C*-algebras nearly contained in type I algebras

In this paper we consider near inclusions $A\subseteq_\gamma B$ of C$^*$-algebras. We show that if $B$ is a separable type I C*-algebra and $A$ satisfies Kadison's similarity problem, then $A$ is also type I and use this to obtain an embedding of $A$ into $B$.Comment: 17 Page

HLA-DQA1*05 carriage associated with development of anti-drug antibodies to infliximab and adalimumab in patients with Crohn's Disease

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies are the most widely used biologic drugs for treating immune-mediated diseases, but repeated administration can induce the formation of anti-drug antibodies. The ability to identify patients at increased risk for development of anti-drug antibodies would facilitate selection of therapy and use of preventative strategies.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on Publisher URL to access the full-text

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Validity of the Wahoo KICKR power trainer and reliability of a 4 km cycle time trial

Purpose: To assess the validity of power and the reliability of a 4 km cycle time trial (TT) using the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer. Methods: The Wahoo KICKR power output was assessed using a dynamic calibration rig (DCR) over power outputs of 100-600 W at cadences of 80, 90 and 100 rpm. Twelve trained male cyclists (mean ± SD; age: 34.0 ± 6.5 years, height: 178.4 ± 6.2 cm, body mass: 76.8 ± 9.6 kg) completed three 4 km TTs on the Wahoo KICKR, each separated by a minimum of two and a maximum of three days. Mean power (W), cadence (rpm), speed (km.h-1), heart rate (bpm) and total time (s) were recorded for each TT while ratings of effort (0-10) and sessional ratings of perceived exertion (6-20) were collected immediately and 10 mins post each TT. Results: Bias for differences in power (%) recorded by the Wahoo KICKR to the DCR was 0.8% (95%LOA -4.0- 5.6%) (Figure 1). Average ICC between trials (2-1, 3-2, 3-1) for power was 0.95 (95%CI 0.89-0.98), cadence 0.80 (95 %CI 0.60- 0.92), speed 0.70 (95%CI 0.46- 0.88), heart rate 0.93 (95%CI 0.85- 0.98) and total time 0.75 (95%CI 0.53-0.90). Coefficient of variation was 2.9%, 4.5%, 3.7%, 1.5%, 3.6% for power, cadence, speed, heart rate and total time, respectively (Table 2). Results: sIgA concentrations (µg.ml¯ٰ) before and after the treadmill were [mean 595, s = 64.6 and mean 841, s = 76.3] and before and after the bike were [mean 593.9, s = 51.1 and 778.8 s = 99.3]. sIgA secretion rates (µg.min¯ٰ) before and after the treadmill were [mean 396.2, s = 73.7 and 223 s = 99.6] and before and after the bike were [mean 284.1, s = 74.3 and 216.6, s = 29.5]. Saliva flow rates (µl.min¯ٰ) before and after the treadmill were [mean 657.8, s = 92.2 and 289.3, s = 56.6] and before and after the bike were [mean 487.2, s = 123.3 and 319.5, s = 66.5]. The results indicated that sIgA secretion rate (P \u3c 0.028) and saliva flow rate (P \u3c 0.01) were significantly decreased following the 2 hour treadmill protocol but not the 2 hour bike protocol. sIgA concentration was also significantly elevated following the treadmill (P \u3c 0.01), with no significant increase following the bike protocol. Conclusion: These results suggest that when compared to a DCR, the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer displays a small mean bias across all measures of power, with caution to be applied at the lower ranges of power output (\u3c200 W). When completed on the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer, a 4 km TT in trained cyclists is highly reproducible

Validity of power settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer

Purpose: To assess the validity of power output settings of the Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer (KICKR) using a dynamic calibration rig (CALRIG) over a range of power outputs and cadences. Methods: Using the KICKR to set power outputs, powers of 100–999 W were assessed at cadences (controlled by the CALRIG) of 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 rpm. Results: The KICKR displayed accurate measurements of power of 250–700 W at cadences of 80–120 rpm with a bias of –1.1% (95% limits of agreement [LoA] –3.6% to 1.4%). A larger mean bias in power was observed across the full range of power tested, 100–999 W (4.2%, 95% LoA –20.1% to 28.6%), due to larger biases of 100–200 and 750–999 W (4.5%, 95% LoA –2.3% to 11.3%, and 13.0%, 95% LoA –24.4% to 50.3%), respectively. Conclusions: Compared with a CALRIG, the KICKR has acceptable accuracy reporting a small mean bias and narrow LoA in the measurement of power output of 250–700 W at cadences of 80–120 rpm. Caution should be applied by coaches and sports scientists when using the KICKR at power outputs of750 W due to the greater variability in recorded power

The 2-oxoglutarate analog 3-oxoglutarate decreases normoxic hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in cancer cells, induces cell death, and reduces tumor xenograft growth

The cellular response to hypoxia is primarily regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-1α is also a major mediator of tumor physiology, and its abundance is correlated with therapeutic resistance in a broad range of cancers. Accumulation of HIF-1α under hypoxia is mainly controlled by the oxygen-sensing HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases (EGLNs, also known as PHDs). Here, we identified a high level of normoxic HIF-1α protein in various cancer cell lines. EGLNs require oxygen and 2-oxoglutarate for enzymatic activity. We tested the ability of several cell-permeable 2-oxoglutarate analogs to regulate the abundance of HIF-1α protein. We identified 3-oxoglutarate as a potent regulator of HIF-1α in normoxic conditions. In contrast to 2-oxoglutarate, 3-oxoglutarate decreased the abundance of HIF-1α protein in several cancer cell lines in normoxia and diminished HIF-1α levels independent of EGLN enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we observed that 3-oxoglutarate was detrimental to cancer cell survival. We show that esterified 3-oxoglutarate, in combination with the cancer chemotherapeutic drug vincristine, induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Our data imply that a novel treatment strategy targeting HIF-1α in combination with the use of existing cytotoxic agents could serve as potent, future antitumor chemotherapies

Ordovician Macquarie Arc and turbidite fan relationships, Lachlan Orogen, southeastern Australia: stratigraphic and tectonic problems

Ordovician rocks of the Lachlan Orogen consist of two major associations, mafic to intermediate volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks (Macquarie Arc), which aerially comprise several north-south-trending belts, and the quartz-rich turbidite succession. Relationships between these associations are integral to resolving their tectonic settings and opinions range between contacts being major thrusts, combinations of various types of faults, and stratigraphic contacts with structural complications. Stratigraphic contacts between these associations are found with volcaniclastic-dominant units overlying quartz-turbidite units along the eastern boundary of the eastern volcanic belt and along the southern boundary of the central volcanic belt. Mixing between these major associations is limited and reflects waning quartzose turbidite deposition along a gently sloping sea floor not penetrating steeper volcaniclastic aprons that were developing around the growing volcanic centres formed during late Middle Ordovician to early Silurian Macquarie Arc igneous activity. An island arc setting has been most widely supported for the Macquarie Arc, but the identification and polarity of the associated subduction zone remain a contentious issue particularly for the Early Ordovician phase of igneous activity. The Macquarie Arc initiated within a Cambrian backarc formed by sea-floor spreading behind a boninitic island arc and presumably reflects a renewed response to regional convergence as subduction ceased along the Ross-Delamerian convergent boundary at the East Gondwana continental margin. An extensional episode accompanied initiation of the late Middle Ordovician expansion in island arc development. A SSE-dipping subduction zone is considered to have formed the Macquarie Arc and underwent anticlockwise rotation about an Euler pole at the western termination of the island arc. This resulted in widespread deformation west of the Macquarie Arc in the Benambran Orogeny and development of subduction along the eastern margin of the orogenic belt