bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of a Simple Scoring System in Differentiating Bacterial Infections in Cases of Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Xu Teng , Wang Li , Wu Shi , Zhou Fenfen , Huang Haihui
Published: October 2020

Background

Infectious disease is the leading cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO). Serum inflammatory markers historically used to diagnose bacterial infection have sufficient diagnostic sensitivity but low specificity. This study aimed to develop a simple scoring system for differentiating bacterial infections from other causes of early-stage FUO.

Methods

This study included a retrospective cohort of patients presenting with FUO at the Huashan Hospital (January 2014 to June 2017). The diagnostic utility of serum inflammatory markers for bacterial infection was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Relevant markers were subsequently measured prospectively in a separate cohort of FUO patients (December 2017 to May 2019). A scoring system was based on inflammatory markers and other test results.

Results

Bacterial infection was identified in 34% of patients in the retrospective cohort. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.644 (95% confidence interval [CI], .595–.693) for C-reactive protein, 0.624 (95% CI, .573–.675) for procalcitonin, and 0.646 (95% CI, .595–.697) for serum ferritin (SF) in diagnosing bacterial infection. Bacterial infection was found in 29% of cases in the prospective cohort. A model based on serum amyloid A (SAA) and SF levels and neutrophil percentage yielded an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI, .695–.854). Validation analysis indicated lower probability (<15%) of bacterial infection for patients with a score <16.5 points.

Conclusions

A scoring system based on SAA and SF levels and neutrophil percentage can help distinguish bacterial infection from other causes of FUO, potentially reducing antibiotic use.
Mediatization and the Absence of the Environment
Authors: Kannengießer Sigrid , McCurdy Patrick
Published: October 2020

Mediatization remains a key concept for theorizing how our ever-evolving and intensifying media and communications environment underwrites and (re)constructs our social world, yet the socio-ecological effects of mediatization processes remain relatively unacknowledged within this research field. However, mediatization must be conceptualized as a cogent process whose impact extends beyond the confines of the “media environment” to the natural environment. We make this argument by reviewing how three dominant traditions of mediatization scholarship: (a) institutionalist, (b) cultural/social constructivist, and (c) materialist conceptualize “the environment.” We argue that scholars rarely acknowledge the materialist dimension of mediatization despite it being a fundamental aspect of mediatization processes. Consequently, we bring discourse surrounding the materiality of mediatization to the fore by drawing on theories of materiality from media and communication studies in general and highlighting three material dimensions of mediatization processes in particular: (a) resources, (b) energy, and (c) waste. In doing so, we make explicit the implicit material dimensions of mediatization processes that have been largely overlooked but are directly linked to how we understand, theorize and react to the societal, cultural, economic, environmental transformations brought about by media.
SPEG: a key regulator of cardiac calcium homeostasis
Authors: Campbell Hannah , Aguilar-Sanchez Yuriana , Quick Ann P , Dobrev Dobromir , Wehrens Xander H T
Published: October 2020

Proper cardiac Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for normal excitation–contraction coupling. Perturbations in cardiac Ca2+ handling through altered kinase activity has been implicated in altered cardiac contractility and arrhythmogenesis. Thus, a better understanding of cardiac Ca2+ handling regulation is vital for a better understanding of various human disease processes. ‘Striated muscle preferentially expressed protein kinase’ (SPEG) is a member of the myosin light chain kinase family that is key for normal cardiac function. Work within the last 5 years has revealed that SPEG has a crucial role in maintaining normal cardiac Ca2+ handling through maintenance of transverse tubule formation and phosphorylation of junctional membrane complex proteins. Additionally, SPEG has been causally impacted in human genetic diseases such as centronuclear myopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy as well as in common acquired cardiovascular disease such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Given the rapidly emerging role of SPEG as a key cardiac Ca2+ regulator, we here present this review in order to summarize recent findings regarding the mechanisms of SPEG regulation of cardiac excitation–contraction coupling in both physiology and human disease. A better understanding of the roles of SPEG will be important for a more complete comprehension of cardiac Ca2+ regulation in physiology and disease.
COVID-19 resulting in bilateral pulmonary emboli and a right ventricular thrombus: association or causation? A case report
Authors: Kaplan Jason G , Kanwal Arjun , Malek Ryan , Dickey John Q , Keirn Richard , Zweig Bryan , Minter David
Published: October 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel viral illness originating out of Wuhan China in late 2019. This global pandemic has infected nearly 3 million people and accounted for 200 000 deaths worldwide, with those numbers still climbing.

Case summary

We present a 54-year-old patient who developed respiratory failure requiring endotracheal intubation from her infection with SARS-CoV-2. This patient was subsequently found to have a right ventricular thrombus and bilateral pulmonary emboli, likely contributing to her respiratory status. On the 14th day of hospitalization, the patient was successfully extubated, and 5 days later was discharged to the rehabilitation unit.

Discussion

SARS-CoV-2 presents primarily with pulmonary symptoms; however, many patients, particularly those who are severely ill, exhibit adverse events related to hypercoagulability. The exact mechanism explaining this hypercoagulable state has yet to be elucidated, but these thrombotic events have been linked to the increased inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2. This novel viral illness is still largely misunderstood, but the hypercoagulable state, seen in severely ill patients, appears to play a major role in disease progression and prognosis.
Tramps’ Tales: Discovering the Life-Stories of Late Victorian and Edwardian Vagrants
Authors: Crowson N J
Published: October 2020

This article addresses a question that challenged British policy-makers at the turn of the twentieth century: who were the tramps? Using genealogical methods, the article shows the extent, and detail, with which it is now possible to reconstruct a vagrant’s life. Understanding these life-stories, of people trapped in a system of state control and surveillance, opens up the potential to unravel the strategies and inner logics that they were applying in order to survive. For the most part, these individuals were punished and criminalised by the New Poor Law and 1824 Vagrancy Act on the basis of their personal condition, state of being and socio-economic status. The article will illustrate how it is now possible to pinpoint a tramp’s movements around the country, and understand the individuality of these routes. And finally, in addressing the debates about why people found themselves in this predicament, the article argues that individual fragilities contributed significantly to the circumstances they experienced.
Do Economic Hardship and Pressure Really Influence Parenting?
Authors: Schmiedeberg Claudia , Bozoyan Christiane
Published: October 2020

Poverty and its effect on parenting in the context of the family stress model have a long tradition in research, but results are rather mixed. Following this theoretical approach, we analyse whether poverty and financial pressure are associated with disrupted parenting. We draw on data from the German Family Panel pairfam and implement both between and within approaches to test whether parenting behaviours are associated with economic hardship and pressure. While basic between-group regressions confirm the link between economic hardship and parenting as predicted by the family stress model, we do not find a significant association of poverty and parenting when including additional confounders or using fixed-effects models. We conclude that rather than the financial situation itself unobserved heterogeneity causes differences in parenting behaviours between better and worse off families, at least in Germany.
UtilisingGalleria mellonella larvae for studying in vivo activity of conventional and novel antimicrobial agents
Authors: Piatek Magdalena , Sheehan Gerard , Kavanagh Kevin
Published: October 2020

The immune response of insects displays many structural and functional similarities to the innate immune response of mammals. As a result of these conserved features, insects may be used for evaluating microbial virulence or for testing the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of antimicrobial compounds and results show strong similarities to those from mammals. Galleria mellonella larvae are widely used in this capacity and have the advantage of being easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and being free from the ethical and legal restrictions that relate to the use of mammals in these tests. Galleria mellonella larvae may be used to assess the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of novel antimicrobial compounds. A wide range of antibacterial and antifungal therapies have been evaluated in G. mellonella larvae and results have informed subsequent experiments in mammals. While insect larvae are a convenient and reproducible model to use, care must be taken in their use to ensure accuracy of results. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the use of G. mellonella larvae for assessing the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal agents.
The AHK-Wales Report Card 2018: Policy Measures - is it possible to ‘score’ qualitative data?
Authors: Ward Malcolm R , Tyler Richard , Edwards Lowri C , Miller Maggie C , Williams Simon , Stratton Gareth
Published: October 2020

Comprehensive and meaningful policy analysis in the field of physical activity is difficult, not least because of the variable influence of other policy domains. However, in 2011 a Policy Assessment Tool (PAT) was developed by members of the WHO European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA Europe) and tested in several different countries. In 2014, Wales joined a global initiative, active healthy kids (AHK) Global Alliance, that supported the development of country level ‘Report Cards’ scoring a range of indicators that influence physical activity amongst children and young people, one of which was labelled ‘Government Strategies and Investments’. For the first two Report Cards this indicator and its associated ‘score’ was informed subjectively by expert consensus. In 2018, it was decided to utilize the Policy Audit Tool Version 2 (PAT v2) developed by HEPA Europe to aid analysis and to develop and test a scoring rubric aligned to the tool. The subsequent process indicated that the tool could be applied and translated into a ‘grade’ that could be used in conjunction with the other indicators of the AHK Report Card to generate overall Report Card grades. The use of both the HEPA PAT v2 and the scoring rubric offers an opportunity to provide greater consistency and potential for developing both comparative and trend data when assessing policy impact on physical activity in children and young people. These tools should be utilized by the AHK Global Alliance in future Report Cards.
Filtrations in Module Categories, Derived Categories, and Prime Spectra
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Takahashi Ryo
Published: October 2020

Let $R$ be a commutative noetherian ring. The notion of $n$-wide subcategories of ${\operatorname{\mathsf{Mod}}}\ R$ is introduced and studied in Matsui–Nam–Takahashi–Tri–Yen in relation to the cohomological dimension of a specialization-closed subset of ${\operatorname{Spec}}\ R$. In this paper, we introduce the notions of $n$-coherent subsets of ${\operatorname{Spec}}\ R$ and $n$-uniform subcategories of $\mathsf{D}({\operatorname{\mathsf{Mod}}}\ R)$ and explore their interactions with $n$-wide subcategories of ${\operatorname{\mathsf{Mod}}}\ R$. We obtain a commutative diagram that yields filtrations of subcategories of ${\operatorname{\mathsf{Mod}}}\ R$, $\mathsf{D}({\operatorname{\mathsf{Mod}}}\ R)$ and subsets of ${\operatorname{Spec}}\ R$ and complements classification theorems of subcategories due to Gabriel, Krause, Neeman, Takahashi, and Angeleri Hügel–Marks–Šťovíček–Takahashi–Vitória.
International Trade and Public Protest: Evidence from Russian Regions
Authors: Palmtag Tabea , Rommel Tobias , Walter Stefanie
Published: October 2020

How does economic globalization influence domestic political stability? Building on innovations in trade theory, we argue that international trade amplifies political discontent and protest in contexts in which trade losers concentrate, but has a pacifying effect in contexts dominated by beneficiaries of free trade. We examine this argument focusing on variation in Russian regions. Using negative binomial regression models on data from 2007 to 2012, we show that regional education levels condition the effect of trade intensity on protest frequency. High exposure to trade leads to more protests in regions with low average education levels, but fewer protests in regions in which residents are well-educated. Probing the underlying mechanism, we find that the effect of trade on regional economic welfare is conditioned by education levels, that poorly educated Russians face more economic difficulties when they live in regions exposed to trade, and that economically aggrieved individuals participate more in protests.
White Paper: Bridging the gap between surveillance data and antimicrobial stewardship in the outpatient sector—practical guidance from the JPIAMR ARCH and COMBACTE-MAGNET EPI-Net networks
Authors: Arieti Fabiana , Göpel Siri , Sibani Marcella , Carrara Elena , Pezzani Maria Diletta , Murri Rita , Mutters Nico T , Lòpez-Cerero Lorena , Voss Andreas , Cauda Roberto , Tacconelli Evelina ,   the ARCH working group, Adegnika Ayola Akim , Arieti Fabiana , Rajendran Nithya Babu , Bielicki Julia , Borrmann Steffen , Carrara Elena , Cauda Roberto , Compri Monica , De Angelis Giulia , Duro Raquel , Galia Liliana , Gastmeier Petra , Giske Christian , Göpel Siri , Goossens Herman , Kahlmeter Gunnar , Kanj Souha S , Kostyanev Tomislav , Leibovici Leonard , Lucet Jean-Christophe , López-Cerero Lorena , Mader Rodolphe , Mazzaferri Fulvia , Mazzolini Elena , Mendelson Marc , Murri Rita , Mutters Nico T , Paul Mical , Pezzani Maria Diletta , Presterl Elisabeth , enk Hanna R , Sandulescu Oana , Song Le Huu , Schrijver Remco , Scudeller Luigia , Sharland Mike , Sibani Marcella , Tacconelli Evelina , Torumkuney Didem , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P , Voss Andreas
Published: October 2020

Background

The outpatient setting is a key scenario for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities, considering that overconsumption of antibiotics occurs mainly outside hospitals. This publication is the result of a joint initiative by the JPIAMR ARCH and COMBACTE-MAGNET EPI-Net networks, which is aimed at formulating a set of target actions for linking surveillance data with AMS activities in the outpatient setting.

Methods

A scoping review of the literature was carried out in three research areas: AMS leadership and accountability; antimicrobial usage and AMS; antimicrobial resistance and AMS. Consensus on the actions was reached through a RAND-modified Delphi process involving over 40 experts in infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, AMS, veterinary medicine or public health, from 18 low-, middle- and high-income countries.

Results

Evidence was retrieved from 38 documents, and an initial 25 target actions were proposed, differentiating between essential or desirable targets according to clinical relevance, feasibility and applicability to settings and resources. In the first consultation round, preliminary agreement was reached for all targets. Further to a second review, 6 statements were re-considered and 3 were deleted, leading to a final list of 22 target actions in the form of a practical checklist.

Conclusions

This White Paper is a pragmatic and flexible tool to guide the development of calibrated surveillance-based AMS interventions specific to the outpatient setting, which is characterized by substantial inter- and intra-country variability in the organization of healthcare structures, maintaining a global perspective and taking into account the feasibility of the target actions in low-resource settings.
Blood Phosphatidylethanol Concentrations Following Regular Exposure to an Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
Authors: Reisfield Gary M , Teitelbaum Scott A , Jones Joseph T , Mason Dana , Bleiweis Max , Lewis Ben
Published: October 2020

Direct biomarkers of ethanol are used to monitor individuals who are required to abstain from ethanol consumption. In recent years, blood phosphatidylethanol (PEth) has gained acceptance in clinical and forensic contexts as an abstinence marker. Its elimination half-life of several days provides a window of detection of days to weeks. However, there is no research addressing the extent of PEth formation related to extraneous ethanol exposures. To assess the degree of ethanol absorption and subsequent formation of blood PEth related a common extraneous exposure, regular use of an ethanol-containing mouthwash, we recruited 16 participants to gargle with an alcohol-based mouthwash (21.6% ethanol) 4 times daily, for 12 consecutive days. Blood was analyzed for PEth 16:0/18:1 by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Our hypothesis that blood PEth concentrations would not equal or exceed 20 ng/mL was confirmed. Although the data suggest that regular use of mouthwash is unlikely to result in suprathreshold PEth concentrations, this work highlights the importance of considering extraneous ethanol exposures in clinical decision-making and in future research.
Violent Crime and the Overmilitarization of US Policing
Authors: Masera Federico
Published: October 2020

Using new data at the police department level, I propose an identification strategy for estimating the causal effect that police militarization has on reducing violent crime. I show that previous estimates are likely to be contaminated by unobserved factors that simultaneously determine militarization and violent crime. Upon addressing this issue, I find a point estimate that is 20 times larger than those estimated previously. I then find that one-fourth of the effect of militarization is due to the displacement of violent crime to neighboring areas. Police departments overmilitarize because they do not consider this externality. These new findings have significant implications for the policy debate concerning the costs and benefits of police militarization (JEL H56, H76, K42).
Explicit analyses of proof/refutation interaction for constructible falsity and Heyting–Brouwer logic
Authors: Ferguson Thomas Macaulay
Published: October 2020

Nelson’s logic of constructible falsity  $\textsf{N}$ and Rauszer’s Heyting–Brouwer logic  $\textsf{HB}$ are well-known cases of extensions of intuitionistic logic $\textsf{Int}$ enriched with novel connectives. Wansing has suggested that Gödel’s provability interpretation of $\textsf{Int}$ can be extended to these systems by pairing the category of formal proofs with a distinct category of formal refutations. In this paper, we extend the framework of Artemov’s justification logic to provide explicit analyses of $\textsf{N}$ and $\textsf{HB}$ (and the dual-intuitionistic logic $\textsf{DualInt}$) that respect a distinction between proofs and refutations. The application distinguishes the categories by reinterpreting the agents of multiple-agent justification logic as devices that operate exclusively on one or the other category. The analyses reveal that differences between $\textsf{N}$ and $\textsf{HB}$ can be reduced to competing interaction principles characterizing the coordination between proofs and refutations. We conclude by reappraising some of the unusual features of $\textsf{HB}$ in light of the explicit analysis of $\textsf{HB}$.
Feasibility of a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Manage Resistant Hypertension: Team-HTN, a Single-arm Pilot Study
Authors: Siaki Leilani A , LIN Victor , Marshall Robert , Highley Robert
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Based on defining criteria, hypertension (HTN) affects 31% to 46% of the adult U.S. population and almost 20% of service members. Resistant HTN (rHTN) consumes significant resources, carries substantial morbidity and mortality risk and costs over $350 billion dollars annually. For multiple reasons, only 48.3% of people with HTN are controlled, e.g., undiagnosed secondary HTN, therapeutic or diagnostic inertia, and patient adherence. Our purpose was to determine the feasibility of a web-based clinical decision support tool (CDST) using a renin-aldosterone system (RAS) classification matrix and drug sequencing algorithm to assist providers with the diagnosis and management of uncontrolled HTN (rHTN). Outcomes were blood pressure (BP) rates of control, provider management time, and end-user satisfaction.

Methods

This two-phase, prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, six-month pilot study was conducted in primary care clinics at a tertiary military medical center. Patients with uncontrolled HTN and primary care providers were recruited. Phase 1 patients checked their BP twice daily (AM and PM), three times weekly using a standardized arm cuff. Patients with rHTN were enrolled in phase 2. Phase 2 patients were managed virtually by providers using the CDST, the RAS classification matrix, and the drug sequencing algorithm which incorporated age, ethnicity, comorbidities, and renin/aldosterone levels. Medications were adjusted every 10 days until BP was at target, using virtual visits.

Results

In total, 54 patients and 16 providers were consented. One transplant patient was disqualified, 29 met phase 2 criteria for rHTN, and 6 providers completed the study. In phase 1, 45% (n = 24) of patients were identified as having apparent uncontrolled HTN using peak diurnal blood pressure (pdBP) home readings. In phase 2 (n = 29), previously undetected RAS abnormalities were identified in 69% (n = 20) of patients. Blood pressure control rates improved from 0% to 23%, 47%, and 58% at 2, 4, and 6 months, respectively. Provider management time was reduced by 17%. Using home pdBP readings identified masked HTN in almost 20% of patients that would have been missed by a single daily AM or PM home BP measurement. Feasibility and satisfaction trends were favorable.

Conclusions

Despite significant morbidity, mortality, and existing guidelines, over half of hypertensive patients are uncontrolled. Our results suggest that this CDST used with pdBP monitoring is a feasible option to facilitate improved rates of control in rHTN, aid in overcoming therapeutic/diagnostic inertia, improve identification of secondary HTN, and potentially, access. Further research with this tool in a larger population is recommended.
Oral Health Status Among Adults With and Without Prior Active Duty Service in the U.S. Armed Forces, NHANES 2011-2014
Authors: Schindler David K , Lopez Mitnik Gabriela V , Soliván-Ortiz Aida M , Irwin Scott P , Boroumand Shahdokht , Dye Bruce A
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Many veterans qualify for health benefits but generally not dental care. This study examines differences in oral health status between veterans and nonveterans in the U.S. to determine how various factors, including socioeconomic, general health, and tobacco use, impact former service members’ oral health.

Materials and Methods

Data from 11,539 dentate adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) were used. Outcome variables included decayed teeth (DT), missing teeth (MT), filled teeth (FT), caries experience (DMFT), and periodontitis (PD). Covariates included demographic and socioeconomic factors, deployment, smoking, depression, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Logistic regression modelling was used to assess associations between these factors and oral health outcomes.

Results

Veterans represent about 9% of the U.S. population. There was a higher prevalence of PD, MT, FT, and DMFT among veterans than nonveterans. Veterans were more likely to have PD (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.5) and higher DMFT (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.4 to 3.4); however, after controlling for other covariates, military service was only associated with FT (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6) and higher DMFT (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9).

Conclusions

Because veterans are more likely to originate from groups at a higher risk for poor oral health (older adults, smokers, males, diabetics), the prevalence of adverse oral health conditions are higher among veterans compared to nonveterans. Overall, military service is not associated with PD or untreated dental caries but is associated with indicators suggesting veterans have had more dental treatment (FT and DMFT). There is substantial unmet oral health care need primarily related to periodontitis among veterans.
The absolute magnitudes MJ, the binary fraction, and the binary mass ratios of M7–M9.5 dwarfs
Authors: Laithwaite R C , Warren S J
Published: October 2020

We use the large homogeneous sample of late M dwarfs, M7–M9.5, of Ahmed & Warren (2019) matched to Gaia DR2, to measure the relation between absolute magnitude and spectral type, and to infer the multiplicity fraction of the population, and the distribution of mass ratios in the binary systems. Binaries are identified photometrically as overluminous sources. In order to define a sample that is unbiased with respect to multiplicity we use distance limits that are a function of G − J colour to define a volume-complete sample of 2706 systems. The G − J colours are very precise, with random errors all less than 0.02. We measure absolute magnitudes MJ that are on average 0.5 mag brighter than previous determinations. We find evidence that the discrepancies arise from differences in spectral types in different samples. The measured binary fraction is $16.5\pm 0.8{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, of which $98{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ are unresolved: both values are consistent with results of previous studies. The distribution of excess flux in the binaries, compared to the singles, is used to infer the mass ratio distribution f(q)∝qγ, where q = Ms/Mp. We infer a very steep distribution over this spectral range, with γ > 10 ($99{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ probability). This says that unresolved ultracool M dwarf binaries reside almost exclusively in equal mass systems, and implies that the spectral types of the unresolved binaries match to with 0.5 spectral subtypes. The intrinsic scatter in absolute magnitude MJ for ultracool M dwarfs at fixed G − J colour is measured to be 0.21 mag.
The number of globular clusters around the iconic UDG DF44 is as expected for dwarf galaxies
Authors: Saifollahi Teymoor , Trujillo Ignacio , Beasley Michael A , Peletier Reynier F , Knapen Johan H
Published: October 2020

There is a growing consensus that the vast majority of ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) are dwarf galaxies. However, there remain a few UDGs that seem to be special in terms of their globular cluster (GC) systems. In particular, according to some authors, certain UDGs exhibit large GC populations when compared to expectations from their stellar (or total) mass. Among these special UDGs, DF44 in the Coma cluster is one of the better-known examples. DF44 has been claimed to have a relatively high number of GCs, $N_{\mathrm{ GC}}=74^{+18}_{-18}$, for a stellar mass of only $3\times 10^8\, \mathrm{ M}_{ \odot}$ which would indicate a much larger dark halo mass than dwarfs of similar stellar mass. In this paper, we revisit this number and, contrary to previous results, find $N_{\mathrm{ GC}}=21^{+7}_{-9}$ assuming that the distribution of the GCs follows the same geometry as the galaxy. If we assume that the GCs around DF44 are distributed in a (projected) circularly symmetric way and, if we use a less strict criterion for the selection of the GCs, we find $N_{\mathrm{ GC}}=18^{+23}_{-12}$. Making use of the MGC–Mhalo relation, this number of GCs suggests a dark matter halo mass of $M_{\mathrm{ halo}}=1.1^{+0.4}_{-0.5} \times 10^{11} \mathrm{ M}_{\odot}$, a value which is consistent with the expected total mass for DF44 based on its velocity dispersion, $\sigma =33^{+3}_{-3}$ km s−1. We conclude that the number of GCs around DF44 is as expected for regular dwarf galaxies of similar stellar mass and DF44 is not extraordinary in this respect.
The Nucleome Data Bank: web-based resources to simulate and analyze the three-dimensional genome
Authors: Contessoto Vinícius G , Cheng Ryan R , Hajitaheri Arya , Dodero-Rojas Esteban , Mello Matheus F , Lieberman-Aiden Erez , Wolynes Peter G , Di Pierro Michele , Onuchic José N
Published: October 2020

We introduce the Nucleome Data Bank (NDB), a web-based platform to simulate and analyze the three-dimensional (3D) organization of genomes. The NDB enables physics-based simulation of chromosomal structural dynamics through the MEGABASE + MiChroM computational pipeline. The input of the pipeline consists of epigenetic information sourced from the Encode database; the output consists of the trajectories of chromosomal motions that accurately predict Hi-C and fluorescence insitu hybridization data, as well as multiple observations of chromosomal dynamics in vivo. As an intermediate step, users can also generate chromosomal sub-compartment annotations directly from the same epigenetic input, without the use of any DNA–DNA proximity ligation data. Additionally, the NDB freely hosts both experimental and computational structural genomics data. Besides being able to perform their own genome simulations and download the hosted data, users can also analyze and visualize the same data through custom-designed web-based tools. In particular, the one-dimensional genetic and epigenetic data can be overlaid onto accurate 3D structures of chromosomes, to study the spatial distribution of genetic and epigenetic features. The NDB aims to be a shared resource to biologists, biophysicists and all genome scientists. The NDB is available at https://ndb.rice.edu.
Understanding DNA interactions in crowded environments with a coarse-grained model
Authors: Hong Fan , Schreck John S , Šulc Petr
Published: October 2020

Nucleic acid interactions under crowded environments are of great importance for biological processes and nanotechnology. However, the kinetics and thermodynamics of nucleic acid interactions in a crowded environment remain poorly understood. We use a coarse-grained model of DNA to study the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA duplex and hairpin formation in crowded environments. We find that crowders can increase the melting temperature of both an 8-mer DNA duplex and a hairpin with a stem of 6-nt depending on the excluded volume fraction of crowders in solution and the crowder size. The crowding induced stability originates from the entropic effect caused by the crowding particles in the system. Additionally, we study the hybridization kinetics of DNA duplex formation and the formation of hairpin stems, finding that the reaction rate kon is increased by the crowding effect, while koff is changed only moderately. The increase in kon mostly comes from increasing the probability of reaching a transition state with one base pair formed. A DNA strand displacement reaction in a crowded environment is also studied with the model and we find that rate of toehold association is increased, with possible applications to speeding up strand displacement cascades in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
Chewie Nomenclature Server (chewie-NS): a deployable nomenclature server for easy sharing of core and whole genome MLST schemas
Authors: Mamede Rafael , Vila-Cerqueira Pedro , Silva Mickael , Carriço João A , Ramirez Mário
Published: October 2020

Chewie Nomenclature Server (chewie-NS, https://chewbbaca.online/) allows users to share genome-based gene-by-gene typing schemas and to maintain a common nomenclature, simplifying the comparison of results. The combination between local analyses and a public repository of allelic data strikes a balance between potential confidentiality issues and the need to compare results. The possibility of deploying private instances of chewie-NS facilitates the creation of nomenclature servers with a restricted user base to allow compliance with the strictest data policies. Chewie-NS allows users to easily share their own schemas and to explore publicly available schemas, including informative statistics on schemas and loci presented in interactive charts and tables. Users can retrieve all the information necessary to run a schema locally or all the alleles identified at a particular locus. The integration with the chewBBACA suite enables users to directly upload new schemas to chewie-NS, download existing schemas and synchronize local and remote schemas from chewBBACA command line version, allowing an easier integration into high-throughput analysis pipelines. The same REST API linking chewie-NS and the chewBBACA suite supports the interaction of other interfaces or pipelines with the databases available at chewie-NS, facilitating the reusability of the stored data.
Low-Dose Intravenous Heparin Infusion After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is Associated With Decreased Risk of Delayed Neurological Deficit and Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Kole Matthew J , Wessell Aaron P , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Cannarsa Gregory J , Fortuny Enzo , Stokum Jesse A , Shea Phelan , Chryssikos Timothy , Khattar Nicolas K , Crabill George A , Schreibman David L , Badjatia Neeraj , Gandhi Dheeraj , Aldrich E Francois , James Robert F , Simard J Marc
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are at risk for delayed neurological deficits (DND) and cerebral infarction. In this exploratory cohort comparison analysis, we compared in-hospital outcomes of aSAH patients administered a low-dose intravenous heparin (LDIVH) infusion (12 U/kg/h) vs those administered standard subcutaneous heparin (SQH) prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT; 5000 U, 3 × daily).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of LDIVH in aSAH patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 556 consecutive cases of aSAH patients whose aneurysm was secured by clipping or coiling at a single institution over a 10-yr period, including 233 administered the LDIVH protocol and 323 administered the SQH protocol. Radiological and outcome data were compared between the 2 cohorts using multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

RESULTS

The unadjusted rate of cerebral infarction in the LDIVH cohort was half that in SQH cohort (9 vs 18%; P = .004). Multivariable logistic regression showed that patients in the LDIVH cohort were significantly less likely than those in the SQH cohort to have DND (odds ratio (OR) 0.53 [95% CI: 0.33, 0.85]) or cerebral infarction (OR 0.40 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.71]). Analysis following IPTW showed similar results. Rates of hemorrhagic complications, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and DVT were not different between cohorts.

CONCLUSION

This cohort comparison analysis suggests that LDIVH infusion may favorably influence the outcome of patients after aSAH. Prospective studies are required to further assess the benefit of LDIVH infusion in patients with aSAH.
Associations Between Family and Peer E-Cigarette Use With Adolescent Tobacco and Marijuana Usage: A Longitudinal Path Analytic Approach
Authors: Coleman Michael , Donaldson Candice D , Crano William D , Pike James R , Stacy Alan W
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Research indicates a link between adolescent e-cigarette use and combustible tobacco cigarette (CTC) initiation, and recent studies suggest their connection with marijuana uptake. Our 3-year longitudinal cohort study investigated the implications of adolescent, peer, and family e-cigarette use with adolescents’ expectations and willingness to initiate CTC use, and subsequent CTC and marijuana use.

Aims and Methods

Relationships were examined in a secondary analysis of a 3-year longitudinal cohort subsample involving adolescents enrolled in alternative California high schools (N = 1025). Analyses examined responses over three yearly observations. Family, peer, and respondents’ e-cigarette use, respondents’ positive cigarette expectancies and willingness to use CTCs were assessed in the study’s first year (T1). CTC use in the survey’s second year (T2) and marijuana use in the third year (T3) were assessed via path analysis.

Results

Respondents reporting at least one family member or peer using e-cigarettes were more likely to use e-cigarettes at T1 than those whose peers/family members did not. They reported more positive expectancies about CTCs and greater willingness to initiate use. These variables predicted CTC use at T2, which directly anticipated marijuana use in the survey’s third year (T3), as did adolescents’ use of e-cigarettes at T1. All model relations were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Analysis demonstrated the strong association of family members’ and peers’ behaviors with adolescent e-cigarette use, and the temporal precedence of e-cigarette use with subsequent CTC and marijuana uptake. The predictive implications of e-cigarettes for other dangerous substance use should be examined in future prevention campaigns.

Implications

The presented study expands upon existing literature connecting adolescent e-cigarette use and later CTC and marijuana use. The findings indicate the significant implications of exposure to e-cigarette use by parents and peers and demonstrate in a longitudinal 4-year panel survey the direct and indirect predictive implications of e-cigarette use for CTC and marijuana uptake. The research illustrates the utility of programs and campaigns that target peer and family groups to maximize impacts on adolescent willingness to try CTCs, positive expectancies, and possible onset of CTC and marijuana use.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Patterns in Pakistan: Findings From a Longitudinal Survey of Smokers
Authors: Siddiqi Kamran , Siddiqui Faraz , Khan Amina , Ansaari Saeed , Kanaan Mona , Khokhar Mariam , Islam Ziauddin , Mishu Masuma Pervin , Bauld Linda
Published: October 2020

Introduction

We investigated the influence of COVID-19 on smoking patterns in Pakistan.

Methods

In a longitudinal survey, we asked cigarette smokers in Pakistan about their smoking behaviors before and since COVID-19. Smokers were recruited before COVID-19 using two-stage random probability sampling. Since COVID-19, three subsequent waves were conducted over the telephone, asking additional questions on social determinants, mental health, and well-being. Based on the first two waves, we estimated the proportion of smokers who stopped, decreased, maintained, or increased smoking. We also explored any factors associated with the change in smoking patterns. In those who stopped smoking soon after COVID-19, we estimated the proportion relapsed in subsequent waves. We estimated all proportions based on complete-case analysis.

Results

We recruited 6014 smokers between September 2019 and February 2020; of these, 2087 (2062 reported smoking outcomes) were followed up in May 2020 after COVID-19. Since COVID-19, 14% (290/2062) smokers reported quitting. Among those who continued smoking: 68% (1210/1772) reduced, 14% (239/1772) maintained, and 18% (323/1772) increased cigarette consumption; 37% (351/938) reported at least one quit attempt; 41% (669/1619) were more motivated; while 21% (333/1619) were less motivated to quit. Changes in smoking patterns varied with nicotine dependence, motivation to quit, and financial stability since COVID-19. Among those reporting quitting soon after COVID-19, 39% (81/206) relapsed in the subsequent months (June–July 2020).

Conclusions

There have been significant bidirectional changes in smoking patterns since COVID-19 in Pakistan. Although many people stopped, reduced, or tried quitting smoking, some increased smoking and some relapsed after quitting.

Implications

We observed significant and complex changes in people’s smoking patterns, which are likely to be attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and replicated in similar events in the future. Assessing these changes is essential for most low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, where the vast majority of tobacco users live, but cessation support is still rudimentary. If provided routinely, smoking cessation interventions can potentially support millions of highly motivated individuals in quitting successfully both in general and in global events like COVID-19, in particular.
Hormonal Diterpenoids Distinct to Gibberellins Regulate Protonema Differentiation in the Moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Nakajima Masatoshi , Miyazaki Sho , Kawaide Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Plants synthesize gibberellin (GA), a diterpenoid hormone, via ent-kaurenoic acid (KA) oxidation. GA has not been detected in the moss Physcomitrium patens despite its ability to synthesize KA. It was recently shown that a KA metabolite, 3OH-KA, was identified as an active regulator of protonema differentiation in P. patens. An inactive KA metabolite, 2OH-KA, was also identified in the moss, as was KA2ox, which is responsible for converting KA to 2OH-KA. In this review, we mainly discuss the GA biosynthetic gene homologs identified and characterized in bryophytes. We show the similarities and differences between the OH-KA control of moss and GA control of flowering plants. We also discuss using recent genomic studies; mosses do not contain KAO, even though other bryophytes do. This absence of KAO in mosses corresponds to the presence of KA2ox, which is absent in other vascular plants. Thus, given that 2OH-KA and 3OH-KA were isolated from ferns and flowering plants, respectively, vascular plants may have evolved from ancestral bryophytes that originally produced 3OH-KA and GA.
Dissociative and Analgesic Properties of Ketamine Are Independent
Authors: Gitlin Jacob , Chamadia Shubham , Locascio Joseph J. , Ethridge Breanna R. , Pedemonte Juan C. , Hahm Eunice Y. , Ibala Reine , Mekonnen Jennifer , Colon Katia M. , Qu Jason , Akeju Oluwaseun
Published: October 2020

Background

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with analgesic properties. Ketamine’s analgesic properties have been suggested to result from its dissociative properties. To the authors’ knowledge, this postulate is unsubstantiated. The authors hypothesize that the dissociative and analgesic properties of ketamine are independent.

Methods

The authors conducted a single-site, open-label study of ketamine anesthesia (2 mg/kg) in 15 healthy subjects. Midazolam was administered at a prespecified time point to attenuate dissociation. The authors longitudinally assessed precalibrated cuff pain intensity and quality using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaires, and dissociation, using the Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale. Mixed effects models were used to assess whether dissociation accounted for the effect of ketamine on pain intensity and quality.

Results

The dissociation model demonstrated an inverted U-shaped quadratic relationship between time and dissociation scores. Additive to this effect, midazolam reduced the dissociation adjusted means by 10.3 points (95% CI, 3.4 to 17.1; P = 0.005). The pain intensity model also demonstrated a U-shaped quadratic relationship between time and pain intensity. When the pain intensity model was reanalyzed with dissociation scores as an additional covariate, the dissociation term was not retained in the model, and the other effects were preserved in direction and strength. This result was conserved for nociceptive and neuropathic pain quality.

Conclusions

Ketamine’s analgesic properties are not exclusively caused by dissociation. Thus, ketamine may be used as a probe to advance our knowledge of dissociation independent neural circuits that encode pain.

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A Pilot Trial of Platelets Stored Cold versus at Room Temperature for Complex Cardiothoracic Surgery
Authors: Strandenes Geir , Sivertsen Joar , Bjerkvig Christopher K. , Fosse Theodor K. , Cap Andrew P. , del Junco Deborah J. , Kristoffersen Einar Klæboe , Haaverstad Rune , Kvalheim Venny , Braathen Hanne , Lunde Turid Helen Felli , Hervig Tor , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Spinella Philip C. , Apelseth Torunn Oveland
Published: October 2020

Background

This pilot trial focused on feasibility and safety to provide preliminary data to evaluate the hemostatic potential of cold-stored platelets (2° to 6°C) compared with standard room temperature–stored platelets (20° to 24°C) in adult patients undergoing complex cardiothoracic surgery. This study aimed to assess feasibility and to provide information for future pivotal trials.

Methods

A single center two-stage exploratory pilot study was performed on adult patients undergoing elective or semiurgent complex cardiothoracic surgery. In stage I, a two-armed randomized trial, platelets stored up to 7 days in the cold were compared with those stored at room temperature. In the subsequent single-arm stage II, cold storage time was extended to 8 to 14 days. The primary outcome was clinical effect measured by chest drain output. Secondary outcomes were platelet function measured by multiple electrode impedance aggregometry, total blood usage, immediate and long-term (28 days) adverse events, length of stay in intensive care, and mortality.

Results

In stage I, the median chest drain output was 720 ml (quartiles 485 to 1,170, n = 25) in patients transfused with room temperature–stored platelets and 645 ml (quartiles 460 to 800, n = 25) in patients transfused with cold-stored platelets. No significant difference was observed. The difference in medians between the room temperature– and cold-stored up to 7 days arm was 75 ml (95% CI, −220, 425). In stage II, the median chest drain output was 690 ml (500 to 1,880, n = 15). The difference in medians between the room temperature arm and the nonconcurrent cold-stored 8 to 14 days arm was 30 ml (95% CI, −1,040, 355). Platelet aggregation in vitro increased after transfusion in both the room temperature– and cold-stored platelet study arms. Total blood usage, number of adverse events, length of stay in intensive care, and mortality were comparable among patients receiving cold-stored and room temperature–stored platelets.

Conclusions

This pilot trial supports the feasibility of platelets stored cold for up to 14 days and provides critical guidance for future pivotal trials in high-risk cardiothoracic bleeding patients.

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