bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable microfluidic hydrogel microspheres based on chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as chondrocyte carriers
Authors: Lin Lin , Wang Yanfang , Wang Ling , Pan Jianying , Xu Yichao , Li Shiyu , Huang Da , Chen Jiali , Liang Zilu , Yin Panjing , Li Yanbin , Zhang Hongwu , Wu Yaobin , Zeng Chun , Huang Wenhua
Published: October 2020

Chitosan/PEGDA double-network hydrogel microspheres prepared by microfluidic method as chondrocyte carriers for bottom-up cartilage tissue engineering.
Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines-based fluorophores: a comprehensive theoretical-experimental study
Authors: Tigreros Alexis , Aranzazu Sandra-L. , Bravo Nestor-F. , Zapata-Rivera Jhon , Portilla Jaime
Published: October 2020

A family of 7-aryl-3-methylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines have been identified as strategic compounds for optical applications by a comprehensive theoretical-experimental study.
Structural and conformational changes induced by missense variants in the zinc finger domains of GATA3 involved in breast cancer
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Rahul , Tanwar Pranay , Deo S. V. S. , Mathur Sandeep , Agarwal Usha , Hussain Showket
Published: October 2020

Mutations in the N- and C-finger domains of GATA3 lead to breast cancer.
Relationship betweenMEG3gene polymorphism and risk of gastric cancer in Chinese population with high incidence of gastric cancer
Authors: Kong Xiaoling , Yang Sheng , Liu Caiping , Tang Hanqing , Chen Yingan , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhou Yun , Liang Geyu
Published: October 2020

Objective: Gastric cancer is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy in China and results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) materally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of gastric cancer and to construct a genetic-environmental risk assessment model. Methods: A case–control study was conducted to include 474 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed by clinical and pathological examination and 543 healthy physical examination subjects. Blood samples, general demographic data and behavioral lifestyle of the subjects were collected. The TaqMan real-time PCR method was used for testing the genotypes of MEG3 rs7158663 and rs10132552. Results: The A allele at the rs7158663 loci of MEG3 was found to be risk factor for gastric cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.14–1.74, P=0.002). Yet, no significant association between rs10132552 polymorphisms and gastric cancer was observed. Drinking, tea drinking and preserved food eating were risk factors for gastric cancer (P<0.05). A genetic–environmental risk assessment model was established by using the logistic regression model to include MEG3 rs7158663, drinking, tea drinking, and preserved food eating. With the increase in risk score (RS), the risk of gastric cancer increased substantially (P<0.05). And the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.745, which indicates a high diagnostic value. Conclusions:MEG3 rs7158663 might be associated with the risk of gastric cancer; the diagnostic ability of genetic–environmental risk assessment model for gastric cancer is better.
The miR-21 potential of serving as a biomarker for liver diseases in clinical practice
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Li Dandan , Zhang Rui , Gao Peng , Peng Rongxue , Li Jinming
Published: October 2020

The role of miR-21 in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, together with the possibility of detecting microRNA in the circulation, makes miR-21 a potential biomarker for noninvasive detection. In this review, we summarize the potential utility of extracellular miR-21 in the clinical management of hepatic disease patients and compared it with the current clinical practice. MiR-21 shows screening and prognostic value for liver cancer. In liver cirrhosis, miR-21 may serve as a biomarker for the differentiating diagnosis and prognosis. MiR-21 is also a potential biomarker for the severity of hepatitis. We elucidate the disease condition under which miR-21 testing can reach the expected performance. Though miR-21 is a key regulator of liver diseases, microRNAs coordinate with each other in the complex regulatory network. As a result, the performance of miR-21 is better when combined with other microRNAs or classical biomarkers under certain clinical circumstances.
Improving accuracy of wireless sensor networks localisation based on communication ranging
Authors: Alkhatib Ahmad A.A. , Elbes Mohammed W. , Abu Maria Eman M.
Published: October 2020

Localisation is one of the most important services in sensor networks. The impact of the used localisation technique used reflects on wireless sensor network services such as coverage or event detection. Accuracy is considered to be one of the factors that is related to successful network performance in most sensor network applications. Communication ranging is one of the practical applicable technique for localisation on short‐range communication nodes with no additional components. This study proposes an enhanced communication ranging localisation technique with high accuracy. The authors evaluated and validated the proposed technique in a forest environment using 20 Waspmote Nodes and Meshlium router (Spanish product). The novelty of the proposed localisation technique is based on controlling communication range by manipulating the XBee transmitter power changing ability on four rounds to provide the best‐predicted location. The results demonstrated the locations of nodes were found with error range between 0 and 22 m. The network location error decreased starting with 30 m in round 1 down to 8 m in round 4. The technique can be applied to different types of networks and technologies as long as the transmission power can be set to different values and the communication range is known or can be measured manually.
Destruction of eccentric planetesimals by ram pressure and erosion
Authors: Demirci Tunahan , Schneider Niclas , Teiser Jens , Wurm Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Small, pebble-sized objects and large bodies of planetesimal size both play important roles in planet formation. They form the evolutionary steps of dust growth in their own respect. However, at later times, they are also thought to provide background populations of mass that larger bodies might feed upon. What we suggest in this work is that starting at times of viscous stirring, planetesimals on eccentric orbits could simply explode as they become supersonic in comparison to small, porous planetary bodies entering Earth’s atmosphere. We present a toy model of planetesimal motion and destruction to show the key aspects of this process. The consequences are quite severe. At all times, it is shown that only planetesimals on more or less circular orbits exist in the inner disk. After the destruction of a planetesimal, the remaining matter is continuously redistributed to the pebble reservoir of the protoplanetary disk. Since destruction typically occurs at small stellar distances due to supersonic speeds, it is expected to boost pebble accretion in the inner protoplanetary disk as one of its main effects.
Common and Rare Variants in Genes Associated with von Willebrand Factor Level Variation: No Accumulation of Rare Variants in Swedish von Willebrand Disease Patients
Authors: Manderstedt Eric , Lind-Halldén Christina , Lethagen Stefan , Halldén Christer
Published: October 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genes that affect plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels. ABO showed a strong effect, whereas smaller effects were seen for VWF, STXBP5, STAB2, SCARA5, STX2, TC2N, and CLEC4M. This study screened comprehensively for both common and rare variants in these eight genes by resequencing their coding sequences in 104 Swedish von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients. The common variants previously associated with the VWF level were all accumulated in the VWD patients compared to three control populations. The strongest effect was detected for blood group O coded for by the ABO gene (71 vs. 38% of genotypes). The other seven VWF level associated alleles were enriched in the VWD population compared to control populations, but the differences were small and not significant. The sequencing detected a total of 146 variants in the eight genes. Excluding 70 variants in VWF, 76 variants remained. Of the 76 variants, 54 had allele frequencies > 0.5% and have therefore been investigated for their association with the VWF level in previous GWAS. The remaining 22 variants with frequencies < 0.5% are less likely to have been evaluated previously. PolyPhen2 classified 3 out of the 22 variants as probably or possibly damaging (two in STAB2 and one in STX2); the others were either synonymous or benign. No accumulation of low frequency (0.05–0.5%) or rare variants (<0.05%) in the VWD population compared to the gnomAD (Genome Aggregation Database) population was detected. Thus, rare variants in these genes do not contribute to the low VWF levels observed in VWD patients.
Non-dilute helium-related defect interactions in the near-surface region of plasma-exposed tungsten
Authors: Weerasinghe Asanka , Hu Lin , Hammond Karl D. , Wirth Brian D. , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: October 2020

We report a systematic energetic analysis of helium-related defect interactions that mediate helium (He) segregation on surfaces of plasma-exposed tungsten at different levels of He ion implantation. We focus on high He fluences that increase the He content in the plasma-exposed material well beyond the dilute limit of He concentration and employ atomic configurations generated by large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of He-implanted tungsten. We perform systematic molecular statics computations of cluster–defect interaction energetics in the highly defect-rich near-surface region of plasma-exposed tungsten for small mobile helium clusters as a function of the clusters' distances from the surface. In this region, mobile clusters are also subjected to the stress fields generated by defects such as helium bubbles and other clusters, which govern cluster–defect interactions in addition to the cluster–surface interaction. Based on systematic investigation of individual cluster–defect interactions, we develop a mathematical framework to describe the interaction energy landscapes consisting of elastic interaction potential perturbations to finite-width square-well potentials, where the potential well accounts for cluster trapping by the defect at close range and subsequent coalescence and the perturbation potential is parameterized according to elastic inclusion theory. Superposition of all the relevant interaction potentials provides a comprehensive description of the interaction energy landscape that would be experienced by a small mobile cluster along its migration path toward the plasma-exposed surface at high He fluences. Such descriptions are particularly important for developing atomistically informed, hierarchical multi-scale models of helium cluster dynamics in plasma-facing materials.
All-optical transistor using deep-level defects in nitride semiconductors for room temperature optical computing
Authors: Matys M. , Domanowska A. , Michalewicz A. , Adamowicz B. , Kachi T.
Published: October 2020

The essential device for optical computing is an all-optical transistor in which a weak “gate” light controls the strong “source” light. Particularly promising for application in logic operations are all-optical transistors using quasiparticles in a semiconductor because they can be easily integrated into circuits in a way similar to that of conventional electronic ones. However, the practical development of such devices has so far been limited due to extreme difficulties in achieving room temperature operation. In this work, we proposed and numerically verified a scheme of the high-temperature stable all-optical transistor, where light controls light by using deep-level defects in non-polar InGaN/GaN heterostructure and photo-exited holes as an intermediate medium. The developed optical switching concept fulfills all criteria for the useful all-optical transistor listed in Miller, Nat. Photonics 4, 3 (2010), in particular fan-out and cascadability, which are the most difficult to meet. For the design of our transistor, we applied an entirely new approach to III-nitride device physics: we turned usually undesirable deep-level defects into a key, active element of the transistor in which they realize on and off operations. Due to this, the developed device was able to obtain excellent operation stability in a wide temperature range up to 500 K as well as an extremely high on/off ratio (106) and gain (100). Finally, in order to show that the proposed transistor concept is feasible, we performed the gated-photoluminescence experiment for metal–oxide–semiconductor GaN structures.
Two-step crystallization and solid–solid transitions in binary colloidal mixtures
Authors: Fang Huang , Hagan Michael F. , Rogers W. Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Significance

Crystallization—the spontaneous formation of an ordered solid from a disordered fluid—has fascinated humankind for centuries. Contrary to longstanding theories, which predict that crystals form by a single nucleation event, recent experiments have shown that crystallization can traverse multiple intermediate states. In this paper, we observe a two-step crystallization pathway, in which a metastable crystal forms first and later transforms into another crystal with a different crystallographic symmetry. This transformation is diffusionless: The particles undergo coherent, local rearrangements. Using complementary computer simulations, we show that the two-step crystallization pathway is driven by competing thermodynamic forces and, thus, could be common to many physical systems.
CXCR4 inhibition in human pancreatic and colorectal cancers induces an integrated immune response
Authors: Biasci Daniele , Smoragiewicz Martin , Connell Claire M. , Wang Zhikai , Gao Ya , Thaventhiran James E. D. , Basu Bristi , Magiera Lukasz , Johnson T. Isaac , Bax Lisa , Gopinathan Aarthi , Isherwood Christopher , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Pawula Maria , Hudecova Irena , Gale Davina , Rosenfeld Nitzan , Barmpounakis Petros , Popa Elizabeta Cristina , Brais Rebecca , Godfrey Edmund , Mir Fraz , Richards Frances M. , Fearon Douglas T. , Janowitz Tobias , Jodrell Duncan I.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) pancreatic (PDA) or colorectal cancer (CRC) do not respond to immunotherapy with inhibitors of T cell checkpoints. A possible explanation is suggested by finding that cancer cells in these tumors are coated with the chemokine, CXCL12, and that stimulation of CXCR4, the CXCL12 receptor on immune cells, suppresses directed migration mediated by other chemokine receptors on these cells. We assessed the relevance of these findings by treating patients for seven days with continuous infusion of AMD3100/Plerixafor, a CXCR4 inhibitor. Comparison of pre- and end-of-treatment paired biopsies of metastatic lesions by transcriptomic analysis revealed that AMD3100 induced an integrated immune response that is predictive of a clinical response to T cell checkpoint inhibition.
The adaptor protein APPL2 controls glucose-stimulated insulin secretion via F-actin remodeling in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Wang Baile , Lin Huige , Li Xiaomu , Lu Wenqi , Kim Jae Bum , Xu Aimin , Cheng Kenneth K. Y.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Dysregulation of cytoskeletal remodeling could result in defective GSIS and cause type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have reported the role of small GTPases including Rac1 and Cdc42 in the regulation of F-actin remodeling, whereas the upstream regulatory pathway remains poorly understood. Here, we identify the adaptor protein APPL2 as an upstream regulator of Rac1 activation. APPL2 promotes F-actin remodeling by antagonizing the inhibitory effect of RacGAP1 on Rac1 activation, which eventually enhances GSIS. Our findings fill the overall puzzle of F-actin remodeling with a crucial piece and provide insights into type 2 diabetes with disrupted actin dynamics.
Critical requirement for BCR, BAFF, and BAFFR in memory B cell survival
Authors: Müller-Winkler Jennifer , Mitter Richard , Rappe Julie C.F. , Vanes Lesley , Schweighoffer Edina , Mohammadi Hamid , Wack Andreas , Tybulewicz Victor L.J.
Published: October 2020

Memory B cells (MBCs) are long-lived cells that form a critical part of immunological memory, providing rapid antibody responses to recurring infections. However, very little is known about signals controlling MBC survival. Previous work has shown that antigen is not required for MBC survival, but a requirement for the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) has not been tested. Other studies have shown that, unlike naive B cells, MBCs do not express BAFFR and their survival is independent of BAFF, the ligand for BAFFR. Here, using inducible genetic ablation, we show that survival of MBCs is critically dependent on the BCR and on signaling through the associated CD79A protein. Unexpectedly, we found that MBCs express BAFFR and that their survival requires BAFF and BAFFR; hence, loss of BAFF or BAFFR impairs recall responses. Finally, we show that MBC survival requires IKK2, a kinase that transduces BAFFR signals. Thus, MBC survival is critically dependent on signaling from BCR and BAFFR.
Inelastic x-ray scattering studies of phonon dispersions in superconductors at high pressures
Authors: Souliou S M , Bosak A , Garbarino G , Le Tacon M
Published: October 2020

Electron–phonon interaction is of central importance for the electrical and heat transport properties of metals, and is directly responsible for charge-density-waves or (conventional) superconducting instabilities. The direct observation of phonon dispersion anomalies across electronic phase transitions can provide insightful information regarding the mechanisms underlying their formation. Here, we review the current status of phonon dispersion studies in superconductors under hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure. Advances in the instrumentation of high resolution inelastic x-ray scattering beamlines and pressure generating devices allow these measurements to be performed routinely at synchrotron beamlines worldwide.
Mesenteric venous thrombosis: A lethal complication of hyperglycemic crises
Authors: Tsai Andrew , Teichman Amanda , Butts Christopher A , Cai Jenny Y , Peck Gregory L , Adams Christopher D , Hanna Joseph S
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Although hyperglycemic crises can lead to a hypercoagulable state, few instances of associated mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) have been reported. Worsening abdominal pain in the context of shock requiring vasopressor support should prompt urgent further investigation.

A 44-year-old Hispanic male arrived at an emergency department with chief complaints of lethargy, polydipsia, and polyuria. His past medical history included type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, tobacco smoking, and noncompliance with his medications. On arrival the patient had a serum glucose concentration of >1,600 mg/dL, and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) was diagnosed. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure and subsequently developed shock refractory to fluid resuscitation, necessitating vasopressor support. On hospital day 4, a computerized tomogram obtained for investigation of increasing abdominal tenderness revealed superior MVT and pneumatosis intestinalis. Despite an emergency laparotomy and enterectomy, the patient ultimately succumbed on hospital day 41 due to recurrent pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock.

Conclusion

Shock that is refractory to aggressive fluid resuscitation, necessitating pressor support, in the setting of HHS or diabetic ketoacidosis should prompt investigation for the underlying source of shock. Other etiologies, including hypovolemic, cardiogenic, and obstructive shock, should be considered; however, infection is the leading trigger of hyperglycemic crises. Although rarely reported, MVT should be considered in the diagnostic algorithm in the absence of an identified infectious source. Prompt investigation should include use of diagnostic modalities such as computed tomography to assess for MVT.
Genetic diversity of North American vertebrates in protected areas
Authors: Thompson Coleen E P , Pelletier Tara A , Carstens Bryan C
Published: October 2020

Protected areas play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity; however, it is unclear if these areas have an influence on genetic diversity. As a first step towards addressing this issue, we compare the genetic diversity inside and outside of protected areas. We tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference between genetic diversity inside compared to outside of protected areas in 44 vertebrate species. By automatically skimming the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank we obtained genetic and geographical data to be repurposed and reanalysed. Novel pipelines were used to automate the process of assigning individuals to inside or outside of protected areas and then used to calculate different measures of intraspecific diversity. Forty-eight percent of examined species showed a significant difference in the amount of nucleotide diversity they contained inside compared to outside of protected areas, with similar numbers of species containing more or less genetic diversity inside compared to outside. Although our simulation testing suggests that this result is not an artefact of sampling, it is unclear what factors influence the relative amount of genetic diversity in protected areas across species.
Resolving generic limits in Cyperaceae tribe Abildgaardieae using targeted sequencing
Authors: Larridon Isabel , Zuntini Alexandre R , Barrett Russell L , Wilson Karen L , Bruhl Jeremy J , Goetghebeur Paul , Baker William J , Brewer Grace E , Epitawalage Niroshini , Fairlie Isabel , Forest Félix , Sabino Kikuchi Izai A B , Pokorny Lisa , Semmouri Ilias , Spalink Daniel , Simpson David A , Muasya A Muthama , Roalson Eric H
Published: October 2020

Morphological characterizations of genera in Cyperaceae tribe Abildgaardieae have been highly problematic and the subject of much debate. Earlier molecular phylogenetic studies based on Sanger sequencing and a limited sampling have indicated that several generic circumscriptions are not monophyletic. Here, we provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for Abildgaardieae using targeted sequencing data obtained with the Angiosperms353 enrichment panel for 50 species. We test whether recent taxonomic decisions made based on Sanger sequencing data are validated by our targeted sequencing data. Our results support subsuming the small African genus Nemum into the large genus Bulbostylis and subsuming the monotypic genus Crosslandia into the diverse genus Fimbristylis. Also, our results support the recent publication of the new genus Zulustylis for two African species previously placed in Fimbristylis. Furthermore, we investigate the phylogenetic placement of recently described tropical Australian endemic species of Actinoschoenus, which are recognized here as the new morphologically cryptic genus Scleroschoenus. Based on our phylogenetic hypothesis and supported by morphological data, we recognize the genus Abildgaardia. The placement in Abildgaardieae of two monotypic genera Nelmesia and Trichoschoenus, only known from the type collections from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, respectively, are also discussed. New combinations and lectotypifications are made in Abildgaardia, Actinoschoenus, Arthrostylis and Scleroschoenus.
RUNX1 promotes MAPK signaling to increase tumor progression and metastasis via OPN in head and neck cancer
Authors: Liu Kai , Hu Huiying , Jiang Huanyu , Zhang Haidong , Gong Shanchun , Wei Dongmin , Yu Zhenkun
Published: October 2020

Tumor progression and metastasis are still major burdens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is involved in aggressive phenotypes in several cancers, while the molecular role of RUNX1 underlying cancer progression and metastasis of HNSCC remains largely unknown. In our study, RUNX1 expression was increased with disease progression in patients with HNSCC. The silencing of RUNX1 significantly decelerated the malignant progression of HNSCC cells, reduced osteopontin (OPN) expression in vitro and weakened the tumorigenicity of HNSCC cells in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that RUNX1 activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling by directly binding to the promoter of OPN in tumor progression and metastasis of HNSCC. Our results may provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the role of RUNX1 in tumor progression and metastasis and reveal the potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.
Stable Communities Detection Method for Temporal Multiplex Graphs: Heterogeneous Social Network Case Study
Authors: Rebhi Wala , Ben Yahia Nesrine , Bellamine Ben Saoud Narjès
Published: October 2020

Multiplex graphs have been recently proposed as a model to represent high-level complexity in real-world networks such as heterogeneous social networks where actors could be characterized by heterogeneous properties and could be linked with different types of social interactions. This has brought new challenges in community detection, which aims to identify pertinent groups of nodes in a complex graph. In this context, great efforts have been made to tackle the problem of community detection in multiplex graphs. However, most of the proposed methods until recently deal with static multiplex graph and ignore the temporal dimension, which is a key characteristic of real networks. Even more, the few methods that consider temporal graphs, they just propose to follow communities over time and none of them use the temporal aspect directly to detect stable communities, which are often more meaningful in reality. Thus, this paper proposes a new two-step method to detect stable communities in temporal multiplex graphs. The first step aims to find the best static graph partition at each instant by applying a new hybrid community detection algorithm, which considers both relations heterogeneities and nodes similarities. Then, the second step considers the temporal dimension in order to find final stable communities. Finally, experiments on synthetic graphs and a real social network show that this method is competitive and it is able to extract high-quality communities.
Witnesses in Cyberbullying: Roles and Dilemmas
Authors: Pepler Debra , Mishna Faye , Doucet Jeremy , Lameiro Melanie
Published: October 2020

This study explored youths’ perceptions of the nature and dilemmas of being a bystander in cyberbullying. Although there are many benefits of peer interactions through social media, there are risks, including cyberbullying. Bystanders are integral in the dynamics and harm in both face-to-face and cyberbullying. Using a qualitative approach, authors share youth voices on the experience of witnessing cyberbullying and the dilemmas they face in deciding whether and how to respond to support a peer. Authors conducted thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 16 adolescents. Youths described a range of feelings experienced by witnesses, from discomfort and anger to moral disengagement and justification for cyberbullying. Youths reported three forms of bystander roles: outsider, assistant, and defender, consistent with traditional bullying. The dilemmas they faced in witnessing and intervening that emerged were consistent with the five stages of bystander decision making. Youths indicated that the solutions for cyberbullying rest on the shoulders of adults.
Numbers and phenotype of non-classical CD14dimCD16+ monocytes are predictors of adverse clinical outcome in patients with coronary artery disease and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Mueller Karin Anne Lydia , Langnau Carolin , Günter Manina , Pöschel Simone , Gekeler Sarah , Petersen-Uribe Álvaro , Kreisselmeier Klaus-Peter , Klingel Karin , Bösmüller Hans , Li Bo , Jaeger Philippa , Castor Tatsiana , Rath Dominik , Gawaz Meinrad Paul , Autenrieth Stella E
Published: October 2020

Aims 

To elucidate the prognostic role of monocytes in the immune response of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at risk for life-threatening heart and lung injury as major complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods and results 

From February to April 2020, we prospectively studied a cohort of 96 participants comprising 47 consecutive patients with CAD and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (CAD + SARS-CoV-2), 19 CAD patients without infections, and 30 healthy controls. Clinical assessment included blood sampling, echocardiography, and electrocardiography within 12 h of admission. Respiratory failure was stratified by the Horovitz Index (HI) as moderately/severely impaired when HI ≤200 mmHg. The clinical endpoint (EP) was defined as HI ≤200 mmHg with subsequent mechanical ventilation within a follow-up of 30 days. The numbers of CD14dimCD16+ non-classical monocytes in peripheral blood were remarkably low in CAD + SARS-CoV-2 compared with CAD patients without infection and healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Moreover, these CD14dimCD16 monocytes showed decreased expression of established markers of adhesion, migration, and T-cell activation (CD54, CD62L, CX3CR1, CD80, and HLA-DR). Decreased numbers of CD14dimCD16+ monocytes were associated with the occurrence of EP. Kaplan–Meier curves illustrate that CAD + SARS-CoV-2 patients with numbers below the median of CD14dimCD16+ monocytes (median 1443 cells/mL) reached EP significantly more often compared to patients with numbers above the median (log-rank 5.03, P = 0.025).

Conclusion 

Decreased numbers of CD14dimCD16+ monocytes are associated with rapidly progressive respiratory failure in CAD + SARS-CoV-2 patients. Intensified risk assessments comprising monocyte sub- and phenotypes may help to identify patients at risk for respiratory failure.
Taming the prince: Bringing presidential emergency powers under law in Colombia
Authors: Katz Andrea Scoseria
Published: October 2020

Can courts check presidential power exercised in a crisis—and should they? The case of Colombia, which recently turned on its head a history of presidential overreach and judicial rubber-stamping, provides an answer in the affirmative. As in much of Latin America, throughout Colombia’s post-independence history, bloodshed fueled authoritarian tendencies, with presidents exploiting the need for “order” to centralize power. One critical weapon in the presidential toolkit was the power to declare a state of emergency. During the twentieth century, these decrees became a routine pretext for the President to govern unilaterally, acquiesced to by the legislature and rarely challenged by the courts. That pattern has since come to an end. Since 1992, the Constitutional Court has proven an unexpectedly strong counterweight to presidential power, especially in its strict review of presidential emergency decrees. Under a model of substantive judicial review, the Constitutional Court has taken for itself the authority to review the factual basis giving rise to a crisis, and the adequacy of the President’s rationale for declaring it. Decrees that, as in the past, attempted to manufacture a crisis or which would exceed the President’s constitutional powers have been struck down. This paper discusses some of the Court’s successes in that ambit, and argues for the portability of this model to other national contexts.
PI3K-Akt Signaling in the Basolateral Amygdala Facilitates Traumatic Stress Enhancements in Fear Memory
Authors: Knox Dayan , Della Valle Rebecca , Mohammadmirzaei Negin , Shultz Brianna , Biddle Matt , Farkash Abigail , Chamness Marisa , Moulton Emily
Published: October 2020

Background

A core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder is persistent fear memory, which can be defined as fear memory that is resistant to updating, inhibition, or extinction. posttraumatic stress disorder emerges after traumatic stress exposure, but neurobiological mechanisms via which traumatic stress leads to persistent fear memory are not well defined. Akt signaling within the amygdala (Amy) is enhanced with traumatic stress, and phosphatidylinositol kinase 3 (PI3K) activation of Akt within the basolateral Amy (BLA) has been implicated as critical to fear memory formation. These findings raise the possibility that traumatic stress enhances PI3K→Akt signaling in the BLA, which leads to persistent fear memory.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, rats were exposed to traumatic stress using the single prolonged stress model, and changes in Akt phosphorylation were assayed in the Amy at 0 and 30 minutes after fear conditioning (FC). In a separate experiment, we inhibited PI3K→Akt signaling in the BLA prior to FC and observed the effect this had on acquisition, expression, and extinction of FC in stressed and control rats.

Results

Enhanced Akt phosphorylation in the Amy at both time points was observed in stressed rats, but not in control rats. PI3K→Akt inhibition in the BLA had no effect on freezing in control rats but decreased freezing during extinction training and testing in stressed rats.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PI3K→Akt signaling in the BLA could be a mechanism via which traumatic stress leads to fear memory that is resistant to extinction.
Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Availabilities and Evoked Dopamine Release in Striatum Differentially Predict Impulsivity and Novelty Preference in Roman High- and Low-Avoidance Rats
Authors: Bellés Lidia , Dimiziani Andrea , Tsartsalis Stergios , Millet Philippe , Herrmann François R , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Background

Impulsivity and novelty preference are both associated with an increased propensity to develop addiction-like behaviors, but their relationship and respective underlying dopamine (DA) underpinnings are not fully elucidated.

Methods

We evaluated a large cohort (n = 49) of Roman high- and low-avoidance rats using single photon emission computed tomography to concurrently measure in vivo striatal D2/3 receptor (D2/3R) availability and amphetamine (AMPH)-induced DA release in relation to impulsivity and novelty preference using a within-subject design. To further examine the DA-dependent processes related to these traits, midbrain D2/3-autoreceptor levels were measured using ex vivo autoradiography in the same animals.

Results

We replicated a robust inverse relationship between impulsivity, as measured with the 5-choice serial reaction time task, and D2/3R availability in ventral striatum and extended this relationship to D2/3R levels measured in dorsal striatum. Novelty preference was positively related to impulsivity and showed inverse associations with D2/3R availability in dorsal striatum and ventral striatum. A high magnitude of AMPH-induced DA release in striatum predicted both impulsivity and novelty preference, perhaps owing to the diminished midbrain D2/3-autoreceptor availability measured in high-impulsive/novelty-preferring Roman high-avoidance animals that may amplify AMPH effect on DA transmission. Mediation analyses revealed that while D2/3R availability and AMPH-induced DA release in striatum are both significant predictors of impulsivity, the effect of striatal D2/3R availability on novelty preference is fully mediated by evoked striatal DA release.

Conclusions

Impulsivity and novelty preference are related but mediated by overlapping, yet dissociable, DA-dependent mechanisms in striatum that may interact to promote the emergence of an addiction-prone phenotype.
On perturbation range in the feedback synthesis problem for a chain of integrators system
Authors: Korobov V I , Revina T V
Published: October 2020

The feedback synthesis problem for a chain of integrators system with continuous bounded unknown perturbation is considered. Our approach is based on the controllability function (CF) method proposed by V.I. Korobov. The perturbation range is determined by the negativity condition for the total derivative of the CF with respect to the perturbed system. The control that does not depend on perturbation under some restrictions and steers an arbitrary initial point from a neighborhood of the origin to the origin in a finite time (settling-time function) is constructed. The settling-time function depends on the perturbation, but it remains bounded from below and from above by the same value.
Rapid Progression of Kidney Dysfunction in People Living With HIV: Use of Polygenic and Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) Risk Scores
Authors: Dietrich Léna G , Thorball Christian W , Ryom Lene , Burkhalter Felix , Hasse Barbara , Thurnheer Maria Christine , Weisser Maja , Schmid Patrick , Bernasconi Enos , Darling Kathrine E A , Buvelot Hélène , Fellay Jacques , Ledergerber Bruno , Tarr Philip E ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Anagnostopoulos A , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Boni J , Braun D L , Bucher H C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Ciuffi A , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux C A , Gunthard H F , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch H H , Hoffmann M , Hosli I , Huber M , Kahlert C R , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R D , Kovari H , Ledergerber B , Martinetti G , de Tejada B Martinez , Marzolini C , Metzner K J , Muller N , Nicca D , Paioni P , Pantaleo G , Perreau M , Rauch A , Rudin C , Scherrer A U , Schmid P , Speck R , Stockle M , Tarr P , Trkola A , Vernazza P , Wandeler G , Weber R , Yerly S
Published: October 2020

Background

In people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), it is unknown whether genetic background associates with rapid progression of kidney dysfunction (ie, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decrease of >5mL/min/1.73m2 per year for ≥3 consecutive years).

Methods

We obtained univariable and multivariable hazard ratios (HR) for rapid progression, based on the clinical D:A:D chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk score, antiretroviral exposures, and a polygenic risk score based on 14 769 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in white Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants.

Results

We included 225 participants with rapid progression and 3378 rapid progression-free participants. In multivariable analysis, compared to participants with low D:A:D risk, participants with high risk had rapid progression (HR =  1.82 [95% CI, 1.28–2.60]). Compared to the first (favorable) polygenic risk score quartile, participants in the second, third, and fourth (unfavorable) quartiles had rapid progression (HR = 1.39 [95% CI, 0.94–2.06], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.04–2.24], and 2.04 [95% CI, 1.41–2.94], respectively). Recent exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was associated with rapid progression (HR = 1.36 [95% CI, 1.06–1.76]).

Discussion

An individual polygenic risk score is associated with rapid progression in Swiss PWH, when analyzed in the context of clinical and antiretroviral risk factors.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Antibody Kinetics Among Health Care Workers in a Spanish Hospital After 3 Months of Follow-up
Authors: Moncunill Gemma , Mayor Alfredo , Santano Rebeca , Jiménez Alfons , Vidal Marta , Tortajada Marta , Sanz Sergi , Méndez Susana , Llupià Anna , Aguilar Ruth , Alonso Selena , Barrios Diana , Carolis Carlo , Cisteró Pau , Chóliz Eugenia , Cruz Angeline , Fochs Silvia , Jairoce Chenjerai , Hecht Jochen , Lamoglia Montserrat , Martínez Mikel J , Moreno Javier , Mitchell Robert A , Ortega Natalia , Pey Nuria , Puyol Laura , Ribes Marta , Rosell Neus , Figueroa-Romero Antía , Sotomayor Patricia , Torres Sara , Williams Sarah , Barroso Sonia , Vilella Anna , Trilla Antoni , Varela Pilar , Dobaño Carlota , Garcia-Basteiro Alberto L
Published: October 2020

Background

At the COVID-19 spring 2020 pandemic peak in Spain, prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of 578 randomly selected health care workers (HCWs) from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona was 11.2%.

Methods

A follow-up survey 1 month later (April-May 2020) measured infection by rRT-PCR and IgM, IgA, and IgG to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein by Luminex. Antibody kinetics, including IgG subclasses, was assessed until month 3.

Results

At month 1, the prevalence of infection measured by rRT-PCR and serology was 14.9% (84/565) and seroprevalence 14.5% (82/565). We found 25 (5%) new infections in 501 participants without previous evidence of infection. IgM, IgG, and IgA levels declined in 3 months (antibody decay rates 0.15 [95% CI, .11–.19], 0.66 [95% CI, .54–.82], and 0.12 [95% CI, .09–.16], respectively), and 68.33% of HCWs had seroreverted for IgM, 3.08% for IgG, and 24.29% for IgA. The most frequent subclass responses were IgG1 (highest levels) and IgG2, followed by IgG3, and only IgA1 but no IgA2 was detected.

Conclusions

Continuous and improved surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in HCWs remains critical, particularly in high-risk groups. The observed fast decay of IgA and IgM levels has implications for seroprevalence studies using these isotypes.
Evidence Based Burn Depth Assessment Using Laser-Based Technologies: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Claes Karel E Y , Hoeksema Henk , Vyncke Tom , Verbelen Jozef , De Coninck Petra , De Decker Ignace , Monstrey Stan
Published: October 2020

Early clinical assessment of burn depth and associated healing potential (HP) remains extremely challenging, even for experienced surgeons. Inaccurate diagnosis often leads to prolonged healing times and unnecessary surgical procedures, resulting in incremental costs, and unfavorable outcomes. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is currently the most objective and accurate diagnostic tool to measure blood flow and its associated HP, the main predictor for a patient’s long-term functional and aesthetic outcome. A systematic review was performed on non-invasive, laser-based methods for burn depth assessment using skin microcirculation measurements to determine time to healing: Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), LDI and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Important drawbacks of single point LDF measurements are direct contact with numerous small points on the wound bed and the need to carry out serial measurements over several days. LDI is a fast, “non-contact,” single measurement tool allowing to scan large burned areas with a 96% accuracy. LDI reduces the number of surgeries, improves the functional and aesthetic outcome and is cost-effective. There is only limited evidence for the use of LSCI in burn depth assessment. LSCI still needs technical improvements and scientific validation, before it can be approved for reliable burn assessment. LDI has proven to be invaluable in determining the optimal treatment of a burn patient. For unclear reasons, LDI is still not routinely used in burn centers worldwide. Additional research is required to identify potential “barriers” for universal implementation of this evidence-based burn depth assessment tool.
On the Ecology and Distribution of Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in California’s Eel River
Authors: Kannry Samantha H , O’Rourke Sean M , Kelson Suzanne J , Miller Michael R
Published: October 2020

The preservation of life history and other phenotypic complexity is central to the resilience of Pacific salmon stocks. Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) express a diversity of life-history strategies such as the propensity to migrate (anadromy/residency) and the timing and state of maturation upon return to freshwater (run-timing), providing an opportunity to study adaptive phenotypic complexity. Historically, the Eel River supported upwards of 1 million salmon and steelhead, but the past century has seen dramatic declines of all salmonids in the watershed. Here we investigate life-history variation in Eel River steelhead by using Rapture sequencing, on thousands of individuals, to genotype the region diagnostic for run-timing (GREB1L) and the region strongly associated with residency/anadromy (OMY5) in the Eel River and other locations, as well as determine patterns of overall genetic differentiation. Our results provide insight into many conservation-related issues. For example, we found that distinct segregation between winter and summer-run steelhead correlated with flow-dependent barriers in major forks of the Eel, that summer-run steelhead inhabited the upper Eel prior to construction of an impassable dam, and that both life history and overall genetic diversity have been maintained in the resident trout population above; and we found no evidence of the summer-run allele in the South Fork Eel, indicating that summer run-timing cannot be expected to arise from standing genetic variation in this and other populations that lack the summer-run phenotype. The results presented in this study provide valuable information for designing future restoration and management strategies for O. mykiss in Northern California and beyond.
What can we learn from surveys? A systematic review of survey studies addressing femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Authors: Memon Muzammil , Ohlin Axel , Kooner Paul , Ginsberg Lydia , Ochiai Derek , Queiroz Marcelo C , Simunovic Nicole , Ayeni Olufemi R
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the methodology, response rate and quality of survey studies related to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. A search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE) for relevant studies from database inception to 27 January 2020. Data extracted included study and survey characteristics, as well as response rates. The quality of the included studies was also assessed using a previously published quality assessment tool. Data were analysed with means, ranges, standard deviations, 95% confidence intervals and bivariate analysis. Eleven studies (13 surveys) were included in this review out of a total of 1608 initial titles found. Surveys were most often administered via the Internet (72%) to orthopaedic surgeons (54%). The mean response rate was 70.4%. The mean quality score was moderate 13.3/24 (SD ±4.3). The criterion that most often scored high was ‘clearly defined purpose and objectives’ (11/11). The most common survey topic investigated surgeons’ knowledge regarding FAI diagnosis and management (n = 7). In addition, bivariate analysis between quality score and response rate showed no significant correlation (Spearman’s rho = −0.090, P = 0.85). Overall, survey studies related to FAI syndrome most often use Internet-based methods to administer surveys. The most common target audience is orthopaedic surgeons. The topics of the surveys most often revolve around orthopaedic surgeons’ knowledge and opinions relating to the diagnosis and management of FAI syndrome. The response rate is high in patient surveys and lower in larger surgeon surveys. Overall, the studies are of moderate quality.
Introduction and Overview
Authors: Johnson Matthew Barry
Published: October 2020

The Introduction and Overview provides an overview of the chapters and the approach in examining wrongful conviction in sexual assault. It identifies both rape and wrongful conviction as damaging and traumatic outcomes. Drawing from a public health perspective, it presents a link between rape and wrongful conviction illustrated by disaggregating wrongful conviction in stranger rape, from acquaintance rape, and intrafamilial child sexual assault, thus highlighting the concentration of wrongful convictions among stranger rapes. The Introduction and Overview also discusses the frequency of wrongful conviction and points out the significance of classifying sexual assaults together rather than relying on the prosecution approach of classifying criminal offenses by the highest charge, which obscures the relation of sexual assault to wrongful conviction.