bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race and Gender Differences in the Association Between Experiences of Everyday Discrimination and Arterial Stiffness Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Bromfield Samantha G , Sullivan Samaah , Saelee Ryan , Elon Lisa , Lima Bruno , Young An , Uphoff Irina , Li Lian , Quyyumi Arshed , Bremner J Douglas , Vaccarino Viola , Lewis Tené T
Published: March 2020

Background

Self-reported experiences of discrimination have been linked to indices of cardiovascular disease. However, most studies have focused on healthy populations. Thus, we examined the association between experiences of everyday discrimination and arterial stiffness among patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI).

Purpose

We hypothesized that higher reports of discrimination would be associated with greater arterial stiffness and that associations would be more pronounced among Black women, in particular, relative to other race–gender groups, using an “intersectionality” perspective.

Methods

Data were from 313 participants (49.2% female, mean age: 50.8 years) who were 6 months post-MI in the Myocardial Infarction and Mental Stress 2 study. Data were collected via self-reported questionnaires, medical chart review, and a clinic visit during which arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively using pulse wave velocity.

Results

Reports of discrimination were highest in Black men and women and arterial stiffness was greatest in Black and White women. After adjustment for demographics and relevant clinical variables, discrimination was not associated with arterial stiffness in the overall study sample. However, discrimination was associated with increased arterial stiffness among Black women but not White women, White men, or Black men.

Conclusions

Despite no apparent association between discrimination and arterial stiffness in the overall study sample, further stratification revealed an association among Black women but not other race–gender groups. These data not only support the utility of an intersectionality lens but also suggest the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions and coping strategies focused on discrimination into the care of clinically ill Black women.
iWhale: a computational pipeline based on Docker and SCons for detection and annotation of somatic variants in cancer WES data
Authors: Binatti Andrea , Bresolin Silvia , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Coppe Alessandro
Published: March 2020

Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful approach for discovering sequence variants in cancer cells but its time effectiveness is limited by the complexity and issues of WES data analysis. Here we present iWhale, a customizable pipeline based on Docker and SCons, reliably detecting somatic variants by three complementary callers (MuTect2, Strelka2 and VarScan2). The results are combined to obtain a single variant call format file for each sample and variants are annotated by integrating a wide range of information extracted from several reference databases, ultimately allowing variant and gene prioritization according to different criteria. iWhale allows users to conduct a complex series of WES analyses with a powerful yet customizable and easy-to-use tool, running on most operating systems (macOs, GNU/Linux and Windows).

iWhale code is freely available at https://github.com/alexcoppe/iWhale and the docker image is downloadable from https://hub.docker.com/r/alexcoppe/iwhale.
Quantitative and Qualitative QC of Next-Generation Sequencing for Detecting Somatic Variants: An Example of Detecting Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential
Authors: Min Young Kyu , Lee Young Kee , Nam Seong-Hyeuk , Kim Jae Kyung , Park Kyung Sun , Kim Jong-Won
Published: March 2020

Background

Because next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting somatic mutations has been adopted in clinical fields, both qualitative and quantitative QC of the somatic variants through whole coding regions detected by NGS is crucial. However, specific applications or guidelines, especially for quantitative QC, are currently insufficient. Our goal was to devise a practical approach for both quantitative and qualitative QC using an example of detecting clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP).

Methods

We applied the QC scheme using commercial reference materials and in-house QC materials (IQCM) composed of haplotype map and cancer cell lines for monitoring CHIP.

Results

This approach efficiently validated a customized CHIP NGS assay. Accuracy, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, qualitative precision (concordance), and limit of detection achieved were 99.87%, 98.53%, 100.00%, 100.00%, and 1.00%, respectively. The quantitative precision analysis also had a higher CV percentage at a lower alternative read depth (R2 = 0.749∼0.858). Use of IQCM ensured more than 100-fold reduction in the cost per run compared with that achieved using commercial reference materials.

Conclusion

Our approach determined the general analytical performance of NGS for detecting CHIP and recognized limitations such as lower precision at a lower level of variant burden. This approach could also be theoretically expanded to a general NGS assay for detecting somatic variants. Considering the reliable NGS results and cost-effectiveness, we propose the use of IQCM for QC of NGS assays at clinical laboratories.
Critical examination of mechanisms underlying the reduction in heart failure events with SGLT2 inhibitors: identification of a molecular link between their actions to stimulate erythrocytosis and to alleviate cellular stress
Authors: Packer Milton
Published: March 2020

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of serious heart failure events, even though SGLT2 is not expressed in the myocardium. This cardioprotective benefit is not related to an effect of these drugs to lower blood glucose, promote ketone body utilization or enhance natriuresis, but it is linked statistically with their action to increase haematocrit. SGLT2 inhibitors increase both erythropoietin and erythropoiesis, but the increase in red blood cell mass does not directly prevent heart failure events. Instead, erythrocytosis is a biomarker of a state of hypoxia mimicry, which is induced by SGLT2 inhibitors in manner akin to cobalt chloride. The primary mediators of the cellular response to states of energy depletion are sirtuin-1 and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α/HIF-2α). These master regulators promote the cellular adaptation to states of nutrient and oxygen deprivation, promoting mitochondrial capacity and minimizing the generation of oxidative stress. Activation of sirtuin-1 and HIF-1α/HIF-2α also stimulates autophagy, a lysosome-mediated degradative pathway that maintains cellular homoeostasis by removing dangerous constituents (particularly unhealthy mitochondria and peroxisomes), which are a major source of oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte dysfunction and demise. SGLT2 inhibitors can activate SIRT-1 and stimulate autophagy in the heart, and thereby, favourably influence the course of cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the linkage between erythrocytosis and the reduction in heart failure events with SGLT2 inhibitors may be related to a shared underlying molecular mechanism that is triggered by the action of these drugs to induce a perceived state of oxygen and nutrient deprivation.
Slow versus fast rewarming after hypothermic circulatory arrest: effects on neuroinflammation and cerebral oedema
Authors: Linardi Daniele , Walpoth Beat , Mani Romel , Murari Angela , Tessari Maddalena , Hoxha Stiljan , Anderloni Marco , Decimo Ilaria , Dolci Sissi , Nicolato Elena , Bontempi Pietro , Merigo Flavia , Luciani Giovanni B , Faggian Giuseppe , Rungatscher Alessio
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Among the factors that could determine neurological outcome after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) rewarming is rarely considered. The optimal rewarming rate is still unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 different protocols for rewarming after HCA on neurological outcome in an experimental animal model.

METHODS

Forty-four Sprague Dawley rats were cooled to 19 ± 1°C body core temperature by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). HCA was maintained for 60 min. Animals were randomized to receive slow (90 min) or fast (45 min) assisted rewarming with CPB to a target temperature of 35°C. After a total of 90 min of reperfusion in both groups, brain samples were collected and analysed immunohistochemically and with immunofluorescence. In 10 rats, magnetic resonance imaging was performed after 2 and after 24 h to investigate cerebral perfusion and cerebral oedema.

RESULTS

Interleukin 6, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and tumour necrosis factor α in the hippocampus are significantly less expressed in the slow rewarming group, and microglia cells are significantly less activated in the slow rewarming group. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis demonstrated better cerebral perfusion and less water content in brains that underwent slow rewarming at 2 and 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Slow rewarming after HCA might be superior to fast rewarming in neurological outcome. The present experimental study demonstrated reduction in the inflammatory response, reduction of inflammatory cell activation in the brain, enhancement of cerebral blood flow and reduction of cerebral oedema when slow rewarming was applied.
Current trends of sutureless and rapid deployment valves: an 11-year experience from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry
Authors: Berretta Paolo , Arzt Sebastian , Fiore Antonio , Carrel Thierry P , Misfeld Martin , Teoh Kevin , Villa Emmanuel , Albertini Alberto , Fischlein Theodor , Martinelli Gianluca , Shrestha Malak , Savini Carlo , Miceli Antonio , Santarpino Giuseppe , Andreas Martin , Mignosa Carmelo , Phan Kevin , Meuris Bart , Solinas Marco , Yan Tristan , Di Eusanio Marco
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Current evidence on sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) is limited and does not allow for the assessment of the clinical impact and the evolution of procedural and clinical outcomes of this new valve technology. The Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR) represents a unique opportunity to evaluate the current trends and outcomes of SURD-AVR interventions.

METHODS

Data from 3682 patients enrolled between 2007 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were divided according to the date of surgery into 6 equal groups and by the type of intervention: isolated SURD-AVR (n = 2472) and combined SURD-AVR (n = 1086).

RESULTS

Across the 11-year study period, significant changes occurred in patient characteristics including a decrease in age and in estimated surgical risk. Less invasive approaches for isolated SURD-AVR increased considerably from 49.4% to 85.5%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6% and 3.9% in isolated and combined procedures, respectively, with no change over time. The rate of perioperative stroke decreased significantly (from 4% to 0.5%), as did the rates of postoperative pacemaker implantation (from 12.8% to 5.9%) and aortic regurgitation (from 17.8% to 2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and results of SURD-AVR interventions. The most notable changes over time were the increasing implantation of SURD valves in a younger population, with more frequent utilization of less invasive techniques. SURD-AVR demonstrated remarkable improvements in clinical outcomes with a significant reduction in the rates of stroke, pacemaker implantation and postoperative aortic regurgitation.
Evaluation of Current Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Thresholds in Transgenic MON 88702 Cotton Expressing the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 Trait
Authors: Corbin J C , Towles T B , Crow W D , Catchot A L , Cook D R , Dodds D M , Gore J
Published: March 2020

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is an important pest of cotton in many areas of the southern United States. An experiment was conducted at two locations in Mississippi during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate action thresholds for tarnished plant bug on a novel Bacillus thuringiensis cotton that expresses the Cry51Aa2.834_16 toxin. Treatments included the current action threshold, a 2× threshold, and treatments where insecticides were only applied during the early season (preflower) or only during late season (during flowering) based on the current action thresholds. These were compared to an untreated control and a weekly insecticide use regime that received weekly insecticide sprays. All treatments were imposed on both Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton and a nontraited cotton. The Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 trait reduced the number of tarnished plant bugs and injury, and improved yields compared to nontraited cotton. For all spray treatments except the weekly insecticide use regime, yields were greater for the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton than the nontraited cotton. In terms of thresholds, Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton sprayed based on current action thresholds resulted in similar yields to the weekly insecticide use regime of both cotton types. In contrast, the 2× threshold resulted in lower yields than the current threshold for both cotton types. Though thresholds intermediate to the currently recommended action threshold and the 2× threshold were not tested, these data suggest that currently recommended action thresholds appear appropriate for Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton. These results suggest that this trait will be an important component of current IPM programs in cotton where tarnished plant bug is an important pest.
Modeling Alternative Collaborative Governance Network Designs: An Agent-Based Model of Water Governance in the Lake Champlain Basin, Vermont
Authors: Bitterman Patrick , Koliba Christopher J
Published: March 2020

With the widespread use of collaborative governance mechanisms for mitigating water pollution, an opportunity exists to test alternative institutional designs based on collaborative governance theory using computer simulation models, particularly when there is a clear relationship between governance networks, observable resource allocation decisions, and measurable outcomes. This is especially the case for wicked problems like nonpoint source water pollution where there are compelling questions regarding how best to design policies, allocate funds, and build administrative capacity to meet water quality standards. We present an agent-based model (ABM) of water governance for the Lake Champlain Basin to simulate the impacts of alternative collaborative governance arrangements on the development of suites of water quality projects. The ABM is connected or coupled with land use and phosphorus load accumulation models that are informed by existing hydrologic models, project datasets, and state-set load reduction targets. We find that regionally arranged collaborative governance in water quality project planning and implementation can lead to better water quality outcomes, thereby affirming one of the central premises of collaborative governance regime theory. We also find that externally mandated collaboration, as opposed to voluntary, self-initiated collaboration, can lead to better water quality outcomes, adding to our understanding of which type of collaborative governance arrangement is best suited to the specific contexts of this case. Further, without adequate administrative capacity in the form of human resources located in central network actors to manage project funds, “administrative bottlenecks” may form and money can go unspent. This research demonstrates the efficacy of using simulations of alternative institutional design for theory testing and tuning, and policy prototyping.
Missed opportunity of deworming a Maasai boy from nomadic family leading to life threatening intestinal obstruction
Authors: Pyuza Jeremia J , Andongolile Alice A , Issangya Christain E , Msuya David , Yahaya James J , Shao Elichilia R , Mremi Alex R
Published: March 2020

Mass deworming against soil-transmitted helminthiasis, including Ascaris lumbricoides (AL), is one of the largest public health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides in Tanzania is 6.8%. We present a 3-year-old male of a known Tanzanian nomadic tribe (Masaai tribe) with history of missed deworming, who was brought to the emergency department with a 3-day history of constipation, nonprojectile, bilious vomiting, generalized abdominal distension and pain.

He was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction by the use of a plain abdominal X-ray, which revealed marked gaseous distension of the stomach and bowels without significant air-fluid levels. He was initially treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg, metronidazole 15 mg/kg and acetaminophen 15 mg/kg. An explorative laparotomy was then performed. Intraoperative findings demonstrated a dense collection of A. lumbricoides worms in the gangrenous proximal jejunum and duodenum. Thorough abdominal lavage was carried out and abdomen was closed.
Reduced-port laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in pregnancy
Authors: Hata Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Nobuyasu , Urabe Shoichiro , Hayashi Koji , Nakagawa Tomo , Michiura Toshiya , Yamabe Kazuo
Published: March 2020

Current guidelines indicate that laparoscopic appendectomies are safe for pregnant patients with acute appendicitis. Recently, single- and reduced-port laparoscopic surgeries have gained popularity for nonpregnant patients, because they minimize abdominal wall trauma. Here, we describe a reduced-port laparoscopic appendectomy (RPLA) in a 31-year-old pregnant female performed at 27 weeks gestational age. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography imaging showed an inflamed, swollen appendix and blood test results showed elevations in the white blood cell count and the C-reactive protein level. Accordingly, acute appendicitis was diagnosed. A surgical incision was performed at the umbilicus with an EZ-access device; an additional 5-mm trocar was placed at the right lower quadrant. Recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged 8 days postoperatively. A vaginal delivery was achieved at term. The RPLA was a good surgical option for minimizing surgical invasiveness, without increasing the technical difficulty, in conditions where the uterus and fetus are growing.
Music Therapy with Active-Duty Service Members: Group Protocol Description and Secondary Analysis of Protocol Evaluations
Authors: Vaudreuil Rebecca , Biondo Jacelyn , Bradt Joke
Published: March 2020

Based on the growing need for music therapy programming at military treatment facilities and clinics that specialize in the rehabilitation of service members, this article describes a music therapy group protocol and the findings of 201 post-session evaluations. In addition, we present clinical perspectives and recommendations from three music therapists who have facilitated this group protocol on four military bases across the United States. The group session outlined in the protocol is intended as an introduction to music therapy. It familiarizes service members to various music therapy experiences specifically structured to enhance feelings of safety during emotional risk-taking. In addition, the protocol functions as an initial assessment of service members’ responses to the various receptive and interactive music experiences and includes psychoeducation regarding the role of music therapy in an interdisciplinary treatment model. The post-session evaluation data suggest that service members endorsed this introductory group as moderately to very helpful. Perceived benefits included the opportunity to express various emotions and increased awareness of somatic responses through music. A large number of requests for continued music therapy services following the introductory session suggest that the protocol is successful in facilitating understanding in service members regarding the potential benefits of music therapy in interdisciplinary treatment. Feedback from the music therapists indicated that the group protocol is a helpful initial experience for service members to acclimate to music therapy and for music therapists to learn about their patients’ specific needs to inform subsequent treatment.
The human milk microbiome: who, what, when, where, why, and how?
Authors: Stinson Lisa F , Sindi Azhar S M , Cheema Ali S , Lai Ching Tat , Mühlhäusler Beverly S , Wlodek Mary E , Payne Matthew S , Geddes Donna T
Published: March 2020

Human milk (HM) contains an incredible array of microorganisms. These likely contribute to the seeding of the infant gastrointestinal microbiome, thereby influencing infant immune and metabolic development and later-life health. Given the importance of the HM microbiota in this context, there has been an increase in research efforts to characterize this in different populations and in relation to different maternal and infant characteristics. However, despite a decade of intensive research, there remain several unanswered questions in this field. In this review, the “5 W+H” approach (who, what, when, where, why, and how) is used to comprehensively describe the composition, function, and origin of the HM microbiome. Here, existing evidence will be drawn together and critically appraised to highlight avenues for further research, both basic and applied. Perhaps the most interesting of these is the potential to modulate the HM microbiome using pre/probiotics or dietary interventions. Another exciting possibility is the personalization of donor milk for women with insufficient supply. By gaining a deeper understanding of the HM microbiome, opportunities to intervene to optimize infant and lifelong health may be identified.
Vegetarianism and veganism compared with mental health and cognitive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iguacel Isabel , Huybrechts Inge , Moreno Luis A , Michels Nathalie
Published: March 2020

Context

Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasing in popularity. Although they provide beneficial health effects, they may also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Cognitive impairment and mental health disorders have a high economic burden.

Objective

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between vegan or vegetarian diets and cognitive and mental health.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Proquest databases were examined from inception to July 2018.

Study Selection

Original observational or interventional human studies of vegan/vegetarian diets were selected independently by 2 authors.

Data Extraction

Raw means and standard deviations were used as continuous outcomes, while numbers of events were used as categorical outcomes.

Results

Of 1249 publications identified, 13 were included, with 17 809 individuals in total. No significant association was found between diet and the continuous depression score, stress, well-being, or cognitive impairment. Vegans/vegetarians were at increased risk for depression (odds ratio = 2.142; 95%CI, 1.105–4.148) and had lower anxiety scores (mean difference = −0.847; 95%CI, −1.677 to −0.018). Heterogeneity was large, and thus subgroup analyses showed numerous differences.

Conclusions

Vegan or vegetarian diets were related to a higher risk of depression and lower anxiety scores, but no differences for other outcomes were found. Subgroup analyses of anxiety showed a higher risk of anxiety, mainly in participants under 26 years of age and in studies with a higher quality. More studies with better overall quality are needed to make clear positive or negative associations.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018097204
Native valve fungal endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus: management dilemma
Authors: Aldosari Mohammed A , Alghamdi Mohammed H , Alhamdan Abdulrahman A , Alamri Mohammed M , Ahmed Amjad M , Aziz Mohamed S
Published: March 2020

Fungal endocarditis (FE) accounts for ~50% of the mortality rate associated with predisposing host conditions. Despite optimal therapeutic strategies, the survival rate remains low. FE is mostly caused by Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Previous valvular surgery is the most essential risk factor for Aspergillus endocarditis, which observed in 40–50% of cases. However, native valve FE caused by Aspergillus is uncommon, with only a few reported cases. We hereby report a case of native valve FE caused by A. fumigatus with complications following Wegener’s disease and prostate cancer. The patient survived after successful management with the combination of surgical and medical therapy. Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare and fatal fungal infection. Despite difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, medical intervention with antifungal therapy and immediate surgical intervention are essential to achieve desirable outcomes.
Contesting ‘Permit-and-Licence Raj’: Economic Conservatism and the Idea of Democracy in 1950s India*
Authors: Balasubramanian Aditya
Published: March 2020

Economic conservatism in India traces its roots in the fragmentation of political consensus following the success of the anti-colonial nationalist movement. Framed in the context of the Cold War, long before the 1991 liberalization reforms, this economic conservatism blended anti-communism, free-market advocacy, and the defence of property. This was expressed as the central agenda of the broadly secular Swatantra Party, an effort to consolidate two-party democracy that emerged by the late 1960s as the most serious challenger to the dominant Congress Party. Swatantra brought together diverse progenitors aligned with American development ideas for the Third World. This article reconstructs Indian economic conservatism’s transnational history through an interconnected study of three founding figures of the party and the network of urban associations and periodicals brewing alternative ideas beneath the layers of dominant opinion in which they were embedded. It recasts non-aligned India as a site of ideological contestation affected by the Cold War. Swatantra’s lasting critique of Indian political economy was indicative of a more widely held dissent on India’s development strategy, which has helped to drive the fragmentation of Indian politics. Demands for the party’s revival reveal a desire for a secular alternative to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Modular $S_3$-invariant flavor model in SU(5) grand unified theory
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuo , Shimizu Yusuke , Takagi Kenta , Tanimoto Morimitsu , Tatsuishi Takuya H.
Published: March 2020

We present a flavor model with $S_3$ modular invariance in the framework of SU(5) grand unified theory (GUT). The $S_3$ modular forms of weights $2$ and $4$ give the quark and lepton mass matrices with a common complex parameter, the modulus $\tau$. The GUT relation of down-type quarks and charged leptons is imposed by the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of the adjoint 24-dimensional Higgs multiplet in addition to the VEVs of $5$ and $\bar 5$ Higgs multiplets of SU(5). The observed Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa and Pontecorvo–Maki–Nakagawa–Sakata mixing parameters as well as the mass eigenvalues are reproduced properly. We discuss the leptonic charge–parity phase and the effective mass of the neutrinoless double beta decay with the sum of neutrino masses.
Strontium-substituted sub-micron bioactive glasses inhibit ostoclastogenesis through suppression of RANKL-induced signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Deqiu , Zhao Fujian , Gao Wendong , Chen Xiaofeng , Guo Zhouyi , Zhang Wen
Published: March 2020

Strontium-substituted bioactive glass (Sr-BG) has shown superior performance in bone regeneration. Sr-BG-induced osteogenesis has been extensively studied; however, Sr-BG-mediated osteoclastogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. It is recognized that the balance of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis is closely related to bone repair, and the receptor activators of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway plays a key role of in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis. Herein, we studied the potential impact and underling mechanism of strontium-substituted sub-micron bioactive glass (Sr-SBG) on RANKL-induced osteoclast activation and differentiation in vitro. As expected, Sr-SBG inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis significantly with the experimental performance of decreased mature osteoclasts formation and downregulation of osteoclastogenesis-related gene expression. Furthermore, it was found that Sr-SBG might suppress osteoclastogenesis by the combined effect of strontium and silicon released through inhibition of RANKL-induced activation of p38 and NF-κB pathway. These results elaborated the effect of Sr-SBG-based materials on osteoclastogenesis through RANKL-induced downstream pathway and might represent a significant guidance for designing better bone repair materials.
Characterization and biological evaluation of a novel silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing
Authors: Li Rongfu , Xu Zhaorong , Jiang Qiong , Zheng Yunquan , Chen Zhaohong , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2020

Effective coverage and protection is a priority in wound treatment. Collagen and chitosan have been widely used for wound dressings due to their excellent biological activity and biocompatibility. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a powerful antibacterial effect. In this study, a macromolecular and small-molecular collagen mixed solution, a macromolecular and small-molecular chitosan mixed solution were prepared, and a silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing (AgNP-CCD) has been proposed. First, the effects of a collagen-chitosan mixed solution on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the secretion of cytokines were evaluated. Then, the characteristics and antibacterial effects of the AgNP-CCD were tested, and the effects on wound healing and the influence of wound cytokine expression were investigated via a deep second-degree burn wound model. The results showed that at the proper proportion and concentration, the collagen-chitosan mixed solution effectively promoted cell proliferation and regulated the levels of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF], platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], transforming growth factor [TGF-β1], basic fibroblastic growth factor [bFGF]) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). Moreover, AgNP solutions at lower concentrations exerted limited inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and had no effect on cytokine secretion. The AgNP-CCD demonstrated satisfactory morphological and physical properties as well as efficient antibacterial activities. An in vivo evaluation indicated that AgNP-CCD could accelerate the healing process of deep second-degree burn wounds and played an important role in the regulation of growth and inflammatory factors, including VEGF, EGFL-7, TGF-β1, bFGF, TNF-α and IL-1β. This AgNP-CCD exerted excellent biological effects on wound healing promotion and cytokine expression regulation.
Sodium alendronate loaded poly(l-lactide- co-glycolide) microparticles immobilized on ceramic scaffolds for local treatment of bone defects
Authors: Rumian Łucja , Wolf-Brandstetter Cornelia , Rößler Sina , Reczyńska Katarzyna , Tiainen Hanna , Haugen Håvard J , Scharnweber Dieter , Pamuła Elżbieta
Published: March 2020

Bone tissue regeneration in critical-size defects is possible after implantation of a 3D scaffold and can be additionally enhanced once the scaffold is enriched with drugs or other factors supporting bone remodelling and healing. Sodium alendronate (Aln), a widely used anti-osteoporosis drug, exhibits strong inhibitory effect on bone resorption performed by osteoclasts. Thus, we propose a new approach for the treatment of bone defects in craniofacial region combining biocompatible titanium dioxide scaffolds and poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (MPs) loaded with Aln. The MPs were effectively attached to the surface of the scaffolds’ pore walls by human recombinant collagen. Drug release from the scaffolds was characterized by initial burst (24 ± 6% of the drug released within first 24 h) followed by a sustained release phase (on average 5 µg of Aln released per day from Day 3 to Day 18). In vitro tests evidenced that Aln at concentrations of 5 and 2.5 µg/ml was not cytotoxic for MG-63 osteoblast-like cells (viability between 81 ± 6% and 98 ± 3% of control), but it prevented RANKL-induced formation of osteoclast-like cells from macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as shown by reduced fusion capability and decreased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b activity (56 ± 5% reduction in comparison to control after 8 days of culture). Results show that it is feasible to design the scaffolds providing required doses of Aln inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, reducing osteoclast activity, but not affecting osteoblast functions, which may be beneficial in the treatment of critical-size bone tissue defects.
A daytime nap restores hippocampal function and improves declarative learning
Authors: Ong Ju Lynn , Lau Te Yang , Lee Xuan Kai , van Rijn Elaine , Chee Michael W L
Published: March 2020

Study Objectives

Daytime naps can confer benefits on subsequent declarative learning, but the physiological correlates of this improvement are less well studied. We examined learning following a daytime nap compared with an equivalent waking period using fMRI and polysomnography.

Methods

Forty healthy young adults who slept normally the previous night encoded word pair lists in an MRI scanner at 13:00 and 16:30. Between sessions, participants either stayed awake and watched a documentary (Wake Group; N = 20) or had a 90-minute nap opportunity (Nap Group; N = 20) monitored by polysomnography. Approximately 40 minutes after completing each encoding session, memory for learned words was assessed using cued-recall.

Results

A significant Session × Group interaction effect (p < 0.001) was observed in which memory was significantly improved in the Nap but not in the Wake group (p < 0.001). There was also a Session × Run × Group interaction effect in the left hippocampus (p = 0.001), whereby activation during word pair encoding increased only following the nap. Both performance improvement (rs = 0.46, p = 0.04) and nap-related increase in hippocampal activation (rs = 0.46, p = 0.04) were correlated with nap spindle count (12–15 Hz) but not with slow oscillation power (p’s ≥ 0.18).

Conclusions

After a habitual nocturnal sleep, participants who had a 90-minute afternoon nap encoded word pairs better than a comparable group who stayed awake. Increases in hippocampal activation following the nap suggest restored hippocampal function. Naptime spindles may contribute to improved memory.
Slow-wave activity and sigma activities are associated with psychomotor development at 8 months of age
Authors: Satomaa Anna-Liisa , Mäkelä Tiina , Saarenpää-Heikkilä Outi , Kylliäinen Anneli , Huupponen Eero , Himanen Sari-Leena
Published: March 2020

Study Objectives

The electrophysiological properties of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) EEG are homeostatically modulated on global and local use-dependent levels. Furthermore, the local NREM quality reflects age-dependent brain maturation and individual, age-independent, and psychomotor potential. Cortical maturation and its electrophysiological marker, Slow-wave activity (SWA), as well as sleep spindles are known to change in topography and quality during the early years of life, but their associations with psychomotor development in infants are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the local properties of SWA and spindles (sigma power) and ascertain whether they correlate with psychomotor development in 8-month-old infants.

Methods

Ambulatory polysomnographies were recorded in 56 infants at 8 months of age to calculate the local SWA and sigma powers. The associations between the SWA and sigma powers and psychomotor development (Bayley-III) were examined in 36 of these infants.

Results

In both hemispheres, the highest SWA and sigma powers were found occipitally and centrally, respectively, with higher powers in the right hemisphere than in the left. The Bayley-III correlated with local SWA and sigma powers: the occipital SWA and centro-occipital sigma correlated with cognitive scales, and the frontal and occipital SWA and centro-occipital sigma correlated with language and fine motor scales. Most of the correlations were unilateral.

Conclusions

In 8-month-old infants, the NREM sleep quality shows local differences that are mostly attributable to the topical phase of brain maturation. The local NREM parameters correlate with psychomotor development.
Going Places or Out of Place? Representations of Mobile Girls and Young Women in Late-1950s and 1960s Britain
Authors: Tinkler Penny
Published: March 2020

Spatial mobilities are a neglected dimension of the historiography of post-war youth and yet, as this article argues, in the late 1950s and 1960s, mobilities became integral to a redefinition of young femininity. Examining media targeting girls and young women, as well as national newspapers and women’s magazines, this article explores the popularization of the idea that girls in their teens and early twenties were on the move and that particular kinds of mobility were a feature of modern girlhood. Whether out and about, travelling or migrating to cities, mobilities were often portrayed as empowering girls and facilitating transitions to adulthood; for these reasons, girls were encouraged to embrace opportunities to be going places, even if this meant challenging personal boundaries. This empowering new ideal came at a cost: youth, and the passage to adulthood, became riskier for girls. Only a thin line separated going places from out of place, as the most transformative mobilities took girls away from the parental home and other forms of adult supervision. There were long-established dangers posed by predatory men, but also new ones posed by going it alone—sexual and domestic exploitation, loneliness; risky mobilities were often less about travel than arriving someplace else. Financial resources helped safeguard girls, but survival increasingly depended on personal resources. Mobilities became a new axis of social differentiation, dividing the girls who were going places, literally and in terms of social status and cultural capital, from those who were out of place or stuck in place.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to a Mixture of Organophosphate Flame Retardants on Placental Gene Expression and Serotonergic Innervation in the Fetal Rat Brain
Authors: Rock Kylie D , St Armour Genevieve , Horman Brian , Phillips Allison , Ruis Matthew , Stewart Allison K , Jima Dereje , Muddiman David C , Stapleton Heather M , Patisaul Heather B
Published: March 2020

There is a growing need to understand the potential neurotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and plasticizers because use and, consequently, human exposure, is rapidly expanding. We have previously shown in rats that developmental exposure to the commercial flame retardant mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550), which contains OPFRs, results in sex-specific behavioral effects, and identified the placenta as a potential target of toxicity. The placenta is a critical coordinator of fetal growth and neurodevelopment, and a source of neurotransmitters for the developing brain. We have shown in rats and humans that flame retardants accumulate in placental tissue, and induce functional changes, including altered neurotransmitter production. Here, we sought to establish if OPFRs (triphenyl phosphate and a mixture of isopropylated triarylphosphate isomers) alter placental function and fetal forebrain development, with disruption of tryptophan metabolism as a primary pathway of interest. Wistar rat dams were orally exposed to OPFRs (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 μg/day) or a serotonin (5-HT) agonist 5-methoxytryptamine for 14 days during gestation and placenta and fetal forebrain tissues collected for analysis by transcriptomics and metabolomics. Relative abundance of genes responsible for the transport and synthesis of placental 5-HT were disrupted, and multiple neuroactive metabolites in the 5-HT and kynurenine metabolic pathways were upregulated. In addition, 5-HTergic projections were significantly longer in the fetal forebrains of exposed males. These findings suggest that OPFRs have the potential to impact the 5-HTergic system in the fetal forebrain by disrupting placental tryptophan metabolism.
Similar diurnal, seasonal and annual rhythms in radial root expansion across two coexisting Mediterranean oak species
Authors: Alday Josu G , Camarero Jesús Julio , Revilla Jesús , Resco de Dios Víctor
Published: March 2020

Dendrometers are being increasingly used to measure stem radius changes in trees and to unravel the mechanisms underlying stem daily rhythms of radial expansion and contraction. Nevertheless, automated dendrometers have not been often used to measure root radius dynamics, their relationship with environmental variables and the influence of endogenous processes, especially in drought-prone Mediterranean areas. Here, we measured root radius dynamics of two coexisting oak species (the evergreen Quercus ilex L. and the deciduous Quercus faginea Lam). Our goals were to describe annual, seasonal and diurnal scale root radius patterns and to disentangle the role of different environmental parameters as drivers. Long-term high-resolution measurements (every 15 min over 7 years) were collected with automated point dendrometers on the main tree roots of five individuals per species. Root radius annual change patterns were bimodal and similar for both oak species. Quercus faginea Lam showed three times larger root increment in the spring than Q. ilex, but the bimodal pattern was stronger in Q. ilex, which showed a larger root increment in autumn. Quercus faginea Lam showed an earlier root phenological activation in the spring and in late summer compared with Q. ilex. The effects of environmental drivers across species were similar at daily scales: root radius increased with air temperature and soil moisture, and it decreased with rising vapor pressure deficit. Furthermore, daily root radius variations for both oak species were maintained after extracting statistically the environmental effects, which points toward a significant role of endogenous drivers. These differences in root radius change patterns at seasonal to daily scales likely result from the differences in leaf phenology and growth strategy. Quercus faginea Lam is deciduous and has a faster growing rate in spring than the evergreen Q. ilex, which can grow more in summer.
CamelliaPlant Resistance and Susceptibility to Petal Blight Disease Are Defined by the Timing of Defense Responses
Authors: Kondratev Nikolai , Denton-Giles Matthew , Bradshaw Rosie E. , Cox Murray P. , Dijkwel Paul P.
Published: March 2020

The family Sclerotiniaceae includes important phytopathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, that activate plant immune responses to facilitate infection propagation. The mechanisms of plant resistance to these necrotrophic pathogens are still poorly understood. To discover mechanisms of resistance, we used the Ciborinia camelliae (Sclerotiniaceae)–Camellia spp. pathosystem. This fungus induces rapid infection of the blooms of susceptible cultivar Nicky Crisp (Camellia japonica × Camellia pitardii var. pitardii), while Camellia lutchuensis is highly resistant. Genome-wide analysis of gene expression in resistant plants revealed fast modulation of host transcriptional activity 6 h after ascospore inoculation. Ascospores induced the same defense pathways in the susceptible Camellia cultivar but much delayed and coinciding with disease development. We next tested the hypothesis that differences in defense timing influences disease outcome. We induced early defense in the susceptible cultivar using methyl jasmonate and this strongly reduced disease development. Conversely, delaying the response in the resistant species, by infecting it with actively growing fungal mycelium, increased susceptibility. The same plant defense pathways, therefore, contribute to both resistance and susceptibility, suggesting that defense timing is a critical factor in plant health, and resistance against necrotrophic pathogens may occur during the initial biotrophy-like stages.
The Identification of a New Species, Diaporthe humulicola, a Pathogen Causing Diaporthe Leaf Spot on Common Hop
Authors: Allan-Perkins Elisha , Li De-Wei , Schultes Neil , Yavuz Sumeyra , LaMondia James
Published: March 2020

Common hop, Humulus lupulus, is a commercially important crop in the United States, with an increasing number of hop yards being established in the Northeast. In 2018, a new fungal disease was observed at two research hop yards in Connecticut. This new pathogen affected all hop cultivars being grown and caused leaf spots and browning of cones. The causal organism was isolated and Koch’s postulates were performed to confirm pathogenicity. The disease symptoms were similar to the previously described Phoma wilt; however, morphological and phylogenetic analyses placed the causal organism as a new species of Diaporthe. We propose the name Diaporthe humulicola. The disease increased under hot, humid conditions (around 24°C and 90% relative humidity), which prevail during the summer in the northeastern United States as well as other parts of the country. An in vitro preliminary assessment of fungicide sensitivity revealed that pyraclostrobin and boscalid inhibited D. humulicola growth in culture and should be further assessed for field efficacy against this new disease of hop. The proper identification and monitoring of this pathogen will be important to inform hop growers of this new threat.
Application of Zero-profile Spacer in the Treatment of Three-level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Sun Bin , Shi Changgui , Wu Huiqiao , Xu Zeng , Lin Wenbo , Shen Xiaolong , Wu Xiao-Dong , Zhang Ying , Yuan Wen
Published: March 2020

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To assess the long-term results of zero-profile spacer for 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data.

Although widely used, there are still controversies about the long-term results of zero-profile spacer, especially in multilevel cases.

Methods.

Cases received 3-level ACDF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using either zero-profile spacer (n = 27) (ZP Group), or plate and cages (n = 34) (PC Group), and with 5-year follow-up were reviewed. Neurological function and life quality were assessed by modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) score. Disc height, cervical lordosis, fusion rate, and surgical complications were observed.

Results.

Neurological recovery and life quality improvement were similar in both groups. Disc height and cervical lordosis (C2-7 Cobb angle) were well restored after operations, but lost in both groups during follow-up. Loss of correction (LOC) in disc height was larger in ZP Group (11.38% vs 5.71%, P < 0.05) at 5-year follow-up. LOC of cervical lordosis in ZP group constantly grew from 11.28% to 48.13% during 5-year follow-up, significantly higher than that in the PC group (from 7.43% to 14.01%) (P < 0.05). The rate of postoperative dysphagia was no statistical difference between the two groups, and symptoms were all disappeared within 1 year. There were 10 levels of adjacent segment degeneration (1 in ZP Group, and 10 in PC Group, P = 0.02). Cage subsidence (11 of 81 levels, 13.58%) and screw migration (2 of 81 levels, 2.47%) were only observed in the ZP Group. The migrated screws in one case were surgically removed. Fusion was achieved in all cases.

Conclusions.

In long-term follow-up of 3-level ACDF for CSM, zero-profile spacer has the similar clinical results, but loss of correction of disc height and cervical alignment were significantly higher, compared with anterior plate and cages.

Level of Evidence: 3