bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutations in rik1, clr2, clr3 and clr4 genes asymmetrically derepress the silent mating-type loci in fission yeast.
Authors: Ekwall K , Ruusala T 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In Schizosaccharomyces pombe the mating-type information is stored at two transcriptionally silent loci (mat2 and mat3). The region between these sites (K region) is inert for meiotic crossing over. The mating-type genes (M or P) are expressed only when present at a third, active locus (mat1). We have earlier shown that the positional regulation of P genes is based on repression at the silent site, caused by elements in the flanking DNA sequences. In this study we have mutagenized a sterile mat1 deleted strain and selected for cells that are able to conjugate. Recessive mutations of this type should define genes encoding trans-acting factors involved in repression of the silent mating-type loci. Before this work mutations in two genes, clr1 and swi6, had been shown to allow both expression of the silent loci and recombination in the K region. The sensitivity of the present selection is demonstrated by the isolation of new mutations that derepress one or both of the silent loci (M-mating or bi-mating). The frequency of M-mating mutants was almost two orders of magnitude higher than that of bi-mating mutants and in all mutants analyzed mat3-M expression was significantly higher than mat2-P expression. The mutations define three new genes, clr2, clr3 and clr4. In addition we show that the rik1 mutant previously known to allow recombination in the K region also depresses the silent loci.
The Age-Dependent Association Between Vascular Risk Factors and Depressed Mood
Authors: Blöchl Maria , Schaare H Lina , Kunzmann Ute , Nestler Steffen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Cumulative burden of vascular risk factors (VRFs) has been linked to an increased risk of depressed mood. However, the role of age in this association is still unclear. Here, we investigated whether VRF burden is associated with levels and changes in depressed mood and whether these associations become stronger or weaker from mid- to later life.

Method
We used longitudinal data from 5,689 participants (52–89 years) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. A composite score incorporated the presence of 5 VRFs: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Second-order latent growth models were used to test whether levels and changes of depressed mood differed as a function of baseline VRF burden, and whether these associations were moderated by age.

Results
Baseline VRF burden showed a small association with higher levels of depressed mood (estimate = 0.081; 95% CI: 0.024, 0.138, p = .005). This association varied with age, such that it was stronger in midlife compared to later life (estimate = −0.007; 95% CI: −0.013, −0.002, p = .017). There was no evidence that VRF burden was associated with changes in depressed mood.

Discussion
Our findings suggest that VRF burden in midlife, but less so in later life, predicts individual differences in depressed mood. These findings are consistent with reports on the importance of midlife VRFs and support the idea that promotion of vascular health in this age group or earlier in life may be critical to maintain mental health across adulthood.
Vaginal sialoglycan foraging byGardnerella vaginalis: mucus barriers as a meal for unwelcome guests?
Authors: Agarwal Kavita , Lewis Amanda L 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition of the vaginal microbiome in which there are few lactobacilli and abundant anaerobic bacteria. Members of the genus Gardnerella are often one of the most abundant bacteria in BV. BV is associated with a wide variety of poor health outcomes for women. It has been recognized since the 1980s that women with BV have detectable and sometimes markedly elevated levels of sialidase activity in vaginal fluids and that bacteria associated with this condition produce this activity in culture. Mounting evidence collected using diverse methodologies points to the conclusion that BV is associated with a reduction in intact sialoglycans in cervicovaginal secretions. Here we review evidence for the contributions of vaginal bacteria, especially Gardnerella, in the processes of mucosal sialoglycan degradation, uptake, metabolism and depletion. Our understanding of the impacts of vaginal sialoglycan degradation is still limited. However, the potential implications of sialic acid depletion are discussed in light of our current understanding of the roles played by sialoglycans in vaginal physiology.
Semi-prone position for thoracoscopic resection of a rare oesophageal tumour
Authors: Khalayleh Harbi , Mashni Ibrahim , Bar Ilan , Pines Guy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Oesophageal schwannomas are extremely rare tumours arising from Schwann cells of the neural sheath, with less than 115 cases reported in the English literature. These tumours are usually sporadic and account for about 2% of all stromal oesophageal tumours. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by the presence of positive immunohistochemical marker S-100 and absence of CD117, CD34, smooth muscle actine and Desmin. Treatment can vary from enucleation to oesophagectomy. Herein, we report a case of a 61-year-old woman who presented with progressive dysphagia. Computerized tomography scan revealed a 5 × 3 cm mass extending proximal to the azygos arch. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a submucosal mass at 20–24 cm from the incisors. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a 6 × 3 cm well-circumscribed mass originating from the fourth layer, suspicious for a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The patient underwent thoracoscopic enucleation of the tumour in a semi-prone position. Final pathology was consistent with a completely resected benign oesophageal schwannoma, positive for S-100.
Upper extremity revascularization with autologous femoral vein graft in an immunocompromised patient: 5-year computed tomographic findings
Authors: Yie Kilsoo , Park Hyo-Won 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Femoral veins have been used as a substitute graft for limb bypass in selected patients. The long-term efficacy of deep-vein grafts in neoaortoiliac system reconstruction has been shown to be excellent but the efficacy in extremity bypass is still unclear. Here, we report a case of subclavian-to-brachial artery bypass surgery using a femoral vein graft in a chronically immunocompromised patient with previous kidney transplantation. The patient remains symptom-free at 5 years with a patent bypass without any complications, such as aneurysmal dilatation, recurrent infection, stenosis or harvested limb oedema. The femoral vein would be a good option for extremity bypass in patients with high-risk immune problems when other veins are not available.
A linear implicit Euler method for the finite element discretization of a controlled stochastic heat equation
Authors: Benner Peter , Stillfjord Tony , Trautwein Christoph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe consider a numerical approximation of a linear quadratic control problem constrained by the stochastic heat equation with nonhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. This involves a combination of distributed and boundary control, as well as both distributed and boundary noise. We apply the finite element method for the spatial discretization and the linear implicit Euler method for the temporal discretization. Due to the low regularity induced by the boundary noise, convergence orders above $1/2$ in space and $1/4$ in time cannot be expected. We prove such optimal convergence orders for our full discretization when the distributed noise and the initial condition are sufficiently smooth. Under less smooth conditions the convergence order is further decreased. Our results only assume that the related (deterministic) differential Riccati equation can be approximated with a certain convergence order, which is easy to achieve in practice. We confirm these theoretical results through a numerical experiment in a two-dimensional domain.
On Subharmonic and Entire Functions of Small Order: After Kjellberg
Authors: Rippon Philip J , Stallard Gwyneth M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We give a general method for constructing examples of transcendental entire functions of given small order, which allows precise control over the size and shape of the set where the minimum modulus of the function is relatively large. Our method involves a novel technique to obtain an upper bound for the growth of a positive harmonic function defined in a certain type of multiply connected domain, based on comparing the Harnack metric and hyperbolic metric, which gives a sharp estimate for the growth in many cases.
Dedicated to the memory of Paddy Barry.
Existence of Equivariant Models of Spherical Varieties and OtherG-varieties
Authors: Borovoi Mikhail , Gagliardi Giuliano 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLet $k_0$ be a field of characteristic $0$ with algebraic closure $k$. Let $G$ be a connected reductive $k$-group, and let $Y$ be a spherical variety over $k$ (a spherical homogeneous space or a spherical embedding). Let $G_0$ be a $k_0$-model ($k_0$-form) of $G$. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a $G_0$-equivariant $k_0$-model of $Y$.
Deciphering mobile genetic elements disseminating macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes over a 21 year period in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Berbel Dàmaris , Càmara Jordi , González-Díaz Aida , Cubero Meritxell , López de Egea Guillem , Martí Sara , Tubau Fe , Domínguez M Angeles , Ardanuy Carmen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To phenotypically and genetically characterize the antibiotic resistance determinants and associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among macrolide-resistant (MR) Streptococcus pyogenes [Group A streptococci (GAS)] clinical isolates collected in Barcelona, Spain.

Methods
Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by microdilution. Isolates were emm and MLST typed and 55 were whole-genome sequenced to determine the nature of the macrolide resistance (MR) determinants and their larger MGE and chromosomal context.

Results
Between 1998 and 2018, 142 of 1028 GAS (13.8%) were MR. Among 108 isolates available for molecular characterization, 41.7% had cMLSB, 30.5% iMLSB and 27.8% M phenotype. Eight erm(B)-containing strains were notable in having an MDR phenotype conferred by an MGE encoding several antibiotic resistance genes. MR isolates were comprised of several distinct genetic lineages as defined by the combination of emm and ST. Although most lineages were only transiently present, the emm11/ST403 clone persisted throughout the period. Two lineages, emm9/ST75 with erm(B) and emm77/ST63 with erm(TR), emerged in 2016–18. The erm(B) was predominantly encoded on the Tn916 family of transposons (21/31) with different genetic contexts, and in other MGEs (Tn6263, ICESpHKU372 and one harbouring an MDR cluster called ICESp1070HUB). The erm(TR) was found in ICESp2905 (8/17), ICESp1108-like (4/17), ICESpHKU165 (3/17) and two structures described in this study (IMESp316HUB and ICESp3729HUB). The M phenotype [mef(A)-msr(D)] was linked to phage φ1207.3. Eight integrative conjugative element/integrative mobilizable element (ICE/IME) cluster groups were classified on the basis of gene content within conjugation modules. These groups were found among MGEs, which corresponded with the MR-containing element or the site of integration.

Conclusions
We detected several different MGEs harbouring erm(B) or erm(TR). This is the first known description of Tn6263 in GAS and three MGEs [IMESp316HUB, ICESp3729HUB and ICESp1070HUB] associated with MR. Periods of high MR rates in our area were mainly associated with the expansion of certain predominant lineages, while in low MR periods different sporadic and low prevalence lineages were more frequent.
Development and Validation of an LC-MS/MS Method for the Ultra-Trace Analysis of Pacific Ciguatoxins in Fish
Authors: Nagae Mika , Igarashi Tomoji , Mizukoshi Kazushi , Kuniyoshi Kyoko , Oshiro Naomasa , Yasumoto Takeshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) poses a serious threat to both public health and the use of aquatic resources from the various warm-water regions of the world. Hence, a process for the efficient determination of the relevant toxins is required.

Objective
We sought to develop and validate the first LC-MS/MS method to quantify the major toxins prevalent in fish from the Pacific Ocean.

Method
Toxins were extracted from fish flesh (2 g) using a methanol–water mixture (9:1, v/v). The extract was heated at 80°C, and low-polarity lipids were eliminated using hexane, initially from the basic solution and later from the acidic solution. The cleanup was performed using solid-phase extraction, Florisil, silica, reversed-phase C18, and primary secondary amine columns. A validation study was conducted by spiking fish flesh with two representative toxins having different skeletal structures and polarities and was calibrated by NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy.

Results
The validation parameters for the ciguatera toxins CTX1B and CTX3C at spiked levels of 0.1 µg/kg were as follows: repeatabilities of 2.3–3.5% and 3.2–5.3%; intermediate precisions of 6.3–9.8% and 6.0–7.4%; recoveries of 80–107% and 95–120%, respectively. The lowest detection levels were 0.004 µg/kg for CTX1B, 0.005 µg/kg for 51-hydroxyCTX3C, and 0.009 µg/kg for CTX3C.

Conclusions
The described method practically clears the international action level of 0.01 µg/kg CTX1B equivalents set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority and satisfies the global standards set by Codex and AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Highlights
A validation study for an LC-MS/MS method for ciguatoxin detection was completed for the first time using calibrated toxin standards.
Intergenerational Impacts of Maternal Stress on Early Childhood Atopy in Black Americans
Authors: Engel Melissa L , Pike Madeline R , Cohen Madeleine F , Dunlop Anne L , Corwin Elizabeth J , Pearce Brad D , Brennan Patricia A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective
Black children are disproportionately affected by atopic diseases (i.e., atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies), with health disparities present in early life. Studies in White samples suggest that maternal stress confers risk for offspring atopy, yet little is known about these relationships in Black populations. This study seeks to (a) examine the relationship between self-reported and physiological indicators of maternal stress and offspring atopy and (b) explore warm and responsive caregiving as a potential protective factor in Black Americans.

Methods
A sample of 179 Black mother–child dyads of varying socioeconomic status participated in a prospective longitudinal study. Mothers completed self-reports of childhood trauma, prenatal stress, postnatal stress, and physician diagnosis of offspring atopy; provided blood samples to assess physiological responses to chronic stress exposure; and participated in a behavioral task with their infant.

Results
Maternal self-reports of childhood trauma, prenatal stress, and postnatal stress were not associated with offspring diagnosis of atopy by 2–3 years of age. Mothers who produced a smaller inflammatory response during pregnancy were more likely to have an offspring with atopy by 2–3 years of age. Warm and responsive parenting demonstrated a protective effect; the positive association between maternal stress and offspring atopy was less apparent in cases of mother–child interactions characterized by high levels warm and responsive parenting.

Conclusion
Failure to replicate previous findings suggests that the maternal stress–offspring atopy relationship is complex. Future studies must examine the unique stressors in Black Americans, as well as caregiving as a potential protective factor.
Protection in Natural Disasters: The Response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique
Authors: Fischel de Andrade José H , de Lima Madureira André 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Following the landfall of cyclone Idai in mid-March 2019, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator activated an Inter-Agency Standing Committee Humanitarian System-Wide Scale-Up in Mozambique. As a result, in late March 2019, 10 clusters were activated in Sofala province, as the main province affected by the cyclone. Clusters activated included the protection cluster, which was co-led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Provincial Director for Gender, Children and Social Affairs. The present field report covers the main activities of the Sofala province Protection Cluster from March to October 2019, i.e. during the emergency and early-recovery phases of the response. By the end of the reporting period, there were 10,405 internally displaced families (53,742 internally displaced people) living in 22 resettlement sites across the Sofala province.
Training Strategies Maintain Performance Characteristics in Marines Selected for Marine Forces Special Operations Individualized Training Course
Authors: Royer Scott D , Poploski Kathleen M , Ross Jeremy A , Heebner Nicholas R , Abt John P , Sheppard Ryan L , Winters Joshua D 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Marines must complete an intensive Assessment and Selection (A&S) course before becoming a U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raider. Following selection, marines are given training recommendations designed to maintain performance characteristics deemed relevant to successfully complete a rigorous 9-month Individualized Training Course (ITC). However, training strategies are individually implemented by the marine, and the time between the two courses is highly irregular, ranging between 2 months and 24 months based on operational factors related to military occupational specialty (MOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in performance between the completion of A&S and the start of ITC and to examine if the duration between courses and previous MOS influenced changes in performance.

Materials and Methods
Body fat percentage (BF%), anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), aerobic capacity (VO2max), knee flexion (KF), knee extension (KE), trunk extension (TE), and trunk flexion (TF) isokinetic strength were collected on 38 marines (age: 25.1 ± 2.7 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m, mass: 83.2 ± 7.7 kg, Post-A&S to ITC start: 204.1 ± 68.4 days) following A&S and directly before ITC.

Results
Pre-ITC students had significantly greater mass (P = .002), BF% (P = .000), and AP (P = .039). There were no significant changes in AC (P = .170), VO2max (P = .259), KF (P = .400), KE (P = .320), TE (P = .178), and TF (P = .643). There was no significant relationship between performance outcomes and time between courses and previous MOS.

Conclusion
Current training strategies appear effective at addressing performance deficits that occur as a result of A&S, while maintaining high levels of KF, KE, TE, TF, AC, and VO2max. However, pre-ITC students still exhibited AP deficits compared to active marine raiders, so forthcoming programming may benefit from an increased emphasis on AP. Assessment of additional selectees at these timepoints, as well as students before A&S may provide valuable information to MARSOC human performance specialists to develop programing, ultimately leading to a higher ITC graduation rate, increased force readiness, and decreased financial burden forcewide.
20 Years of Radiographic Imaging: Crystalline Deposits Causing Severe Arthropathy and Erosions
Authors: Mank Victoria M F , Goldstein Elianna , Babb Sean , Meghpara Sanket , Breighner Crystal , Roberts Jefferson 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Urate crystal gout arthritis and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) are crystalline arthropathies seen in middle age to elderly patients, but are also seen in the active duty military population. Flares of either can be identified by acute joint pain, associated swelling, tenderness, and warmth. Definitive diagnosis involves synovial analysis from arthrocentesis. Gout and CPPD are common inflammatory joint diseases. Both arthropathies presenting themselves in the same joint are rather rare.
An elderly female with a history of gout presented to the hospital with severe hip pain. She was on urate-lowering therapy at the time, and uric acid levels on admission were not significantly elevated. Radiographic imaging of her hip demonstrated periarticular cartilage calcifications. A review of radiographic imaging over the last 20 years found significant erosive arthropathy in multiple joints and radiographic evidence of chondrocalcinosis, suggesting CPPD. Synovial analysis was not obtained during this admission as the patient declined procedures due to her elderly age. Her condition improved with oral steroids.
Few literatures have demonstrated that gout and CPPD are common crystal arthropathies that can occur concomitantly in the same joint. A 20-year review of imaging in an elderly female with known gout arthropathy found that she had radiographic evidence of concomitant CPPD-associated damage to many of her joints. Clinicians should be aware of the different erosive arthropathies, their corresponding imaging findings, evaluation for underlying metabolic disorders if appropriate, and the possibility that they may occur in the same joint. Early prevention can reduce joint destruction later in life.
A Sub-Analysis of U.S. Africa Command Area of Operations Transportations for Ophthalmic Concerns, 2008–2018
Authors: Altman Adam H H , Carius Brandon M , Justin Grant A , Schauer Steven G , Escandon Mireya A , Maddry Joseph K , Mazzoli Robert A , Legault Gary L 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
American military personnel in U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) operate in a continent triple the size of the USA without mature medical facilities, requiring a substantial transportation network for medical evacuation. We describe medical transportation based on ophthalmic complaints analyzed from the U.S. Transportation Command Regulating and Command and Control Evacuation System (TRAC2ES) database from 2008 to 2018.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of all TRAC2ES records for medical evacuations for ophthalmic complaints from the AFRICOM theater of operations conducted between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018. We analyzed free-text data in TRAC2ES for ophthalmic diagnostic and therapeutic interventions performed before established patient movement requests. An expert panel analyzed evacuations for their indications and interventions.

Results
Nine hundred and sixty-one total records originating within AFRICOM were identified in TRAC2ES. Forty-three cases (4%) had ophthalmic complaints. The majority of transports were routine (72%) and originated in Djibouti (83%), and all were transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The majority of patients were evacuated without a definitive diagnosis (60%). Leading ophthalmic diagnoses were chalazion (14%), corneal abrasion/ulcer (14%), and posterior vitreous detachment (12%). More than one-quarter of patients were transported without recorded evaluation and approximately half (51%) did not receive any intervention before evacuation. Consultation with an ophthalmologist occurred in only 16 (37%) cases. By majority, the expert panel deemed 12 evacuations (28%) potentially unnecessary.

Conclusion
Evacuations were primarily routine often for disease etiology and further diagnostic evaluation. These findings support opportunities for telemedicine consultation to avoid potentially unnecessary transportation. Increased ophthalmic care and enhanced data collection on transports would support process improvement, optimize ophthalmic care by ensuring proper disposition of patients thus limiting unnecessary evacuations, and ultimately strengthen the entire fighting force.