bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual speech differentially modulates beta, theta, and high gamma bands in auditory cortex
Authors: Ganesan Karthik , Plass John , Beltz Adriene M. , Liu Zhongming , Grabowecky Marcia , Suzuki Satoru , Stacey William C. , Wasade Vibhangini S. , Towle Vernon L. , Tao James X , Wu Shasha , Issa Naoum P , Brang David
Published: September 2020

Speech perception is a central component of social communication. While principally an auditory process, accurate speech perception in everyday settings is supported by meaningful information extracted from visual cues (e.g., speech content, timing, and speaker identity). Previous research has shown that visual speech modulates activity in cortical areas subserving auditory speech perception, including the superior temporal gyrus (STG), potentially through feedback connections from the multisensory posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS). However, it is unknown whether visual modulation of auditory processing in the STG is a unitary phenomenon or, rather, consists of multiple temporally, spatially, or functionally distinct processes. To explore these questions, we examined neural responses to audiovisual speech measured from intracranially implanted electrodes within the temporal cortex of 21 patients undergoing clinical monitoring for epilepsy. We found that visual speech modulates auditory processes in the STG in multiple ways, eliciting temporally and spatially distinct patterns of activity that differ across theta, beta, and high-gamma frequency bands. Before speech onset, visual information increased high-gamma power in the posterior STG and suppressed beta power in mid-STG regions, suggesting crossmodal prediction of speech signals in these areas. After sound onset, visual speech decreased theta power in the middle and posterior STG, potentially reflecting a decrease in sustained feedforward auditory activity. These results are consistent with models that posit multiple distinct mechanisms supporting audiovisual speech perception and provide a crucial map for subsequent studies to identify the types of visual features that are encoded by these separate mechanisms.
Label-free and Multimodal Second Harmonic Generation Light Sheet Microscopy
Authors: Hanrahan Niall , Lane Simon I. R. , Johnson Peter , Bourdakos Konstantinos , Brereton Christopher , Ridley Robert A. , Davies Elizabeth R. , Hosny Neveen A. , Spickermann Gunnar , Forster Robert , Malcolm Graeme , Davies Donna , Jones Mark G. , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: September 2020

Light sheet microscopy (LSM) has emerged as one of most profound three dimensional (3D) imaging tools in the life sciences over the last decade. However, LSM is currently performed with fluorescence detection on one- or multi-photon excitation. Label-free LSM imaging approaches have been rather limited. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging is a label-free technique that has enabled detailed investigation of collagenous structures, including its distribution and remodelling in cancers and respiratory tissue, and how these link to disease. SHG is generally regarded as having only forward- and back-scattering components, apparently precluding the orthogonal detection geometry used in Light Sheet Microscopy. In this work we demonstrate SHG imaging on a light sheet microscope (SHG-LSM) using a rotated Airy beam configuration that demonstrates a powerful new approach to direct, without any further processing or deconvolution, 3D imaging of harmonophores such as collagen in biological samples. We provide unambiguous identification of SHG signals on the LSM through its wavelength and polarisation sensitivity. In a multimodal LSM setup we demonstrate that SHG and two-photon signals can be acquired on multiple types of different biological samples. We further show that SHG-LSM is sensitive to changes in collagen synthesis within lung fibroblast 3D cell cultures. This work expands on the existing optical methods available for use with light sheet microscopy, adding a further label-free imaging technique which can be combined with other detection modalities to realise a powerful multi-modal microscope for 3D bioimaging.
Nonlinear decoding of natural images from large-scale primate retinal ganglion recordings
Authors: Kim Young Joon , Brackbill Nora , Batty Ella , Lee JinHyung , Mitelut Catalin , Tong William , Chichilnisky E.J. , Paninski Liam
Published: September 2020

Decoding sensory stimuli from neural activity can provide insight into how the nervous system might interpret the physical environment, and facilitates the development of brain-machine interfaces. Nevertheless, the neural decoding problem remains a significant open challenge. Here, we present an efficient nonlinear decoding approach for inferring natural scene stimuli from the spiking activities of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Our approach uses neural networks to improve upon existing decoders in both accuracy and scalability. Trained and validated on real retinal spike data from > 1000 simultaneously recorded macaque RGC units, the decoder demonstrates the necessity of nonlinear computations for accurate decoding of the fine structures of visual stimuli. Specifically, high-pass spatial features of natural images can only be decoded using nonlinear techniques, while low-pass features can be extracted equally well by linear and nonlinear methods. Together, these results advance the state of the art in decoding natural stimuli from large populations of neurons.

Author summary

Neural decoding is a fundamental problem in computational and statistical neuroscience. There is an enormous literature on this problem, applied to a wide variety of brain areas and nervous systems. Here we focus on the problem of decoding visual information from the retina. The bulk of previous work here has focused on simple linear decoders, applied to modest numbers of simultaneously recorded cells, to decode artificial stimuli. In contrast, here we develop a scalable nonlinear decoding method to decode natural images from the responses of over a thousand simultaneously recorded units, and show that this decoder significantly improves on the state of the art.
Effects of photobiomodulation on the redox state of healthy and cancer cells
Authors: de Faria Clara Maria Gonçalves , Ciol Heloisa , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Pratavieira Sebastião
Published: September 2020

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses light to stimulate cells. The molecular basis of the effects of PBM is being unveiled, but it is stated that the cytochrome-c oxidase enzyme in mitochondria, a photon acceptor of PBM, contributes to an increase in ATP production and modulates the reduction and oxidation of electron carriers NADH and FAD. As it can stimulate cells, PBM is not used on tumors. Thus, it is interesting to investigate if its effects correlate to mitochondrial metabolism and if so, how it could be linked to the optical redox ratio (ORR). To that end, fibroblasts and oral cancer cells were irradiated with a light source of 780 nm and a total dose of 5 J/cm2, and imaged by optical microscopy. PBM down-regulated the SCC-25 ORR by 10%. Furthermore, PBM led to an increase in ROS and ATP production in cancer cells after 4 h, while fibroblasts only had a modest ATP increase 6 h after irradiation. Cell lines did not show distinct cell cycle profiles, as both had an increase in G2/M cells. This study indicates that PBM shifts the redox state of oral cancer cells towards glycolysis and affects normal and tumor cells through distinct pathways. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the effects of PBM on mitochondrial metabolism from the initiation of the cascade to DNA replication. This is an essential step in the investigation of the mechanism of action of PBM in an effort to avoid misinterpretations of a variety of combined protocols.
Direct Visualization of Protein Kinase A Activation on DNA Origami using Fast-Scan Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Mela Ioanna , Ladant Daniel , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Endo Masayuki , Edwardson J. Michael , Henderson Robert M.
Published: September 2020

DNA origami nanostructures provide a unique platform for the direct observation of protein-protein interactions at the single-molecule level. Here, we used DNA origami in combination with fast-scan atomic force microscopy to observe the activation-induced dissociation of individual protein kinase A (PKA) holoenzymes. The PKA holoenzyme consists of two regulatory (R) and two catalytic (C) subunits. When cAMP binds to the R subunits it causes dissociation of the C subunits from the R subunit dimer and activation of the enzyme. Using a DNA origami platform, we were able to observe the activation of PKA in response to photolysis of caged cAMP. Furthermore, exploiting the potential of DNA origami for precise positioning of biomolecules, we were able to position the catalytic subunit of adenylyl cyclase in close proximity to PKA and to observe the activation of PKA in response to cAMP produced by adenylyl cyclase. We provide tools for the observation of signalling pathways at the single-molecule level and show that the C subunits of PKA dissociate from the holoenzyme but stay within ~10 nm of the R subunit dimer upon activation.
Single-molecule FRET monitors CLC transporter conformation and subunit independence
Authors: Cheng Ricky C. , Krishnamoorti Ayush , Berka Vladimir , Durham Ryan J , Jayaraman Vasanthi , Maduke Merritt
Published: September 2020

“CLC” transporters catalyze the exchange of chloride ions for protons across cellular membranes. As secondary active transporters, CLCs must alternately allow ion access to and from the extracellular and intracellular sides of the membrane, adopting outward-facing and inward-facing conformational states. Here, we use single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to monitor the conformational state of CLC-ec1, anE. colihomolog for which high-resolution structures of occluded and outward-facing states are known. Since each subunit within the CLC homodimer contains its own transport pathways for chloride and protons, we developed a labeling strategy to follow conformational change within a subunit, without crosstalk from the second subunit of the dimer. Using this strategy, we evaluated smFRET efficiencies for labels positioned on the extracellular side of the protein, to monitor the status of the outer permeation pathway. When [H+] is increased to enrich the outward-facing state, the smFRET efficiencies for this pair decrease. In a triple-mutant CLC-ec1 that mimics the protonated state of the protein and is known to favor the outward-facing conformation, the lower smFRET efficiency is observed at both low and high [H+]. These results confirm that the smFRET assay is following the transition to the outward-facing state and demonstrate the feasibility of using smFRET to monitor the relatively small (~1 Å) motions involved in CLC transporter conformational change. Using the smFRET assay, we show that the conformation of the partner subunit does not influence the conformation of the subunit being monitored by smFRET, thus providing evidence for the independence of the two subunits in the transport process.

Cheng, Krishnamoorti et al. use single-molecule Förster energy resonance transfer measurements to monitor the conformation of a CLC transporter and to show that the conformational state is not influenced by the neighboring subunit.
Localization and steric effect of the lone electron pair of the tellurium Te4+cation and other cations of thep-block elements. A systematic study
Authors: Hamani D. , Masson O. , Thomas P.
Published: September 2020

A simple method has been developed based on pure geometrical concepts to localize lone pairs (LPs) of cations of thep-block elements and model their steric effect. The method was applied to 1185 structures containing LP cations in 2439 non-equivalent positions. For oxide crystal structures, it is observed that, going from bottom left to top right in the periodic table, LPs move away from the cation core and decrease in size. For a given kind of cation M*, the LP radius increases linearly with the M*–LP distance, the smallest rate being observed for Tl+and the largest for Cl5+. The influence of the anion type was also studied in the case of the Te4+cation. Overall, the same trends were observed. The smallest Te–LP distances and LP radii are found for anions of large size and small charge.
Controllable formation of unusual homocrystals in poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) asymmetric blends induced by the constraining effects of pre-existing stereocomplexes
Authors: Xie Qing , Xu Wenqing , Zhou Jian , Zheng Ying , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong , Pan Pengju
Published: September 2020

Crystallization in confined environments usually induces polymers showing complicated crystallization kinetics and unusual crystalline structure. Beyond the typical confined polymer systems, pre-existing crystals can also exert confinement effects on the subsequent crystallization of polymorphic or multi-component polymers; this, however, is not well understood at present. Herein, poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) (PLLA/PDLA, abbreviated as L/D) asymmetric blends with various PDLA fractions (f
D = 0.02–0.5) are chosen as a model system and the effects of pre-existing stereocomplexes (SCs) on the crystallization kinetics and polymorphic structure are investigated. It is found that unusual β-form homocrystals (HCs) of poly(lactic acid) can be formed in an asymmetric L/D blend, which are strongly influenced by the molecular weights (MWs) of the used polymers, L/D mixing ratio, thermal treatment temperature (T
max) and crystallization temperature (T
c). The formation of β-HCs is preferred in asymmetric L/D blends with low and medium MWs, medium f
D (0.1–0.2), medium T
max (170–200°C), and low T
c (70–110°C). The metastable β-HCs reorganize into the more stable α-HCs via melt recrystallization in the heating process. It is proposed that the β-HC formation stems from the constraining effects of pre-existing SCs; this constraining effect is governed by the content of pre-existing unmelted SCs in the thermally treated samples.
Structural insights into the effect of active-site mutation on the catalytic mechanism of carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Kim Jin Kyun , Lee Cheol , Lim Seon Woo , Andring Jacob T. , Adhikari Aniruddha , McKenna Robert , Kim Chae Un
Published: September 2020

Enzymes are catalysts of biological processes. Significant insight into their catalytic mechanisms has been obtained by relating site-directed mutagenesis studies to kinetic activity assays. However, revealing the detailed relationship between structural modifications and functional changes remains challenging owing to the lack of information on reaction intermediates and of a systematic way of connecting them to the measured kinetic parameters. Here, a systematic approach to investigate the effect of an active-site-residue mutation on a model enzyme, human carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), is described. Firstly, structural analysis is performed on the crystallographic intermediate states of native CA II and its V143I variant. The structural comparison shows that the binding affinities and configurations of the substrate (CO2) and product (HCO3−) are altered in the V143I variant and the water network in the water-replenishment pathway is restructured, while the proton-transfer pathway remains mostly unaffected. This structural information is then used to estimate the modifications of the reaction rate constants and the corresponding free-energy profiles of CA II catalysis. Finally, the obtained results are used to reveal the effect of the V143I mutation on the measured kinetic parameters (kcatandkcat/Km) at the atomic level. It is believed that the systematic approach outlined in this study may be used as a template to unravel the structure–function relationships of many other biologically important enzymes.
Advances in long-wavelength native phasing at X-ray free-electron lasers
Authors: Nass Karol , Cheng Robert , Vera Laura , Mozzanica Aldo , Redford Sophie , Ozerov Dmitry , Basu Shibom , James Daniel , Knopp Gregor , Cirelli Claudio , Martiel Isabelle , Casadei Cecilia , Weinert Tobias , Nogly Przemyslaw , Skopintsev Petr , Usov Ivan , Leonarski Filip , Geng Tian , Rappas Mathieu , Doré Andrew S. , Cooke Robert , Nasrollahi Shirazi Shahrooz , Dworkowski Florian , Sharpe May , Olieric Natacha , Bacellar Camila , Bohinc Rok , Steinmetz Michel O. , Schertler Gebhard , Abela Rafael , Patthey Luc , Schmitt Bernd , Hennig Michael , Standfuss Jörg , Wang Meitian , Milne Christopher J.
Published: September 2020

Long-wavelength pulses from the Swiss X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) have been used for de novo protein structure determination by native single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (native-SAD) phasing of serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) data. In this work, sensitive anomalous data-quality indicators and model proteins were used to quantify improvements in native-SAD at XFELs such as utilization of longer wavelengths, careful experimental geometry optimization, and better post-refinement and partiality correction. Compared with studies using shorter wavelengths at other XFELs and older software versions, up to one order of magnitude reduction in the required number of indexed images for native-SAD was achieved, hence lowering sample consumption and beam-time requirements significantly. Improved data quality and higher anomalous signal facilitate so-far underutilized de novo structure determination of challenging proteins at XFELs. Improvements presented in this work can be used in other types of SFX experiments that require accurate measurements of weak signals, for example time-resolved studies.
Crystal structures of two magnesium citrates from powder diffraction data
Authors: Kaduk James A.
Published: September 2020

The crystal structures of magnesium hydrogen citrate dihydrate, Mg(HC6H5O7)(H2O)2, (I), and bis(dihydrogen citrato)magnesium, Mg(H2C6H5O7)2, (II), have been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. In (I), the citrate anion occurs in thetrans, trans-conformation, and triply chelates to the Mg cation. In (II), the citrate anion istrans, gauche, and doubly chelates to the Mg cation. In both compounds the Mg cation coordination polyhedron is an octahedron. In (I), the MgO6coordination polyhedra are isolated, while in (II), they share edges to form chains. Strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds are prominent in the two structures, as well as in the previously reported magnesium citrate decahydrate.
3-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[f]chromen-1-one
Authors: Sung Jiha
Published: September 2020

In the title compound, C20H16O3, the 2-methoxyphenyl ring is tilted by 50.67 (3)° with respect to the naphthyl ring system. The central pyran ring has an envelope conformation with the C atom bearing the pendant ring system as the flap. The methoxy group attached to the benzene ring is slightly twisted [C—C—O—C = −15.2 (1)°] from the ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules into C(7) chains propagating along [101].
11,11-Diphenyl-11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline
Authors: Chen Lin , Hu Jin , Wu Li-Li , Sun Hong-Shun
Published: September 2020

In the title compound, C27H18N2, the mean planes of the pendant benzene rings are approximately perpendicular to one another, making a dihedral angle of 79.3 (5)°; the indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.1197 Å) is twisted with respect to the pendant benzene rings by 70.0 (4) and 67.6 (3)°. Weak aromatic π–π stacking [centroid–centroid separation = 3.628 (2) Å] and C—H...π interactions occur in the crystal.
The effect of self-efficacy on job performance through creativity: the moderating roles of customer incivility and service scripts
Authors: Hur Won-Moo , Moon Tae-Won , Lee Jun-Ho
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effect of self-efficacy on job performance through creativity. We predicted that exposure to customer incivility and rigid service scripts will moderate the mediating effect of creativity on the relationship between self-efficacy and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 397 salespersons who were working in a department store in South Korea. The PROCESS macro was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that the positive relationship between self-efficacy and job performance was partially mediated by creativity. Furthermore, exposure to customer incivility and rigid service scripts weakened the positive effects of self-efficacy on creativity. Finally, customer incivility and rigid service scripts also dampened the positive effects of self-efficacy on job performance through creativity.

Research limitations/implications

Sales organizations should understand that the extent to which self-efficacy improves job performance by enhancing creativity is contingent on the extent to which salespersons are exposed to customer incivility and are required to adhere to rigid service scripts in the workplace.

Originality/value

Our findings paint a more complete portrait of the beneficial effects of self-efficacy. Specifically, they suggest that the development of creativity is an important mechanism that underlies the process by which internal resources enhance job performance and that customer incivility and service scripts weaken this relationship.
Something borrowed, something blue: reflections on theory borrowing in educational administration research
Authors: Berkovich Izhak
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The practice of theory borrowing from other research fields is common in interdisciplinary and applied research. Nevertheless, educational administration researchers seldom discuss this phenomenon and its complexities in depth.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay provides an overview of what has been written about the practice of theory borrowing.

Findings

After presenting the criticism on misusing theory borrowing, it outlines several recommendations to improve theory borrowing in education administration research by domesticating it through conceptual blending.

Originality/value

The purpose of this essay is to motivate educational administration scholars to reflect on the practice of theory borrowing. The guidelines offered here for promoting conceptual blending serve as a middle ground for mitigating a key problem of theory borrowing.
Acoustic monitoring data of anuran species inside and outside the evacuation zone of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant accident
Authors: Yoshioka Akira , Matsushima Noe , Jingu Shoma , Kumada Nao , Yokota Ryoko , Totsu Kumiko , Fukasawa Keita
Published: September 2020

The Fukushima Daiichi power plant accident led to large‐scale and long‐term evacuation zones in which usual land‐use activities such as farming have been stopped. In particular, the loss of irrigated rice paddies is hypothesized to have seriously impacted freshwater biodiversity. In 2014, we started acoustic monitoring of frogs by using digital voice recorders in and around the evacuation zone. For the monitoring project, 52 and 57 monitoring sites were located within schoolyards (including those that had been converted into community centers) to examine the frog assemblages in the urban and rural landscapes of the region in 2014 and 2015, respectively. At each site, a digital voice recorder was installed during the period from May to July, and we recorded 10 min a day at night using a timed‐recording mode. We divided the audio data into 20‐s segments and identified species recorded in segments sampled from late May to late June (partly in early July). We identified eight frog species from 1,962 audio segments in total (correspond to 4 days per year in principal). For each species, intensity of calling at four levels was also recorded as an index of abundance. We are continuing to monitor and intend to update the dataset with new observations hereafter. Our dataset will support scientists and experts in recognizing the status and dynamics of anuran assemblages in and around the evacuation zone and will contribute to the promotion of open science.

The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-12.1/jalter-en.
Quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence analysis identifies infiltrating PD1+CD8+ and CD8+ T cells as predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Liang Hongling , Li Hongsheng , Xie Zhi , Jin Tianen , Chen Yu , Lv Zhiyi , Tan Xiaojun , Li Jia , Han Guodong , He Weixing , Qiu Ni , Jiang Ming , Zhou Jie , Xia Haoming , Zhan Yongtao , Cui Lulu , Guo Weiling , Huang Jianqing , Zhang Xuchao , Wu Yi‐long
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to explore the potentially predictive role and dynamic changes of immune checkpoints on T cell subsets in patients with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapies.

Methods

Fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was used to stain CD4, CD8, PD1, TIM3, and cytokeratins simultaneously in paired breast cancer samples before and after neoadjuvant therapies (NAT) in a prospective cohort (n = 50). Singleplex IHC was conducted to stain for CD3 in 100 cases with inclusion of extra retrospective 50 cases. Cell levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and pathological complete response (pCR).

Results

In pretreatment tumors, the percentages of infiltrating CD8+, PD1+, PD1+CD8+, and the ratio of PD1+CD8+/CD8+ cells, were higher in pCR than non‐pCR patients in either the stromal or intratumoral area, but PD1+CD4+, TIM3+CD4+, TIM3+CD8+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio was not. Multivariate analyses showed that the percentage of intratumoral CD8+ cells (OR, 1.712; 95% CI: 1.052–2.786; P = 0.030) and stromal PD1+CD8+/CD8+ ratio (OR, 1.109; 95% CI: 1.009–1.218; P = 0.032) were significantly associated with pCR. Dynamically, reduction in the percentages of PD1+, CD8+ and PD1+CD8+ cells after therapy strongly correlated with pCR. Notably, incremental percentages of PD1+CD8+ cells, rather than TIM3+CD8+, were shown in tumors from non‐pCR patients after NAT. CD3 staining confirmed the percentage of T cells were associated with pCR.

Conclusions

PD1+CD8+ rather than TIM3+CD8+ cells are main predictive components within tumor‐infiltrating T cells in NAT breast cancer patients. Dynamically incremental levels of PD1+CD8+ cells occurred in non‐pCR cases after NAT, suggesting the combination of chemotherapy with PD1 inhibition might benefit these patients.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

PD1+CD8+, rather than TIM3+CD8+, T cells are the main component to predict the response of neoadjuvant therapies in breast cancer.

What this study adds

Incremental levels of PD1+CD8+ T cells in non‐pCR post‐NAT tumors suggest PD1 inhibition might benefit in the neoadjuvant setting.
Targeting UDP‐glucose dehydrogenase inhibits ovarian cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Lin Li‐Hsun , Chou Hsiu‐Chuan , Chang Shing‐Jyh , Liao En‐Chi , Tsai Yi‐Ting , Wei Yu‐Shan , Chen Hsin‐Yi , Lin Meng‐Wei , Wang Yi‐Shiuan , Chien Yu‐An , Yu Xin‐Ru , Chan Hong‐Lin
Published: September 2020

More than 70% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in advanced stages. Therefore, it is urgent to identify a promising prognostic marker and understand the mechanism of ovarian cancer metastasis development. By using proteomics approaches, we found that UDP‐glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) was up‐regulated in highly metastatic ovarian cancer TOV21G cells, characterized by high invasiveness (TOV21GHI), in comparison to its parental control. Previous reports demonstrated that UGDH is involved in cell migration, but its specific role in cancer metastasis remains unclear. By performing immunohistochemical staining with tissue microarray, we found overexpression of UGDH in ovarian cancer tissue, but not in normal adjacent tissue. Silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) was utilized to knockdown UGDH, which resulted in a significant decrease in metastatic ability in transwell migration, transwell invasion and wound healing assays. The knockdown of UGDH caused cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and induced a massive decrease of tumour formation rate in vivo. Our data showed that UGDH‐depletion led to the down‐regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related markers as well as MMP2, and inactivation of the ERK/MAPK pathway. In conclusion, we found that the up‐regulation of UGDH is related to ovarian cancer metastasis and the deficiency of UGDH leads to the decrease of cell migration, cell invasion, wound healing and cell proliferation ability. Our findings reveal that UGDH can serve as a prognostic marker and that the inhibition of UGDH is a promising strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.
News on intra‐specific trait variation, species sorting, and optimality theory for functional biogeography and beyond
Authors: Tautenhahn Susanne , Migliavacca Mirco , Kattge Jens
Published: September 2020

This article is a Commentary on Dong et al. (2020), 228: 82–94.
Dose–Response Relationship Between External Load and Wellness in Elite Women’s Soccer Matches: Do Customized Velocity Thresholds Add Value?
Authors: Scott Dawn , Norris Dean , Lovell Ric
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To examine the dose–response relationship between match-play high-speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint (SPR) distances versus subsequent ratings of fatigue and soreness. Methods: Thirty-six outfield players competing in the professional National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL, United States) with a minimum of five 90-minute match observations were monitored during the 2016 and 2017 seasons (408 match observations, 11 [6]/player). HSR (≥3.47 m·s−1), VHSR (≥5.28 m·s−1), and SPR (≥6.25 m·s−1) were determined generically (GEN) in players using a 10-Hz global positioning system. HSR, VHSR, and SPR speed thresholds were also reconfigured according to player peak speed per se and in combination with the final velocity achieved in the 30:15 Intermittent Fitness Test (locomotor approach to establishing individual speed zones). On the morning following matches (match day [MD + 1]), players recorded subjective wellness ratings of fatigue and soreness using 7-point Likert scales. Results: Fatigue (−2.32; 95% CI, −2.60 to −2.03 au; P < .0001) and soreness (−2.05; 95% CI, −2.29 to −1.81; P < .0001) ratings worsened on MD + 1. Standardized unit changes in HSRGEN (fatigue: −0.05; 95% CI, −0.11 to 0.02 and soreness: −0.02, 95% CI, −0.07 to 0.04) and VHSRGEN (fatigue: −0.06; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.00 and soreness: −0.04; 95% CI, −0.10 to 0.02) had no influence on wellness ratings at MD + 1. Individualized speed thresholds did not improve the model fit. Conclusions: Subjective ratings of fatigue and wellness are not sensitive to substantial within-player changes in match physical performance. HSR, VHSR, and SPR thresholds customized for individual players’ athletic qualities did not improve the dose–response relationship between external load and wellness ratings.
Effect of a Fatiguing Ultratrail on the Graded Energetically Optimal Stride Frequency
Authors: Vernillo Gianluca , Mater Adrien , Doucende Gregory , Cassirame Johan , Mourot Laurent
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To study the consequences of a fatiguing ultratrail run of 6 hours on self-optimizing capability during uphill and downhill (DR) running. Methods: The authors collected temporal stride kinematics and metabolic data in 8 (experimental group) male runners before and after the ultratrail run and in 6 (control group) male ultramarathon runners who did not run but stayed awake and performed normal, daily physical activities avoiding strenuous exercises over the 6-hour period. For each subject, preferred and optimal stride frequencies were measured, where stride frequency was systematically varied above and below the preferred one (±4% and ±8%) while running 3 conditions on level, 5% uphill, or 5% DR in a randomized order. Results: Preferred and optimal stride frequencies across grade, group, and time showed no significant differences (P ≥ .184). Metabolic cost and the energetically optimum metabolic cost showed a grade × group × time interaction (P ≥ .011), with an ∼11% increase in the 2 variables only during the DR bouts (P ≥ .037). Conclusions: Despite maintaining similar dynamics of stride frequency adjustments during the DR bout, the experimental group was not able to optimize its gait. This suggests that the DR section of ultratrail runs can introduce a perturbing factor in the runners’ optimization process, highlighting the need for incorporating DR bouts in the training programs of ultratrail runners to minimize the deleterious effects of DR on the energetically optimal gait.
Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis and Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schlenk Elizabeth A. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Rogers Joan C. , Kwoh C. Kent , Sereika Susan M.
Published: September 2020

A 6-month self-efficacy intervention was compared with attention-control intervention on physical activity, clinical outcomes, and mediators immediate postintervention and 6-month postintervention in 182 older adults with knee osteoarthritis and hypertension using a randomized controlled trial design. The intervention group received six weekly individual physical therapy sessions for lower-extremity exercise and fitness walking and nine biweekly nurse telephone counseling sessions. The attention-control group received six weekly and nine biweekly nurse telephone sessions on health topics. Lower-extremity exercise was assessed by e-diary; fitness walking was assessed by accelerometer and e-diary; blood pressure was assessed by automated monitor; function was assessed by performance-based tests and questionnaires; and pain, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy were assessed by questionnaires. Self-reported lower-extremity exercise and fitness walking, function, pain, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy showed significant group or group by time effects favoring intervention. The intervention did not improve physical activity by accelerometer and blood pressure. Mean minutes of fitness walking fell short of the 150 min/week goal.
Emergency fasciotomy in an anticoagulated patient with low energy posterior thigh injury
Authors: Brooker Verity , Brown Robert , Thornton Luke , Wood Edward
Published: September 2020

We present a case of a 58-year-old patient with a low energy trauma developing compartment syndrome. He required multiple surgeries, including fasciotomy and removal of a large haematoma. He continued to bleed with a vacuum-assisted closure dressing in situ, requiring prothrombin complex Concentrate and blood transfusion. This case highlights the need for an increased awareness of possible development of compartment syndrome following low impact trauma in a patient who is anticoagulated and raises the question of a possible period of observation for those who may be at risk.
Endovascular treatment of anterior nutcracker syndrome and pelvic varices in a patient with an anterior and a posterior renal vein
Authors: Belczak Sergio Quilici , Coelho Neto Felipe , de Araújo Walter Junior Boim , Godoy José Maria de Pereira
Published: September 2020

There are few data on endovascular treatment of anterior nutcracker syndrome and pelvic varices in patients with anterior and posterior renal veins. Our objective is to report a case, identify occurrences and compare diagnosis and treatments. A 42-year-old woman presented with flank and pelvic pain and hematuria. She had anterior nutcracker syndrome and pelvic varices with an anterior and a posterior renal vein. A successful complete endovascular approach was done with stent implantation in the anterior renal vein and left gonadal vein embolisation. After 12-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with good results on CT. Only two case reports of patients with nutcracker syndrome with anterior and posterior renal veins were identified. In both, a self-expanding stent was implanted in the anterior renal vein. In conclusion, endovascular treatment represents a safe and successful option in patients with nutcracker syndrome and pelvic varices with an anterior and a posterior renal vein.
False elevation of serum cortisol in chemiluminescence immunoassay by Siemens Advia Centaur XP system in 21-hydroxylase deficiency: an ‘endocrine laboma’
Authors: Agrawal Neeti , Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Sinha Anirban , Maiti Animesh
Published: September 2020

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, the gold standard method for cortisol measurement, is expensive and not widely available in the developing countries. Chemiluminescent immunoassay, commonly used for cortisol measurement is prone to clinically meaningful inter-assay variability in some analysers. This occurs due to non-specific nature of anticortisol antibodies used in different platforms, having cross reactivity with structurally similar cortisol precursors like 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 11-deoxycortisol and 21-deoxycortisol. In patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, where 17OHP and 21-deoxycortisol are significantly elevated, older generation machines like Siemens Advia Centaur XP provide spuriously high cortisol concentration compared with values measured by Roche Cobas e 411 or Siemens Immulite 1000. Diagnosis of potentially life-threatening salt-wasting 21-hydroxylase deficiency may be missed and treatment may be delayed due to such interference. Two children with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency are being reported here, in whom high cortisol values were observed in Siemens Advia Centaur XP system.
3-in-1: bilateral subcutaneous leg abscesses and liver abscess fromKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Sandoval Mark Anthony Santiago , Roxas Ma Carrissa Abigail , Salamat Maria Sonia , Pauig Jarold , Tabu Irewin , Tonga Angelo dela
Published: September 2020

Hypervirulent strains ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeare known to cause liver abscesses and other metastatic infections. Being Asian and having diabetes are known host risk factors. Here we present an unusual case of a Filipino ballet dancer–choreographer with diabetes presenting with bilateral leg pains initially thought to be cellulitis, but was eventually diagnosed as bilateral subcutaneous leg abscesses. He also had a liver abscess, thankfully asymptomatic, which was only discovered on imaging. The occurrence of three distant abscesses in one patient, hence ‘3-in-1,’ makes this case worth reporting. Bilateral subcutaneous leg abscesses as the presenting manifestation of this infection have not been reported yet. We hypothesise that his occupation which makes use of frequent contractions of leg muscles led to increased blood flow and preferentially directed blood-borne bacteria to localise in both legs. We have also characterised the pathogen with regards to its hypermucoviscous phenotype, capsular type, virulence genes and phylogeny.
Silent hypoxia: a frequently overlooked clinical entity in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Chandra Atanu , Chakraborty Uddalak , Pal Jyotirmoy , Karmakar Parthasarathi
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 may present with a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection like illness to severe pneumonia and death. Patients may have severe hypoxaemia without proportional features of respiratory distress, also known as ‘silent’ or ‘apathetic’ hypoxia. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with COVID-19 who presented to the fever clinic of our institution with fever and cough without any respiratory distress but low oxygen saturation. The patient deteriorated over the next 2 days but eventually recovered of his illness in due course of time. This case demonstrates ‘silent hypoxia’ as a possible presentation in COVID-19 and emphasises the importance of meticulous clinical examination including oxygen saturation measurements in suspected or confirmed patients.
β-Cell function or insulin resistance was associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes among women with or without obesity and a history of gestational diabetes
Authors: Fan Yuxin , Wang Leishen , Liu Huikun , Zhang Shuang , Tian Huiguang , Shen Yun , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Yu Zhijie , Yang Xilin , Hu Gang , Liu Ming
Published: September 2020

Introduction

To evaluate the single association of postpartum β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), as well as different combinations of postpartum β-cell dysfunction, IR, obesity, and a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with postpartum type 2 diabetes risk.

Research design and methods

The study included 1263 women with prior GDM and 705 women without GDM. Homeostatic model assessment was used to estimate homeostatic model assessment of β-cell secretory function (HOMA-%β) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results

Multivariable-adjusted ORs of diabetes across quartiles of HOMA-%β and HOMA-IR were 1.00, 1.46, 2.15, and 6.25 (ptrend<0.001), and 1.00, 2.11, 5.59, and 9.36 (ptrend<0.001), respectively. Women with IR only had the same diabetes risk as women with β-cell dysfunction only. Obesity, together with IR or β-cell dysfunction, had a stronger effect on diabetes risk. This stronger effect was also found for a history of GDM with IR or β-cell dysfunction. Women with three risk factors, including obesity, a history of GDM and β-cell dysfunction/IR, showed the highest ORs of diabetes.

Conclusions

β-cell dysfunction or IR was significantly associated with postpartum diabetes. IR and β-cell dysfunction, together with obesity and a history of GDM, had the highest ORs of postpartum diabetes risk.
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and renoprotective effects of SOCS1 mimetic peptide in the BTBR ob/ob mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Opazo-Ríos Lucas , Sanchez Matus Yenniffer , Rodrigues-Díez Raúl R , Carpio Daniel , Droguett Alejandra , Egido Jesús , Gomez-Guerrero Carmen , Mezzano Sergio
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway participates in the development and progression of DN. Among the different mechanisms involved in JAK/STAT negative regulation, the family of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins has been proposed as a new target for DN. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of SOCS1 mimetic peptide in a mouse model of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with progressive DN.

Research design and methods

Six-week-old BTBR (black and tan brachyuric) mice with the ob/ob (obese/obese) leptin-deficiency mutation were treated for 7 weeks with two different doses of active SOCS1 peptide (MiS1 2 and 4 µg/g body weight), using inactive mutant peptide (Mut 4 µg) and vehicle as control groups. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed to obtain blood, urine and kidney tissue for further analysis.

Results

Treatment of diabetic mice with active peptide significantly decreased urine albumin to creatinine ratio by up to 50%, reduced renal weight, glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage, and restored podocyte numbers. Kidneys from treated mice exhibited lower inflammatory infiltrate, proinflammatory gene expression and STAT activation. Concomitantly, active peptide administration modulated redox balance markers and reduced lipid peroxidation and cholesterol transporter gene expression in diabetic kidneys.

Conclusion

Targeting SOCS proteins by mimetic peptides to control JAK/STAT signaling pathway ameliorates albuminuria, morphological renal lesions, inflammation, oxidative stress and lipotoxicity, and could be a therapeutic approach to T2D kidney disease.
Determinants and correlates of adipose tissue insulin resistance index in Japanese women without diabetes and obesity
Authors: Kitaoka Kaori , Tsuboi Ayaka , Minato-Inokawa Satomi , Honda Mari , Takeuchi Mika , Yano Megumu , Kurata Miki , Wu Bin , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Determinants and correlates of a novel index of adipose tissue insulin resistance (AT-IR) (the product of fasting insulin and free fatty acid concentrations) were investigated in Japanese women without diabetes and obesity.

Research design and methods

Cross-sectional associations of AT-IR with fat mass and distribution, and IR-related cardiometabolic variables were examined in 210 young and 148 middle-aged women whose average body mass index (BMI) was <23 kg/m2and waist was <80 cm. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify most important determinants of AT-IR.

Results

Young and middle-aged women did not differ in AT-IR (3.5±2.7 and 3.2±2.1, respectively). In both young and middle-aged women, AT-IR was positively associated with trunk/leg fat ratio, a sophisticated measure of abdominal fat accumulation, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting triglycerides (FTG), serum alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (all p<0.05). Furthermore, in middle-aged but not in young women, AT-IR showed positive associations with BMI, waist, fat mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (all p<0.05). AT-IR showed no association with hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 in two groups of women. On multivariate analysis including waist, FPG, FTG, HDL cholesterol and systolic BP as independent variables, FPG, FTG and HDL cholesterol emerged as independent determinants of AT-IR in young women (cumulative R2=0.141) and waist in middle-aged women (cumulative R2=0.056). In a model which included trunk/leg fat ratio instead of waist, trunk/leg fat ratio and systolic BP were determinants of AT-IR in middle-aged women (cumulative R2=0.093). Results did not alter in young women.

Conclusions

AT-IR may be a simple and useful surrogate index of adipose tissue insulin resistance even in populations without diabetes and obesity.
Association between mental disorders and somatic conditions: protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Cortese Samuele , Solmi Marco , Arrondo Gonzalo , Cipriani Andrea , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Larsson Henrik , Correll Christoph
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Although several systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) on the association between specific mental disorders and specific somatic conditions are available, an overarching evidence synthesis across mental disorders and somatic conditions is currently lacking. We will conduct an umbrella review of SRs/MAs to test: 1) the strength of the association between individual mental disorders and individual somatic conditions in children/adolescents and adults; 2) to which extent associations are specific to individual mental and somatic conditions .

Methods and analysis

We will search a broad set of electronic databases and contact study authors. We will include SRs with MA or SRs reporting the effect size from individual studies on the association between a number of somatic and mental conditions (as per the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision). We will follow an algorithm to select only one SR or MA when more than one are available on the same association. We will rate the quality of included SRs/MAs using the AMSTAR-2 tool. We will assess to which extent mental disorders are selectively associated with specific somatic conditions or if there are transdiagnostic, across-spectra or diagnostic spectrum-specific associations between mental disorders and somatic conditions based on the Transparent, Reporting, Appraising, Numerating, Showing (TRANSD) recommendations.

Discussion

The present umbrella review will shed light on the association between mental health disorders and somatic conditions, providing useful data for the care of patients with mental health disorders, in particular for early detection and intervention. This work might also add insight to the pathophysiology of mental health conditions, and contribute to the current debate on the value of a transdiagnostic approach in psychiatry.