bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blunted Muscle Mitochondrial Responses to Exercise Training in Older Adults With HIV
Authors: Jankowski Catherine M , Wilson Melissa P , MaWhinney Samantha , Reusch Jane , Knaub Leslie , Hull Sara , Erlandson Kristine M
Published: December 2020

Background

Muscle mitochondrial dysfunction associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may improve with exercise.

Methods

Muscle specimens obtained before and after 24 weeks of exercise in older people with HIV (PWH; n = 18; ART >2 years) and uninfected controls (n = 21) were analyzed for citrate synthase (CS) activity and complexes (C) I–V, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC1α), and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) content.

Results

Only controls had increased CS, MnSOD, PGC1α, and CIV (P ≤ .01; P < .01 vs PWH) after training.

Conclusions

The blunted mitochondrial adaptations to training in PWH suggests the need for different types of exercise-induced stimulation.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02404792.
Effect of mandibular contouring surgery on the stress distribution during various clenching tasks
Authors: Yoon Youngjae , Kim Jae-eun , Jung Junho , Oh Sang-hwan , Noh Gunwoo , Kwon Yong-Dae
Published: December 2020

A prominent mandibular angle produces a characteristic quadrangle with a coarse appearance. Asians prefer getting the shape of their jaws surgically corrected into a V-line, which is assumed to give a more intelligent, beautiful, and delicate appearance. According to many studies, mandibular contouring surgery may jeopardize mechanical stability. The aim of this study was to analyse the stress on the mandible during function after mandibular contouring surgery using finite element analysis. Based on computed tomography scans, the three-dimensional models of preoperative mandible, mandibular angle ostectomy, and sagittal cortical ostectomy of the mandibular ramus and body with angle ostectomy were obtained. Boundary conditions to restrict movement on both condyles and clenching tasks (incisal clench, right molar clench, and right group clench) were simulated. The sagittal cortical ostectomy model had the highest strain energy (48.51 J) and von Mises stress (77.39 MPa) during the right molar clench task. The maximum von Mises stress on the sagittal cortical ostectomy was increased by up to approximately four times compared with the cases of preoperative mandible. The stress was concentrated at the site of operation, mandibular condyle, and angle. In the case of the sagittal cortical ostectomy model, bone resorption may occur, and there is a possibility of fracture during the right molar clench task. These results suggest that mandibular contouring surgery may be related to the fragility of the mandible, since surgery significantly alters its biomechanics. The degree of surgery may be a determining factor in the stress and fracture risk of the mandible. Therefore, clinicians should establish an accurate and correct treatment plan for the safe prognosis of patients after surgery.
Seasonal Abundance, Defoliation, and Parasitism of Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Two Apple Cultivars
Authors: Shanovich Hailey N , Ribeiro Arthur Vieira , Koch Robert L
Published: December 2020

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, is an invasive insect to the United States that feeds on turfgrass roots as a larva and the foliage, flowers, and fruit of many major ornamental and agricultural crops, such as apple, as an adult. Despite its generalist feeding behavior, P. japonica shows preferences for certain plant species and cultivars. Classical biological control for P. japonica, including release of Istocheta aldrichi (Mensil), has been pursued in Minnesota. This study was conducted to assess the effects of apple cultivar on season-long abundance of adult P. japonica and their defoliation; and to assess effects of apple cultivar and P. japonica abundance and sex on parasitism of P. japonica by I. aldrichi. Sampling occurred during the summers of 2017 and 2018 on Zestar! and Honeycrisp cultivars in four different apple orchards. Abundance and defoliation of P. japonica was higher on Honeycrisp than Zestar!. Parasitism of P. japonica by I. aldrichi was higher for females than for males. In 2018, the relationship between parasitism of P. japonica and host density varied by cultivar. These findings may help growers determine which apple cultivars should be prioritized for scouting and management efforts and may provide an estimate of potential biological control by I. aldrichi in agricultural areas in the Midwest.
Rapid Identification of Tropilaelaps Mite (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) Species Using a COI Barcode-HRM
Authors: Del Cont Aurélie , De Georges Benjamin , Huleux Anthea , Duquesne Veronique
Published: December 2020

Tropilaelaps mite (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) is an ectoparasite of bees present, to date, only on the Asian continent. In the context of the threat of Tropilaelaps’s introduction into new regions, accurate, rapid, and sensitive detection of the Tropilaelaps spp. is essential. In the present study, we developed a novel molecular method for bee mite’s identification, which consists of a new real-time PCR method. A high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) was then performed on the amplified products to differentiate the species. PCR amplification was applied on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (580 bp). Short fragments from the most variable regions of this gene were identified in silico to amplify and discriminate among the four Tropilaelaps species. Four reference plasmids were synthesized to characterize species by well-distinguished melting curves. The method was then validated in terms of its specificity and sensitivity using a panel of 12 specimens. The results showed that an HRM method can be applied for the intended objective: for rapid and simultaneous identification of Tropilaelaps species. To our knowledge, this study reports the first direct HRM assay developed for the genome of a bee mite, specific for Tropilaelaps species. This COI barcode-HRM technique could be a promising tool for mite species identification.
Estimation of weak anisotropy parameters and fracture density of asymmetric fractures in monoclinic medium
Authors: Ge Zijian , Pan Shulin , Li Jingye , Zhang Dongjun , Luo Haoran
Published: December 2020

One of the typical anisotropic media is the monoclinic anisotropy (MA) medium, which is formed by embedding two sets of non-orthogonal fracture sets into an isotropic or vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) background medium. Weak anisotropy (WA) parameters and fracture density provide important in situ stress and high-porosity zone information. Estimation of WA parameters and fracture density of MA medium by prestack seismic amplitude inversion is important for shale reservoir characterisation. We derive the expression of generalised WA parameters in a basic reflection coefficients formula of MA medium by incorporating a stiffness matrix of VTI background and disturbance compliance matrix of asymmetric fracture. We then re-express the P-wave reflection coefficients in terms of WA parameters and fracture compliance tensors. To achieve the direct inversion of fracture density, we rewrite the linearised expression of P-wave reflection coefficients related to WA parameters and fracture density. Finally, under the Bayesian framework, the WA parameters and fracture density are estimated by using the amplitude versus offset and azimuth (AVOA) inversion parameters. We use a Monte Carlo simulation to test the effect of uncertainties in the priori information about fracture property parameters. The application of synthetic seismic gathers show that the proposed inversion strategy is reliable within moderate noise. Compared with the results obtained by using inversion based on a rotationally invariant fracture, the test indicates that a fracture model with a simplified shape or wrong assumption will increase calculation error and reduce the inversion accuracy.
A relationship between stellar metallicity gradients and galaxy age in dwarf galaxies
Authors: Mercado Francisco J , Bullock James S , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Moreno Jorge , Wetzel Andrew , El-Badry Kareem , Graus Andrew S , Fitts Alex , Hopkins Philip F , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Gurvich Alexander B
Published: December 2020

We explore the origin of stellar metallicity gradients in simulated and observed dwarf galaxies. We use FIRE-2 cosmological baryonic zoom-in simulations of 26 isolated galaxies as well as existing observational data for 10 Local Group dwarf galaxies. Our simulated galaxies have stellar masses between 105.5 and 108.6 M⊙. Whilst gas-phase metallicty gradients are generally weak in our simulated galaxies, we find that stellar metallicity gradients are common, with central regions tending to be more metal-rich than the outer parts. The strength of the gradient is correlated with galaxy-wide median stellar age, such that galaxies with younger stellar populations have flatter gradients. Stellar metallicty gradients are set by two competing processes: (1) the steady ‘puffing’ of old, metal-poor stars by feedback-driven potential fluctuations and (2) the accretion of extended, metal-rich gas at late times, which fuels late-time metal-rich star formation. If recent star formation dominates, then extended, metal-rich star formation washes out pre-existing gradients from the ‘puffing’ process. We use published results from ten Local Group dwarf galaxies to show that a similar relationship between age and stellar metallicity-gradient strength exists among real dwarfs. This suggests that observed stellar metallicity gradients may be driven largely by the baryon/feedback cycle rather than by external environmental effects.
Centroid migration on an impacted granular slope due to asymmetric ejecta deposition and landsliding
Authors: Omura Tomomi , Takizawa Shinta , Katsuragi Hiroaki
Published: December 2020

For a fundamental understanding of terrain relaxation occurring on sloped surfaces of terrestrial bodies, we analyse the crater shape produced by an impact on an inclined granular (dry-sand) layer. Owing to asymmetric ejecta deposition followed by landsliding, the slope of the impacted inclined surface can be relaxed. Using the experimental results of a solid projectile impact on an inclined dry-sand layer, we measure the distance of centroid migration induced by asymmetric cratering. We find that the centroid migration distance xmig normalized to the crater minor-axis diameter Dcy can be expressed as a function of the initial inclination of the target tan θ, the effective friction coefficient μ, and two parameters K and c that characterize the asymmetric ejecta deposition and oblique impact effect: xmig/Dcy = K tan θ/[1 − (tan θ/μ)2] + c, where K = 0.6, μ = 0.8, and c = −0.1 to 0.3. This result is consistent with a previous study that considered the effect of asymmetric ejecta deposition. The obtained results provide fundamental information for analysing the degradation of sloped terrain on planetary surfaces, such as crater-shape degradation due to the accumulation of micro-impacts.
Reference wavelengths of Si ii, C ii, Fe i, and Ni ii for quasar absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Nave Gillian , Clear Christian
Published: December 2020

Wavelengths of absorption lines in the spectra of galaxies along the line of sight to distant quasars can be used to probe the variablility of the fine structure constant, α, at high redshifts, provided that the laboratory wavelengths are known to better than 6 parts in 108, corresponding to a radial velocity of ≈20 ms−1. For several lines of Si ii, C ii, Fe i, and Ni ii, previously published wavelengths are inadequate for this purpose. Improved wavelengths for these lines were derived by re-analysing archival Fourier transform (FT) spectra of iron hollow cathode lamps (HCL), a silicon carbide Penning discharge lamp, and with new spectra of nickel HCLs. By reoptimizing the energy levels of Fe i, the absolute uncertainty of 13 resonance lines has been reduced by over a factor of 2. A similar analysis for Si ii gives improved values for 45 lines with wavelength uncertainties over an order of magnitude smaller than previous measurements. Improved wavelengths for eight lines of Ni ii were measured and Ritz wavelengths from optimized energy levels determined for an additional three lines at shorter wavelengths. Three lines of C ii near 135 nm were observed using FT spectroscopy and the wavelengths confirm previous measurements.
The growth of H ii regions around massive stars: the role of metallicity and dust
Authors: Ali Ahmad A
Published: December 2020

Gas metallicity (Z) and the related dust-to-gas ratio (fd) can influence the growth of H ii regions via metal line cooling and ultraviolet (UV) absorption. We model these effects in star-forming regions containing massive stars. We compute stellar feedback from photoionization and radiation pressure (RP) using Monte Carlo radiative transfer coupled with hydrodynamics, including stellar and diffuse radiation fields. We follow a $10^{5}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ turbulent cloud with Z/Z⊙ = 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.1, and $f_\textrm{d} = 0.01\, Z/Z_{\odot }$ with a cluster-sink particle method for star formation. The models evolve for at least 1.5 Myr under feedback. Lower Z results in higher temperatures and therefore larger H ii regions. For Z ≥ Z⊙, RP (Prad) can dominate locally over the gas pressure (Pgas) in the inner half-parsec around sink particles. Globally, the ratio of Prad/Pgas is around 1 (2 Z⊙), 0.3 (Z⊙), 0.1 (0.5 Z⊙), and 0.03 (0.1 Z⊙). In the solar model, excluding RP results in an ionized volume several times smaller than the fiducial model with both mechanisms. Excluding RP and UV attenuation by dust results in a larger ionized volume than the fiducial case. That is, UV absorption hinders growth more than RP helps it. The radial expansion velocity of ionized gas reaches +15 km s−1 outwards, while neutral gas has inward velocities for most of the runtime, except for 0.1 Z⊙ that exceeds +4 km s−1. Z and fd do not significantly alter the star formation efficiency, rate, or cluster half-mass radius, with the exception of 0.1 Z⊙ due to the earlier expulsion of neutral gas.
Extreme mass-ratio gravitational-wave sources: mass segregation and post binary tidal-disruption captures
Authors: Raveh Yael , Perets Hagai B
Published: December 2020

The gravitational-wave (GW) inspirals of stellar-mass compact objects on to a supermassive black hole (SMBH), are some of the most promising GW sources detectable by next-generation space-born GW-detectors. The rates and characteristics of such extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs) sources are highly uncertain. They are determined by the dynamics of stars near MBHs and the rate at which compacts objects are driven to the close proximity of the MBH. Here, we consider weakly and strongly mass-segregated nuclear clusters and the evolution of stars captured into highly eccentric orbits following binary disruptions by the MBH. We make use of a Monte Carlo approach to model the diffusion of both captured objects and compact-objects brought through two-body relaxation processes. We calculate the rates of GW-inspirals resulting from relaxation-driven objects and characterize EMRIs properties. We correct previous studies and show that relaxation-driven sources produce GW-sources with lower-eccentricity than previously found and provide the detailed EMRI eccentricity distribution in the weak and strong mass-segregation regimes. We also show that binary-disruption captured-stars could introduce low-eccentricity GW-sources of stellar BH EMRIs in mass-segregated clusters. The eccentricities of the GW-sources from the capture channel, however, are strongly affected by relaxation processes and are significantly higher than previously suggested. We find that both the rate and eccentricity distribution of EMRIs could probe the dynamics near MBHs, and the contribution of captured stars, characterize the mass-function of stellar compact objects, and verify whether weak or strong mass-segregation processes take place near MBHs.
HAPHPIPE: Haplotype Reconstruction and Phylodynamics for Deep Sequencing of Intrahost Viral Populations
Authors: Bendall Matthew L , Gibson Keylie M , Steiner Margaret C , Rentia Uzma , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Crandall Keith A
Published: December 2020

Deep sequencing of viral populations using next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers opportunities to understand and investigate evolution, transmission dynamics, and population genetics. Currently, the standard practice for processing NGS data to study viral populations is to summarize all the observed sequences from a sample as a single consensus sequence, thus discarding valuable information about the intrahost viral molecular epidemiology. Furthermore, existing analytical pipelines may only analyze genomic regions involved in drug resistance, thus are not suited for full viral genome analysis. Here, we present HAPHPIPE, a HAplotype and PHylodynamics PIPEline for genome-wide assembly of viral consensus sequences and haplotypes. The HAPHPIPE protocol includes modules for quality trimming, error correction, de novo assembly, alignment, and haplotype reconstruction. The resulting consensus sequences, haplotypes, and alignments can be further analyzed using a variety of phylogenetic and population genetic software. HAPHPIPE is designed to provide users with a single pipeline to rapidly analyze sequences from viral populations generated from NGS platforms and provide quality output properly formatted for downstream evolutionary analyses.
Safety and Feasibility of Outpatient Rehabilitation in Patients With Secondary Bone Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tabacof Laura , Delgado Andrew , Dewil Sophie , Reis Fabiana , Velar Camila Molina , Corteline Munique Egle Dona , Cecatto Rebeca Boltes , Putrino David , Imamura Marta , Battistella Linamara Rizzo , Moran de Brito Christina May
Published: December 2020

Background:

Because of fear of skeletal complications, physicians often avoid referring patients with secondary bone cancer (SBC) to physical rehabilitation. However, there is little evidence on the risk of skeletal-related events (SREs) and pathological fracture (PF) during rehabilitation therapies.

Objective:

To determine the risk of PF following physical rehabilitation in people with SBC.

Design:

Single-group, single-centered interventional clinical trial.

Setting:

University-based outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

Patients:

Forty-eight patients with confirmed diagnosis of SBC were enrolled.

Interventions:

Participants were prescribed a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Participants and rehabilitation therapists were trained to detect and report symptoms that would indicate PF. Radiographs were used to confirm the presence of PF.

Measurements:

The primary outcomes were safety and feasibility of an outpatient rehabilitation program for patients with SBC. Safety was measured by the rate of SREs. Feasibility was measured by the ability to successfully complete the program. Secondary outcome measures included Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores to assess pain intensity.

Results:

One PF was detected, which occurred outside of rehabilitation therapy. Two other SREs occurred, resulting in a total event rate of 11.8 for every 10 000 hours of exposure. There was a significant improvement in NRS (95% CI, 1.41-3.08, P < .001) and SF-36 measures (95% CI, 80.35-158.11, P < .001).

Limitations:

Twenty participants (42%) did not complete the rehabilitation program due to clinical complications or death.

Conclusions:

Rehabilitation interventions may not increase the risk of SREs or PF in patients with SBC. Further research is indicated to verify these findings.
Health Promotion, Wellness, and Prevention Practice in Oncologic Physical Therapy: A Survey Study
Authors: Wilson Christopher M. , Lucado Ann M. , Wendland Deborah M. , Taylor David W. M. , Black Beth
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cancer and its treatments cause a variety of symptoms and sequelae that can be impacted by patients' health behaviors.

Objective/Purpose:

To examine the perceptions of their role and the extent to which physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) include health promotion, wellness, and prevention (HPWP) in the care of patients with cancer.

Design:

Survey.

Methods:

A survey was developed to examine the perceptions, current practice, and barriers to HPWP practice in oncologic physical therapist practice. After reliability testing and survey refinement, the survey was administered electronically to PTs and PTAs who provide care for individuals with cancer. The responses of 69 PTs and 4 PTAs who completed the survey were analyzed.

Results:

Respondents reported their perceived role versus current practice in discussing the following behaviors with their patients: physical activity/exercise (99%/99%), stress management (93%/72%), sleep hygiene (92%/61%), tobacco use (83%/28%), healthy eating (82%/71%), alcohol/substance abuse (74%/7%), and vaping/e-cigarettes (73%/3%). Reported barriers to HPWP practice included economic limitations, lack of time, level of patient interest, inadequate skills, and lack of organizational support and resources.

Conclusions:

There was close alignment between respondents' perceived roles and HPWP practice for physical activity, healthy eating, and stress management but less agreement with the behaviors of sleep hygiene, alcohol/tobacco/substance use, and vaping. Limitations included a low response rate and limited psychometric testing of the survey. Because of the potential positive effect of healthy behaviors in those diagnosed with cancer, there is opportunity to better incorporate HPWP into oncologic physical therapist practice.
Exploring the origin and regulatory role of mast cells in asthma
Authors: Murphy Ryan C. , Hallstrand Teal S.
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review

Mast cells have previously been thought to function solely as effector cells in asthma but more recent studies have indicated that mast cells may play a more central role in propagating and regulating lower airway inflammation in asthma.

Recent findings

Initial studies have found increased numbers of mast cell progenitors (MCPs) in the peripheral blood of patients with asthma and these cells could contribute to the increased number of progenitors identified in the airways of patients with asthma. There are unique subpopulations of mast cells within the asthmatic airway, which are characterized by their physical location and distinguished by their expression profile of mast cell proteases. Intraepithelial mast cells are tightly associated with type-2 (T2) inflammation but additional studies have suggested a role for anti-mast cell therapies as a treatment for T2-low asthma. Mast cells have recently been shown to closely communicate with the airway epithelium and airway smooth muscle to regulate lower airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Recent studies have better illuminated the central role of mast cells in regulating lower airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.
PARP inhibitors in the treatment of ovarian cancer: a review
Authors: Washington Christina R. , Moore Kathleen N.
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review

This article will review recent changes in the standard of care for olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib, as well as ongoing trials evaluating this class of drugs in combination with antiangiogenic agents and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Recent findings

Niraparib received FDA approval for use in patients with complete response or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regardless of BRCAm or HRD status that was received in April 2020. FDA approval was received for olaparib in combination with bevacizamab for epithelial ovarian cancer patients with complete response/partial response to first-line chemotherapy and bevacizumab and g/sBRCA and/or genomic instability by Myriad myChoice CDx in May 2020.

In the last year, treatment with PARPi has extended to not only include BRCAm and HRD-deficient patients but also have shown improvement in outcomes in HRD-proficient patients. With these advancements, more patients can access these agents and receive benefit. In the upcoming years, it will be exciting to see the potential benefit when PARPs are added to other angiogenic antagonists and immunotherapy agents.
Surgical Treatment and Visual Outcomes of Adult Orbital Roof Fractures
Authors: Gebran Selim G. , Lopez Joseph , Wasicek Philip J. , Elegbede Adekunle , Rasko Yvonne M. , Liang Fan , Nam Arthur J. , Manson Paul N. , Grant Michael P.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Fractures of the orbital roof require high-energy trauma and have been linked to high rates of neurologic and ocular complications. However, there is a paucity of literature exploring the association between injury, management, and visual prognosis.

Methods:

The authors performed a 3-year retrospective review of orbital roof fracture admissions to a Level I trauma center. Fracture displacement, comminution, and frontobasal type were ascertained from computed tomographic images. Pretreatment characteristics of operative orbital roof fractures were compared to those of nonoperative fractures. Risk factors for ophthalmologic complications were assessed using univariable/multivariable regression analyses.

Results:

In total, 225 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fractures were most commonly nondisplaced [n = 118 (52.4 percent)] and/or of type II frontobasal pattern (linear vault involving) [n = 100 (48.5 percent)]. Eight patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of their orbital roof fractures (14.0 percent of displaced fractures). All repairs took place within 10 days from injury. Traumatic optic neuropathy [n = 19 (12.3 percent)] and retrobulbar hematoma [n = 11 (7.1 percent)] were the most common ophthalmologic complications, and led to long-term visual impairment in 51.6 percent of cases.

Conclusions:

Most orbital roof fractures can be managed conservatively, with no patients in this cohort incurring long-term fracture-related complications or returning for secondary treatment. Early fracture treatment is safe and may be beneficial in patients with vertical dysmotility, globe malposition, and/or a defect surface area larger than 4 cm2. Ophthalmologic prognosis is generally favorable; however, traumatic optic neuropathy is major cause of worse visual outcome in this population.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Patient Mindset and the Success of Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Sun Pepijn O. , Walbeehm Erik T. , Selles Ruud W. , Slijper Harm P. , Ulrich Dietmar J. O. , Porsius Jarry T. ,   For the Hand Wrist Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background:

Depression and pain catastrophizing are aspects of the patient’s mindset that have been shown to be important in relation to the outcome of carpal tunnel release. However, other factors of the patient’s mindset have been understudied, such as treatment expectations and illness perceptions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of these mindset aspects on outcome of carpal tunnel release, in addition to psychological distress and pain catastrophizing.

Methods:

A total of 307 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who visited outpatient hand surgery clinics and who completed online questionnaires regarding demographic and psychosocial characteristics and carpal tunnel syndrome severity were included. The patient mindset was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Credibility Expectancy Questionnaire, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine the relation between self-reported severity 6 months after carpal tunnel release, as measured with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and psychosocial aspects of mindset, adjusting for preoperative Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score, patient characteristics, and comorbidities.

Results:

Independent associations with better self-reported outcome were found for higher treatment expectations (β = −0.202; p < 0.001) and illness comprehensibility (β = −0.223; p < 0.001). The additional explained variance in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores by the patient’s mindset was 13.2 percent (psychological distress and pain catastrophizing together, 2.1 percent; treatment expectations and illness perceptions together, 11.1 percent).

Conclusion:

Treatment outcome expectations and comprehensibility of illness are both independently associated with the outcome of carpal tunnel release, showing the importance of these aspects of the patient’s mindset for the outcome of carpal tunnel release.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Index Finger Pollicization for Hypoplastic Thumb: Surgical Technique
Authors: Sood Ravi F. , Taghinia Amir H. , Upton Joseph , Labow Brian I.
Published: December 2020

Pollicization can be performed for secondary thumb reconstruction after traumatic injury or for primary thumb construction in cases of congenital thumb hypoplasia. Given the complexity of this operation, intimate familiarity with the involved anatomy and surgical principles is key to successful surgical outcomes. In this Video Plus article, the authors present a step-by-step approach to pollicization in case of Blauth type IIIB thumb hypoplasia.
COVID-19 and orthopedic surgery education: experience from Algeria
Authors: Meraghni Nadhir , Soal Nacim , Si Larbi Redouane
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Algerian orthopedic surgery residency programs. Medical education has been negatively impacted. From an educational standpoint, teaching conferences for residents have been suspended. Grand rounds and in-person meetings have also been cancelled to comply with social distancing recommendations. In addition, most orthopaedic departments reduced the number of days per week worked by each resident and the number of residents in the hospital at any one time. Adapted measures must be taken to face this unprecedented challenge and ensure the continuity of training for our residents. The new technology solutions such as webinars should be integrated to the residents’ academic programs. Finally, maintaining resident wellbeing is an important factor to consider.
Development of a Patient-specific Search of Transplant Program Outcomes and Characteristics: Feedback From Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: McKinney Warren T. , Schaffhausen Cory R. , Bruin Marilyn J. , Chu Sauman , Schladt David , Matas Arthur , Snyder Jon , Kasiske Bertram , Israni Ajay K.
Published: December 2020

Background.

Patients face obstacles in finding a transplant program that meets their healthcare needs. Acceptance criteria and waiting times vary by region and program. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients provides program-specific information, but it is unclear what patients and referring physicians need to know.

Methods.

We examined variability in program-specific characteristics that could influence access to transplantation. We also conducted 20 interviews and 16 focus groups with transplant candidates, recipients, and their family members. Participants were shown prototypes of a patient-specific search tool and evaluated its capacity to identify programs tailored to the needs of individual patients.

Results.

The distribution of recipient and donor characteristics that may impact access to transplantation, such as recipients on Medicaid, varied across programs (all with P < 0.01). Several themes emerged related to impressions of access to transplantation and the usability of patient-specific search functions. Perceptions of the prototypes and results varied, but were positive overall and support providing an individualized search of program level data. Participants revealed significant barriers to identifying and evaluating transplant programs and suggest that patient-specific search results reduce the anxiety associated with selecting a program.

Conclusions.

Providing patient-specific tools is valued by patients and important to maximizing access to transplant.
Anti-predator behaviour depends on male weapon size
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Yumise Kota , Fujii Yui , Hayashi Toma , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: December 2020

Tonic immobility and escape are adaptive anti-predator tactics used by many animals. Escape requires movement, whereas tonic immobility does not. If anti-predator tactics relate to weapon size, males with larger weapons may adopt tonic immobility, whereas males with smaller weapons may adopt escape. However, no study has investigated the relationship between weapon size and anti-predator tactics. In this study, we investigated the relationship between male weapon size and tonic immobility in the beetle
Gnathocerus cornutus
. The results showed that tonic immobility was more frequent in males with larger weapons. Although most studies of tonic immobility in beetles have focused on the duration, rather than the frequency, tonic immobility duration was not affected by weapon size in
G
.
cornutus
. Therefore, this study is the first, to our knowledge, to suggest that the male weapon trait affects anti-predator tactics.
Three-dimensional dental topography and feeding ecology in the extinct cave bear
Authors: Pérez-Ramos Alejandro , Romero Alejandro , Rodriguez Ernesto , Figueirido Borja
Published: December 2020

The cave bear (
Ursus spelaeus s.l
.) was an iconic extinct bear that inhabited the Pleistocene of Eurasia. The cause of extinction of this species is unclear and to identify the actual factors, it is crucial to understand its feeding preferences. Here, we quantified the shape descriptor metrics in three-dimensional (3D) models of the upper teeth (P
4
–M
2
) of the cave bear to make inferences about its controversial feeding behaviour. We used comparative samples, including representatives of all living bear species with known diets, as a template. Our topographic analyses show that the complexity of upper tooth rows in living bears is more clearly associated with the mechanical properties of the items consumed than with the type of food. Cave bears exhibit intermediate values on topographic metrics compared with the bamboo-feeder giant panda (
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
) and specialists in hard mast consumption (
Ursus arctos
and
Ursus thibetanus
). The crown topography of cave bear upper teeth suggests that they could chew on tough vegetal resources of low quality with high efficiency, a characteristic that no living bear currently displays. Our results align with a climate-driven hypothesis to explain the extinction of cave bear populations during the Late Pleistocene.
Heavy-tailed distributions, correlations, kurtosis and Taylor’s Law of fluctuation scaling
Authors: Cohen Joel E. , Davis Richard A. , Samorodnitsky Gennady
Published: December 2020

Pillai & Meng (Pillai & Meng 2016
Ann. Stat.
44
, 2089–2097; p. 2091) speculated that ‘the dependence among [random variables, rvs] can be overwhelmed by the heaviness of their marginal tails ·· ·’. We give examples of statistical models that support this speculation. While under natural conditions the sample correlation of regularly varying (RV) rvs converges to a generally random limit, this limit is zero when the rvs are the reciprocals of powers greater than one of arbitrarily (but imperfectly) positively or negatively correlated normals. Surprisingly, the sample correlation of these RV rvs multiplied by the sample size has a limiting distribution on the negative half-line. We show that the asymptotic scaling of Taylor’s Law (a power-law variance function) for RV rvs is, up to a constant, the same for independent and identically distributed observations as for reciprocals of powers greater than one of arbitrarily (but imperfectly) positively correlated normals, whether those powers are the same or different. The correlations and heterogeneity do not affect the asymptotic scaling. We analyse the sample kurtosis of heavy-tailed data similarly. We show that the least-squares estimator of the slope in a linear model with heavy-tailed predictor and noise unexpectedly converges much faster than when they have finite variances.
Impacts of predator-mediated interactions along a climatic gradient on the population dynamics of an alpine bird
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Kvasnes Mikkel A. J. , Pedersen Hans C. , Sandercock Brett K. , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: December 2020

According to classic theory, species' population dynamics and distributions are less influenced by species interactions under harsh climatic conditions compared to under more benign climatic conditions. In alpine and boreal ecosystems in Fennoscandia, the cyclic dynamics of rodents strongly affect many other species, including ground-nesting birds such as ptarmigan. According to the ‘alternative prey hypothesis’ (APH), the densities of ground-nesting birds and rodents are positively associated due to predator–prey dynamics and prey-switching. However, it remains unclear how the strength of these predator-mediated interactions change along a climatic harshness gradient in comparison with the effects of climatic variation. We built a hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate the sensitivity of ptarmigan populations to interannual variation in climate and rodent occurrence across Norway during 2007–2017. Ptarmigan abundance was positively linked with rodent occurrence, consistent with the APH. Moreover, we found that the link between ptarmigan abundance and rodent dynamics was strongest in colder regions. Our study highlights how species interactions play an important role in population dynamics of species at high latitudes and suggests that they can become even more important in the most climatically harsh regions.
Determinate growth is predominant and likely ancestral in squamate reptiles
Authors: Frýdlová Petra , Mrzílková Jana , Šeremeta Martin , Křemen Jan , Dudák Jan , Žemlička Jan , Minnich Bernd , Kverková Kristina , Němec Pavel , Zach Petr , Frynta Daniel
Published: December 2020

Body growth is typically thought to be indeterminate in ectothermic vertebrates. Indeed, until recently, this growth pattern was considered to be ubiquitous in ectotherms. Our recent observations of a complete growth plate cartilage (GPC) resorption, a reliable indicator of arrested skeletal growth, in many species of lizards clearly reject the ubiquity of indeterminate growth in reptiles and raise the question about the ancestral state of the growth pattern. Using X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT), here we examined GPCs of long bones in three basally branching clades of squamate reptiles, namely in Gekkota, Scincoidea and Lacertoidea. A complete loss of GPC, indicating skeletal growth arrest, was the predominant finding. Using a dataset of 164 species representing all major clades of lizards and the tuataras, we traced the evolution of determinate growth on the phylogenetic tree of Lepidosauria. The reconstruction of character states suggests that determinate growth is ancestral for the squamate reptiles (Squamata) and remains common in the majority of lizard lineages, while extended (potentially indeterminate) adult growth evolved several times within squamates. Although traditionally associated with endotherms, determinate growth is coupled with ectothermy in this lineage. These findings combined with existing literature suggest that determinate growth predominates in both extant and extinct amniotes.
Comparative genomics revealed adaptive admixture in Cryptosporidium hominis in Africa
Authors: Tichkule Swapnil , Jex Aaron R. , van Oosterhout Cock , Sannella Anna Rosa , Krumkamp Ralf , Aldrich Cassandra , Maiga-Ascofare Oumou , Dekker Denise , Lamshöft Maike , Mbwana Joyce , Rakotozandrindrainy Njari , Borrmann Steffen , Thye Thorsten , Schuldt Kathrin , Winter Doris , Kremsner Peter G. , Oppong Kwabena , Manouana Prince , Mbong Mirabeau , Gesase Samwel , Minja Daniel T. R. , Mueller Ivo , Bahlo Melanie , Nader Johanna , May Jürgen , Rakotozandrindrain Raphael , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Lusingu John P. A. , Amuasi John , Eibach Daniel , Caccio Simone Mario
Published: December 2020

Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of diarrhoeal illness among African children, and is associated with childhood mortality, malnutrition, cognitive development and growth retardation. Cryptosporidium hominis is the dominant pathogen in Africa, and genotyping at the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) gene has revealed a complex distribution of different subtypes across this continent. However, a comprehensive exploration of the metapopulation structure and evolution based on whole-genome data has yet to be performed. Here, we sequenced and analysed the genomes of 26 C. hominis isolates, representing different gp60 subtypes, collected at rural sites in Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar and Tanzania. Phylogenetic and cluster analyses based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms showed that isolates predominantly clustered by their country of origin, irrespective of their gp60 subtype. We found a significant isolation-by-distance signature that shows the importance of local transmission, but we also detected evidence of hybridization between isolates of different geographical regions. We identified 37 outlier genes with exceptionally high nucleotide diversity, and this group is significantly enriched for genes encoding extracellular proteins and signal peptides. Furthermore, these genes are found more often than expected in recombinant regions, and they show a distinct signature of positive or balancing selection. We conclude that: (1) the metapopulation structure of C. hominis can only be accurately captured by whole-genome analyses; (2) local anthroponotic transmission underpins the spread of this pathogen in Africa; (3) hybridization occurs between distinct geographical lineages; and (4) genetic introgression provides novel substrate for positive or balancing selection in genes involved in host–parasite coevolution.
Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional analysis of risk perceptions and mental health in a student cohort
Authors: Jia Ru , Knight Holly , Blake Holly , Corner Dame Jessica , Denning Chris , Ball Jonathan , Bolton Kirsty , Morling Joanne R , Coupland Carol , Figueredo Grazziela , Morris David Ed , Tighe Patrick , Villalon Armando , Ayling Kieran , Vedhara Kavita
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study examined the COVID-19 risk perceptions and mental health of university students on returning to campus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was completed during the first four weeks of the academic year (October 2020) by 897 university students. The survey included demographics and measures of experiences of COVID-19 testing, self-isolation, shielding, perceived risk, mental health and indices capturing related psychological responses to the pandemic.

Results

We observed higher levels of depression and anxiety, but not stress, in students compared with pre- pandemic normative data, but lower than levels reported earlier in the pandemic in other similar cohorts. Depression, anxiety and stress were independently associated with greater loneliness and reduced positive mood. Greater worry about COVID-19 was also independently associated with anxiety and stress. Female students and those with pre-existing mental health disorders were at greatest risk of poor mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

Although students perceived themselves at only moderate risk of COVID-19, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students should remain a concern. Universities should provide adequate support for students’ mental health during term-time. Interventions to reduced loneliness and worry, and improve mood, may benefit students’ overall mental well-being.
Cell cycle corruption in a pre-leukemic ETV6-RUNX1 model exposes RUNX1 addiction as a therapeutic target in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wray Jason P , Deltcheva Elitza M , Boiers Charlotta , Richardson Simon E , Chhetri Jyoti Bikram , Gagrica Sladjana , Guo Yanping , Illendula Anuradha , Martens Joost HA , Stunnenberg Hendrik G , Bushweller John H , Nimmo Rachael , Enver Tariq
Published: December 2020

The ETV6-RUNX1 onco-fusion arisesin utero, initiating a clinically silent pre-leukemic state associated with the development of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We characterize the ETV6-RUNX1 regulome by integrating chromatin immunoprecipitation- and RNA-sequencing and show that ETV6-RUNX1 functions primarily through competition for RUNX1 binding sites and transcriptional repression. In pre-leukemia, this results in ETV6-RUNX1 antagonization of cell cycle regulation by RUNX1 as evidenced by mass cytometry analysis of B-lineage cells derived from ETV6-RUNX1 knock-in human pluripotent stem cells. In frank leukemia, knockdown of RUNX1 or its co-factor CBFβ results in cell death suggesting sustained requirement for RUNX1 activity which is recapitulated by chemical perturbation using an allosteric CBFβ-inhibitor. Strikingly, we show that RUNX1 addiction extends to other genetic subtypes of pediatric B-ALL and also adult disease. Importantly, inhibition of RUNX1 activity spares normal hematopoiesis. Our results implicate chemical intervention in the RUNX1 program as an exciting therapeutic opportunity in ALL.
A Simple Method for Getting Standard Error on the Ratiometric Calcium Estimator
Authors: Hess Simon , Pouzat Christophe , Kloppenburg Peter
Published: December 2020

1.

The ratiometric fluorescent calcium indicator Fura-2 plays a fundamental role in the investigation of cellular calcium dynamics. Despite of its widespread use in the last 30 years, only one publication [2] proposed a way of obtaining confidence intervals on fitted calcium dynamic model parameters from single ’calcium transients’. Shortcomings of this approach are its requirement for a ’3 wavelengths’ protocol (excitation at 340 and 380 nm as usual plus at 360 nm, the isosbectic point) as well as the need for an autofluorence / background fluorescence model at each wavelength. We propose here a simpler method that eliminates both shortcommings:

a precise estimation of the standard errors of the raw data is obtained first,

the standard error of the ratiometric calcium estimator (a function of the raw data values) is derived using both the propagation of uncertainty and a Monte-Carlo method.

Once meaningful standard errors for calcium estimates are available, standard errors on fitted model parameters follow directly from the use of nonlinear least-squares optimization algorithms.

2.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1:

How to get error bars on the ratiometric calcium estimator? The figure is to be read clockwise from the bottom right corner. The two measurements areas (region of interest, ROI, on the cell body and background measurement region, BMR, outside of the cell) are displayed on the frame corresponding to one actual experiment. Two measurements, one following an excitation at 340 nm and the other following an excitation at 380 nm are performed (at each ’time point’) from each region. The result is a set of four measures: adu340 (from the ROI), adu340B (from the BMR), adu380 and adu380B.These measurements are modeled as realizations of Gaussian random variables. The fact that the measurements as well as the subsequent quantities derived from them are random variable realization is conveyed throughout the figure by the use of Gaussian probability densities. The densities from the MRB are ’tighter’ because there are much more pixels in the MRB than in the ROI (the standard deviations of the densities shown on this figure have been enlarged for clarity, but their relative size has been preserved, the horizontal axis in black always starts at 0). The key result of the paper is that the standard deviation of the four Gaussian densities corresponding to the raw data (bottom of the figure) can be reliably estimated from the data alone,, whereVis the product of the CCD chip gain squared by the number of pixels in the ROI by the CCD chip readout variance. The algebric operations leading to the estimator (top right) are explicitely displayed. The paper explains how to compute the standard deviation of the derived distributions obtained at each step of the calcium concentration estimation.

Method name

Standard error for the ratiometric calcium estimator