bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Drought: Definition, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: AghaKouchak Amir , Mirchi Ali , Madani Kaveh , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Nazemi Ali , Alborzi Aneseh , Anjileli Hassan , Azarderakhsh Marzi , Chiang Felicia , Hassanzadeh Elmira , Huning Laurie S. , Mallakpour Iman , Martinez Alexandre , Mazdiyasni Omid , Moftakhari Hamed , Norouzi Hamid , Sadegh Mojtaba , Sadeqi Dalal , Van Loon Anne F. , Wanders Niko
Published: January 2021

Traditional, mainstream definitions of drought describe it as deficit in water‐related variables or water‐dependent activities (e.g., precipitation, soil moisture, surface and groundwater storage, and irrigation) due to natural variabilities that are out of the control of local decision‐makers. Here, we argue that within coupled human‐water systems, drought must be defined and understood as a process as opposed to a product to help better frame and describe the complex and interrelated dynamics of both natural and human‐induced changes that define anthropogenic drought as a compound multidimensional and multiscale phenomenon, governed by the combination of natural water variability, climate change, human decisions and activities, and altered micro‐climate conditions due to changes in land and water management. This definition considers the full spectrum of dynamic feedbacks and processes (e.g., land‐atmosphere interactions and water and energy balance) within human‐nature systems that drive the development of anthropogenic drought. This process magnifies the water supply demand gap and can lead to water bankruptcy, which will become more rampant around the globe in the coming decades due to continuously growing water demands under compounding effects of climate change and global environmental degradation. This challenge has de facto implications for both short‐term and long‐term water resources planning and management, water governance, and policymaking. Herein, after a brief overview of the anthropogenic drought concept and its examples, we discuss existing research gaps and opportunities for better understanding, modeling, and management of this phenomenon.
Anthropogenic Perturbations to the Atmospheric Molybdenum Cycle
Authors: Wong Michelle Y. , Rathod Sagar D. , Marino Roxanne , Li Longlei , Howarth Robert W. , Alastuey Andres , Alaimo Maria Grazia , Barraza Francisco , Carneiro Manuel Castro , Chellam Shankararaman , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Cohen David D. , Connelly David , Dongarra Gaetano , Gómez Darió , Hand Jenny , Harrison R. M. , Hopke Philip K. , Hueglin Christoph , Kuang Yuan‐wen , Lambert Fabrice , Liang James , Losno Remi , Maenhaut Willy , Milando Chad , Monteiro Maria Inês Couto , Morera‐Gómez Yasser , Querol Xavier , Rodríguez Sergio , Smichowski Patricia , Varrica Daniela , Xiao Yi‐hua , Xu Yangjunjie , Mahowald Natalie M.
Published: January 2021

Molybdenum (Mo) is a key cofactor in enzymes used for nitrogen (N) fixation and nitrate reduction, and the low availability of Mo can constrain N inputs, affecting ecosystem productivity. Natural atmospheric Mo aerosolization and deposition from sources such as desert dust, sea‐salt spray, and volcanoes can affect ecosystem function across long timescales, but anthropogenic activities such as combustion, motor vehicles, and agricultural dust have accelerated the natural Mo cycle. Here we combined a synthesis of global atmospheric concentration observations and modeling to identify and estimate anthropogenic sources of atmospheric Mo. To project the impact of atmospheric Mo on terrestrial ecosystems, we synthesized soil Mo data and estimated the global distribution of soil Mo using two approaches to calculate turnover times. We estimated global emissions of atmospheric Mo in aerosols (<10 μm in diameter) to be 23 Gg Mo yr−1, with 40%–75% from anthropogenic sources. We approximated that for the top meter of soil, Mo turnover times range between 1,000 and 1,000,000 years. In some industrialized regions, anthropogenic inputs have enhanced Mo deposition 100‐fold, lowering the soil Mo turnover time considerably. Our synthesis of global observational data, modeling, and a mass balance comparison with riverine Mo exports suggest that anthropogenic activity has greatly accelerated the Mo cycle, with potential to influence N‐limited ecosystems.
The Mechanical Response of a Magma Chamber With Poroviscoelastic Crystal Mush
Authors: Liao Yang , Soule S. Adam , Jones Max , Le Mével Hélène
Published: January 2021

Improved understanding of the impact of crystal mush rheology on the response of magma chambers to magmatic events is critical for better understanding crustal igneous systems with abundant crystals. In this study, we extend an earlier model by Liao et al. (2018); https://doi.org/10.1029/2018jb015985 which considers the mechanical response of a magma chamber with poroelastic crystal mush, by including poroviscoelastic rheology of crystal mush. We find that the coexistence of the two mechanisms of poroelastic diffusion and viscoelastic relaxation causes the magma chamber to react to a magma injection event with more complex time‐dependent behaviors. Specifically, we find that the system’s short‐term evolution is dominated by the poroelastic diffusion process, while its long‐term evolution is dominated by the viscoelastic relaxation process. We identify two post‐injection timescales that represent these two stages and examine their relation to the material properties of the system. We find that better constraints on the poroelastic diffusion time are more important for the potential interpretation of surface deformation using the model.
Rossby Number Dependence of Venus/Titan‐Type Superrotation and Its Related Intermittency
Authors: Tsunoda Yuma , Yamamoto Masaru , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: January 2021

Venus/Titan‐type superrotation driven by stratospheric heating and intermittency seen in the superrotation dynamics are investigated using an idealized general circulation model in a high Rossby number regime (Ro = 7.5 to 23 for the strongest zonal jet) where the superrotation is formed by the meridional circulation and equatorward eddy momentum flux. When the jet core has a Rossby number of ∼23 on a slowly rotating or small planet, fast planetary‐scale Rossby waves are transiently amplified by both barotropic and baroclinic energy conversion and intermittently produce equatorward eddy momentum fluxes. At high latitudes, poleward eddy momentum transport also occurs when the poleward heat flux of baroclinic eddies is strong. On such a slowly rotating or small‐sized planet, equatorial superrotation is developed efficiently by weak, intermittent equatorward momentum flux in the presence of polar indirect circulation and the speed of the zonal flow is roughly constant over the low‐ and mid‐latitudes. In contrast, on a relatively fast rotating or large‐sized planet when the Rossby number is ∼7.5 for the jet core, although the zonal jets and equatorward eddy momentum fluxes intensify, equatorial superrotation is not developed efficiently (i.e., the superrotation intensity and its equatorial efficiency are small). Strong equatorward eddy momentum fluxes are produced continuously by slow barotropic Rossby waves on the equatorward flanks of the jets developed by the strong meridional circulation. The poleward heat fluxes of baroclinic waves are negligible because it is much smaller than the heat flux of the zonal‐mean meridional circulation.
A Fallen Rising Star
Authors: Thomson Bradley
Published: January 2021

The last works of Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan, an early-career martian geologist who was lost to us in 2020, have now been completed and published in JGR: Planets.
Trees That Live Fast, Die Young, and Mess with Climate Models
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: January 2021

The trade-off between tree longevity and life expectancy can mean future carbon uptakes are overestimated in current global climate models.
An Asteroid “Double Disaster” Struck Germany in the Miocene
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: January 2021

By analyzing sediments jostled by ground shaking, researchers have shown that two impact craters near Stuttgart were created by independent asteroid impacts rather than a binary asteroid strike.
PAI-1 protein is a key molecular effector in the transition from normal to PTSD-like fear memory
Authors: Bouarab C. , Roullot-Lacarrière V. , Vallée M. , Le Roux A. , Guette C. , Mennesson M. , Marighetto A. , Desmedt A. , Piazza P. V. , Revest J. M.
Published: January 2021

Moderate stress increases memory and facilitates adaptation. In contrast, intense stress can induce pathological memories as observed in post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A shift in the balance between the expression of tPA and PAI-1 proteins is responsible for this transition. In conditions of moderate stress, glucocorticoid hormones increase the expression of the tPA protein in the hippocampal brain region which by triggering the Erk1/2MAPK signaling cascade strengthens memory. When stress is particularly intense, very high levels of glucocorticoid hormones then increase the production of PAI-1 protein, which by blocking the activity of tPA induces PTSD-like memories. PAI-1 levels after trauma could be a predictive biomarker of the subsequent appearance of PTSD and pharmacological inhibition of PAI-1 activity a new therapeutic approach to this debilitating condition.
Sex-specific responses to cold in a very cold-tolerant, northern Drosophila species
Authors: Parker Darren J. , Envall Tapio , Ritchie Michael G. , Kankare Maaria
Published: January 2021

Organisms can plastically alter resource allocation in response to changing environmental factors. For example, in harsh conditions, organisms are expected to shift investment from reproduction toward survival; however, the factors and mechanisms that govern the magnitude of such shifts are relatively poorly studied. Here we compared the impact of cold on males and females of the highly cold-tolerant speciesDrosophila montanaat the phenotypic and transcriptomic levels. Although both sexes showed similar changes in cold tolerance and gene expression in response to cold treatment, indicating that the majority of changes are concordant between the sexes, we identified a clear reduction in sexually dimorphic gene expression, suggesting that preparing for the colder season involves reducing investment in sex-specific traits. This reduction was larger in males than females, as expected if male sexual traits are more condition-dependent than female traits, as predicted by theory. Gene expression changes were primarily associated with shifts in metabolic profile, which likely play a role in increasing cold tolerance. Finally, we found that the expression of immune genes was reduced following cold treatment, suggesting that reduced investment in costly immune function may be important in helping flies survive colder periods.
Hyperpolyploidization of hepatocyte initiates preneoplastic lesion formation in the liver
Authors: Lin Heng , Huang Yen-Sung , Fustin Jean-Michel , Doi Masao , Chen Huatao , Lai Hui-Huang , Lin Shu-Hui , Lee Yen-Lurk , King Pei-Chih , Hou Hsien-San , Chen Hao-Wen , Young Pei-Yun , Chao Hsu-Wen
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most predominant primary malignancy in the liver. Genotoxic and genetic models have revealed that HCC cells are derived from hepatocytes, but where the critical region for tumor foci emergence is and how this transformation occurs are still unclear. Here, hyperpolyploidization of hepatocytes around the centrilobular (CL) region is demonstrated to be closely linked with the development of HCC cells after diethylnitrosamine treatment. We identify the CL region as a dominant lobule for accumulation of hyperpolyploid hepatocytes and preneoplastic tumor foci formation. We also demonstrate that upregulation of Aurkb plays a critical role in promoting hyperpolyploidization. Increase of AURKB phosphorylation is detected on the midbody during cytokinesis, causing abscission failure and hyperpolyploidization. Pharmacological inhibition of AURKB dramatically reduces nucleus size and tumor foci number surrounding the CL region in diethylnitrosamine-treated liver. Our work reveals an intimate molecular link between pathological hyperpolyploidy of CL hepatocytes and transformation into HCC cells.
Automated design of synthetic microbial communities
Authors: Karkaria Behzad D. , Fedorec Alex J. H. , Barnes Chris P.
Published: January 2021

Microbial species rarely exist in isolation. In naturally occurring microbial systems there is strong evidence for a positive relationship between species diversity and productivity of communities. The pervasiveness of these communities in nature highlights possible advantages for genetically engineered strains to exist in cocultures as well. Building synthetic microbial communities allows us to create distributed systems that mitigate issues often found in engineering a monoculture, especially as functional complexity increases. Here, we demonstrate a methodology for designing robust synthetic communities that include competition for nutrients, and use quorum sensing to control amensal bacteriocin interactions in a chemostat environment. We computationally explore all two- and three- strain systems, using Bayesian methods to perform model selection, and identify the most robust candidates for producing stable steady state communities. Our findings highlight important interaction motifs that provide stability, and identify requirements for selecting genetic parts and further tuning the community composition.
Direct allele introgression into pure chicken breeds using Sire Dam Surrogate (SDS) mating
Authors: Ballantyne Maeve , Woodcock Mark , Doddamani Dadakhalandar , Hu Tuanjun , Taylor Lorna , Hawken Rachel J. , McGrew Mike J.
Published: January 2021

Poultry is the most abundant livestock species with over 60 billion chickens raised globally per year. The majority of chicken are produced from commercial flocks, however many indigenous chicken breeds play an important role in rural economies as they are well adapted to local environmental and scavenging conditions. The ability to make precise genetic changes in chicken will permit the validation of genetic variants responsible for climate adaptation and disease resilience, and the transfer of beneficial alleles between breeds. Here, we generate a novel inducibly sterile surrogate host chicken. Introducing donor genome edited primordial germ cells into the sterile male and female host embryos produces adult chicken carrying only exogenous germ cells. Subsequent direct mating of the surrogate hosts, Sire Dam Surrogate (SDS) mating, recreates the donor chicken breed carrying the edited allele in a single generation. We demonstrate the introgression and validation of two feather trait alleles, Dominant white and Frizzle into two pure chicken breeds using the SDS surrogate hosts.
A small-molecule P2RX7 activator promotes anti-tumor immune responses and sensitizes lung tumor to immunotherapy
Authors: Douguet Laetitia , Janho dit Hreich Serena , Benzaquen Jonathan , Seguin Laetitia , Juhel Thierry , Dezitter Xavier , Duranton Christophe , Ryffel Bernhard , Kanellopoulos Jean , Delarasse Cecile , Renault Nicolas , Furman Christophe , Homerin Germain , Féral Chloé , Cherfils-Vicini Julien , Millet Régis , Adriouch Sahil , Ghinet Alina , Hofman Paul , Vouret-Craviari Valérie
Published: January 2021

Only a subpopulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients responds to immunotherapies, highlighting the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcome. We develop a chemical positive modulator (HEI3090) of the purinergic P2RX7 receptor that potentiates αPD-1 treatment to effectively control the growth of lung tumors in transplantable and oncogene-induced mouse models and triggers long lasting antitumor immune responses. Mechanistically, the molecule stimulates dendritic P2RX7-expressing cells to generate IL-18 which leads to the production of IFN-γ by Natural Killer and CD4+ T cells within tumors. Combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor, the molecule induces a complete tumor regression in 80% of LLC tumor-bearing mice. Cured mice are also protected against tumor re-challenge due to a CD8-dependent protective response. Hence, combination treatment of small-molecule P2RX7 activator followed by immune checkpoint inhibitor represents a strategy that may be active against NSCLC.
Innocuous pressure sensation requires A-type afferents but not functional ΡΙΕΖΟ2 channels in humans
Authors: Case Laura K. , Liljencrantz Jaquette , Madian Nicholas , Necaise Aaron , Tubbs Justin , McCall Micaela , Bradson Megan L. , Szczot Marcin , Pitcher Mark H. , Ghitani Nima , Frangos Eleni , Cole Jonathan , Bharucha-Goebel Diana , Saade Dimah , Ogata Tracy , Donkervoort Sandra , Foley A. Reghan , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Olausson Håkan , Bushnell M. Catherine , Chesler Alexander T.
Published: January 2021

The sensation of pressure allows us to feel sustained compression and body strain. While our understanding of cutaneous touch has grown significantly in recent years, how deep tissue sensations are detected remains less clear. Here, we use quantitative sensory evaluations of patients with rare sensory disorders, as well as nerve blocks in typical individuals, to probe the neural and genetic mechanisms for detecting non-painful pressure. We show that the ability to perceive innocuous pressures is lost when myelinated fiber function is experimentally blocked in healthy volunteers and that two patients lacking Aβ fibers are strikingly unable to feel innocuous pressures at all. We find that seven individuals with inherited mutations in the mechanoreceptor PIEZO2 gene, who have major deficits in touch and proprioception, are nearly as good at sensing pressure as healthy control subjects. Together, these data support a role for Aβ afferents in pressure sensation and suggest the existence of an unknown molecular pathway for its detection.
Transdermal electroosmotic flow generated by a porous microneedle array patch
Authors: Kusama Shinya , Sato Kaito , Matsui Yuuya , Kimura Natsumi , Abe Hiroya , Yoshida Shotaro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: January 2021

A microneedle array is an attractive option for a minimally invasive means to break through the skin barrier for efficient transdermal drug delivery. Here, we report the applications of solid polymer-based ion-conductive porous microneedles (PMN) containing interconnected micropores for improving iontophoresis, which is a technique of enhancing transdermal molecular transport by a direct current through the skin. The PMN modified with a charged hydrogel brings three innovative advantages in iontophoresis at once: (1) lowering the transdermal resistance by low-invasive puncture of the highly resistive stratum corneum, (2) transporting of larger molecules through the interconnected micropores, and (3) generating electroosmotic flow (EOF). In particular, the PMN-generated EOF greatly enhances the transdermal molecular penetration or extraction, similarly to the flow induced by external pressure. The enhanced efficiencies of the EOF-assisted delivery of a model drug (dextran) and of the extraction of glucose are demonstrated using a pig skin sample. Furthermore, the powering of the PMN-based transdermal EOF system by a built-in enzymatic biobattery (fructose / O2 battery) is also demonstrated as a possible totally organic iontophoresis patch.
In situ mechanical reinforcement of polymer hydrogels via metal-coordinated crosslink mineralization
Authors: Kim Sungjin , Regitsky Abigail U. , Song Jake , Ilavsky Jan , McKinley Gareth H. , Holten-Andersen Niels
Published: January 2021

Biological organic-inorganic materials remain a popular source of inspiration for bioinspired materials design and engineering. Inspired by the self-assembling metal-reinforced mussel holdfast threads, we tested if metal-coordinate polymer networks can be utilized as simple composite scaffolds for direct in situ crosslink mineralization. Starting with aqueous solutions of polymers end-functionalized with metal-coordinating ligands of catechol or histidine, here we show that inter-molecular metal-ion coordination complexes can serve as mineral nucleation sites, whereby significant mechanical reinforcement is achieved upon nanoscale particle growth directly at the metal-coordinate network crosslink sites.
Learning from scaling up ultra-rapid genomic testing for critically ill children to a national level
Authors: Best Stephanie , Brown Helen , Lunke Sebastian , Patel Chirag , Pinner Jason , Barnett Christopher P. , Wilson Meredith , Sandaradura Sarah A. , McClaren Belinda , Brett Gemma R. , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Stark Zornitza
Published: January 2021

In scaling up an ultra-rapid genomics program, we used implementation science principles to design and investigate influences on implementation and identify strategies required for sustainable “real-world” services. Interviews with key professionals revealed the importance of networks and relationship building, leadership, culture, and the relative advantage afforded by ultra-rapid genomics in the care of critically ill children. Although clinical geneticists focused on intervention characteristics and the fit with patient-centered care, intensivists emphasized the importance of access to knowledge, in particular from clinical geneticists. The relative advantage of ultra-rapid genomics and trust in consistent and transparent delivery were significant in creating engagement at initial implementation, with appropriate resourcing highlighted as important for longer term sustainability of implementation. Our findings demonstrate where common approaches can be used and, significantly, where there is a need to tailor support by professional role and implementation phase, to maximize the potential of ultra-rapid genomic testing to improve patient care.
Lung cancer patients’ comorbidities and attendance of German ambulatory physicians in a 5-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Bossert Jasmin , Ludwig Marion , Wronski Pamela , Koetsenruijter Jan , Krug Katja , Villalobos Matthias , Jacob Josephine , Walker Jochen , Thomas Michael , Wensing Michel
Published: January 2021

The majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed with an advanced stage IV, which has short survival time. Many lung cancer patients have comorbidities, which influence treatment and patients’ quality of life. The aim of the study is to describe comorbidities in incident lung cancer patients and explore their attendance of ambulatory care physicians in Germany. In the observed period, 13,111 persons were first diagnosed with lung cancer (1-year incidence of 36.4 per 100,000). The mean number of comorbidities over 4 quarters was 30.77 ± 13.18; mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 6.66 ± 2.24. In Germany, ambulatory care physicians most attended were general practitioners (2.6 quarters with contact within 4 quarters). Lung cancer was diagnosed by a general practitioner in 38% of the 13,111 incident patients. The average number of ambulatory care physician contacts over 4 quarters was 35.82 ± 27.31. High numbers of comorbidities and contacts in ambulatory care are common in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, a cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary approach is required for effective, patient-centred care. This was a 5-year cross-sectoral study, based on the InGef research database, which covers anonymized health insurance data of 7.2 million individuals in Germany. Incident lung cancer patients in a 5-year period (2013–2017) were identified. Descriptive statistics were calculated for sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and attendance of ambulatory care physicians.
A patient-centric dataset of images and metadata for identifying melanomas using clinical context
Authors: Rotemberg Veronica , Kurtansky Nicholas , Betz-Stablein Brigid , Caffery Liam , Chousakos Emmanouil , Codella Noel , Combalia Marc , Dusza Stephen , Guitera Pascale , Gutman David , Halpern Allan , Helba Brian , Kittler Harald , Kose Kivanc , Langer Steve , Lioprys Konstantinos , Malvehy Josep , Musthaq Shenara , Nanda Jabpani , Reiter Ofer , Shih George , Stratigos Alexander , Tschandl Philipp , Weber Jochen , Soyer H. Peter
Published: January 2021

Prior skin image datasets have not addressed patient-level information obtained from multiple skin lesions from the same patient. Though artificial intelligence classification algorithms have achieved expert-level performance in controlled studies examining single images, in practice dermatologists base their judgment holistically from multiple lesions on the same patient. The 2020 SIIM-ISIC Melanoma Classification challenge dataset described herein was constructed to address this discrepancy between prior challenges and clinical practice, providing for each image in the dataset an identifier allowing lesions from the same patient to be mapped to one another. This patient-level contextual information is frequently used by clinicians to diagnose melanoma and is especially useful in ruling out false positives in patients with many atypical nevi. The dataset represents 2,056 patients (20.8% with at least one melanoma, 79.2% with zero melanomas) from three continents with an average of 16 lesions per patient, consisting of 33,126 dermoscopic images and 584 (1.8%) histopathologically confirmed melanomas compared with benign melanoma mimickers.
A global dataset for crop production under conventional tillage and no tillage systems
Authors: Su Yang , Gabrielle Benoit , Makowski David
Published: January 2021

No tillage (NT) is often presented as a means to grow crops with positive environmental externalities, such as enhanced carbon sequestration, improved soil quality, reduced soil erosion, and increased biodiversity. However, whether NT systems are as productive as those relying on conventional tillage (CT) is a controversial issue, fraught by a high variability over time and space. Here, we expand existing datasets to include the results of the most recent field experiments, and we produce a global dataset comparing the crop yields obtained under CT and NT systems. In addition to crop yield, our dataset also reports information on crop growing season, management practices, soil characteristics and key climate parameters throughout the experimental year. The final dataset contains 4403 paired yield observations between 1980 and 2017 for eight major staple crops in 50 countries. This dataset can help to gain insight into the main drivers explaining the variability of the productivity of NT and the consequence of its adoption on crop yields.
Investigating the causal role of MRE11A p.E506* in breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Elkholi Islam E. , Di Iorio Massimo , Fahiminiya Somayyeh , Arcand Suzanna L. , Han HyeRim , Nogué Clara , Behl Supriya , Hamel Nancy , Giroux Sylvie , de Ladurantaye Manon , Aleynikova Olga , Gotlieb Walter H. , Côté Jean-François , Rousseau François , Tonin Patricia N. , Provencher Diane , MesMasson Anne-Marie , Akbari Mohammad R. , Rivera Barbara , Foulkes William D.
Published: January 2021

The nuclease MRE11A is often included in genetic test panels for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) due to its BRCA1-related molecular function in the DNA repair pathway. However, whether MRE11A is a true predisposition gene for HBOC is still questionable. We determined to investigate this notion by dissecting the molecular genetics of the c.1516G > T;p.E506* truncating MRE11A variant, that we pinpointed in two unrelated French-Canadian (FC) HBOC patients. We performed a case–control study for the variant in ~ 2500 breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer patients from the founder FC population of Quebec. Furthermore, we looked for the presence of second somatic alterations in the MRE11A gene in the tumors of the carriers. In summary, these investigations suggested that the identified variant is not associated with an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. We finally performed a systematic review for all the previously reported MRE11A variants in breast and ovarian cancer. We found that MRE11A germline variants annotated as pathogenic on ClinVar often lacked evidence for such classification, hence misleading the clinical management for affected patients. In summary, our report suggests the lack of clinical utility of MRE11A testing in HBOC, at least in the White/Caucasian populations.
An eight-camera fall detection system using human fall pattern recognition via machine learning by a low-cost android box
Authors: Shu Francy , Shu Jeff
Published: January 2021

Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries and can result in devastating disabilities and fatalities when left undetected and not treated in time. Current detection methods have one or more of the following problems: frequent battery replacements, wearer discomfort, high costs, complicated setup, furniture occlusion, and intensive computation. In fact, all non-wearable methods fail to detect falls beyond ten meters. Here, we design a house-wide fall detection system capable of detecting stumbling, slipping, fainting, and various other types of falls at 60 m and beyond, including through transparent glasses, screens, and rain. By analyzing the fall pattern using machine learning and crafted rules via a local, low-cost single-board computer, true falls can be differentiated from daily activities and monitored through conventionally available surveillance systems. Either a multi-camera setup in one room or single cameras installed at high altitudes can avoid occlusion. This system’s flexibility enables a wide-coverage set-up, ensuring safety in senior homes, rehab centers, and nursing facilities. It can also be configured into high-precision and high-recall application to capture every single fall in high-risk zones.
Death is associated to the type of drug-eluting stent in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and elevated natriuretic peptide levels
Authors: Roth Christian , Gangl Clemens , Speidl Walter S. , Goliasch Georg , Schneider Matthias , Dalos Daniel , Berger Rudolf
Published: January 2021

As advanced heart failure (HF) with elevated NT-proBNP is characterized by an activated coagulation system, coronary events clinically noticed as sudden or HF death may be more common after treatment with first- compared to newer-generation DES. Our study evaluates (1) if patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVSD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention have a better survival with first- or newer-generation DES, and (2) if the survival benefit is predicted by NT-proBNP. Our observational study evaluated patients with LVSD who were registered in the coronary catheter laboratory database of the Medical University of Vienna. Multivariate Cox regression analyses tested an interaction in the risk of death between those with lower or elevated NT-proBNP levels and the stent-generation. The relative risk of newer- compared to first-generation DES as reference was calculated for patients with low and elevated NT-proBNP levels. In 340 patients (178 newer- and 162 first-generation DES) stent-generation and NT-proBNP were independent predictors of death. When the stent-generation*NTproBNP interaction was forced into a Cox regression model, this term independently predicted death. The relative risk of first- compared to newer-generation DES was similar in patients with lower NT-proBNP (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95–1.10, p = 0.560), but was higher in patients with elevated NT-proBNP (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.020). Death is associated to stent-generation. NT-proBNP is a predictor for the stent generation used: elevated levels demonstrated a higher mortality risk when using first- compared to newer-generation DES, while lower levels showed a similar risk when using either DES-generation.
Spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) detection in ticks following reported human case of Japanese spotted fever in Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Arai Reiko , Sato Megumi , Kato Miwako , Aoki Junko , Nishida Akiko , Watanabe Kaori , Hirokawa Chika , Ikeda Sumire , Watanabe Kozo , Regilme Maria Angenica F. , Sato Marcello Otake , Tamura Tsutomu
Published: January 2021

Japanese spotted fever, a tick-borne disease caused byRickettsia japonica, was firstly described in southwestern Japan. There was a suspicion ofRickettsia japonicainfected ticks reaching the non-endemic Niigata Prefecture after a confirmed case of Japanese spotted fever in July 2014. Therefore, from 2015 to 2017, 38 sites were surveyed and rickettsial pathogens were investigated in ticks from north to south of Niigata Prefecture including Sado island. A total of 3336 ticks were collected and identified revealing ticks of three genera and ten species:Dermacentor taiwanensis,Haemaphysalis flava,Haemaphysalis hystricis,Haemaphysalis longicornis,Haemaphysalis megaspinosa,Ixodes columnae,Ixodes monospinosus,Ixodes nipponensis,Ixodes ovatus,andIxodes persulcatus. Investigation of rickettsial DNA showed no ticks infected byR. japonica. However, three species of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) were found in ticks,R. asiatica,R. helvetica,andR. monacensis, confirming Niigata Prefecture as a new endemic area to SFGR. These results highlight the need for public awareness of the occurrence of this tick-borne disease, which necessitates the establishment of public health initiatives to mitigate its spread.
Comparing detectability patterns of bird species using multi-method occupancy modelling
Authors: Zamora-Marín José M. , Zamora-López Antonio , Calvo José F. , Oliva-Paterna Francisco J.
Published: January 2021

A robust knowledge of biodiversity distribution is essential for designing and developing effective conservation actions. The choice of a suitable sampling method is key to obtaining sufficiently accurate information of species distribution and consequently to improve biodiversity conservation. This study applies multi-method occupancy models to 36 common bird species associated with small ponds in the province of Murcia (south-eastern Spain), one of the most arid regions of Europe, in order to compare their effectiveness for detecting different bird species: direct observation, combined observation and video monitoring and mist netting captures. The results showed that the combined method and direct observation were similar and most effective than mist netting for detecting species occupancy, although detection rates ranged widely among bird groups, while some large species were poorly detected by all the methods used. Average detectability did not increase during the breeding period. The chosen approach is particularly applicable to both single- and multi-species bird monitoring programmes. However, we recommend evaluating the cost-effectiveness of all the available methods in order to reduce costs and improve the success of sampling designs.
Decreased angiogenesis as a possible pathomechanism in cervical degenerative myelopathy
Authors: Blume Christian , Geiger M. F. , Müller M. , Clusmann H. , Mainz V. , Kalder J. , Brandenburg L. O. , Mueller C. A.
Published: January 2021

Endogenous immune mediated reactions of inflammation and angiogenesis are components of the spinal cord injury in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The aim of this study was to identify alteration of certain mediators participating in angiogenetic and inflammatory reactions in patients with DCM. A consecutive series of 42 patients with DCM and indication for surgical decompression were enrolled for the study. 28 DCM patients were included, as CSF samples were taken preoperatively. We enrolled 42 patients requiring surgery for a thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) as neurologically healthy controls. In 38 TAAA patients, CSF samples were taken prior to surgery and thus included. We evaluated the neurological status of patients and controls prior to surgery including NDI and mJOA. Protein-concentrations of factors with a crucial role in inflammation and angiogenesis were measured in CSF via ELISA testing (pg/ml): Angiopoietin 2, VEGF-A and C, RANTES, IL 1 beta and IL 8. Additionally, evaluated the status of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) by Reibers´diagnostic in all participants. Groups evidently differed in their neurological status (mJOA: DCM 10.1 ± 3.3, TAAA 17.3 ± 1.2, p < .001; NDI: DCM 47.4 ± 19.7, TAAA 5.3 ± 8.6, p < .001). There were no particular differences in age and gender distribution. However, we detected statistically significant differences in concentrations of mediators between the groups: Angiopoietin 2 (DCM 267.1.4 ± 81.9, TAAA 408.6 ± 177.1, p < .001) and VEGF C (DCM 152.2 ± 96.1, TAAA 222.4 ± 140.3, p = .04). DCM patients presented a mild to moderate BSCB disruption, controls had no signs of impairment. In patients with DCM, we measured decreased concentrations of angiogenic mediators. These results correspond to findings of immune mediated secondary harm in acute spinal cord injury. Reduced angiogenic activity could be a relevant part of the pathogenesis of DCM and secondary harm to the spinal cord.
Body surface area capping may not improve cytotoxic drugs tolerance
Authors: Bouleftour Wafa , Viard Agathe , Mery Benoite , Chaux Robin , Magne Nicolas , Simoens Xavier , Rivoirard Romain , Forges Fabien
Published: January 2021

Capping body surface area (BSA) at 2 m2 is a routine clinical practice. It aims at reducing toxicities in over 2 m2 BSA patients. 455,502 computerized chemotherapy prescriptions made between 2011 and 2017 were taken from BPC software. Chemotherapy computerized order entry is created by a senior physician prescribers before patient consultation. Only prescriptions with dose calculation involving BSA were selected. 51,179 chemotherapy prescriptions were analyzed; corresponding to 7206 patients who received intravenous chemotherapy. The number of chemotherapy prescriptions in over 2 m2 BSA patients was nearly the same in the hematology as in the oncology departments. But, 79.1% of prescriptions were capped at 2 m2 in the oncology department contrary to 21.9% in the hematology department. Practices analysis showed more dose limitation in palliative situations in both departments. Unexpectedly, 6.53% of capped prescriptions were performed in patients with normal BMI. The patients who received capped doses of chemotherapy had neither fewer dose reductions due to toxicity nor deterioration of their general condition. Capping did not induce fewer dose reductions in patients with BSA greater than 2 m2. Prospective studies in this population are needed to standardize chemotherapy administration in population with BSA > 2 m2.
Author Correction: Hysteresis branch crossing and the Stoner–Wohlfarth model
Authors: Mathews Scott A. , Ehrlich Alexander C. , Charipar Nicholas A.
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis reveals intron dynamics and gene rearrangements in two Trametes species
Authors: Chen Cheng , Li Qiang , Fu Rongtao , Wang Jian , Deng Guangmin , Chen Xiaojuan , Lu Daihua
Published: January 2021

Trametes species are efficient wood decomposers that are widespread throughout the world. Mitogenomes have been widely used to understand the phylogeny and evolution of fungi. Up to now, two mitogenomes from the Trametes genus have been revealed. In the present study, the complete mitogenomes of two novel Trametes species, Trametes versicolor and T. coccinea, were assembled and compared with other Polyporales mitogenomes. Both species contained circular DNA molecules, with sizes of 67,318 bp and 99,976 bp, respectively. Comparative mitogenomic analysis indicated that the gene number, length and base composition varied between the four Trametes mitogenomes we tested. In addition, all of the core protein coding genes in Trametes species were identified and subjected to purifying selection. The mitogenome of T. coccinea contained the largest number of introns among the four Trametes species tested, and introns were considered the main factors contributing to size variations of Polyporales. Several novel introns were detected in the Trametes species we assembled, and introns identified in Polyporales were found to undergo frequent loss/gain events. Large-scale gene rearrangements were detected between closely related Trametes species, including gene inversions, insertions, and migrations. A well-supported phylogenetic tree for 77 Basidiomycetes was obtained based on the combined mitochondrial gene set using 2 phylogenetic inference methods. The results showed that mitochondrial genes are effective molecular markers for understanding the phylogeny of Basidiomycetes. This study is the first to report the mitogenome rearrangement and intron dynamics of Trametes species, which shed light on the evolution of Trametes and other related species.
The clinical significance of microvascular invasion in the surgical planning and postoperative sequential treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Wentao , Guo Yaxun , Zhong Jingtao , Wang Qi , Wang Xin , Wei Honglong , Li Jie , Xiu Peng
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and most lethal malignant tumors in the world. Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a major risk factor for survival outcomes and intrahepatic metastasis after resection in patients with HCC. Relevant English literatures retrieved using PubMed on the research progress of MVI in patients with HCC were reviewed. For HCC patients, especially those with MVI, it is very important to develop a comprehensive and sequential treatment plan to support the long-term survival of patients. This manuscript reviewed and analyzed the risk factors for MVI; the preoperative prediction of MVI, which informs the selection of surgical strategies; and the current situation and future direction of comprehensive postoperative treatment strategies; to provide a basis for the comprehensive treatment of HCC patients with MVI. For HCC patients with MVI, the preoperative prediction of MVI may play a certain guiding role in planning procedures, and the comprehensive sequential postoperative pathological detection of HCC MVI may provide a basis for treatment decisions.
Cost saving analysis of specialized, eHealth-based management of patients receiving oral anticoagulation therapy: Results from the thrombEVAL study
Authors: Eggebrecht Lisa , Ludolph Paul , Göbel Sebastian , Panova-Noeva Marina , Arnold Natalie , Nagler Markus , Bickel Christoph , Lauterbach Michael , Hardt Roland , Cate Hugo ten , Lackner Karl J. , Espinola-Klein Christine , Münzel Thomas , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Wild Philipp S.
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the cost-saving of a specialized, eHealth-based management service (CS) in comparison to regular medical care (RMC) for the management of patients receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy. Costs of hospitalization were derived via diagnosis-related groups which comprise diagnoses (ICD-10) and operation and procedure classification system (OPS), which resulted in OAC-related (i.e. bleeding/ thromboembolic events) and non-OAC-related costs for both cohorts. Cost for anticoagulation management comprised INR-testing, personnel, and technical support. In total, 705 patients were managed by CS and 1490 patients received RMC. The number of hospital stays was significantly lower in the CS cohort compared to RMC (CS: 23.4/100 py; RMC: 68.7/100 py); with the most pronounced difference in OAC-related admissions (CS: 2.8/100 py; RMC: 13.3/100 py). Total costs for anticoagulation management amounted to 101 EUR/py in RMC and 311 EUR/py in CS, whereas hospitalization costs were 3261 [IQR 2857–3689] EUR/py in RMC and 683 [504–874] EUR/py in CS. This resulted in an overall cost saving 2368 EUR/py favoring the CS. The lower frequency of adverse events in anticoagulated patients managed by the telemedicine-based CS compared to RMC translated into a substantial cost-saving, despite higher costs for the specialized management of patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, unique identifier NCT01809015, March 8, 2013.
Effect of environmental history on the habitat-forming kelp Macrocystis pyrifera responses to ocean acidification and warming: a physiological and molecular approach
Authors: Fernández Pamela A. , Navarro Jorge M. , Camus Carolina , Torres Rodrigo , Buschmann Alejandro H.
Published: January 2021

The capacity of marine organisms to adapt and/or acclimate to climate change might differ among distinct populations, depending on their local environmental history and phenotypic plasticity. Kelp forests create some of the most productive habitats in the world, but globally, many populations have been negatively impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors. Here, we compare the physiological and molecular responses to ocean acidification (OA) and warming (OW) of two populations of the giant kelpMacrocystis pyriferafrom distinct upwelling conditions (weak vs strong). Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, we found that juvenileMacrocystissporophyte responses to OW and OA did not differ among populations: elevated temperature reduced growth while OA had no effect on growth and photosynthesis. However, we observed higher growth rates and NO3−assimilation, and enhanced expression of metabolic-genes involved in the NO3−and CO2assimilation in individuals from the strong upwelling site. Our results suggest that despite no inter-population differences in response to OA and OW, intrinsic differences among populations might be related to their natural variability in CO2, NO3−and seawater temperatures driven by coastal upwelling. Further work including additional populations and fluctuating climate change conditions rather than static values are needed to precisely determine how natural variability in environmental conditions might influence a species’ response to climate change.
3D morphology of nematode encapsulation in snail shells, revealed by micro-CT imaging
Authors: Falkingham P. , Rae R.
Published: January 2021

Many parasites and hosts are embroiled in an on-going arms race that affects the evolution of each participant. One such battle is between parasitic nematodes and terrestrial gastropods which have co-evolved for 90–130 MY. Recently, snails have been shown to encase and kill invading nematodes using their shell as a defence mechanism. However, there is remarkably little known about this process in terms of understanding where, when and how nematodes are fixed within the shell. Also there has never been any attempt to observe this process using methods other than light microscopy. Therefore, we used micro CT scanning of aCepaea nemoralisshell (a common host for nematodes) to 3D visualise encased nematode parasites and quantify morphological parameters. By taking this approach future studies could use micro CT scanning of fossil shells in conchology collections to understand nematode/snail co-evolution.