bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of Four
Saccharibacter
sp. Strains Isolated from Native Bees
Authors: Smith Eric A. , Vuong Hoang Q. , Miller Delaney L. , Parish Audrey J. , McFrederick Quinn S. , Newton Irene L. G.
Published: March 2020

The genus
Saccharibacter
is currently understudied, with only one described species,
Saccharibacter floricola
, isolated from a flower. In an effort to better understand the microbes that come in contact with native bee pollinators, we isolated and sequenced four additional strains of
Saccharibacter
from native bees in the genera
Melissodes
and
Anthophora
. These genomes range in size from 2,104,494 to 2,316,791 bp (mean, 2,246,664 bp) and contain between 1,860 and 2,167 (mean, 2,060) protein-coding genes.
Metagenome Sequences from Tidal Marsh and Marine Sediment from the Great Bay Estuary of New Hampshire
Authors: Moore Brian M. , Ní Chadhain Sinéad M. , Miller Jarrett L. , Jones Stephen H. , Launen Loren A.
Published: March 2020

Tidal marsh and estuarine marine microbial sediment metagenomes from the Great Bay Estuary of New Hampshire were sequenced and found to be dominated by
Proteobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
,
Firmicutes
, and
Actinobacteria.
Both types of sediment contained many unclassified bacterial sequences, including the mollusk pathogen
Perkinsus marinus
, and detectable xenobiotic degradation and nitrogen transformation genes.
Complete Genome Sequences for Two
Myoviridae
Strains Infecting Cyanobacteria in a Subarctic Lake
Authors: Lévesque Alice V. , Thaler Mary , Labrie Simon J. , Marois Catherine , Vincent Antony T. , Lapointe Anne-Marie , Culley Alexander
Published: March 2020

We isolated two closely related strains that belong to the
Myoviridae
family and infect cyanobacteria in a shallow subarctic rock basin lake. Their host was identified as a member of the
Synechococcus-Cyanobium
complex. Sequenced genomes of the two phages were 244,930 bp and 243,633 bp. We describe their annotation and highlight some noteworthy features.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Andreprevotia
sp. Strain IGB-42, a Chitinolytic Bacterium Isolated from a Soil Sample of an Anthill in Stuttgart, Germany
Authors: Vainshtein Yevhen , Werner Nicole , Kirstahler Philipp , Glanz Karolina , Grumaz Christian , Hahn Thomas , Zibek Susanne , Sohn Kai
Published: March 2020

Andreprevotia
sp. strain IGB-42 is a chitin-degrading bacterium isolated from the soil of an anthill. The genome contains 4.7 Mb, a G+C content of 61.31%, 4,257 predicted open reading frames, and a set of industrially interesting chitinase genes.
Complete Coding Sequence of a Novel Bluetongue Virus Isolated from a Commercial Sheeppox Vaccine
Authors: Rajko-Nenow Paulina , Golender Natalia , Bumbarov Velizar , Brown Hannah , Frost Lorraine , Darpel Karin , Tennakoon Chandana , Flannery John , Batten Carrie
Published: March 2020

The full genome sequences of two isolates of bluetongue virus (BTV) from a commercial sheeppox vaccine were determined. Strain SPvvvv/02 shows low sequence identity to its closest relative, strain BTV-26 KUW2010/02, indicating the probable detection of a novel BTV genotype, whereas strain SPvvvv/03 shows high sequence identity to strain BTV-28/1537/14.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Cultivable Strains of the Bacterial Symbiont Serratia symbiotica
Authors: Renoz François , Ambroise Jérôme , Bearzatto Bertrand , Baa-Puyoulet Patrice , Calevro Federica , Gala Jean-Luc , Hance Thierry
Published: March 2020

Serratia symbiotica
, one of the most frequent symbiont species in aphids, includes strains that exhibit various lifestyles ranging from free-living to obligate intracellular mutualism. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two strains, namely, 24.1 and Apa8A1, isolated from aphids of the genus
Aphis
, consisting of genome sizes of 3,089,091 bp and 3,232,107 bp, respectively. These genome sequences may provide new insights into how mutualistic interactions between bacteria and insects evolve and are shaped.
Interventions to reduce occupational stress and burn out within neonatal intensive care units: a systematic review
Authors: Bresesti Ilia , Folgori Laura , De Bartolo Paola
Published: March 2020

Occupational stress is an emerging problem among physician and nurses, and those working in intensive care settings are particularly exposed to the risk of developing burnout. To verify what types of interventions to manage occupational stress and burn out within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have been introduced so far and to verify their efficacy among caregivers. PsycINFO (PsycINFO 1967–July week 3 2019), Embase (Embase 1996–2019 week 29) e Medline (Ovid MEDLINE(R) without revisions 1996–July week 2 2019) were systematically searched combining MeSH and free text terms for “burn out” AND “healthcare provider” AND “NICU”. Inclusion criteria were interventions directed to healthcare providers settled in NICUs. Only English language papers were included. Six articles were included in the final analysis. All the studies reported an overall efficacy of the interventions in reducing work-related stress, both when individual focused and organisation directed. The analysis revealed low quality of the studies and high heterogeneity in terms of study design, included populations, interventions and their evaluation assessment. There is currently very limited evidence regarding the management of occupational stress and burn out within NICUs. The quality of available studies was suboptimal. The peculiarities of the NICUs should be considered when developing strategies for occupational stress management. Training self-awareness of workers regarding their reactions to the NICU environment, also from the pre-employment stage, could be an additional approach to prevent and manage stress.
Dynamic Colocation Policies with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Li Yuhao , Sun Dan , Lee Benjamin C.
Published: March 2020

We draw on reinforcement learning frameworks to design and implement an adaptive controller for managing resource contention. During runtime, the controller observes the dynamic system conditions and optimizes control policies that satisfy latency targets yet improve server utilization. We evaluate a physical prototype that guarantees 95th percentile latencies for a search engine and improves server utilization by up to 70%, compared to exclusively reserving servers for interactive services, for varied batch workloads in machine learning.
Causal Structures of Multidimensional QoE in Haptic-Audiovisual Communications
Authors: Tasaka Shuji
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a methodology for building and verifying plausible models that can express causation in multidimensional QoE for haptic-audiovisual interactive communications. For the modeling, we utilize subjective experimental data of five-point scores collected in a previous study where a pair of subjects carry out two kinds of interactive tasks (castanets hitting and object movement) in real space (not in virtual space). The multidimensional QoE is composed of 15 measures for the castanets hitting and 14 measures for the object movement. To reduce the dimension, we classify the QoE measures into three groups as indicators of three constructs (latent variables or factors): AVQ (AudioVisual Quality), HQ (Haptic Quality), and UXQ (User eXperience Quality). We then build two models: (1) a structural equation model in which AVQ and HQ correlated with each other give causal effects on UXQ, and (2) a confirmatory factor analysis model in which the three constructs are only correlated with each other. We refer to the former as 3C-SEM and the latter as 3C-CFA. We further introduce a CFA model with a single construct for which all QoE measures are its indicators (1C-CFA). We perform Bayesian analysis of the three models by means of Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation; in each model, the deviance information criterion is obtained for model comparison, and the posterior predictive
p
-value is calculated for model checking. As a result, we find that 3C-SEM is the most plausible and that HQ has a stronger causal effect on UXQ than AVQ. We also learn that the correlation between AVQ and UXQ is much higher than the direct causal effect and that the increase in the association as correlation is due to the causal effect of HQ on UXQ through the correlation of AVQ with HQ. Thus, it is suggested that improving haptic performance is more effective in enhancement of QoE than improving audiovisual performance.
Improving Memory Efficiency in Heterogeneous MPSoCs through Row-Buffer Locality-aware Forwarding
Authors: Song Yang , Lin Bill
Published: March 2020

In heterogeneous multicore systems, the memory subsystem plays a critical role, since most core-to-core communications are conducted through the main memory. Memory efficiency has a substantial impact on system performance. Although memory traffic from multimedia cores generally manifests high row-buffer locality, which is beneficial to memory efficiency, the locality is often lost as memory streams are forwarded through networks-on-chip (NoC). Previous studies have discussed the techniques that improve memory visibility to reveal scattered row-buffer hit opportunities to the memory scheduler. However, extending local memory visibility introduces little benefit after the locality has been severely diluted. As the alternative approach, preserving row-buffer locality in the NoC has not been well explored. What is worse, it remains to be studied how to perform network traffic scheduling with the awareness of both memory efficiency and quality-of-service (QoS). In this article, we propose a router design with embedded row-index caches to enable locality-aware packet forwarding. The proposed design requires minor modifications to existing router microarchitecture and can be easily implemented with priority arbiters to integrate QoS support. Extensive evaluations show that the proposed design achieves higher memory efficiency than prior memory-aware routers, in addition to providing QoS support. On basis of extant QoS-aware routers, locality-aware forwarding helps to increase row-buffer hits by 58.32% and reduce memory latency by 14.45% on average. It also introduces a net reduction in DRAM and NoC energy cost by 27.82%.
Effects of Pore Widening vs Oxygenation on Capacitance of Activated Carbon in Aqueous Sodium Sulfate Electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Lixing , Chi Yuqin , Li Zhen , Sun Xiaolei , Gu Huazhi , Zhang Haijun , Chen Yao , Chen George Zheng
Published: March 2020

The commercial activated carbon has a relatively low specific capacitance in the Na2SO4 electrolyte, which hinder the development of asymmetrical supercapacitors with high voltage. Re-activation and oxidative etching methods were applied to change the pore structure of activated carbon, respectively, to study the capacitive behavior of carbon in the Na2SO4 electrolyte. The pore distributions combining with capacitive properties deduce that 0.85 nm is the threshold diameter of the ion-accessible micropores for hydrated Na+ and SO4
2−. The specific capacitances of both the carbon materials by re-activation and oxidative etching methods are increased by 40%, in comparison with the commercial activated carbon. The enhanced capacitive performances of the carbon materials were mainly attributed to the increased ion-accessible specific surface area and pseudocapacitance, respectively. The oxidative etching is a more facile and economical method for practice application. Combining with MnO2 as the positive electrode, the asymmetrical supercapacitor with a high voltage of 1.8 V exhibits a maximum specific cell capacitance of 50 F g–1 and specific energy of 22.5 Wh kg–1.
Conjunction junction, what’s the function? CCN proteins as targets in fibrosis and cancers
Authors: Leask Andrew
Published: March 2020

Cellular communication network (CCN) proteins are matricellular proteins that coordinate signaling among extracellular matrix, secreted proteins, and cell surface receptors. Their specific in vivo function is context-dependent, but they play profound roles in pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancers. Anti-CCN therapies are in clinical consideration. Only recently, however, has the function of these complex molecules begun to emerge. This review summarizes and interprets our current knowledge regarding these fascinating molecules and provides experimental evidence for their utility as therapeutic targets.
Regulation of myosin heavy chain antisense long noncoding RNA in human vastus lateralis in response to exercise training
Authors: Pandorf Clay E. , Haddad Fadia , Owerkowicz Tomasz , Carroll Leslie P. , Baldwin Kenneth M. , Adams Gregory R.
Published: March 2020

Alterations to muscle activity or loading state can induce changes in expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC). For example, sedentary individuals that initiate exercise training can induce a pronounced shift from IIx to IIa MHC. We sought to examine the regulatory response of MHC RNA in human subjects in response to exercise training. In particular, we examined how natural antisense RNA transcripts (NATs) are regulated throughout the MHC gene locus that includes MYH2 (IIa), MYH1 (IIx), MYH4 (IIb), and MYH8 (Neonatal) in vastus lateralis before and after a 5-wk training regime that consisted of a combination of aerobic and resistance types of exercise. The exercise program induced a IIx to IIa MHC shift that was associated with a corresponding increase in transcription on the antisense strand of the IIx MHC gene and a decrease in antisense transcription of the IIa MHC gene, suggesting an inhibitory mechanism mediated by NATs. We also report that the absence of expression of IIb MHC in human limb muscle is associated with the abundant expression of antisense transcript overlapping the IIb MHC coding gene, which is the opposite expression pattern as compared with that previously observed in rats. The NAT provides a possible regulatory mechanism for the suppressed expression of IIb MHC in humans. These data indicate that NATs may play a regulatory role with regard to the coordinated shifts in MHC gene expression that occur in human muscle in response to exercise training.
Copper promotes sheep pancreatic duct organoid growth by activation of an antioxidant protein 1-dependent MEK-ERK pathway
Authors: Liu Miao , Yu Wen , Jin Jing , Ma Mingjun , An Tiezhu , Nie Yuzhe , Teng Chun-Bo
Published: March 2020

Proper amounts of copper supplemented in livestock feed improve the physical growth and traits of farm animals. The pancreas is an important organ with both exocrine and endocrine portions. To investigate the role and mechanism of copper in the sheep pancreas, we first established sheep pancreatic duct organoids (sPDOs). We found that an appropriate amount of copper benefited the formation and growth of sPDOs, whereas excess or deficient copper damaged sPDOs. We found that the proliferation-stimulating effect of copper was related to the copper chaperone antioxidant protein 1 (ATOX1)-dependent activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling. Atox1 knockdown suppressed the cell proliferation of sPDOs, even in the presence of the MEK activator. These results indicate that moderate concentrations of copper promote sPDO growth through ATOX1-regulated cell proliferation by activation of MEK-ERK. Moreover, our study indicates that organoids may be a useful model to study organ growth mechanisms in livestock.
IL-4/IL-13 upregulates Sonic hedgehog expression to induce allergic airway epithelial remodeling
Authors: Wang Xiangzhi , Xu Chengyun , Ji Junyan , Cai Yuqing , Shu Yingying , Chao Yunqi , Wu Xiling , Zou Chaochun , Wu Ximei , Tang Lanfang
Published: March 2020

We have previously demonstrated that upregulation of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression in allergic airway epithelia essentially contributes to the goblet cell metaplasia and mucous hypersecretion. However, the mechanism underlying the upregulation of SHH expression remains completely unknown. In cultured human airway epithelial cells, IL-4/IL-13 but not IL-5 robustly induces the mRNA and protein expression of SHH and in turn activates SHH signaling by promoting the JAK/STAT6-controlling transcription of SHH gene. Moreover, intratracheal instillation of IL-4 and/or IL-13 robustly activates STAT6 and concomitantly upregulates SHH expression in mouse airway epithelia, whereas, in Club cell 10-kDa protein (CC10)-positive airway epithelial cells of children with asthma, activated STAT6 closely correlates with the increased expression of SHH and high activity of SHH signaling. Finally, intratracheal inhibition of STAT6 by AS-1517499 significantly diminished the allergen-induced upregulation of SHH expression, goblet cell phenotypes, and airway hyperresponsiveness, in an ovalbumin- or house dust mite-induced mouse model with allergic airway inflammation,. Together, upregulation of SHH expression by IL-4/IL-13-induced JAK/STAT6 signaling contributes to allergic airway epithelial remodeling, and this study thus provides insight into how morphogen signaling is coordinated with Th2 cytokine pathways to regulate tissue remodeling in chronic airway diseases.
Tunable Photoluminescence of Polyvinyl Alcohol Electrospun Nanofibers by Doping of NaYF4: Eu+3Nanophosphor
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Jain Garima , Singh B. P. , Dhakate S. R.
Published: March 2020

NaYF4: Eu+3nanophosphor/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite nanofibers have been successfully fabricated using the electrospinning technique. The electrospun polymeric nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and Raman spectroscopy. The flexible polymeric mats exhibited strong red emission at 724 nm at excitation wavelength of 239 nm. 5% concentration of NaYF4: Eu+3nanophosphor are embedded homogenously inside the PVA matrix. The strong red emission peak attributed to the presence of Eu+3ions. The characterization of the mats confirmed the uniform dispersion and tunable photoluminescence properties. These photoluminescent nanofibers (PLNs) could be easily fabricated and potentially useful in solid-state lighting applications.
Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome in a Young Girl from Northern Tanzania
Authors: Lodhia Jay , Msuya David , Msemo Abdallah , Akrabi Huda , Amsi Patrick , Mchaile Deborah , Chilonga Kondo
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Juvenile polyposis syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder in children characterized by multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. A variety of clinical features manifest, including prolapse of a polyp or entire rectum, gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia, and intussusception. This condition if left unmanaged promptly leads to fatal complications including the development of cancer of the bowel. Case Presentation. A 13-year-old girl with a history of mass protrusion per anus associated with bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy showed multiple polyps in her large bowel. She underwent total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and did clinically well post surgery with no complications. Conclusion. Juvenile polyposis syndrome is an inherited condition with significant morbidity and a high risk of colon malignancy. It is important for early screening and diagnosis and hence management in its early stages as there are no specific standard guidelines for children.
Effect of Mn3O4 Nanoparticles on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Factors in the Human Tendon Cells and Its Mechanism
Authors: Fu Shangjun , He Zongyun , Tang Yongfeng , Lan Bo
Published: March 2020

Objective. To investigate the effect of Mn3O4 nanoparticles (Mn3O4NPs) on inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human tendon cells and its mechanism. Methods. The Mn3O4NPs were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miRNAs related to inflammation in human tendon cells. The expression level of NLRP1 (NOD-like receptor containing pyrin domain 1) was measured by Western blotting. ELISA assay was used to measure the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10. The relationship between miR-181a-5p and NLRP1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results. Mn3O4NPs produced in this study were brown spherical particles with an average size of 7-10 nm. Mn3O4NP treatment significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β but increased the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the human tendon cells induced by LPS. In addition, Mn3O4NP treatment remarkably increased the expression level of miR-181a-5p. NLRP1 is one of the targets of miR-181a-5p, and miR-181a-5p downregulated its expression. Further study showed that Mn3O4NPs could alleviate the inflammatory response of human tendon cells induced by LPS by upregulating miR-181a-5p and thus downregulating the expression of NLRP1. Conclusion. Mn3O4NPs affect the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the human tendon cells induced by LPS by modulating the molecular axis of miR-181a-5p/NLRP1.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Ikushima Eigo , Hisahara Manabu , Nishijima Takuya , Uchiyama Hikaru , Onzuka Tatsushi , Ochiai Yoshie , Muta Tsuyoshi , Tokunaga Shigehiko
Published: March 2020

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)-related disease that manifests as a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI) and is caused by uncontrolled activation of the complement system. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with acute type A aortic dissection that subsequently developed into aHUS. The hematologic disorders underlying aHUS improved after treatment with the complement inhibitor eculizumab. It is important to consider aHUS when a patient clinically develops a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and an increasing creatinine level following cardiovascular surgery.
Astragalus membranaceus–Derived Anti‐Programmed Death‐1 Monoclonal Antibodies with Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Effects against Tumors
Authors: Chang Fu-Ling , Tsai Keng-Chang , Lin Tsai-Yu , Yang Tz-Wen , Lo Yan-Ni , Chen Wang-Chuan , Chang Jui-Hsien , Lu Mei-Kuang , Chiou Chun-Tang , Chen Po-Hung , Yen Yun , Pan Shiow-Lin , Lee Yu-Ching
Published: March 2020

Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS) components are main ingredients of TCM and have proven efficacy to activate T cells and B cells, enhancing immunity in humans. In this study, elevated cytokine and anti‐PD‐1 antibody titers were found in mice after immunization with APS. Therefore, phage‐display technology was utilized to isolate specific anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) antibodies from mice stimulated by APS and to confirm whether the isolated anti‐PD‐1 antibody could inhibit the interaction of PD‐1 with the programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), resulting in tumor growth inhibition. The isolated single‐chain fragment variable (scFv) S12 exhibited the highest binding affinity of 20 nM to PD‐1, completed the interaction between PD‐1 and PD‐L1, and blocked the effect of PD‐L1‐induced T cell exhaustion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. In the animal model, the tumor growth inhibition effect after scFv S12 treatment was approximately 48%. However, meaningful synergistic effects were not observed when scFv S12 was used as a cotreatment with ixabepilone. Moreover, this treatment caused a reduction in the number of tumor‐associated macrophages in the tumor tissue. These experimental results indirectly indicate the ability of APS to induce specific antibodies associated with the immune checkpoint system and the potential benefits for improving immunity in humans.
Investigation of Potential Genetic Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis Utilizing Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Xue , Xu Lin , Zhang Zedan , Wang Fengyun , Tang Xudong
Published: March 2020

Objectives. To reveal the molecular mechanisms of ulcerative colitis (UC) and provide potential biomarkers for UC gene therapy. Methods. We downloaded the GSE87473 microarray dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between UC samples and normal samples. Then, a module partition analysis was performed based on a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), followed by pathway and functional enrichment analyses. Furthermore, we investigated the hub genes. At last, data validation was performed to ensure the reliability of the hub genes. Results. Between the UC group and normal group, 988 DEGs were investigated. The DEGs were clustered into 5 modules using WGCNA. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions such as the immune response, the inflammatory response, and chemotaxis, and they were mainly enriched in KEGG pathways such as the cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and complement and coagulation cascades. The hub genes, including dual oxidase maturation factor 2 (DUOXA2), serum amyloid A (SAA) 1 and SAA2, TNFAIP3‐interacting protein 3 (TNIP3), C‐X‐C motif chemokine (CXCL1), solute carrier family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14), and complement decay‐accelerating factor (CD antigen CD55), were revealed as potential tissue biomarkers for UC diagnosis or treatment. Conclusions. This study provides supportive evidence that DUOXA2, A‐SAA, TNIP3, CXCL1, SLC6A14, and CD55 might be used as potential biomarkers for tissue biopsy of UC, especially SLC6A14 and DUOXA2, which may be new targets for UC gene therapy. Moreover, the DUOX2/DUOXA2 and CXCL1/CXCR2 pathways might play an important role in the progression of UC through the chemokine signaling pathway and inflammatory response.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Analysis and Dispersion Characteristics of Resonant Acoustic Flow
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Zhu Shifu , Chen Song , Ma Ning , Zhang Zhe
Published: March 2020

The investigation on the flow field and mixing characteristics of resonant sound mixing is of great significance for the dispersion mixing of superfine materials. In order to simulate the flow field and dispersion characteristics of resonant acoustic mixing, a gas-liquid-solid three-phase flow model based on the coupled level-set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) and discrete particle model (DPM) was established. The CLSVOF model solves the gas-liquid interface, and the DPM model tracks the particle position. Then, the particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiment was performed using a self-made resonance acoustic hybrid prototype under different oscillation accelerations, and the radial velocity distribution between the experiment and simulation was compared. Finally, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is used to decompose the flow field under different oscillation accelerations and fill levels, and the energy distribution law and the energy structure of different scales are extracted. The results show that the energy of the instantaneous flow field of the resonant sound is mainly concentrated in the low-order mode, and a close relationship was revealed between the energy distribution law and dispersion behavior of particles. The larger the small-scale coherent structures distribute, the more energy it has and the more favorable it is for fast and uniform dispersion.
Assessing the Effects of Parthenolide on Inflammation, Bone Loss, and Glial Cells within a Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model
Authors: Williams B. , Lees F. , Tsangari H. , Hutchinson M. R. , Perilli E. , Crotti T. N.
Published: March 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by a chronic inflammatory response resulting in destruction of the joint and significant pain. Although a range of treatments are available to control disease activity in RA, bone destruction and joint pain exist despite suppression of inflammation. This study is aimed at assessing the effects of parthenolide (PAR) on paw inflammation, bone destruction, and pain-like behaviour in a mild collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model. CAIA was induced in BALB/c mice and treated daily with 1 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg PAR. Clinical paw inflammation was scored daily, and mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed on alternate days. At end point, bone volume and swelling in the paws were assessed using micro-CT. Paw tissue sections were assessed for inflammation and pre-/osteoclast-like cells. The lumbar spinal cord and the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and rostral ventromedulla (RVM) regions of the brain were stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) to assess for glial reactivity. Paw scores increased in CAIA mice from days 5-10 and were reduced with 1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg PAR on days 8-10. Osteoclast-like cells on the bone surface of the radiocarpal joint and within the soft tissue of the hind paw were significantly lower following PAR treatment (p<0.005). GFAP- and IBA1-positive cells in the PAG and RVM were significantly lower following treatment with 1 mg/kg (p<0.0001 and p=0.0004, respectively) and 4 mg/kg PAR (p<0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively). In the lumbar spinal cord, IBA1-positive cells were significantly lower in CAIA mice treated with 4 mg/kg PAR (p=0.001). The findings indicate a suppressive effect of both low- and moderate-dose PAR on paw inflammation, osteoclast presence, and glial cell reactivity in a mild CAIA mouse model.
How to Stimulate Myocardial Regeneration in Adult Mammalian Heart: Existing Views and New Approaches
Authors: Belostotskaya Galina , Hendrikx Marc , Galagudza Michael , Suchkov Sergey
Published: March 2020

Stem cell‐based therapy has been considered as a promising option in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Although stem cell administration resulted in the temporary improvement of myocardial contractility in the majority of studies, the formation of new cardiomyocytes within the injured myocardium has not been conclusively demonstrated. Consequently, the focus of research in the field has since shifted to stem cell‐derived paracrine factors, including cytokines, growth factors, mRNA, and miRNA. Notably, both mRNA and miRNA can enter into the extracellular space either in soluble form or packed into membrane vesicles. Stem cell‐derived paracrine factors have been shown to suppress inflammation and apoptosis, stimulate angiogenesis, and amplify the proliferation and differentiation of resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs). Such features have led to exosomes being considered as potential drug candidates affording myocardial regeneration. The search for chemical signals capable of stimulating cardiomyogenesis is ongoing despite continuous debates regarding the ability of mature cardiomyocytes to divide or dedifferentiate, transdifferentiation of other cells into cardiomyocytes, and the ability of CSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Future research is aimed at identifying novel cell candidates capable of differentiating into cardiomyocytes. The observation that CSCs can undergo intracellular development with the formation of “cell‐in‐cell structure” and subsequent release of transitory amplifying cells with the capacity to differentiate into cardiomyocytes may provide clues for stimulating regenerative cardiomyogenesis.
Biloma Secondary to Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Case Report
Authors: Aranda Marcos , Mulhall Jacqueline , Friedman Alexander , Brockmeyer Joel
Published: March 2020

Biloma and biliary leak after percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) are rare. Previous cases are largely in the setting of transplant, oncology, and cirrhotic patients. Patients can be asymptomatic, peritoneal, or present with obstructive symptoms, including bilirubinemia. A 55-year-old male referred for transaminitis attributed to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) underwent an ultrasound- (US-) guided PLB. He returned the same day with abdominal pain, normal vitals, a nontender abdomen, and a leukocytosis. He was found to have a subcapsular fluid collection attributed to a hematoma. He underwent observation and was discharged. He presented 4 days later with fever, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and bilirubinemia. CT demonstrated growth of the subcapsular fluid collection. Percutaneous drainage revealed bilious fluid. He was transferred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A right biliary branch was stented, and he was discharged the following day with antibiotics. US should be utilized for percutaneous biopsies to avoid biliary complications. Typical presentations of biliary complications include abdominal pain and biliary obstruction. The differential diagnosis for perihepatic and subcapsular fluid collections after PLB should include bile. ERCP should be offered for the treatment of larger or symptomatic collections.
A Protease-Activated Fluorescent Probe Allows Rapid Visualization of Keratinocyte Carcinoma during Excision
Authors: Walker Ethan , Liu Yiqiao , Kim InYoung , Biro Mark , Iyer Sukanya Raj , Ezaldein Harib , Scott Jeffrey , Merati Miesha , Mistur Rachel , Zhou Bo , Straight Brian , Yim Joshua J. , Bogyo Matthew , Mann Margaret , Wilson David L. , Basilion James P. , Popkin Daniel L.
Published: March 2020

Keratinocyte carcinomas, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are the most common human cancers worldwide. While 75% of all keratinocyte carcinoma (4 million annual cases in the United States) are treated with conventional excision, this surgical modality has much lower cure rates than Mohs micrographic surgery, likely due to the bread-loaf histopathologic assessment that visualizes <1% of the tissue margins. A quenched protease-activated fluorescent probe 6qcNIR, which produces a signal only in the protease-rich tumor microenvironment, was topically applied to 90 specimens ex vivo immediately following excision. “Puzzle-fit” analysis was used to correlate the fluorescent images with histology. Probe-dependent fluorescent images correlated with cancer determined by conventional histology. Point-of-care fluorescent detection of skin cancer had a clinically relevant sensitivity of 0.73 and corresponding specificity of 0.88. Importantly, clinicians were effectively trained to read fluorescent images within 15 minutes with reliability and confidence, resulting in sensitivities of 62%–78% and specificities of 92%–97%. Fluorescent imaging using 6qcNIR allows 100% tumor margin assessment by generating en face images that correlate with histology and may be used to overcome the limitations of conventional bread-loaf histology. The utility of 6qcNIR was validated in a busy real-world clinical setting, and clinicians were trained to effectively read fluorescent margins with a short guided instruction, highlighting clinical adaptability. When used in conventional excision, this approach may result in higher cure rates at a lower cost by allowing same-day reexcision when needed, reducing patient anxiety and improving compliance by expediting postsurgical specimen assessment.

Significance:

A fluorescent-probe-tumor-visualization platform was developed and validated in human keratinocyte carcinoma excision specimens that may provide simple, rapid, and global assessment of margins during skin cancer excision, allowing same-day reexcision when needed.
Participant-Centered Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Biospecimen Collection among Spanish-Speaking Latina Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Samayoa Cathy , Santoyo-Olsson Jasmine , Escalera Cristian , Stewart Anita L. , Ortiz Carmen , Márquez-Magaña Leticia , Urias Aday , Gonzalez Nayeli , Cervantes Silvia A. , Torres-Nguyen Alma , Parada-Ampudia Lorenia , Nápoles Anna M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Latinos are underrepresented in biomedical research, particularly biomarker research, yet they constitute the nation's largest ethnic/racial minority. Optimal methods for obtaining biospecimens for biomarker research among Latinos need to be identified. To minimize barriers and enhance participation, this study developed and tested tailored strategies for collecting biomarkers of chronic stress and premature aging among Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors.

Methods:

This study used a community-based participatory approach and selected hair and saliva as noninvasive biospecimens to assess telomere length, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and hair cortisol concentration. We developed bilingual multimedia instructional materials, and community health workers assisted in collections. Telephone surveys assessed willingness to participate in future studies, barriers to sample collection, and recommendations for improving the strategies.

Results:

A total of 103 participants were recruited over 18 months from two rural sites in California, and 88 were retained at 6-month follow-up. At baseline, rates of donating salivary DNA for telomere length measurement, saliva for CAR analysis, and hair for cortisol concentration were 98%, 89%, and 52%, respectively. At follow-up, rates were 83%, 76%, and 55%, respectively. The majority of participants reported being very willing to provide hair (72%) or saliva (74%) for future studies.

Conclusions:

Our results support the feasibility of including minorities in biomedical research. We report excellent rates of saliva collection when community partners are engaged in the process, and when patient-centered and culturally tailored recruitment methods are implemented.

Impact:

The development of methods to facilitate the inclusion of minorities in biomedical research is critical to eliminate racial/ethnic health disparities.
Longitudinal Dyadic Interdependence in Psychological Distress Among Latinas With Breast Cancer and Their Informal Caregivers
Authors: Segrin C , Badger TA , Sikorskii A , Pasvogel A , Weihs K , Lopez AM , Chalasani P
Published: March 2020

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can generate substantial distress for both survivors and their informal caregivers, defined as family members or friends who provide care and assistance to the cancer survivor. The primary aim of this investigation is to test a model of dyadic interdependence in distress experienced by Latina breast cancer survivors and their informal caregivers to determine if each influences the other. Methods: To test this prediction, 209 Latinas with breast cancer and their informal caregivers (dyads) were followed for 4 waves of assessment over the course of 6 months. Both psychological (depression, anxiety, perceived stress) and physical (number of symptoms, symptom distress) indicators of distress were assessed. Longitudinal analyses of dyadic data were performed in accordance with the actor-partner interdependence model using linear mixed effects modeling. Results: Findings indicated that psychological distress was interdependent between cancer survivors and their informal caregivers over the 6 months of observation. Caregivers experienced greater depression, anxiety, and stress to the extent that the survivors reported such distress, and vice versa. These effects held, even when controlling for nature of the survivor-caregiver relationship (married to each other or not), education, and the dyads' baseline similarity on distress. However, there was no such evidence of interdependence on indicators of physical distress. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with emotional contagion processes by which psychological distress is transmitted over time between cancer survivors and their informal caregivers. Latina cancer survivors are a particularly vulnerable population due to health disparities, linguistic barriers, and socioeconomic challenges. Management of psychological distress is of particular concern in this population. These findings point to the potential importance of caregiver well-being for the welfare of Latina breast cancer survivors.
Oxylipins Correlate with Quality of Life in Women Taking Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer
Authors: Martinez JA , Stopeck AT , Chow HHS , Wertheim BC , Chew W , Roe DJ , Chalasani P , Thompson PA
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine if oxylipins – oxygenated bioactive lipid metabolites of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids with varying roles in inflammation and pain – correlate with aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIA) and quality of life (QOL) in early stage breast cancer (ESBC) patients. Methods: ESBC patients on AI therapy were enrolled to an open-label study of sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for 12 months (n = 47). Pre-intervention arthralgia and physical function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire, where higher scores indicate worse symptoms. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G) questionnaire was used to assess QOL, where higher scores indicate better QOL. A total of 53 plasma oxylipins in plasma were quantified by mass spectrometry. Pearson's correlation was used to measure the association between pre-intervention oxylipin concentrations, arthralgias and QOL. Results: Prior to initiating sulindac, baseline levels of 17 oxylipins were found to be significantly correlated with QOL scales. This included inverse associations between QOL and seven pro-inflammatory products of ω-6 fatty acid metabolism. Notably, prostaglandin E2, the primary target of NSAIDs, was negatively correlated with Social Well-Being (rho = −0.30; P = 0.04). Conversely, resolvin D1, a potent anti-inflammatory lipid, was positively associated with Total FACT-G (rho = 0.31; P = 0.03) and Emotional Well-Being (rho = 0.37; P = 0.01). Two ω-3 metabolites with unknown mechanisms were correlated with both QOL and WOMAC; 19,20-DiHDPE was positively correlated with Total (rho = 0.34; P = 0.02) and Social FACT-G (rho = 0.32; P = 0.03), and inversely with Total WOMAC (rho = -0.303; P = 0.04) and Stiffness (rho = −0.32; P = 0.03); and 5(6)-DiHETE was inversely correlated with Social FACT-G (rho = −0.33; P = 0.02) and positively with Total WOMAC (rho = 0.31; P = 0.04). Conclusions: This is the first evidence that plasma oxylipin metabolites of ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids correlate with QOL and arthralgia symptoms in patients on AIs and suggests oxylipins as a potential novel target for improving QOL and adherence to AI therapy in patients with ESBC.
Reducing Cancer-related Financial Toxicity through Financial Navigation: Results from a Pilot Intervention
Authors: Wheeler SB , Rodriguez-O'Donnell J , Rogers C , Fulcher J , Deal A. , Manning ML , Gellin M , Padilla N , Rosenstein DL
Published: March 2020

Our purpose was to pilot a novel patient-centered financial navigation (FN) intervention to decrease the burden of financial toxicity (FT) among uninsured and underinsured patients with cancer treated at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital (NCCH). Methods: Participants were recruited by cancer clinic nurses and social workers at the NCCH. Eligible patients scored less than 22 points (indicating significant FT) on the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) instrument. Fifty patients were enrolled in the intervention, which included an intake assessment of financial needs and vulnerability, initial one-on-one consultation with a trained financial navigator (i.e., financial counselor or social worker), triage to financial support services matching patients' needs, and multiple follow-up appointments. Navigator recommendations were based upon a detailed review of patients' financial status, billing information, insurance, and other indicators used to refer patients to appropriate financial and social services resources offered by the hospital, government, nonprofits and private corporations. Following the initial appointment, patients were given a checklist of resources they were eligible for and the required paperwork to complete applications. During follow-up appointments, application status was reviewed, and practical assistance was provided. Patients were re-contacted at 2-week intervals to assess progress toward financial assistance goals. Outcome data collection included pre/post-intervention COST scores, patient satisfaction with the intervention, and intervention fidelity and retention. Results: The first fifty patients approached all screened positive for FT (COST < 22). Baseline COST scores ranged from 0–19. Results indicated a significant improvement in COST scores following the FN intervention (average increase = 6.86, 95% CI = 4.30–9.42), P < 0.0001). Post-intervention questionnaires indicated excellent patient satisfaction and retention with the FN intervention, and navigator logs indicated high fidelity to the intervention protocol. Conclusions: A novel FN intervention was feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing FT among uninsured and underinsured oncology patients.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasellar Lesions
Authors: Gatto Federico , Perez-Rivas Luis G. , Olarescu Nicoleta Cristina , Khandeva Pati , Chachlaki Konstantina , Trivellin Giampaolo , Gahete Manuel D. , Cuny Thomas ,   on behalf of the ENEA Young Researchers Committee (EYRC)
Published: March 2020

The parasellar region, located around the sella turcica, is an anatomically complex area representing a crossroads for important adjacent structures. Several lesions, including tumoral, inflammatory vascular, and infectious diseases may affect this area. Although invasive pituitary tumors are the most common neoplasms encountered within the parasellar region, other tumoral (and cystic) lesions can also be detected. Craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, as well as Rathke’s cleft cysts, chordomas, and ectopic pituitary tumors can primarily originate from the parasellar region. Except for hormone-producing ectopic pituitary tumors, signs and symptoms of these lesions are usually nonspecific, due to a mass effect on the surrounding anatomical structures (i.e., headache, visual defects), while a clinically relevant impairment of endocrine function (mainly anterior hypopituitarism and/or diabetes insipidus) can be present if the pituitary gland is displaced or compressed. Differential diagnosis of parasellar lesions mainly relies on magnetic resonance imaging, which should be interpreted by neuroradiologists skilled in base skull imaging. Neurosurgery is the main treatment, alone or in combination with radiotherapy. Of note, recent studies have identified gene mutations or signaling pathway modulators that represent potential candidates for the development of targeted therapies, particularly for craniopharyngiomas and meningiomas. In summary, parasellar lesions still represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A deeper knowledge of this complex anatomical site, the improvement of imaging tools, as well as novel insights into the pathophysiology of presenting lesions are strongly needed to improve the management of parasellar lesions.
The Effects of Stacking Sequence Layers of Hybrid Composite Materials in Energy Absorption under the High Velocity Ballistic Impact Conditions – An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Randjbaran Elias
Published: March 2020

In the current study, the effects of stacking sequence layers of hybrid composite materials on ballistic energy absorption, which were fabricated from Kevlar, carbon, glass fibres and resin have been experimentally investigated at the high velocity ballistic impact conditions. All the samples have equal mass, shape and density, but they have different stacking sequence layers. After running the ballistic test in the same conditions, the final velocities of the bullets showed that how much energy absorbed by the samples. The energy absorption of each sample through the ballistic impact has been calculated, accordingly , the decent ballistic impact resistance materials could be found by conducting the test. This paper can be further studied in order to characterise the material properties.