bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulbous perennials precisely detect the length of winter and adjust flowering dates
Authors: Jánosi Imre M. , Silhavy Dániel , Tamás Júlia , Csontos Péter
Published: June 2020

In order to identify the most relevant environmental parameters that regulate flowering time of bulbous perennials, first flowering dates of 329 taxa over 33 yr are correlated with monthly and daily mean values of 16 environmental parameters (such as insolation, precipitation, temperature, soil water content, etc.) spanning at least 1 yr back from flowering.

A machine learning algorithm is deployed to identify the best explanatory parameters because the problem is strongly prone to overfitting for traditional methods: if the number of parameters is the same or greater than the number of observations, then a linear model can perfectly fit the dependent variable (observations).

Surprisingly, the best proxy of flowering date fluctuations is the daily snow depth anomaly, which cannot be a signal itself, however it should be related to some integrated temperature signal. Moreover, daily snow depth anomaly as proxy performs much better than mean soil temperature preceding the flowering, the best monthly explanatory parameter.

Our findings support the existence of complicated temperature sensing mechanisms operating on different timescales, which is a prerequisite to precisely observe the length and severity of the winter season and translate for example, ‘lack of snow’ information to meaningful internal signals related to phenophases.
Visual and hydraulic techniques produce similar estimates of cavitation resistance in woody species
Authors: Gauthey Alice , Peters Jennifer M. R. , Carins‐Murphy Madeline R. , Rodriguez‐Dominguez Celia M. , Li Ximeng , Delzon Sylvain , King Andrew , López Rosana , Medlyn Belinda E. , Tissue David T. , Brodribb Tim J. , Choat Brendan
Published: June 2020

Hydraulic failure of the plant vascular system is a principal cause of forest die‐off under drought. Accurate quantification of this process is essential to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underpinning plant mortality. Imaging techniques increasingly are applied to estimate xylem cavitation resistance. These techniques allow for in situ measurement of embolism formation in real time, although the benefits and trade‐offs associated with different techniques have not been evaluated in detail.

Here we compare two imaging methods, microcomputed tomography (microCT) and optical vulnerability (OV), to standard hydraulic methods for measurement of cavitation resistance in seven woody species representing a diversity of major phylogenetic and xylem anatomical groups.

Across the seven species, there was strong agreement between cavitation resistance values (P50) estimated from visualization techniques (microCT and OV) and between visual techniques and hydraulic techniques.

The results indicate that visual techniques provide accurate estimates of cavitation resistance and the degree to which xylem hydraulic function is impacted by embolism. Results are discussed in the context of trade‐offs associated with each technique and possible causes of discrepancy between estimates of cavitation resistance provided by visual and hydraulic techniques.
Clostridium butyricum: a promising probiotic confers positive health benefits in aquatic animals
Authors: Tran Ngoc Tuan , Li Zhongzhen , Ma Hongyu , Zhang Yueling , Zheng Huaiping , Gong Yi , Li Shengkang
Published: June 2020

Clostridium butyricum is a bacterium of rod shape, strictly anaerobic, Gram‐positive and form spores. Short‐chain fatty acids, biofuel compounds and precursors of biomaterials (H2, butanol and 1,3‐propanediol) are produced by C. butyricum during the fermentation of carbohydrates and sugars. In humans and animals, although C. butyricum has been found to be associated with botulism in infant and necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates, some strains have been demonstrated to be beneficial as probiotics. In aquatic animals, the application of C. butyricum as a probiotic has been commonly considered. In this review, we described and documented what we knew about the isolation, identification, phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, safety, pathogenicity and the mechanisms of action of C. butyricum in the gastrointestinal tract of aquatic animals. The evidence on the roles that C. butyricum plays in improving growth performance, digestibility, survival rate, immune response, disease resistance and the structure of intestinal tract, as well as the modulation of gut commensal microbiota and metabolic disorders in aquatic animals, is summarised. Albeit the probiotic C. butyricum has been applied in aquaculture, and further research, such as the inter‐relationships between the probiotic and the immune system of the host and the possible application of C. butyricum as an alternative to antibiotic substitution for the prevention and treatment of diseases, is required for future detailed studies.
Optimal Alpha Spending for Sequential Analysis with Binomial Data
Authors: Silva Ivair R. , Kulldorff Martin , Katherine Yih W.
Published: June 2020

For sequential analysis hypothesis testing, various alpha spending functions have been proposed. Given a prespecified overall alpha level and power, we derive the optimal alpha spending function that minimizes the expected time to signal for continuous as well as group sequential analysis. If there is also a restriction on the maximum sample size or on the expected sample size, we do the same. Alternatively, for fixed overall alpha, power and expected time to signal, we derive the optimal alpha spending function that minimizes the expected sample size. The method constructs alpha spending functions that are uniformly better than any other method, such as the classical Wald, Pocock or O’Brien–Fleming methods. The results are based on exact calculations using linear programming. All numerical examples were run by using the R Sequential package.
Dynamic Nature of Relatedness, or What Kind of Related Variety for Long‐Term Regional Growth
Authors: Kuusk Kadri , Martynovich Mikhail
Published: June 2020

We challenge the currently dominating static view of inter‐industry relatedness by investigating the evolution of relatedness linkages between Swedish industries during five sub‐periods between 1991 and 2010. Distinguishing between stable ties (present in all sub‐periods) and non‐stable ties (e.g. emerging, disappearing, etc.), we demonstrate that inter‐industry relatedness linkages change considerably over time. Furthermore, we show that these changes matter for how the co‐location of related industries (related variety) influences regional employment growth – to generate growth the type of local related ties should match with the regional setting. We suggest that, at least partly, the impact of emerging, stable and disappearing ties differs since complementarity potential between related industries becomes depleted over time. In other words, relatedness linkages have a ‘best before date’.
Characterization of the diversification of phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases in the green lineage
Authors: Falarz Lucas J. , Xu Yang , Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Garroway Colin J. , Singer Stacy D. , Chen Guanqun
Published: June 2020

Triacylglycerols have important physiological roles in photosynthetic organisms, and are widely used as food, feed and industrial materials in our daily life. Phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) is the pivotal enzyme catalyzing the acyl‐CoA‐independent biosynthesis of triacylglycerols, which is unique in plants, algae and fungi, but not in animals, and has essential functions in plant and algal growth, development and stress responses. Currently, this enzyme has yet to be examined in an evolutionary context at the level of the green lineage. Some fundamental questions remain unanswered, such as how PDATs evolved in photosynthetic organisms and whether the evolution of terrestrial plant PDATs from a lineage of charophyte green algae diverges in enzyme function. As such, we used molecular evolutionary analysis and biochemical assays to address these questions. Our results indicated that PDAT underwent divergent evolution in the green lineage: PDATs exist in a wide range of plants and algae, but not in cyanobacteria. Although PDATs exhibit the conservation of several features, phylogenetic and selection‐pressure analyses revealed that overall they evolved to be highly divergent, driven by different selection constraints. Positive selection, as one major driving force, may have resulted in enzymes with a higher functional importance in land plants than green algae. Further structural and mutagenesis analyses demonstrated that some amino acid sites under positive selection are critically important to PDAT structure and function, and may be central in lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase family enzymes in general.
Hematologic, prostaglandin F2α‐metabolite, serum amyloid A, and serum iron changes in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia
Authors: Lilliehöök Inger , Bröjer Johan , Nostell Katarina , Kindahl Hans , Tvedten Harold W. , Edner Anna , Hagman Ragnvi
Published: June 2020

Background

Endotoxemia is a common and severe disease of horses. Most previous studies have monitored changes caused by a bolus dose of endotoxin over short time periods.

Objectives

We aimed to describe inflammatory responses to endotoxin with inflammatory and hematologic markers monitored over a longer time than has been performed in the past using more prolonged endotoxin exposures.

Methods

Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin was administered as a 6‐hour continuous intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to eight horses. Blood cell counts, and prostaglandin F2α‐metabolite (PGM), serum amyloid A (SAA), and serum total iron concentrations were monitored for up to 3 or 6 days.

Results

An immediate and severe decrease in neutrophils and monocytes occurred in all horses, which subsequently changed to a moderate to strong neutrophilia and monocytosis that persisted for more than 78 hours postinfusion (PI) of LPS. Lymphocyte and eosinophil numbers decreased gradually and then normalized after 66‐ and 78‐hours PI, respectively. Mild to moderate, biphasic thrombocytopenia occurred. A pronounced, transient increase in PGM occurred between 1 and 7 hours, peaking at 2 hours. Serum amyloid A began to increase after 6 hours PI and remained elevated after 72 hours PI. Serum iron was decreased between 6 and 48 hours. The clinical signs were most prominent during the first 24 hours PI and subsided within 48 hours PI.

Conclusions

Neutrophilia, monocytoses, and high SAA concentrations were present in horses even after the clinical signs had subsided. Serum iron normalized before SAA. Knowledge of these findings is imperative when interpreting laboratory results in horses with possible endotoxin exposure.
Changes of ultrasonographic pattern of the spleen examined with a high‐frequency linear transducer during growth in puppies
Authors: Hwang Youngsun , Noh Daji , Choi Sooyoung , Choi Hojung , Lee Youngwon , Lee Kija
Published: June 2020

A normal spleen is a homogeneous, finely textured, and hyperechoic organ. The development of high‐frequency transducers has enabled the examination of the structural features of the spleen. Thus, the spleen can appear mildly mottled, even in normal dogs, and this could be misinterpreted as an abnormality. The purpose of this prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study was to describe the ultrasonographic pattern of the splenic parenchyma using a high‐frequency transducer in puppies. The study included nine, normal, client‐owned puppies that were born healthy. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed from 4 to 60 weeks serially every 4 weeks. Ultrasonographic patterns of the spleen were graded as follows: granular, mild reticulonodular, moderate reticulonodular, and marked reticulonodular pattern. The examinations were performed by one veterinary clinician, and the grades of the ultrasonographic patterns were determined by two veterinary clinicians experienced in ultrasonography, based on consensus. Differences and associations between time and the grade of the splenic parenchyma were determined using the pairedt‐test and scatter plots. There was a strong quadratic relationship between time and the grade of the splenic parenchyma. It was found that the splenic parenchymal patterns changed with increasing age, with a granular appearance initially at 4 weeks, followed by a reticulonodular pattern with well‐defined hypoechoic nodules—most marked between 28 and 36 weeks, after which this pattern decreased until there was a homogeneous granular pattern again at 60 weeks. These findings should not be misinterpreted as being indicative of a disease in normal puppies, particularly those aged between 28 and 36 weeks.
Time‐of‐day dependent effects of contractile activity on the phase of the skeletal muscle clock
Authors: Kemler Denise , Wolff Christopher A. , Esser Karyn A.
Published: June 2020

Key points

Disruptions in circadian rhythms across an organism are associated with negative health outcomes, such as cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Exercise has been proposed as a time cue for the circadian clock in rodents and humans.

In this study, we assessed the effect of a single bout of endurance exercise on the skeletal muscle clock in vivo and a bout of muscle contractions in vitro.

Timing of exercise or contractions influences the directional response of the muscle clock phase in vivo and in vitro.

Our findings demonstrate that muscle contractions, as a component of exercise, can directly modulate the expression of muscle clock components in a time‐of‐day dependent manner.

Exercise has been proposed to be a zeitgeber for the muscle circadian clock mechanism. However, this is not well defined and it is unknown if exercise timing induces directional shifts of the muscle clock. Our purpose herein was to assess the effect of one bout of treadmill exercise on skeletal muscle clock phase changes. We subjected PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE mice (n = 30F) to one 60 min treadmill exercise bout at three times of day. Exercise at ZT5, 5 h after lights on, induced a phase advance (100.2 ± 25.8 min; P = 0.0002), whereas exercise at ZT11, 1 h before lights off, induced a phase delay (62.1 ± 21.1 min; P = 0.0003). Exercise at ZT17, middle of the dark phase, did not alter the muscle clock phase. Exercise induces diverse systemic changes so we developed an in vitro model system to examine the effects of contractile activity on muscle clock phase. Contractions applied at peak or trough Bmal1 expression induced significant phase delays (applied at peak: 27.2 ± 10.2 min; P = 0.0017; applied at trough: 64.6 ± 6.5 min, P < 0.0001). Contractions applied during the transition from peak to trough Bmal1 expression induced a phase advance (49.8 ± 23.1 min; P = 0.0051). Lastly, contractions at different times of day resulted in differential changes of core clock gene expression, demonstrating an exercise and clock interaction, providing insight into potential mechanisms of exercise‐induced phase shifts. These data demonstrate that muscle contractions, as part of exercise, are sufficient to shift the muscle circadian clock phase, likely through changes in core clock gene expression. Additionally, our findings that exercise induces directional muscle clock phase changes confirms that exercise is a bona fide environmental time cue for skeletal muscle.
Framing the Impacts of Highly Oscillating Magnetic Field on the Ferrofluid Flow Over a Spinning Disk Considering Nanoparticle Diameter and Solid–Liquid Interfacial Layer
Authors: Acharya Nilankush
Published: June 2020

This article communicates on the ferrofluid flow over a spinning disk in the presence of highly oscillating magnetic field. The flow is presumed to be unsteady. Ferrous nanoparticles are suspended within base medium water. This investigation reveals how presence and absence of oscillating magnetic field influence the hydrothermal basis of the flow. Also, the effects of particles diameter and solid–liquid interfacial layer have been precisely incorporated to reveal the thermal integrity of the system. Shliomis theory is introduced to frame the leading equations of the system. Resulting equations have been solved using innovative spectral quasi-linearization method (SQLM). Residual error analysis is included to explore the advantage of such computational scheme. The influence of dynamic parameters on the velocities and temperature is deliberated through graphs and tables. Several 3D pictures and contour plots are depicted to extract the key points of the flow. The results exhibit that heat transfer is reduced for nanoparticle diameter but amplifies for base liquid nanolayer conductivity ratio and elevated field frequency enhances the temperature. Relative magnetization reduces for high field frequency, but increases for angular displacement. SQLM exhibits an accurate computational scheme with fast convergence.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Microchannel Heat Sink With Cylindrical Ribs and Cavities
Authors: Ahmad Faraz , Cheema Taqi Ahmad , Mohib Ur Rehman M. , Ilyas Muhammad , Park Cheol Woo
Published: June 2020

Heat transfer improvement in microchannel heat sink (MCHS) has been a challenge, because it increases the power requirements for the fluid flow. In the present study, MCHS with different wall, geometric, and design configurations of cylindrical ribs and cavities are simulated to investigate their effect on thermal and hydrodynamic performance of MCHS using a laminar flow having Reynolds number in the range from 100 to 1000. The wall configurations include; base wall cylindrical ribs (BWCR), side wall cylindrical ribs (SWCR), and all wall cylindrical ribs (AWCR). Moreover, the geometric configurations involve different AWCR cases having rib spacings (Sfr) of 0.4 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm, and 0.4 mm staggered arrangement. Furthermore, the design configurations include; AWCR, all wall cylindrical cavities (AWCC), and all wall cylindrical ribs and cavities (AWCRC) with constant Sfr = 0.4 mm. The performance of various channels with flow disruptors is analyzed in terms of friction factor (f) and Nusselt number and then compared with smooth channel in terms of thermal enhancement factor (η). Based on the first law of thermodynamics, thermal resistance (Rth) is used to investigate the resistance of any configuration to flow of heat comparing at same pumping power. Moreover, the second law of thermodynamics is applied to quantify the rate of entropy generation (S˙gen) and transport efficiency (ηt) for MCHS. The results show that although the MCHS with all wall ribs has a lower value of η than the base wall and side wall ribs; however, it has the maximum value of  ηt and minimum value of Rth and S˙gen; thus, indicating that η is not the only performance criteria for the selection of MCHS.
The Structural Optimization of Dimple in Microchannel for Heat Transfer Enhancement
Authors: Chen Xiuping , Wang Jiabing , Yang Kun
Published: June 2020

Dimple on the surface is widely used in electronic cooling equipment, turbine blades, and combustion chamber gaskets and so on, which is a good structure for heat transfer enhancement. In this paper, taking comprehensive performance parameters of flow and heat transfer PEC as an evaluation parameter, numerical simulation, and multi-island genetic algorithm are combined to optimize the shape of the dimple in microchannel under fully developed laminar condition. The results show that the optimal dimple is asymmetric along the flow direction, and the deepest position of which shifts downstream, which is dependent on the Reynolds number, the dimple diameter, and the periodic length. With the increase of the Reynolds number and the dimple diameter, the Nusselt number ratio, the Fanning fraction factor ratio, and the comprehensive performance parameter PEC increase for the optimal dimple. The separation of the fluid in the front edge of dimple is not conducive to heat transfer. The number and size of the vortex, the impact, and the reattachment are found to be the key factors affecting the heat transfer in the dimple. As the periodic length L of the heat transfer unit decreases, the heat transfer is enhanced and the flow resistance increases, and the comprehensive performance of the microchannel becomes better.
A Correlation for Nusselt Number of Slip Gas Flow in Confined Porous Media
Authors: Tariq Ammar , Li Peng , Xu Anyi , Liu Zhenyu
Published: June 2020

A clear understanding of flow and heat transfer at pore-scale level in microporous media is a topic of concern in microcooling/heating systems. In this work, a multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is employed to study flow and heat transfer of gas in microporous media. Curved boundaries are treated using an effective boundary condition, which is formed by combining nonequilibrium extrapolation with counterextrapolation methods. The method also incorporates velocity slip and temperature jump on gas–solid interface. A two-dimensional (2D) porous domain composed of microcylinders, is considered from a representative element volume (REV) for the simulation. Porosity of the domain is variated by altering diameter of microcylinders. Nusselt number is calculated by varying Knudsen number (0.0–0.1), Reynolds number (5–50) and porosity (0.4–0.8). Based on the obtained numerical predictions, a new Nusselt number correlation is proposed for the first time in this work which can accurately predict the heat transfer for slip gas flow in confined porous media.
“My Eyes Have Nothing to Do With How My Legs Move”: Individuals With Visual Impairments’ Experiences With Learning to Run
Authors: Holland Katherine , Haegele Justin A. , Zhu Xihe
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the reflections of adults with visual impairments about learning to run during K–12 physical education. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and eight adults (age 22–35 years) with visual impairments served as participants. Primary data sources were semistructured, audiotaped telephone interviews and reflective interview notes. Based on a thematic data analysis process, two themes were developed: (a) “I wouldn’t expect anything better from you”: running instruction in physical education and (b) “You look like the guy in the crosswalk signal”: making up for the shortcomings of physical education. The narratives portraying these themes highlight the lack of instruction that took place in physical education, and the fact that no running instruction occurred at all. These findings indicate that professionals working with individuals with visual impairments should use instructional strategies that will allow for maximum access to learning fundamental movement skills such as running.
Broad neutralization of SARS-related viruses by human monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Wec Anna Z. , Wrapp Daniel , Herbert Andrew S. , Maurer Daniel P. , Haslwanter Denise , Sakharkar Mrunal , Jangra Rohit K. , Dieterle M. Eugenia , Lilov Asparouh , Huang Deli , Tse Longping V. , Johnson Nicole V. , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Wang Nianshuang , Nett Juergen H. , Champney Elizabeth , Burnina Irina , Brown Michael , Lin Shu , Sinclair Melanie , Johnson Carl , Pudi Sarat , Bortz Robert , Wirchnianski Ariel S. , Laudermilch Ethan , Florez Catalina , Fels J. Maximilian , O’Brien Cecilia M. , Graham Barney S. , Nemazee David , Burton Dennis R. , Baric Ralph S. , Voss James E. , Chandran Kartik , Dye John M. , McLellan Jason S. , Walker Laura M.
Published: June 2020

Seeking broad protection

As scientists develop therapeutic antibodies and vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the risk of emergent coronaviruses makes it important to also identify broadly protective antibodies. Wec
et al.
isolated and characterized hundreds of antibodies against the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 from the memory B cells of a survivor of the 2003 outbreak caused by the related coronavirus, SARS-CoV. In both of these viruses, the spike protein facilitated viral entry by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on human cells. The antibodies targeted multiple sites on the spike protein, but of nine antibodies that showed strong cross-neutralization, eight targeted the domain that binds to ACE2. These eight antibodies also neutralized a bat SARS-related virus. Illuminating the epitopes on the viral spike protein that bind cross-neutralizing antibodies could guide the design of broadly protective vaccines.

Science
, this issue p.
731
Studies in humanized mice and convalescent humans yield a SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktail
Authors: Hansen Johanna , Baum Alina , Pascal Kristen E. , Russo Vincenzo , Giordano Stephanie , Wloga Elzbieta , Fulton Benjamin O. , Yan Ying , Koon Katrina , Patel Krunal , Chung Kyung Min , Hermann Aynur , Ullman Erica , Cruz Jonathan , Rafique Ashique , Huang Tammy , Fairhurst Jeanette , Libertiny Christen , Malbec Marine , Lee Wen-yi , Welsh Richard , Farr Glen , Pennington Seth , Deshpande Dipali , Cheng Jemmie , Watty Anke , Bouffard Pascal , Babb Robert , Levenkova Natasha , Chen Calvin , Zhang Bojie , Romero Hernandez Annabel , Saotome Kei , Zhou Yi , Franklin Matthew , Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Lye David Chien , Weston Stuart , Logue James , Haupt Robert , Frieman Matthew , Chen Gang , Olson William , Murphy Andrew J. , Stahl Neil , Yancopoulos George D. , Kyratsous Christos A.
Published: June 2020

An antibody cocktail against SARS-CoV-2

There is an urgent focus on antibodies that target the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral spike and prevent the virus from entering host cells. Hansen
et al.
generated a large panel of antibodies against the spike protein from humanized mice and recovered patients. From this panel, they identified several neutralizing antibodies, including pairs that do not compete for binding to the receptor binding domain. Baum
et al.
focused in on four of these antibodies. All four are effective against known spike variants. However, by growing a pseudovirus that expresses the spike in the presence of individual antibodies, the authors were able to select for spike mutants resistant to that antibody. In contrast, escape mutants are not selected when pseudovirus is grown in the presence of pairs of antibodies that either do not compete or only partially compete for binding to the RBD. Such a pair might be used in a therapeutic antibody cocktail.

Science
, this issue p.
1010
, p.
1014
Risk1, a Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Effector, Promotes Rickettsia typhi Intracellular Survival
Authors: Voss Oliver H. , Gillespie Joseph J. , Lehman Stephanie S. , Rennoll Sherri A. , Beier-Sexton Magda , Rahman M. Sayeedur , Azad Abdu F.
Published: June 2020

Rickettsia
species are Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of eukaryotes and vertebrates. In particular, human body louse-borne
Rickettsia prowazekii
and flea-borne
Rickettsia typhi
have historically plagued humankind and continue to reemerge globally. The unavailability of vaccines and limited effectiveness of antibiotics late in infection place lethality rates up to 30%, highlighting the need to elucidate the mechanisms of
Rickettsia
pathogenicity in greater detail. Here, we characterize a new effector, Risk1, as a secreted phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) with unique dual class I and class III activities. Risk1 is required for host colonization, and its vacuolar phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate generation modulates endosomal trafficking to arrest autophagosomal maturation. Collectively, Risk1 facilitates
R. typhi
growth by altering phosphoinositide metabolism and subverting intracellular trafficking.
Tumble Suppression Is a Conserved Feature of Swarming Motility
Authors: Partridge Jonathan D. , Nhu Nguyen T. Q. , Dufour Yann S. , Harshey Rasika M.
Published: June 2020

Bacteria within a swarm move characteristically in packs, displaying an intricate swirling motion in which hundreds of dynamic rafts continuously form and dissociate as the swarm colonizes an increasing expanse of territory. The demonstrated property of
E. coli
to reduce its tumble bias and hence increase its run duration during swarming is expected to maintain and promote side-by-side alignment and cohesion within the bacterial packs. In this study, we observed a similar low tumble bias in five different bacterial species, both Gram positive and Gram negative, each inhabiting a unique habitat and posing unique problems to our health. The unanimous display of an altered run-tumble bias in swarms of all species examined in this investigation suggests that this behavioral adaptation is crucial for swarming.
Expression of the Long Noncoding RNA DINO in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Cancer Cells Reactivates the Dormant TP53 Tumor Suppressor through ATM/CHK2 Signaling
Authors: Sharma Surendra , Munger Karl
Published: June 2020

Functional restoration of the TP53 tumor suppressor holds great promise for anticancer therapy. Current strategies are focused on modulating TP53 regulatory proteins. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of TP53 as well as modulators of downstream tumor-suppressive transcriptional responses. Unlike many other cancer types, human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cancer cells retain wild-type TP53 that is rendered dysfunctional by the viral E6 protein. We show that acute expression of the damage-induced long noncoding RNA, DINO, a known TP53 transcriptional target and functional modulator, causes TP53 reactivation in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. This causes increased vulnerability to standard chemotherapeutics as well as biguanide compounds that cause metabolic stress. Hence, strategies that target DINO may be useful for restoring TP53 tumor suppressor activity in HPV-positive cancers and other tumor types that retain wild-type TP53.
Differential Ecosystem Function Stability of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea and Bacteria following Short-Term Environmental Perturbation
Authors: Zhao Jun , Meng Yiyu , Drewer Julia , Skiba Ute M. , Prosser James I. , Gubry-Rangin Cécile
Published: June 2020

Physiological and ecological studies have provided evidence for pH-driven niche specialization of ammonia oxidizers in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the functional stability of ammonia oxidizers following pH change has not been investigated, despite its importance in understanding the maintenance of ecosystem processes following environmental perturbation. This is particularly true after anthropogenic perturbation, such as the conversion of tropical forest to oil palm plantations. This study demonstrated a great impact of land-use conversion on nitrification, which is linked to changes in soil pH due to common agricultural practices (intensive fertilization). In addition, the different communities of ammonia oxidizers were differently affected by short-term pH perturbations, with implications for future land-use conversions but also for increased knowledge of associated global nitrous oxide emissions and current climate change concerns.
Ocular siderosis resulting from a retained intralenticular metallic foreign body
Authors: Nowak Rafal
Published: June 2020

Intraocular foreign bodies are a potential factor threatening with loss of vision. The development of cataract and symptoms of ocular siderosis are the most common signs of ferrous metal entering the eye. We present a case of a 45-year-old man who reported to the hospital for planned cataract surgery. He denied the possibility of any past eye injury. Despite this, apart from the cataract, X-ray and CT scans confirmed the presence of an intralenticular foreign body and symptoms of ocular siderosis. Cataract surgery was successfully performed using phacoemulsification, and the metallic foreign body was removed. Intraocular foreign body symptoms may be overlooked by patients and even physicians and may occur with considerable delay. Hence, in patients with indirect symptoms of penetrating eye injury, the presence of an intraocular foreign body should not be ruled out, even if the patient denies this possibility.
Income security during periods of ill health: a scoping review of policies, practice and coverage in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Thorpe Jennifer , Viney Kerri , Hensing Gunnel , Lönnroth Knut
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that insufficient income security in periods of ill health leads to economic hardship for individuals and hampers disease control efforts as people struggle to stay home when sick or advised to observe quarantine. Evidence on income security during periods of ill health is growing but has not previously been reviewed as a full body of work concerning low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We performed a scoping review to map the range, features, coverage, protective effects and equity of policies that aim to provide income security for adults whose ill health prevents them from participating in gainful work. A total of 134 studies were included, providing data from 95% of LMICs. However, data across the majority of these countries were severely limited. Collectively the included studies demonstrate that coverage of contributory income-security schemes is low, especially for informal and low-income workers. Meanwhile, non-contributory schemes targeting low-income groups are often not explicitly designed to provide income support in periods of ill health, they can be difficult to access and rarely provide sufficient income support to cover the needs of eligible recipients. While identifying an urgent need for more research on illness-related income security in LMICs, this review concludes that scaling up and diversifying the range of income security interventions is crucial for improving coverage and equity. To achieve these outcomes, illness-related income protection must receive greater recognition in health policy and health financing circles, expanding our understanding of financial hardship beyond direct medical costs.
Cognitive effects of onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine
Authors: Ho Susan , Darby David , Bear Natasha
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic migraine is a disabling condition, often associated with comorbidities including cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depression. It is unclear whether cognitive complaints are associated with the underlying migraine pathophysiological process or related to drugs or comorbidities of depression and anxiety.

Objective

To evaluate cognitive changes in chronic migraine and assess reversibility of cognitive dysfunction following effective migraine treatment using onabotulinumtoxinA.

Methods

This was a prospective real-world study of 60 patients with chronic migraine treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. Headache diaries recorded total headache days at baseline and duration of 12 weeks post-treatment. Computerised cognitive tests of reaction time and working memory (WM) speed and accuracy using a purpose-specific website was implemented at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Past Week (PSWQ-PW) were administered for depression and anxiety levels. Associations between clinical response, cognitive parameters, PHQ-9 and PSWQ-PW were analysed.

Results

At 6 weeks post-treatment, 88% patients achieved good response (≥50% reduction in headache frequency) with improvement of PHQ-9, PSWQ-PW, cognitive speed tests and WM accuracy compared with baseline (all p<0.05). There was no overall correlation between good headache response and improved cognitive measures and no association between good headache response and improved PHQ-9 and PSWQ-PW scores. Improved WM accuracy correlated with reduced PSWQ-PW (p=0.047). There was no correlation between improved WM accuracy and reduced PHQ-9.

Conclusions

OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for chronic migraine improved anxiety, depression and cognitive performances but these improvements did not correlate with reduction in headache and migraine frequency. Improved WM accuracy was significantly associated with reduced anxiety level.
When the fat hits the brain—salvage STA–MCA bypass for an intracranial ICA occlusion due to a fat embolus
Authors: Van Der Veken Jorn , Lo Presti Anna , Mulcahy Michael J , Stoodley Marcus Andrew
Published: June 2020

Background

Large fat embolus is a rare but potential reversible cause of ischaemic stroke.

Methods and results

We describe the neurosurgical management of a complete right internal carotid artery occlusion due to a large fat embolus, caused by a mitral valve replacement.

Conclusion

Knowledge of acute cerebral ischaemia due to large fat embolism and its hallmark ‘hypodense artery’ is mandatory. Extracranial to intracranial bypass is a feasible rescue treatment after failure of endovascular embolectomy.
Cerebrospinal fluid cannot be used to distinguish inflammatory myelitis from congestive myelopathy due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: case series
Authors: Vivekanandam Vinojini , Li Vivien , Wu Teddy , Dowling Richard , Roxburgh Richard H , McGuiness Ben J , Kilfoyle Dean H , Manji Hadi , Quaegebeur Annelies , Thom Maria , Robertson Fergus , Thevathasan Wesley , Evans Andrew , Brew Stefan , Mitchell Peter
Published: June 2020

Patients with congestive myelopathy due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) typically present with progressive sensory and motor disturbance in association with sphincter dysfunction. Spinal MRI usually shows longitudinally extensive T2 signal change. Here, we report four patients with progressive myelopathy due to SDAVF who also presented with findings on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination suggestive of an inflammatory aetiology. Such CSF findings in SDAVF are important to recognise, to avoid the erroneous diagnosis of an inflammatory myelitis and inappropriate treatment with immunosuppression. SDAVF can be difficult to detect and may require repeated investigation, with formal angiography as the gold standard.
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for semi-critical neurology presentations in a non-acute neurology set-up: clinical practice and challenges
Authors: Fu Keng Seng , Wong Pei Yin , Hiew Fu Liong
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for semi-critical neurological manifestations can be managed in non-acute setting instead of critical care unit. In 2014, we established a non-acute neurology TPE unit for semi-critical haemodynamically stable patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the technical and safety parameters from the first 3 years of service.

Materials and methods

We analysed prospectively collected TPE data for patients treated with centrifugation TPE at our non-acute neurology TPE unit in Kuala Lumpur Hospital between May 2015 and June 2018.

Results

A total of 245 TPE procedures were performed in 55 patients for nine neurological indications, predominantly the central nervous system (79%). Twenty four per cent (n=13) had category I and 73% (n=40) had category II indication (American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) 2019). Others (4%) were not in ASFA indications. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders accounted for half (51%) of the total patients. Twenty-three (41.8%) patients experienced adverse events, with hypotensive episodes being the the most common (n=12/55, 21.8%). Five (9.1%) patients had catheter-related blood stream infection, correlating with higher exchange plasma volume (p=0.023). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia was less common (n=5/55, 9.1%) and allergic reaction to human albumin was rare (n=1/55, 1.8%). Four technical errors detected. Three involved centrifugation sets manufacturing defects and one involved error in centrifugation set installation. Seven (2.9%) procedures were terminated: 5 for adverse effects and 2 for technical errors.

Conclusion

Performing TPE among semi-critical patients with neurology manifestations in basic non-acute set-up proved safe, with predictable complications. This set-up reduced the reliance on critical care services for TPE procedures.
Effect of remote ischaemic preconditioning on walking in people with multiple sclerosis: double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chotiyarnwong Chayaporn , Nair Krishnan , Angelini Lorenza , Buckley Ellen , Mazza Claudia , Heyes Daniel , Ramiz Ridha , Baster Kathleen , Ismail Azza , Das Joyutpal , Ali Ali , Lindert Ralf , Sharrack Basil , Price Sian , Paling David
Published: June 2020

Background

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is the exposure of body parts to brief periods of circulatory occlusion and reperfusion. Recent studies have also shown that RIPC can improve exercise performance in healthy individuals.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of RIPC on walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This was a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial. We used three cycles of RIPC delivered by occluding the upper arm with a blood pressure (BP) cuff inflated to a pressure of 30 mm Hg above the systolic BP. In patients in the sham intervention group, the BP cuff was inflated only to 30 mm Hg below diastolic BP. Outcome measures included the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), gait speed, the Borg rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, the tolerability of the RIPC using a Numerical Rating Scale for discomfort from 0 to 10, and adverse events. We identified responders meeting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) established in the literature in each group.

Results

Seventy-five participants completed the study (RIPC: 38 and Sham: 37). The distance walked during the 6MWT improved by 1.9% in the sham group and 5.7% in the RIPC group (p=0.012). The number of responders meeting MCID criteria in the RIPC group was significantly greater compared with the sham intervention group. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Single cycle of RIPC resulted in immediate improvement in walking distances during 6MWT in people with MS.

Trial registration numbers

NCT03153553
Case report and literature review of Huntington disease with intermediate CAG expansion
Authors: Jevtic Stefan D , Provias John P
Published: June 2020

Background

Huntington disease (HD) is a genetically inherited neurodegenerative disorder that classically involves a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion on chromosome 4, with 36 repeats or greater being disease identifying. It generally presents between the age of 30 and 40 years old and is characterised by severe caudate/striatum degeneration with huntingtin protein aggregation. We present here the case of a patient in her early 80s who presented with 5-year history of worsening chorea and family history of HD but an intermediate length CAG expansion.

Methods

Genetic testing of CAG repeats on chromosome 4. Postmortem brain tissue was obtained and stained using immunohistochemistry for amyloid-beta, tau and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Sections from the caudate/putamen were also analysed by p62 immunofluorescence. All sections were reviewed by trained neuropathologists.

Results

On genetic testing the patient was found to have a 28 CAG repeat on the longest expansion. Microscopic analysis revealed significant neuronal atrophy in the caudate and putamen with gliosis. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated minimal intranuclear p62 inclusions suggesting little huntingtin aggregation present. Furthermore, there was significant amyloid-beta pathology (Thal-IV stage) and tau involvement in the medial temporal lobe (Braak stage II).

Conclusion

This case provides clinical and pathological evidence to support an emerging clinical entity involving HD presentation in late age with an intermediate CAG repeat.
Impact of interhospital transfer on patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke in an Australian setting
Authors: Edwards Leon Stephen , Blair Christopher , Cordato Dennis , McDougall Alan , Manning Nathan , Cheung Andrew , Wenderoth Jason , Cappelen-Smith Cecilia
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of interhospital transfer on the interplay between functional outcome, mortality, reperfusion rates and workflow time metrics in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior cerebral circulation.

Design, setting and participants

This is an analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing EVT for LVO presenting between January 2017 and December 2018 at a single Australian comprehensive stroke centre (CSC). Patients presented directly or were transferred to the CSC from 21 sites across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measures were rate of good 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2), successful reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale grade 2b or 3), symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) and 90-day mortality. Key workflow time metric milestones were examined.

Results

154 of 213 (72%) patients were interhospital transfers. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics including age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, intravenous thrombolysis administration or procedure time between transferred and direct presenters (all p>0.05). Transferred patients had worse 90-day functional outcome (39.6% vs 61.0%, OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78), higher mortality (25.3% vs 6.8%, OR 4.66, CI 1.59 to 13.70) and longer stroke onset to treatment (groin puncture) time (298 min vs 205 min, p<0.01). Successful reperfusion rates and sICH were similar between the cohorts (96.8% vs 98.3%, and 7.8% vs 3.4%).

Conclusion

Interhospital transfer is associated with longer stroke onset to treatment, worse 90-day functional outcome and higher mortality compared with patients presenting directly to the CSC.
HaNDL with bilateral central venous occlusions
Authors: Wang Wendy , Mack Heather G , Stawell Richard , White Owen , Waterston John
Published: June 2020

Background

The syndrome of Headache and focal Neurological Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is considered a rare, idiopathic and self-limited condition.

Methods

We present a patient with HaNDL who had unique findings of florid optic disc haemorrhages from bilateral central retinal vein occlusions.

Results

Our patient made a full recovery with conservative management.

Conclusion

It is important for medical attendants to recognise that HaNDL syndrome can be associated with neuro-ophthalmic complications.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy presenting as predominantly sciatic monomelic neuropathy
Authors: El-Wahsh Shadi , Cappelen-Smith Cecilia , Spies Judith
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of potentially treatable chronic sensorimotor neuropathy. The classical form of the disease is characterised by symmetrical weakness in both distal and proximal muscle groups accompanied by sensory dysfunction and diminished tendon reflexes lasting more than 2 months.

Method

The diagnosis of CIDP is supplemented by electrodiagnostic studies and biopsy findings confirming demyelination, in accordance with well-established diagnostic criteria. Atypical presentations of CIDP often pose a diagnostic challenge.

Results

In this paper, we present a case of isolated lower limb involvement due to CIDP to raise awareness of this focal lower limb variant. Of particular, significance is the use of lumbosacral plexus MRI to assist in the diagnosis.

Conclusion

Focal CIDP is an atypical presentation that should be considered in patients presenting with chronic monomelic neuropathy and should be investigated with electrodiagnostic studies, lumbar puncture, nerve biopsy and MRI of the nerve roots and plexuses.