bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ calibration of observatory broadband echosounders
Authors: Ona Egil , Zhang Guosong , Pedersen Geir , Johnsen Espen
Published: September 2020

Today, numerous scientific echosounders are used as continuously monitoring systems in ocean observatories. These echosounders are usually calibrated in shallow water, either in laboratory tanks or at random ocean docks before deployments. If the systems are used for quantitative measurements by the observatories, they should be calibrated at the operating depths to consider the environmental effects on the calibration parameters. In this article, a simple in situ calibration method is presented, which was recently applied to one of the nodes of the Norwegian Lofoten-Vesterålen ocean observatory, when the research vessel with dynamic positioning system suspended and moved the calibration sphere between the vessel and the transducer. The calibration results of a 70-kHz split-beam echosounder demonstrate that this method can be applied to the cabled observatories.
Offering care for victims of torture among a migrant population in a transit country: a descriptive study in a dedicated clinic from January 2017 to June 2019
Authors: Keshk Manar , Harrison Rebecca , Kizito Walter , Psarra Christina , Owiti Phillip , Timire Collins , Camacho Mabel Morales , De Maio Gianfranco , Safwat Hadeel , Matboly Abeer , Van den Bergh Rafael
Published: September 2020

Background

Medecins Sans Frontieres set up a clinic to provide multidisciplinary care to a vulnerable migrant population experiencing torture. We describe the population accessing care, the characteristics of care provided and patient outcomes.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in care during January 2017–June 2019 was conducted.

Results

Of 2512 victims of torture cases accessing the clinic, the male: female ratio was 1:1. About 67% of patients received medical care, mostly for chronic pain treatment. About 73% of patients received mental healthcare, 37% received physiotherapy and 33% received social support care; 49% came to the clinic upon the recommendation of a friend or family member. The discharge with improvement rate ranged from 23% in the mental health service to 9% in the sociolegal service. Patients retained in care had a median IQR of 3 (2–4) follow-up visits for medical care, 4 (2–7) for mental health, 6 (3–10) for physiotherapy and 2 (1–4) for sociolegal.

Conclusion

Care for victims of torture cases among vulnerable migrants is complex. For those who did receive care that led to an improvement in their condition, their care models have been described, to allow its implementation in other non-specialised settings.
AMBRA1 controls antigen-driven activation and proliferation of naive T cells
Authors: Masuhara Kaori , Akatsuka Hisako , Tokusanai Mizuki , Li Chenyang , Iida Yumi , Okada Yoshinori , Suzuki Takahiro , Ohtsuka Masato , Inoue Ituro , Kimura Minoru , Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Hozumi Katsuto , Sato Takehito
Published: September 2020

AMBRA1 (activating molecule in Beclin1-regulated autophagy) is a member of the BECN1 (BECLIN1) protein complex, and it plays a role in autophagy, cell death, tumorigenesis and proliferation. We recently reported that on T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, AMBRA1 controlled both autophagy and the cell cycle with metabolic regulation. Accumulating evidence has shown that autophagy and metabolic control are pivotal for T-cell activation, clonal expansion and effector/memory cell fate decision. However, it is unknown whether AMBRA1 is involved in T-cell function under physiological conditions. We found that T cells in Ambra1-conditional knockout (cKO) mice induced an exacerbated graft versus host response when they were transplanted into allogeneic BALB/c mice. Furthermore, Ambra1-deficient T cells showed increased proliferation and cytotoxic capability toward specific antigens in response to in vivo stimulation using allogeneic spleen cells. This enhanced immune response mainly contributed to naive T-cell hyperactivity. The T-cell hyperactivity observed in this study was similar to those in some metabolic factor-deficient mice, but not those in other pro-autophagic factor-deficient mice. Under the static condition, however, naive T cells were reduced in Ambra1-cKO mice, the same as in pro-autophagic factor-deficient mice. Collectively, these results suggested that AMBRA1 was involved in regulating T cell-mediated immune responses through autophagy-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Fetal programming in sheep: effects on pre- and postnatal development in lambs
Authors: Sartori Everton D , Sessim Amir G , Brutti Danielle D , Lopes Jusecléia F , McManus Concepta M , Barcellos Júlio O J
Published: September 2020

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the effects of maternal undernutrition or overnutrition during pregnancy on fetal weight and morphometric measurements during pregnancy, at birth, and postnatal period in sheep. After completing the search, selection, and data extraction steps, the measure of effect was generated by the individual comparison of each indicator with the average of the control and treated group (undernutrition or overnutrition) using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random effects. Subgroup analyses were also performed for lambing order, litter size, sex, as well as level, timing, and duration of the intervention. Fetal weight during the first third of pregnancy was not affected by maternal undernutrition or overnutrition. On the other hand, undernutrition in the second and last third of gestation reduces the weight of the lamb both during pregnancy, at birth, and during the postnatal period, requiring at least 120 postnatal days to achieve the same weight as its contemporaries in the control treatment. However, this reduction in weight is not accompanied by reductions in morphometric measurements, demonstrating that the animals were lighter, but of equal size. In overnutrition, there is an increase in fetal weight in the second third of gestation. However, in the last third of the gestational period, there are no differences in fetal weight for the multiparous subgroup, but it was reduced in primiparous ewes. There are no effects of overnutrition on birth weight; however, this result is highly heterogeneous. Thus, maternal nutrition of ewe during pregnancy has effects on fetal and postnatal weight, but not on size. Furthermore, the effects of undernutrition are more homogeneous while overnutrition showed heterogeneous responses.
Digestibility of amino acids, but not fiber, fat, or energy, is greater in cold-fermented, low-oil distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) compared with conventional DDGS fed to growing pigs
Authors: Rodriguez Diego A , Lee Su A , Stein Hans H
Published: September 2020

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the digestibility of gross energy (GE) and nutrients, and concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in two sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are not different despite different concentrations of fat in the two sources. Cold-fermented DDGS (6.82% fat) and a conventional DDGS (9.54% fat) were used. In experiment 1, 12 growing barrows (initial body weight = 55.2 ± 3.6 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to one of three diets and two periods. Two diets contained either cold-fermented or conventional DDGS as the sole source of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA). The third diet was an N-free diet that was used to determine the basal endogenous losses of AA from the pigs. Each experimental period lasted 7 d and ileal digesta were collected on days 6 and 7 of each period. Results demonstrated that values for the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and most AA were greater (P < 0.05) or tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in cold-fermented than in conventional DDGS. In experiment 2, 24 barrows (initial body weight = 17.3 ± 1.3 kg) were randomly allotted to three diets with 8 replicate pigs per diet. A corn-based basal diet and two diets containing corn and either cold-fermented DDGS or conventional DDGS were formulated. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates and feces and urine were collected separately for 5 d after 7 d of adaptation. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) was greater (P < 0.01) in conventional DDGS than in cold-fermented DDGS, but there was no difference in ATTD of GE between the two sources of DDGS. However, conventional DDGS contained more (P < 0.001) DE and ME than cold-fermented DDGS because of greater GE. In conclusion, the SID of AA was greater in cold-fermented DDGS than in the conventional DDGS that was evaluated in this experiment, but the ATTD of NDF, ADF, and AEE, and ME were greater in conventional DDGS than in cold-fermented DDGS.
Effects of Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens on Expression of the Aging Biomarker, p16INK4a
Authors: Shachar Shlomit S , Deal Allison M , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E , Nyrop Kirsten A , Mitin Natalia , Anders Carey K , Carey Lisa A , Dees E Claire , Jolly Trevor A , Kimmick Gretchen G , Karuturi Meghan S , Reinbolt Raquel E , Speca JoEllen C , Muss Hyman B
Published: September 2020

Background

Although chemotherapy saves lives, increasing evidence shows that chemotherapy accelerates aging. We previously demonstrated that mRNA expression of p16INK4a, a biomarker of senescence and molecular aging, increased early and dramatically after beginning adjuvant anthracycline-based regimens in early stage breast cancer patients. Here, we determined if changes in p16INK4a expression vary by chemotherapy regimen among early stage breast cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a study of stage I-III breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. p16INK4a expression was analyzed prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy (median 6.2 months after the last chemotherapy) in peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Chemotherapy-induced change in p16INK4a expression was compared among regimens. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

In 146 women, chemotherapy was associated with a statistically significant increase in p16INK4a expression (accelerated aging of 17 years; P < .001). Anthracycline-based regimens were associated with the largest increases (accelerated aging of 23 to 26 years; P ≤ .008). Nonanthracycline-based regimens demonstrated a much smaller increase (accelerated aging of 9 to 11 years; P ≤ .15). In addition to the type of chemotherapy regimen, baseline p16INK4a levels, but not chronologic age or race, were also associated with the magnitude of increases in p16INK4a. Patients with lower p16INK4a levels at baseline were more likely to experience larger increases.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the aging effects of chemotherapy may be influenced by both chemotherapy type and the patient’s baseline p16INK4a level. Measurement of p16INK4a expression is not currently available in the clinic, but nonanthracycline regimens offering similar efficacy as anthracycline regimens might be favored.
TOR mediates the autophagy response to altered nucleotide homeostasis in an RNase mutant
Authors: Kazibwe Zakayo , Soto-Burgos Junmarie , MacIntosh Gustavo C , Bassham Diane C
Published: September 2020

The Arabidopsis thaliana T2 family endoribonuclease RNS2 localizes to the vacuole and functions in rRNA degradation. Loss of RNS2 activity impairs rRNA turnover and leads to constitutive autophagy, a process for degradation of cellular components. Autophagy is normally activated during environmental stress and is important for stress tolerance and homeostasis. Here we show that restoration of cytosolic purine nucleotide levels rescues the constitutive autophagy phenotype of rns2-2 seedlings, whereas inhibition of purine synthesis induces autophagy in wild-type seedlings. rns2-2 seedlings have reduced activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase complex, a negative regulator of autophagy, and this phenotype is rescued by addition of inosine to increase purine levels. Activation of TOR in rns2-2 by exogenous auxin blocks the enhanced autophagy, indicating a possible involvement of the TOR signaling pathway in the activation of autophagy in the rns2-2 mutant. Our data suggest a model in which loss of rRNA degradation in rns2-2 leads to a reduction in cytoplasmic nucleotide concentrations, which in turn inhibits TOR activity, leading to activation of autophagy to restore homeostasis.
Photoprotective energy dissipation is greater in the lower, not the upper, regions of a rice canopy: a 3D analysis
Authors: Foo Chuan Ching , Burgess Alexandra J , Retkute Renata , Tree-Intong Pracha , Ruban Alexander V , Murchie Erik H
Published: September 2020

High light intensities raise photosynthetic and plant growth rates but can cause damage to the photosynthetic machinery. The likelihood and severity of deleterious effects are minimised by a set of photoprotective mechanisms, one key process being the controlled dissipation of energy from chlorophyll within PSII known as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Although ubiquitous, the role of NPQ in plant productivity is important because it momentarily reduces the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis. Rice plants overexpressing and deficient in the gene encoding a central regulator of NPQ, the protein PsbS, were used to assess the effect of protective effectiveness of NPQ (pNPQ) at the canopy scale. Using a combination of three-dimensional reconstruction, modelling, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange, the influence of altered NPQ capacity on the distribution of pNPQ was explored. A higher phototolerance in the lower layers of a canopy was found, regardless of genotype, suggesting a mechanism for increased protection for leaves that experience relatively low light intensities interspersed with brief periods of high light. Relative to wild-type plants, psbS overexpressors have a reduced risk of photoinactivation and early growth advantage, demonstrating that manipulating photoprotective mechanisms can impact both subcellular mechanisms and whole-canopy function.
Cell wall composition and thickness affect mesophyll conductance to CO2 diffusion inHelianthus annuusunder water deprivation
Authors: Roig-Oliver Margalida , Bresta Panagiota , Nadal Miquel , Liakopoulos Georgios , Nikolopoulos Dimosthenis , Karabourniotis George , Bota Josefina , Flexas Jaume
Published: September 2020

Water deprivation affects photosynthesis, leaf anatomy, and cell wall composition. Although the former effects have been widely studied, little is known regarding those changes in cell wall major (cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, and lignin) and minor (cell wall-bound phenolics) compounds in plants acclimated to short- and long-term water deprivation and during recovery. In particular, how these cell wall changes impact anatomy and/or photosynthesis, specifically mesophyll conductance to CO2 diffusion (gm), has been scarcely studied. To induce changes in photosynthesis, cell wall composition and anatomy, Helianthus annuus plants were studied under five conditions: (i) control (i.e. without stress) (CL); (ii) long-term water deficit stress (LT); (iii) long-term water deficit stress with recovery (LT-Rec); (iv) short-term water deficit stress (ST); and (v) short-term water deficit stress with recovery (ST-Rec), resulting in a wide photosynthetic range (from 3.80 ± 1.05 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 to 24.53 ± 0.42 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1). Short- and long-term water deprivation and recovery induced distinctive responses of the examined traits, evidencing a cell wall dynamic turnover during plants acclimation to each condition. In particular, we demonstrated for the first time how gm correlated negatively with lignin and cell wall-bound phenolics and how the (cellulose+hemicelloses)/pectin ratio was linked to cell wall thickness (Tcw) variations.
Shaping the leaf microbiota: plant–microbe–microbe interactions
Authors: Chaudhry Vasvi , Runge Paul , Sengupta Priyamedha , Doehlemann Gunther , Parker Jane E , Kemen Eric
Published: September 2020

The aerial portion of a plant, namely the leaf, is inhabited by pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes. The leaf’s physical and chemical properties, combined with fluctuating and often challenging environmental factors, create surfaces that require a high degree of adaptation for microbial colonization. As a consequence, specific interactive processes have evolved to establish a plant leaf niche. Little is known about the impact of the host immune system on phyllosphere colonization by non-pathogenic microbes. These organisms can trigger plant basal defenses and benefit the host by priming for enhanced resistance to pathogens. In most disease resistance responses, microbial signals are recognized by extra- or intracellular receptors. The interactions tend to be species specific and it is unclear how they shape leaf microbial communities. In natural habitats, microbe–microbe interactions are also important for shaping leaf communities. To protect resources, plant colonizers have developed direct antagonistic or host manipulation strategies to fight competitors. Phyllosphere-colonizing microbes respond to abiotic and biotic fluctuations and are therefore an important resource for adaptive and protective traits. Understanding the complex regulatory host–microbe–microbe networks is needed to transfer current knowledge to biotechnological applications such as plant-protective probiotics.
Abundances from integrated spectra of 47 Tucanae (NGC 104)
Authors: Rennó C , Barbuy B , Moura T C , Trevisan M
Published: September 2020

47 Tucanae is among the most studied and observed globular clusters, given its proximity. The aim of this work is to study in detail the integrated spectrum of 47 Tucanae, as a template, in order to have a list of reliable lines that are validated for a moderate spectral resolution case. The spectrum of 47 Tucanae is reproduced by computing synthetic spectra, taking into account individual element abundances. The results are compared with other methods. We reproduce the integrated spectrum in the range 4500–9000 Å and derive abundances from individual lines of Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Ba, and Eu. We report a list of lines that are suitable for abundance derivation. Adopting these abundances, we are able to fit the well-known triplets of Mg i and Ca ii. Finally, the effect of multiple stellar populations through enhanced Na abundances are tested. Element abundances derived are compatible with previous literature abundances, from different methods. The method applied here to build integrated synthetic spectra can be used to derive abundances from observed integrated spectra of distant and faint clusters, that are usually observed at low or moderate spectral resolution.
New H2O–H2O collisional rate coefficients for cometary applications
Authors: Boursier C , Mandal B , Babikov D , Dubernet M L
Published: September 2020

We re-introduce a semiclassical methodology based on theories developed for the determination of broadening coefficients. We show that this simple and extremely fast methodology provides results that are in good agreement with results obtained using the more sophisticate MQCT approach. This semiclassical methodology could be an alternative approach which allows to provide large sets of collisional data for very complex molecular systems. It saves time both on the determination of potential energy surfaces and on the collisional dynamical calculations. In addition, this paper provides more complete sets of rotational de-excitation cross-sections and rate coefficients of H2O perturbed by a thermal average of water molecules. Those data can be used in the radiative transfer modelling of cometary atmospheres.
White dwarf pollution by hydrated planetary remnants: hydrogen and metals in WD J204713.76–125908.9
Authors: Hoskin Matthew J , Toloza Odette , Gänsicke Boris T , Raddi Roberto , Koester Detlev , Pala Anna F , Manser Christopher J , Farihi Jay , Belmonte Maria Teresa , Hollands Mark , Gentile Fusillo Nicola , Swan Andrew
Published: September 2020

WD J204713.76–125908.9 is a new addition to the small class of white dwarfs with helium-dominated photospheres that exhibit strong Balmer absorption lines and atmospheric metal pollution. The exceptional abundances of hydrogen observed in these stars may be the result of accretion of water-rich rocky bodies. We obtained far-ultraviolet and optical spectroscopy of WD J204713.76–125908.9 using the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph on-board the Hubble Space Telescope and X-shooter on the Very Large Telescope, and identify photospheric absorption lines of nine metals: C, O, Mg, Si, P, S, Ca, Fe, and Ni. The abundance ratios are consistent with the steady-state accretion of exo-planetesimal debris rich in the volatile elements carbon and oxygen, and the transitional element sulphur, by factors of 17, 2, and 4, respectively, compared to the bulk Earth. The parent body has a composition akin to Solar system carbonaceous chondrites, and the inferred minimum mass, 1.6 × 1020 g, is comparable to an asteroid 23 km in radius. We model the composition of the disrupted parent body, finding from our simulations a median water mass fraction of 8 per cent.
The Enigma of Entropy in Extended Tonality
Authors: Smith Kenneth M
Published: September 2020

This article considers music that stages the decline of the tonal system through “entropy”—the process conceived in the domain of thermodynamics by which energy is wasted through randomized dispersal or decrease in organization. Tonal organization faced challenges at the turn of the twentieth century, much of the music possessing a sense of tonal drive but with an increased array of outlets for this drive’s tension to be released. This article regards the dominant-seventh complex and its variant configurations as paradigms of this tonal drive and attempts to understand their new ambiguities and the increased richness of possibility they enjoy. In order to achieve this, the study engages in probability theory to create a unique profile for each tonal drive in a given piece, effectively measuring its strength. The fluctuating strengths can be mapped and the process of entropy tracked through a single piece, potentially even across repertoires. Using a new method of visually laying out the patterns of these dominant drives, combined with concepts from information theory that allow us to measure and compare levels of entropy mathematically, I attempt to combine qualitative and quantitative data to model the entropic processes that inhere in early twentieth-century music.
Ribosomal stress-surveillance: three pathways is a magic number
Authors: Vind Anna Constance , Genzor Aitana Victoria , Bekker-Jensen Simon
Published: September 2020

Cells rely on stress response pathways to uphold cellular homeostasis and limit the negative effects of harmful environmental stimuli. The stress- and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, p38 and JNK, are at the nexus of numerous stress responses, among these the ribotoxic stress response (RSR). Ribosomal impairment is detrimental to cell function as it disrupts protein synthesis, increase inflammatory signaling and, if unresolved, lead to cell death. In this review, we offer a general overview of the three main translation surveillance pathways; the RSR, Ribosome-associated Quality Control (RQC) and the Integrated Stress Response (ISR). We highlight recent advances made in defining activation mechanisms for these pathways and discuss their commonalities and differences. Finally, we reflect on the physiological role of the RSR and consider the therapeutic potential of targeting the sensing kinase ZAKα for treatment of ribotoxin exposure.
The involvement of nucleotide excision repair proteins in the removal of oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Kumar Namrata , Raja Sripriya , Van Houten Bennett
Published: September 2020

The six major mammalian DNA repair pathways were discovered as independent processes, each dedicated to remove specific types of lesions, but the past two decades have brought into focus the significant interplay between these pathways. In particular, several studies have demonstrated that certain proteins of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) and base excision repair (BER) pathways work in a cooperative manner in the removal of oxidative lesions. This review focuses on recent data showing how the NER proteins, XPA, XPC, XPG, CSA, CSB and UV-DDB, work to stimulate known glycosylases involved in the removal of certain forms of base damage resulting from oxidative processes, and also discusses how some oxidative lesions are probably directly repaired through NER. Finally, since many glycosylases are inhibited from working on damage in the context of chromatin, we detail how we believe UV-DDB may be the first responder in altering the structure of damage containing-nucleosomes, allowing access to BER enzymes.
Effectiveness of Implementing a Locally Developed Antibiotic Use Guideline for Community-Acquired Cellulitis at a Large Tertiary Care University Hospital in Thailand
Authors: Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Nookeu Pornboonya , Thamlikitkul Visanu
Published: September 2020

Background

To determine the effectiveness of implementing a locally developed clinical practice guideline (CPG) for antibiotic treatment in adults with community-acquired cellulitis at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods

The CPG for antibiotic treatment of community-acquired cellulitis was developed based on local data during June to December 2016. The CPG was introduced by multifaceted interventions, including posters, brochures, circular letters, social media, conference, classroom training, and interactive education during January to September 2018.

Results

Among 360 patients with community-acquired cellulitis, 84.4% were ambulatory and 15.6% were hospitalized. The median age of patients was 62 years, and 59.4% were female. Antibiotic prescription according to CPG (CPG-compliant group) was observed in 251 patients (69.7%), and CPG noncompliance was found in 109 patients (30.3%) (CPG-noncompliant group). The demographics and characteristics of patients were comparable between groups. Patients in the CPG-compliant group had a significantly lower rate of intravenous antibiotics (18.7% vs 33.9%, P = .007), lower prescription rate of broad-spectrum antibiotics (14.7% vs 78.9%, P < .001) and antibiotic combination (6.4% vs 13.8%, P = .022), shorter median duration of antibiotic treatment (7 vs 10 days, P < .001), lower median cost of antibiotic treatment (US $3 vs $7, P < .001), and lower median hospitalization cost (US $601 vs $1587, P = .008) than those in the CPG-noncompliant group. Treatment outcomes were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Adherence to CPG seems to reduce inappropriate prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotic or antibiotic combination and treatment costs in adults with community-acquired cellulitis without differences in favorable outcomes or adverse events.
How the Law Guides
Authors: Pike Joshua
Published: September 2020

The concept of guidance lies at the heart of normativity. It follows, according to the common view that the law necessarily claims to be normative, that guidance must play a central role in understanding the law. This article focuses on two questions about guidance: (i) what distinguishes normative guidance from non-normative guidance; and (ii) what is involved in using something as a reason and as a norm so that we are normatively guided by that something. In doing so, two features of how the law guides emerge: first, that despite the involvement of reasons, our relationship with the law is sometimes better characterised as non-normative guidance rather than normative guidance; and second, that it is a conceptual feature of what it is to use a legal directive as a norm that further practical reasoning is required to figure out what action that directive requires, independently of that directive’s vagueness or indeterminacy.
Internal Displacement, Internal Migration, and Refugee Flows: Connecting the Dots
Authors: Cantor David James , Apollo Jacob Ochieng
Published: September 2020

How does internal displacement compare to other related forms of movement? This article draws on existing evidence to explore, specifically in countries affected by armed conflict or other serious violence, how internal displacement relates empirically to (1) internal economic migration as a more voluntary form of “internal” movement and (2) refugee flows as an external form of “forced” movement. This analysis of the available evidence suggests a shift may be needed in the ways in which research and policy frame internal displacement.
Schizotypal Disorder in Children—A Neglected Diagnosis
Authors: Tonge Bruce J , Testa Renee , Díaz-Arteche Carmela , Brereton Avril V , Stephanou Katerina , Pantelis Christos
Published: September 2020

Disabling psychotic-like perceptions, thoughts, and behavior have long been recognized in children. These symptoms have an adverse impact on child and family and are a developmental predictor of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Attempts to classify this phenomenon separately and within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) systems have been unsuccessful until the DSM-5 and ICD-11. The categorization of Schizotypal Disorder within the SSDs in DSM-5 and ICD-11, and recognition that it is manifest in childhood, has established Schizotypal Disorder in Childhood (SDC) as a focus for clinical attention and research. This article aims to increase the awareness of this debilitating disorder by describing 3 case studies (ages 6, 8, and 9), which illustrate and refine the clinical presentation and cognitive profile of SDC. Biopsychosocial risk factors, comorbid disorders, and features that differentiate it from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are discussed. A comprehensive understanding of SDC will improve the accuracy and validity of the diagnostic process and pave the way for further research into its etiology, developmental pathway, and treatment.
Science policy implementation: strategic versus technical human resource management
Authors: Boardman Craig , Ponomariov Branco , Shen H L
Published: September 2020

Science commercialization in the context of USA research universities suggests that strategic human resources management (SHRM) theory practices should be considered cautiously. The primary reason being that the organizational and human resources strategies of many USA research universities has increasingly diverged; the secondary reason being that this will not be changing anytime soon. Using qualitative and quantitative information from a purposive sample of twenty-one university–industry research centers established by the US National Science Foundation, we present evidence that what the SHRM literature refers to as ‘technical’ human resource management (HRM) practice is perhaps more important to organizational performance than what the SHRM literature refers to as ‘strategic’ HRM practice. Relatedly, the cases suggest that university research center managers should consider leadership styles and network management approaches and established human resource (HR) practices, which may produce the results the plethora of strategic research commercialization initiatives at universities strive to achieve.
Chronic Lung Disease in Patients With Perinatally Acquired HIV in England: A Retrospective Case-Note Review
Authors: Ellis Penelope K. , Shackley Fiona , Ugonna Kelechi , Ryan Clare E. , Hughes David , Owens Stephen , Brown Philip , Riordan Andrew , Ilozue Chinenye I. , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. , Collini Paul J.
Published: September 2020

Chronic lung disease (CLD) is common in individuals living with perinatally acquired HIV (PA-HIV) in southern/eastern Africa. Most of the UK PA-HIV population are African. We conducted a case-note review of CLD in 3 UK PA-HIV cohorts (n = 98). Bronchiectasis or obliterative bronchiolitis occurred in 8.1% of patients and ring/tramline opacities occurred in 19.2% of patients on chest radiograph. There may be unrecognized and underdiagnosed CLD among PA-HIV in the UK.
MIS-C After ARDS Associated With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Clouser Katharine , Baer Aryeh , Bhavsar Sejal , Gadhavi Jasmine , Li Suzanne , Schnall Jeremy , Weiss Jennifer E.
Published: September 2020

This is a case of an 11-year-old female who was admitted with respiratory failure, requiring intubation while testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. During her recovery, she had new onset fevers and uptrending inflammatory markers. After an evaluation of infectious causes, the diagnosis of MIS-C was made approximately 1 month after her initial symptoms.
Meta-Analysis of Perioperative Stroke and Mortality in CABG Patients With Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Roy Priya , Brahme Indraneel , Reddy Rajiv P. , Wechsler Lawrence , Gleason Thomas , Thirumala Parthasarathy D.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a proven approach in the treatment of coronary heart disease, but the surgery has several complications, including stroke and death. Though it has been established that perioperative stroke is associated with higher rates of long-term mortality, the relationship between stroke and mortality in the perioperative period has not yet been systematically examined.

Methods:

Online databases of peer-reviewed literature were searched to retrieve articles concerning mortality and stroke after CABG in patients with carotid stenosis. Six studies (n=3786) were included for analysis. This study was conducted at a single University hospital system, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, on patients who underwent CABG. The data obtained from peer-reviewed literature originated from several sources, primarily single institution hospitals.

Results:

Consistent with current literature, the incidence of stroke in CABG patients with significant carotid stenosis was 2.1%. Data were further analyzed to generate a summary odds ratio of stroke-related mortality after CABG, which showed that patients who died within 30 days of CABG were 7.3 times more likely to have had a perioperative stroke (95% confidence interval, 4.1-13.2). The 30-day mortality rate among perioperative stroke victims was 14.4% versus 2.3% for nonstroke patients.

Conclusions:

Together, these data suggest an association between stroke and mortality in the perioperative period in patients undergoing CABG, demonstrating a need for improved monitoring, screening, and treatment of stroke before, during, and shortly after surgery.
Association Between Long-term Functional Outcome and Change in hs-CRP Level in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Sujin , Song In-Uk , Na Seung-Hee , Jeong Du-Shin , Chung Sung-Woo
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been suggested as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, the predictive value of hs-CRP for long-term outcomes is poorly defined. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate whether change in hs-CRP level plays a role in the prognostic value of long-term functional disability.

Methods:

We studied 263 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 104 healthy controls (67.5±11.26 and 68.17±11.21 y, respectively). hs-CRP was measured on admission and on the seventh day of hospitalization. The patients were classified into 2 groups on the basis of difference in hs-CRP level from admission to the seventh day of hospitalization (group 1, hs-CRP on admission>the seventh hospital day; group 2, hs-CRP on admission<the seventh hospital day). The correlation between change in hs-CRP level and functional disability using the modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after stroke onset was analyzed.

Results:

We observed significant differences between initial hs-CRP level in all patients (0.96±2.82 mg/dL) and healthy controls (0.34±0.71 mg/dL, P=0.029). Significant differences in mRS at the 4 different timepoints was not observed between 2 groups (P=0.453, 0.225, 0.229, and 0.396, respectively). The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients showed that change in hs-CRP level increasingly differed over time and was statistically correlated with mRS (coefficient/P: at 1 mo, 0.139/0.024; at 3 mo, 0.149/0.015; at 6 mo, 0.147/<0.001; and at 12 mo, 0.134/0.03). However, the results were very low correlation coefficients, despite their statistical significance.

Conclusion:

This study did not clearly show an association between increase in hs-CRP level over time and long-term functional disability.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Mental Health-Related Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Abrams Anna H. , Badolato Gia M. , Boyle Meleah D. , McCarter Robert , Goyal Monika K.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To test the hypotheses that (1) rates of mental health-related concerns presenting to pediatric emergency departments (ED) have increased (2) rates are increasing more in minority than nonminority youth.

Methods

We performed a 5-year retrospective cohort study of youth with mental health-related ED visits using the Pediatric Health Information System. We calculated rates of mental health-related visits, in aggregate and by race/ethnicity. The Poisson model was used to generate incidence rate ratios of unique mental health-related visits each year using census data as the population denominator.

Results

There were 242,036 mental health-related visits that met the inclusion criteria, representing 160,656 unique patients. Approximately 7% of unique patients had 3 or more mental health-related visits, differing by race/ethnicity (8.75% non-Hispanic [NH]-Black vs 7.01% NH-White; adjusted odds ratio 1.14 [1.03, 1.26]). Overall, there were 42.8 mental health-related ED visits per 100,000 US children. The NH-Black children had higher rates of visits per 100,000 children compared with NH-Whites (66.1 vs 41.5; adjusted relative risk, 1.54 [1.50–1.59]). Mental health-related visits increased from 2012 to 2016 (33.31 [32.92–33.70] to 49.94 [49.46–50.41]). Every racial/ethnic group experienced an increase in rate of presentation over the study period; Hispanics experienced a significantly larger increase compared with NH-White children (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Mental health-related ED visits among children are increasing overall, disproportionally affecting minority children. The NH-Black children have the highest visit rates, and rates among Hispanics are increasing at a significantly higher rate when compared with NH-Whites. These results indicate need for increased capacity of EDs to manage mental health-related complaints, especially among minority populations.
Determination of the virulence of single nucleopolyhedrovirus occlusion bodies using a novel laser capture microdissection method
Authors: Munsamy Thrishantha , Bouwer Gustav
Published: September 2020

Determination of the virulence of occlusion bodies (OBs), which are the horizontal transmission structures of nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs), is an important area of baculovirology. A method for inoculating an insect with an isolated OB was developed using Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) infection of second instar Helicoverpa armigera larvae as a model NPV–host pathosystem. In this novel method, laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to directly catapult single OBs onto the surface of insect diet in bioassay containers. Since exposure via the natural oral horizontal transmission route of each larva to a single OB was established and not subject to chance variation, the method facilitated determination of the insect mortality rate (4.8%) associated with exposure to single HearNPV OBs. Droplet feeding bioassays confirmed that the novel method did not reduce OB virulence. The LCM method sets a foundation for virulence and genetic diversity studies based on single NPV OBs.
Construction and efficacy evaluation of novel swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I and class II allele-specific poly-T cell epitope vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Tian Debin , Subramaniam Sakthivel , Heffron C. Lynn , Mahsoub Hassan M. , Sooryanarain Harini , Wang Bo , Cao Qian M. , Hassebroek Anna , LeRoith Tanya , Foss Dennis L. , Calvert Jay G. , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: September 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes an economically important global swine disease. Here we report the development of subunit PRRSV-2 vaccines by expressing swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) class I and class II allele-specific epitope antigens in a robust adenovirus vector. SLA I-specific CD8 and SLA II-specific CD4 T cell epitopes of PRRSV-2 NADC20 were predicted in silico. Stable murine leukaemia cell lines (RMA-S), which are TAP-deficient and lacking endogenous class I epitope loading, were established to express different SLA I alleles. The binding stability of PRRSV T cell epitope peptides with SLA I alleles expressed on RMA-S cells was characterized. Two PRRSV poly-T cell epitope peptides were designed. NADC20-PP1 included 39 class I epitopes, consisting of 8 top-ranked epitopes specific to each of 5 SLA I alleles, and fused to 5 class II epitopes specific to SLA II alleles. NADC20-PP2, a subset of PP1, included two top-ranked class I epitopes specific to each of the five SLA I alleles. Two vaccine candidates, Ad-NADC20-PP1 and Ad-NADC20-PP2, were constructed by expressing the polytope peptides in a replication-incompetent human adenovirus 5 vector. A vaccination and challenge study in 30 piglets showed that animals vaccinated with the vaccines had numerically lower gross and histopathology lung lesions, and numerically lower PRRSV RNA loads in lung and serum after challenge compared to the controls, although there was no statistical significance. The results suggested that the Ad-NADC20-PP1 and Ad-NADC20-PP2 vaccines provided little or no protection, further highlighting the tremendous challenges faced in developing an effective subunit PRRSV-2 vaccine.
The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium virulence factor STM3169 is a hexuronic acid binding protein component of a TRAP transporter
Authors: Herman Reyme , Bennett-Ness Cavan , Maqbool Abbas , Afzal Amna , Leech Andrew , Thomas Gavin H.
Published: September 2020

The intracellular pathogen S. Typhimurium is a leading cause of foodborne illness across the world and is known to rely on a range of virulence factors to colonize the human host and cause disease. The gene coding for one such factor, stm3169, was determined to be upregulated upon macrophage entry and its disruption reduces survival in the macrophage. In this study we characterize the STM3169 protein, which forms the substrate binding protein (SBP) of an uncharacterized tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporter. Genome context analysis of the genes encoding this system in related bacteria suggests a function in sugar acid transport. We demonstrate that purified STM3169 binds d-glucuronic acid with high affinity and specificity. S. Typhimurium LT2 can use this sugar acid as a sole carbon source and the genes for a probable catabolic pathway are present in the genome. As this gene was previously implicated in macrophage survival, it suggests a role for d-glucuronate as an important carbon source for S. Typhimurium in this environment.
Is climate a curse or a bless in the Covid-19 virus fighting?
Authors: Damette Olivier , Mathonnat Clement , Goutte Stephane
Published: September 2020

Faced with the global pandemic of Covid-19, we need to better understand the links between meteorological factors and the virus and investigate the existence of potential seasonal patterns. In the vein of a recent empirical literature, we reassess the impact of weather factors on Covid-19 daily cases in a panel of advanced and emerging countries between January the first and 28th May 2020. We consider 5 different meteorological factors and go further previous studies. In addition, we give a short-run and medium/long-run time perspective of the dramatic outcomes of the pandemic by both considering infected people (short-run) and fatalities (long-run). Our results reveal that the choice of delays and time perspective of the effects of climatic factors on the virus are crucial as well as Covid-19 outcomes can explain the discrepancies in the previous literature. For the first time, we use a dynamic panel model and consider two different kinds of channels between climate and Covid-19 virus: 1) direct/physical factors related to the survivals and durability dynamics of the virus in surfaces and outdoors and 2) an indirect factor through human behaviors and individual mobility – walking or driving outdoors – to capture the impact of climate on social distancing and thus on Covid-19 outcomes. Our model is estimated via two different estimators and persistence, delays in patterns, nonlinearities and numerous specifications changes are taken into account with many robustness checks. Our work highlights that temperatures and, more interestingly, solar radiation – that has been clearly undervalued in previous studies – are significant climatic drivers on Covid-19 outbreak. Indirect effects through human behaviors i.e interrelationships between climatic variables and people mobility are significantly positive and should be considered to correctly assess the effects of climatic factors. Since climate is per se purely exogenous, climate tend to strengthen the effect of mobility on virus spread. The net effect from climate on Covid-19 outbreak will thus result from the direct negative effect of climatic variables and from the indirect effect due to the interaction between mobility and them. Direct negative effects from climatic factors on Covid-19 outcomes – when they are significant – are partly compensated by positive indirect effects through human mobility. Suitable control policies should be implemented to control the mobility and social distancing.
Biophysical Characterization of A Novel SCN5A Mutation Associated with an Atypical Phenotype of Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Death
Authors: Ghovanloo Mohammad-Reza , Atallah Joseph , Escudero Carolina A. , Ruben Peter C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unexpected death that occurs within an hour of the onset of symptoms. Hereditary primary electrical disorders account for up to 1/3 of all SCD cases in younger individuals and include conditions such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). These disorders are caused by mutations in the genes encoding cardiac ion channels, hence they are known as cardiac channelopathies. We identified a novel variant, T1857I, in the C-terminus of Nav1.5 (SCN5A) linked to a family with a CPVT-like phenotype characterized by atrial tachy-arrhythmias and polymorphic ventricular ectopy occurring at rest and with adrenergic stimulation, and a strong family history of SCD.

Objective

Our goal was to functionally characterize the novel Nav1.5 variant and determine a possible link between channel gating and clinical phenotype.

Methods

We first used electrocardiogram recordings to visualize the patient cardiac electrical properties. Then, we performed voltage-clamp of transiently transfected CHO cells. Lastly, we used the ventricular/atrial models to visualize gating defects on cardiac excitability.

Results

Voltage-dependences of both activation and inactivation were right-shifted, the overlap between activation and inactivation predicted increased window currents, the recovery from fast inactivation was slowed, there was no significant difference in late currents, and there was no difference in use-dependent inactivation. The O’Hara-Rudy model suggests ventricular afterdepolarizations and atrial Grandi-based model suggests a slight prolongation of atrial action potential duration.

Conclusion

We conclude that T1857I likely causes a net gain-of-function in Nav1.5 gating, which may in turn lead to ventricular afterdepolarization, predisposing carriers to tachy-arrhythmias.