bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HYVIA™: A novel, topical chia seed extract that improves skin hydration
Authors: Huber Kristen L. , Fernández José R. , Webb Corey , Rouzard Karl , Healy Jason , Tamura Masanori , Voronkov Michael , Stock Jeffry B. , Stock Maxwell , Pérez Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Background

Chia seeds have gained importance as it is the highest known plant source of omega‐3 (ω3) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, chia seeds possess ω3 α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and ω6 linoleic acid (LA), together known as Vitamin F, which play an important role in maintaining skin function. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a master regulatory protein that plays a critical role in skin barrier function and its activity is modulated by natural lipids.

Aims

Obtain a chia seed extract (HYVIA™) with significant higher levels of Vitamin F, determine in vitro PP2A activity and skin hydration markers compared to other commercial chia seed extracts (CCSEs), and evaluate the potential skin hydration benefits clinically in human subjects.

Methods

A PP2A demethylation assay was utilized to assess PP2A activity. In vitro studies utilizing normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were treated with HYVIA™ and gene expression of hydration markers (AQP3, HAS2) were measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR). A 16‐subject clinical trial was performed with 0.1% HYVIA™ formulated in a cream and applied topically to assess its skin moisturizing potential.

Results

We demonstrate here that HYVIA™, ALA, and LA inhibit PP2A demethylation, boosting PP2A activity, while most other CCSEs do not. Unlike other CCSEs, HYVIA™ increases keratinocyte hydration factors aquaporin‐3 and hyaluronic acid synthase‐2 in vitro. Clinical assessment of 0.1% HYVIA™ cream shows that HYVIA™ improves skin hydration.

Conclusions

HYVIA™ is a novel chia seed extract, enriched for Vitamin F, that modulates PP2A activity and clinically improves skin hydration and barrier function.
Impaired mobility and pressure ulcer development in older adults: Excess movement and too little movement—Two sides of the one coin?
Authors: Moda Vitoriano Budri Aglecia , Moore Zena , Patton Declan , O’Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Mc Cann Aisling , Avsar Pinar
Published: May 2020

Aim

To identify how activity and mobility lead to pressure ulcer development, using two objective assessments, one for mobility and one for early pressure ulcer detection.

Methods

150 older persons from long‐term settings were followed up for 20 days, using an observational, quantitative, prospective study design. The study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Visual skin assessment and sub‐epidermal moisture assessments were undertaken daily. Activity was measured using the Braden subscale. Further, a mobility profile of the participants was identified using a piezoelectric motion sensor which provided a “movement score” (mean number of movements/hour). Movement scores from 22 healthy participants were also measured to better understand the mobility profile in a healthy population.

Results

Pressure ulcer incidence using visual skin assessment was 12.7% (low movers = 6.7%; high movers = 6%) and 78.7% using sub‐epidermal moisture assessment (low movers = 40.0%; high movers = 38.7%). Sub‐epidermal moisture assessment detected pressure ulcers on average 8.2 days before they appeared visually on the skin's surface. Pressure ulcer detection was 25 times greater using sub‐epidermal moisture compared to visual skin assessment. Considering the results of the “movement level” assessment using the motion sensor technology, of all those who were determined to be immobile by Braden, 18.8% were assessed as high movers.

Discussion & Conclusion

Pressure ulcers occurred both in low and high movers, which was unexpected as a similar finding has not been previously reported in the literature.

Relevance to clinical practice

The traditional focus on low movers/immobile individuals may detract from the identification of those making an abnormally high frequency of unsafe movements. Pressure ulcer assessment can be enhanced through a combination of sub‐epidermal moisture assessment and visual skin assessment, and through the identification of both individuals with impaired mobility and those abnormally high movements, such as among those who are agitated.
Evaluation of the Impact of School Garden Exposure on Youth Outlook and Behaviors toward Vegetables in Southern Arizona
Authors: Lohr Abby M. , Henry Nick , Roe Denise , Rodriguez Claudio , Romero Rosalva , Ingram Maia
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of garden‐based learning on outlook and behaviors toward vegetables among primarily Latinx students. An educational strategy, garden‐based learning is a teaching tool that complements other disciplines.

METHODS

Third‐ and fourth‐grade students at 4 elementary schools with different garden programs completed a bingo survey and participated in class discussions to measure outlook and behaviors toward vegetables.

RESULTS

Students in schools with more garden exposure were more likely to answer “Yes” to survey questions reflecting a positive attitude and behaviors toward vegetables. In class discussions, students most often mentioned vegetables grown in the school garden as their favorite vegetables.

CONCLUSION

For third‐ and fourth‐grade students, the length of exposure to a school garden appears to have a positive impact on both perceptions of and desire to consume vegetables. Other studies have shown that positive outlook and behaviors toward vegetables can change vegetable consumption habits in children. Integrating garden‐based learning into the school curriculum may positively influence eating behaviors over the long‐term future.
Comparative study of adaptation in three chicken genotypes under humid tropical conditions of Nigeria
Authors: Abioja Monsuru O. , Omotara Olufemi P. , Iyasere Oluwaseun S. , Abiona John A. , Egbeyale Lawrence T. , Akinjute Obafemi F.
Published: May 2020

Adaptation of Nigerian indigenous chickens (NIC), FUNAAB‐α (F‐α) and Transylvanian naked neck chickens (TNN) raised during hot‐dry season under humid tropical environment was compared during a 4‐week period. A well‐adapted NIC (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females), a newly developed F‐α (n = 12; 6 male and 6 females) and a newly introduced TNN (n = 12; 6 male and 6 females) chickens aged 36 weeks were used for this experiment. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature on comb (COM), wattle (WAT), breast (BRE) and under wings (WIN) were monitored between 13.00 and 14.00h twice a week for four weeks. Wattle temperature (p = .017) and BRE (p = .000) differ significantly among the genotypes. Transylvanian naked neck chickens recorded higher WAT than NIC, though not different from F‐α. Nigerian indigenous chickens had lower BRE temperature than other two genotypes. Significantly higher WAT (p < .001) and WIN (p < .05) were recorded in cocks than in laying hens. In contrast, laying hens had significantly (p < .001) higher RR and HSI than cocks. There was interactive (p < .05) effect of sex and genotype on BRE. Nigerian indigenous cocks and hens exhibited lower BRE than others, except F‐α cock. There were positive significant correlations between WIN and WAT in the three genotypes. In NIC, COM had positive correlation with WAT (r = .532) and WIN (r = .696). Heart rate was positively correlated with WAT (r = .608) and WIN (r = .697) in F‐α, and WIN (r = .512) in TNN chickens. In conclusion, the three genotypes can adequately adapt to the prevailing conditions of humid tropics. Reduction of feather on the neck and breast and higher heat loss capacity in TNN chickens could help the birds adapt to hot‐humid environment. The two sexes could adapt to the tropical region. Cocks lose body heat predominantly via non‐evaporative means while hens employ evaporative heat loss mechanism.
Histopathological findings and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in normal dogs and dogs with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the pancreas
Authors: Aupperle‐Lellbach Heike , Törner Katrin , Staudacher Marlies , Stadler Christina , Tress Ursula , Grassinger Julia M. , Müller Elisabeth , Weber Corinna N.
Published: May 2020

Background

Diagnosis of pancreatic diseases in dogs is still challenging because of variable clinical signs, which do not always correspond with clinical pathology and histopathological findings.

Objectives

To characterize inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic diseases of dogs and to correlate these findings with clinical findings and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) results.

Animals

Tissue specimens and corresponding blood samples from 72 dogs submitted for routine diagnostic testing.

Methods

Four groups were defined histologically: (1) normal pancreas (n = 40), (2) mild pancreatitis (n = 8), (3) moderate or severe pancreatitis (acute, n = 11; chronic, n = 1), and (4) pancreatic neoplasms (n = 12). An in‐house cPLI ELISA (<180 μg/L, normal; >310 μg/L, pancreatitis) was performed.

Results

In dogs with normal pancreas, 92.5% of serum cPLI results were within the reference range and significantly lower than in dogs with mild acute pancreatitis, moderate or severe acute pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors. In dogs with moderate or severe acute pancreatitis, cPLI sensitivity was 90.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58.7%‐99.8%). Most dogs (9/12) with pancreatic tumors (group 4) had additional pancreatic inflammation and cPLI results were increased in 10 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

High cPLI indicates serious acute pancreatitis but underlying pancreatic neoplasms should also be taken into consideration. This study confirms the relevance of histopathology in the diagnostic evaluation of pancreatic diseases.
Evaluation of asymmetric dimethylarginine as an inflammatory and prognostic marker in dogs with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Gori Eleonora , Pierini Alessio , Lippi Ilaria , Meucci Valentina , Perondi Francesca , Marchetti Veronica
Published: May 2020

Background

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been proposed as a severity marker in humans with acute pancreatitis (AP).

Objectives

To evaluate ADMA in dogs with AP compared with healthy dogs and its association with severity of disease, mortality, and indicators of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), including serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration, WBC count, and band neutrophils.

Animals

Fifty‐four dogs with AP and a control group (CG) of 28 healthy dogs.

Methods

Cohort study including dogs with AP diagnosed using clinical and laboratory variables, abnormal canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) concentration, and compatible abdominal ultrasound examination findings performed within 48 hours of admission. Canine AP severity (CAPS) was calculated. Serum concentration of ADMA was measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Blood donor‐, staff‐, and student‐owned dogs were enrolled in the CG.

Results

Dogs with AP had higher median admission serum ADMA concentrations compared with the CG (62 versus 48.5 μg/dL; P = .003). Dogs with CAPS ≥11 had higher serum ADMA concentrations than did dogs with CAPS <11 (92 versus 54.6 μg/dL P = .009). Univariable analysis for mortality, CAPS score, band neutrophils, CRP, and ADMA were included in multivariable logistic regression, in which only ADMA was associated with mortality (P = .02). Survivors had a significant decrease in ADMA at first reevaluation compared to admission (P = .02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Because serum ADMA concentrations were higher in AP dogs compared with the CG, it may have value as a biomarker in the diagnosis of AP in dogs. In addition, because ADMA was associated with mortality, it may have prognostic value.
Baseline characteristics of patients with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS): The Australian cohort in a global aHUS registry
Authors: Soraru Jacqueline , Isbel Nicole , Wong Germaine , Coates Patrick Toby , Mantha Murty , Abraham Abu , Juneja Rajiv , Hsu Danny , Brown Fiona , Bose Bhadran , Mudge David , Carroll Robert , Kausman Joshua , Hughes Peter , Barbour Thomas , Durkan Anne , Mount Peter , Lee Darren , Larkins Nicholas , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Lim Wai H.
Published: May 2020

Aims

To describe the baseline characteristics and treatment of Australian patients diagnosed with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) reported to the Global aHUS Registry.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of the Australian cohort with aHUS (n = 106) was undertaken for demographics, disease characteristics and prior treatment with eculizumab; comparing with the global cohort (n = 1688) for certain pre‐specified disease characteristics.

Results

In Australia, almost two‐thirds of patients diagnosed with aHUS were female and over 80% of patients were Caucasians, with similar proportions reported in the global cohort. Less than 6% of patients in the Australia and global cohorts were reported to have a history of autoimmune disease (4% vs 2%, respectively; P = .21) or cancer (5% vs 5%, respectively; P = .93), conditions that have been associated with secondary HUS. In the Australian cohort, 26% had received a kidney transplant and 68% of patients had received eculizumab. Kidneys were the most common organ involvement, followed by gastrointestinal tract (26%) and cardiovascular system (19%), with 35% of patients reported to have had at least two organs involved within 6 months prior to baseline visit or entry into the registry. Complement factor H was the most common pathogenic complement gene variant in the Australian patients.

Conclusion

Data from the aHUS registry confirms and defines region‐specific disease characteristics among a selected group of Australian children and adults with aHUS reported to the registry. Ongoing and more inclusive data will provide further information about temporal trends and treatment outcomes, representing a unique opportunity for clinicians and researchers to further develop knowledge surrounding this rare disease.
Red nucleus IL‐6 mediates the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inducing the productions of TNF‐α and IL‐1β through the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways
Authors: Yang Qing‐Qing , Li Hao‐Nan , Zhang Shu‐Ting , Yu Yan‐Li , Wei Wei , Zhang Xi , Wang Jun‐Yang , Zeng Xiao‐Yan
Published: May 2020

We previously reported that interleukin (IL)‐6 in the red nucleus (RN) is involved in the maintenance of neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI), and exerts a facilitatory effect via Janus‐activated kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathways. The present study aimed at investigating the roles of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐1β in RN IL‐6‐mediated maintenance of neuropathic pain and related signal transduction pathways. Being similar to the elevation of RN IL‐6 three weeks after SNI, increased protein levels of both TNF‐α and IL‐1β were also observed in the contralateral RN three weeks after the nerve injury. The upregulations of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were closely correlative with IL‐6 and suppressed by intrarubral injection of a neutralizing antibody against IL‐6. Administration of either the JAK2 antagonist AG490 or the ERK antagonist PD98059 to the RN of rats with SNI remarkably increased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and inhibited the up‐regulations of local TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Further experiments indicated that intrarubral injection of exogenous IL‐6 in naive rats apparently lowered the PWT of the contralateral hindpaw and boosted the local expressions of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Pretreatment with AG490 could block IL‐6‐induced tactile hypersensitivity and suppress the up‐regulations of both TNF‐α and IL‐1β. However, injection of PD98059 in advance only inhibited the upregulation of IL‐1β, but not TNF‐α. These findings indicate that RN IL‐6 mediates the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inducing the productions of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. IL‐6 induces the expression of TNF‐α through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and the production of IL‐1β through the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK pathways.
Salt stress decreases seedling growth and development but increases quercetin and kaempferol content in Apocynum venetum
Authors: Xu Z. , Zhou J. , Ren T. , Du H. , Liu H. , Li Y. , Zhang C.
Published: May 2020

Apocynum venetum L. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with great potential to treat angiocardiopathy. Its major medicinal constituents are flavonoids. However, the natural habitats of A. venetum are typically affected by salt stress, which can modify both biomass and accumulation of medicinal compounds.

In this study, the effects of salt stress on growth and development of A. venetum, accumulation of flavonoids and expression patterns of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were evaluated.

In general, the growth and development of seedlings (seedling height, root length, leaf length, leaf width and seed germination) were inhibited by salt stress. Unlike typical halophytes, there was no optimal NaCl concentration range that promoted growth and development, but seedlings had an elevated DW/FW ratio under salt stress (induced by irrigation with 50, 100, 200 or 400 mm NaCl). Furthermore, quercetin and kaempferol were significantly accumulated in A. venetum seedlings under salt stress, resulting in a balanced content and reduced FW. Moreover, the expression of AvCHS, AvCHI and AvF3GT was inhibited by salt stress; however, AvF3’H, AvF3H and AvFLS, which are involved in the flavonol synthesis pathway, were up‐regulated under salt stress, consistent with a decrease in total flavonoids and an increase of flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol).

In summary, cultivation of A. venetum in saline soils appeared to be feasible and improved the medicinal quality of A. venetum (quercetin and kaempferol accumulation under salt stress), thus this species can effectively utilize saline soil resources.
Sexing of pre‐implantation ovine embryos through polymerase chain reaction‐based amplification of GAPDH, SRY and AMEL genes
Authors: Mishra Ashish , Dhali Arindam , Reddy Ippala J. , Kolte Atul P.
Published: May 2020

The ability to identify the sex of embryo and control of sex ratio has a great commercial importance to livestock industry. Prediction of embryonic sex could be useful in the management decisions of sex selection in breeding programs. Several methods have been attempted to determine the sex but the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based sexing method is generally favoured, as it is cost effective, simple and reliable. The aim of the present study was to identify sex of sheep embryos produced in vitro through amplification of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), sex‐determining region Y (SRY) and amelogenin genes present in genomic DNA (gDNA) of embryos through PCR. To avoid false interpretation of the result by no amplification of SRY in female embryos, a duplex PCR was approached to amplify combinedly SRY and GAPDH genes. Sex‐specific blood was used in PCR as positive control. In vitro sheep embryos were produced as per standardized protocol of laboratory. Sexing of sex‐specific blood and in vitro produced embryos were approached though PCR to amplify the respective genes using gDNA present in the sample without its traditional isolation. The accuracy of sex prediction for embryos was 100% by this procedure.
A Predictive Model for Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Generic E. coli in Soil Amended with Untreated Animal Manure
Authors: Pang Hao , Mokhtari Amir , Chen Yuhuan , Oryang David , Ingram David T. , Sharma Manan , Millner Patricia D. , Van Doren Jane M.
Published: May 2020

This study aimed at developing a predictive model that captures the influences of a variety of agricultural and environmental variables and is able to predict the concentrations of enteric bacteria in soil amended with untreated Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO) under dynamic conditions. We developed and validated a Random Forest model using data from a longitudinal field study conducted in mid‐Atlantic United States investigating the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli in soils amended with untreated dairy manure, horse manure, or poultry litter. Amendment type, days of rain since the previous sampling day, and soil moisture content were identified as the most influential agricultural and environmental variables impacting concentrations of viable E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli recovered from amended soils. Our model results also indicated that E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli declined at similar rates in amended soils under dynamic field conditions.The Random Forest model accurately predicted changes in viable E. coli concentrations over time under different agricultural and environmental conditions. Our model also accurately characterized the variability of E. coli concentration in amended soil over time by providing upper and lower prediction bound estimates. Cross‐validation results indicated that our model can be potentially generalized to other geographic regions and incorporated into a risk assessment for evaluating the risks associated with application of untreated BSAAO. Our model can be validated for other regions and predictive performance also can be enhanced when data sets from additional geographic regions become available.
An improved extraction method enables the comprehensive analysis of lipids, proteins, metabolites and phytohormones from a single sample of leaf tissue under water‐deficit stress
Authors: Salem Mohamed A. , Yoshida Takuya , Perez de Souza Leonardo , Alseekh Saleh , Bajdzienko Krzysztof , Fernie Alisdair R. , Giavalisco Patrick
Published: May 2020

Phytohormones play essential roles in the regulation of growth and development in plants. Plant hormone profiling is therefore essential to understand developmental processes and the adaptation of plants to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Interestingly, commonly used hormone extraction and profiling methods do not adequately resolve other molecular entities, such as polar metabolites, lipids, starch and proteins, which would be required to comprehensively describe the continuing biological processes at a systematic level. In this article we introduce an updated version of a previously published liquid:liquid metabolite extraction protocol, which not only allows for the profiling of primary and secondary metabolites, lipids, starch and proteins, but also enables the quantitative analysis of the major plant hormone classes, including abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinins, jasmonates and salicylates, from a single sample aliquot. The optimization of the method, which uses the introduction of acidified water, enabling the complete purification of major plant hormones into the organic (methyl‐tert‐butyl‐ether) phase, eliminated the need for solid‐phase extraction for sample clean‐up, and therefore reduces both sampling time and cost. As a proof‐of‐concept analysis, Arabidopsis thaliana plants were subjected to water‐deficit stress, which were then profiled for hormonal, metabolic, lipidomic and proteomic changes. Surprisingly, we determined not only previously described molecular changes but also significant changes regarding the breakdown of specific galactolipids, followed by the substantial accumulation of unsaturated fatty‐acid derivatives and diverse jasmonates in the course of adaptation to water‐deficit stress.
Inter‐country distancing, globalisation and the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Zimmermann Klaus F. , Karabulut Gokhan , Bilgin Mehmet Huseyin , Doker Asli Cansin
Published: May 2020

Originating in China, the coronavirus has reached the world at different speeds and levels of strength. This paper provides an initial understanding of some driving factors and their consequences. Since transmission requires people, the human factor behind globalisation is essential. Globalisation, a major force behind global well‐being and equality, is highly associated with this factor. The analysis investigates the impact globalisation has on the speed of initial transmission to a country and on the scale of initial infections in the context of other driving factors. Our cross‐country analysis finds that measures of globalisation are positively related to the spread of the virus, both in speed and in scale. However, the study also finds that globalised countries are better equipped to keep fatality rates low. The conclusion is not to reduce globalisation to avoid pandemics, but to better monitor the human factor at the outbreak and mobilise collaboration forces to curtail diseases.
Clinical characteristics and treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) with diamond burr debridement
Authors: Hung Joyce H. , Leidreiter Kaila , White James S. , Bernays Michael E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To document the characteristics of unilateral, bilateral SCCEDs, and unilateral SCCED with a subsequent SCCED in the contralateral eye that are treated with diamond burr debridement (DBD).

Procedure

Medical records of canine SCCEDs who have received DBD between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, eye(s) affected, procedures performed, time to detected healing, and complications were statistically analyzed.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐nine dogs had unilateral SCCEDs (85.0%), 13 dogs (4.4%) had bilateral SCCEDs, and 31 dogs (10.6%) had unilateral SCCED with a subsequent SCCED in the contralateral eye, 26 of which occurred within 24 months following the unilateral SCCED. No significant differences in healing rates after one DBD were found between different presentations of SCCEDs. Boxers are 2.3 times more likely to have subsequent SCCED in their contralateral eye than non‐Boxer breeds. Of the 341 SCCEDs (293 dogs) in the total study population, 252 eyes (73.9%) achieved healing after undergoing one DBD. Fifteen cases were lost to subsequent follow‐up, and 58 eyes (17.0%) required additional intervention after a DBD. Complications occurred in 16 eyes (4.7%) including 13 cases of keratomalacia and three cases of anterior uveitis.

Conclusion

Diamond burr debridement is a safe and effective treatment for different presentations of SCCEDs. No significant differences in healing rates after one DBD were found between different presentations of SCCEDs. Particularly in Boxers, a new SCCED may develop in the contralateral eye, typically within 24 months following a presentation of unilateral SCCED.
Lipid ratios as a marker for red blood cell storage quality and as a possible explanation for donor gender differences in storage quality
Authors: Melzak Kathryn A. , Muth Marius , Kirschhöfer Frank , Brenner‐Weiss Gerald , Bieback Karen
Published: May 2020

Background and objectives

Red blood cells that are stored for transfusions as red cell concentrates (RCCs) undergo changes during the storage period, culminating in the lysis of the cells. The goal of this work is to find markers that are linked to high haemolysis, in order to explain the inter‐donor variability that is known to occur in storage quality, and also the known differences between RCCs from male and female donors.

Materials and methods

The relative amounts of lipids at the end of the storage period were compared for one group of low haemolysis samples (24 units, all ≤0·15% haemolysis), and one group of high haemolysis samples (26 units, all ≥0·5% haemolysis). Representative lipids were analysed from different lipid classes, including cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin and ceramide. Whole membrane preparations were analysed with one mass spectrometry technique, and lipid extracts were analysed with a second mass spectrometry technique.

Results

The ratio of palmitoyl‐oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) to sphingomyelin was different for the high and low haemolysis groups (P = 0·0001) and for the RCCs from male and female donors (P = 0·0009). The ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids showed only minimal links to haemolysis. Higher relative amounts of sphingomyelin were associated with lower haemolysis, and higher relative amounts of ceramides were associated with increased haemolysis.

Conclusion

The level of sphingomyelinase activity and the resulting ratio of sphingomyelin to POPC is proposed as a possible marker for RCC storage quality.
Public Archaeology: sharing best practice. Case studies from Wales
Authors: Griffiths Seren , Edwards Ben , Reynolds Ffion
Published: May 2020

In 2013, Cadw published the 'Cadw Community Archaeology Framework'. This defined community archaeology practice in Wales, and outlined: a range of aims; a definition and context for community archaeology; a background to community archaeology; a vision for community archaeology; and a commitment to working with partners and communities. In 2018, five years after the publication of this document, the authors undertook a survey of the state of public archaeology practice in Wales in response to this document in order to identify best practice case studies, and from these to draw together, and share, consistent themes. Data collection took the form of a series of structured interviews with the Welsh Archaeological Trusts, as well as drawing on the authors' own experiences of public archaeology practice. We also include observations from our own practice at the Bryn Celli Ddu public archaeology landscape project. We aim to produce an inclusive, outward-facing series of research recommendations, designed to build on the Cadw/Welsh Government Framework in order to identify and support best practice, and to facilitate its dissemination.
A Modal Parameter Identification Method Based on Improved Covariance-Driven Stochastic Subspace Identification
Authors: Wang Chen , Hu Minghui , Jiang Zhinong , Zuo Yanfei , Zhu Zhenqiao
Published: May 2020

For the quantitative dynamic analysis of aero gas turbines, accurate modal parameters must be identified. However, the complicated structure of thin-walled casings may cause false mode identification and mode absences if conventional methods are used, which makes it more difficult to identify the modal parameters. A modal parameter identification method based on improved covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification (covariance-driven SSI) is proposed. The ability to reduce the number of mode absences and the solving stability are improved by a covariance matrix dimension control method. Meanwhile, the number of false mode identification is reduced via a false mode elimination method. In addition, the real mode complementation and the excitation frequency mode screening can be realized by a multispeed excitation method. The numerical results of a typical rotor model and measured data of an aero gas turbine validated the proposed method.
Plasma-induced reaction at plasma-liquid and plasma-polymeric film interface by AC-driven atmospheric pressure plasma
Authors: Kim Tae Hwan , Yang Hye-Jin , Lee Da-Eun , Lee Ho-Jun , Im Jungkyun , Lee Seung Whan
Published: May 2020

The authors drive a plasma-induced reduction reaction of the gold precursor by alternating current (AC)-driven atmospheric pressure plasma at the plasma-liquid interface. They systematically study the plasma-induced reaction at the plasma-liquid interface and observe that the reduction reaction is a proportionality relationship to the root mean square current of AC-driven atmospheric pressure plasma. Here, the technique has been applied to the plasma-polymeric film interface and demonstrates a direct writing technique to create the patterned metal nanoparticles. The authors find that the pattern properties are significantly related to the absorbed de-ionized (DI) water in the polymeric film. To prove their conceptual idea, the authors newly design an electrospun mat made of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) and control the absorption ability of de-ionized water and ethanol in a polymeric film. The results demonstrate that the absorbed DI water plays a key role in the plasma-induced reaction at the plasma-polymeric film.
Resonance scattering of plane waves by a soft elliptic cavity with a variably placed longitudinal slit
Authors: Vinogradova Elena D.
Published: May 2020

Using previous results [Vinogradova, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144(3), 1146–1153 (2018)] on the spectrum of complex eigenvalues for an open elliptic cavity with variably placed longitudinal slits, the author investigates the resonance excitation of such a cavity by obliquely incident plane waves. The complete investigation of the resonance response is based on accurate calculation of the monostatic and bi-static sonar cross-sections, as well as calculation of the jump in normal velocity at the cavity surface. High-accuracy calculations are obtained by employing the rigorous Method of Analytical Regularization. Furthermore, studies of semi-elliptic cavities with high eccentricities, modelling the extremely deep acoustical cavities, are also performed.
Efficient isogeometric boundary element method for analysis of acoustic scattering from rigid bodies
Authors: Alsnayyan A. M. A. , Li J. , Hughey S. , Diaz A. , Shanker B.
Published: May 2020

Boundary integral analysis of scattering from rigid bodies is well known. Analysis often proceeds along the following lines: representation of the geometry using a collection of triangles, representation of physics using low order ansatz functions defined on each triangle, and then solving the resulting discrete system. This prescription for the common solution stands out in terms of the low-order approximation of both geometry and representation of physics; specifically, both are C0. Taking inspiration from computer graphics literature, a framework wherein continuity of representation (both geometry and physics) can be as high as C2 is developed. In this paper, the steps necessary to develop such a iso-geometric (i.e., using the same basis functions for representing both geometry and physics) boundary integral solver are elucidated. In doing so, an efficient method based on a wideband fast multipole method to evaluate the required inner products and matrix vector products is proposed and demonstrated. Numerous examples are presented to highlight the benefits of the proposed approach.
Ape researchers mobilize to save primates from coronavirus
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: May 2020

Past respiratory epidemics raise fears of infection in apes.
In pursuit of open science, open access is not enough
Authors: Aspesi Claudio , Brand Amy
Published: May 2020

Preventing monopolies in knowledge infrastructure is the next battleground for publishers and research institutions
The secret lives of birds
The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think
Jennifer Ackerman
Penguin Press, 2020. 368 pp.
Authors: Klump Barbara C.
Published: May 2020

A science writer weaves a vivid portrait of avian culture, communication, and care
Quantum resonances near absolute zero
Authors: Yang Tiangang , Yang Xueming
Published: May 2020

Ultralow-energy atom-molecule collisions reveal quasi-bound state quantum resonances
Ethics of controlled human infection to address COVID-19
Authors: Shah Seema K. , Miller Franklin G. , Darton Thomas C. , Duenas Devan , Emerson Claudia , Lynch Holly Fernandez , Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Jecker Nancy S. , Kamuya Dorcas , Kapulu Melissa , Kimmelman Jonathan , MacKay Douglas , Memoli Matthew J. , Murphy Sean C. , Palacios Ricardo , Richie Thomas L. , Roestenberg Meta , Saxena Abha , Saylor Katherine , Selgelid Michael J. , Vaswani Vina , Rid Annette
Published: May 2020

High social value is fundamental to justifying these studies
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)
Authors: Malcom Shirley M.
Published: May 2020

Groundbreaking U.S. space program mathematician
Beat COVID-19 through innovation
Authors: Azoulay Pierre , Jones Benjamin
Published: May 2020

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread, public health and economic well-being are increasingly in conflict. Governments are prioritizing public health, but the current solution—social isolation—is costly as commerce remains shut down. Restarting economies could rekindle the pandemic and cause even worse human suffering. Innovation can help societies escape the untenable choice between public and economic health. The world needs effective vaccines, therapies, or other solutions. But how do we achieve these solutions, and achieve them quickly?
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Clostridium difficile Isolates from 12 Asia-Pacific Countries in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Lew Tanya , Putsathit Papanin , Sohn Kyung Mok , Wu Yuan , Ouchi Kentaro , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro , Riley Thomas V. , Collins Deirdre A.
Published: May 2020

Clostridium
(
Clostridioides
)
difficile
causes toxin-mediated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, primarily among hospital inpatients. Outbreaks of
C. difficile
infection (CDI) have been caused by strains with acquired antimicrobial resistance, particularly fluoroquinolone resistance, including
C. difficile
ribotype (RT) 027 in North America and Europe and RT 017, the most common strain in Asia. Despite being the most common cause of hospital-acquired infection in high-income countries, and frequent misuse of antimicrobials in Asia, little is known about CDI in the Asia-Pacific region.
Short- and Long-Term Transcriptomic Responses of Escherichia coli to Biocides: a Systems Analysis
Authors: Merchel Piovesan Pereira Beatriz , Wang Xiaokang , Tagkopoulos Ilias
Published: May 2020

Antiseptics and disinfectant products are of great importance to control and eliminate pathogens, especially in settings such as hospitals and the food industry. Such products are widely distributed and frequently poorly regulated. Occasional outbreaks have been associated with microbes resistant to such compounds, and researchers have indicated potential cross-resistance with antibiotics. Despite that, there are many gaps in knowledge about the bacterial stress response and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants. We investigated the stress response of the bacterium
Escherichia coli
to 10 common disinfectant and antiseptic chemicals to shed light on the potential mechanisms of tolerance to such compounds.
On the reconciliation of biostratigraphy and strontium isotope stratigraphy of three southern Californian Plio-Pleistocene formations
Authors: Buczek Alexandra J. , Hendy Austin J.W. , Hopkins Melanie J. , Sessa Jocelyn A.
Published: May 2020

The San Diego Formation, Pico Formation, Careaga Sandstone, and Foxen Mudstone of southern California are thought to be late Pliocene to early Pleistocene; however, numerical ages have not been determined. Following assessment of diagenetic alteration via multiple methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and minor elemental concentrations, we attempted to use strontium isotope stratigraphy to assign numerical ages. Using aragonitic fossils, we obtained ages of 2.0–1.85 Ma for the Careaga Sandstone and 2.0–1.75 Ma for the uppermost Foxen Mudstone, consistent with biostratigraphic work suggesting a Gelasian age for the Careaga Sandstone. Isotope ratios for aragonitic and calcitic fossils from the Pico Formation were poorly constrained, with the exception of one bed yielding ages of 5.1–4.3 Ma. Isotope ratios from the San Diego Formation were also inconsistent within beds, with the exception of two isolated outcrops that yielded ages of 5.0–4.5 Ma and 4.5–2.8 Ma, respectively. The age estimates for the Pico and San Diego Formations are older than most ages inferred from biostratigraphy. Noting that some aragonitic specimens from the San Diego Formation yielded isotope ratios indicative of ages as old as 19.4 Ma, we propose that some outcrops have been affected by diagenesis caused by groundwater flow through proximal granitic rocks and input from detrital sediment. Although we recommend that strontium isotope results for the Pico and San Diego Formations be interpreted with caution, the ages of the uppermost Foxen Mudstone and Careaga Sandstone can be confidently placed within the early Pleistocene.
Transverse testicular ectopia: two rare adult cases and a review of literature
Authors: Shah Milap , Odugoudar Aviansh , Chawla Arun , Hameed Zeeshan BM
Published: May 2020

The first case is a 45-year-old man who presented with complaints of right-sided indirect hernia. On examination the left hemiscrotum was empty. Open hernioplasty and mesh fixation with orchiopexy of both testes were done in the same hemiscrotum, followed by MRI for further evaluation. The second case is a 26-year-old man who presented with penoscrotal hypospadias and empty left hemiscrotum, with the left testis not palpable in the scrotum or the inguinal region. MRI, karyotyping and laparoscopic orchidectomy were performed, followed by endocrinology work-up. From our experience, preoperative diagnosis with ultrasonography and/or MRI prior to diagnostic laproscopy is benifical when there is a strong suspicion of mullerian duct remnants. In other cases, diagnostic laparoscopy can be useful in diagnosis and management. Placement of both testes in the same hemiscrotum can be considered safe, although not ideal. Also, in cases with partial gonadal dysgenesis, laparoscopic orchidectomy along with excision of the mullerian remnantsis a better approach than orchiopexy.
Multidisciplinary approach to chest wall reconstruction in primary breast angiosarcoma resection
Authors: O'Donnell John Phineas , Sugrue Ryan , McLaughlin Ray , McInerney Niall M
Published: May 2020

Angiosarcomas account for less than 1% of primary breast cancers. Typically, they occur in young women with a low-risk personal or family history. Diagnosis, resection and reconstruction require a multidisciplinary team of breast surgeons, oncologists and plastic reconstructive surgeons. Cross-disciplinary awareness among these specialities enables dimensional patient treatment. We report a case of primary angiosarcoma of the breast in a 33-year-old woman, with no previous radiotherapy exposure, treated with a radical mastectomy and chest wall reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) Flap. There is a general consensus in current literature regarding the difficulty for curative treatment in angiosarcomas. There is a requirement for surgical intervention to be aggressive to ensure oncological clearance. Subsequently, the extensive reconstructive task proves a major procedure for any plastic surgeon. DIEP autologous flap chest wall reconstruction accompanying radical mastectomy can be used in efforts to eradicate risks of deep margin incomplete excision in breast angiosarcomas. This case report and review of the current literature aim to provide guidance for colleagues managing angiosarcomas and also highlight the versatility of the DIEP flap.
Microsurgery in the sickle cell trait population: is it actually safe?
Authors: Abraham Paul F , Allam Omar , Park Kitae Eric , Alperovich Michael
Published: May 2020

Although sickle cell disease has long been viewed as a contraindication to free flap transfer, little data exist evaluating complications of microsurgical procedures in the sickle cell trait patient. Reported is the case of a 55-year-old woman with sickle cell trait who underwent a deep inferior epigastric perforator microvascular free flap following mastectomy. The flap developed signs of venous congestion on postoperative day 2 but was found to have patent arterial and venous anastomoses on exploration in the operating room. On near-infrared indocyanine green angiography, poor vascular flow was noted despite patent anastomoses and strong cutaneous arterial Doppler signals. Intrinsic microvascular compromise or sickling remains a risk in the sickle cell trait population as it does for the sickle cell disease population. Just like in sickle cell disease patients, special care should be taken to optimise anticoagulation and minimise ischaemia-induced sickling for patients with sickle cell trait undergoing microsurgery.
Prognosis of unrecognised myocardial infarction determined by electrocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Wensheng , Zhu Hailan , Pan Xiong-Fei , Hu Yunzhao , Arnott Clare , Mai Weiyi , Cai Xiaoyan , Huang Yuli
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the prognosis of unrecognised myocardial infarction determined by electrocardiography (UMI-ECG) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (UMI-CMR).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Data sources

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar.

Study selection

Prospective cohort studies were included if they reported adjusted relative risks, odds ratios, or hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all cause mortality or cardiovascular outcomes in participants with unrecognised myocardial infarction compared with those without myocardial infarction.

Data extraction and synthesis

The primary outcomes were composite major adverse cardiac events, all cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality associated with UMI-ECG and UMI-CMR. The secondary outcomes were the risks of recurrent coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. The heterogeneity of outcomes was compared in clinically recognised and unrecognised myocardial infarction.

Results

The meta-analysis included 30 studies with 253 425 participants and 1 621 920 person years of follow-up. UMI-ECG was associated with increased risks of all cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.73), cardiovascular mortality (2.33, 1.66 to 3.27), and major adverse cardiac events (1.61, 1.38 to 1.89) compared with the absence of myocardial infarction. UMI-CMR was also associated with increased risks of all cause mortality (3.21, 1.43 to 7.23), cardiovascular mortality (10.79, 4.09 to 28.42), and major adverse cardiac events (3.23, 2.10 to 4.95). No major heterogeneity was observed for any primary outcomes between recognised myocardial infarction and UMI-ECG or UMI-CMR. The absolute risk differences were 7.50 (95% confidence interval 4.50 to 10.95) per 1000 person years for all cause mortality, 11.04 (5.48 to 18.84) for cardiovascular mortality, and 27.45 (17.1 to 40.05) for major adverse cardiac events in participants with UMI-ECG compared with those without myocardial infarction. The corresponding data for UMI-CMR were 32.49 (6.32 to 91.58), 37.2 (11.7 to 104.20), and 51.96 (25.63 to 92.04), respectively.

Conclusions

UMI-ECG or UMI-CMR is associated with an adverse long term prognosis similar to that of recognised myocardial infarction. Screening for unrecognised myocardial infarction could be useful for risk stratification among patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.