bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ultrasound pretreatment on the drying kinetics, water status and distribution in scallop adductors during heat pump drying
Authors: Zhu Zhizhuang , Zhao Ya , Zhang Yuexiang , Wu Xiaotian , Liu Jing , Shi Qilong , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

A material's physical and chemical properties during drying are influenced by water status and distribution. However, merely overall water removal is reported in many investigations, which hinders clarification of the drying mechanism. Therefore, the effects of ultrasound (US) pretreatment (0 W, CK; 90 W, US‐90; 180 W, US‐180) on the drying kinetics and quality of heat pump drying (HPD) scallop adductors was performed based on low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR).

RESULTS

Compared with CK, effective moisture diffusion coefficient was increased by 12.43% and 23.35% for US‐90 and US‐180, respectively. The Weibull model satisfactorily described the drying characteristics with a high r2 (> 0.998), low rmse (< 0.0120) and χ2 (< 0.00008). LF‐NMR revealed that the immobilized water was predominant in scallop adductors. As drying proceeded, the relaxation time of free and immobilized water was decreased sharply, whereas the relaxation time of bound water scarcely changed. The time required to reduce approximately two‐fifths of the original peak area of immobilized water was 720, 630 and 540 min for CK, US‐90 and US‐180, respectively. The amplitude of immobilized water was decreased and bound water increased significantly, although free water was kept constant (ranging 1–2%). US pretreatment reduced total color difference and hardness, but enhanced the toughness of dried scallop adductors. However, US had no significant influence on the product rehydration rate and shrinkage rate.

CONCLUSION

LF‐NMR was successfully employed to evaluate the drying degree of scallop adductors. US facilitated the conversion of immobilized water to free water and, consequently, promoted water removal during HPD. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Territorial pressure and tourism contribution to GDP: The case of Italian regions
Authors: Canale Rosaria Rita , De Siano Rita
Published: May 2021

This article focuses on long‐run co‐movement between tourists' arrivals and per capita income with the aim of evaluating, through a macroeconomic perspective, whether its excessive increase can be detrimental to economic development. To this aim, GDP per capita in Italian NUTS2 regions is connected, through a dynamic panel cointegrating technique, to arrivals and to a measure of touristic congestion (tourism territorial pressure index). Results show that tourism contributes to the increase of per capita GDP. However, when accounting for the congestion effect, the relation appears to be nonlinear, revealing a detrimental effect on growth driven by an excessive tourism pressure on territories.
The Diagnostic Contribution of Systematic Lung Ultrasonography in Patients Admitted to a Conventional Pulmonology Hospitalization Unit
Authors: Ramos‐Hernández Cristina , Botana‐Rial Maribel , Mouronte‐Roibas Cecilia , Núñez‐Fernández Marta , González‐Montaos Almudena , Caldera‐Díaz Adriana Carolina , Ruano‐Raviña Alberto , Fernández‐Villar Alberto
Published: May 2021

Objective

Although the evidence to date remains limited, we hypothesized that performing protocolized lung ultrasound (LUS) in patients, admitted to a conventional pulmonology hospitalization unit, could improve diagnostic precision. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic contribution and changes in the treatments administered after performing a protocolized LUS in patients hospitalized in a Pulmonology Department ward.

Methodology

This was a prospective, observational study, which included patients admitted from the Emergency Department to a conventional Pulmonology Department hospitalization unit, after first being evaluated by a pulmonologist. LUS was performed within the first 48 hours of admission. The diagnosis at the time of discharge was used as the reference diagnosis.

Results

A total of 180 patients were included in this study. The admitting diagnoses were the decompensation of an underlying obstructive disease in 60 patients (33.3%), respiratory infection in 93 (51.7%), pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) in 9 (5%), exacerbation of an interstitial lung disease in 14 (7.8%), and other causes in 4 cases (2.2%). Ultrasonography provided new information, unsuspected at the patient's admission, in 117 (65%) of the patients by capturing images suggestive of infection in 63 patients (35%), 1 new case of ILD, 23 (12.7%) cases of cardiogenic edema, and pleural pathology in 19 (10.5%), as well as two tumors and indirect data related to a PE. The use of LUS resulted in the decision to change the already established treatment in 17.2% of the cases.

Conclusions

LUS provided additive information in more than half of patients that ended up reclassifying or potentially changing diagnosis or treatment. Thus, including LUS in management algorithms could reduce the need for other complementary tests or unnecessary treatments.
Evidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients With a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mills Claire S. , Michou Emilia , King Natalie , Bellamy Mark C. , Siddle Heidi J. , Brennan Cathy A. , Bojke Chris
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine how above cuff vocalization (ACV) is implemented in clinical practice, to identify what evidence exists on the effectiveness and safety of ACV, and to evaluate the acceptability of ACV.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) in May 2019 and updated in June 2020. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Systematic review registration number: CRD42019133942.

Results

The searches identified 1327 records. The 13 eligible studies included four case studies, three case series, four observational studies without a control group, one quasi‐experimental study, and one randomized controlled trial. Study quality was low, with most studies having high risk of bias. There was a high level of heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures used. Detailed information on ACV application and dose‐delivered was lacking in 12 studies. Positive effects were reported for communication (n = 7), swallowing (n = 4), cough response (n = 2), and quality‐of‐life (n = 2), but with inconsistent use of objective outcome measures. There is limited quantitative or qualitative evidence for acceptability. Adverse events and complications were reported in nine studies, and four highlighted the importance of involving an experienced speech and language therapist.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety, or optimal implementation of ACV. The evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations regarding optimal intervention delivery. Future research should ensure detailed recording of ACV delivery and utilize a core outcome set. Laryngoscope, 132:600–611, 2022
A field guide to U.S. healthcare reform: The evolution to value‐based healthcare
Authors: Harrill Willard C. , Melon David E.
Published: May 2021

Objective

A consolidated state‐of‐the‐art review of U.S. healthcare reform efforts that documents the evolution towards value‐based healthcare (VBH) is lacking in peer‐review literature. This field guide attempts to clarify working definitions and conceptual boundaries within the lexicon of U.S. healthcare reform efforts that predated and have common thematic perspectives within the evolving VBH reform paradigm.

Data Sources

Pubmed/MEDLINE/Google search.

Review Methods

Pubmed/MEDLINE/Google search was performed during August 1, 2020‐January14, 2021 for U.S. healthcare reform terms, legislative and government agency publications. Those citing relevant legislative, regulatory, philosophical and technological advancements integral to the development and function of VBH were catalogued according to the targeted stakeholders and evolving reform strategy or technology.

Conclusions

Eight healthcare reform paradigms were identified as influential precursors to VBH: Patient‐Centered Care Model, Patient‐Centered Medical Home, Population Health, Personalized Medicine, P4 Medicine, Precision Medicine, Managed Care, and Accountable Care. Several of these models have similar nomenclature and, confusingly, many have multiple interpretations of the terms used to describe these models. However, consistent stakeholders identified within these paradigms are key to VBH; notably the patient, the physician and the payer (the “Big 3”). Demonstrable healthcare spending reductions have been best achieved when the Big 3 stakeholder interests are aligned within healthcare reform legislation. The definition of “Value” within each reform model was found to be based upon the perspective of the targeted stakeholder. Within VBH, the perspectives of the Big 3 stakeholders form a multidimensional meaning of “Value” that can be represented by the equation Value = Patient Experience Management3.
Fecal pellet production by mesozooplankton in the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Stamieszkin Karen , Steinberg Deborah K. , Maas Amy E.
Published: May 2021

Mesozooplankton fecal pellets sinking from the sea‐surface constitute an important component of the biological carbon pump, which is variable in part due to differences in zooplankton community composition on various scales. Particulate organic carbon production as fecal pellets by the entire mesozooplankton community has, until now, not been directly measured. We measured fecal pellet carbon (FPC) production rates of the mesozooplankton community separated into five size classes (0.2 to > 5.0 mm), and rates of key taxa, in the upper 100 m of the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean, August–September, 2018. We scaled up FPC production rates to total FPC production in the epipelagic zone, which was 2.8‐fold higher at night than day due to diel vertical migration. Despite its lower total biomass, the smallest size class (0.2–0.5 mm) contributed more FPC than other size classes (up to 81.6%), due to high weight‐specific FPC production rates (3.0 μgFPC mgDW−1 h−1). The pelagic tunicate Salpa aspera had the highest individual FPC production rate (7.5 μgFPC ind−1 h−1) and when present, contributed most to community FPC production (up to 82.3%). While the large copepod Neocalanus cristatus dominated the 2.0–5.0 mm fraction (up to ~ 100% by biomass), its FPC production rate was low (0.4 μgFPC mgDW−1 h−1), likely due to minimal feeding and gut shrinkage preceding diapause. Comparison of FPC production with export recorded in sediment traps suggests high attenuation of smaller pellet classes in the epipelagic (86%). Our results provide direct measurements of mesozooplankton FPC production in a “low‐production, low‐export” region.
Comparing Prochlorococcus temperature niches in the lab and across ocean basins
Authors: Smith Alaina N. , Hennon Gwenn M. M. , Zinser Erik R. , Calfee Benjamin C. , Chandler Jeremy W. , Barton Andrew D.
Published: May 2021

Niche theory suggests that the realized niche occupied by an organism in the field is a subset of the fundamental niche space of the organism, absent additional biotic and abiotic factors. Though often assumed, this discrepancy is rarely tested for specific organisms, and could act as a source of error in model predictions of biogeographical shifts resulting from temperature change which assume niche theory constraints. Here, we quantify the difference between fundamental and realized temperature niches for four dominant ecotypes of Prochlorococcus, including eMED4, eMIT9312, eMIT9313, and eNATL2A, and ask whether the realized temperature niches of each ecotype vary across ocean basins. The realized niches for the four ecotypes are, on average, 3.84°C ± 1.18°C colder (mean ± SD across all ocean basins and ecotypes) and 2.15°C ± 1.89°C wider than the lab‐measured fundamental niches. When divided into four ocean regions—North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, and South Pacific—we find that the realized temperature niche optimum for a given ecotype compared to the fundamental temperature niche optimum differs across regions by as much as 7.93°C, while the niche width can differ by up to 9.48°C. Colder and wider realized niches may be a result of the metabolic risk associated with living in variable environments when the mean temperature is too close to the optimal temperature for growth or due to physical processes such as dispersal. The strong differences in temperature niches across ocean basins suggest that unresolved genetic diversity within ecotypes, local adaptation, and variable interactive ecological and environmental factors are likely to be important in shaping Prochlorococcus realized temperature niches.
Rapid sulfur cycling in sediments from the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone featuring simultaneous sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation
Authors: Treude Tina , Hamdan Leila J. , Lemieux Sydnie , Dale Andrew W. , Sommer Stefan
Published: May 2021

Bacterial sulfate reduction (SR) is often determined by radiotracer techniques using 35S‐labeled sulfate. In environments featuring simultaneous sulfide oxidation, SR can be underestimated due to re‐oxidation of 35S‐sulfide. Recycling of 35S‐tracer is expected to be high in sediment with low concentrations of pore‐water sulfide and high abundance of giant filamentous sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (GFSOB). Here, we applied a sulfide‐spiking method, originally developed for water samples, to sediments along a shelf‐slope transect (72, 128, 243, 752 m water depth) traversing the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone. Sediment spiked with unlabeled sulfide prior to 35S‐sulfate injection to prevent radiotracer recycling was compared to unspiked sediment. At stations characterized by low natural sulfide and abundant GFSOB (128 and 243 m), the method revealed 1–3 times higher SR rates in spiked sediment. Spiking had no effect on SR in sediment with high natural sulfide despite presence of GFSOB (72 m). Bioturbated sediment devoid of GFSOB (752 m) showed elevated SR in spiked samples, likely from artificial introduction of sulfidic conditions. Sulfide oxidation rates at the 128 and 243 m station, derived from the difference in SR between spiked and unspiked sediment, approximated rates of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium by GFSOB. Gross SR contributed considerably to benthic dissolved inorganic carbon fluxes at the three shallowest station, confirming that SR is an important process for benthic carbon respirations within the oxygen minimum zone. We recommend to further explore the spiking method to capture SR in sediment featuring low sulfide concentrations and high sulfur cycling by GFSOB.
Longitudinal patterns and linkages in benthic fine particulate organic matter composition, respiration, and nutrient uptake
Authors: Hood James M. , Collis Lyndsie M. , Schade John D. , Stark Rebecca A. , Finlay Jacques C.
Published: May 2021

Longitudinal changes in the structure and function of river ecosystems have long been recognized, yet our understanding of how such patterns shape elemental cycles remains limited. In particular, while benthic fine particulate organic matter (POM, 0.7–1000 μm) may control many stream nutrient cycles, less is known about longitudinal patterns or controls of benthic POM‐associated nutrient uptake. We conducted a survey of benthic POM‐associated respiration and nutrient uptake as well as microbial biomass (bacteria and algae) and benthic POM composition in four size classes (0.7–53 μm, 53–106 μm, 106–250 μm, and 250–1000 μm) in six streams in the forested South Fork Eel River watershed (California), encompassing a longitudinal gradient in light availability and primary production. Benthic POM at downstream sites was composed of smaller particles with lower organic matter content that were richer in nitrogen and autotrophic material. Areal respiration and nutrient uptake rates increased 11‐ to 67‐fold with stream size. While microbial activity rates did not increase with stream size, benthic POM‐associated microbial biomass increased 20‐fold with stream size, and closely tracked a 15‐fold increase in light availability, and primary production. Thus, microbial biomass, not activity, determined longitudinal patterns in benthic POM‐associated areal nutrient uptake and respiration rates. We attribute longitudinal patterns in microbial biomass to increases in light availability and primary production. Our findings help clarify the role of local (primary production) and upstream processes in shaping ecosystem structure and function.
Magnesium depletion extends fission yeast lifespan via general amino acid control activation
Authors: Ohtsuka Hokuto , Kobayashi Mikuto , Shimasaki Takafumi , Sato Teppei , Akanuma Genki , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Otsubo Yoko , Yamashita Akira , Aiba Hirofumi
Published: May 2021

Nutrients including glucose, nitrogen, sulfur, zinc, and iron are involved in the regulation of chronological lifespan (CLS) of yeast, which serves as a model of the lifespan of differentiated cells of higher organisms. Herein, we show that magnesium (Mg2+) depletion extends CLS of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe through a mechanism involving the Ecl1 gene family. We discovered that ecl1+ expression, which extends CLS, responds to Mg2+ depletion. Therefore, we investigated the underlying intracellular responses. In amino acid auxotrophic strains, Mg2+ depletion robustly induces ecl1+ expression through the activation of the general amino acid control (GAAC) pathway—the equivalent of the amino acid response of mammals. Polysome analysis indicated that the expression of Ecl1 family genes was required for regulating ribosome amount when cells were starved, suggesting that Ecl1 family gene products control the abundance of ribosomes, which contributes to longevity through the activation of the evolutionarily conserved GAAC pathway. The present study extends our understanding of the cellular response to Mg2+ depletion and its influence on the mechanism controlling longevity.
Differences in the intestinal microbiota between insecticide‐resistant and ‐sensitive Aedes albopictus based on full‐length 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Zhang Chongxing , Cheng Peng , Wang Yang , Liu Hongmei , Wang Haifang , Wang Huaiwei , Gong Maoqing
Published: May 2021

The intestinal symbiotic bacteria of Aedes albopictus play a potential role in host resistance to insecticides. In this study, we sequenced the full‐length of 16S rRNA and analyzed the differences in the intestinal microbiota between deltamethrin‐resistant and ‐sensitive Ae. albopictus. Symbiotic bacteria were cultured and analyzed using six types of culture media in aerobic and anaerobic environments. We found significant differences in the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of the two strains of Ae. albopictus. The symbiotic bacteria cultured in vitro were found to be mainly facultative anaerobes. The cultured bacteria such as Serratia oryzae and Acinetobacter junii may function to promote the development of insecticide resistance. This work indicates that intestinal bacteria may contribute to the enhancement of insecticide resistance of Ae. albopictus It also highlights the analytical advantage of full‐length 16S rRNA sequencing to study the intestinal microbiota of mosquitoes.
Comparative analysis of the intestinal bacterial communities in mud crab Scylla serrata in South India
Authors: Apine Elina , Rai Praveen , Mani Madhu K. , Subramanian Vikram , Karunasagar Indrani , Godhe Anna , Turner Lucy M.
Published: May 2021

Little is known about the functions of the crustacean gut microbiome, but environmental parameters and habitat are known to affect the composition of the intestinal microbiome, which may in turn affect the physiological status of the host. The mud crab Scylla serrata is an economically important species, and is wild‐caught, and farmed across the Indo‐Pacific region. In this study, we compared the composition of the gut microbiome (in terms of gut microbial species richness and abundance) of S. serrata collected from wild sites, and farms, from the east and west coast of India, and also tested the effects of the environment on the composition. The water temperature had a statistically significant effect on gut microbiome composition, with microbial biodiversity decreasing with increasing water temperature. This could have negative effects on both wild and farmed mud crabs under future climate change conditions, although further research into the effects of temperature on gut microbiomes is required. By comparison, salinity, crab mass and carapace width, geographical location as well as whether they were farmed or wild‐caught crabs did not have a significant impact on gut microbiome composition. The results indicate that farming does not significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiome when compared to wild‐caught crabs.
The genome sequence of hairy root Rhizobium rhizogenes strain LBA9402: Bioinformatics analysis suggests the presence of a new opine system in the agropine Ri plasmid
Authors: Hooykaas Marjolein J. G. , Hooykaas Paul J. J.
Published: May 2021

We report here the complete genome sequence of the Rhizobium rhizogenes (formerly Agrobacterium rhizogenes) strain LBA9402 (NCPPB1855rifR), a pathogenic strain causing hairy root disease. To assemble a complete genome, we obtained short reads from Illumina sequencing and long reads from Oxford Nanopore Technology sequencing. The genome consists of a 3,958,212 bp chromosome, a 2,005,144 bp chromid (secondary chromosome) and a 252,168 bp Ri plasmid (pRi1855), respectively. The primary chromosome was very similar to that of the avirulent biocontrol strain K84, but the chromid showed a 724 kbp deletion accompanied by a large 1.8 Mbp inversion revealing the dynamic nature of these secondary chromosomes. The sequence of the agropine Ri plasmid was compared to other types of Ri and Ti plasmids. Thus, we identified the genes responsible for agropine catabolism, but also a unique segment adjacent to the TL region that has the signature of a new opine catabolic gene cluster including the three genes that encode the three subunits of an opine dehydrogenase. Our sequence analysis also revealed a novel gene at the very right end of the TL‐DNA, which is unique for the agropine Ri plasmid. The protein encoded by this gene was most related to the succinamopine synthases of chrysopine and agropine Ti plasmids and thus may be involved in the synthesis of the unknown opine that can be degraded by the adjacent catabolic cluster. The available sequence will facilitate the use of R. rhizogenes and especially LBA9402 in both the laboratory and for biotechnological purposes.
Gut dysbiosis and clinical phases of pancolitis in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Maldonado‐Arriaga Brenda , Sandoval‐Jiménez Sergio , Rodríguez‐Silverio Juan , Lizeth Alcaráz‐Estrada Sofía , Cortés‐Espinosa Tomás , Pérez‐Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , Licona‐Cassani Cuauhtémoc , Gámez‐Valdez July Stephany , Shaw Jonathan , Mondragón‐Terán Paul , Hernández‐Cortez Cecilia , Suárez‐Cuenca Juan Antonio , Castro‐Escarpulli Graciela
Published: May 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a frequent type of inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Gut dysbiosis may influence pathophysiology and clinical response in UC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gut microbiota is related to the active and remission phases of pancolitis in patients with UC as well as in healthy participants. Fecal samples were obtained from 18 patients with UC and clinical‐endoscopic evidenced pancolitis (active phase n = 9 and remission phase n = 9), as well as 15 healthy participants. After fecal DNA extraction, the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced (Illumina MiSeq), operational taxonomic units were analyzed with the QIIME software. Gut microbiota composition revealed a higher abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria in active pancolitis, as compared with remission and healthy participants. Likewise, a marked abundance of the genus Bilophila and Fusobacteria were present in active pancolitis, whereas a higher abundance of Faecalibacterium characterized both remission and healthy participants. LEfSe analysis showed that the genus Roseburia and Faecalibacterium were enriched in remission pancolitis, and genera Bilophila and Fusobacterium were enriched in active pancolitis. The relative abundance of Fecalibacterium and Roseburia showed a higher correlation with fecal calprotectin, while Bilophila and Fusobacterium showed AUCs (area under the curve) of 0.917 and 0.988 for active vs. remission pancolitis. The results of our study highlight the relation of gut dysbiosis with clinically relevant phases of pancolitis in patients with UC. Particularly, Fecalibacterium, Roseburia, Bilophila, and Fusobacterium were identified as genera highly related to the different clinical phases of pancolitis.
Complete genome sequence of Photobacterium ganghwense C2.2: A new polyhydroxyalkanoate production candidate
Authors: Lascu Irina , Mereuță Ioana , Chiciudean Iulia , Hansen Hilde , Avramescu Sorin Marius , Tănase Ana‐Maria , Stoica Ileana
Published: May 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable bioplastics that can be manufactured sustainably and represent a promising green alternative to petrochemical‐based plastics. Here, we describe the complete genome of a new marine PHA‐producing bacterium—Photobacterium ganghwense (strain C2.2), which we have isolated from the Black Sea seashore. This new isolate is psychrotolerant and accumulates PHA when glycerol is provided as the main carbon source. Transmission electron microscopy, specific staining with Nile Red visualized via epifluorescence microscopy and gas chromatography analysis confirmed the accumulation of PHA. This is the only PHA‐producing Photobacterium for which we now have a complete genome sequence, allowing us to investigate the pathways for PHA production and other secondary metabolite synthesis pathways. The de novo assembly genome, obtained using open‐source tools, comprises two chromosomes (3.5, 2 Mbp) and a megaplasmid (202 kbp). We identify the entire PHA synthesis gene cluster that encodes a class I PHA synthase, a phasin, a 3‐ketothiolase, and an acetoacetyl‐CoA reductase. No conventional PHA depolymerase was identified in strain C2.2, but a putative lipase with extracellular amorphous PHA depolymerase activity was annotated, suggesting that C2.2 is unable to degrade intracellular PHA. A complete pathway for the conversion of glycerol to acetyl‐CoA was annotated, in accordance with its ability to convert glycerol to PHA. Several secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and a low number of genes involved in antibiotic resistance and virulence were also identified, indicating the strain's suitability for biotechnological applications.
Short‐term exposure to synthetic flaxseed lignan LGM2605 alters gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Badger Reagan , Aho Ken , Serve Kinta
Published: May 2021

LGM2605 is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), with known anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its effects on gut microbial composition have not previously been evaluated. In the present study, we sought to determine how the 10‐day oral administration of LGM2605 alters the gut microbiota of mice. Eight‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with either LGM2605 or saline, administered daily via oral gavage over a 10‐day treatment period. Upon termination of treatment, mouse cecums (n = 31) were collected, and cecal DNA was isolated. 16S rRNA genes were sequenced and analyzed in Mothur to identify changes in gut microbial composition induced by LGM2605 treatment (v. saline control). We then assessed community composition, performed indicator taxa analysis, and measured alpha and beta diversity. Overall, LGM2605 significantly altered the gut microbiota of mice; we reported alterations in 3 bacterial phyla and 22 genera as a result of treatment. The study here identifies for the first time significant alterations in the gut microbiota of mice following oral administration of LGM2605, in general shifting toward a more anti‐inflammatory composition. These findings lay the foundation for future investigations utilizing LGM2605 to control gut dysbiosis and, by extension, systemic inflammation.
Dynamic changes occur in the DNA gut virome of female cynomolgus macaques during aging
Authors: Tan Xunmin , Chai Tingjia , Duan Jiajia , Wu Jing , Zhang Hanping , Li Yifan , Huang Yu , Hu Xi , Zheng Peng , Song Jinlin , Ji Ping , Jin Xin , Zhang Hongmei , Xie Peng
Published: May 2021

Aging is a critical factor affecting physical health and disease in mammals. Emerging evidence indicates that aging may affect the gut bacteriome in cynomolgus macaques, but little is known about whether or how the gut virome changes with age. Here, we compared the DNA gut viral composition of 16 female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at three life stages (young, adult, and old) using the shotgun metagenome sequencing method. We found that the DNA gut virome from these monkeys differed substantially among the three groups. The gut viruses were dominated by bacteriophages, the most abundant of which was the Caudovirales order (i.e., Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, and Podoviridae families). Additionally, the co‐occurrence analysis revealed that the age‐related bacteriophages were correlated in an extensive and complex manner with the main intestinal bacteria (i.e., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria phyla). Furthermore, the age‐related DNA gut viral functions were enriched for genetic information processing, nucleotide, and folate metabolism. Our gut virome analysis provides new insight into how aging influences the gut virome of non‐human primates.
Discovery of KV1.3 ion channel inhibitors: Medicinal chemistry approaches and challenges
Authors: Gubič Špela , Hendrickx Louise A. , Toplak Žan , Sterle Maša , Peigneur Steve , Tomašič Tihomir , Pardo Luis A. , Tytgat Jan , Zega Anamarija , Mašič Lucija P.
Published: May 2021

The KV1.3 voltage‐gated potassium ion channel is involved in many physiological processes both at the plasma membrane and in the mitochondria, chiefly in the immune and nervous systems. Therapeutic targeting KV1.3 with specific peptides and small molecule inhibitors shows great potential for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and myasthenia gravis. However, no KV1.3‐targeted compounds have been approved for therapeutic use to date. This review focuses on the presentation of approaches for discovering new KV1.3 peptide and small‐molecule inhibitors, and strategies to improve the selectivity of active compounds toward KV1.3. Selectivity of dalatazide (ShK‐186), a synthetic derivate of the sea anemone toxin ShK, was achieved by chemical modification and has successfully reached clinical trials as a potential therapeutic for treating autoimmune diseases. Other peptides and small‐molecule inhibitors are critically evaluated for their lead‐like characteristics and potential for progression into clinical development. Some small‐molecule inhibitors with well‐defined structure–activity relationships have been optimized for selective delivery to mitochondria, and these offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancers. This overview of KV1.3 inhibitors and methodologies is designed to provide a good starting point for drug discovery to identify novel effective KV1.3 modulators against this target in the future.
Costello syndrome with special cutaneous manifestations and HRAS G12D mutation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Qian Wen , Zhang Meijie , Huang Hequn , Chen Yihe , Park Gajin , Zeng Ni , Li Yueyue , Lu Qian , Luo Dan
Published: May 2021

Background

Costello syndrome (CS, OMIM 218040) is a rare congenital disorder caused by mutations in HRAS. Previous studies reported that approximately 80% of patients with CS share the same pathogenic variant in HRAS gene in c.34G> A (p.G12S). Here, we report a CS patient with c.34G> A (p.G12D) variant in HRAS gene and she presented with special manifestation.

Methods and Results

We describe a 31‐year‐old female patient who presented with distinctive facial appearance, intellectual disability, dental abnormalities, hyperkeratosis of palmer and planter, loose skin at birth, papillomata on the face and nipples. The whole‐exome sequencing (WES) technology provided by Haotian Biotechnology (China) confirmed p.G12D variant in HRAS gene. To elucidate the typical features of CS with p.G12D variant, we further reviewed these previously reported cases and found that patients with G12D variant died within three months after birth due to multiple organ failure. They had the typical facial characteristics, failure to thrive, skin and cardiac abnormalities, and gene testing confirmed the diagnosis of CS.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article to report a patient with a p.G12D variant that had special but mild manifestation. Moreover, this report and literature review casts new light on the clinical features of p.G12D variant.
County faces multiple challenges to its institutionalization practices
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2021

Already facing a federal lawsuit over its institutionalization practices for residents with serious mental illness, Alameda County, California, officials last month received sharp criticism from the U.S. Department of Justice along similar lines. The Justice Department's findings raise numerous possibilities, including that it could join the existing lawsuit or that an out‐of‐court settlement of the case could become more likely.
Michigan county voters considering tax levy for mental health projects
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2021

Voters in Genesee County, Michigan, this week will decide whether the need for more effective mental health crisis response in the community warrants a 10‐year increase in the county's property tax rate.
New York state mental health crisis legislation introduced
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

Six months following the designation of 988 as a universal number for a national suicide hotline commencing next summer, New York state lawmakers have introduced a bill establishing a mental health crisis hotline system allowing for crisis intervention and crisis care coordination.
National poll reveals depression, treatment misunderstanding
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

A new national poll released last week found that 83% of people with depression agree that life would be easier if others could understand their depression. Yet, most people who have not experienced depression may not be able to understand the challenges, including its treatment, according to the poll.
President Biden announces HHS assistant secretary nominee
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

President Joe Biden on April 23 announced the nominee for assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If approved, Miriam Delphin‐Rittmon, Ph.D., commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will head the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Reconstruction of an infected midshaft radius and ulna nonunion using a free vascularized fibula and medial femoral condyle flap
Authors: Willemot Laurent , Stewart David , Lawson Richard
Published: May 2021

Conventional grafts do not perform well in the treatment of large diaphyseal bone defects. Forearm nonunions are especially challenging due to complex biomechanical and kinematic demands. Free bone flaps may yield more predictable bony restoration in these cases, while keeping morbidity acceptable to the patient. We aim to illustrate one combination of flaps which can be used in these conditions. This article reports on a 23 year old patient with an 8 cm diaphyseal nonunion of the radius and a similar 7 cm defect of the ulna after infection of fracture fixation hardware. The radius was treated with a free fibular flap (FFF) and the ulna with a medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap in a staged procedure after initial debridement. The patient was followed up for 6 months without significant complications. Both flaps healed within 3 months, yet the MFC demonstrated faster bony incorporation. We attributed this to the spongious nature of the MFC flap compared to the thick cortical FFF. This case report hopes to illustrate one type of flap combination for extensive forearm bone defects. The selection and approach minimizes donor site morbidity to a single limb and possibly hastens bony union of the forearm.
γ‐Oryzanol Improves Exercise Endurance and Muscle Strength by Upregulating PPARδ and ERRγ Activity in Aged Mice
Authors: Ahn Jisong , Son Hyo Jeong , Seo Hyo Deok , Ha Tae Youl , Ahn Jiyun , Lee Hyunjung , Shin Seung Ho , Jung Chang Hwa , Jang Young Jin
Published: May 2021

Scope

γ‐Oryzanol, a well‐known antioxidant, has been used by body builders and athletes to boost strength and increase muscle gain, without major side effects. However, the effect of γ‐Oryzanol on sarcopenia and the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood.

Results

Aged mice fed with the γ‐Oryzanol diet do not show significant changes in muscle weight, but show increased running endurance as well as improved grip strength. The expression and activity of PPARδ and ERRγ are increased in skeletal muscle of γ‐Oryzanol supplemented mice. γ‐Oryzanol upregulates oxidative muscle fibers by MEF2 transcription factor, and PGC‐1α and ERRα expressions. Fatty acid oxidation related genes and mitochondria biogenesis are upregulated by γ‐Oryzanol. In addition, γ‐Oryzanol inhibits TGF‐β‐Smad‐NADPH oxidase 4 pathway and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and p65 NF‐κB subunit, which cause skeletal muscle weakness. Collectively, γ‐Oryzanol attenuates muscle weakness pathway and increases oxidative capacity by increasing PPARδ and ERRγ activity, which contributes to enhance strength and improve oxidative capacity in muscles, consequently enhancing exercise capacity in aged mice. Particularly, γ‐Oryzanol directly binds to PPARδ.

Conclusions

These are the first findings showing that γ‐Oryzanol enhances skeletal muscle function in aged mice by regulating PPARδ and ERRγ activity without muscle gain.
Fully automated quantification method (FQM) of coronary calcium in an anthropomorphic phantom
Authors: van Praagh Gijs D. , van der Werf Niels R. , Wang Jia , van Ommen Fasco , Poelhekken Keris , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Fleischmann Dominik , Greuter Marcel J.W. , Leiner Tim , Willemink Martin J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a strong predictor for future adverse cardiovascular events. Anthropomorphic phantoms are often used for CAC studies on computed tomography (CT) to allow for evaluation or variation of scanning or reconstruction parameters within or across scanners against a reference standard. This often results in large number of datasets. Manual assessment of these large datasets is time consuming and cumbersome. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a fully automated, open‐source quantification method (FQM) for coronary calcium in a standardized phantom.

Materials and Methods

A standard, commercially available anthropomorphic thorax phantom was used with an insert containing nine calcifications with different sizes and densities. To simulate two different patient sizes, an extension ring was used. Image data were acquired with four state‐of‐the‐art CT systems using routine CAC scoring acquisition protocols. For interscan variability, each acquisition was repeated five times with small translations and/or rotations. Vendor‐specific CAC scores (Agatston, volume, and mass) were calculated as reference scores using vendor‐specific software. Both the international standard CAC quantification methods as well as vendor‐specific adjustments were implemented in FQM. Reference and FQM scores were compared using Bland‐Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficients, risk reclassifications, and Cohen’s kappa. Also, robustness of FQM was assessed using varied acquisitions and reconstruction settings and validation on a dynamic phantom. Further, image quality metrics were implemented: noise power spectrum, task transfer function, and contrast‐ and signal‐to‐noise ratio among others. Results were validated using imQuest software.

Results

Three parameters in CAC scoring methods varied among the different vendor‐specific software packages: the Hounsfield unit (HU) threshold, the minimum area used to designate a group of voxels as calcium, and the usage of isotropic voxels for the volume score. The FQM was in high agreement with vendor‐specific scores and ICC’s (median [95% CI]) were excellent (1.000 [0.999‐1.000] to 1.000 [1.000‐1.000]). An excellent interplatform reliability of κ = 0.969 and κ = 0.973 was found. TTF results gave a maximum deviation of 3.8% and NPS results were comparable to imQuest.

Conclusions

We developed a fully automated, open‐source, robust method to quantify CAC on CT scans in a commercially available phantom. Also, the automated algorithm contains image quality assessment for fast comparison of differences in acquisition and reconstruction parameters.
Automatic lung nodule detection in thoracic CT scans using dilated slice‐wise convolutions
Authors: Farhangi M. Mehdi , Sahiner Berkman , Petrick Nicholas , Pezeshk Aria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Most state‐of‐the‐art automated medical image analysis methods for volumetric data rely on adaptations of two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In this paper, we develop a novel unified CNN‐based model that combines the benefits of 2D and 3D networks for analyzing volumetric medical images.

Methods

In our proposed framework, multiscale contextual information is first extracted from 2D slices inside a volume of interest (VOI). This is followed by dilated 1D convolutions across slices to aggregate in‐plane features in a slice‐wise manner and encode the information in the entire volume. Moreover, we formalize a curriculum learning strategy for a two‐stage system (i.e., a system that consists of screening and false positive reduction), where the training samples are presented to the network in a meaningful order to further improve the performance.

Results

We evaluated the proposed approach by developing a computer‐aided detection (CADe) system for lung nodules. Our results on 888 CT exams demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively analyze volumetric data by achieving a sensitivity of > 0.99 in the screening stage and a sensitivity of > 0.96 at eight false positives per case in the false positive reduction stage.

Conclusion

Our experimental results show that the proposed method provides competitive results compared to state‐of‐the‐art 3D frameworks. In addition, we illustrate the benefits of curriculum learning strategies in two‐stage systems that are of common use in medical imaging applications.
Temporal Trends in Inpatient Oncology Census Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Rates of Nosocomial COVID-19 Among Patients with Cancer at a Large Academic Center
Authors: Zubiri Leyre , Rosovsky Rachel P. , Mooradian Meghan J. , Piper-Vallillo A.J. , Gainor Justin F. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Marte Daniel , Boland Genevieve M. , Gao Xin , Hochberg Ephraim P. , Ryan David P. , McEwen Corey , Mai Minh , Sharova Tanya , Soumerai Tara E. , Bardia Aditya , Reynolds Kerry L.
Published: May 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted health care systems. However, to date, the trend of hospitalizations in the oncology patient population has not been studied, and the frequency of nosocomial spread to patients with cancer is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on inpatient oncology census and determine the nosocomial rate of COVID-19 in patients with cancer admitted at a large academic center.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted were reviewed to evaluate the temporal trends in inpatient oncology census during pre–COVID-19 (January 2019 to February 2020), COVID-19 (March to May 2020), and post–COVID-19 surge (June to August 2020) in the region. In addition, nosocomial infection rates of SARS-CoV-2 were reviewed.

Results

Overall, the daily inpatient census was steady in 2019 (median, 103; range, 92–118) and until February 2020 (median, 112; range, 102–114). However, there was a major decline from March to May 2020 (median, 68; range, 57–104), with 45.4% lower admissions during April 2020. As the COVID-19 surge eased, the daily inpatient census over time returned to the pre–COVID-19 baseline (median, 103; range, 99–111). One patient (1/231, 0.004%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 13 days after hospitalization, and it is unclear if it was nosocomial or community spread.

Conclusion

In this study, inpatient oncology admissions decreased substantially during the COVID-19 surge but over time returned to the pre–COVID-19 baseline. With aggressive infection control measures, the rates of nosocomial transmission were exceedingly low and should provide reassurance to those seeking medical care, including inpatient admissions when medically necessary.

Implications for Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the health care system, and cancer patients are a vulnerable population. This study observes a significant decline in the daily inpatient oncology census from March to May 2020 compared with the same time frame in the previous year and examines the potential reasons for this decline. In addition, nosocomial rates of COVID-19 were investigated, and rates were found to be very low. These findings suggest that aggressive infection control measures can mitigate the nosocomial infection risk among cancer patients and the inpatient setting is a safe environment, providing reassurance.
Hydroxymethylfurfural as an Intermediate of Cellulose Carbonization
Authors: Nomura Takashi , Minami Eiji , Kawamoto Haruo
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen bond donor solvents such as aromatic solvents inhibit the secondary degradation of cellulose‐derived primary pyrolysis products. In a previous study, we found that the formation of solid carbonized products was completely inhibited during cellulose pyrolysis in aromatic solvents, with 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) recovered in certain yields instead. This indicated that 5‐HMF is an intermediate in cellulose carbonization. To confirm this hypothesis, the thermal reactivity of 5‐HMF was investigated. At 280 °C, pure 5‐HMF polymerized into a hard glassy substance through OH group elimination, but further conversion was slow. When pyrolyzed in the presence of glycerol, a model of coexisting primary pyrolysis products from cellulose, a coupling reaction proceeded. Reactions characteristic of cellulose carbonization then occurred, including the formation of acidic groups and benzene‐type structures in the solid products. These results confirmed the above hypothesis. The molecular mechanism of cellulose carbonization is discussed, focusing on the crystalline nature.