bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural changes induced by ligand binding drastically increase the thermostability of the Ser/Thr protein kinase TpkD from Thermus thermophilus HB8
Authors: Fujino Yusuke , Miyagawa Takero , Torii Masayuki , Inoue Masao , Fujii Yuki , Okanishi Hiroki , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Masui Ryoji
Published: November 2020

Thermophilic proteins maintain their structure at high temperatures through a combination of various factors. Here, we report the ligand‐induced stabilization of a thermophilic Ser/Thr protein kinase. Thermus thermophilus TpkD unfolds completely at 55 °C despite the optimum growth temperature of 75 °C. Unexpectedly, we found that the TpkD structure is drastically stabilized by its natural ligands ATP and ADP, as evidenced by the increase in the melting temperature to 80 °C. Such a striking effect of a substrate on thermostability has not been reported for other protein kinases. Conformational changes upon ATP binding were observed in fluorescence quenching and limited proteolysis experiments. Urea denaturation of Trp mutants suggested that ATP binding affects not only the ATP‐binding site, but also the remote regions. Our findings shed light on thermoadaptation of thermophilic proteins.
IFI44L expression is regulated by IRF‐1 and HIV‐1
Authors: Li Yutong , Zhang Junshi , Wang Chenchen , Qiao Wentao , Li Yue , Tan Juan
Published: November 2020

Interferon (IFN)‐inducible 44 like (IFI44L) is an IFN‐stimulated gene (ISG), which is located on the same chromosome as the known antiviral ISG IFI44. Expression of IFI44L is induced by IFN and HIV‐1 infection. However, the mechanism by which IFN‐I induces IFI44L production has not yet been determined. In this study, we analyzed transcriptional regulation of IFI44L via cloning of the IFI44L promoter. We found that IFI44L has two IFN‐stimulated response elements (ISRE), which are necessary for the basal level of IFI44L transcription. IFN‐I and IFN‐II can activate the IFI44L promoter through one of the two ISREs. IFN regulatory factor (IRF)‐1 can activate transcription of IFI44L by binding to one of the ISREs. Additionally, co‐transfection of the IFI44L promoter with an HIV‐1 infectious clone or HIV‐1 infection activated IFI44L promoter transcription, but did not upregulate IFI44L expression via ISREs. These findings will help to understand the interaction between IFI44L and HIV‐1, and aid in elucidation of the role of IFI44L in the antiviral innate immune response.
Megf10 deficiency impairs skeletal muscle stem cell migration and muscle regeneration
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Vargas‐Franco Dorianmarie , Saha Madhurima , Davis Rachel M. , Manko Kelsey A. , Draper Isabelle , Pacak Christina A. , Kang Peter B.
Published: November 2020

Biallelic loss‐of‐function MEGF10 mutations lead to MEGF10 myopathy, also known as early onset myopathy with areflexia, respiratory distress, and dysphagia (EMARDD). MEGF10 is expressed in muscle satellite cells, but the contribution of satellite cell dysfunction to MEGF10 myopathy is unclear. Myofibers and satellite cells were isolated and examined from Megf10−/− and wild‐type mice. A separate set of mice underwent repeated intramuscular barium chloride injections. Megf10−/− muscle satellite cells showed reduced proliferation and migration, while Megf10−/− mouse skeletal muscles showed impaired regeneration. Megf10 deficiency is associated with impaired muscle regeneration, due in part to defects in satellite cell function. Efforts to rescue Megf10 deficiency will have therapeutic implications for MEGF10 myopathy and other inherited muscle diseases involving impaired muscle regeneration.
Pregnancy in MNGIE: a clinical and metabolic honeymoon
Authors: Pappalardo Pauline , Benoist Jean‐François , Bax Bridget E. , Carra‐Dallière Clarisse , Marelli Cecilia , Levene Michele , Begue Laetitia , Rolland Anne , Flori Nicolas , Rivier François , Blanchet Catherine , Munnich Arnold , Altwegg Romain , Meyer Pierre , Roubertie Agathe
Published: November 2020

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency in thymidine phosphorylase and characterized by elevated systemic deoxyribonucleotides and gastrointestinal (GI) and neurological manifestations. We report the clinical and biochemical manifestations that were evaluated in a single patient before, during, and after pregnancy, over a period of 7 years. GI symptoms significantly improved, and plasma deoxyribonucleotide concentrations decreased during pregnancy. Within days after delivery, the patient’s digestive symptoms recurred, coinciding with a rapid increase in plasma deoxyribonucleotide concentrations. We hypothesize that the clinico‐metabolic improvements could be attributed to the enzyme replacement action of the placental thymidine phosphorylase.
A Transcriptome‐Based Drug Discovery Paradigm for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Dhindsa Ryan S. , Zoghbi Anthony W. , Krizay Daniel K. , Vasavda Chirag , Goldstein David B.
Published: November 2020

Advances in genetic discoveries have created substantial opportunities for precision medicine in neurodevelopmental disorders. Many of the genes implicated in these diseases encode proteins that regulate gene expression, such as chromatin‐associated proteins, transcription factors, and RNA‐binding proteins. The identification of targeted therapeutics for individuals carrying mutations in these genes remains a challenge, as the encoded proteins can theoretically regulate thousands of downstream targets in a considerable number of cell types. Here, we propose the application of a drug discovery approach originally developed for cancer called “transcriptome reversal” for these neurodevelopmental disorders. This approach attempts to identify compounds that reverse gene‐expression signatures associated with disease states. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:199–211
“Heterogeneous couplings”: Operationalizing network perspectives to study science‐society interactions through social media metrics
Authors: Costas Rodrigo , de Rijcke Sarah , Marres Noortje
Published: November 2020

Social media metrics have a genuine networked nature, reflecting the networking characteristics of the social media platform from where they are derived. This networked nature has been relatively less explored in the literature on altmetrics, although new network‐level approaches are starting to appear. A general conceptualization of the role of social media networks in science communication, and particularly of social media as a specific type of interface between science and society, is still missing. The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for appraising interactions between science and society in multiple directions, in what we call heterogeneous couplings. Heterogeneous couplings are conceptualized as the co‐occurrence of science and non‐science objects, actors, and interactions in online media environments. This conceptualization provides a common framework to study the interactions between science and non‐science actors as captured via online and social media platforms. The conceptualization of heterogeneous couplings opens wider opportunities for the development of network applications and analyses of the interactions between societal and scholarly entities in social media environments, paving the way toward more advanced forms of altmetrics, social (media) studies of science, and the conceptualization and operationalization of more advanced science‐society studies.
Expression Changes in Epigenetic Gene Pathways Associated With One‐Carbon Nutritional Metabolites in Maternal Blood From Pregnancies Resulting in Autism and Non‐Typical Neurodevelopment
Authors: Zhu Yihui , Mordaunt Charles E. , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe P. , Caudill Marie A. , Malysheva Olga V. , Miller Joshua W. , Green Ralph , James S. Jill , Melnyk Stepan B. , Fallin M. Daniele , Hertz‐Picciotto Irva , Schmidt Rebecca J. , LaSalle Janine M.
Published: November 2020

The prenatal period is a critical window for the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The relationship between prenatal nutrients and gestational gene expression in mothers of children later diagnosed with ASD or non‐typical development (Non‐TD) is poorly understood. Maternal blood collected prospectively during pregnancy provides insights into the effects of nutrition, particularly one‐carbon metabolites, on gene pathways and neurodevelopment. Genome‐wide transcriptomes were measured with microarrays in 300 maternal blood samples in Markers of Autism Risk in Babies‐Learning Early Signs. Sixteen different one‐carbon metabolites, including folic acid, betaine, 5′‐methyltretrahydrofolate (5‐MeTHF), and dimethylglycine (DMG) were measured. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to compare gene expression between children later diagnosed as typical development (TD), Non‐TD and ASD, and to one‐carbon metabolites. Using differential gene expression analysis, six transcripts (TGR‐AS1, SQSTM1, HLA‐C, and RFESD) were associated with child outcomes (ASD, Non‐TD, and TD) with genome‐wide significance. Genes nominally differentially expressed between ASD and TD significantly overlapped with seven high confidence ASD genes. WGCNA identified co‐expressed gene modules significantly correlated with 5‐MeTHF, folic acid, DMG, and betaine. A module enriched in DNA methylation functions showed a suggestive protective association with folic acid/5‐MeTHF concentrations and ASD risk. Maternal plasma betaine and DMG concentrations were associated with a block of co‐expressed genes enriched for adaptive immune, histone modification, and RNA processing functions. These results suggest that the prenatal maternal blood transcriptome is a sensitive indicator of gestational one‐carbon metabolite status and changes relevant to children's later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Lay Summary

Pregnancy is a time when maternal nutrition could interact with genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder. Blood samples collected during pregnancy from mothers who had a prior child with autism were examined for gene expression and nutrient metabolites, then compared to the diagnosis of the child at age three. Expression differences in gene pathways related to the immune system and gene regulation were observed for pregnancies of children with autism and non‐typical neurodevelopment and were associated with maternal nutrients.
What is the best way to manage ureteric calculi in the time of COVID‐19? A comparison of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) in an Australian health‐care setting
Authors: Farag Matthew , Jack Gregory S. , Wong Lih‐Ming , Bolton Damien M. , Lenaghan Daniel
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the best way to intervene for ureteric stones which still require treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with respect to infection control. In this setting, in which resources are constrained, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has prima facie advantages over ureteroscopy (URS). It is also necessary to also consider posttreatment resource consumption in regards to complications and repeat procedures.

Subjects and methods

The ideal ureteric stone treatment during a pandemic such as COVID‐19 would involve minimum resource consumption and a minimum number of patient attendances. We compared all patients initially treated with SWL to those initially treated with URS for acute ureteral colic within the state of Victoria, Australia in 2017.

Results

A total of 2724 ureteric stones were analyzed, a cumulative “3‐month exposure and burden on the healthcare system” was calculated for each patient by their initial procedure type. The readmission rate for URS was significantly higher than for SWL, 0.92 readmissions/patient for URS versus 0.54 readmissions/patient for SWL (P < .001). The cumulative hospital stay per patient for these two procedures was 2.35 days for SWL versus 3.21 days for URS (P < .001). The number of procedures per patient was 1.52 for SWL versus 1.89 for URS (P = .0213).

Conclusions

Patients with ureteric stones treated initially by SWL have shorter length of stay with fewer overall attendances and procedures at 3 months than those treated with URS. During a pandemic such as COVID‐19, SWL may have benefits in preserving hospital resources and limiting opportunity for virus transmission, compared to URS.
The related mechanism of complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced chronic inflammation pain based on metabolomics analysis
Authors: Zhang Weibo , Lyu Jie , Xu Juxiang , Zhang Piao , Zhang Shuxia , Chen Yeru , Wang Yongjie , Chen Gang
Published: November 2020

Chronic inflammation pain is a debilitating disease, and its mechanism still remains poorly understood. This study attempted to illuminate the metabolic mechanism of chronic inflammation pain induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) injection, especially at spinal level. The chronic inflammation pain model was established by CFA administration. Behavioral testing including mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia was performed. Meanwhile, a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze potential metabolic biomarkers. The orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis mode was employed for determining metabolic changes, and a western blot was performed to detect the protein expression change. The results showed that 27 metabolites showed obviously abnormal expression and seven metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, comprising aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, histidine metabolism, purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism. Meanwhile, the results showed that the expression of arginase I and nitric oxide levels were elevated in the CFA group compared with the control group, while the argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinatelyase proteins were not significantly different between the groups. These findings demonstrate that metabolic changes of the spinal cord may be implicated in neurotransmitter release and pain conductivity following CFA administration.
Work changes and individual, cancer‐related, and work‐related predictors of decreased work participation among African American cancer survivors
Authors: Hastert Theresa A. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Banegas Matthew P. , Morales Joanna F. , Nair Mrudula , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Pandolfi Stephanie S. , Baird Tara E. , Schwartz Ann G.
Published: November 2020

African American cancer survivors disproportionately experience financial difficulties after cancer. Decreased work participation (going from being employed full time to part time or from employed to not employed) can contribute to financial hardship after cancer but employment outcomes among African American cancer survivors have not been well described. This study estimates the prevalence of work changes and identifies factors associated with decreased work participation among African American cancer survivors. We analyzed data from 916 African American breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors who participated in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort and were employed before their cancer diagnosis. Modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios of decreased work participation and work changes, including changes to hours, duties, or schedules, between diagnosis and ROCS enrollment controlling for sociodemographic and cancer‐related factors. Nearly half of employed survivors made changes to their schedules, duties, or hours worked due to cancer and 34.6% took at least one month off of work, including 18% who took at least one month of unpaid time off. More survivors employed full time (vs. part time) at diagnosis were on disability at ROCS enrollment (18.7% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001), while fewer were unemployed (5.9% vs. 15.7%, P < 0.001). Nearly half (47.5%) of employed survivors decreased work participation. Taking paid time off was not associated with decreased work participation; however, taking unpaid time off and making work changes were associated with prevalence ratios of decreased work participation of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.62) and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.75), respectively. Employment disruptions are common after a cancer diagnosis. Survivors who take unpaid time off and make other work changes may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing decreased work participation.
Comparison of biopsy under‐sampling and annual progression using hidden markov models to learn from prostate cancer active surveillance studies
Authors: Li Weiyu , Denton Brian T. , Nieboer Daan , Carroll Peter R. , Roobol Monique J. , Morgan Todd M. ,   Movember Foundation’s Global Action Plan Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance (GAP3) consortium
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to estimate the rates of biopsy undersampling and progression for four prostate cancer (PCa) active surveillance (AS) cohorts within the Movember Foundation's Global Action Plan Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance (GAP3) consortium. We used a hidden Markov model (HMM) to estimate factors that define PCa dynamics for men on AS including biopsy under‐sampling and progression that are implied by longitudinal data in four large cohorts included in the GAP3 database. The HMM was subsequently used as the basis for a simulation model to evaluate the biopsy strategies previously proposed for each of these cohorts. For the four AS cohorts, the estimated annual progression rate was between 6%–13%. The estimated probability of a biopsy successfully sampling undiagnosed non‐favorable risk cancer (biopsy sensitivity) was between 71% and 80%. In the simulation study of patients diagnosed with favorable risk cancer at age 50, the mean number of biopsies performed before age 75 was between 4.11 and 12.60, depending on the biopsy strategy. The mean delay time to detection of non‐favorable risk cancer was between 0.38 and 2.17 years. Biopsy undersampling and progression varied considerably across study cohorts. There was no single best biopsy protocol that is optimal for all cohorts, because of the variation in biopsy under‐sampling error and annual progression rates across cohorts. All strategies demonstrated diminishing benefits from additional biopsies.
Difficult weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass after surgical VSD closure: An unusual rare case
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Asadian Sanaz , Shahzadi Hossein , Daliri Mahdi , Rezaeian Nahid , Toloueitabar Yaser
Published: November 2020

The connection of the left coronary artery to the pulmonary artery may be asymptomatic due to high pulmonary vascular resistance in the context of left‐to‐right shunts. Before the repair of the mentioned anomalies, coronary anatomy must be defined.
Multiple disseminated pyogenic granuloma post–oil burning—Review literature
Authors: Iraji Fariba , Jelvan Minoo , Ganjei Zakiye , Rajabi Parvin
Published: November 2020

Disseminated pyogenic granuloma is a rare entity. Patients need reassurance for this benign condition and are advised about the risk of recurrence and the risk of scarring with a total surgical excision. Red‐flag diagnoses should be ruled out.
Surgical resection of a giant peripheral ossifying fibroma in mouth floor managed with fiberscopic intubation
Authors: Okui Tatsuo , Ibaragi Soichiro , Ono Kisho , Hasegawa Kazuaki , Sasaki Akira
Published: November 2020

Tracheal intubation for general anesthesia can sometimes be difficult in patients with a large mass in the mouth floor. Preoperative evaluation of the patient's airway is most important when treating large oral disease.
Postextraction sinus lining prolapse
Authors: Flanagan Dennis
Published: November 2020

A prolapse of the sinus lining through an extraction socket occurred after 4 weeks. The lining was pushed into the socket and maintained with a buccal fat pad pedicle graft. Healing was complete after several weeks. A sinus decongestant can be prescribed to promote sinus drainage and reduce pressure.
On the area of feasible solutions for rank‐deficient problems: I. Introduction of a generalized concept
Authors: Sawall Mathias , Neymeyr Klaus
Published: November 2020

Rank deficiency of a spectral data matrix means that its rank is smaller than the number of the anticipated chemical components. A rank deficiency can hide the true chemical structure of the underlying pure components and complicates the application of multivariate curve resolution and self‐modeling curve resolution techniques. A new approach for the analysis of the factor ambiguities is introduced, and the area of feasible solutions (AFS) is generalized to rank‐deficient spectral data. The extended tools are tested for the Michaelis–Menten kinetics and abstract model data.
Dumbbell‐Shaped 2,2’‐Bipyridines: Controlled Metal Monochelation and Application to Ni‐Catalyzed Cross‐Couplings
Authors: Kim Yongjoon , Iwai Tomohiro , Fujii Sho , Ueno Kosei , Sawamura Masaya
Published: November 2020

2,2’‐Bipyridine ligands (dsbpys) with dumbbell‐like shapes and differently substituted triarylmethyl groups at the C5 and C5’ positions showed high ligand performance in the Ni‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling and the Ni/photoredox‐synergistically catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reactions. The superior ligand effects of dsbpys compared to the conventional bpy ligands were attributed to the monochelating nature of dsbpys.
Thermodynamically Stable o‐Quinodimethane: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity
Authors: Adachi Kazuhiko , Hirose Shunsuke , Ueda Yasuyuki , Uekusa Hidehiro , Hamura Toshiyuki
Published: November 2020

Thermal isomerization of cyclobutaphenanthrene to o‐quinodimethane was investigated. Sterically congested substituents or electron‐donating substituents on the four‐membered ring promoted the ring‐opening, affording o‐quinodimethane in a relatively stable form. Isolation of the newly prepared o‐quinodimethane allowed its structural elucidation and investigation of its potential reactivities. Dual [4+2] cycloaddition of an aryne and o‐quinodimethane afforded tetrabenzopentacene, demonstrating the synthetic application of the isolated compound.
Precious Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Layered Double Hydroxide‐Prussian Blue Analogue Hybrid Assembly
Authors: Akbari Sina Sadigh , Karadas Ferdi
Published: November 2020

The development of earth‐abundant photocatalytic assemblies has been one of the bottlenecks for the advancement of scalable water splitting cells. In this study, a ZnCr layered double hydroxide and a CoFe Prussian blue analogue are combined to afford an earth‐abundant photocatalytic assembly involving a visible light‐absorbing semiconductor (SC) and a water oxidation catalyst (WOC). Compared to bare ZnCr‐LDH, the SC‐WOC hybrid assembly exhibits a threefold enhancement in photocatalytic activity, which is maintained for 6 h under photocatalytic conditions at pH 7. The band energy diagram was extracted from optical and electrochemical studies to elucidate the origin of the enhanced photocatalytic performance. This study marks a straightforward pathway to develop low‐cost and precious metal‐free assemblies for visible light‐driven water oxidation.
Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles reveals an immunogenic cargo in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid
Authors: Foers Andrew D , Dagley Laura F , Chatfield Simon , Webb Andrew I , Cheng Lesley , Hill Andrew F , Wicks Ian P , Pang Ken C
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) have been reported to stimulate the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from recipient cells. We recently developed a size exclusion chromatography (SEC)‐based method for EV isolation capable of high‐quality enrichments from human SF. Here, we employed this method to accurately characterise the SF EV proteome and investigate potential contributions to inflammatory pathways in RA.

Methods

Using our SEC‐based approach, SF EVs were purified from the joints of RA patients classified as having high‐level (n = 7) or low‐level inflammation (n = 5), and from osteoarthritis (OA) patients (n = 5). Protein profiles were characterised by mass spectrometry. Potential contributions of EV proteins to pathological pathways and differences in protein expression between disease groups were investigated.

Results

Synovial fluid EVs were present at higher concentrations in RA joints with high‐level inflammation (P‐value = 0.004) but were smaller in diameter (P‐value = 0.03) than in low‐level inflammation. In total, 1058 SF EV proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Neutrophil and fibroblast markers were overrepresented in all disease groups. Numerous proteins with potential to modulate inflammatory and immunological processes were detected, including nine citrullinated peptides. Forty‐five and 135 EV‐associated proteins were significantly elevated in RA joints with high‐level inflammation than in RA joints with low‐level inflammation and OA joints, respectively. Gene ontology analysis revealed significant enrichment for proteins associated with ‘neutrophil degranulation’ within SF EVs from RA joints with high‐level inflammation.

Conclusion

Our results provide new information about SF EVs and insight into how EVs might contribute to the perpetuation of RA.
A Paradigm Shift in Nuclear Chromatin Interpretation: From Qualitative Intuitive Recognition to Quantitative Texture Analysis of Breast Cancer Cell Nuclei
Authors: Lee Hye‐Kyung , Kim Cho‐Hee , Bhattacharjee Subrata , Park Hyeon‐Gyun , Prakash Deekshitha , Choi Heung‐Kook
Published: November 2020

Assessing the pattern of nuclear chromatin is essential for pathological investigations. However, the interpretation of nuclear pattern is subjective. In this study, we performed the texture analysis of nuclear chromatin in breast cancer samples to determine the nuclear pleomorphism score thereof. We used three different algorithms for extracting high‐level texture features: the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM), gray‐level run length matrix (GLRLM), and gray‐level size zone matrix (GLSZM). Using these algorithms, 12 GLCM, 11 GLRLM, and 16 GLSZM features were extracted from three scores of breast carcinoma (Scores 1–3). Classification accuracy was assessed using the support vector machine (SVM) and k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) classification models. Three features of GLCM, 11 of GLRLM, and 12 of GLSZM were consistent across the three nuclear pleomorphism scores of breast cancer. Comparing Scores 1 and 3, the GLSZM feature large zone high gray‐level emphasis showed the largest difference among breast cancer nuclear scores among all features of the three algorithms. The SVM and KNN classifiers showed favorable results for all three algorithms. A multiclass classification was performed to compare and distinguish between the scores of breast cancer. Texture features of nuclear chromatin can provide useful information for nuclear scoring. However, further validation of the correlations of histopathologic features, and standardization of the texture analysis process, are required to achieve better classification results. © 2021 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Genetic data improves niche model discrimination and alters the direction and magnitude of climate change forecasts
Authors: Bothwell Helen M. , Evans Luke M. , Hersch‐Green Erika I. , Woolbright Scott A. , Allan Gerard J. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: November 2020

Ecological niche models (ENMs) have classically operated under the simplifying assumptions that there are no barriers to gene flow, species are genetically homogeneous (i.e., no population‐specific local adaptation), and all individuals share the same niche. Yet, these assumptions are violated for most broadly distributed species. Here, we incorporate genetic data from the widespread riparian tree species narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) to examine whether including intraspecific genetic variation can alter model performance and predictions of climate change impacts. We found that (1) P. angustifolia is differentiated into six genetic groups across its range from México to Canada and (2) different populations occupy distinct climate niches representing unique ecotypes. Comparing model discriminatory power, (3) all genetically informed ecological niche models (gENMs) outperformed the standard species‐level ENM (3–14% increase in AUC; 1–23% increase in pROC). Furthermore, (4) gENMs predicted large differences among ecotypes in both the direction and magnitude of responses to climate change and (5) revealed evidence of niche divergence, particularly for the Eastern Rocky Mountain ecotype. (6) Models also predicted progressively increasing fragmentation and decreasing overlap between ecotypes. Contact zones are often hotspots of diversity that are critical for supporting species' capacity to respond to present and future climate change, thus predicted reductions in connectivity among ecotypes is of conservation concern. We further examined the generality of our findings by comparing our model developed for a higher elevation Rocky Mountain species with a related desert riparian cottonwood, P. fremontii. Together our results suggest that incorporating intraspecific genetic information can improve model performance by addressing this important source of variance. gENMs bring an evolutionary perspective to niche modeling and provide a truly “adaptive management” approach to support conservation genetic management of species facing global change.
The application of continuous glucose monitoring technology to eating disorders research: An idea worth researching
Authors: Presseller Emily K. , Parker Megan N. , Lin Mandy , Weimer James , Juarascio Adrienne S.
Published: November 2020

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have revolutionized our capacity to measure blood glucose levels in real time using minimally invasive technology, yet to date there are no studies using CGM in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Preliminary evidence suggests that eating disorder behaviors (EDBs) have substantial and characteristic impacts on blood glucose levels and glucose‐related variables (e.g., binge‐eating episodes cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, purging causes rapid drops in blood glucose to below normal levels). The aims of this article are to describe the benefits of CGM technology over older methods of measuring blood glucose levels and to discuss several specific ways in which CGM technology can be applied to EDs research to (a) improve our ability to identify and predict engagement in EDBs in real time, (b) identify relationships between blood glucose levels and maintenance factors for EDs, and (c) increase our understanding of the physiological and psychological impacts of disordered eating. We also present preliminary acceptability and feasibility data on the use of CGM devices in individuals with EDs. Overall, the article will describe several applications of CGM technology in EDs research with compelling potential to improve research methodologies.
Transdiagnostic vulnerability factors in eating disorders: A network analysis
Authors: Vervaet Myriam , Puttevils Louise , Hoekstra Ria H. A. , Fried Eiko , Vanderhasselt Marie‐Anne
Published: November 2020

Objective

Eating disorder (ED) symptoms and transdiagnostic vulnerability characteristics play a crucial role in the aetiology and maintenance of EDs. Over the last decade, researchers have started to model complex interrelations between symptoms using network models, but the literature is limited in that it has focused solely on symptoms and investigated‐specific disorders while ignoring transdiagnostic aspects of mental health.

Method

This study tackles these challenges by investigating network relations among core ED symptoms, comorbid clinical symptoms (depression and anxiety) and empirically supported vulnerability and protective mechanisms (personality traits, maladaptive cognitive schemata, perfectionism and resilience) in a sample of 2302 treatment‐seeking ED patients. We estimated a regularized partial correlation network to obtain conditional dependence relations among all variables. We estimated node centrality (interconnectivity) and node predictability (the overall magnitude of symptom inter‐relationships).

Results

The findings indicate a central role of overvigilance, excessive focus on inhibiting emotions and feelings, interoceptive awareness and perfectionism.

Conclusions

These results suggest that excessive control of bodily aspects by dietary restraint (possibly through inhibition) and interoceptive awareness may be important constructs that warrant future research in understanding vulnerability in EDs. We provide all code and data via the Open Science Framework.
An optimal clear channel assessment in IEEE 802.15.4 medium access control protocol for recurrent data transmission and long acknowledgement wait period
Authors: Asuti Manjunath G. , Basarkod Prabhugoud I.
Published: November 2020

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard medium access control (MAC) protocol is widely adopted for short‐range communication in current technologies such as Internet of Things, smart grids, and smart cities. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard adopts the carrier‐sense multiple access with collision avoidance channel access mechanism, which performs two consecutive clear channel assessment (CCA). However, performing two consecutive CCA may not be suitable for all types of network scenarios in a star topology‐enabled wireless sensor networks (WSN). In this article, we develop an optimal CCA channel access mechanism to address the recurrent data transmission and the long acknowledgement wait period which is encountered in two network scenarios considered in a star topology‐enabled WSN. To achieve these requirements, the proposed methodology performs five consecutive CCA for successful data transmission without going into the next backoff stage. Initially, an accurate Markov chain model is developed. Later, a set of mathematical expressions are developed for the proposed method. The model is validated using MATLAB 2017a programming tool. Simulation results show that the proposed methodology outperforms the existing CCA approaches in terms of channel collision time, delay, reliability, probability of collision, packet loss rate, and the probability of successful data transmission.
Novel high‐docosahexaenoic‐acid tuna oil supplementation modulates gut microbiota and alleviates obesity in high‐fat diet mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yi Congmin , Han Jiaojiao , Ming Tinghong , Zhou Jun , Lu Chenyang , Li Ye , Su Xiurong
Published: November 2020

Studies have documented the benefits of fish oil in different diseases because of its high n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. However, these studies mostly used commercially available fish oil supplements with a ratio of 18/12 for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, increasing DHA content for this commonly used ratio might bring out a varied metabolic effect, which have remained unclear. Thus, in this study, a novel tuna oil (TO) was applied to investigate the effect of high‐DHA content on the alteration of the gut microbiota and obesity in high‐fat diet mice. The results suggest that high‐DHA TO (HDTO) supplementation notably ameliorates obesity and related lipid parameters and restores the expression of lipid metabolism‐related genes. The benefits of TOs were derived from their modification of the gut microbiota composition and structure in mice. A high‐fat diet triggered an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio that was remarkably restored by TOs. The number of obesity‐promoting bacteria—Desulfovibrio, Paraeggerthella, Terrisporobacter, Millionella, Lachnoclostridium, Anaerobacterium, and Ruminiclostridium—was dramatically reduced. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Alistipes putredinis, and Millionella massiliensis, three dysbiosis‐related species, were especially regulated by HDTO. Regarding the prevention of obesity, HDTO outperforms the normal TO. Intriguingly, HDTO feeding to HFD‐fed mice might alter the arginine and proline metabolism of intestinal microbiota.
Primary myxoid and epithelioid mesenchymal tumor of the kidney with a novel GLI1‐FOXO4 fusion
Authors: Pettus Jason R. , Kerr Darcy A. , Stan Radu V. , Tse Julie Y. , Sverrisson Einar F. , Bridge Julia A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: November 2020

To our knowledge, we describe the first mesenchymal tumor with a novel GLI1‐FOXO4 fusion gene. This well‐circumscribed kidney tumor displayed variably myxoid and epithelioid histologic features with a focally nodular growth pattern. The tumor cells showed bland, round to ovoid nuclei, with no overt high‐grade features. The tumor showed focal immunopositivity for smooth muscle actin and Melan‐A, which raised the possibility of a relationship with a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor. The clinical and morphologic features appear distinct from other reported neoplasms harboring GLI1 or FOXO4 gene rearrangements. The patient underwent radical nephrectomy and is without evidence of disease during a relatively short clinical follow‐up period. However, the features of this tumor likely warrant long‐term follow‐up to monitor for the possibility of a late recurrence or metastasis. In addition to reporting this novel fusion‐positive tumor, we also provide a brief review of GLI1 and FOXO4 gene functions in both normal and neoplastic contexts.
microRNAs deregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Carron Juliana , Torricelli Caroline , Silva Janet K. , Queiroz Gabriela S. R. , Ortega Manoela M. , Lima Carmen S. P. , Lourenço Gustavo J.
Published: November 2020

Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the eighth most common human cancer worldwide. Besides tobacco and alcohol consumption, genetic and epigenetic alterations play an important role in HNSCC occurrence and progression. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate cell cycle, proliferation, development, differentiation, and apoptosis by interfering in gene expression. Expression profiling of miRNAs showed that some miRNAs are upregulated or downregulated in tumor cells when compared with the normal cells. The present review focuses on the role of miRNAs deregulations in HNSCC, enrolled in risk, development, outcome, and therapy sensitivity. Moreover, the influence of single nucleotide variants in miRNAs target sites, miRNAs seed sites, and miRNAs‐processing genes in HNSCC was also revised. Due to its potential for cancer diagnosis, progression, and as a therapeutic target, miRNAs may bring new perspectives in HNSCC understanding and therapy, especially for those patients with no or insufficient treatment options.
“We are sacred”: An intercultural and multilingual approach to understanding reproductive health literacy for Yolŋu girls and women in remote Northern Australia
Authors: Ireland Sarah , Maypilama Elaine L.
Published: November 2020

Issue Addressed

Indigenous women continue to experience reproductive health inequities. While enhancing health literacy is suggested as an approach for reducing disparities and increasing equity, there is a paucity of literature exploring Indigenous women's conceptualisation of reproductive health literacy. This paper demonstrates one approach to developing a reproductive health literacy framework for Yolŋu (Indigenous) women in a remote Northern Australian setting.

Methods

Using a decolonising participatory action research approach, a senior Yolŋu researcher led interviews, group story sharing sessions, historic site visits and on‐country cultural demonstration sessions with participants on reproductive health topics. Data were collected in the participants’ first language(s) and occasionally in English. Data were digitally recorded on camera, Dictaphone, video and in handwritten notes. The senior Yolŋu researcher worked with a Yolŋu interpreter to translate the data into English. Data underwent a progressive verbal relational content analysis to map and build a framework.

Results

A reproductive health literacy framework that privileges Yolŋu reproductive knowledge, practices and language was successfully co‐designed. The framework was embedded in the metaphor of Pandanus mat and uses key cultural domains of Yolŋu identity as a connecting foundation to women's reproductive knowledges and ceremonial milestones.

Conclusions

The framework offers a culturally responsive and multilingual approach to sensitively discuss and operationalise reproductive health literacy. The framework empowers Yolŋu cultural identities; accounts for both Yolŋu and Western medical knowledges; and honours participants’ requests for “Two‐Way” learning.

So What?

This research demonstrates an innovative approach to co‐designing a culturally responsive framework for reproductive health literacy in a complex and multilingual context. Such approaches offer a promising way forward for empowering Indigenous women to define reproductive health literacy and contribute to improving their reproductive health outcomes.
Three‐ and four‐term approximate expansions of the Haverkamp formulation to estimate soil hydraulic properties from disc infiltrometer measurements
Authors: Moret‐Fernández David , Latorre Borja , López Maria V. , Pueyo Yolanda , Lassabatere Laurent , Angulo‐Jaramilo Rafael , Rahmati Mehdi , Tormo Jaume , Nicolau José M.
Published: November 2020

Soil sorptivity, S, and saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks, can be estimated from the inverse analysis of a disc infiltrometer cumulative infiltration curve using the quasi‐exact implicit (QEI) analytical Haverkamp et al. (1994) equation, which is a function of Ks, S, the parameters β and γ, the disc radius, rd, and the water content increase, ∆θ. Given the complexity of solving QEI, this paper presents three‐term, 3T, and four‐term, 4T, QEI expansions to estimate S and Ks. The interplays between β, γ, Ks and S employing S‐Ks, γ‐Ks, γ‐S, γ‐β, S‐β and Ks‐β error maps generated for a loam soil synthetic infiltration were analyzed with QEI. To reduce the number of variables, Δθ, rd and γ were packed into the term. Five different QEI expansion analyses were evaluated: (i and ii) optimization of 3T using A, 3TA, or β, 3Tβ, as fixed variables; (iii and iv) optimization of 3T, 3TAβ, and 4T, 4TAβ, using constant β and A values; and (v) optimization of 4T leaving all coefficients free, 4TF. The different methods were evaluated with synthetic infiltrations for homogeneous sand, loam and silt soils, and for an uniform loam soil with a contact sand layer. The QEI expansions were applied to experimental infiltrations, and the results were compared to those obtained with QEI, using β = 0.6 and γ = 0.75. Infiltrations were performed at zero cm of soil tension. Global optimization with QEI demonstrates that γ and β are extremely linked. This makes it difficult to estimate these two parameters. All procedures applied to synthetic homogeneous soils resulted in good Ks and S approaches. However, only 3TA, 3TAβ and 4TAβ obtained accurate estimates of Ks and S when applied to a synthetic homogeneous soil with a contact sand layer. Application of the different methods to the experimental infiltrations showed that 3TAβ and 4TAβ gave the most accurate and robust estimates of S and Ks.
Reliability of ultrasound findings acquired with handheld apparatuses to inform urgent obstetric diagnosis in a high‐volume resource‐limited setting
Authors: Kodaira Yuichi , Pisani Luigi , Boyle Sonia , Olumide Salawu , Orsi Michele , Adeniji Adetunji O. , Pisani Enzo , Zanette Marianna , Putoto Giovanni , Koroma Michael M.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the reliability of obstetric handheld smartphone‐based point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) in a resource‐limited high‐volume setting.

Methods

A single‐center prospective observational study among women requiring urgent diagnosis and admitted to a maternity referral hospital in Sierra Leone from March to April 2019. Pre‐specified ultrasound findings were obtained with a handheld POCUS device; a comprehensive ultrasound examination was then performed by an experienced operator using conventional full‐feature apparatus. Agreement was assessed by diagnostic accuracy and Cohen κ‐statistics.

Results

Overall, there were 307 participants. The mean aggregated diagnostic accuracy was 95.5% (κ‐statistic, 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.93; P < 0.001). Highest accuracy was reported for detecting free fluid collection in the abdominal cavity (100%; κ‐statistic, 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00–1.00; P < 0.001). Ultrasound findings obtained with the handheld device for intrauterine pregnancy, fetal heartbeat, cephalic presentation, multifetal pregnancy, and assessment of gestational age based on bi‐parietal diameter were highly reliable (agreement, >90%; κ‐statistic, >0.80). Detection of low‐lying placenta or placenta previa was the least reliable (κ‐statistic, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.13–0.93; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Handheld POCUS findings were found to be reliable for detecting pre‐specified urgent obstetric findings in a high‐volume resource‐limited referral hospital.
Solitary synchronous gastric metastasis of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Koterazawa Shigeki , Watanabe Jun , Uemura Yuichi , Uegaki Masayuki , Shirahase Toshiaki , Taki Yoji , Adachi Yasushi , Ueda Michimsasa , Fukui Shouichi
Published: November 2020

Introduction

There have been some reports describing metastasis to the stomach from renal cell carcinomas. However, there are few reports describing solitary synchronous gastric metastasis of renal cell carcinomas.

Case presentation

The patient was a 70‐year‐old woman who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine her progressive weight loss. There was a submucosal tumor in the stomach, which was biopsied. The gastric tumor was pathologically proven to be a metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed right renal cell carcinoma invading the renal vein (cT3aN0M0). The patient underwent right radical nephrectomy and endoscopic resection for the treatment of the primary renal cancer and the gastric metastatic lesion, respectively. The resected specimen of the stomach had a clear resection margin.

Conclusion

Endoscopic resection for early stage gastric metastatic lesions of renal cell carcinomas is a reasonable approach because it is a minimally invasive surgical technique.
Exposure to mono (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate facilitates apoptosis and pyroptosis of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells through NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: An Lijuan
Published: November 2020

Mono (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is a major metabolite of di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). This study aimed to observe the toxic effect of MEHP on human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs) and its potential molecular mechanism. HEMECs were exposed to different concentrations of MEHP (0, 50, 100, and 200 nM). Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and flow cytometry assays. Western blot was performed to examine the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins (Bcl‐2, Bax, and Caspase‐3). Moreover, the expression of pyroptosis‐related Caspase‐1 was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release levels were evaluated in HEMECs treated with MEHP and/or Caspase‐1 inhibitor Ac‐YVAD‐CHO. After exposure to MEHP, NLRP3 expression was examined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. LDH release and apoptosis levels were tested in HEMECs induced by MEHP and/or siNLRP3. MEHP significantly induced cell viability and inhibited apoptosis for HEMECs, with a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was distinctly reduced and Caspase‐3 expression was increased in HEMECs after exposure to MEHP. Western blot and immunofluorescence results confirmed that MEHP markedly augmented Caspase‐1 expression in HEMECs. Furthermore, LDH release levels were fortified in HEMECs treated with MEHP, which were improved following cotreatment with Ac‐YVAD‐CHO. At the mRNA and protein levels, NLRP3 expression was prominently increased in HEMECs exposed to MEHP. NLRP3 knockdown markedly ameliorated the increase in LDH release and apoptosis induced by MEHP exposure in HEMECs. Our findings suggested that exposure to MEHP facilitates apoptosis and pyroptosis of HEMECs through NLRP3 inflammasome.