Lorentz and CPT Invariance Violation In High-Energy Neutrinos

High-energy neutrino astronomy will be capable of observing particles at both extremely high energies and over extremely long baselines. These features make such experiments highly sensitive to the effects of CPT and Lorentz violation. In this article, we review the theoretical foundation and motivation for CPT and Lorentz violating effects, and then go on to discuss the related phenomenology within the neutrino sector. We describe several signatures which might be used to identify the presence of CPT or Lorentz violation in next generation neutrino telescopes and cosmic ray experiments. In many cases, high-energy neutrino experiments can test for CPT and Lorentz violation effects with much greater precision than other techniques.Comment: 27 pages, 8 figure

The Relationship between the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) and the IntAct Molecular Interaction Databases

IntAct provides a freely available, open source database system and analysis tools for protein interaction data. All interactions are derived from literature curation or direct user submission and all experimental information relating to binary protein-protein
interactions is entered into the IntAct database by curators, via a web-based editor. Interaction information is added to the SUBUNIT comment and the RP line of the relevant publication within the UniProtKB entry. There may be a single INTERACTION comment present within a UniProtKB entry, which conveys information relevant to binary protein-protein interactions. This is automatically derived from the IntAct database and is updated on a triweekly basis. Interactions can be derived by any appropriate experimental method but must be confirmed by a second interaction if resulting from a single yeast2hybrid experiment. For large-scale experiments, interactions are considered if a high confidence score is assigned by the authors. The INTERACTION line contains a direct link to IntAct that provides detailed information for the experimental support. These lines are not changed manually and any discrepancy is reported to IntAct for updates. There is also a database crossreference line within the UniProtKB entry i.e.: DR IntAct _UniProtKB AC, which directs the user to additional interaction data for that molecule. 
UniProt is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, European Commission, Swiss Federal Government and PATRIC BRC.
IntAct is funded by the European Commission under FELICS, contract number 021902 (RII3) within the Research Infrastructure Action of the FP6 "Structuring the European Research Area" Programme

The relationship between lipoprotein A and other lipids with prostate cancer risk:A multivariable Mendelian randomisation study

BACKGROUND: Numerous epidemiological studies have investigated the role of blood lipids in prostate cancer (PCa) risk, though findings remain inconclusive to date. The ongoing research has mainly involved observational studies, which are often prone to confounding. This study aimed to identify the relationship between genetically predicted blood lipid concentrations and PCa. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Data for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A (apoA) and B (apoB), lipoprotein A (Lp(a)), and PCa were acquired from genome-wide association studies in UK Biobank and the PRACTICAL consortium, respectively. We used a two-sample summary-level Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach with both univariable and multivariable (MVMR) models and utilised a variety of robust methods and sensitivity analyses to assess the possibility of MR assumptions violation. No association was observed between genetically predicted concentrations of HDL, TG, apoA and apoB, and PCa risk. Genetically predicted LDL concentration was positively associated with total PCa in the univariable analysis, but adjustment for HDL, TG, and Lp(a) led to a null association. Genetically predicted concentration of Lp(a) was associated with higher total PCa risk in the univariable (OR(weighted median) per standard deviation (SD) = 1.091; 95% CI 1.028 to 1.157; P = 0.004) and MVMR analyses after adjustment for the other lipid traits (OR(IVW) per SD = 1.068; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.134; P = 0.034). Genetically predicted Lp(a) was also associated with advanced (MVMR OR(IVW) per SD = 1.078; 95% CI 0.999 to 1.163; P = 0.055) and early age onset PCa (MVMR OR(IVW) per SD = 1.150; 95% CI 1.015,1.303; P = 0.028). Although multiple estimation methods were utilised to minimise the effect of pleiotropy, the presence of any unmeasured pleiotropy cannot be excluded and may limit our findings. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that genetically predicted Lp(a) concentrations were associated with an increased PCa risk. Future studies are required to understand the underlying biological pathways of this finding, as it may inform PCa prevention through Lp(a)-lowering strategies

Evidence for Surface Water Ice in the Lunar Polar Regions Using Reflectance Measurements from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and Temperature Measurements from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment

We find that the reflectance of the lunar surface within 5 deg of latitude of theSouth Pole increases rapidly with decreasing temperature, near approximately 110K, behavior consistent with the presence of surface water ice. The North polar region does not show this behavior, nor do South polar surfaces at latitudes more than 5 deg from the pole. This South pole reflectance anomaly persists when analysis is limited to surfaces with slopes less than 10 deg to eliminate false detection due to the brightening effect of mass wasting, and also when the very bright south polar crater Shackleton is excluded from the analysis. We also find that south polar regions of permanent shadow that have been reported to be generally brighter at 1064 nm do not show anomalous reflectance when their annual maximum surface temperatures are too high to preserve water ice. This distinction is not observed at the North Pole. The reflectance excursion on surfaces with maximum temperatures below 110K is superimposed on a general trend of increasing reflectance with decreasing maximum temperature that is present throughout the polar regions in the north and south; we attribute this trend to a temperature or illumination-dependent space weathering effect (e.g. Hemingway et al. 2015). We also find a sudden increase in reflectance with decreasing temperature superimposed on the general trend at 200K and possibly at 300K. This may indicate the presence of other volatiles such as sulfur or organics. We identified and mapped surfaces with reflectances so high as to be unlikely to be part of an ice-free population. In this south we find a similar distribution found by Hayne et al. 2015 based on UV properties. In the north a cluster of pixels near that pole may represent a limited frost exposure

A genome-scale in vivo loss-of-function screen identifies Phf6 as a lineage-specific regulator of leukemia cell growth

We performed a genome-scale shRNA screen for modulators of B-cell leukemia progression in vivo. Results from this work revealed dramatic distinctions between the relative effects of shRNAs on the growth of tumor cells in culture versus in their native microenvironment. Specifically, we identified many “context-specific” regulators of leukemia development. These included the gene encoding the zinc finger protein Phf6. While inactivating mutations in PHF6 are commonly observed in human myeloid and T-cell malignancies, we found that Phf6 suppression in B-cell malignancies impairs tumor progression. Thus, Phf6 is a “lineage-specific” cancer gene that plays opposing roles in developmentally distinct hematopoietic malignancies.Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology (Training Grant)National Cancer Institute (U.S.). Integrative Cancer Biology Program (U54-CA112967-06)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (RO1-CA128803-05

Investigation of the Sarcoplasmic Proteome Contribution to the Development of Pork Loin Tenderness

The study objectives were to determine the extent to which the sarcoplasmic proteome explains variations in aged pork loin star probe value. Pork loins (n=12) were categorized by differences in star probe at 21 d post mortem from a larger set of loins. Loins were categorized into low star probe (LSP) group (n=6; star probe<5.80 kg) and high star probe (HSP) group (n=6; star probe>7.00 kg) based on 21-d star probe value with inclusion criteria of marbling score (1.0–3.0) and 24-h pH (5.69–5.98). Quality traits were measured at 1-, 8-, 14-, and 21-d aging. Desmin and troponin-T degradation, peroxiredoxin-2 abundance, calpain-1 autolysis, and sarcomere length were determined. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that differed in abundance due to category. Star probe values were lower (P<0.01) in LSP at each day of aging compared with HSP. Greater pH values were observed (P<0.05)in LSP compared with HSP at each day of aging. Marbling score was greater (P<0.05) in LSP compared with HSP at each day of aging. Greater (P<0.05) desmin and troponin-T degradation was detected in LSP chops at 14- and 21-d aging and 8-, 14-, and 21-d aging, respectively. Greater (P<0.05) sarcomere length was determined in LSP compared with HSP at 1-,8-, and 21-d aging. Sarcoplasmic proteins from HSP chops had greater abundance (P<0.10) of metabolic and regulatory proteins, whereas the LSP chops had greater abundance (P<0.10) of stress response proteins. Star probe values were affected by pH, marbling score, protein degradation, sarcomere length, and sarcoplasmic proteome

Contribution of Early-Postmortem Proteome and Metabolome to Ultimate pH and Pork Quality

This study's objectives were to identify how subtle differences in ultimate pH relate to differences in pork quality and to understand how early-postmortem glycolysis contributes to variation in ultimate pH. The hypothesis was that elements in early-postmortem longissimus thoracis et lumborum proteome and metabolome could be used to predict quality defects associated with pH decline. Temperature and pH of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum were measured at 45 min, 24 h, and 14 d postmortem. Quality measurements were made after 14 d of aging. Groups were classified as normal pH (NpH; x̄ = 5 . 59 [5.53–5.67]; NpH, n = 10) and low pH (LpH; x̄ = 5 . 42 [5.38–5.45]; LpH, n = 10) at 14 d postmortem. Metabolites from 45 min postmortem were identified using GC-MS. Relative differences between proteins were quantified with two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoreses, and spots were identified with MALDI-MS. Western blot analyses were used to measure phosphofructokinase, peroxiredoxin-2, and reduced and non-reduced adenosine monophosphate deaminase-2 at 45 min and 14 d postmortem. Ultimate pH classification did not affect 45-min-postmortem pH (P = 0.64); 14-d pH was different between groups (P < 0.01). NpH had less purge loss (P < 0.01), was darker (P < 0.01), had lower star probe (P < 0.01), and had less intact day-7 desmin (P = 0.02). More pyruvate (P = 0.01) and less lactate (P = 0.09) was observed in NpH, along with more soluble lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.03) and pyruvate kinase (P < 0.10). These observations indicate that differences in enzyme abundance or solubility may produce more pyruvate and less lactate. Fructose 6-phosphate was more abundant (P = 0.08) in the LpH group, indicating that phosphofructokinase may be involved in glycolytic differences. Furthermore, greater abundance of heat shock proteins, peroxiredoxin-2 (P = 0.02), and malate (P = 0.01) early postmortem all suggest differences in mitochondrial function and oxidative stability that contribute to quality differences. These results show that even subtle changes in ultimate pH can influence pork quality. The proteome and metabolome at 45 min postmortem are associated with variation in the extent of pH decline

Influence of postmortem aging and post-aging freezing on pork loin quality attributes

The objectives were to determine 1) the interaction between aging duration and post-aging freezing on pork loin quality attributes and 2) the relationship between pork loin star probe (SP) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS). Loins from 20 carcasses were collected 1 d postmortem. Chops (n = 9; 2.54-cm thick) were fabricated from each loin and vacuum packaged. Four chops from each loin were aged at 4°C for 1, 8, 14, and 21 d and immediately evaluated (Fresh). Four adjacent chops were aged (1, 8, 14, and 21 d), frozen for 14 d, and thawed for evaluation (Frozen). An additional chop was used for evaluation of sarcomere length, intact desmin, and troponin-T degradation. Purge, objective color, pH, subjective color and marbling score, cook loss, SP, and WBS were evaluated at each aging period. Desmin and troponin-T degradation, and sarcomere length were measured on fresh samples at each day of aging. Post-aging freezing had no significant impact on SP, WBS, pH, and subjective color or marbling score at any aging period. Fresh chop purge increased at each day of aging (P 0.05). Aging, without freezing, for 14 or 21 d did not improve SP or WBS observed at 8 d, corresponding with changes in desmin degradation

Maternal and neonatal data collection systems in low- and middle-income countries: Scoping review protocol

Background: Pregnant women and neonates represent one of the most vulnerable groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A recent analysis reported that most vaccine pharmacovigilance systems in LMICs consist of spontaneous (passive) adverse event reporting. Thus, LMICs need effective active surveillance approaches, such as pregnancy registries. We intend to identify currently active maternal and neonatal data collection systems in LMICs, with the potential to inform active safety electronic surveillance for novel vaccines using standardized definitions. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted based on established methodology. Multiple databases of indexed and grey literature will be searched with a specific focus on existing electronic and paper-electronic systems in LMICs that collect continuous, prospective, and individual-level data from antenatal care, delivery, neonatal care (up to 28 days), and postpartum (up to 42 days) at the facility and community level, at the national and district level, and at large hospitals. Also, experts will be contacted to identify unpublished information on relevant data collection systems. General and specific descriptions of Health Information Systems (HIS) extracted from the different sources will be combined and duplicated HIS will be removed, producing a list of unique statements. We will present a final list of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health systems considered flexible enough to be updated with necessary improvements to detect, assess and respond to safety concerns during the introduction of vaccines and other maternal health interventions. Selected experts will participate in an in-person consultation meeting to select up to three systems to be further explored in situ. Results and knowledge gaps will be synthesized after expert consultation.Fil: Berrueta, Mabel. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; ArgentinaFil: Bardach, Ariel Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Ciapponi, Agustín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Xiong, Xu. University of Tulane; Estados UnidosFil: Stergachis, Andy. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Zaraa, Sabra. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Buekens, Pierre. University of Tulane; Estados UnidosFil: Absalon, Judith. No especifíca;Fil: Anderson, Steve. No especifíca;Fil: Althabe, Fernando. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Madhi, Shabir A.. No especifíca;Fil: McClure, Elizabeth. No especifíca;Fil: Munoz, Flor M.. No especifíca;Fil: Mwamwitwa, Kissa W.. No especifíca;Fil: Nakimuli, Annettee. No especifíca;Fil: Clark Nelson, Jennifer. No especifíca;Fil: Noguchi, Lisa. No especifíca;Fil: Panagiotakopoulos, Lakshmi. No especifíca;Fil: Sevene, Esperanca. No especifíca;Fil: Zuber, Patrick. No especifíca;Fil: Belizan, Maria. No especifíca;Fil: Bergel, Eduardo. No especifíca;Fil: Rodriguez Cairoli, Federico. No especifíca;Fil: Castellanos, Fabricio. No especifíca;Fil: Ciganda, Alvaro. No especifíca;Fil: Comande, Daniel. No especifíca;Fil: Pingray, Veronica. No especifíca

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London