bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subpopulation behaviors in lactose metabolism by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A.
Published: September 2020

When Streptococcus mutans is transferred from a preferred carbohydrate (glucose or fructose) to lactose, initiation of growth can take several hours, and substantial amounts of glucose are released during growth. Here, S. mutans strains UA159 and GS‐5 were examined for stochastic behaviors in transcription of the lac operon. Using a gfp reporter fusion, we demonstrated that induction of the lac operon occurs in only a fraction of the population, with prior exposure to carbohydrate source and strain influencing the magniture of the sub‐population response. Lower glucokinase activity in GS‐5 was associated with release of substantially more glucose than UA159 and significantly lower lac expression. Mutants unable to use lactose grew on lactose as the sole carbohydrate when strains with an intact lac operon were also present in the cultures, indicative of the potential for population cheating. Utilizing a set of engineered obligate cheating and non‐cheating strains, we confirmed that cheating can sustain a heterogeneous population. Futher, obligate cheaters of GS‐5 competed well with the non‐cheaters and showed a high degree of competitive fitness in a human‐derived consortium biofilm model. The results show that bet‐hedging behaviors in carbohydrate metabolism may substantially influence the composition and pathogenic potential of oral biofilms.
Genetic diversity and population structure of an invasive plant species differ in two non‐native regions with differing climate and invasion success
Authors: Dar Tanvir‐Ul‐Hassan , Bhat Basharat Ahmed , Khuroo Anzar Ahmad , Verma Sushil , Islam Shahid Ul
Published: September 2020

One of the fundamental questions in invasion biology is why an alien species successfully invades one region but fails to do so in another region. In this regard, the recently emerging molecular ecology tools have made it possible to understand the genetic basis of invasion success and/or failure of alien species in different regions. Here we report the results of studies of the population genetic structure and diversity of Parthenium hysterophorus L. – a global plant invader – from two climatically distinct Himalayan regions: Jammu and Kashmir. While P. hysterophorus has successfully invaded across the subtropical Jammu region, it failed to invade the neighbouring temperate Kashmir region. The results, based on the ISSR data, revealed that the populations from Jammu were genetically more diverse than those from Kashmir. This conclusion was further supported by cluster analysis which grouped all the five populations of P. hysterophorus from Jammu region, but clearly separated out the Kashmir population. It is plausible that this low genetic diversity of P. hysterophorus in the latter region, along with the environmental barrier (i.e. temperate climate), has so far prevented the naturalisation and wide spread of this invasive plant species in Kashmir. The research insights from the present study, therefore, have potential implications for understanding the genetic basis of plant invasions.
A comparison using standardized measures for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Trust in the gastroenterologist and reliance on the internet
Authors: Rotaru Tudor‐Ștefan , Frățilă Ovidiu Cristian , Bărboi Oana , Ciortescu Irina , Mihai Cătălina , Anton Carmen , Ștefănescu Gabriela , Drug Vasile
Published: September 2020

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients’ use of the Internet for health information interacts with the way they trust their gastroenterologist. No standardized measure has targeted IBS patients and gastroenterologists specifically, nor their use of the Internet. The aims of this paper were as follows: the development of a scale that measures an IBS patient's trust in their gastroenterologist, the development of a scale measuring an IBS patient's reliance on Internet health information, and testing the hypothesis that IBS patients, who use the Internet for IBS‐related information, trust their gastroenterologist less than those who do not.

Method

A total of 82 patients (mean age 49, SD = 14.62) diagnosed with IBS completed two questionnaires: one about trust in their gastroenterologist and the other about the reliance on Internet health information regarding IBS. The two questionnaires were built using current literature as well as our previous qualitative research. The statistical computations were performed using the SPSS 20 program.

Key Results

Both questionnaires proved to be reliable in measuring gastroenterologist‐IBS patient trust (alpha = 0.87) and Internet information reliance (alpha = 0.88), respectively. The IBS patients who did not look for information about IBS over the Internet had significantly higher trust in their gastroenterologist compared with those who did (U = 535.5; z = −2.26;P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We developed two ready‐to‐use scales to measure both the gastroenterologist‐IBS patient's trust and the IBS patient's reliance on the Internet. Further studies will be able to explore the interaction among all variables in IBS patients’ trust.
Weight change from childhood to adulthood and cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in adulthood: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sun Jiahong , Xi Bo , Yang Lili , Zhao Min , Juonala Markus , Magnussen Costan G.
Published: September 2020

The magnitude of the associations between life‐course change in weight status and health outcomes in adulthood has been inconsistent. This study aims to examine the associations between weight change from childhood to adulthood and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes in adulthood. PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Science between 1 August 1953 and 13 July 2020 were searched, and a total of 52 eligible articles were included. The systematic review supported significant associations between the life‐course increase in BMI and high odds of markers in adulthood. In the meta‐analyses, normal weight in childhood but excess weight in adulthood or persistent excess weight was associated with increased odds of adult markers. However, those who had excess weight in childhood but were normal weight in adulthood did not have increased odds of nearly all adult markers. This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that individuals who developed excess weight in adulthood or had excess weight in both periods had higher odds of developing CVD risk factors and outcomes in adulthood. In contrast, the probability of these adult markers could be limited or eliminated for children with excess weight who are able to become adults with normal weight.
Left atrial appendage and atrial septal occlusion in elderly patients with atrial septal defect and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Leong Ming Chern , Kandavello Geetha , Husin Azlan , Perumal Deventhiren , Kaur Khelae Surinder
Published: September 2020

Background

Elderly patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) often present with chronic atrial fibrillation and large left to right shunt. This study reports the experience of left atrial appendage (LAA) and ASD closure in patients with significant ASD and chronic atrial fibrillation.

Methods

We report six consecutive elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and significant ASD who underwent LAA and fenestrated ASD closure from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2019. All periprocedural and long‐term (>1 year) outcomes were reported.

Results

Six patients (male: 33.3%; mean age: 66.8 ± 3.3 years) were included. Mean CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASc, and HAS‐BLED scores were 2.33 ± 0.82, 3.83 ± 0.75, and 1.83 ± 0.75. Four patients underwent simultaneous procedure, while two patients underwent a staged procedure. Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Total occlusion was achieved during LAA occlusion without device embolization prior to ASD closure. Patients who underwent simultaneous procedure had a shorter total hospital stay and lower total hospital stay. During a follow‐up period of 32.8 ± 19.4 months, both the devices were well seated. No device‐related thrombosis or erosion reported. All patients remained in atrial fibrillation. No patients experienced any thromboembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Conclusions

LAA and ASD closure is feasible and can be safely performed in the same seating in elderly patients with a significant ASD.
User guide to MiT‐TFE isoforms and post‐translational modifications
Authors: Vu Hong Nhung , Dilshat Ramile , Fock Valerie , Steingrímsson Eiríkur
Published: September 2020

The microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) is at the core of melanocyte and melanoma fate specification. The related factors TFEB and TFE3 have been shown to be instrumental for transcriptional regulation of genes involved in lysosome biogenesis and autophagy, cellular processes important for mediating nutrition signals and recycling of cellular materials, in many cell types. The MITF, TFEB, TFE3, and TFEC proteins are highly related. They share many structural and functional features and are targeted by the same signaling pathways. However, the existence of several isoforms of each factor and the increasing number of residues shown to be post‐translationally modified by various signaling pathways poses a difficulty in indexing amino acid residues in different isoforms across the different proteins. Here, we provide a resource manual to cross‐reference amino acids and post‐translational modifications in all isoforms of the MiT‐TFE family in humans, mice, and zebrafish and summarize the protein accession numbers for each isoform of these factors in the different genomic databases. This will facilitate future studies on the signaling pathways that regulate different isoforms of the MiT‐TFE transcription factor family.
Shear wave elastography for evaluation of the urgency of liver transplantation in pediatric patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Gu Li‐hong , Gu Guang‐xiang , Fang Hua , Xia Qiang , Li Feng‐hua
Published: September 2020

Background

To investigate the role of two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) in the preoperative evaluation of pediatric patients with biliary atresia awaiting liver transplantation.

Methods

Among a total of 152 pediatric patients enrolled in this single‐institution prospective study between March 2018 and August 2019, 143 patients (age range, 4‐97 months; median age, 7 months; 84 males, 59 females) who underwent successful routine ultrasound examination, SWE examination, and blood test before liver transplantation were included in the final analysis. The values of liver stiffness measured by SWE were compared with ultrasound and blood test parameters by Spearman's correlation analysis.

Results

The overall median liver stiffness with 2D‐SWE was 29.0 ± 10.9 kPa, with a range of 9.0‐53.3 kPa. The success rate of 2D‐SWE measurements was 98.0% (149/152). Liver stiffness measurement (LSMs) had no significant correlation with gender, age, weight, and height of the pediatric recipients. LSMs were correlated with ultrasound parameters including portal vein (PV) maximum velocity, PV direction, hepatic artery resistance index (HARI), spleen diameter, ascites, and blood test parameters (albumin level, platelet count level, and international normalized ratio). In the pediatric recipients with hepatofugal PV flow, high HARI (HARI ≧ 0.90), and ascites, or without Kasai operation, LSMs were significantly higher (P < .05).

Conclusions

SWE is feasible and valuable for assessing liver damage in children with biliary atresia awaiting liver transplantation and might be used as selection criteria for children in need of priority access to liver transplantation.
Service learning in public health nursing education: How COVID‐19 accelerated community‐academic partnership
Authors: Gresh Ashley , LaFave Sarah , Thamilselvan Veena , Batchelder Anne , Mermer Jenna , Jacques Keilah , Greensfelder Amy , Buckley Melissa , Cohen Zeke , Coy Ann , Warren Nicole
Published: September 2020

Days after COVID‐19 physical distancing precautions were implemented, a coalition of community leaders in Baltimore City founded the Baltimore Neighbors Network (BNN), a volunteer network established to provide proactive phone‐based support to older adults in Baltimore City. BNN was a community‐driven approach aimed at reducing social isolation and improving health equity both during the pandemic and long‐term. This paper describes how the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing's (JHUSON) public health nursing clinical faculty and students partnered with BNN to support a community‐driven crisis response effort while creatively meeting student learning objectives. While engaging in the work of BNN remotely, nursing students were able to meet competencies across all eight domains of the Quad Council Coalition of Public Health Nursing Organizations. Schools of Nursing throughout the country can use this partnership as a model of a service‐learning strategy for public health nursing education during a crisis.
An Efficient and Robust Method for Selective Conversion of Aniline to Azobenzene Using nano‐TiO2‐P25‐SO3H, under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Hosseini Saber , Amoozadeh Ali
Published: September 2020

Nano‐TiO2‐P25‐SO3H as our previous report has successfully been utilized to synthesize azobenzene through the selective conversion of aniline under visible light irradiation. According to PL emission spectra, the immobilizing a solid Brønsted acid of ‐SO3H groups on the pure‐TiO2‐P25 surface with a close interface is an approach to amplify the nano‐TiO2‐P25 response to visible light, which can productively hinder the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes as carriers. Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor is highly likely to increase. Photooxidation of aniline to azobenzene was achieved by applying nano‐TiO2‐P25‐SO3H (Eg = 2.6 eV) that activated by blue photons (λmax = 460 nm), green photons (λmax = 510 nm) and red photons (λmax = 630 nm) which is introducing as a sustainable procedure. Central composite design (CCD) was employed for evaluating the effects of photocatalyst amount, oxidant concentration and irradiation time on the synthesis of azobenzene by this approach. Easily synthesizing, recyclability of the photocatalyst, mild reaction condition and short reaction time could be considered as plus points of this process.
What explains trade costs? Institutional quality and other determinants
Authors: Hou Yulin , Wang Yun , Xue Wenjun
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the impact of institutional quality on trade costs across 133 countries during 1995–2014. The results show that good institutional quality significantly reduces the three types of trade costs, that is, total trade costs, trade costs of agricultural goods, and trade costs of manufactured goods. Furthermore, the effect of institutional quality is significant in reducing trade costs with regard to the different trading country pairs, the different subperiods, the components of institutional quality, and the endogeneity issue. This paper contributes to the literature by confirming a significant and negative relationship between institutional quality and trade costs from a global perspective.
A Bayesian Quest for Finding a Unified Model for Predicting Volleyball Games
Authors: Egidi Leonardo , Ntzoufras Ioannis
Published: September 2020

Volleyball is a team sport with unique and specific characteristics. We introduce a new two-level hierarchical Bayesian model which accounts for these volleyball-specific characteristics. In the first level, we model the set outcome with a simple logistic regression model. Conditionally on the winner of the set, in the second level, we use a truncated negative binomial distribution for the points earned by the losing team. An additional Poisson-distributed inflation component is introduced to model the extra points played in the case that the two teams have a point difference less than two points. The number of points of the winner within each set is deterministically specified by the winner of the set and the points of the inflation component. The team-specific abilities and the home effect are used as covariates on all layers of the model (set, point and extra inflated points). The implementation of the proposed model on the Italian SuperLega 2017–2018 data shows exceptional reproducibility of the final league table and satisfactory predictive ability.
Scuttling towards monophyly: phylogeny of the mega‐diverse genus Megaselia (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: Hartop Emily , Häggqvist Sibylle , Ulefors Sven Olof , Ronquist Fredrik
Published: September 2020

The genus Megaselia Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) is one of the largest in the animal kingdom, with nearly 1700 described species and many remaining to be discovered. Work on this group is notoriously challenging due to the extreme species diversity, poor knowledge of higher‐level relationships and lack of molecular data. In this paper, we present the largest study to date of Megaselia relationships based on molecular data from one nuclear (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial (ND1, COI and 16S) markers for 175 Nordic specimens representing 145 species of Megaselia, plus outgroups. Based on phylogenetic analyses of these data, we propose 22 informal Megaselia species groups, all of which match well‐supported terminal clades. Relationships among these groups, and between them and several isolated species, remain largely uncertain. Of the 22, 20 species groups fall into a moderately well‐supported monophyletic clade of ‘core Megaselia’. Two species groups, the spinigera and ruficornis groups, fall outside of core Megaselia, as does the single representative of Myriophora, a genus that is included in Megaselia by some specialists. Here, we explore the morphology of these molecular species groups to aid future studies, and we discuss the implications of our findings for the generic circumscription of Megaselia. Hopefully, our results can aid further characterization of subgroups within the enormous Megaselia radiation and among its closest relatives, thus facilitating future work on this challenging but fascinating group of small flies.
Immunoexpression of epithelial membrane antigen in canine meningioma: Novel results for perspective considerations
Authors: Mandara Maria Teresa , Foiani Greta , Silvestri Serenella , Chiaradia Elisabetta
Published: September 2020

Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) is one of the most widely used diagnostic immunohistochemical markers for human meningioma. To date, no published study on EMA expression in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of canine meningioma is available. Here, we describe the results of an immunohistochemical study on 25 FFPE canine meningiomas using a monoclonal anti‐human EMA antibody. All meningiomas showed positive staining for EMA with cytoplasmic pattern, in nine cases associated with membranous staining. Area and intensity of staining were highly variable among cases. No clear relationships between tumour subtype/grade and area/intensity of staining were found. However, epithelial‐like patterns showed a higher affinity for EMA compared to the mesenchymal one. The present study provides the basis to explore the potential diagnostic application of this marker in canine meningioma. To investigate EMA expression in other central nervous system tumours of dogs are necessary to assess the specificity of this marker.
Comparison of dried sludge and sludge ash for phosphorus recovery with acidic and alkaline leaching
Authors: Semerci Neslihan , Ahadi Saifurahman , Coşgun Sevil
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, the recovery of phosphorus has been in the spotlight due to its importance for food security and depleting sources. In this study, phosphorus recovery from dried sewage sludge and sludge ash by acid and alkaline leaching was evaluated. Optimum extraction time and temperature were determined as two hours and ambient temperature. Results showed the superiority of strong acidic conditions for leaching; 75 ml/g with 0.4N HCl and 25 ml/g with 0.6N HCl were determined as optimum conditions to achieve efficient phosphorus dissolution from sludge ash (94.6%) and dried sludge (91.1%), respectively, with the lower heavy metal concentrations. Lower L/S ratio put forward the dried sludge as a more advantageous resource for phosphorus extraction. Besides, by alkaline leaching of sludge ash and dried sludge, 60.3 and 70.3% phosphorus dissolutions were achieved with 75 ml/g and 1N NaOH; and the leachate was a suitable product for phosphorus precipitation due to its high pH.
Atmospheric-pressure spatial chemical vapor deposition of tungsten oxide
Authors: Yeow Travis Wen-Kai , Mistry Kissan , Shahin Ahmed , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: September 2020

Atmospheric-pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) and atmospheric-pressure spatial chemical vapor deposition (AP-SCVD) are rapid, open-air techniques for the deposition of conformal, pinhole-free films over large areas. In this work, a precursor nebulizer and an ozone generator are incorporated into an AP-SALD system to enable the deposition of tungsten oxide (WO3) films by AP-SCVD. The precursors bis(t-butylimido) bis(dimethylamino) tungsten(VI) and ozone are used with a film deposition temperature of 350 °C to achieve a growth per cycle of 1.2 Å/cycle. A bandgap of 3.26 eV and a refractive index of 2.36 were obtained, consistent with the previous reports for WO3 films. The pinhole-free films were found to be a mixture of hexagonal and monoclinic WO3, with an increasing monoclinic nature after annealing. Additionally, the as-deposited film was substoichiometric with an O/W ratio of 2.3, which increased to 2.36 after annealing at 450 °C. The successful open-air deposition of tungsten oxide via the incorporation of a precursor nebulizer and ozone generator paves the way for large-area deposition of tungsten oxide for commercial applications.
Why Aren’t More Theories Named After Women? Teaching Women’s History in Physics
Authors: Parks Beth
Published: September 2020

Barriers to women’s education and employment in Europe and the United States in the 19th century made it unlikely that any women would be among the few physicists whose ideas are taught in high school and college courses. This paper explores the social settings in which three influential physicists worked—James Clerk Maxwell, Robert Millikan, and Albert Einstein—to better understand the limited opportunities available to women. By acknowledging and explaining why there weren’t more women among these founding physicists, instructors may help students understand the barriers that still exist and feel more empowered to overcome them and pursue physics as a career.
Sex and Gender as Non-binary: What Does this Mean for Physics Teachers?
Authors: Traxler Adrienne , Blue Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Gender bias and inequity are pervasive in physics, but teachers can help. A recent Resource Letter digs into the history, current status, and classroom implications of gender and physics. However, one finding from that work was the tendency for “gender in physics” research to treat sex and gender as the same thing and to neglect the perspective of LGBTQIA+ scientists. In this special issue of The Physics Teacher we want to further discuss the non-binary nature of sex and gender, and why physics teachers should care. Our main goal is to collect information and resources for teachers who wish to know more about these issues. For readers who are members or close allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, much of the introductory material will not be news, but we hope the resource list at the end will be useful.
Using Arduino Uno Microcontroller to Create Interest in Physics
Authors: Chaudry Amtul Mujeeb
Published: September 2020

Arduino microcontrollers are becoming increasingly popular in the physics/astronomy community. These devices can provide more in-depth labs on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, etc., in addition to programming. These devices can be readily utilized to reach more non-physics/astronomy majors and underrepresented STEM students. The hands-on approach facilitates the learning of physics concepts and their applications in everyday life. This paper describes how Arduino Uno microcontrollers were used as an extra credit exercise to create interest in physics and to understand some basic physics concepts. The idea was experimented in an algebra-based undergraduate physics course at a four-year college. In the various phases of this exercise, students moved from replication of known projects to simple yet interesting applications. The activity was kept optional due to resource limitations, namely instructor time, availability of a sufficiently large lab to accommodate all students of a class at the same time or more than one time, and lack of enough support staff. For the same reasons, this was the only extra credit activity offered to students. The results presented in this paper reflect the activity spread over a few semesters. An anonymous survey was conducted at the end of the activity for student feedback. The survey and comments of some students are included at the end.
Physics in Chavruta – A Model for Supporting Early Career Teachers
Authors: Kapon Shulamit , Colton Alina
Published: September 2020

We present a model of an induction program that supports early career physics teachers as well as experienced teachers who face new challenges in their teaching of physics. The model involves personal mentorship embedded in a teachers’ professional community of practice led by senior physics teachers and supported by a physics education research group. The program is entering its third year. We discuss the structure of the program and the function of its components and use excerpts from written reflections by community members (novice and senior physics teachers, mentors and mentees), artifacts that were generated by and shared in the community, agendas for the monthly community meetings, and ongoing working documents to illustrate our claims.
Redesigning assessments for remote learning
Authors: Gende Dolores
Published: September 2020

Distance learning over the last three months of the spring semester proved to be very challenging for many of us. While most teachers became comfortable using synchronous tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) and asynchronous ways to deliver instruction (Google Classroom, Learning Management Systems [LMS] and screencasting tools), there are still areas of concern related to assessments and the extent to which they engage our students in meaningful collaboration. In this column I discuss some strategies to promote an engaging, active learning environment while teaching remotely. I include examples of laboratory investigations, concept development activities, and problem solving along with suggested digital tools.
Virtual labs and simulations: Where to find them and tips to make them
work
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: September 2020

In this article I focus on ready-to-go online labs with no plug-ins or additional software required; students just go straight to the website. This means no Flash, no Java, no apps, but yes, HTML5 and JavaScript. Then teachers can deliver their instructions (perhaps over video chat). Below I have listed my personal favorite simulated lab websites, with a more extended list appearing in the online appendix to this article. My personal criteria for a good lab simulation would be one that gives the feeling that you are performing the actual experiment (Fig. 1). It should be immersive, engaging, and require almost no instruction to take the data.
Meiotic chromosome synapsis depends on multivalent SYCE1-SIX6OS1 interactions that are disrupted in cases of human infertility
Authors: Sánchez-Sáez Fernando , Gómez-H Laura , Dunne Orla M. , Gallego-Páramo Cristina , Felipe-Medina Natalia , Sánchez-Martín Manuel , Llano Elena , Pendas Alberto M. , Davies Owen R.
Published: September 2020

Synaptonemal complex assembly depends on multivalent protein interactions between SYCE1 and SIX6OS1.
GSH depletion liposome adjuvant for augmenting the photothermal immunotherapy of breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhanwei , Wu Hui , Yang Ruoxi , Xu Alan , Zhang Qingyan , Dong Jingwen , Qian Chenggen , Sun Minjie
Published: September 2020

Maleimide liposomes capable of GSH depletion acted as the adjuvant for augmenting the photothermal immunotherapy of breast cancer.
A YAP/FOXM1 axis mediates EMT-associated EGFR inhibitor resistance and increased expression of spindle assembly checkpoint components
Authors: Nilsson Monique B. , Sun Huiying , Robichaux Jacqulyne , Pfeifer Matthias , McDermott Ultan , Travers Jon , Diao Lixia , Xi Yuanxin , Tong Pan , Shen Li , Hofstad Mia , Kawakami Masanori , Le Xiuning , Liu Xi , Fan Youhong , Poteete Alissa , Hu Limei , Negrao Marcelo V. , Tran Hai , Dmitrovsky Ethan , Peng David , Gibbons Don L. , Wang Jing , Heymach John V.
Published: September 2020

YAP and FOXM1 are mediators of EGFR inhibitor resistance, and spindle proteins are therapeutic targets for this multidrug-resistant phenotype.
C9orf72
poly(GR) aggregation induces TDP-43 proteinopathy
Authors: Cook Casey N. , Wu Yanwei , Odeh Hana M. , Gendron Tania F. , Jansen-West Karen , del Rosso Giulia , Yue Mei , Jiang Peizhou , Gomes Edward , Tong Jimei , Daughrity Lillian M. , Avendano Nicole M. , Castanedes-Casey Monica , Shao Wei , Oskarsson Björn , Tomassy Giulio S. , McCampbell Alexander , Rigo Frank , Dickson Dennis W. , Shorter James , Zhang Yong-Jie , Petrucelli Leonard
Published: September 2020

G
4
C
2
repeat–derived poly(GR) plays a key role in mediating TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation in vitro and in vivo.
Organoids control glucose
Authors: György Bence
Published: September 2020

Human islet-like organoids improve glucose control in immunocompetent mice.
Shedding light on heart failure
Authors: Roche Ellen T.
Published: September 2020

Optogenetic stimulation of vagal preganglionic neurons preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in an experimental heart failure model.
Magnetotactic Bacteria Accumulate a Large Pool of Iron Distinct from Their Magnetite Crystals
Authors: Amor Matthieu , Ceballos Alejandro , Wan Juan , Simon Christian P. , Aron Allegra T. , Chang Christopher J. , Hellman Frances , Komeili Arash
Published: September 2020

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) produce iron-based intracellular magnetic crystals. They represent a model system for studying iron homeostasis and biomineralization in microorganisms. MTB sequester a large amount of iron in their crystals and have thus been proposed to significantly impact the iron biogeochemical cycle. Several studies proposed that MTB could also accumulate iron in a reservoir distinct from their crystals. Here, we present a chemical and magnetic methodology for quantifying the iron pools in the magnetotactic strain AMB-1. Results showed that most iron is not contained in crystals. We then adapted protocols for the fluorescent Fe(II) detection in bacteria and showed that iron could be detected outside crystals using fluorescence assays. This work suggests a more complex picture for iron homeostasis in MTB than previously thought. Because iron speciation controls its fate in the environment, our results also provide important insights into the geochemical impact of MTB.
Genome Sequences of Four Potentially Therapeutic Bacteriophages Infecting Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Dias Carla , Almeida Carina , Łobocka Małgorzata , Oliveira Hugo
Published: September 2020

Four phages infecting Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains of different serotypes were isolated from wastewater samples. Their virion DNAs range from 51 to 170 kbp, are circularly permuted or have defined terminal repeats, and can encode 82 to 279 proteins. Despite their high similarity to other phages, only about 30% of their genes have a predicted function.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Mycolicibacterium
sp. Strain NIID-NTM18, Isolated from Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection and Most Similar to Mycolicibacterium litorale
Authors: Fukano Hanako , Miyama Hiroshi , Takatsuki Seiji , Hirabayashi Aki , Suzuki Masato , Yoshida Mitsunori , Uwamino Yoshifumi , Hasegawa Naoki , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: September 2020

Mycolicibacterium litorale
is a rapidly growing mycobacterial organism with unknown pathogenic features. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Mycolicibacterium
sp. strain NIID-NTM18, which was isolated from a cardiac implantable electronic device infection and which is most similar to
M. litorale
. This sequence will provide essential information for future studies of the pathogenicity of these mycobacteria.
Complete Genome Sequences of Eight Phages Infecting Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Swine
Authors: Ferreira Alice , Oliveira Hugo , Silva Daniela , Almeida Carina , Burgan Julia , Azeredo Joana , Oliveira Ana
Published: September 2020

We report eight phages infecting enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
responsible for intestinal infections in piglets. Phages vB_EcoM_F1, vB_EcoM_FB, vB_EcoS_FP, vB_EcoM_FT, vB_EcoM_SP1, vB_EcoP_SP5M, vB_EcoP_SP7, and vB_EcoS_SP8 were isolated between 2007 and 2018 in the Iberian Peninsula. These viruses span the three tailed phage families,
Podoviridae
,
Siphoviridae
, and
Myoviridae.
Supplemental Material: Permian plume-strengthened Tarim lithosphere controls the Cenozoic deformation pattern of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen
Authors: Xu Xi , Chen Hanlin , al. et
Published: September 2020

Geochemical compilation and details for magnetic data processing, plume-head restoration, and rheological profiles.
Long-term oxygen therapy in children with sickle cell disease and hypoxaemia
Authors: Liguoro Ilaria , Arigliani Michele , Singh Bethany , Rees David , Inusa Baba P D , Gupta Atul
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability and safety profile of nocturnal long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and chronic hypoxaemia.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients, setting and intervention

Children with SCD who started LTOT from 2014 to early 2019 in two tertiary hospitals in London, UK were retrospectively enrolled. Patients who started disease-modifying therapies <12 months before LTOT or while on LTOT were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Minor and major adverse events during LTOT were reported. Laboratory and clinical data, transcranial Doppler (TCD) scans and overnight oximetry studies performed at steady state within 12 months before and after starting LTOT were compared.

Results

Nineteen children (10 males; median age 12 years, range 6–15) were included. Nearly half of them (9/19; 47%) were on hydroxyurea at baseline. No child discontinued LTOT because of intolerance or poor adherence. No major adverse events were reported. Laboratory data did not show significant changes in haemoglobin and reticulocyte count after 1 year of follow-up. No statistically significant change in the incidence of vaso-occlusive pain events was noted (median annual rate from 0.5 to 0 episode per patient/year; p=0.062). Overnight oximetry tests performed while on LTOT showed improvements in all oxygen saturation parameters (mean overnight and nadir SpO2, % of time spent with SpO2 <90%) compared with the baseline.

Conclusion

LTOT is a safe and feasible treatment option for children with SCD and chronic hypoxaemia.
Small choroidal melanoma: outcomes following apical height dose brachytherapy
Authors: Yupari Renato Jose , Bena James , Wilkinson Allan , Suh John , Singh Arun
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assess the outcomes of small choroidal melanoma following iodine-125 episcleral brachytherapy (apical height dose of 85 Gy).

Methods

Patients with small choroidal melanoma that underwent iodine-125 episcleral brachytherapy between January 2004 and December 2017 were reviewed. Inclusion criterion for this study was the COMS small tumour size (tumour apical height of 1.0–2.5 mm and largest basal diameter (LBD) <16.0 mm). Patients that received any form of prior therapy or adjuvant transpupillary thermotherapy were excluded. Outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), recurrence, ocular survival and metastasis at 3 years. Kaplan-Meier estimation was calculated for VA, recurrence, ocular survival and survival outcome (overall and metastasis-free survival rate) at 3 years.

Results

161 cases of choroidal melanoma were included in this study, with the mean (SD) age of 59.6 (14.1) years, and 93 (58%) were males. The mean (SD) apical height for the tumours were 2.1 (0.4) mm and mean (SD) LBD was 8.3 (2.2) mm. The mean (SD, median) follow-up was 40.7 months (37.1, 25 months). The VA was 20/50 or better in 69%. Only one recurrence event (1%) and one enucleation event (1%) were observed. Overall survival was 97%, and no metastatic events were observed at 3 years.

Conclusion

Small choroidal melanomas treated with iodine-125 episcleral brachytherapy have excellent outcomes. The majority (69%) of patients retained VA of 20/50 or better with very high local control and ocular survival rate (99.3%) with the absence of metastasis (100%).
The international and domestic politics of type 2 diabetes policy reform in Brazil
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Understanding the international and domestic political factors influencing the evolution of type 2 diabetes policies and primary care institutions is a new area of scholarly research. This article contributes to this area of inquiry by illustrating how a government’s shifting foreign policy aspirations, that is, to establish the government’s reputation as an internationally recognised leader in type 2 diabetes policy,and presidential electoral incentives provide alternative insights into the evolution of type 2 diabetes treatment policies and primary care institutional reforms.

Methods

I conduct a single-case study analysis with the usage of qualitative data; quantitative statistical data on epidemiological trends and government policy spending is also provided as supportive evidence.

Results

The case of Brazil illustrates how a reduction in foreign policy commitment to international reputation building in health as well as presidential electoral incentives to use diabetes policy as an electoral strategy account for a decline in sustaining policy and primary care institutional innovations in response to type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Future scholars interested in understanding the lack of sustainability and effectiveness in type 2 diabetes programmes should consider investigating the complex international and domestic political factors influencing political interests, incentives and commitment to reform.
Newborn signal functions in Bangladesh: identification through expert consultation and assessment of readiness among public health facilities—study protocol using Delphi technique
Authors: Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Banik Goutom , Mhajabin Shema , Tahsina Tazeen , Islam Md. Jahurul , Uddin Ahmed Farid , Islam Mushair Ul , Mannan Md Abdul , Dey Sanjoy Kumer , Sharmin Shamina , Mehran Fida , Khan Mahbuba , Ahmed Anisuddin , Al Sabir Ahmed , Sultana Shahin , Ahsan Ziaul , Rubayet Sayed , George Joby , Karim Afsana , Shahidullah Mohammod , Arifeen Shams El
Published: September 2020

Introduction

There is a set of globally accepted and nationally adapted signal functions for categorising health facilities for maternal services. Newborn resuscitation is the only newborn intervention which is included in the WHO recommended list of emergency obstetric care signal functions. This is not enough to comprehensively assess the readiness of a health facility for providing newborn services. In order to address the major causes of newborn death, the Government of Bangladesh has prioritised a set of newborn interventions for national scale-up, the majority of which are facility-based. Effective delivery of these interventions depends on a core set of functions (skills and services). However, there is no standardised and approved set of newborn signal functions (NSFs) based on which the service availability and readiness of a health facility can be assessed for providing newborn services. Thus, this study will be the first of its kind to identify such NSFs. These NSFs can categorise health facilities and assist policymakers and health managers to appropriately plan and adequately monitor the progress and performance of health facilities delivering newborn healthcare.

Methods and analysis

We will adopt the Delphi technique of consensus building for identification of NSFs and 1–2 indicator for each function while employing expert consultation from relevant experts in Bangladesh. Based on the identified NSFs and signal function indicators, the existing health facility assessment (HFA) tools will be updated, and an HFA survey will be conducted to assess service availability and readiness of public health facilities in relation to the new NSFs. Descriptive statistics (proportion) with a 95% CI will be used to report the level of service availability and readiness of public facilities regarding NSFs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from Research Review and Ethical Review Committee of icddr, b (PR-17089). Results will be disseminated through meetings, seminars, conference presentations and international peer-review journal articles.
Correlation of sarcopenia and depressive mood in older community dwellers: a cross-sectional observational study in China
Authors: Chen Lei , Sheng Yunlu , Qi Hanmei , Tang Tingting , Yu Jing , Lv Shan
Published: September 2020

Objective

Whether sarcopenia is detrimental to depression is still controversial, which may be due to the three components of the sarcopenia. Our objective was to define the correlation between depression and sarcopenia in older Chinese community dwellers.

Design

The study has a cross-sectional design.

Setting

The study was conducted in Jiangsu, China.

Participants

A total of 101 men and 149 women aged 60 years or older were recruited.

Outcome measures

Lean tissue mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs was measured by a handheld dynamometer and a chair stand test, respectively. Physical performance was assessed by gait speed and standing balance tests. Depressive mood was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (range 0–30).

Results

Participants in the sarcopenia group had a higher mean depression score than the normal group (p=0.002). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that depression was negatively associated with muscle strength (handgrip strength: R=−0.170, p=0.028 for women, R=−0.196, p=0.048 for men; chair stand test performance: R=0.252, p=0.002 for women, R=0.311, p=0.001 for men) and physical performance (gait speed: R=−0.200, p=0.009, standing balance test performance: R=−0.224, p=0.006, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB): R=−0.218, p=0.007 for women; SPPB: R=−0.252, p=0.01 for men). Multiple linear regression models revealed that depressive mood was inversely associated with chair stand test (β=0.325, p<0.001), gait speed (β=−0.009, p=0.041) and standing balance test (β=−0.24, p=0.016) after adjusting for confounding factors, while no significant correlation was observed between depressive mood and muscle mass.

Conclusion

The diagnostic components of sarcopenia—strength of the leg muscles (chair stand test) and physical performance (gait speed and standing balance test)—were associated with depressive mood.
Prevalence of depression symptoms and its influencing factors among pregnant women in late pregnancy in urban areas of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Yunhan , Zhu Xidi , Xu Huilan , Hu Zhao , Zhou Wensu , Zheng Baohua , Yin Shilin
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its influencing factors in late pregnancy.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Fourteen community in urban areas of Hengyang City.

Participants

The study conducted from July to October 2019, and surveyed 813 women in late pregnancy who lived in urban areas of Hengyang for more than 6 months, signed an informed consent and were without cognitive disorders, severe mental illnesses or other serious diseases.

Measures

Perinatal depression symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and perinatal anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. Sociodemographic variables, obstetric characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, family factors, social support, sleep quality and self-efficacy were obtained through structured questionnaires.

Results

The prevalence of depression symptoms among pregnant women in late pregnancy was 9.2% (95% CI 7.2%–11.2%). Protective factor: age between 25 and 29 years (OR=0.398; 95% CI 0.16–0.991). Risk factors: a normal relationship with her mother-in-law (OR=5.309; 95% CI 1.122–4.184), artificial insemination (OR=4.339; 95% CI 1.492–12.623), no exercise during pregnancy (OR=2.666; 95% CI 1.177–6.039), low self-efficacy (OR=4.253; 95% CI 1.518–11.916), low social support (OR=2.371; 95% CI 1.206–4.661), poor sleep quality (OR=2.134; 95% CI 1.131–4.027), existence of anxiety symptoms (OR=17.654; 95% CI 8.494–36.689).

Conclusion

The prevalence of depression symptoms is lower than that in developing countries, but due to the large population base of China, the problem should still be taken seriously. To prevent mental disorders of pregnant women, early screening for mental disorders, promotion of healthy lifestyles, mental healthcare during pregnancy and improved family and social support should be implemented during pregnancy nursing.