation with ultrasound findings concerning for MMC and Chiari II malformation. These findings were further corroborated with fetal magnetic resonance imaging. After extensive prenatal counseling in a multidisciplinary fashion and discussion regarding risks and benefits of prenatal closure of the MMC, the patient chose to undergo prenatal repair and surgical consent was obtained. At 25 wk's gestation, the patient underwent a fetoscopic multilayer closure with dural patch repair using a standardized, 3-port, carbon dioxide insufflation technique for the intrauterine treatment of MMC without any postoperative complications. The duration of the entire procedure was 275 min. At 36 wk's and 1 d's gestational age, the patient had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, resulting in a healthy male newborn. The surgical site was well healed without complications, and follow-up radiographic imaging was reassuring. This edited, 2-dimensional operative video highlights the key steps of the fetoscopic closure with follow-up postnatal clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Quantitative Assessment of Ventriculostomy-Related Hemorrhage: A Volume-Based Classification System to Predict New Neurological Symptoms
Authors: Roa Jorge A , Fakih Rami , Zanaty Mario , Pazour Avery , Howard Matthew A , Hasan David M , Samaniego Edgar A
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is one of the most feared complications following ventriculostomy placement. Current studies have assessed factors associated with increased risk of ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage (VRH). However, the clinical significance of VRH has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

To correlate quantitative volumetric measurements of VRH with new neurological symptoms.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our institutional database of ventriculostomy patients during the last decade was performed. Patients’ demographics and procedural details such as indication, number of passes and position of the catheter were recorded. VRH volume was quantified on noncontrast head computed tomography using the Picture Archiving Communication System (Carestream Vue®, Rochester, New York) semi-automated livewire segmentation tool. Patients with new neurological symptoms within 48 h of VRH were considered symptomatic. Several clinical confounders were ruled out. Logistic regression analyses were performed. The best volumetric cut-offs in predicting symptomatic VRH were determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 3090 patients underwent ventriculostomy procedures and 179 (∼6%) developed VRH. A total of 41 (1.06%) patients with VRH developed new neurological symptoms. Only 12 (0.39%) were attributable to a new VRH. Multivariable logistic regression showed that volume of the hemorrhage (OR 1.17, P = .006) is the only significant predictor of symptomatic VRH. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that VRH volume <1.10 cc has 91.7% sensitivity to rule out symptomatic VRH, whereas a volume >7.59 cc has 95.5% specificity to predict symptomatic VRH.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 6% of patients developed postprocedural VRH, but only 0.4% were symptomatic. VRH volumes <1 cc are extremely unlikely to become symptomatic, whereas volumes >7.5 cc may predict development of new neurological deficits.
Elemental abundances of M dwarfs based on high-resolution near-infrared spectra: Verification by binary systems
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroyuki Tako , Aoki Wako , Kotani Takayuki , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Omiya Masashi , Reiners Ansgar , Zechmeister Mathias
Published: October 2020

M dwarfs are prominent targets of planet search projects, and their chemical composition is crucial to understanding the formation process or interior of orbiting exoplanets. However, measurements of elemental abundances of M dwarfs have been limited due to difficulties in the analysis of their optical spectra. We conducted a detailed chemical analysis of five M dwarfs (Teff ∼ 3200–3800 K), which form binary systems with G/K-type stars, by performing a line-by-line analysis based on high-resolution (R ∼ 80000) near-infrared (960–1710 nm) spectra obtained with CARMENES (Calar Alto high-Resolution search for M dwarfs with Exo-earths with Near-infrared and optical Échelle Spectrographs). We determined the chemical abundances of eight elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, and Fe), which are in agreement with those of the primary stars within measurement errors (∼0.2 dex). Through the analysis process, we investigated the unique behavior of atomic lines in a cool atmosphere. Most atomic lines are sensitive to changes in the abundance of not only the corresponding elements but also other elements, especially dominant electron donors such as Na and Ca. The Ti i lines show a negative correlation with the overall metallicity at Teff < 3400 K due to the consumption of neutral titanium by the formation of TiO molecules. These findings indicate that to estimate the overall metallicity or the abundance of any element correctly, we need to determine the abundances of other individual elements consistently.
Engineering sensitivity and specificity of AraC-based biosensors responsive to triacetic acid lactone and orsellinic acid
Authors: Wang Zhiqing , Doshi Aarti , Chowdhury Ratul , Wang Yixi , Maranas Costas D , Cirino Patrick C
Published: October 2020

We previously described the design of triacetic acid lactone (TAL) biosensor ‘AraC-TAL1’, based on the AraC regulatory protein. Although useful as a tool to screen for enhanced TAL biosynthesis, this variant shows elevated background (leaky) expression, poor sensitivity and relaxed inducer specificity, including responsiveness to orsellinic acid (OA). More sensitive biosensors specific to either TAL or OA can aid in the study and engineering of polyketide synthases that produce these and similar compounds. In this work, we employed a TetA-based dual-selection to isolate new TAL-responsive AraC variants showing reduced background expression and improved TAL sensitivity. To improve TAL specificity, OA was included as a ‘decoy’ ligand during negative selection, resulting in the isolation of a TAL biosensor that is inhibited by OA. Finally, to engineer OA-specific AraC variants, the iterative protein redesign and optimization computational framework was employed, followed by 2 rounds of directed evolution, resulting in a biosensor with 24-fold improved OA/TAL specificity, relative to AraC-TAL1.
Desire to have children and preferences regarding to pre-pregnancy counselling in women with SLE
Authors: Blomjous Birgit S , Johanna I P de Vries , Zijlstra , Eveline , Cramer , Kyra , Voskuyl , Alexandre E , Bultink and Irene E M
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Pre-pregnancy counselling in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important in order to improve knowledge on the risks of pregnancy and to optimize pregnancy outcomes. Knowledge on the preferences of women with SLE regarding pre-pregnancy counselling have not yet been studied. In a closely monitored cohort of women with SLE we enquired about the present status of their wish to have children, and wish for and experiences with pre-pregnancy counselling.

Methods

A questionnaire developed by physicians in collaboration with two women with SLE was sent to all (n = 177) women participating in the Amsterdam SLE cohort. The questionnaire comprised 32 items, of which 15 focused on the above-mentioned three themes.

Results

A total of 124 women (70%) returned the questionnaire. The median disease duration was 13 years (interquartile range 9–19). Childlessness occurred in 51 women and 31% declared this was due to SLE [conscious decision (21%), stringent medical advice (6%), infertility due to medication (4%)]. Half of the women preferred the first pre-pregnancy counselling immediately after the SLE diagnosis (53%), together with their partner (69%). Information given by healthcare providers (81%) was preferred over information provided via brochures (35%) or the internet (26%). Pre-pregnancy face-to-face counselling from a rheumatologist and/or gynaecologist separately was preferred in 54%.

Conclusion

One-third of women attributed their childlessness to SLE-related reasons. Pre-pregnancy counselling was preferred shortly after the onset of the disease in a non-multidisciplinary setting. The results of this study underline the importance of timely pre-conceptional counselling by healthcare providers on fertility, risks and pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE.
EEG response to game-craving according to personal preference for games
Authors: Ha Jihyeon , Park Wanjoo , Park Sang In , Im Chang-Hwan , Kim Laehyun
Published: October 2020

Recently, the World Health Organization included ‘gaming disorder’ in its latest revision of the international classification of diseases (ICD-11). Despite extensive research on internet gaming disorder (IGD), few studies have addressed game-related stimuli eliciting craving, which plays an important role in addiction. Particularly, most previous studies did not consider personal preferences in games presented to subjects as stimuli. In this study, we compared neurophysiological responses elicited for favorite game (FG) videos and non-favorite game (NFG) videos. We aimed to demonstrate neurophysiological characteristics according to the game preference in the IGD group. We measured participants’ electroencephalogram (EEG) while they watched FG, NFG and neutral videos. For FG videos, the parieto-occipital theta power (TPPO) were significantly increased compared with those for NFG videos (P < 0.05, paired t-test). TPPO also differed significantly between the healthy control and IGD groups only on FG videos controlling covariate (TPPO on neutral videos) (P < 0.05, analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]). And TPPO was significantly correlated to self-reported craving score only on FG videos (r = 0.334, P < 0.05). In the present study, we demonstrate that FG videos induce higher TPPO than that induced by NFG videos in the IGD group and TPPO is a reliable EEG feature associated with craving for gaming.
A systematic review of tailored mHealth interventions for physical activity promotion among adults
Authors: Davis Ashlee , Sweigart Ryan , Ellis Rebecca
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this systematic review was to critically examine the effectiveness of tailored mHealth interventions for promoting physical activity (PA) in adult populations. Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, SportDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ProQuest databases were searched systematically in June 2019. Studies were eligible if they were experimentally designed studies, included adult populations (18+ years), and consisted of a tailored intervention that was delivered via a mobile device (i.e., cell phone, tablet). The primary outcome was change in PA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Sixteen articles were reviewed. Ten studies reported significant positive outcomes for the intervention groups compared to the controls. Three studies reported significant improvements in PA for the tailored intervention arms compared to the non-tailored treatment arms. Four of six studies that reported no between group differences used SMS to deliver tailored materials. Differences on tailoring dimension, PA outcomes, and measurement tools were not identified between studies. Tailored mHealth interventions appear to be promising for promoting PA among adults. Most interventions used multiple intervention components. Additional research is needed to identify best practices and to make programs scalable.
A systematic review of physical activity and quality of life and well-being
Authors: Marquez David X , Aguiñaga Susan , Vásquez Priscilla M , Conroy David E , Erickson Kirk I , Hillman Charles , Stillman Chelsea M , Ballard Rachel M , Sheppard Bonny Bloodgood , Petruzzello Steven J , King Abby C , Powell Kenneth E
Published: October 2020

Maintaining or improving quality of life (QoL) and well-being is a universal goal across the lifespan. Being physically active has been suggested as one way to enhance QoL and well-being. In this systematic review, conducted in part for the 2018 U.S. Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee Report, we examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and QoL and well-being experienced by the general population across the lifespan and by persons with psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses from 2006 to 2018 were used for the evidence base. Strong evidence (predominantly from randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) demonstrated that, for adults aged 18–65 years and older adults (primarily 65 years and older), PA improves QoL and well-being when compared with minimal or no-treatment controls. Moderate evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, and limited evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being for youth and for adults with major clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Insufficient evidence existed for individuals with dementia because of a small number of studies with mixed results. Future high-quality research designs should include RCTs involving longer interventions testing different modes and intensities of PA in diverse populations of healthy people and individuals with cognitive (e.g., dementia) and mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia) to precisely characterize the effects of different forms of PA on aspects of QoL and well-being.
Photoperiod-dependent transcriptional modifications in key metabolic pathways in Coffea arabica
Authors: Djerrab Doâa , Bertrand Benoît , Breitler Jean-Christophe , Léran Sophie , Dechamp Eveline , Campa Claudine , Barrachina Célia , Conejero Geneviève , Etienne Hervé , Sulpice Ronan
Published: October 2020

Photoperiod length induces in temperate plants major changes in growth rates, morphology and metabolism with, for example, modifications in the partitioning of photosynthates to avoid starvation at the end of long nights. However, this has never been studied for a tropical perennial species adapted to grow in a natural photoperiod close to 12 h/12 h all year long.

We grew Coffea arabica L., an understorey perennial evergreen tropical species in its natural 12 h/12 h and in a short 8 h/16 h photoperiod, and we investigated its responses at the physiological, metabolic and transcriptomic levels. The expression pattern of rhythmic genes, including core clock genes, was affected by changes in photoperiod. Overall, we identified 2859 rhythmic genes, of which 89% were also rhythmic in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Under short-days, plant growth was reduced, and leaves were thinner with lower chlorophyll content. In addition, secondary metabolism was also affected with chlorogenic acid and epicatechin levels decreasing, and in agreement, the genes involved in lignin synthesis were overexpressed and those involved in the flavanol pathway were underexpressed.

Our results show that the 8 h/16 h photoperiod induces drastic changes in morphology, metabolites and gene expression, and the responses for gene expression are similar to those observed in the temperate annual A. thaliana species.

Short photoperiod induces drastic changes in gene expression, metabolites and leaf structure, some of these responses being similar to those observed in A. thaliana.
Differential determinants of growth rates in subtropical evergreen and deciduous juvenile trees: carbon gain, hydraulics and nutrient-use efficiencies
Authors: Qi Jin-Hua , Fan Ze-Xin , Fu Pei-Li , Zhang Yong-Jiang , Sterck Frank
Published: October 2020

Growth rate varies across plant species and represents an important ecological strategy for competition, resource-use and fitness. However, empirical studies often show a low predictability of functional traits to tree growth. We measured stem diameter and height growth rates (DGRs and HGRs) of 96 juvenile trees (2–5 m tall) of eight evergreen and eight deciduous broadleaf tree species over three consecutive years in a subtropical forest in south-western China. We examined the relationships between tree growth rates and 20 leaf/stem traits that are associated with carbon gain, stem hydraulics and nutrient-use efficiency, as well as the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees. We found that cross-species variations of stem DGR/HGR can be predicted by leaf photosynthetic capacity, leaf mass per area, xylem-theoretical-specific hydraulic conductivity, wood density (WD) and photosynthetic-nutrient-use efficiencies. Higher leaf carbon assimilation and lower leaf/stem constructing costs facilitate deciduous species to be more resource acquisitive and consequently faster growth within a relatively shorter growing season, whereas evergreen species exhibit more conservative strategies and thus slower growth. Furthermore, stem growth rates of evergreen species showed were more dependence on leaf carbon gains, whereas stem hydraulic efficiency was more important for deciduous tree growth. Our results suggest that physiological traits (photosynthesis, hydraulics and nutrient-use efficiency) can predict tree diameter and height growth of subtropical tree species. The differential resource acquisition and use strategies and their associations with tree growth between evergreen and deciduous trees provide insights into explaining the coexistence of evergreen and deciduous tree species in subtropical forests.
Sap flow, xylem anatomy and photosynthetic variables of threePerseaspecies in response to laurel wilt
Authors: Castillo-Argaez Raiza , Vazquez Aime , Konkol Joshua L , Vargas Ana I , Ploetz Randy C , Etxeberria Edgardo , Schaffer Bruce
Published: October 2020

Laurel wilt, a lethal vascular wilt disease caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, affects several tree species in the Lauraceae, including three Persea species. The susceptibility to laurel wilt of two forest tree species native to the southern USA, Persea borbonia and Persea palustris, [(Raf.) Sarg.] and avocado, Persea americana (Mill.) cv Waldin, was examined and related to tree physiology and xylem anatomy. Net CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf chlorophyll index (LCI), leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), xylem sap flow, theoretical stem hydraulic conductivity (Kh) and xylem vessel anatomy were assessed in trees of each species that were inoculated with R. lauricola and in control trees. Laurel wilt caused a reduction in A, gs, LCI, Fv/Fm and blockage of xylem vessels by tyloses formation that negatively impacted Kh and sap flow in all Persea species. However, disease susceptibility as indicated by canopy wilting and sapwood discoloration was less pronounced in P. americana cv Waldin than in the two forest species. Xylem vessel diameter was significantly smaller in P. borbonia and P. palustris than in P. americana cv Waldin. Differences in laurel wilt susceptibility among species appear to be influenced by physiological and anatomical tree responses.
Exploring the Biological and Molecular Characteristics of Resistance to Fludioxonil in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum From Soybean in China
Authors: Zhou F. , Hu H. Y. , Li D. X. , Tan L. G. , Zhang Q. , Gao H. T. , Sun H. L. , Tian X. L. , Shi M. W. , Zhang F. L. , Li C. W.
Published: October 2020

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most damaging and economically important necrotrophic plant pathogens, infecting more than 400 plant species globally. Although the phenylpyrrole fungicide fludioxonil has high activity against S. sclerotiorum, reports indicate that there is also substantial potential for the development of fungicide resistance. However, the current study investigating five fludioxonil-resistant laboratory mutants found a significant fitness cost associated with fludioxonil resistance resulting in significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mycelial growth and sclerotia formation on potato dextrose agar as well as significantly (P < 0.05) lower pathogenicity on detached tomato leaves, with one mutant, LK-1R, completely losing the capacity to cause infection. In addition, all of the fludioxonil-resistant mutants had significantly (P < 0.05) increased sensitivity to osmotic stress (0.5 M of potassium chloride and 1.0 M of glucose), which is consistent with the proposed fludioxonil target sites within the high osmolarity glycerol stress response mitogen-activated protein kinase (HOG1-MAPK) signaling transduction pathway. Sequence analysis of six genes from this two-component pathway, including SsHk, SsYpd, SsSk1, SsSk2, SsPbs, and SsHog, revealed several mutations that may be associated with fludioxonil resistance. For example, six separate point mutations were found in SsHk that led to changes in the predicted amino acid sequence, including A136G, F249V, G353A, E560K, M610K, and K727R. Similarly, SsPbs had three mutations (D34G, S46L, and L337E), SsSk1 and SsYpd had two (S53G and A795V for SsSk1, and E67G and Y141H for SsYpd), and SsHog and SsSk2 had one each (V220A and S763P, respectively). To our knowledge, these constitute the first reports of amino acid changes in proteins of the HOG1-MAPK pathway being associated with fludioxonil resistance in S. sclerotiorum. This study also showed a positive cross-resistance between fludioxonil and dimethachlone and procymidone, but none with tebuconazole or carbendazim, indicating that the inclusion of tebuconazole within an integrated pest management program could reduce the risk of fludioxonil resistance developing in field populations of S. sclerotiorum and ensure the sustainable production of soybeans in China into the future.
Transcriptome-Derived Amplicon Sequencing Markers Elucidate the U.S. Podosphaera macularis Population Structure Across Feral and Commercial Plantings of Humulus lupulus
Authors: Weldon William A. , Knaus Brian J. , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Havill Joshua S. , Block Mary H. , Gent David H. , Cadle-Davidson Lance E. , Gadoury David M.
Published: October 2020

Obligately biotrophic plant pathogens pose challenges in population genetic studies due to their genomic complexities and elaborate culturing requirements with limited biomass. Hop powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis) is an obligately biotrophic ascomycete that threatens sustainable hop production. P. macularis populations of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) United States differ from those of the Midwest and Northeastern United States, lacking one of two mating types needed for sexual recombination and harboring two strains that are differentially aggressive on the cultivar Cascade and able to overcome the Humulus lupulus R-gene R6 (V6), respectively. To develop a high-throughput marker platform for tracking the flow of genotypes across the United States and internationally, we used an existing transcriptome of diverse P. macularis isolates to design a multiplex of 54 amplicon sequencing markers, validated across a panel of 391 U.S. samples and 123 international samples. The results suggest that P. macularis from U.S. commercial hop yards form one population closely related to P. macularis of the United Kingdom, while P. macularis from U.S. feral hop locations grouped with P. macularis of Eastern Europe. Included in this multiplex was a marker that successfully tracked V6-virulence in 65 of 66 samples with a confirmed V6-phenotype. A new qPCR assay for high-throughput genotyping of P. macularis mating type generated the highest resolution distribution map of P. macularis mating type to date. Together, these genotyping strategies enable the high-throughput and inexpensive tracking of pathogen spread among geographical regions from single-colony samples and provide a roadmap to develop markers for other obligate biotrophs.
Global immunoglobulin supply: steaming towards the iceberg?
Authors: Prevot Johan , Jolles Stephen
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

This review describes how plasma is sourced for fractionation into plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs), such as immunoglobulin (Ig) together with differences between plasma from whole blood (recovered plasma) and from plasmapheresis (source plasma) in terms of global plasma supply. Specific areas of growth in immunoglobulin use are identified alongside novel therapies, which may reduce demand for some immunoglobulin indications.

Recent findings

There has been a 6--8% annual growth in immunoglobulin use. Secondary immunodeficiency alongside improved recognition and diagnosis primary immunodeficiency disorders are drivers whereas the novel neonatal Fc receptor inhibitors (FcRni) may reduce demand for some immunomodulatory indications.

There is a significant geographical imbalance in global supply of plasma with 65% collected in the United States. This results in a dependency of other countries on United States supply and argues for both more plasma supply and greater regionally balanced plasma collection. In addition, progress towards a transparent, regulated and well tolerated framework for the coexistence of unpaid and compensated plasma donations is needed as unpaid donation will not be sufficient. These discussions should be informed by the needs of patients for this life-saving therapy, the care of donors and the safety of plasma and PDMPs.
Open Reduction and Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for Acute Intra-articular Displaced Calcaneal Fractures
Authors: Schipper Oliver N. , Cohen Bruce E. , Davis William H. , Ellington John Kent , Jones Carroll P.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the rate of subtalar arthrodesis based on a computed tomography (CT) scan after open reduction and primary subtalar arthrodesis for acute, displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Single tertiary care practice.

Patients:

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who sustained an acute, displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fracture and underwent open reduction and primary subtalar arthrodesis. Thirty-five patients participated in the study.

Intervention:

Each patient included in the study was treated with open reduction and primary subtalar arthrodesis.

Main Outcome Measures:

All patients were evaluated with CT for arthrodesis of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint, which was quantitated. Other outcome measures included radiographic parameters, the Veterans RAND Item Health Survey, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure.

Results:

The median patient age was 47.8 years (range 21.5–79.5 years). The median patient follow-up was 34.4 months (range 4.6–104.1 months). The Sanders classification was as follows: 3% (1/35) type II, 40% (14/35) type III, and 57% (20/35) type IV. Based on a CT scan, primary subtalar union occurred in 94.3% (33/35) of patients.

Conclusions:

Open reduction and primary subtalar arthrodesis for acute, displaced, intra-articular calcaneus fractures has a high rate of union and good pain and function outcomes. It should be strongly considered for patients with significant cartilage injury and comminution of the posterior facet.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Efficacy of Lumbar Hybrid Fusion for the Prevention of Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: Cho Hyun-Jae , Ko Young San , Won Young Il , Lee Chang-Hyun , Yang Seung Heon , Kim Chi Heon , Chung Chun Kee
Published: October 2020

Study Design:

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Objective:

The aim of this study is to compare hybrid constructs with traditional fusion-only constructs for the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases.

Summary of Background Data:

Spinal fusion is a standard surgery for various pathologies of the lumbar spine, which results in changes to the biomechanics of the spine, potentially leading to ASDeg. Although ASDeg can occur slowly as a natural course, early-onset ASDeg is regarded to be related to fusion surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted to identify studies that match the purpose. Included studies were compared using the incidence of ASDeg, Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Score, and perioperative outcomes. We calculated the Peto odds ratio and mean difference (MD) for the continuous variables, respectively. In the hybrid group, subgroup analysis was also performed among devices.

Results:

Among 10 papers involving 767 patients, 372 patients underwent hybrid fusion and 395 patients underwent fusion-only. ASDeg occurred in 10.2% in the hybrid and 21.5% in the fusion-only group [Peto odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23–0.64]. The MD for Visual Analog Score were 0.45 (95% CI, 0.05–0.85) between 2 groups, which was statistically significant but was too small to have clinical significance. The MD for Oswestry Disability Index was 0.93 (95% CI, −1.016 to 2.872), which was not statistically different between 2 groups. The hybrid is superior for 18 minutes (95% CI, 5.78–30.72) shorter than typical surgery.

Conclusions:

Hybrid lumbar surgery decreased the incidence of early-onset ASDeg for about 2 years of follow-up. Among the hybrid constructs, the interspinous devices group accomplished favorable results with a lower risk. Adjacent segment disease was not as statistically significant as ASDeg, but adjacent segment disease may show a substantial difference for >2-year follow-up.
Congenital defects and early childhood outcomes following in-utero exposure to antihypertensive medication
Authors: Fitton Catherine A. , Fleming Michael , Aucott Lorna , Pell Jill P. , Mackay Daniel F. , McLay James S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are an important risk to mother and fetus, frequently necessitating antihypertensive treatment. Data describing the safety of in-utero exposure to antihypertensive treatment is conflicting with many studies suffering from significant methodological issues.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected healthcare records for 268 711 children born 2010–2014 in Scotland to assess outcomes following in-utero exposure to antihypertensive medication.

Results:

We identified a cohort of 265 488 eligible mother–child pairs born over the study period; of which, 2433 were exposed in utero to antihypertensive medication, 4391 exposed to treated late-onset hypertension and 6066 exposed to untreated hypertension during pregnancy. In-utero antihypertensive exposure was associated with an increased risk of circulatory defects (aOR 2.29; 99% CI 1.14–4.59) compared with normal controls and the untreated hypertensive group. We report no increased odds of any developmental outcomes at 2.5 years of age following exposure to antihypertensive medication during pregnancy, untreated hypertension or late-onset hypertension.

Conclusion:

Although circulatory defects may be associated with antihypertensive medication exposure during pregnancy, the mechanisms underlying this process are unclear.
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in primary aldosteronism after adrenalectomy: a meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Gherbesi Elisa , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: October 2020

Aim:

Available evidence on regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in patients with primary aldosteronism after unilateral adrenalectomy is scanty. We performed a systematic meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies to provide an updated and comprehensive information on this issue.

Methods:

The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases were analyzed to search English-language articles published from 1 January 1990 up to 30 June 2020. Studies were identified by using MeSH terms and crossing the following search items: ‘primary aldosteronism’ ‘Conn's syndrome’ ‘adrenalectomy’, with ‘cardiac damage’, ‘hypertensive heart disease’ ‘left ventricular mass’, ‘left ventricular hypertrophy’, ‘left ventricular hypertrophy regression’, ‘echocardiography’.

Results:

A total of 629 hypertensive patients with primary aldosteronism (mean age 49 years, 45% men) were included in 14 studies. Baseline and postintervention pooled mean LV mass/BSA values were 134 ± 4 and 108 ± 3 g/m2 [standard means difference (SMD) −0.42 ± 0.05, confidence interval (CI) −0.52/−0.32, P < 0.0001]; corresponding values for LV mass/h2.7 were 56 ± 2 and 49 ± 1 g/h2.7 (SMD −0.45 ± 0.06, CI −0.52/−0.36, P < 0.0001). Adrenalectomy, followed by a marked decrease in blood pressure, was associated with a decrease in relative wall thickness (SMD −0.17 ± 0.06, CI −0.31/−0.03, P < 0.01) as well as in the number of antihypertensive drugs (SMD −0.45 ± 0.04, CI −0.50–0.32, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The present meta-analysis suggests that adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism exerts a beneficial effect on LV structure and geometry by reducing the burden of LV hypertrophy and LV concentric geometry.
Bruch Membrane Opening Minimum Rim Width Changes During Scleral Lens Wear
Authors: Samaha Dan , Michaud Langis
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in Bruch membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) during scleral lens (SL) wear.

Methods:

Twenty young white subjects were enrolled (10 women and 10 men); preliminary evaluation consisted of serial measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) using a dynamic noncontact tonometer (Corvis, Oculus), which also yielded a corneal biomechanical index and central corneal thickness, and BMO-MRW using optical coherence tomography imaging (OCT) imaging (Spectralis, Heidelberg) through 6 hrs to establish normative diurnal curves. The next day, participants were fitted with a 16-mm SL on one eye, and OCT measurements were repeated over the same time span. Statistical analysis was carried out with a two-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify significant associations.

Results:

The average diurnal variation for BMO-MRW without lenses was −4.65 μm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–8.77) after 6 hours, whereas it decreased by 8 μm (95% CI, 3.87–12.12; P<0.001) after 6 hours of SL wear. The difference between variations after 6 hours was then −3.35 μm (P=0.029). Variation of the BMO-MRW did not significantly correlate with corneal rigidity (CR), central corneal thickness (CCT), and refractive error (r=−0.224, −0.054 and −0.085, respectively).

Conclusion:

Scleral lens wear induces a statistically significant decrease in BMO-MRW that could potentially be attributed to a change in IOP. The change in BMO-MRW was not affected by CR, CCT, or refractive error. Further studies are needed to better understand the significance of the observed changes at the optic nerve head during scleral lens wear.
Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Arafah Maria , Rashid Sameera , Akhtar Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Endometriosis is a relatively common condition in which endometrial tissue is established in locations outside the uterus where, like the eutopic endometrium, it responds to hormonal stimuli and develops internal bleeding, inflammation, and fibrosis. These changes are associated with chronic and often debilitating cyclic pain and infertility. The pathogenesis of endometriosis is multifactorial, and several theories have been proposed to explain it. These include retrograde menstruation, celomic metaplasia, embryologic rests, and lymphovascular spread. Hormones, immunologic status, and genetic factors may also play a role. In most patients, the disease involves pelvic organs, but rarely it may also extend to a large variety of distant locations in the body. Patients with ovarian endometriosis are at higher risk for developing ovarian carcinomas including endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas. Some of these carcinomas may arise in a background of structural and/or nuclear atypia within the endometriotic foci. There is no known cure for endometriosis and treatment mostly consists of managing chronic pain or infertility.