bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular therapy options for genetic skin disorders with a focus on recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Naso Gaetano , Petrova Anastasia
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Combinatorial cell and gene therapies for life-threatening inherited skin disorders have shown tremendous potential for preclinical and clinical implementation with significant progress made for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). To date, various cell lineages including resident skin cells and adult stem cells have been investigated for gene and cell therapy for RDEB reaching the clinical trial stage.

Sources of data

Sources of data are key recent literature, ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinicaltrialsregister.eu and pharma press releases.

Areas of agreement

Cell-based gene transfer using autologous patients’ cells has demonstrated positive outcomes in preclinical and clinical trials and highlighted the importance of targeting resident skin stem cells to achieve a meaningful long-term effect. Additionally, adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stromal cells, have the potential to ameliorate systemic manifestations of the disease.

Areas of controversy

While proven safe, the clinical trials of localized treatment have reported only modest and transient improvements. On the other hand, the risks associated with systemic therapies remain high and should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. It is unclear to what extent adult stem cells can contribute to skin regeneration/wound healing.

Growing points

Further research is warranted in order to fulfil the potential of cellular therapies for RDEB. The development of combinatorial gene and cell-based approaches is required to achieve long-term clinical benefits.

Areas timely for developing research

Induced pluripotent stem cells can potentially provide a valuable source of autologous patient material for cellular therapies. In addition, recent advances in the field of gene editing can overcome hurdles associated with conventional gene addition approaches.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were generated or analysed in support of this review.
The verbal, non-verbal and structural bases of functional communication abilities in aphasia
Authors: Schumacher Rahel , Bruehl Stefanie , Halai Ajay D , Lambon Ralph Matthew A
Published: August 2020

The ability to communicate, functionally, after stroke or other types of acquired brain injury is crucial for the person involved and the people around them. Accordingly, assessment of functional communication is increasingly used in large-scale randomized controlled trials as the primary outcome measure. Despite the importance of functional communication abilities to everyday life and their centrality to the measured efficacy of aphasia interventions, there is little knowledge about how commonly used measures of functional communication relate to each other, whether they capture and grade the full range of patients’ remaining communication skills and how these abilities relate to the patients’ verbal and non-verbal impairments as well as the underpinning lesions. Going beyond language-only factors is essential given that non-verbal abilities can play a crucial role in an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. This study, based on a large sample of patients covering the full range and types of post-stroke aphasia, addressed these important, open questions. The investigation combined data from three established measures of functional communication with a thorough assessment of verbal and non-verbal cognition as well as structural neuroimaging. The key findings included: (i) due to floor or ceiling effects, the full range of patients’ functional communication abilities was not captured by a single assessment alone, limiting the utility of adopting individual tests as outcome measures in randomized controlled trials; (ii) phonological abilities were most strongly related to all measures of functional communication and (iii) non-verbal cognition was particularly crucial when language production was relatively impaired and other modes of communication were allowed, when patients rated their own communication abilities, and when carers rated patients’ basic communication abilities. Finally, in addition to lesion load being significantly related to all measures of functional communication, lesion analyses showed partially overlapping clusters in language regions for the functional communication tests. Moreover, mirroring the findings from the regression analyses, additional regions previously associated with non-verbal cognition emerged for the Scenario Test and for the Patient Communication Outcome after Stroke rating scale. In conclusion, our findings elucidated the cognitive and neural bases of functional communication abilities, which may inform future clinical practice regarding assessments and therapy. In particular, it is necessary to use more than one measure to capture the full range and multifaceted nature of patients’ functional communication abilities and a therapeutic focus on non-verbal cognition might have positive effects on this important aspect of activity and participation.
Comprehensive Analysis of Long-Range Connectivity from and to the Posterior Parietal Cortex of the Mouse
Authors: Oh Seung Wook , Son Sook Jin , Morris John A , Choi Joon Ho , Lee Changkyu , Rah Jong-Cheol
Published: August 2020

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is a major multimodal association cortex implicated in a variety of higher order cognitive functions, such as visuospatial perception, spatial attention, categorization, and decision-making. The PPC is known to receive inputs from a collection of sensory cortices as well as various subcortical areas and integrate those inputs to facilitate the execution of functions that require diverse information. Although many recent works have been performed with the mouse as a model system, a comprehensive understanding of long-range connectivity of the mouse PPC is scarce, preventing integrative interpretation of the rapidly accumulating functional data. In this study, we conducted a detailed neuroanatomic and bioinformatic analysis of the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas data to summarize afferent and efferent connections to/from the PPC. Then, we analyzed variability between subregions of the PPC, functional/anatomical modalities, and species, and summarized the organizational principle of the mouse PPC. Finally, we confirmed key results by using additional neurotracers. A comprehensive survey of the connectivity will provide an important future reference to comprehend the function of the PPC and allow effective paths forward to various studies using mice as a model system.
Natural History of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis: Examination of the Veterans Affairs–Armed Forces Database
Authors: Bays Derek J , Thompson George R , Reef Susan , Snyder Linda , Freifeld Alana J , Huppert Milt , Salkin David , Wilson Machelle D , Galgiani John N
Published: August 2020

Background

The natural history of non–central nervous system (non-CNS) disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DCM) has not been previously characterized. The historical Veterans Affairs (VA)–Armed Forces coccidioidomycosis patient group provides a unique cohort of patients not treated with standard antifungal therapy, allowing for characterization of the natural history of coccidioidomycosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 531 VA–Armed Forces coccidioidomycosis patients diagnosed between 1955–1958 and followed to 1966. Groups were identified as non-DCM (462 patients), DCM (44 patients), and CNS (25 patients). The duration of the initial infection, fate of the primary infection, all-cause mortality, and mortality secondary to coccidioidomycosis were assessed and compared between groups.

Results

Mortality due to coccidioidomycosis at the last known follow-up was significantly different across the groups: 0.65% in the non-DCM group, 25% in the DCM group, and 88% in the CNS group (P < .001). The primary fate of pulmonary infection demonstrated key differences, with pulmonary nodules observed in 39.61% of the non-DCM group, 13.64% of the DCM group, and 20% of the CNS group (P < .001). There were differences in cavity formation, with 34.20% in the non-DCM group, 9.09% in the DCM group, and 8% in the CNS group (P < .001). Dissemination was the presenting manifestation or was concurrent with the initial infection in 41% and 56% of patients in the non-CNS DCM and CNS groups, respectively.

Conclusions

This large, retrospective cohort study helps characterize the natural history of DCM, provides insight into the host immunologic response, and has direct clinical implications for the management and follow-up of patients.
Urinary fetuin-A peptides as a new marker for impaired kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Magalhães Pedro , Zürbig Petra , Mischak Harald , Schleicher Erwin
Published: August 2020

Background

The hepatokine fetuin-A, released by the human liver, promotes pro-inflammatory effects of perivascular fat. The involvement of inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can affect the kidney and contribute to the development of diabetic kidney disease. Therefore we examined the association of urinary fetuin-A protein fragments with renal damage in T2DM patients.

Methods

Urinary peptides of 1491 individuals using proteome data available from the human urine proteome database were analysed. Prediction of proteases involved in urinary peptide generation was performed using the Proteasix tool.

Results

We identified 14 different urinary protein fragments that belong to the region of the connecting peptide (amino acid 301–339) of the total fetuin-A protein. Calpains (CAPN1 and CAPN2), matrix metalloproteinase and pepsin A-3 were identified as potential proteases that were partially confirmed by previous in vitro studies. Combined fetuin-A peptides (mean of amplitudes) were significantly increased in T2DM patients with kidney disease and to a lesser extent with cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, fetuin-A peptide levels displayed a significant negative correlation with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values (r = −0.316, P < 0.0001) and with the slope (%) of eGFR per year (r = −0.096, P = 0.023). A multiple regression model including fetuin-A peptide and albuminuria resulted in a significantly improved correlation with eGFR (r = −0.354, P < 0.0001) compared with albuminuria, indicating an added value of this novel biomarker.

Conclusions

The urinary proteome analysis demonstrated the association of fetuin-A peptides with impaired kidney function in T2DM patients. Furthermore, fetuin-A peptides displayed early signs of kidney damage before albuminuria appeared and therefore can be used as markers for kidney disease detection.
Migratory status determines resource selection by American Woodcock at an important fall stopover, Cape May, New Jersey
Authors: Allen Brian B , McAuley Daniel G , Blomberg Erik J
Published: August 2020

Migration is a period of high activity and exposure during which risks and energetic demand on individuals may be greater than during nonmigratory periods. Stopover locations can help mitigate these threats by providing supplemental energy en route to the animal’s end destination. Effective conservation of migratory species therefore requires an understanding of use of space that provides resources to migratory animals at stopover sites. We conducted a radio-telemetry study of a short-distance migrant, the American Woodcock (Scolopax minor), at an important stopover site, the Cape May Peninsula, New Jersey. Our objectives were to describe land-cover types used by American Woodcock and evaluate home range habitat selection for individuals that stopover during fall migration and those that choose to overwinter. We radio-marked 271 individuals and collected 1,949 locations from these birds (0–21 points individual–1) over 4 yr (2010 to 2013) to inform resource selection functions of land-cover types and other landscape characteristics by this species. We evaluated these relationships at multiple spatial extents for (1) birds known to have ultimately left the peninsula (presumed migrants), and (2) birds known to have remained on the peninsula into the winter (presumed winter residents). We found that migrants selected deciduous wetland forest, agriculture, mixed shrub, coniferous wetland forest, and coniferous shrub, while wintering residents selected deciduous wetland forest, coniferous shrub, and deciduous shrub. We used these results to develop predictive models of potential habitat: 7.80% of the peninsula was predicted to be potential stopover habitat for American Woodcock (95% classification accuracy) and 4.96% of the peninsula was predicted to be potential wintering habitat (85% classification accuracy). Our study is the first to report habitat relationships for migratory American Woodcock in the coastal U.S. and provides important spatial tools for local and regional managers to support migratory and winter resident woodcock populations into the future.
Mechanism of succinate efflux upon reperfusion of the ischaemic heart
Authors: Prag Hiran A , Gruszczyk Anja V , Huang Margaret M , Beach Timothy E , Young Timothy , Tronci Laura , Nikitopoulou Efterpi , Mulvey John F , Ascione Raimondo , Hadjihambi Anna , Shattock Michael J , Pellerin Luc , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Frezza Christian , James Andrew M , Krieg Thomas , Murphy Michael P , Aksentijević Dunja
Published: August 2020

Aims 

Succinate accumulates several-fold in the ischaemic heart and is then rapidly oxidized upon reperfusion, contributing to reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria. In addition, a significant amount of the accumulated succinate is released from the heart into the circulation at reperfusion, potentially activating the G-protein-coupled succinate receptor (SUCNR1). However, the factors that determine the proportion of succinate oxidation or release, and the mechanism of this release, are not known.

Methods and results 

To address these questions, we assessed the fate of accumulated succinate upon reperfusion of anoxic cardiomyocytes, and of the ischaemic heart both ex vivo and in vivo. The release of accumulated succinate was selective and was enhanced by acidification of the intracellular milieu. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition, or haploinsufficiency of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) significantly decreased succinate efflux from the reperfused heart.

Conclusion 

Succinate release upon reperfusion of the ischaemic heart is mediated by MCT1 and is facilitated by the acidification of the myocardium during ischaemia. These findings will allow the signalling interaction between succinate released from reperfused ischaemic myocardium and SUCNR1 to be explored.
Global variations in the prevalence, treatment, and impact of atrial fibrillation in a multi-national cohort of 153 152 middle-aged individuals
Authors: Joseph Philip G , Healey Jeffrey S , Raina Parminder , Connolly Stuart J , Ibrahim Quazi , Gupta Rajeev , Avezum Alvaro , Dans Antonio L , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Yeates Karen , Teo Koon , Douma Reuben , Bahonar Ahmad , Chifamba Jephat , Lanas Fernando , Dagenais Gilles R , Lear Scott A , Kumar Rajesh , Kengne Andre P , Keskinler Mirac , Mohan Viswanathan , Mony Prem , Alhabib Khalid F , Huisman Hugo , Iype Thomas , Zatonska Katarzyna , Ismail Rosnah , Kazmi Khawar , Rosengren Annika , Rahman Omar , Yusufali Afzalhussein , Wei Li , Orlandini Andres , Islam Shofiqul , Rangarajan Sumathy , Yusuf Salim ,   the PURE Investigators
Published: August 2020

Aims

To compare the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG)-documented atrial fibrillation (or flutter) (AF) across eight regions of the world, and to examine antithrombotic use and clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

Baseline ECGs were collected in 153 152 middle-aged participants (ages 35–70 years) to document AF in two community-based studies, spanning 20 countries. Medication use and clinical outcome data (mean follow-up of 7.4 years) were available in one cohort. Cross-sectional analyses were performed to document the prevalence of AF and medication use, and associations between AF and clinical events were examined prospectively. Mean age of participants was 52.1 years, and 57.7% were female. Age and sex-standardized prevalence of AF varied 12-fold between regions; with the highest in North America, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia (270–360 cases per 100 000 persons); and lowest in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (30–60 cases per 100 000 persons) (P < 0.001). Compared with low-income countries (LICs), AF prevalence was 7-fold higher in middle-income countries (MICs) and 11-fold higher in high-income countries (HICs) (P < 0.001). Differences in AF prevalence remained significant after adjusting for traditional AF risk factors. In LICs/MICs, 24% of participants with AF and a CHADS2 score ≥1 received antithrombotic therapy, compared with 85% in HICs. AF was associated with an increased risk of stroke [hazard ratio (HR) 2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49–3.52] and death (HR 2.97; 95% CI 2.25–3.93); with similar rates in different countries grouped by income level.

Conclusions

Large variations in AF prevalence occur in different regions and countries grouped by income level, but this is only partially explained by traditional AF risk factors. Antithrombotic therapy is infrequently used in poorer countries despite the high risk of stroke associated with AF.
Gut Microbial Transcytosis Induced by Tumour Necrosis Factor-like 1A-dependent Activation of a Myosin Light Chain Kinase Splice Variant Contributes to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Pai Yu-Chen , Weng Li-Ting , Wei Shu-Chen , Wu Li-Ling , Shih David Q , Targan Stephen R , Turner Jerrold R , Yu Linda Chia-Hui
Published: August 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is characterised by abnormal host-microbe interactions. Proinflammatory cytokine IFNγ and a novel tumour necrosis factor [TNF] superfamily member, TL1A, have been implicated in epithelial barrier dysfunction. The divergent regulatory mechanisms of transcellular versus paracellular hyperpermeability remain poorly understood. Intestinal epithelia express two splice variants of long myosin light chain kinase [MLCK], of which the full-length MLCK1 differ from the shorter isoform MLCK2 by an Src kinase phosphorylation site. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of MLCK splice variants in gut barrier defects under proinflammatory stress.

Methods and Results

Upregulated expression of TL1A, IFNγ, and two MLCK variants was observed in human IBD biopsy specimens. The presence of intraepithelial bacteria preceded tight junction [TJ] damage in dextran sodium sulphate-treated and TL1A-transgenic mouse models. Lack of barrier defects was observed in long MLCK[-/-] mice. TL1A induced MLCK-dependent terminal web [TW] contraction, brush border fanning, and transepithelial bacterial internalisation. The bacterial taxa identified in the inflamed colonocytes included Escherichia, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and Lactobacillus. Recombinant TL1A and IFNγ at low doses induced PI3K/Akt/MLCK2-dependent bacterial endocytosis, whereas high-dose IFNγ caused TJ opening via the iNOS/Src/MLCK1 axis. Bacterial internalisation was recapitulated in MLCK-knockout cells individually expressing MLCK2 but not MLCK1. Immunostaining showed different subcellular sites of phosphorylated MLC localised to the TJ and TW in the MLCK1- and MLCK2-expressing cells, respectively.

Conclusions

Proinflammatory cytokines induced bacterial influx through transcellular and paracellular routes via divergent pathways orchestrated by distinct MLCK isoforms. Bacterial transcytosis induced by TL1A may be an alternative route causing symptom flares in IBD.
Subcoronary Ross/Ross–Konno operation in children and young adults: initial single-centre experience
Authors: Murin Peter , Weixler Viktoria H.M , Moulla-Zeghouane Jasmin , Romanchenko Olga , Schleiger Anastasia , Lorenzen Victoria , Sinzobahamvya Nicodème , Zacek Pavel , Photiadis Joachim , Cho Mi-Young
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the outcome after modified subcoronary Ross/Ross–Konno operation in children and young adults.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and January 2019, a total of 50 patients with median age of 6.3 years (range 0.02–36.5 years, 58% males), including 10 infants (20%), received modified subcoronary Ross/Ross–Konno operation at our institution. Survival, morbidity, reinterventions, aortic valve function and aortic root dimensions were analysed.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 31.2 months (range 14.4–51 months), there were 1 early death and 1 late death, both in the infant group. The overall survival at 5 years after the operation was 95%. Two patients needed aortic valve replacement, 11 and 15 months after their Ross operation. At 5 years, freedoms from reoperation on the autograft and on the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit were 94% and 97%, respectively. Freedom from aortic valve regurgitation greater than mild was 97% at 5 years. Median dimensions of the aortic root at all levels remained in normal range at last visit. Forty-four patients (95%) were in New York Heart Association class I with normal left ventricular function.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial experience with the subcoronary Ross/Ross–Konno operation in children and young adults showed excellent outcome. The mortality and morbidity among infants remain significant. The described technique is reproducible and might be advantageous in situations when prosthetic supporting techniques interfere with somatic growth.
What’s Behind the WTO Crisis? A Marxist Analysis
Authors: Bachand Rémi
Published: August 2020

The main objective of this article is to explore the background of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) crisis using Marxist, neo-Marxist or, at least, Marxist-influenced theories of political economy and international relations. Its purpose is twofold. First, to propose an interpretation of the actual WTO crisis that will address alternative interpretations’ gaps. Second, to advance theoretical inputs founded on Marxist or Marxist-influenced writing in political economy, inputs which could be useful elsewhere in critical studies in international law. At the root of the crisis lies the functioning of neoliberalism (understood as the regime of accumulation promoted by US-dominant classes) and the institutions it uses to regulate itself, to deal with contradictions that hurt its capacity to produce profit, and to allow capital accumulation. One of the most important of these institutions, at the international level, is the WTO. We argue that neoliberalism’s incapacity to continuously provide, since the Asian crisis in 1997, a satisfying rate of profit to US capitalists (and to Western capitalists in general, even if our argument focuses on the former) lured it into a crisis. Since the WTO’s main function is to prevent neoliberalism from being hurt by contradictions that would limit its capacity to provide profits allowing capital accumulation, it was inevitable that one day or another, the struggle faced by the latter would also drag the former down in an institutional crisis.
The relationship between malocclusion and oral health-related quality of life among adolescents: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alrashed Muath , Alqerban Ali
Published: August 2020

Background

Malocclusion is a deviation from an anatomical norm that occurs in various populations. Evidence shows that it has physical and psychological implications as well as an influence on the patient’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Self-perception of oral health plays an important role in the understanding of malocclusion’s influence on the quality of life. Malocclusion has been reported to impair a patient’s function, appearance, interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years with malocclusion are at increased risk for having a high level of OHRQoL compared with those without malocclusion.

Search methods

The Ovid Medline, Embase and Scopus databases were used to identify studies measuring the association between malocclusion and HRQoL.

Selection criteria

Only cross-sectional studies were included, and the following inclusion criteria were used: subjects were systemically healthy; data were available for untreated malocclusion and OHRQoL; malocclusion was measured by Dental Aesthetic Index and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs; OHRQoL was assessed by Child Perception Questionnaire, Child Oral Health Impact Profile and Child Oral Health Impact Profile; and the paper was published in English.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was used to establish the risk of bias, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality assessment tool was used to assess the impact of malocclusion on adolescents across studies.

Results

The initial search yielded 530 papers. Eleven cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analyses, and all data describing the relationship between malocclusion and OHRQoL were gathered via a structured questionnaire. Our results showed that malocclusion is linked to decreased OHRQoL in children and adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years in continuously analysed studies. However, in dichotomously analysed studies, it was shown that young people without malocclusion are linked to decreased OHRQoL.

Conclusions

Adolescents with severe levels of malocclusion might have among the worst levels of OHRQoL. The effects of malocclusion on OHRQoL were influenced by the age of the adolescents as well as by their culture and environment.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020178657).
Atrial fibrillation detection by the subcutaneous defibrillator: real-world clinical performances and implications from a multicentre study
Authors: Ollitrault Pierre , Jacon Peggy , Auquier Nathanaël , Champ-Rigot Laure , Ben Kilani Mouna , Vandevelde Florence , Pellissier Arnaud , Ferchaud Virginie , Legallois Damien , Defaye Pascal , Anselme Frédéric , Milliez Paul
Published: August 2020

Aims

No data exist concerning the clinical performances of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithm. We aimed to study the performances and implications of the latter in a ‘real-world’ setting.

Methods and results

Between July 2017 and August 2019, 155 consecutive S-ICD recipients were included. Endpoint of the study was the incidence of de novo or recurrent AF using a combined on-site and remote-monitoring follow-up approach. After a mean follow-up of 13 ± 8 months, 2531 AF alerts were generated for 55 patients. A blinded analysis of the 1950 subcutaneous electrocardiograms available was performed. Among them 47% were true AF, 23% were premature atrial contractions or non-sustained AF, 29% were premature ventricular contractions or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, and 1% were misdetection. Fourteen percent (21/155) patients had at least one correct diagnosis of AF by the S-ICD algorithm. One patient presented symptomatic paroxysmal AF not diagnosed by the S-ICD algorithm (false negative patient). Patient-based sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were respectively 95%, 74%, 38%, and 99%. Among patients with at least one correct diagnosis of AF, 38% (8/21) had subsequent clinical implications (anticoagulation initiation or rhythm control therapies).

Conclusion

The S-ICD AF detection algorithm yields a high sensitivity for AF diagnosis. Low specificity and positive predictive value contribute to a high remote monitoring-notification workload and underline the necessity of a manual analysis. Atrial fibrillation diagnosis by the S-ICD AF detection algorithm might lead to significant therapeutic adjustments.
Overview of laws and regulations aimed at protecting the hearing of patrons within entertainment venues
Authors: Beach Elizabeth Francis , Mulder Johannes , O’Brien Ian , Cowan Robert
Published: August 2020

Background

Recreational noise—specifically loud music experienced at music venues—has been recognized as a hazard for hearing damage and associated pathologies such as tinnitus. In Europe and other countries around the world, there is a range of regulatory and legislative approaches to managing the sound levels and minimizing the risk of hearing damage for those attending music venues. It is important to have an understanding of these different approaches to inform the development of future regulations and legislation.

Methods

In December 2018, an online search of legislative instruments was conducted, and we identified 18 items that were aimed at protecting the hearing of people attending entertainment venues.

Results

Twelve documents were from European jurisdictions and the remainder were from cities or states of North and South America. The regulatory measures included in the documents ranged from sound level limitations, real-time sound exposure monitoring, mandatory supply of protective devices, requirements for signage and warnings, loudspeaker placement restrictions and the provision of ‘quiet spaces’.

Conclusions

European countries are well advanced in terms of providing legislation and other regulatory documents aimed at protecting people at entertainment venues when compared with the rest of the world. Future research is required to assess the effectiveness of these regulatory measures in reducing the risk associated with sound exposure at music venues.
Maintaining everyday life praxis in the time of COVID-19 pandemic measures (ELP-COVID-19 survey)
Authors: Pišot Saša , Milovanović Ivana , Šimunič Boštjan , Gentile Ambra , Bosnar Ksenija , Prot Franjo , Bianco Antonino , Lo Coco Gianluca , Bartoluci Sunčica , Katović Darko , Bakalár Peter , Kovalik Slančová Terézia , Tlučáková Lenka , Casals Cristina , Feka Kaltrina , Christogianni Aikaterini , Drid Patrik
Published: August 2020

Background

The extreme social circumstances caused by declared COVID-19 pandemic deeply intervene people’s everyday life and should not be neglected but seen through the view of social reality pinpointing the ‘ordinary’ people. In this article, authors explored basic segments of everyday and their subjective perception to what extent sleeping habits, physical inactivity, physical activity, nutritional habits and smoking have changed.

Methods

The online survey was conducted in nine European countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo*, Italy, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain) in 4108 participants, aged 15–82 years. The survey took place 30–40 days after World Health Organization declared COVID-19 pandemic state, from 15 April to 3 May 2020.

Results

The results have shown 30 min longer sleeping time, 50% longer physical inactivity time, 65% longer screen time, 43% shorter walking time, 24% shorter sport time and 37% longer physical work time. Additionally, body mass gains (0.3 kg) could be explained in 20.6% with meals sizes, unhealthy food consumption, screen time and sport time. Further, respondents reported more regular meals (44%) and healthier meals with less alcohol consumption and less smoking, which have been positive outcomes of home confinement.

Conclusion

The findings draw attention to negative changes in everyday praxis (inactivity, body mass gain) after such a short period. Because of possible risk to population’s health (especially of countries such as Italy and Spain with serious threat and more stringent measures), findings enable development of recommendations for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits with minimal negative health consequences in similar pandemic circumstances.
Recovery of chromium, copper and vanadium combined with electricity generation in two-chambered microbial fuel cells
Authors: Aiyer Kartik S
Published: August 2020

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising solution towards recovery and treatment of heavy metal pollutants. In this study, two-chambered MFCs were employed for recovery of chromium, copper and vanadium (Cr (VI), Cu (II) and V (V)). One g/L concentrations of K2Cr2O7, CuCl2 and NaVO3 served as catholytes, while a mixed culture was used as anolyte. Cr (VI), Cu (II) and V (V) were reduced biologically into less toxic forms of Cr (III), Cu and V (IV) respectively. Power density and cathodic efficiency were calculated for each of the catholytes. Cr (VI) gave the maximum power density and cathodic efficiency due to its high redox potential. Current produced depended on the concentration of the catholyte. Over a period of time, biological reduction of catholytes lead to decrease in the metal concentrations, which demonstrated the application of MFC technology towards heavy metal treatment and recovery in a reasonably cost-effective manner.
Measuring Older Adult Loneliness Across Countries
Authors: Newmyer Lauren , Verdery Ashton M , Margolis Rachel , Pessin Léa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The topic of older adult loneliness commands increasing media and policy attention around the world. Are surveys of aging equipped to measure it? We assess the measurement of loneliness in large-scale aging studies in 31 countries by describing the available measures, testing correlations between them, and documenting their construct validity.

Methods

We use data from several “sister studies” of aging adults around the world. In each country, we document available loneliness measures, test for measurement reliability by examining correlations between different measures of loneliness, and assess how these correlations differ by gender and age group. We then evaluate construct validity by estimating correlations between loneliness measures and theoretically hypothesized constructs related to loneliness: living alone and not having a spouse.

Results

There is substantial heterogeneity in available measures of loneliness across countries. Within countries with multiple measures, the correlations between measures are high (range 0.384–0.777, median 0.636). Although we find several statistically significant differences in these correlations by gender and age, the differences are small (gender: range −0.098 to 0.081, median −0.026; age group: range −0.194 to 0.092, median −0.003). Correlations between loneliness measures and living alone and being without a spouse are all positive, almost universally statistically significant, and similar in magnitude across countries, supporting construct validity.

Discussion

This article establishes that even single-item measures of loneliness contribute meaningful information in diverse settings. Similar to the measurement of self-rated health, there are nuances to the measurement of older adult loneliness in different contexts, but it has reliable and consistent measurement properties within many countries.
The Interpersonal and Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 on Risk for Late-Life Suicide
Authors: Sheffler Julia L , Joiner Thomas E , Sachs-Ericsson Natalie J
Published: August 2020

Older adults experience increased risk for suicide compared to the general population, and the circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may potentiate this risk. We discuss how current COVID-19 pandemic-related policies are likely to harm older adults disproportionately. COVID-19 pandemic social distancing policies and ethical guidelines for COVID-19 treatment may exacerbate experiences of social isolation, perceived expendability, and exposure to suffering, which are related to the 3 main components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (i.e., thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness to society, and capability for suicide). The COVID-19 pandemic poses a drain on services and has drawn ethical debates about policies around treating younger adults first. These experiences may lead older adults to have reduced access to needed medical and psychiatric services and may convey damaging messages of expendability. Furthermore, the potential prolonged stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may affect neurological, immunological, and health functioning—exacerbating suicide risk. Potential venues to increase treatment options and decrease social isolation are discussed. We acknowledge optimistic effects as well, such as “pulling together” as a society and the many valuable ways older adults may contribute during this crisis.
Seafloor sediment thickness beneath the VoiLA broad-band ocean-bottom seismometer deployment in the Lesser Antilles from P-to-S delay times
Authors: Chichester Ben , Rychert Catherine , Harmon Nicholas , Allen Robert , Collier Jenny , Henstock Tim , Rietbrock Andreas
Published: August 2020

Broad-band ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) deployments present an opportunity to investigate the seafloor sediment thickness, which is important for constraining sediment deposition, and is also useful for subsequent seismological analyses. The Volatile Recycling in the Lesser Antilles (VoiLA) project deployed 34 OBSs over the island arc, fore- and backarc of the Lesser Antilles subduction zone for 15 months from 2016 to 2017. Using the amplitudes and delay times of P-to-S (Ps) scattered waves from the conversion of teleseismic earthquake Pwaves at the crust–sediment boundary and pre-existing relationships developed for Cascadia, we estimate sediment thickness beneath each OBS. The delay times of the Ps phases vary from 0.20 ± 0.06 to 3.55 ± 0.70 s, generally increasing from north to south. Using a single-sediment and single-crystalline crust earth model in each case, we satisfactorily model the observations of eight OBSs. At these stations we find sediment thicknesses range from 0.43 ± 0.45 to 5.49 ± 3.23 km. To match the observations of nine other OBSs, layered sediment and variable thickness crust is required in the earth model to account for wave interference effects on the observed arrivals. We perform an inversion with a two-layer sediment and a single-layer crystalline crust in these locations finding overall sediment thicknesses of 1.75 km (confidence region: 1.45–2.02 km) to 7.93 km (confidence region: 6.32–11.05 km), generally thinner than the initial estimates based on the pre-existing relationships. We find agreement between our modelled velocity structure and the velocity structure determined from the VoiLA active-source seismic refraction experiment at the three common locations. Using the Ps values and estimates from the VoiLA refraction experiment, we provide an adjusted relationship between delay time and sediment equations for the Lesser Antilles. Our new relationship is ${{H}} = {{1.42}}{{\rm d}}{{{t}}^{ {1.44}}}$ , where H is sediment thickness in kilometres and dt is mean observed Ps delay time in seconds, which may be of use in other subduction zone settings with thick seafloor sediments.
Review of Curie point depth determination through different spectral methods applied to magnetic data
Authors: Núñez Demarco P , Prezzi C , Sánchez Bettucci L
Published: August 2020

Spectral methods have been applied for more than 40 yr to calculate the depth to magnetic sources and the Curie point depth or Moho depth. Unfortunately, conceptual, theoretical and methodological errors, as well as, subjective approaches and lack of rigor in the application of the method are common. This has affected reproducibility, credibility and confidence in this method.

We carried out a detailed mathematical and methodological revision of the spectral methods (centroid, spectral peak, forward and fractal methods) applied to magnetic data for the determination of the depth to magnetic sources. Moreover, a systematic analysis of more than 110 articles was done in order to compile and compare the different approaches and values of key parameters used by different authors in their calculations. We discuss difficulties, conditions and methodological procedures, as well as several misapplications and misinterpretation of the different methods.
Chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosyltransferase-1 knockout shows milder phenotype in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than in wild type
Authors: Inada Rino , Miyamoto Katsuichi , Tanaka Noriko , Moriguchi Kota , Kadomatsu Kenji , Takeuchi Kosei , Igarashi Michihiro , Kusunoki Susumu
Published: August 2020

Proteoglycans (PGs) are one of the main components in the extracellular matrix of the central nervous system. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is composed of major PGs. Similar to keratin sulfate (KS), another GAG, CS inhibits axon regeneration. However, the influence of these GAGs on the pathogenicity of neuroimmunological diseases is unclear. Here, we induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice lacking CS N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 (CSGalNAcT1-KO), an important enzyme for CS synthesis. In our study, CSGalNAcT1-KO mice showed milder EAE symptoms than those in wild-type (WT) mice. The recall response of antigen-specific lymphocytes showed that CSGalNAcT1-KO-derived lymphocytes had a milder cell proliferation response than that in WT-derived lymphocytes. These results suggest that CS contributes toward the induction phase of EAE. We previously performed EAE experiments in GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferase KO (GlcNAc6ST-KO) and C6ST1-KO mice, which had reduced KS and reduced CS-C, respectively. EAE in CSGalNAcT1-KO mice was more similar to that in GlcNAc6ST-KO mice than in C6ST1-KO mice. In conclusion, the distinct GAG sugar chains are associated with severe or mild phenotypes of EAE and are therefore potential new therapeutic targets for neuroimmunological diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
A GlycoGene CRISPR-Cas9 lentiviral library to study lectin binding and human glycan biosynthesis pathways
Authors: Zhu Yuqi , Groth Theodore , Kelkar Anju , Zhou Yusen , Neelamegham Sriram
Published: August 2020

Glycan biosynthesis on cell surface proteins and lipids is orchestrated by different classes of enzymes and proteins including the following: i. glycosyltransferases that add saccharides; ii. glycosidases that trim glycans; iii. conserved oligomeric golgi complex members that regulate intracellular transport; iv. enzymes aiding the biosynthesis of sugar–nucleotides; and v. sulfotransferases. This manuscript describes a pooled “glycoGene CRISPR” lentiviral library that targets 347 human genes involved in the above processes. Approximately 10 single-guide RNA (sgRNA) are included against each glycogene, with the putative editing site spanning the length of the target. A data analysis scheme is presented in order to determine glycosylation pathways regulating biological processes. As proof of principle, forward genetic screen results are presented to identify penetrating glycogenes that regulate the binding of P-/E-selectin, anti-sialyl Lewis-X monoclonal antibody HECA-452 and selected lectins (phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, vicia villosa lectin, peanut agglutinin) to HL-60 promyelocytic cells. Besides validating previously established biology, the study identifies three enzymes, PAPSS1, SLC35B2 and TPST2, as key molecules regulating sulfation of the major P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 in leukocytes. Approximately 80–90% of the sgRNA used in this study displayed high editing efficiency, and the CRISPR library picked up entire gene sets regulating specific biosynthetic pathways rather than only isolated genes. These data suggest that the glycoGene CRISPR library contains high-efficiency sgRNA. Further, this resource could be useful for the rapid screening of glycosylation-related genes and pathways that control lectin recognition in a variety of contexts.
Theories of Indigenous and non-Indigenous wellbeing in Australian health policies
Authors: Shakespeare Madison , Fisher Matthew , Mackean Tamara , Wilson Roland
Published: August 2020

Governments in Australia and internationally show growing interest in wellbeing as a policy goal; however, such interests raise questions about the theories or definitions of wellbeing they will apply. Choices about how wellbeing is defined for policy purposes are likely to delimit the strategies applied. Wholly individualized conceptualizations of wellbeing may lead to policy focused narrowly on ‘improving’ individuals rather than on creating favourable social conditions. Also, Indigenous theories of wellbeing may have much to offer policy for public wellbeing, but little research has examined whether this potential is considered in contemporary health policy. We report on research examining Indigenous and non-Indigenous theories of wellbeing in a representative sample of current Australian health policy documents. We examine what theories or definitions of wellbeing are present, whether policies recognize social determinants of health; if ‘lifestyle drift’ is present; how Indigenous and non-Indigenous theories of wellbeing are positioned; and whether policies propose strategies consistent with their definitions of wellbeing. We discuss implications of current approaches for effective policy to promote Indigenous and non-Indigenous wellbeing.
Range-wide genetic assignment confirms long-distance oceanic migration in Atlantic salmon over half a century
Authors: Bradbury I R , Lehnert S J , Messmer A , Duffy S J , Verspoor E , Kess T , Gilbey J , Wennevik V , Robertson M , Chaput G , Sheehan T , Bentzen P , Dempson J B , Reddin D
Published: August 2020

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations throughout the North Atlantic have declined in recent decades largely due to reduced marine survival, yet our understanding of marine distribution patterns and migratory routes remains limited. Here, we assigned archived individual samples (n = 3891) collected over a half century (1968–2018) throughout the North Atlantic to region of origin using range-wide genetic assignment. In the Northwest Atlantic, the distribution of assignments reinforced the importance of the Labrador Sea as an aggregation area, with 73% of all reporting groups detected. Moreover, individuals from six European reporting groups were identified in the Northwest Atlantic, and detections decreased with decreasing latitude spanning an area from Greenland to southern Newfoundland. In the Northeast Atlantic, six North American reporting groups were detected in samples from around the Faroe Islands. Based on the distribution of samples, estimates of trans-Atlantic migration distance averaged 3861 and 2889 km for North American and European salmon respectively. Our analysis highlights the widespread importance of the Labrador Sea and Faroe Islands to the species marine distribution patterns, and the prevalence of long-distance trans-Atlantic migration. Ultimately, the results suggest that environmental conditions experienced by many Atlantic salmon populations span much of the North Atlantic Ocean.
The theological value of autonomy
Authors: Zimran Adiel
Published: August 2020

Western liberalism is based on two different humanistic traditions: First, the biblical tradition of the Abrahamic religions, according to which man was created in the image of God; and, second, the tradition that developed in the age of Enlightenment, which claims man’s absolute independence of any heteronomous or transcendental being and views the very existence as a goal in and of itself. Each one of these two traditions restricts the autonomy of the individual in different ways, thus influencing the constitutional structure one of whose principal functions is to safeguard the autonomy of the citizens. This article deals with the theological value of autonomy. It analyzes the tension between the humanistic-anthropocentric worldview, which sanctifies human freedom, and the humanistic-theocentric way of thinking, which sees God as the source of all norms and holds that the freedom of man is limited by the divine imperative. Subsequently, the article presents three different models of understanding the relations between the will of God and the will of man, through an analysis of the exegesis of three Jewish thinkers on the stories of man’s creation in the image of God and the sin of the Primordial Man. These models represent three attitudes towards the theological value of autonomy. After having presented the different models, I shall compare them to each other and explicate the conceptual differences between them. To conclude, I shall further assess the contribution of these models to contemporary discourse on autonomy and liberty.