bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of PTPN22 Promotes Intestinal Inflammation by Compromising Granulocyte-mediated Antibacterial Defence
Authors: Spalinger Marianne R , Schwarzfischer Marlene , Niechcial Anna , Atrott Kirstin , Laimbacher Andrea , Gottier Claudia , Lang Silvia , Scharl Michael
Published: June 2021

Background and aims

A single nucleotide polymorphism in protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 [PTPN22] has been associated with the onset of autoimmune disorders, but protects from Crohn’s disease. PTPN22 deficiency in mice promotes intestinal inflammation by modulating lymphocyte function. However, the impact of myeloid PTPN22 in colitis development remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PTPN2 in the IL-10 and the T cell transfer colitis models.

Methods

PTPN22-deficient mice were crossed with IL-10-/- and RAG2-/- mice. Naïve T cells were injected in RAG-/- mice to induce T-cell transfer colitis. Spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/- mice was monitored for up to 200 days.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that PTPN22 in non-lymphoid immune cells is required to protect against T cell transfer-mediated and IL-10 knock-out colitis. Analysis of the intestinal immune landscape demonstrated a marked reduction of granulocyte influx into the inflamed colon in PTPN22-deficient mice. On a molecular level, granulocytes were not only reduced by numbers, but also revealed a defective function. In particular, granulocyte activation and granulocyte-mediated bacteria killing was impaired upon loss of PTPN22, resulting in elevated bacterial burden and translocation beyond the intestinal epithelial barrier in PTPN22-deficient mice. Consistently, antibiotic-induced depletion of bacteria reverted the increased colitis susceptibility in PTPN22-deficient mice, whereas granulocyte depletion induced acolitis phenotype in wild-type mice similar to that observed in PTPN22-deficient mice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our data demonstrate that PTPN22 is essential for adequate granulocyte activation and antimicrobial defence to protect the inflamed intestine from bacterial invasion and exacerbated colitis.
Factors Influencing the Population Fluctuations ofEuproctis chrysorrhoea(Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Maine
Authors: Boyd Karla S , Drummond Francis , Donahue Charlene , Groden Eleanor
Published: June 2021

The browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.)) is a forest pest that was accidentally introduced in the late 1800’s and spread throughout New England in the early part of the 20th Century. At its peak range expansion in 1915 it encompassed an area of 150,000 km2 after which populations declined. By the 1960s, its distribution had receded to relic populations on outer Cape Cod, MA, and islands in Casco Bay, ME. In 1989 browntail moth resurged in Maine, with periodic, moderate outbreaks before a dramatic increase of the population occurred in 2016. We examined the pattern of annual defoliation by browntail moth since its resurgence in the 1990s as well as variation in populations throughout infested areas in Maine during three years of the recent outbreak, 2016–2018, relative to differences in weather, parasitism and habitat characteristics. Levels of defoliation over 24 yr were predicted by the preceding spring precipitation (−, negative effect) and the year’s previous late summer and early fall temperatures (+, positive effect) when first to third instar larvae feed and then construct winter hibernacula. Late summer temperatures predicted the abundance of hibernacula across outbreak areas (+). Early spring temperatures (+) and early and late spring precipitation (−) predicted early summer larval and pupal nest abundance. Warmer fall temperatures result in more mature populations coming out of winter hibernacula in the spring, whereas spring precipitation drives epizootic outbreaks of Entomophaga aulicae (Reichardt in Bail) Humber (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae). with parasitoids playing a lesser role. Climate trends indicate continued increases in fall temperatures since browntail moth resurgence.
The photoplethysmography dictionary: practical guidance on signal interpretation and clinical scenarios from TeleCheck-AF
Authors: van der Velden Rachel M J , Verhaert Dominique V M , Hermans Astrid N L , Duncker David , Manninger Martin , Betz Konstanze , Gawalko Monika , Desteghe Lien , Pisters Ron , Hemels Martin , Pison Laurent , Sohaib Afzal , Sultan Arian , Steven Daniel , Wijtvliet Petra , Gupta Dhiraj , Svennberg Emma , Luermans Justin C L M , Chaldoupi Marisevi , Vernooy Kevin , den Uijl Dennis , Lodzinski Piotr , Jansen Ward P J , Eckstein Jens , Bollmann Andreas , Vandervoort Pieter , Crijns Harry J G M , Tieleman Robert , Heidbuchel Hein , Pluymaekers Nikki A H A , Hendriks Jeroen M , Linz Dominik ,   TeleCheck-AF Investigators
Published: June 2021

Aims

Within the TeleCheck-AF project, numerous centres in Europe used on-demand photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to remotely assess heart rate and rhythm in conjunction with teleconsultations. Based on the TeleCheck-AF investigator experiences, we aimed to develop an educational structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals and to introduce typical clinical scenarios how on-demand PPG was used.

Methods and results

During an online conference, the structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals was discussed and further refined during an internal review process. We provide the number of respective PPG recordings (FibriCheck®) and number of patients managed within a clinical scenario during the TeleCheck-AF project. To interpret PPG recordings, we introduce a structured stepwise practical guide and provide representative PPG recordings. In the TeleCheck-AF project, 2522 subjects collected 90 616 recordings in total. The majority of these recordings were classified by the PPG algorithm as sinus rhythm (57.6%), followed by AF (23.6%). In 9.7% of recordings, the quality was too low to interpret. The most frequent clinical scenarios where PPG technology was used in the TeleCheck-AF project was a follow-up after AF ablation (1110 patients) followed by heart rate and rhythm assessment around (tele)consultation (966 patients).

Conclusion

We introduce a newly developed structured stepwise practical guide on PPG signal interpretation developed based on presented experiences from TeleCheck-AF. The present clinical scenarios for the use of on-demand PPG technology derived from the TeleCheck-AF project will help to implement PPG technology in the management of AF patients.
Differences between influenza and pertussis vaccination uptake in pregnancy: a multi-center survey study in Italy
Authors: Vilca Luz Maria , Sarno Laura , Cesari Elena , Vidiri Annalisa , Antonazzo Patrizio , Ravennati Francesca , Cavaliere Anna Franca , Guida Maurizio , Cetin Irene
Published: June 2021

Background

A suboptimal maternal vaccination coverage in 2017–18 has been reported in Italy. The study aims were to (i) assess changes in maternal influenza and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccination coverage during 2018–19 influenza season compared to the previous season (ii) estimate influenza vaccine coverage among maternal care providers (MCPs) and (iii) explore the characteristics of vaccine delivery to pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women and MCPs about influenza and pertussis immunization during pregnancy. We also collected information regarding prenatal care characteristics and vaccine delivery among four centers in Italy.

Results

We recruited 483 pregnant women and 452 MCPs. The influenza and pertussis vaccine uptake among pregnant women for the season 2018–19 was 14.9% and 60.9%, respectively. MCPs’ influenza vaccine uptake was 33.6%. Knowing that the flu vaccine was safe for mothers and their infants and being vaccinated in the previous influenza season were associated with higher vaccine uptake. Regarding pertussis, being a housewife was associated to lower vaccine uptake, while knowing the vaccine is effective and safe for mothers and newborns were associated with higher pertussis vaccine uptake. The single most important factor associated to higher coverage of both influenza and pertussis vaccines was receiving a health-care provider’s vaccine advice. Most pregnant women (69.4%) stated that they preferred to be vaccinated in their same prenatal care setting.

Conclusions

Receiving a health-care provider’s vaccine advice and the availability of vaccines during prenatal care visits might improve vaccination coverage among pregnant women.
Trends in teenage delivery and abortion rates in Estonia over more than two decades: a nationwide register-based study
Authors: Haldre Kai , Rahu Mati , Allvee Kärt , Rahu Kaja
Published: June 2021

Background

In the last 30 years, Estonia has undergone major socio-economic changes, including profound educational and healthcare reforms. The study aimed to analyse trends in teenage delivery and induced abortion rates among younger and older teens, including Estonians and non-Estonians, and to study trends in repeat teenage pregnancies in more detail.

Methods

The register-based study included data on 29 818 deliveries (1992–2019) and 25 865 (1996–2019) induced abortions among 15–19-year-old girls. Delivery and abortion rates per 1000 girls were calculated by age group, ethnicity and reproductive history. Poisson regression models were applied to estimate average annual percentage changes in delivery and abortion rates over the whole period and in two sub-periods with change points in the trend in 2007.

Results

The delivery rate decreased by 5.3% per year, from 49.9 in 1992 to 8.4 in 2019; the abortion rate decreased by 6.0% per year, from 42.4 in 1996 to 8.6 in 2019. A faster decline in delivery rates took place among Estonians than non-Estonians, but the opposite trend occurred in abortion rates. Delivery rates for first and repeat pregnancies decreased nearly at the same pace, while abortion rates for repeat pregnancies decreased faster than those for first pregnancies.

Conclusions

A decreasing trend in teenage births is evident in parallel with society becoming wealthier. A remarkable decline in teenage abortions occurs when young people’s rights to safe abortion, contraception, mandatory sexuality education and youth-friendly services are ensured. There always remains a small group of adolescents who repeatedly become pregnant.
The deletion of chiMaD1, a horizontally acquired chitinase of Metarhizium anisopliae, led to higher virulence towards the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus)
Authors: Sbaraini Nicolau , Junges Ângela , de Oliveira Eder Silva , Webster Anelise , Vainstein Marilene Henning , Staats Charley Christian , Schrank Augusto
Published: June 2021

The first line of the Arthropods defense against infections is the hard-structured exoskeleton, a physical barrier, usually rich in insoluble chitin. For entomopathogenic fungi that actively penetrate the host body, an arsenal of hydrolytic enzymes (as chitinases and N-acetylglucosaminidases), that break down chitin, is essential. Notably, twenty-one putative chitinase genes have been identified in the genome of Metarhizium anisopliae, a generalist entomopathogenic fungus. As a multigenic family, with enzymes that, presumably, perform redundant functions, the main goal is to understand the singularity of each one of such genes and to discover their precise role in the fungal life cycle. Specially chitinases that can act as virulence determinants are of interest since these enzymes can lead to more efficient biocontrol agents. Here we explored a horizontally acquired chitinase from M. anisopliae, named chiMaD1. The deletion of this gene did not lead to phenotypic alterations or diminished supernatant's chitinolytic activity. Surprisingly, chiMaD1 deletion enhanced M. anisopliae virulence to the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) larvae and engorged females, while did not alter the virulence to the mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor). These results add up to recent reports of deleted genes that enhanced entomopathogenic virulence, showing the complexity of host-pathogen interactions.
Seismic wavefield reconstruction using a pre-conditioned wavelet–curvelet compressive sensing approach
Authors: Muir Jack B , Zhan Zhongwen
Published: June 2021

The proliferation of large seismic arrays have opened many new avenues of geophysical research; however, most techniques still fundamentally treat regional and global scale seismic networks as a collection of individual time-series rather than as a single unified data product. Wavefield reconstruction allows us to turn a collection of individual records into a single structured form that treats the seismic wavefield as a coherent 3-D or 4-D entity. We propose a split processing scheme based on a wavelet transform in time and pre-conditioned curvelet-based compressive sensing in space to create a sparse representation of the continuous seismic wavefield with smooth second-order derivatives. Using this representation, we illustrate several applications, including surface wave gradiometry, Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition of the wavefield into irrotational and solenoidal components, and compression and denoising of seismic records.
Friction in Transitional Justice Processes: The Colombian Judicial System and the ICC
Authors: Björkdahl Annika , Warvsten Louise
Published: June 2021

With the aim of understanding how the International Criminal Court (ICC) affects peace processes, this article examines the Colombian peace and justice processes through the lens of friction. It investigates frictional encounters between the Colombian judicial system and the ICC, in order to reveal the tensions in this relationship. First, we disaggregate the concept of friction and propose three different types of frictional encounters – conceptual, normative and jurisdictional – in transitional justice processes. Second, we investigate different responses to these frictional encounters, such as compliance, adaptation, co-option and resistance. Finally, we find that responses to frictions generate hybrid judicial outcomes, such as a hybrid, intersubjective understanding of justice, a hybrid sanctioning regime as well as hybrid complementarity. The article concludes that the ICC influenced the Colombian peace process, while the Colombian judicial system complied with the requirements of the ICC thereby demonstrating agency, flexibility and innovation and ensuring its judicial sovereignty.
The factorization method for the scattering by a mixed inhomogeneous medium
Authors: Xiang Jianli , Yan Guozheng
Published: June 2021

We use the classical factorization method proposed firstly by Kirsch to reconstruct the support of the mixed inhomogeneous medium associated with complex valued refractive indexes and different transmission boundary conditions. We will show that for well-chosen inhomogeneous backgrounds, one obtains a necessary and sufficient condition characterizing the support of the medium via the eigensystem of a self-adjoint operator, which is related to the far field operator. Moreover, for completeness of our problem, the variational method is applied to solve the direct scattering problem. And, we present a variant of numerical examples in 2D to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed inverse algorithms.
An adaptive edge finite element DtN method for Maxwell’s equations in biperiodic structures
Authors: Jiang Xue , Li Peijun , Lv Junliang , Wang Zhoufeng , Wu Haijun , Zheng Weiying
Published: June 2021

We consider the diffraction of an electromagnetic plane wave by a biperiodic structure. This paper is concerned with a numerical solution of the diffraction grating problem for three-dimensional Maxwell’s equations. Based on the Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) operator, an equivalent boundary value problem is formulated in a bounded domain by using a transparent boundary condition. An a posteriori error estimate-based adaptive edge finite element method is developed for the variational problem with the truncated DtN operator. The estimate takes account of both the finite element approximation error and the truncation error of the DtN operator, where the former is used for local mesh refinements and the latter is shown to decay exponentially with respect to the truncation parameter. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the competitive behaviour of the proposed method.
Behavior Rigidity Near Non-Isolated Blow-up Points for the Semilinear Heat Equation
Authors: Merle Frank , Zaag Hatem
Published: June 2021

We consider the semilinear heat equation with Sobolev subcritical power nonlinearity in dimension $N=2$, and $u(x,t)$ a solution that blows up in finite time $T$. Given a non-isolated blow-up point $a$, we assume that the Taylor expansion of the solution near $(a,T)$ obeys some degenerate situation labeled by some even integer $m(a)\ge 4$. If we have a sequence $a_n \to a$ as $n\to \infty $, we show after a change of coordinates and the extraction of a subsequence that either ${a_{n,1}}-a_1 = o((a_{n,2}-a_2)^2)$ or $|a_{n,1}-a_1||a_{n,2}-a_2|^{-\beta } |\log |a_{n,2}-a_2||^{-\alpha } \to L> 0$ for some $L>0$, where $\alpha $ and $\beta $ enjoy a finite number of rational values with $\beta \in (0,2]$ and $L$ is a solution of a polynomial equation depending on the coefficients of the Taylor expansion of the solution. If $m(a)=4$, then $\alpha =0$ and either $\beta =3/2$ or $\beta =2$.
Three clusters of carbapenemase-producing Citrobacter freundii in Finland, 2016–20
Authors: Räisänen Kati , Sarvikivi Emmi , Arifulla Dinah , Pietikäinen Risto , Forsblom-Helander Benita , Tarkka Eveliina , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Grönroos Juha O , Rintala Esa , Kauranen Jari , Ahlsved Matias , Broas Markku , Mikkola Janne , Sieberns Jennifer , Jalava Jari , Lyytikäinen Outi
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) have spread widely into health care facilities (HCF) but clusters caused by carbapenemase-producing (CP) Citrobacter freundii have been uncommon until recent years. Here we describe CP C. freundii clusters detected in Finland during 2016–20.

Methods

As a part of the national CPE surveillance, clinical microbiology laboratories send potential CP C. freundii isolates to the reference laboratory for confirmation and further characterization. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) with Illumina MiSeq sequencer was used to detect clusters. Resistance genes and STs were analysed using SRST2 and typing with core genome (cg) MLST. A case was defined as a patient with a CP C. freundii isolate belonging to one of the detected clusters.

Results

We detected three CP C. freundii clusters: cluster 1 included 16 cases in five HCFs during 2016–20, cluster 2 had two cases in two HCFs during 2018–19 and cluster 3 had two cases in one HCF in 2020. The isolates (11 clinical and 5 screening) in cluster 1 had KPC-2 carbapenemase and were sequence type (ST)18. Cluster 2 (2 clinical isolates) had OXA-181/GES-5 carbapenemases and were ST604 and cluster 3 (two screening isolates) had KPC-3 carbapenemase and were ST116. None of the cases had a history of recent travel abroad.

Conclusions

CP C. freundii also causes outbreaks and can be a reservoir of carbapenemase genes. The long intervals between successive cases, mostly found in clinical specimens in two clusters, suggest that besides unknown carriers, environmental contamination may play a role in transmission.
In vitroevolution of cefepime/zidebactam (WCK 5222) resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosa: dynamics, mechanisms, fitness trade-off and impact onin vivoefficacy
Authors: Barceló Isabel , Cabot Gabriel , Palwe Snehal , Joshi Prashant , Takalkar Swapna , Periasamy Hariharan , Cortés-Lara Sara , Zamorano Laura , Sánchez-Diener Irina , Moya Bartolome , Bhagwat Sachin , Patel Mahesh , Oliver Antonio
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To study the dynamics, mechanisms and fitness cost of resistance selection to cefepime, zidebactam and cefepime/zidebactam in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods

WT P. aeruginosa PAO1 and its ΔmutS derivative (PAOMS) were exposed to stepwise increasing concentrations of cefepime, zidebactam and cefepime/zidebactam. Selected mutants were characterized for change in susceptibility profiles, acquired mutations, fitness, virulence and in vivo susceptibility to cefepime/zidebactam. Mutations were identified through WGS. In vitro fitness was assessed by measuring growth in minimal medium and human serum-supplemented Mueller–Hinton broth. Virulence was determined in Caenorhabditis elegans and neutropenic mice lung infection models. In vivo susceptibility to a human-simulated regimen (HSR) of cefepime/zidebactam was studied in neutropenic mice lung infection.

Results

Resistance development was lower for the cefepime/zidebactam combination than for the individual components and high-level resistance was only achieved for PAOMS. Cefepime resistance development was associated with mutations leading to the hyperexpression of AmpC or MexXY-OprM, combined with PBP3 mutations and/or large chromosomal deletions involving galU. Zidebactam resistance was mainly associated with mutations in PBP2. On the other hand, resistance to cefepime/zidebactam required multiple mutations in genes encoding MexAB-OprM and its regulators, as well as PBP2 and PBP3. Cumulatively, these mutations inflicted significant fitness cost and cefepime/zidebactam-resistant mutants (MIC = 16–64 mg/L) remained susceptible in vivo to the HSR.

Conclusions

Development of cefepime/zidebactam resistance in P. aeruginosa required multiple simultaneous mutations that were associated with a significant impairment of fitness and virulence.
Recommendations for Toxicological Investigation of Drug-Impaired Driving and Motor Vehicle Fatalities—2021 Update
Authors: D’Orazio Amanda L , Mohr Amanda L.A , Chan-Hosokawa Ayako , Harper Curt , Huestis Marilyn A , Limoges Jennifer F , Miles Amy K , Scarneo Colleen E , Kerrigan Sarah , Liddicoat Laura J , Scott Karen S , Logan Barry K
Published: June 2021

This report describes updates to the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division’s recommendations for drug testing in driving under the influence of drug (DUID) cases and motor vehicle fatalities. The updates are based on a survey of drug testing practices in laboratories in the USA and Canada, a comprehensive review of the prior recommendations and data and research on drugs most frequently detected in DUID cases. A consensus meeting was held with representative forensic science practitioners and the authors of this report to update recommendations. No changes were made to the Tier I scope; however, there were changes to cutoffs of some analytes for blood, urine and oral fluid. Due to increased prevalence in DUID cases, trazodone and difluoroethane were added to the Tier II scope. For clarification, Tier I cutoffs reflect free concentrations, and hydrolysis is recommended but not required. The consensus panel concluded that urine is an inferior matrix to blood and oral fluid as it may represent historical use or exposure unrelated to observed impairment; therefore, future iterations of these recommendations will not include urine as a recommended matrix. Laboratories currently testing urine should work with traffic safety partners to encourage the use of blood and oral fluid as more appropriate specimens and adjust their capabilities to provide that testing.
Bridge to bigpush or backwash? Market integration, reallocation and productivity effects of Jamuna Bridge in Bangladesh
Authors: Blankespoor Brian , Emran M Shahe , Shilpi Forhad , Xu Lu
Published: June 2021

We study the effects of Jamuna Bridge in Bangladesh that reduced the average trade costs by 50% and connected 26 million people by road to the capital city. We use a difference-in-difference design where the isolated Padma hinterland constitutes the comparison. Balance tests for an array of economic characteristics support the parallel trends assumption. The bridge led to economic revival in the Jamuna hinterland with increased agricultural productivity and population density despite a decline in the share of manufacturing employment. The effects are spatially heterogeneous with substantial manufacturing decline in the middle subregion, and the remote areas reaping the highest benefits.
Population dynamics of the heather vole (Phenacomys intermedius) in commercial forest landscapes of south-central British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P , Sullivan Druscilla S
Published: June 2021

Long-term population dynamics are essentially unknown for the western heather vole (Phenacomys intermedius), a relatively rare microtine species. Our objectives were to provide a description of demographic changes in populations of P. intermedius and determine possible causes of these changes. We analyzed four detailed 12- to 22-year data sets that recorded changes in abundance of P. intermedius in a variety of managed forests in south-central British Columbia, Canada from 1993 to 2018. We evaluated three hypotheses (H) that may help explain population changes: heather voles will (H1) have higher populations in sites with (i) abundant dwarf shrubs or (ii) cover of woody debris; (H2) colonize new clear-cuts as dispersal sinks for young voles; and (H3) be at lower abundance when other Microtus species are present at equal or higher numbers. Populations of P. intermedius occurred commonly at ≤ 1 animal/ha (as a density index). However, in favorable habitats such as some new clear-cuts and in “open” pine stands, P. intermedius occurred at mean annual peak numbers of 5–6/ha (as a density index). There were two relatively high populations of P. intermedius in 1994–1995 and 1998, and possibly again in 2002 in the open pine stands. Mean numbers of lactating females and recruits per year tended to follow the pattern of changes in abundance. High populations of P. intermedius occurred in stands with abundant dwarf shrubs in open pine stands but not those with a cover of woody debris structures in clear-cuts, H1, therefore, was only partially supported. A relatively higher proportion of adult than juvenile heather voles on clear-cuts did not support H2: that these harvested sites would be dispersal sinks for young voles. Mean annual numbers of P. intermedius were positively correlated with those of M. longicaudus, at least on clear-cut sites, hence H3 was not supported. Phenacomys intermedius was essentially absent from our closed-canopy mature/old-growth forests but occurred in many managed forest habitats at low abundance (density index of ≤ 1/ha). In early successional habitats after clear-cutting and in open young pine stands this species occurred at moderate abundance and generally appeared stable in numbers across these forest landscapes.
PtBRI1.2 promotes shoot growth and wood formation through a brassinosteroid-mediated PtBZR1-PtWNDs module in poplar
Authors: Jiang Chunmei , Li Bei , Song Zhizhong , Zhang Yuliang , Yu Chunyan , Wang Haihai , Wang Limin , Zhang Hongxia
Published: June 2021

Brassinosteroid-insensitive-1 (BRI1) plays important roles in various signalling pathways controlling plant growth and development. However, the regulatory mechanism of BRI1 in brassinosteroid (BR)-mediated signalling for shoot growth and wood formation in woody plants is largely unknown. In this study, PtBRI1.2, a brassinosteroid-insensitive-1 gene, was overexpressed in poplar. Shoot growth and wood formation of transgenic plants were examined and the regulatory genes involved were verified. PtBRI1.2 was localized to the plasma membrane, with a predominant expression in leaves. Ectopic expression of PtBRI1.2 in Arabidopsis bri1-201 and bri1-5 mutants rescued their retarded-growth phenotype. Overexpression of PtBRI1.2 in poplar promoted shoot growth and wood formation in transgenic plants. Further studies revealed that overexpression of PtBRI1.2 promoted the accumulation of PtBZR1 (BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1) in the nucleus, which subsequently activated PtWNDs (WOOD-ASSOCIATED NAC DOMAIN transcription factors) to up-regulate expression of secondary cell wall biosynthesis genes involved in wood formation. Our results suggest that PtBRI1.2 plays a crucial role in regulating shoot growth and wood formation by activating BR signalling.
3D gas-phase elemental abundances across the formation histories of Milky Way-mass galaxies in the FIRE simulations: initial conditions for chemical tagging
Authors: Bellardini Matthew A , Wetzel Andrew , Loebman Sarah R , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Ma Xiangcheng , Feldmann Robert
Published: June 2021

We use FIRE-2 simulations to examine 3D variations of gas-phase elemental abundances of [O/H], [Fe/H], and [N/H] in 11 MW and M31-mass galaxies across their formation histories at z ≤ 1.5 ($t_{\rm lookback} \le 9.4 \, \rm {Gyr}$), motivated by characterizing the initial conditions of stars for chemical tagging. Gas within $1 \, \rm {kpc}$ of the disc mid-plane is vertically homogeneous to $\lesssim 0.008 \, \rm {dex}$ at all z ≤ 1.5. We find negative radial gradients (metallicity decreases with galactocentric radius) at all times, which steepen over time from $\approx \! -0.01 \, \rm {dex}\, \rm {kpc}^{-1}$ at z = 1 ($t_{\rm lookback} = 7.8 \, \rm {Gyr}$) to $\approx \! -0.03 \, \rm {dex}\, \rm {kpc}^{-1}$ at z = 0, and which broadly agree with observations of the MW, M31, and nearby MW/M31-mass galaxies. Azimuthal variations at fixed radius are typically $0.14 \, \rm {dex}$ at z = 1, reducing to $0.05 \, \rm {dex}$ at z = 0. Thus, over time radial gradients become steeper while azimuthal variations become weaker (more homogeneous). As a result, azimuthal variations were larger than radial variations at z ≳ 0.8 ($t_{\rm lookback} \gtrsim 6.9 \, \rm {Gyr}$). Furthermore, elemental abundances are measurably homogeneous (to ≲0.05 dex) across a radial range of $\Delta R \approx 3.5 \, \rm {kpc}$ at z ≳ 1 and $\Delta R \approx 1.7 \, \rm {kpc}$ at z = 0. We also measure full distributions of elemental abundances, finding typically negatively skewed normal distributions at z ≳ 1 that evolve to typically Gaussian distributions by z = 0. Our results on gas abundances inform the initial conditions for stars, including the spatial and temporal scales for applying chemical tagging to understand stellar birth in the MW.
Arbitrating the S8 discrepancy with growth rate measurements from redshift-space distortions
Authors: Nunes Rafael C , Vagnozzi Sunny
Published: June 2021

Within the Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, measurements from recent cosmic microwave background (CMB) and weak lensing (WL) surveys have uncovered a ∼3σ disagreement in the inferred value of the parameter $S_8 \equiv \sigma _8\sqrt{\Omega _\mathrm{ m}/0.3}$, quantifying the amplitude of late-time matter fluctuations. Before questioning whether the S8 discrepancy calls for new physics, it is important to assess the view of measurements other than CMB and WL ones on the discrepancy. Here, we examine the role of measurements of the growth rate f(z) in arbitrating the S8 discrepancy, considering measurements of fσ8(z) from redshift-space distortions (RSDs). Our baseline analysis combines RSD measurements with geometrical measurements from baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and Type Ia Supernovae (SNeIa), given the key role of the latter in constraining Ωm. From this combination and within the ΛCDM model, we find $S_8 = 0.762^{+0.030}_{-0.025}$, and quantify the agreement between RSD + BAO + SNeIa and Planck to be at the 2.2σ level: the mild disagreement is therefore compatible with a statistical fluctuation. We discuss combinations of RSD measurements with other data sets, including the EG statistic. This combination increases the discrepancy with Planck, but we deem it significantly less robust. Our earlier results are stable against an extension where we allow the dark energy equation of state w to vary. We conclude that, from the point of view of combined growth rate and geometrical measurements, there are hints, but no strong evidence yet, for the Planck ΛCDM cosmology overpredicting the amplitude of matter fluctuations at redshifts z ≲ 1. From this perspective, it might therefore still be premature to claim the need for new physics from the S8 discrepancy.
In-depth analysis of evolving binary systems that produce nova eruptions
Authors: Hillman Yael
Published: June 2021

This study is the direct continuation of a previous work performed by Hillman et al., where they used their feedback dominated numerical simulations to model the evolution of four initial models with white dwarf (WD) masses of 0.7 and $1.0\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ and red dwarf (RD) masses of 0.45 and $0.7\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ from first Roche lobe contact of the donor RD, over a few times 109 yr, until the RD was eroded down to below $0.1\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$. This study presents an in-depth analysis of their four models complimented by three models with a higher WD mass of $1.25\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$, one of which comprises an oxygen-neon (ONe) core. Common features were found for all seven models on a secular time-scale as well as on a cyclic time-scale. On the other hand, certain features were found that are strongly dependent either on the WD or the RD mass but are indifferent to the other of the two. Additionally, a model with a WD composed of an ONe core was compared with its corresponding carbon oxygen (CO) core WD model and found to have a significant impact on the heavy element abundances in the ejecta composition.
Andromeda XXI – a dwarf galaxy in a low-density dark matter halo
Authors: Collins Michelle L M , Read Justin I , Ibata Rodrigo A , Rich R Michael , Martin Nicolas F , Peñarrubia Jorge , Chapman Scott C , Tollerud Erik J , Weisz Daniel R
Published: June 2021

Andromeda XXI (And XXI) has been proposed as a dwarf spheroidal galaxy with a central dark matter density that is lower than expected in the standard $\Lambda$ cold dark matter ($\Lambda$CDM) cosmology. In this work, we present dynamical observations for 77 member stars in this system, more than doubling previous studies to determine whether this galaxy is truly a low-density outlier. We measure a systemic velocity of $v_r=-363.4\pm 1.0{\rm \, km\, s^{-1}}$ and a velocity dispersion of $\sigma _v=6.1^{+1.0}_{-0.9}{\rm \, km\, s^{-1}}$, consistent with previous work and within $1\sigma$ of predictions made using the modified Newtonian dynamics framework. We also measure the metallicity of our member stars from their spectra, finding a mean value of ${\rm [Fe/H]}=-1.7\pm 0.1$ dex. We model the dark matter density profile of And XXI using an improved version of gravsphere, finding a central density of $\rho _{\rm DM}({\rm 150 pc})=2.6_{-1.5}^{+2.4} \times 10^7 \, {\rm M_\odot \, kpc^{-3}}$ at 68 per cent confidence, and a density at two half-light radii of $\rho _{\rm DM}({\rm 1.75 kpc})=0.9_{-0.2}^{+0.3} \times 10^6 \, {\rm M_\odot \, kpc^{-3}}$ at 68 per cent confidence. These are both a factor of${\sim }3\!-\!5$ lower than the densities expected from abundance matching in $\Lambda$CDM. We show that this cannot be explained by ‘dark matter heating’ since And XXI had too little star formation to significantly lower its inner dark matter density, while dark matter heating only acts on the profile inside the half-light radius. However, And XXI’s low density can be accommodated within $\Lambda$CDM if it experienced extreme tidal stripping (losing ${\gt}95{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of its mass), or if it inhabits a low-concentration halo on a plunging orbit that experienced repeated tidal shocks.
Origin of stellar prolate rotation in a cosmologically simulated faint dwarf galaxy
Authors: Cardona-Barrero Salvador , Battaglia Giuseppina , Di Cintio Arianna , Revaz Yves , Jablonka Pascale
Published: June 2021

Stellar prolate rotation in dwarf galaxies is rather uncommon, with only two known galaxies in the Local Group showing such feature (Phoenix and And II). Cosmological simulations show that in massive early-type galaxies prolate rotation likely arises from major mergers. However, the origin of such kinematics in the dwarf galaxies regime has only been explored using idealized simulations. Here, we made use of hydrodynamical cosmological simulations of dwarfs galaxies with stellar mass between 3 × 105 and 5 × 108  M⊙ to explore the formation of prolate rotators. Out of 27 dwarfs, only one system showed clear rotation around the major axis, whose culprit is a major merger at $z$ = 1.64, which caused the transition from an oblate to a prolate configuration. Interestingly, this galaxy displays a steep metallicity gradient, reminiscent of the one measured in Phoenix and And II: this is the outcome of the merger event that dynamically heats old, metal-poor stars, and of the centrally concentrated residual star formation. Major mergers in dwarf galaxies offer a viable explanation for the formation of such peculiar systems, characterized by steep metallicity gradients and prolate rotation.
Formation of frameshift-stimulating RNA pseudoknots is facilitated by remodeling of their folding intermediates
Authors: Hsu Chiung-Fang , Chang Kai-Chun , Chen Yi-Lan , Hsieh Po-Szu , Lee An-I , Tu Jui-Yun , Chen Yu-Ting , Wen Jin-Der
Published: June 2021

Programmed –1 ribosomal frameshifting is an essential regulation mechanism of translation in viruses and bacteria. It is stimulated by mRNA structures inside the coding region. As the structure is unfolded repeatedly by consecutive translating ribosomes, whether it can refold properly each time is important in performing its function. By using single-molecule approaches and molecular dynamics simulations, we found that a frameshift-stimulating RNA pseudoknot folds sequentially through its upstream stem S1 and downstream stem S2. In this pathway, S2 folds from the downstream side and tends to be trapped in intermediates. By masking the last few nucleotides to mimic their gradual emergence from translating ribosomes, S2 can be directed to fold from the upstream region. The results show that the intermediates are greatly suppressed, suggesting that mRNA refolding may be modulated by ribosomes. Moreover, masking the first few nucleotides of S1 favors the folding from S2 and yields native pseudoknots, which are stable enough to retrieve the masked nucleotides. We hypothesize that translating ribosomes can remodel an intermediate mRNA structure into a stable conformation, which may in turn stimulate backward slippage of the ribosome. This supports an interactive model of ribosomal frameshifting and gives an insightful account addressing previous experimental observations.
Worsening Disparities in State-Level Uptake of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis, 2014–2018
Authors: Powers Samuel D , Rogawski McQuade Elizabeth T , Killelea Amy , Horn Tim , McManus Kathleen A
Published: June 2021

Retrospective analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among individuals with PrEP indications demonstrates worsening disparities in uptake between early- and late-adopting states from 2014 to 2018. To end the HIV epidemic, federal and state governments must close gaps by translating successful policies from early-adopting states to late-adopting states.
Effectiveness of Bezlotoxumab for Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Among Transplant Recipients
Authors: Johnson Tanner M , Howard Amanda H , Miller Matthew A , Allen Lorna L , Huang Misha , Molina Kyle C , Bajrovic Valida
Published: June 2021

Background

Bezlotoxumab significantly reduces the incidence of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI); however, limited data are available in solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis comparing recurrent CDI in SOT and HCT recipients receiving standard of care alone (oral vancomycin, fidaxomicin, or metronidazole) or bezlotoxumab plus standard of care. The primary outcome was 90-day incidence of recurrent CDI, and secondary outcomes included 90-day hospital readmission, mortality, and incidence of heart failure exacerbation.

Results

Overall, 94 patients received bezlotoxumab plus standard of care (n = 38) or standard of care alone (n = 56). The mean age was 53 years; patients had a median of 3 prior Clostridioides difficile episodes and 4 risk factors for recurrent infection. Most patients were SOT recipients (76%), with median time to index CDI occurring 2.7 years after transplantation. Ninety-day recurrent CDI occurred in 16% (6/38) in the bezlotoxumab cohort compared to 29% (16/56) in the standard of care cohort (P = .13). Multivariable regression revealed that bezlotoxumab was associated with significantly lower odds of 90-day recurrent CDI (odds ratio, 0.28 [95% confidence interval, .08–.91]). There were no differences in secondary outcomes, and no heart failure exacerbations were observed.

Conclusions

In a cohort of primarily SOT recipients, bezlotoxumab was well tolerated and associated with lower odds of recurrent CDI at 90 days. Larger, prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings among SOT and HCT populations.
Impact of Previous Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Immune Response After a Single Dose of BNT162b2 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine
Authors: Velasco María , Galán Maria Isabel , Casas Maria Luisa , Pérez-Fernández Elia , Martínez-Ponce Diana , González-Piñeiro Beatriz , Castilla Virgilio , Guijarro Carlos ,   Alcorcón COVID-19 Working Group, Algora Weber Alejandro , Alonso Punter Juan Carlos , Bonilla Zafra Gregorio , Bueno Campaña Mª Mercedes , Carrión Pulido Camilo , Diaz Cuasante Ana Isabel , Fabero Jiménez Aurora , Fariña García Rosa María , González Anglada María Isabel , Izquierdo Patrón Mª Mercedes , Lorenzo Martínez Susana , Mosquera González Margarita , Pérez Encinas Montserrat , Pérez Fernandez Elia , Pérez Vega Francisco José , Sánchez Renilla , Esther Maria , Goyanes Galán Mª José , Losa-García Juan Emilio , Rodriguez-Caravaca Gil
Published: June 2021

Immune response after a single dose of BNT162b2 vaccine was markedly increased in subjects with previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, reaching similar immunoglobulin titers to those elicited by the full 2 doses in naive cases, and increased modestly after the second dose. These data may inform the priority of the boosting dose.
Elevated Levels of the Endothelial Molecules ICAM-1, VEGF-A, and VEGFR2 in Microscopic Asymptomatic Malaria
Authors: Frimpong Augustina , Amponsah Jones , Agyemang Dorothy , Adjokatseh Abigail Sena , Eyiah-Ampah Sophia , Ennuson Nana Aba , Obiri Dorotheah , Amoah Linda Eva , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah
Published: June 2021

Background

In malaria, clinical disease has been associated with increased levels of endothelial activation due to the sequestration of infected erythrocytes. However, the levels and impact of endothelial activation and pro-angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in asymptomatic malaria have not been well characterized.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from community children for malaria diagnosis using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. A multiplex immunoassay was used to determine the levels of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)–1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A, and VEGFR2 in the plasma of children with microscopic or submicroscopic asymptomatic parasitemia and compared with levels in uninfected controls.

Results

Levels of ICAM-1, VEGF-A, and VEGFR2 were significantly increased in children with microscopic asymptomatic parasitemia compared with uninfected controls. Also, levels of VEGF-A were found to be inversely associated with age. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that plasma levels of ICAM-1 (area under the curve [AUC], 0.72) showed a moderate potential in discriminating between children with microscopic malaria from uninfected controls when compared with VEGF-A (AUC, 0.67) and VEGFR2 (AUC, 0.69).

Conclusions

These data imply that endothelial activation and pro-angiogenic growth factors could be one of the early host responders during microscopic asymptomatic malaria and may play a significant role in disease pathogenesis.
What Are the Most Important Problems in Functioning Among Patients With Shoulder Pain? An Analysis of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale
Authors: Røe Yngve , Rysstad Tarjei , Tveter Anne Therese , Sandbakk Torill Bjugan , Jæger Marit , Grotle Margreth
Published: June 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify important functional problems among individuals with shoulder pain using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and to investigate differences between individuals receiving primary care and individuals receiving secondary care.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study located in a primary and secondary care outpatient clinic, a total of 177 individuals seeking care for shoulder pain (84 from primary care and 93 from secondary care) were recruited. Background variables, pain, physical activity, and PSFS responses were collected using a questionnaire software package. Meaningful concepts were linked from the PSFS responses to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) according to established rules. Frequencies for the ICF categories were estimated separately for primary care and secondary care. Differences between primary care and secondary care were investigated by calculating CIs for the sample proportions at ICF chapter level.

Results

The primary care sample reported functional problems linked to 226 ICF categories, whereas the secondary care sample reported functional problems linked to 337 ICF categories. Of the linked ICF categories, 87.7% belonged to the Activities and Participation component of the ICF. Seventeen categories were identified in >3% of the individuals; of those, the most frequent categories were recreation and leisure, lifting and carrying objects, doing housework, hand and arm use, and remunerative employment. Categories included in the ICF chapters of self-care and domestic life were significantly more frequent in the secondary care sample, whereas there was a trend that neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions were more frequent in primary care.

Conclusion

The present findings indicate that individuals with shoulder pain report a wide range of functional problems, from basic functions related to mobility to activities related to work and leisure. This study also discovered differences between patients in primary care and secondary care. The large variation in the experiences between people supports the use of an individualized measure in assessments.

Impact

This study adds new knowledge about problems in functioning among people with shoulder pain and how the individual experience varies between primary care and secondary care settings. Moreover, the content analyses used in this study showed the full potential of the ICF classification and should have potential for further application.