bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous sensing and imaging of individual biomolecular complexes enabled by modular DNA–protein coupling
Authors: Avellaneda Mario J. , Koers Eline J. , Minde David P. , Sunderlikova Vanda , Tans Sander J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMany proteins form dynamic complexes with DNA, RNA, and other proteins, which often involves protein conformational changes that are key to function. Yet, methods to probe these critical dynamics are scarce. Here we combine optical tweezers with fluorescence imaging to simultaneously monitor the conformation of individual proteins and their binding to partner proteins. Central is a protein–DNA coupling strategy, which uses exonuclease digestion and partial re-synthesis to generate DNA overhangs of different lengths, and ligation to oligo-labeled proteins. It provides up to 40 times higher coupling yields than existing protocols and enables new fluorescence-tweezers assays, which require particularly long and strong DNA handles. We demonstrate the approach by detecting the emission of a tethered fluorescent protein and of a molecular chaperone (trigger factor) complexed with its client. We conjecture that our strategy will be an important tool to study conformational dynamics within larger biomolecular complexes.
Theory of Mind Abilities and Social Competence in Preschool Children
Authors: Shivalingaiah Shrunga Manchanapura , Ramseena Fathimath , Shareen Nafeesath 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background and Objective Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability that can be attributed to mental status beliefs, intents, emotions, proficiency, etc., to oneself and to others, and the understanding that others also have intentions, conceptions, desires, and perspectives that are different from one’s own. Daily social life depends on the ability to evaluate the behavior of other people on the basis of their mental state such as their beliefs, intentions, compassions, and goals. This study was conducted to explore the ToM abilities in preschoolers.
Methods A total of 36 preschoolers participated in the study. Two stories were narrated to the children, the classic Sally-Anne Task and the Smarty’s Task. In both the tasks, the responses of the children were scored as either true belief or false belief.
Results The results of the present study revealed mixed responses among the preschoolers. It was found that 3- to 4-year-old children had more false beliefs for both the tasks when compared with 4- to 5-year-old.
Conclusion This study highlights the importance of ToM abilities in typically growing children and other clinical population. It can be concluded that the ToM abilities were improved in typically developing children. Future studies are required to explore the higher levels of embedding of ToM, and also to incorporate it in the clinical population.
Nonorganic Hearing Loss: A Case Profile
Authors: Sarve Archana Rai , Venu Hima Pakkath , Shaju Mariya 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdults and children exhibit nonorganic hearing loss (NOHL). In children, NOHL can be due to several underlying factors. Issues of this kind if not treated on time may become risky for the child’s well-being if the underlying cause of NOHL is psychosocial and emotional. In most of the clinical settings attention is less drawn toward diagnosis and management of the root cause of NOHL. In this present article, we present the audiological profile of a 7-year-old girl with NOHL. The patient came to the department with the compliant of difficulty in hearing. Immittance results showed no abnormalities; however, reliable pure tone results could not be obtained. Subjective tests revealed bilateral hearing loss and objective assessment indicated a normal hearing. On the second visit, audiometric tests were repeated which showed normal hearing. After exclusion of neurological pathology and psychological consultation, the diagnosis of NOHL was stated and the girl was scheduled for regular appointments with a psychologist. In addition, literature on the causative factors related to NOHL has also been discussed in the present article.
Predictors of Neurological Outcome of Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children
Authors: Aprasidze Tatia , Tatishvili Nana , Shatirishvili Teona , Lomidze Giorgi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStroke is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term neurological outcome in children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and explore predictive factors that affect poor outcome. Fifty-six patients aged between 1 month and 17 years who were treated at M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital, Tbilisi, Georgia, with an onset of stroke from 2007 to 2017 were included. To explore predictive factors of outcome, the following data were collected: demographic characteristics, risk factors, he presenting signs, radiological features, and presence of stroke recurrence. Neurological status at discharge and long-term neurological outcome at least 1 year after stroke was evaluated according to Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure subscale. The reported outcome after childhood stroke was variable with long-term neurological deficits in one-third of patients (30.4%). The neurological outcome was worse in males, in patients with multiple stroke episodes, and in those with infarctions involving a combination of cortical and subcortical areas. Pediatric AIS carries the risk of long-term morbidity, and neuroimaging has a predictive influence on outcome.
Applying the Hierarchy of Hazard Control to Regulation of Sound Levels in Entertainment Venues
Authors: Beach Elizabeth Francis , Cowan Robert , Mulder Johannes , O’Brien Ian 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Excessive sound levels at events where amplified music is a central element pose a risk to hearing. Whereas noise exposure in the workplace has been recognized as a hazard for over a century, the potential harm resulting from recreational sound exposure has only become apparent in recent years. In occupational settings where sound levels are high, employers are required to implement risk-mitigation strategies to reduce sound exposure and protect employees in accordance with the hierarchy of controls. In principle, this same risk management approach can be applied to entertainment venues. In this paper we discuss how the measures stipulated in various policies and regulations aimed at protecting the hearing of audience members at entertainment venues fit within the hierarchy of controls. We compare the relative likely effectiveness of each of the measures and outline how the particular characteristics of entertainment venues impact on the practical application of these measures.
Evaluation of the progeny produced by interspecific hybridization between Camelina sativa and C. microcarpa
Authors: Tepfer Mark , Hurel Aurélie , Tellier Frédérique , Jenczewski Eric 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background and aims
Camelina (Camelina sativa, Brassicaceae) has attracted interest in recent years as a novel oilseed crop, and an increasing number of studies have sought to enhance camelina’s yield potential or to modify the composition of its oil. The ability of camelina to cross-hybridize with its wild relative, C. microcarpa, is of interest as a potential source of genetic variability for the crop.

Methods
Manual crosses were performed between the crop C. sativa and its wild relative C. microcarpa; F1 and F2 progenies were obtained. Cytology was used to study meiosis in the parents and F1s and to evaluate pollen viability. Flow cytometry was used to estimate nuclear DNA amounts and fatty acid methyl ester analysis was used to evaluate the lipid composition of F3 seeds.

Key Results
The F1 plants obtained by interspecific crossing presented severe abnormalities at meiosis and low pollen viability, and produced very few F2 seeds. The F2s presented diverse phenotypes and in some cases severe developmental abnormalities. Many F2s were aneuploid. The F2s produced highly variable numbers of F3 seeds, and certain F3 seeds presented atypical lipid profiles.

Conclusions
Considering the meiotic abnormalities observed and the probability of aneuploidy in the F2 plants, the C. microcarpa accessions used in this study would be difficult to use as sources of genetic variability for the crop.
Morphology, locomotor performance and habitat use in southern African agamids
Authors: Tan W C , Vanhooydonck B , Measey J , Herrel A 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the relationships between form and function can help us to understand the evolution of phenotypic diversity in different ecological contexts. Locomotor traits are ecologically relevant as they reflect the ability of an organism to escape from predators, to catch prey or to defend territories. As such, locomotion provides a good model to investigate how environmental constraints may influence an organism’s performance. Here, we investigate the ecomorphological relationships between limb morphology, locomotor performance (sprint speed and endurance) and habitat use in six southern African agamid species. The investigated agamid species showed differences in hind limb and toe lengths. Both of these traits were further correlated with endurance capacity. This association was supported by stepwise multiple regression analyses. However, we demonstrate trade-offs in locomotor performance traits, suggesting that specialization towards speed comes at the detriment of endurance capacity. Overall, the single arboreal species studied had longer hind limbs, a higher exertion capacity and a higher mean speed. However, for a given hind limb length, the arboreal species was slower than the other habitat specialists. This study provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that have driven the morphological and functional evolution in southern African agamid lizards.
Targeted biologic therapy for asthma
Authors: Hynes Gareth , Pavord Ian D 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a common and potentially serious condition affecting 300 million people worldwide. For many years, we have relied on a one-size-fits-all approach to its management, using corticosteroids and bronchodilators for all symptomatic patients. However, with more recent advances, it has become clear that asthma is a heterogeneous condition with multiple different underlying pathways. Understanding the different subtypes will be a key to giving us the ability to intervene in a targeted way to personalize care for patients with asthma.Sources of dataKey published literature, guidelines and trials from clinicaltrials.gov.Areas of agreementThe most widely studied of these subtypes is T2 high eosinophilic asthma, for which there are an increasing number of biologic therapies available. T2 high asthma is associated with the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, for each of which biologics have been developed.Areas of controversyIt is currently unclear which of the available biologics provides superior efficacy. It is also unclear how to select which biologic for which patient.Growing pointsHead-to-head trials of the available T2 biologics will be important to determine superiority, and a suggested order for trialling biologics. Going further than this, we would like to see further analyses of available biologics to allow us to predict responders from non-responders in advance of administering therapy.Areas timely for developing researchNon-eosinophilic T2 low asthma is an area that is under-researched and for which there are few treatments available. It is likely that there are different subtypes in this category of asthma and unravelling what these are will be crucial to developing effective treatments.
Embolization of aortic valve leaflet during valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report
Authors: Kinthala Sudhakar , Saththasivam Poovendran , Ankam Abistanand , Sattur Sudhakar 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular disorders worldwide. An increasing number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures are being performed yearly for managing AS. This, along with the occurrence of common complications, makes timely diagnosis essential to manage rare complications and improve patient outcomes.

Case summary
We present a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian male with severe AS with a dysfunctional bioprosthetic valve following previous surgical valve replacement. During valve-in-valve TAVI, we noted bioprosthetic valve leaflet avulsion and embolization causing a major vascular occlusion that resulted in vascular insufficiency of the left lower extremity. This condition was managed successfully via immediate diagnosis using transoesophageal echocardiogram, angiogram, and vascular surgical intervention for retrieving the embolized valve to re-establish circulation.

Discussion
To our knowledge, this is the first case of aortic valve leaflet embolization during TAVI resulting in significant vascular insufficiency. Vascular complications are common during TAVI. However, not all vascular complications are the same. Our case highlights an embolic vascular complication from an avulsed prosthetic material during a challenging valve-in-valve TAVI procedure.
Predictors of mortality and endoscopic intervention in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the intensive care unit
Authors: Rao Vijaya L , Gupta Nina , Swei Eric , Wagner Thomas , Aronsohn Andrew , Reddy K Gautham , Sengupta Neil 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The outcomes of patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in the intensive care unit (ICU) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are not well described. Our aims were to determine predictors of 30-day mortality and endoscopic intervention, and assess the utility of existing clinical-prediction tools for UGIB in this population.

Methods
Patients hospitalized in an ICU between 2008 and 2015 who underwent EGD were identified using a validated, machine-learning algorithm. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with 30-day mortality and endoscopic intervention. Area under receiver-operating characteristics (AUROC) analysis was used to evaluate established UGIB scoring systems in predicting mortality and endoscopic intervention in patients who presented to the hospital with UGIB.

Results
A total of 606 patients underwent EGD for UGIB while admitted to an ICU. The median age of the cohort was 62 years and 55.9% were male. Multivariate analysis revealed that predictors associated with 30-day mortality included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (odds ratio [OR] 4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–7.9), Charlson score (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.3), and duration from hospital admission to EGD (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07). Rockall, Glasgow-Blatchford, and AIMS65 scores were poorly predictive of endoscopic intervention (AUROC: 0.521, 0.514, and 0.540, respectively) and in-hospital mortality (AUROC: 0.510, 0.568, and 0.506, respectively).

Conclusions
Predictors associated with 30-day mortality include ASA classification, Charlson score, and duration in the hospital prior to EGD. Existing risk tools are poorly predictive of clinical outcomes, which highlights the need for a more accurate risk-stratification tool to predict the benefit of intervention within the ICU population.
Differential Gene Expression between Fungal Mating Types Is Associated with Sequence Degeneration
Authors: Ma Wen-Juan , Carpentier Fantin , Giraud Tatiana , Hood Michael E 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDegenerative mutations in non-recombining regions, such as in sex chromosomes, may lead to differential expression between alleles if mutations occur stochastically in one or the other allele. Reduced allelic expression due to degeneration has indeed been suggested to occur in various sex-chromosome systems. However, whether an association occurs between specific signatures of degeneration and differential expression between alleles has not been extensively tested, and sexual antagonism can also cause differential expression on sex chromosomes. The anther-smut fungus Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae is ideal for testing associations between specific degenerative signatures and differential expression because 1) there are multiple evolutionary strata on the mating-type chromosomes, reflecting successive recombination suppression linked to mating-type loci; 2) separate haploid cultures of opposite mating types help identify differential expression between alleles; and 3) there is no sexual antagonism as a confounding factor accounting for differential expression. We found that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the four oldest evolutionary strata compared with other genomic compartments, and that, within compartments, several signatures of sequence degeneration were greater for differentially expressed than non-differentially expressed genes. Two particular degenerative signatures were significantly associated with lower expression levels within differentially expressed allele pairs: upstream insertion of transposable elements and mutations truncating the protein length. Other degenerative mutations associated with differential expression included nonsynonymous substitutions and altered intron or GC content. The association between differential expression and allele degeneration is relevant for a broad range of taxa where mating compatibility or sex is determined by genes located in large regions where recombination is suppressed.
Tricuspid valve replacement: an appraisal of 45 years of experience
Authors: Veen Kevin M , Quanjel Thijs J M , Mokhles Mostafa M , Bogers Ad J J C , Takkenberg Johanna J M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study provides an overview of the change over a 45-year time period in the characteristics and outcome of patients with tricuspid valve disease undergoing surgical tricuspid valve replacement (TVR).

METHODS
The characteristics and outcomes of all consecutive TVRs from November 1972 to November 2017 at Erasmus MC were collected retrospectively. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the significant predictors of 30-day mortality. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors of patient outcome and the effect of time on these factors.

RESULTS
Ninety-eight patients with tricuspid valve dysfunction underwent 114 consecutive TVRs at a mean age of 50.1 ± 17.2 years (68.5% female). Aetiology changed over time from predominantly functional regurgitation (42.9% in 1972-1985) to predominantly carcinoid heart disease (47.7% in 2001-2017). Early mortality declined significantly from 35% in 1972–1985 to 6.7% in 2001–2017 (P &lt; 0.001). Over time, the hazard ratio of late mortality decreased for higher New York Heart Association class, lower preoperative haemoglobin, and high central venous pressure and increased for the presence of preoperative leg oedema, higher creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. The late survival was 43.8% ± 5.89% at 10 years and was comparable among eras (P = 0.44). The cumulative incidence of reoperation at 10 years was 14.1% (2.3–26.0) in biological valves and 4.9% (0.1–10.3) in mechanical valves (P = 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS
Patient characteristics, potential risk factors and patient outcome changed considerably over time in patients undergoing TVR. Notably, there was a shift in aetiology, completely altering the patient population and their characteristics.
On the stability of waves in classically neutral flows
Authors: Huber Colin , Hoitt Meaghan , Barlow Nathaniel S , Hill Nicole , Keithley Kimberlee , Weinstein Steven J 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper reports a breakdown in linear stability theory under conditions of neutral stability that is deduced by an examination of exponential modes of the form $h\approx{{e}^{i(kx-\omega t)}}$, where $h$ is a response to a disturbance, $k$ is a real wavenumber and $\omega (k)$ is a wavelength-dependent complex frequency. In a previous paper, King et al. (2016, Stability of algebraically unstable dispersive flows. Phys. Rev. Fluids, 1, 073604) demonstrates that when Im$[\omega (k)]=0$ for all $k$, it is possible for a system response to grow or damp algebraically as $h\approx{{t}^{s}}$ where $s$ is a fractional power. The growth is deduced through an asymptotic analysis of the Fourier integral that inherently invokes the superposition of an infinite number of modes. In this paper, the more typical case associated with the transition from stability to instability is examined in which Im$[\omega (k)]=0$ for a single mode (i.e. for one value of $k$) at neutral stability. Two partial differential equation systems are examined, one that has been constructed to elucidate key features of the stability threshold, and a second that models the well-studied problem of rectilinear Newtonian flow down an inclined plane. In both cases, algebraic growth/decay is deduced at the neutral stability boundary, and the propagation features of the responses are examined.
Prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales colonization on hospital admission and ESBL genotype-specific risk factors: a cross-sectional study in six German university hospitals
Authors: Rohde Anna M , Zweigner Janine , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Kola Axel , Schröder Wiebke , Peter Silke , Tacconelli Evelina , Wille Thorsten , Feihl Susanne , Querbach Christiane , Gebhardt Friedemann , Gölz Hannah , Schneider Christian , Mischnik Alexander , Vehreschild Maria J G T , Seifert Harald , Kern Winfried V , Gastmeier Petra , Hamprecht Axel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the admission prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCREB) and to assess whether risk factors vary by β-lactamase genotype.

Methods
Adult patients were recruited within 72 h of admission to general wards of six university hospitals in 2014 and 2015. Rectal swabs were screened for 3GCREB and isolates were analysed phenotypically and genotypically. Patients were questioned on potential risk factors. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for 3GCREB colonization and for specific β-lactamases.

Results
Of 8753 patients screened, 828 were 3GCREB positive (9.5%). Eight hundred and thirteen isolates were available for genotyping. CTX-M-15 was the most common ESBL (38.0%), followed by CTX-M-1 (22.5%), CTX-M-14 (8.7%), CTX-M-27 (7.5%) and SHV-ESBL (4.4%). AmpC was found in 11.9%. Interestingly, 18 Escherichia coli isolates were AmpC positive, 12 of which (67%) contained AmpC on a gene of plasmid origin [CMY (n = 10), DHA (n = 2)]. Risk factors for 3GCREB colonization varied by genotype. Recent antibiotic exposure and prior colonization by antibiotic-resistant bacteria were risk factors for all β-lactamases except CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-27. Travel outside Europe was a risk factor for CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-27 [adjusted OR (aOR) 3.49, 95% CI 2.88–4.24 and aOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.68–4.43]. A previous stay in a long-term care facility was associated with CTX-M-14 (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.98–4.59). A preceding hospital stay in Germany increased the risk of CTX-M-15 (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14–1.41), while a prior hospital stay in other European countries increased the risk of SHV-ESBL colonization (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 1.67–8.92).

Conclusions
The detection of different ESBL types is associated with specific risk factor sets that might represent distinct sources of colonization and ESBL-specific dissemination routes.