bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant silicon as a factor in medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) invasion
Authors: Spackman Casey N. , Monaco Thomas A. , Stonecipher Clinton A. , Villalba Juan J.
Published: July 2020

Medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is one of the most detrimental invasive annual grasses impacting the sustainability and function of rangeland in the western United States. This annual grass possesses high concentrations of tissue silicon (Si) that may facilitate invasion through key plant characteristics such as increased plant fitness, structure, and antinutritive qualities. These characteristics may affect known invasive processes such as increased plant productivity, slow litter decomposition, and decreased herbivory, facilitating a positive feedback cycle of invasion. However, Si is not considered an essential element and is often overlooked as a factor of T. caput-medusae invasion. Thus, this article provides a synthesis of plant Si, T. caput-medusae, and the self-reinforcing feedback cycle of invasion. We also discuss how current control strategies address plant characteristics determined by Si and suggest research avenues that may aid in novel or improved control strategies that target the T. caput-medusae–silica relationship.
Rethinking intergroup contact across cultures: Predicting outgroup evaluations using different types of contact, group status, and perceived sociopolitical contexts
Authors: Pertiwi Yopina G. , Geers Andrew L. , Lee Yueh-Ting
Published: July 2020

Two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between three different types of intergroup contact (i.e., direct contact, extended contact, and online contact) and outgroup evaluation, and the moderating effect of group status and sociopolitical contexts across two cultural contexts. A total of 75 European Americans (majority) and 44 Chinese Americans (minority) participated in Study 1; whereas 61 Javanese (majority) and 72 Chinese Indonesians (minority) participated in Study 2. In both studies, participants completed an outgroup feeling thermometer as well as a set of questionnaires measuring intergroup contact, perceived outgroup political power, perceived outgroup economic power, perceived government support, and perceived quality of the current intergroup relations. Results from the two studies revealed that although contact was beneficial in both cultural contexts, there were notable moderators of the links between contact and outgroup evaluations. Specifically, the value of direct contact was greater for the minority group members in the United States, extended contact only mattered in a specific condition when the perceived government support was taken into account in the United States, and online contact was beneficial across group status in the Indonesian context. Overall, the findings provide evidence of the need to take into account the role of specific sociopolitical relations between the two groups in intergroup relations research.
Carving Out: Isolating the True Effect of Self-Interest on Policy Attitudes
Authors: HASELSWERDT JAKE
Published: July 2020

How important is self-interest in people’s opinions about public policy? If a policy proposal exempts a subset of the target group from costs that others will have to pay, or denies them benefits that others will enjoy, do they respond according to self-interest? This experimental study distinguishes between true self-interest and affinity for one’s in-group by exploiting a common feature of policy proposals: age-based “carve-outs” that prevent otherwise similar subgroups of a population from being affected by the benefits or burdens of a new policy (e.g., cuts to an old-age program that exempt people above a certain age). I find self-interest effects for older Americans exempt from cuts to Medicare and younger people too old to benefit from a hypothetical student debt relief program. These effects vary in ways that are consistent with extant theory.
DHA supplementation in infants born preterm and the effect on attention at 18 months’ corrected age: follow-up of a subset of the N3RO randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hewawasam Erandi , Collins Carmel T. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. , Yelland Lisa N. , Smithers Lisa G. , Colombo John , Makrides Maria , McPhee Andrew J. , Gould Jacqueline F.
Published: July 2020

Infants born preterm miss out on the peak period of in utero DHA accretion to the brain during the last trimester of pregnancy which is hypothesised to contribute to the increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental deficits in this population. This study aimed to determine whether DHA supplementation in infants born preterm improves attention at 18 months’ corrected age. This is a follow-up of a subset of infants who participated in the N3RO randomised controlled trial. Infants were randomised to receive an enteral emulsion of high-dose DHA (60 mg/kg per d) or no DHA (soya oil – control) from within the first days of birth until 36 weeks’ post-menstrual age. The assessment of attention involved three tasks requiring the child to maintain attention on toy/s in either the presence or absence of competition or a distractor. The primary outcome was the child’s latency of distractibility when attention was focused on a toy. The primary outcome was available for seventy-three of the 120 infants that were eligible to participate. There was no evidence of a difference between groups in the latency of distractibility (adjusted mean difference: 0·08 s, 95 % CI –0·81, 0·97; P = 0·86). Enteral DHA supplementation did not result in improved attention in infants born preterm at 18 months’ corrected age.
Carbon isotope (δ13Ccarb) stratigraphy of the Early–Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian–Darriwilian) carbonate platform in the Tarim Basin, NW China: implications for global correlations
Authors: Yang Xiaoqun , Li Zhong , Fan Tailiang , Gao Zhiqian , Tang Shuai
Published: July 2020

Guided by conodont biostratigraphy and unconformities observed in the field, stable carbon isotopic analysis (δ13Ccarb) was performed on 210 samples from Lower–Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian to Darriwilian) sections and wells in the Tarim Basin, NW China. The δ13C trend in the Tarim Basin sections has three distinct characteristics: (1) from the Tremadocian to the Floian, a positive shift from −1.9 ‰ to −0.2 ‰ is observed near the boundary between the Penglaiba Formation and the Yingshan Formation; (2) from the Floian to the Dapingian, a positive shift in δ13C from −3 ‰ to −0.7 ‰ occurred under large-scale sea-level rise and a change in the sedimentary environment from a restricted platform to an open platform. Changes in the conodont type are also observed in the Tabei region; and (3) from the Dapingian to the Darriwilian, δ13C first decreased and then increased, showing a negative shift at the Dapingian–Darriwilian boundary. During the Floian, δ13C decreased in the study area, while it first decreased and then increased in other regions, which may reflect local sea-level movements in response to isostatic crustal movements. Two types of positive shift were identified at the Floian–Dapingian boundary, which likely show the effects of local factors, including a disconformity, dolomitization, and platform restriction, superimposed on the global signal of the carbon isotope. Some conodont zonations and recurrent negative excursions in Tremadocian, Floian and Dapingian stages appear to be truncated by unconformities, which are accompanied by short-term subaerial exposure due to sea-level fall and local tectonic uplift.
Hatching and survival of the salmon ‘gill maggot’ Salmincola californiensis (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) reveals thermal dependence and undocumented naupliar stage
Authors: Murphy Christina A. , Gerth William , Arismendi Ivan
Published: July 2020

Salmincola californiensis is a Lernaeopodid copepod parasitizing Pacific salmon and trout of the genus Oncorhynchus. Salmincola californiensis is of increasing concern in both native and introduced ranges because of its potential fish health impacts and high infection prevalence and intensity in some systems. Discrepancies in the documented life history phenology of S. californiensis with the sister species Salmincola edwardsii, as well as our laboratory observations, led us to question the existing literature. We documented a naupliar stage, thought lost for S. californiensis. In addition, we found a high degree of thermal sensitivity in egg development, with eggs developing faster under warmer conditions. Survival of copepodids was also highly dependent on temperature, with warmer conditions reducing lifespan. The longest lived copepodid survived 18 days at 4°C in stark contrast to the generally accepted <48 h survival for that life stage. We also note a consistent relationship between egg sac size and the number of eggs contained. However, egg sac sizes were highly variable. Our findings demonstrate that revisiting old assumptions for S. californiensis and related taxa will be a necessary step to improving our knowledge of the parasite life history and development that will be critical to disease management.
Experimental comparison of Baylisascaris procyonis definitive host competence between domestic dogs and raccoons (Procyon lotor)
Authors: Sapp Sarah G. H. , Elsemore David A. , Hanna Rita , Yabsley Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Domestic dogs can function as either paratenic or definitive hosts for the zoonotic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. However, factors leading to development of patent infections in dogs are under-studied. Here we compared infection dynamics of B. procyonis in dogs vs the natural raccoon host. Dogs and raccoons were inoculated 5000 or 500 B. procyonis eggs (n = 3 per dose) or were fed B. procyonis-infected laboratory mice (n = 3 per dose; mice inoculated with 1000 or 250 eggs). Fecal samples were analysed via flotation and a commercial coproantigen ELISA designed for detection of Toxocara spp. Two of 12 dogs (both received low dose larvae) developed patent infections; all 12 raccoons became infected with 10 developing patent infections. Compared with dogs, prepatent periods were shorter in raccoons and maximum egg outputs were much greater. Baylisascaris procyonis coproantigens were detectable via ELISA in all raccoons and the patently infected dogs. Finally, dogs spontaneously lost infections while all patently infected raccoons shed eggs until conclusion of the study. Our results demonstrate that dogs are clearly suboptimal hosts showing limited parasite establishment and fecundity vs raccoons. Despite the low competence, patently infected dogs still pose a risk for human exposure, emphasizing the importance of control measures.
Ectoparasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) with a particular focus on ticks in subcutaneous tissues
Authors: Dwużnik Dorota , Mierzejewska Ewa Julia , Kowalec Maciej , Alsarraf Mohammed , Stańczak Łukasz , Opalińska Patrycja , Krokowska-Paluszak Małgorzata , Górecki Grzegorz , Bajer Anna
Published: July 2020

In the present study, we identified the ectoparasite communities of red foxes in three regions of Poland that encompassed two endemic regions for the occurrence ofDermacentor reticulatus, as well as a region that is free of this tick species (‘gap’ area). Our study sites were selected to enable the role of foxes as hosts for juvenile (nest dwelling) and adult (exophilic)D. reticulatusticks to be determined, and to assess their contribution to the spread of this important vector ofBabesia canis. We compared also ectoparasite communities between adult foxes with those of fox cubs. Finally, we carried out a systematic search for subcutaneous ticks determining their prevalence and abundance. In 2016–2018, 366 adult foxes and 25 live-trapped cubs were examined for ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological features, PCR amplification and sequencing. The total prevalence of ectoparasites was higher in cubs (68%) than in adults (62.8%). In adults, 15 parasite species were recorded, including four tick species, seven flea species, scabies, and one Anopluran species each in the generaFelicolaandLipoptena.In cubs, six ectoparasite species were found, includingIxodes kaiseri, a species not found in adults. AlthoughIxodes ricinusandD. reticulatuswere the dominant tick species on adult foxes, noD. reticulatusticks were found on cubs. Subcutaneous ticks were common (38%) and abundant in all areas. Molecular analysis of subcutaneous nodules allowed the identification of 17I. ricinusand fiveD. reticulatus. In conclusion, red foxes play a minor role as hosts ofD. reticulatus.
Serious mental illness and incidents between adult children and parents responded to by police
Authors: Labrum Travis , Solomon Phyllis
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite a sizable minority of persons with serious mental illness (SMI) acting aggressively toward family members, little is known about this topic. The objectives of the present analyses are to examine the association of offenders' SMI status with offender behaviors and victim outcomes and to compare the immediate contextual characteristics of incidents involving offenders with and without SMI.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, all incidents of domestic violence to which police were called between adult children and their parents in Philadelphia, PA, in 2013 (N= 6191) were analyzed. Additionally, incidents in which the offender was indicated to have SMI (n= 327) were matched with a sample of incidents in which the offender was not indicated to have SMI (n= 327).

Results

Offenders having SMI was not associated with using a bodily weapon or gun, threatening victims, or damaging property. Offenders having SMI was associated with a decreased risk of offenders using a non-gun external weapon and victims being observed to have a complaint of pain or visible injuries. When offenders had SMI, conflict was less likely to focus on family issues and more likely to focus on offenders' behaviors and to involve contextual characteristics related to mental illness.

Conclusions

Efforts to prevent gun and other violence between non-intimate partner family members should target factors more strongly associated with violence than SMI (e.g. history of domestic violence, substance abuse). Intervening in family aggression by persons with SMI likely requires addressing unique circumstances these parties experience.
Longitudinal associations between inhibitory control and externalizing and internalizing symptoms in school-aged children
Authors: Maasalo Katri , Lindblom Jallu , Kiviruusu Olli , Santalahti Päivi , Aronen Eeva T.
Published: July 2020

Inhibitory control (IC) deficits have been associated with psychiatric symptoms in all ages. However, longitudinal studies testing the direction of the associations in childhood are scarce. We used a sample of 2,874 children (7 to 9 years old) to test the following three hypotheses: (a) IC deficits are an underlying risk factor with a potentially causal role for psychopathology, (b) IC deficits are a complication of psychopathology, and (c) IC deficits and psychopathology are associated at the trait level but not necessarily causally related. We used the go/no-go task to assess IC, the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to evaluate externalizing/internalizing symptoms, and the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model to test the hypotheses. The results showed no support for the underlying risk factor hypothesis, suggesting that IC unlikely has a causal role in this age group's psychopathology. The complication hypothesis received support for externalizing symptoms, suggesting that externalizing symptoms may hamper the normal development of IC. IC deficits and both externalizing and internalizing symptoms were correlated at the trait level, indicating a possible common origin. We suggest that it may be useful to support children with externalizing symptoms to promote and protect their IC development.
A multi-level procedure for enhancing accuracy of machine learning algorithms
Authors: LYE KJETIL O. , MISHRA SIDDHARTHA , MOLINARO ROBERTO
Published: July 2020

We propose a multi-level method to increase the accuracy of machine learning algorithms for approximating observables in scientific computing, particularly those that arise in systems modelled by differential equations. The algorithm relies on judiciously combining a large number of computationally cheap training data on coarse resolutions with a few expensive training samples on fine grid resolutions. Theoretical arguments for lowering the generalisation error, based on reducing the variance of the underlying maps, are provided and numerical evidence, indicating significant gains over underlying single-level machine learning algorithms, are presented. Moreover, we also apply the multi-level algorithm in the context of forward uncertainty quantification and observe a considerable speedup over competing algorithms.
OCD and COVID-19: a new frontier
Authors: Jassi Amita , Shahriyarmolki Khodayar , Taylor Tracey , Peile Lauren , Challacombe Fiona , Clark Bruce , Veale David
Published: July 2020

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are likely to be more susceptible to the mental health impact of COVID-19. This paper shares the perspectives of expert clinicians working with OCD considering how to identify OCD in the context of COVID-19, changes in the presentation, and importantly what to consider when undertaking cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for OCD in the current climate. The expert consensus is that although the presentation of OCD and treatment may have become more difficult, CBT should still continue remotely unless there are specific reasons for it not to, e.g. increase in risk, no access to computer, or exposure tasks or behavioural experiments cannot be undertaken. The authors highlight some of the considerations to take in CBT in light of our current understanding of COVID-19, including therapists and clients taking calculated risks when developing behavioural experiments and exposure tasks, considering viral loading and vulnerability factors. Special considerations for young people and perinatal women are discussed, as well as foreseeing what life may be like for those with OCD after the pandemic is over.

Key learning aims

(1)

To learn how to identify OCD in the context of COVID-19 and consider the differences between following government guidelines and OCD.

(2)

To consider the presentation of OCD in context of COVID-19, with regard to cognitive and behavioural processes.

(3)

Review factors to be considered when embarking on CBT for OCD during the pandemic.

(4)

Considerations in CBT for OCD, including weighing up costs and benefits of behavioural experiments or exposure tasks in light of our current understanding of the risks associated with COVID-19.
Backfiring Frames: Abortion Politics, Religion, and Attitude Resistance
Authors: Liebertz Scott , Bunch Jaclyn
Published: July 2020

Following recent insight into how citizens respond to attempts to correct political and salient misperceptions (Nyhan and Riefler, 2010, Political Behavior 32 (2): 303–330), we also expect that certain characteristics will predispose citizens to react strongly to messaging on highly contentious issues. Specifically, we expect that respondents will express an opinion that is even stronger in line with their predispositions when exposed to frames that challenge their position. Using an experiment on abortion opinion embedded in the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), we find little indication that Pro-Abortion Access and Anti-Abortion Access frames move opinion on abortion in the aggregate, but there is evidence that specific characteristics correlate with a “backfire” effect identified by Nyhan and Riefler (2010, Political Behavior 32 (2): 303–330). In particular, gender, religiosity, and “Born-Again” Christian affiliation are all predictive of responding to either the Anti-Abortion Access or Pro-Abortion Access frame by moving the opposite direction as intended on the feeling thermometer.
Maternal exposure to low-to-medium altitude and birth outcomes: evidence from a population-based study in Chinese newborns
Authors: Zhang Binyan , Wu Wentao , Shi Guoshuai , Mi Baibing , Chen Fangyao , Zhang Ruo , Liu Danmeng , Kang Yijun , Shang Suhang , Yan Hong , Dang Shaonong
Published: July 2020

Despite high altitude was implicated in adverse birth outcomes, there remained a paucity of evidence on low-to-medium altitude effect. This study aimed to explore the association of low-to-medium altitude with birth outcomes. A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed using a stratified multistage random sampling method among women with their infants born during 2010–2013 in Northwestern China. Altitude was determined in meters based on the village or community of the mother’s living areas. Birth outcomes involved birth weight, gestational age, and small for gestational age (SGA). Generalized linear models were fitted to investigate the association of altitude with birth outcomes. Moreover, the dose–response relationship between altitude and birth outcomes was evaluated with a restricted cubic spline function. A total of 27 801 women with their infants were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, every 100-m increase in the altitude was associated with reduced birth weight by 6.4 (95% CI −8.1, −4.6) g, the slight increase of gestational age by 0.015 (95% CI 0.010, 0.020) week, and an increased risk of SGA birth (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04). Moreover, there was an inversely linear relationship between altitude and birth weight (Pfor overall < 0.001 andPfor nonlinear = 0.312), and a positive linear relationship between altitude and SGA (Pfor overall < 0.001 andPfor nonlinear = 0.194). However, a nonlinear relationship was observed between altitude and gestational age (Pfor overall < 0.001 andPfor nonlinear = 0.010). The present results suggest that low-to-medium altitude is possibly associated with adverse birth outcomes.
Angiogenesis Analyzer for ImageJ — A comparative morphometric analysis of “Endothelial Tube Formation Assay” and “Fibrin Bead Assay”
Authors: Carpentier Gilles , Berndt Sarah , Ferratge Ségolène , Rasband Wayne , Cuendet Muriel , Uzan Georges , Albanese Patricia
Published: July 2020

Angiogenesis assays based on in vitro capillary-like growth of endothelial cells (EC) are widely used, either to evaluate the effect of anti- and pro-angiogenesis drugs of interest, or to test and compare the functional capacities of various types of EC and progenitor cells. Among the different methods applied to study angiogenesis, the most commonly used is the “Endothelial Tube Formation Assay” (ETFA). In suitable culture conditions, EC form two-dimensional (2D) branched structures that can lead to a meshed pseudo-capillary network. An alternative approach to ETFA is the “Fibrin Bead Assay” (FBA), based on the use of Cytodex 3 microspheres, which promote the growth of 3D capillary-like patterns from coated EC, suitable for high throughput in vitro angiogenesis studies. The analytical evaluation of these two widely used assays still remains challenging in terms of observation method and image analysis. We previously developed the “Angiogenesis Analyzer” for ImageJ (AA), a tool allowing analysis of ETFA-derived images, according to characteristics of the pseudo-capillary networks. In this work, we developed and implemented a new algorithm for AA able to recognize microspheres and to analyze the attached capillary-like structures from the FBA model. Such a method is presented for the first time in fully automated mode and using non-destructive image acquisition. We detailed these two algorithms and used the new AA version to compare both methods (i.e. ETFA and FBA) in their efficiency, accuracy and statistical relevance to model angiogenesis patterns of Human Umbilical Vein EC (HUVEC). Although the two methods do not assess the same biological step, our data suggest that they display specific and complementary information on the angiogenesis processes analysis.
Ultrasound-assisted multicomponent synthesis of 4H-pyrans in water and DNA binding studies
Authors: Auria-Luna Fernando , Fernández-Moreira Vanesa , Marqués-López Eugenia , Gimeno M. Concepción , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: July 2020

A simple approach to synthesize new highly substituted 4H-pyran derivatives is described. Efficient Et3N acts as a readily accessible catalyst of this process performed in pure water and with only a 20 mol% of catalyst loading. The extremely simple operational methodology, short reaction times, clean procedure and excellent product yields render this new approach extremely appealing for the synthesis of 4H-pyrans, as potentially biological scaffolds. Additionally, DNA interaction analysis reveals that 4H-pyran derivatives behave preferably as minor groove binders over major groove or intercalators. Therefore, this is one of the scarce examples where pyrans have resulted to be interesting DNA binders with high binding constants (Kb ranges from 1.53 × 104 M−1 to 2.05 × 106 M−1).
Liver nucleotide biosynthesis is linked to protection from vascular complications in individuals with long-term type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Özgümüş Türküler , Jensen Troels Mygind , du Plessis Elsa , Keindl Magdalena , Møller Cathrine Laustrup , Falhammar Henrik , Nyström Thomas , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Jörneskog Gun , Jessen Leon Eyrich , Forsblom Carol , Haukka Jani K. , Groop Per-Henrik , Rossing Peter , Groop Leif , Eliasson Mats , Eliasson Björn , Brismar Kerstin , Al-Majdoub Mahmoud , Nilsson Peter M. , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Ferrannini Ele , Spégel Peter , Berg Tore Julsrud , Lyssenko Valeriya
Published: July 2020

Identification of biomarkers associated with protection from developing diabetic complications is a prerequisite for an effective prevention and treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify clinical and plasma metabolite markers associated with freedom from vascular complications in people with very long duration of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Individuals with T1D, who despite having longer than 30 years of diabetes duration never developed major macro- or microvascular complications (non-progressors; NP) were compared with those who developed vascular complications within 25 years from diabetes onset (rapid progressors; RP) in the Scandinavian PROLONG (n = 385) and DIALONG (n = 71) cohorts. The DIALONG study also included 75 healthy controls. Plasma metabolites were measured using gas and/or liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Lower hepatic fatty liver indices were significant common feature characterized NPs in both studies. Higher insulin sensitivity and residual ß-cell function (C-peptide) were also associated with NPs in PROLONG. Protection from diabetic complications was associated with lower levels of the glycolytic metabolite pyruvate and APOCIII in PROLONG, and with lower levels of thiamine monophosphate and erythritol, a cofactor and intermediate product in the pentose phosphate pathway as well as higher phenylalanine, glycine and serine in DIALONG. Furthermore, T1D individuals showed elevated levels of picolinic acid as compared to the healthy individuals. The present findings suggest a potential beneficial shunting of glycolytic substrates towards the pentose phosphate and one carbon metabolism pathways to promote nucleotide biosynthesis in the liver. These processes might be linked to higher insulin sensitivity and lower liver fat content, and might represent a mechanism for protection from vascular complications in individuals with long-term T1D.
Formaldehyde treatment of proteins enhances proteolytic degradation by the endo-lysosomal protease cathepsin S
Authors: Michiels Thomas J. M. , Meiring Hugo D. , Jiskoot Wim , Kersten Gideon F. A. , Metz Bernard
Published: July 2020

Enzymatic degradation of protein antigens by endo-lysosomal proteases in antigen-presenting cells is crucial for achieving cellular immunity. Structural changes caused by vaccine production process steps, such as formaldehyde inactivation, could affect the sensitivity of the antigen to lysosomal proteases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the formaldehyde detoxification process on the enzymatic proteolysis of antigens by studying model proteins. Bovine serum albumin, β-lactoglobulin A and cytochrome c were treated with various concentrations of isotopically labelled formaldehyde and glycine, and subjected to proteolytic digestion by cathepsin S, an important endo-lysosomal endoprotease. Degradation products were analysed by mass spectrometry and size exclusion chromatography. The most abundant modification sites were identified by their characteristic MS doublets. Unexpectedly, all studied proteins showed faster proteolytic degradation upon treatment with higher formaldehyde concentrations. This effect was observed both in the absence and presence of glycine, an often-used excipient during inactivation to prevent intermolecular crosslinking. Overall, subjecting proteins to formaldehyde or formaldehyde/glycine treatment results in changes in proteolysis rates, leading to an enhanced degradation speed. This accelerated degradation could have consequences for the immunogenicity and the efficacy of vaccine products containing formaldehyde-inactivated antigens.
Region-specific mechanisms of corticosteroid-mediated inotropy in rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wacker Caroline , Dams Niklas , Schauer Alexander , Ritzer Anne , Volk Tilmann , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2020

Regional differences in ion channel activity in the heart control the sequence of repolarization and may contribute to differences in contraction. Corticosteroids such as aldosterone or corticosterone increase the L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) in the heart via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Here, we investigate the differential impact of corticosteroid-mediated increase in ICaL on action potentials (AP), ion currents, intracellular Ca2+ handling and contractility in endo- and epicardial myocytes of the rat left ventricle. Dexamethasone led to a similar increase in ICaL in endocardial and epicardial myocytes, while the K+ currents Ito and IK were unaffected. However, AP duration (APD) and AP-induced Ca2+ influx (QCa) significantly increased exclusively in epicardial myocytes, thus abrogating the normal differences between the groups. Dexamethasone increased Ca2+ transients, contractility and SERCA activity in both regions, the latter possibly due to a decrease in total phospholamban (PLB) and an increase PLBpThr17. These results suggest that corticosteroids are powerful modulators of ICaL, Ca2+ transients and contractility in both endo- and epicardial myocytes, while APD and QCa are increased in epicardial myocytes only. This indicates that increased ICaL and SERCA activity rather than QCa are the primary drivers of contractility by adrenocorticoids.
Assessment of histologic prognostic factors of resectable rectal cancer: comparison of diagnostic performance using various apparent diffusion coefficient parameters
Authors: Li Hang , Chen Guang-wen , Liu Yi-Sha , Pu Hong , Yin Long-lin , Hou Neng-yi , Chen Xiao-li
Published: July 2020

This study is to investigate optimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameter for predicting lymphovascular invasion (LVI), lymph node metastasis (LNM) and histology type in resectable rectal cancer. 58 consecutive patients with resectable rectal cancer were retrospectively identified. The minimum, maximum, average ADC and ADC difference value were obtained on ADC maps. Maximum ADC and ADC difference value increased with the appearance of LVI (r = 0.501 and 0.495, P < 0.001, respectively) and development of N category (r = 0.615 and 0.695, P < 0.001, respectively). ADC difference value tended to rise with lower tumor differentiation (r = − 0.269, P = 0.041). ADC difference value was an independent risk factor for predicting LVI (odds ratio = 1.323; P = 0.005) and LNM (odds ratio = 1.526; P = 0.005). Maximum ADC and ADC difference value could distinguish N0 from N1 category, N0 from N1–N2, N0–N1 from N2 (all P < 0.001). Only ADC difference value could distinguish histology type (P = 0.041). ADC difference value had higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than maximum ADC in identifying LVI (0.828 vs 0.797), N0 from N1 category (0.947 vs 0.847), N0 from N1–N2 (0.935 vs 0.874), and N0–N1 from N2 (0.814 vs 0.770). ADC difference value may be superior to the other ADC value parameters to predict LVI, N category and histology type of resectable rectal cancer.
Determination of 37 fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in hair by UHPLC-MS/MS and its application to authentic cases
Authors: Qin Nan , Shen Min , Xiang Ping , Wen Di , Shen Baohua , Deng Hongxiao , Qiang Huosheng , Song Fenyun , Shi Yan
Published: July 2020

The recent emergence of new fentanyl analogues and synthetic opioids on the drug market poses a global public health threat. However, these compounds cannot typically be identified using existing analytical methods. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a rapid and sensitive method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 37 fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in hair samples. Hair samples (20 mg) were extracted by cryogenic grinding in an extraction medium of methanol, acetonitrile, and 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate (pH 5.3). Following centrifugation of the samples, the analytes were separated using a WATERS Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 pg/mg and from 2 to 5 pg/mg, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions were within 13.32% at LOQ, low, medium, and high levels. The accuracies were within the range of 85.63–116.1%. The extraction recoveries were in the range of 89.42–119.68%, and the matrix effects were within the range of 44.81–119.77%. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the detection and quantification of fentanyl and sufentanil in hair samples from two authentic cases. Thus, this method has great potential for detecting fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in forensic work.
Drivers of understory species richness in reconstructed boreal ecosystems: a structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Das Gupta Sanatan , Pinno Bradley D.
Published: July 2020

Understory vegetation accounts for the most diverse part of the plant community in boreal forests and plays a critical role in stand dynamics and ecosystem functions. However, the ecological processes that drive understory species diversity are poorly understood and largely unexplored for reconstructed boreal ecosystems. The current study explored the relationships between understory species richness and biotic and abiotic factors in sites reclaimed after oil sands mining in northern Alberta, Canada, three and six growing seasons post-reclamation. Reclaimed sites with two main surface soils, forest floor mineral soil mix (FFMM) and peat mineral soil mix (PMM), were used along with post-fire benchmarks. A number of soil physicochemical (including nutrients) and vegetation properties were measured and considered in the a-priori hypothesis framework. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to evaluate the multivariate relationships. In general, the FFMM sites had greater species richness than the PMM sites, even six growing seasons after reclamation. A maximum 254% increase in graminoid and shrub cover was observed on FFMM between year 3 and 6 post-reclamation, whereas a maximum 137% increase in forb and bryophyte cover was recorded on PMM. The post-fire sites showed a significant increase (70%) only in shrub cover. Major driving factors of understory species richness varied among soil types. The SEM revealed a strong interdependency between species richness and soil and vegetation factors on FFMM with a positive control from soil N on species richness. In contrast, on PMM soil nutrients had a negative effect on species richness. Temporal changes in the drivers of species richness were mostly observed on FFMM through a negative vegetation control on species richness. The models and significant causal paths can be used in monitoring changes in understory species relationships in reclaimed sites and in identifying future research priorities in similar systems.
Bioactivity studies of porphyrinoids against microsporidia isolated from honeybees
Authors: Buczek Katarzyna , Trytek Mariusz , Deryło Kamil , Borsuk Grzegorz , Rybicka-Jasińska Katarzyna , Gryko Dorota , Cytryńska Małgorzata , Tchórzewski Marek
Published: July 2020

Microsporidian infections are dangerous to honeybees due to the absence of an efficient treatment for nosemosis. In the present work, the abilities of several porphyrins to directly inactivate microsporidia derived from Nosema-infected honeybees were studied in vitro. Amide derivatives of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) conjugated with one and two amino acid moieties were synthesized, and their activities were compared with those of two cationic porphyrins, TMePyP and TTMePP. The most active porphyrins, PP[Lys-Asp]2, PP[Lys-TFA]2, PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Lys]2 at concentrations as low as 10–50 µM exerted significant effects on microsporidia, reducing the number of spores by 67–80% compared to the control. Live-cell imaging of the spores treated with porphyrins showed that only 1.6% and 3.0% of spores remained alive after 24 h-incubation with 50 µM PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Asp]2, respectively. The length of the amino acid side chains and their identity in the PPIX molecules affected the bioactivity of the porphyrin. Importantly, the irradiation of the porphyrins did not enhance their potency in destroying Nosema spores. We showed that the porphyrins accumulated inside the living spores but not inside dead spores, thus the destruction of the microsporidia by non-metallated porphyrins is not dependent on photosensitization, but is associated with their active transport into the spore cell. When administered to honeybees in vivo, PPIX[Lys-TFA]2 and PPIX[Lys-Lys]2 reduced spore loads by 69–76% in infected individuals. They both had no toxic effect on honeybees, in contrast to zinc-coordinated porphyrin.
Neurobehavioural signatures in race car driving: a case study
Authors: Rito Lima Ines , Haar Shlomi , Di Grassi Lucas , Faisal A. Aldo
Published: July 2020

Recent technological developments in mobile brain and body imaging are enabling new frontiers of real-world neuroscience. Simultaneous recordings of body movement and brain activity from highly skilled individuals as they demonstrate their exceptional skills in real-world settings, can shed new light on the neurobehavioural structure of human expertise. Driving is a real-world skill which many of us acquire to different levels of expertise. Here we ran a case-study on a subject with the highest level of driving expertise—a Formula E Champion. We studied the driver’s neural and motor patterns while he drove a sports car on the “Top Gear” race track under extreme conditions (high speed, low visibility, low temperature, wet track). His brain activity, eye movements and hand/foot movements were recorded. Brain activity in the delta, alpha, and beta frequency bands showed causal relation to hand movements. We herein demonstrate the feasibility of using mobile brain and body imaging even in very extreme conditions (race car driving) to study the sensory inputs, motor outputs, and brain states which characterise complex human skills.
Correlation of frontal prism structures and slope failures near the trench axis with shallow megathrust slip at the Japan Trench
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Fujiwara Toshiya , Kodaira Shuichi , Miura Seiichi , Obana Koichiro
Published: July 2020

Since the giant 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, much research has focused on the distribution of coseismic slip at shallow depths during this subduction megathrust event. Here we present seismic images obtained in the immediate vicinity of the trench axis, that show thrust faults and fold-and-thrust type deformation structures near the epicenter of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake where the large coseismic slip has been inferred, and chaotic structure and the absence of thrust faults in northern and southern source areas. Seismic profiles show evidence of slope failures of the trench inner wall in a proposed tsunami source region around 39°–40° N, where the slips estimated from previous studies are in disagreement. Our results show that structural characteristics in the trench axis may be related to the occurrence of shallow megathrust slip and tsunamigenesis in the Japan Trench.
Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes
Authors: Brandi Jessica , Cheri Samuele , Manfredi Marcello , Di Carlo Claudia , Vita Vanella Virginia , Federici Federica , Bombiero Eleonora , Bazaj Alda , Rizzi Eleonora , Manna Laura , Cornaglia Giuseppe , Marini Umberto , Valenti Maria Teresa , Marengo Emilio , Cecconi Daniela
Published: July 2020

The topical application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is recognized as a useful approach to improve skin health. This work aims to characterize by a multidisciplinary approach, the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogens and proteomic effects of six LAB lysates, belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. Our results demonstrated that the lysates of tested LAB stimulated the proliferation of keratinocytes, and that L. plantarum SGL 07 and L. salivarius SGL 19 accelerated the re-epithelization by inducing keratinocyte migration. The bacterial lysates also reduced the secretion of specific pro-inflammatory mediators from keratinocytes. Furthermore, viable L. salivarius SGL 19 and L. fermentum SGL 10 had anti-pathogenic effects against S. aureus and S. pyogenes, while L. brevis SGL 12 and L. paracasei SGL 04 inhibited S. aureus and S. pyogenes, respectively. The tested lactobacilli lysates also induced specific proteome modulation of the exposed keratinocytes, involving dysregulation of proteins (such as interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 and ATP-dependent RNA helicase) and pathways (such as cytokine, NF-kB, Hedgehog, and RUNX signaling) associated with their specific wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. This study indicates the different potential of selected lactobacilli, suggesting that they may be successfully used in the future together with conventional therapies to bring relief from skin disorders.
Ultrastructural plasticity in the plant-parasitic nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Ekino Taisuke , Kirino Haru , Kanzaki Natsumi , Shinya Ryoji
Published: July 2020

Phenotypic plasticity is one of the most important strategies used by organisms with low mobility to survive in fluctuating environments. Phenotypic plasticity plays a vital role in nematodes because they have small bodies and lack wings or legs and thus, cannot move far by themselves. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pathogenic nematode species that causes pine wilt disease, experiences fluctuating conditions throughout their life history; i.e., in both the phytophagous and mycetophagous phases. However, whether the functional morphology changes between the life phases of B. xylophilus remains unknown. Our study revealed differences in the ultrastructure of B. xylophilus between the two phases. Well-developed lateral alae and atrophied intestinal microvilli were observed in the phytophagous phase compared with the mycetophagous phase. The ultrastructure in the phytophagous phase was morphologically similar to that at the dauer stage, which enables the larvae to survive in harsh environments. It suggests that the living tree represents a harsh environment for B. xylophilus, and ultrastructural phenotypic plasticity is a key strategy for B. xylophilus to survive in a living tree. In addition, ultrastructural observations of obligate plant-parasitic species closely related to B. xylophilus revealed that B. xylophilus may be in the process of adapting to feed on plant cells.
Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing characterises malignant progression of canine insulinoma from normal tissue to metastatic disease
Authors: Capodanno Y. , Buishand F. O. , Pang L. Y. , Kirpensteijn J. , Mol J. A. , Elders R. , Argyle D. J.
Published: July 2020

Insulinomas (INS) are the most common human and canine functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. The long-term prognosis for malignant INS is poor, because micrometastases are frequently missed during surgery. As human and canine malignant INS share clinical and histopathological features, dogs have been proposed as models for INS research. Using RNA-sequencing, we conducted a pilot study to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of canine INS. Normal canine pancreas and lymph node control tissues were compared with primary INS and INS-metastatic lymph nodes, revealing more than 3,000 genes differentially expressed in normal pancreas compared to primary INS. Only 164 genes were differentially expressed between primary INS and INS-metastatic lymph nodes. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated similar genetic profiles in normal pancreas and early clinical stage primary INS, whereas late clinical stage primary INS resembled the genetic profile of INS-metastatic lymph nodes. These findings suggest that markers of malignant behaviour could be identified at the primary site of the disease. Finally, using the REACTOME pathways database, we revealed that an active collagen metabolism, extracellular matrix remodelling, beta-cell differentiation and non-beta-cell trans-differentiation might cause disease progression and hyperinsulinism in INS, identifying major pathways worthy of future research in this currently poorly controlled disease.
CT features of COVID-19 patients with two consecutive negative RT-PCR tests after treatment
Authors: Fu Zhao , Tang Ningning , Chen Yanqing , Ma Longbai , Wei Youyong , Lu Yumin , Ye Kun , Liu Hang , Tang Fen , Huang Guangyi , Yang Yingxia , Xu Fan
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study is to expound the CT features of COVID-19 patients whose throat swab samples were negative for two consecutive nucleic acid tests after treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 46 COVID-19 patients with two consecutive negative RT-PCR tests after treatment. The cases were divided into moderate group and severe/critical group according to disease severity. Clinical and CT scanning data were collected. CT signs of pulmonary lesions and the score of lung involvement were expounded. Thirty-nine moderate cases and seven severe/critical cases were included. Residual pulmonary lesions were visible in CT images. Moderate patients showed peripheral lesions while severe/critical cases exhibited both central and peripheral lesions with all lobes involvement. Mixed ground glass opacity (GGO) and pulmonary consolidation were noted. A larger proportion of severe patients showed reticular pulmonary interstitium thickening. Air bronchogram, pleural effusion, vascular enlargement, bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, pleural thickening and pleural adhesion were more frequently observed in severe/critical group. The severe/critical group showed higher CT score. Pulmonary lesions persisted even after twice consecutive negative nucleic acid tests. We strongly recommended regular follow-up of CT scans after nucleic acid tests conversion. Evaluation of complete remission should base on chest CT.