bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A260 THE LACK OF CHROMOGRANIN-A MODIFIES THE GUT MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION AND REGULATES EXPERIMENTAL COLONIC INFLAMMATION
Authors: Eissa N , Diarra A , Hussein H , Bernstein C N , Ghia J 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC)is characterized by distinct changes in the gut microbiome and elevated chromogranin-A (CHGA) level, which seem to be a relevant pathogenetic mechanism.CHGA, a prohormone produced by enterochromaffin (EC) cells and cleaved into several bioactive peptides, regulates experimental colonic inflammation. In the rodent, intra-rectal infusion of catestatin, a Chga-derived peptide, alters the distal colonic microbial composition. However, the interplay between CHGA, as a pro-hormone, and the gut microbiome remains elusive.

Aims
in homoeostatic and pathophysiologic conditions, we investigated the functional consequences of the lack of Chgaon the distal colonic microbiota.

Methods
Acute colitis (5 % dextran sulfate sodium [DSS], 5 days) was induced in Chga-C57BL/6-deficient (Chga-/-) and wild-type (Chga+/+)mice. Feces and mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) samples were collected and the V4 region of 16s rRNA was subjected to Miseq Illumina sequencing. Alpha diversity was calculated using Shannon’s diversity index. OTU abundances were summarized using the Bray-Curtis index and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis to visualize microbiome similarities and a permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to test the significance of groups were performed respectively.

Results
In non-colitic homoeostatic condition, the absence of Chga (Chga-/) significantly increased the bacterial richness and modified the bacterial community composition at the genera level between the groups, represented by increased abundance of Lactobacillus species and reduced abundance of Helicobacter& Oscillospira species compared to Chga+/+mice in fecal and colonic MAM. Moreover, the absence of Chga (Chga-/-) resulted in a significant change in the alpha-diversity of fecal and colonic MAM compared to Chga+/+mice. DSS induced-colitis resulted in a significant microbial dysbiosis in Chga+/+mice, however, deletion of Chgaprotected against DSS-induced colitis and reduced the microbial dysbiosis, reduced the family of Rikenellaceaeand maintained the abundance of Bacteroides species, compared to wild-type (Chga+/+).

Conclusions
The lack of CHGA regulates the biodiversity and the composition of the colonic gut microbiota suggesting a cross-talk between the EC cell and the microbiome. Therefore, targeting CHGA could provide a novel therapeutic strategy by regulating the gut microbiome in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Funding Agencies
CIHR
A278 TB OR NOT TB OF THE PANCREAS
Authors: Chis R , Tartaro P 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic TB is a rare clinical presentation which has proved difficult to diagnose. Its symptomatology and imaging characteristics mimic neoplastic findings.

Aims
We present the case of a previously healthy 58-year-old man, from an endemic area who presented with epigastric pain caused by pancreatic TB.

Methods
Case report and review of literature

Results
A previously well 58-year-old male presented to the emergency room with severe epigastric pain, without fevers or significant weight loss. He had immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2001. He denied a personal history of TB, however, he did report that his father had received treatment for active TB. An abdominal CT revealed intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile tree dilation with an abrupt transition in the pancreatic head, possible stricture, as well as mucosal thickening of the duodenum at the level of the abrupt narrowing of the dilated common bile duct, concerning for malignancy. Initial laboratory investigations revealed WBC 6.1 x10E9 cells/L, amylase 114 U/L and lipase 59 U/L. Malignancy work up revealed a normal Ca 19-9 at 29.6 kU/L. HIV testing was negative. CT chest revealed bilateral apical fibrotic lesions and smaller lesions throughout the upper and mid-zones bilaterally, suggestive of progressive massive fibrosis. This was in keeping with the patient’s former occupation as a miner. There was no evidence of granulomatous disease.
EUS was undertaken and this revealed a mass in the head of the pancreas measuring 29 x 29 mm. The mass was invading into the common bile duct. The pancreatic head mass appeared to be invading into the duodenum, as a necrotic ulcerating lesion was also identified in the second part of the duodenum and this was biopsied. The surgical pathology returned as necrotizing granuloma, however, the tissue could not be tested for TB. The patient underwent a repeat endoscopy which again revealed a fungating and friable mass in the second part of the duodenum with biopsies taken. Pathology revealed mild chronic inflammation. Staining for Acid Fast Bacilli was negative, however, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex was isolated on tissue culture. The patient was diagnosed with pancreatic TB and initiated on pyrazinamide, ethambutol, isoniazid and rifampin.

Conclusions
Pancreatic involvement by TB is very rare but it has been increasingly reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. Symptomatically, pancreatic TB can present with a multitude of non-specific symptoms, including epigastric pain, fever, anorexia, weight loss, or jaundice. In addition, imaging findings of pancreatic TB may mimic malignancy. Our patient, from an endemic area, presented with epigastric pain consistent with the existing literature on pancreatic TB. Isolated pancreatic TB is a rare clinical entity but should be in the list of differential diagnoses in a patient with pancreatic mass especially in the setting of risk factors of TB.

Funding Agencies
None
Trap-Based Economic Injury Levels and Thresholds for Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Florida Peach Orchards
Authors: Penca Cory , Hodges Amanda C , Leppla Norman C , Cottrell Ted E 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPopulations of the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), in Florida peach orchards were monitored during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons using yellow pheromone-baited pyramid traps. Peaches were evaluated at harvest for the presence of stink bug injury. A relationship between E. servus trap capture and fruit injury was used to estimate the economic injury level (EIL) for varying scenarios of crop price, per-hectare yield, and control costs. Economic thresholds were then set based on observed E. servus population trends and expected rates of increase. Thresholds were lowest in the period immediately following shuck split due to the rapid increase in E. servus populations during this period. Euschistus servus trap capture trended downward at the time of harvest. Therefore, increased E. servus management early in the Florida peach season provides the greatest overall benefit, whereas late season populations decline independent of management actions. The proposed EIL for Florida peaches determined by this study is 5.53 E. servus per trap over a 14-d trapping period, which was surpassed in only 16 of the 60 recorded trapping periods. This suggests that the current recommended spray frequency may not be economically justified.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Ingested Hydroprene and Methoprene on Development and Fecundity of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Sierras Angela , Schal Coby 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the last two decades, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus F.) have become perennial and difficult to control indoor pests. Current pest control options are severely constrained by high prevalence of insecticide resistance and availability and relatively high costs of alternative interventions. Among various measures to counter the drawbacks of insecticide resistance include efforts to diversify the modes of action of insecticides with residual applications of combinations of insecticides, which include a juvenile hormone analog (JHA). JHAs, such as hydroprene and methoprene, have a desirable safety profile and are effective against a variety of indoor pests. We evaluated the potential of hydroprene and methoprene to be incorporated into an ingestible bait, with dose–response studies on fifth-instar male and female bed bugs. Females were more susceptible than males to both JHAs, and methoprene was more effective by ingestion than hydroprene at inducing both lethal and sublethal effects. Ingestion of ≥10 µg/ml blood of either JHA by last instar nymphs reduced oviposition; untreated females that mated with males exposed to high concentrations of either JHA also exhibited lower oviposition. We suggest that methoprene could be incorporated into integrated pest management programs in liquid baits and residual sprays in combination with other active ingredients.
Area Deprivation Index and Rurality in Relation to Lung Cancer Prevalence and Mortality in a Rural State
Authors: Fairfield Kathleen M , Black Adam W , Ziller Erika C , Murray Kimberly , Lucas F Lee , Waterston Leo B , Korsen Neil , Ineza Darlene , Han Paul K J 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
We sought to describe lung cancer prevalence and mortality in relation to socioeconomic deprivation and rurality.

Methods
We conducted a population-based cross-sectional analysis of prevalent lung cancers from a statewide all-payer claims dataset from 2012 to 2016, lung cancer deaths in Maine from the state death registry from 2012 to 2016, rurality, and area deprivation index (ADI), a geographic area-based measure of socioeconomic deprivation. Analyses examined rate ratios for lung cancer prevalence and mortality according to rurality (small and isolated rural, large rural, or urban) and ADI (quintiles, with highest reflecting the most deprivation) and after adjusting for age, sex, and area-level smoking rates as determined by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Results
Among 1 223 006 adults aged 20 years and older during the 5-year observation period, 8297 received lung cancer care, and 4616 died. Lung cancer prevalence and mortality were positively associated with increasing rurality, but these associations did not persist after adjusting for age, sex, and smoking rates. Lung cancer prevalence and mortality were positively associated with increasing ADI in models adjusted for age, sex, and smoking rates (prevalence rate ratio for ADI quintile 5 compared with quintile 1 = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.30 to 1.54) and mortality rate ratio = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.41 to 1.79).

Conclusion
Socioeconomic deprivation, but not rurality, was associated with higher lung cancer prevalence and mortality. Interventions should target populations with socioeconomic deprivation, rather than rurality per se, and aim to reduce lung cancer risk via tobacco treatment and control interventions and to improve patient access to lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services.
Urinary Estrogen Metabolites and Long-Term Mortality Following Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Tengteng , Nichols Hazel B , Nyante Sarah J , Bradshaw Patrick T , Moorman Patricia G , Kabat Geoffrey C , Parada Humberto , Khankari Nikhil K , Teitelbaum Susan L , Terry Mary Beth , Santella Regina M , Neugut Alfred I , Gammon Marilie D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Estrogen metabolite concentrations of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1) may be associated with breast carcinogenesis. However, no study has investigated their possible impact on mortality after breast cancer.

Methods
This population-based study was initiated in 1996–1997 with spot urine samples obtained shortly after diagnosis (mean = 96 days) from 683 women newly diagnosed with first primary breast cancer and 434 age-matched women without breast cancer. We measured urinary concentrations of 2-OHE1 and 16-OHE1 using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Vital status was determined via the National Death Index (n = 244 deaths after a median of 17.7 years of follow-up). We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the estrogen metabolites-mortality association. We evaluated effect modification using likelihood ratio tests. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results
Urinary concentrations of the 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 ratio (&gt;median of 1.8 vs ≤median) were inversely associated with all-cause mortality (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.98) among women with breast cancer. Reduced hazard was also observed for breast cancer mortality (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.17) and cardiovascular diseases mortality (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.47 to 1.23), although the 95% confidence intervals included the null. Similar findings were also observed for women without breast cancer. The association with all-cause mortality was more pronounced among breast cancer participants who began chemotherapy before urine collection (n = 118, HR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.81) than among those who had not (n = 559, HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.34; Pinteraction = .008).

Conclusions
The urinary 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 ratio may be inversely associated with long-term all-cause mortality, which may depend on cancer treatment status at the time of urine collection.
A comparison of exoplanet spectroscopic retrieval tools
Authors: Barstow Joanna K , Changeat Quentin , Garland Ryan , Line Michael R , Rocchetto Marco , Waldmann Ingo P 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Over the last several years, spectroscopic observations of transiting exoplanets have begun to uncover information about their atmospheres, including atmospheric composition and indications of the presence of clouds and hazes. Spectral retrieval is the leading technique for interpretation of transmission spectra and is employed by several teams using a variety of forward models and parameter estimation algorithms. However, different model suites have mostly been used in isolation and so it is unknown whether the results from each are comparable. As we approach the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, we anticipate advances in wavelength coverage, precision, and resolution of transit spectroscopic data, so it is important that the tools that will be used to interpret these information-rich spectra are validated. To this end, we present an intermodel comparison of three retrieval suites: TauREx, nemesis, and chimera. We demonstrate that the forward model spectra are in good agreement (residual deviations on the order of 20–40 ppm), and discuss the results of cross-retrievals among the three tools. Generally, the constraints from the cross-retrievals are consistent with each other and with input values to within 1σ. However, for high precision scenarios with error envelopes of order 30 ppm, subtle differences in the simulated spectra result in discrepancies between the different retrieval suites, and inaccuracies in retrieved values of several σ. This can be considered analogous to substantial systematic/astrophysical noise in a real observation, or errors/omissions in a forward model such as molecular line list incompleteness or missing absorbers.
Switches between accretion structures during flares in 4U 1901+03
Authors: Ji L , Ducci L , Santangelo A , Zhang S , Suleimanov V , Tsygankov S , Doroshenko V , Nabizadeh A , Zhang S N , Ge M Y , Tao L , Bu Q C , Qu J L , Lu F J , Chen L , Song L M , Li T P , Xu Y P , Cao X L , Chen Y , Liu C Z , Cai C , Chang Z , Chen G , Chen T X , Chen Y B , Chen Y P , Cui W , Cui W W , Deng J K , Dong Y W , Du Y Y , Fu M X , Gao G H , Gao H , Gao M , Gu Y D , Guan J , Guo C C , Han D W , Huang Y , Huo J , Jia S M , Jiang L H , Jiang W C , Jin J , Jin Y J , Kong L D , Li B , Li C K , Li G , Li M S , Li W , Li X , Li X B , Li X F , Li Y G , Li Z W , Liang X H , Liao J Y , Liu B S , Liu G Q , Liu H X , Liu H W , Liu X J , Liu Y N , Lu B , Lu X F , Luo Q , Luo T , Ma X , Meng B , Nang Y , Nie J Y , Ou G , Sai N , Shang R C , Song X Y , Sun L , Tan Y , Tuo Y L , Wang C , Wang G F , Wang J , Wang P J , Wang W S , Wang Y S , Wen X Y , Wu B Y , Wu B B , Wu M , Xiao G C , Xiao S , Xiong S L , Xu H , Yang J W , Yang S , Yang Yan-Ji , Yang Yi-Jung , Yi Q B , Yin Q Q , You Y , Zhang A M , Zhang C M , Zhang F , Zhang H M , Zhang J , Zhang P , Zhang T , Zhang W , Zhang W C , Zhang W Z , Zhang Yi , Zhang Y F , Zhang Y J , Zhang Y H , Zhang Yue , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Z L , Zhao H S , Zhao X F , Zheng S J , Zhou D K , Zhou J F , Zhu Y X , Zhu Y , Zhuang R L 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We report on our analysis of the 2019 outburst of the X-ray accreting pulsar 4U 1901+03 observed with Insight-HXMT and NICER. Both spectra and pulse profiles evolve significantly in the decaying phase of the outburst. Dozens of flares are observed throughout the outburst. They are more frequent and brighter at the outburst peak. We find that the flares, which have a duration from tens to hundreds of seconds, are generally brighter than the persistent emission by a factor of ∼1.5. The pulse-profile shape during the flares can be significantly different from that of the persistent emission. In particular, a phase shift is clearly observed in many cases. We interpret these findings as direct evidence of changes of the pulsed beam pattern, due to transitions between the sub- and supercritical accretion regimes on a short time-scale. We also observe that at comparable luminosities the flares’ pulse profiles are rather similar to those of the persistent emission. This indicates that the accretion on the polar cap of the neutron star is mainly determined by the luminosity, i.e. the mass accretion rate.
Chemical evolution of ultrafaint dwarf galaxies: testing the IGIMF
Authors: Lacchin E , Matteucci F , Vincenzo F , Palla M 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We test the integrated galactic initial mass function (IGIMF) on the chemical evolution of 16 ultrafaint dwarf (UFD) galaxies discussing in detail the results obtained for three of them: Boötes I, Boötes II, and Canes Venatici I, taken as prototypes of the smallest and the largest UFDs. These objects have very small stellar masses (∼103–104 M⊙) and quite low metallicities ([Fe/H] &lt; −1.0 dex). We consider four observational constraints: the present-day stellar mass, the [α/Fe] versus [Fe/H] relation, the stellar metallicity distribution function and the cumulative star formation history. Our model follows in detail the evolution of several chemical species (H, He, α-elements, and Fe). We take into account detailed nucleosynthesis and gas flows (in and out). Our results show that the IGIMF, coupled with the very low star formation rate predicted by the model for these galaxies (∼10−4–10−6 M⊙yr−1), cannot reproduce the main chemical properties, because it implies a negligible number of core-collapse SNe and even Type Ia SNe, the most important polluters of galaxies. On the other hand, a constant classical Salpeter IMF gives the best agreement with data, but we cannot exclude that other formulations of the IGIMF could reproduce the properties of these galaxies. Comparing with Galaxy data, we suggest that UFDs could not be the building blocks of the entire Galactic halo, although more data are necessary to draw firmer conclusions.
High-mass X-ray binaries in nearby metal-poor galaxies: on the contribution to nebular He ii emission
Authors: Senchyna Peter , Stark Daniel P , Mirocha Jordan , Reines Amy E , Charlot Stéphane , Jones Tucker , Mulchaey John S 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Despite significant progress both observationally and theoretically, the origin of high-ionization nebular He ii emission in galaxies dominated by stellar photoionization remains unclear. Accretion-powered radiation from high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) is still one of the leading proposed explanations for the missing He+-ionizing photons, but this scenario has yet to be conclusively tested. In this paper, we present nebular line predictions from a grid of photoionization models with input spectral energy distributions containing the joint contribution of both stellar atmospheres and a multicolour disc model for HMXBs. This grid demonstrates that HMXBs are inefficient producers of the photons necessary to power He ii, and can only boost this line substantially in galaxies with HMXB populations large enough to power X-ray luminosities of 1042 erg s−1 per unit star formation rate (SFR). To test this, we assemble a sample of 11 low-redshift star-forming galaxies with high-quality constraints on both X-ray emission from Chandra and He ii emission from deep optical spectra, including new observations with the MMT. These data reveal that the HMXB populations of these nearby systems are insufficient to account for the observed He ii strengths, with typical X-ray luminosities or upper limits thereon of only 1040–1041 erg s−1 per SFR. This indicates that HMXBs are not the dominant source of He+ ionization in these metal-poor star-forming galaxies. We suggest that the solution may instead reside in revisions to stellar wind predictions, softer X-ray sources, or very hot products of binary evolution at low metallicity.
Intensity interferometry of P Cygni in the H α emission line: towards distance calibration of LBV supergiant stars
Authors: Rivet J-P , Siciak A , de Almeida E S G , Vakili F , Domiciano de Souza A , Fouché M , Lai O , Vernet D , Kaiser R , Guerin W 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We present intensity interferometry of the luminous blue variable P Cyg in the light of its H α emission performed with 1 m-class telescopes. We compare the measured visibility points to synthesized interferometric data based on the CMFGEN physical modelling of a high-resolution spectrum of P Cyg recorded almost simultaneously with our interferometry data. Tuning the stellar parameters of P Cyg and its H α linear diameter, we estimate the distance of P Cyg as 1.56 ± 0.25 kpc, which is compatible within 1σ with 1.36 ± 0.24 kpc reported by the Gaia DR2 catalogue of parallaxes recently published. Both the values are significantly smaller than the canonic value of 1.80 ± 0.10 kpc usually adopted in literature. Our method used to calibrate the distance of P Cyg can apply to very massive and luminous stars both in our Galaxy and neighbouring galaxies, and can improve the so-called wind momentum–luminosity relation that potentially applies to calibrate cosmological candles in the local Universe.
Are fast radio bursts made by neutron stars?
Authors: Katz J I 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Popular models of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs; and perhaps of all FRBs) involve neutron stars because of their high rotational or magnetostatic energy densities. These models take one of two forms: giant but rare pulsar-like pulses like those of rotating radio transients, and outbursts like those of soft gamma repeaters. Here I collate the evidence, recently strengthened, against these models, including the absence of Galactic micro-FRBs, and attribute the 16 d periodicity of FRB 180916.J0158+65 to the precession of a jet produced by a massive black hole’s accretion disc.