bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etiology, microbiological isolates, and antibiotic susceptibilities in culture-proven pediatric endophthalmitis: a 9-year review
Authors: Yang Yao , Lin Lixia , Li Yujie , Jiang Zhaoxin , Li Cheng , Liu Manli , Duan Fang , Lin Xiaofeng
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To analyze the etiology, microbiological isolates, and antibiotic susceptibilities of endophthalmitis in pediatric patients.

Methods

Patients aged < 18 years with culture-positive endophthalmitis in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 2010 and December 2018 were included retrospectively.

Results

A total of 127 patients (127 eyes) were included, and 108 (85%) had posttraumatic endophthalmitis. Streptococcus (21.4%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (14.5%), Aspergillus (6.9%), and Bacillus cereus (5.3%) were the common organisms. The proportion of Streptococcus decreased with age (40.0% in 0–3 years, 16.3% in 4–12 years, and 6.3% in 13–17 years), while coagulase-negative Staphylococcus increased from 5.7% to 18.8%. Overall, fluoroquinolones achieved the highest antibiotic susceptibility rate (> 95%), while the susceptibility of isolated bacteria to tobramycin and cefazolin was only 60.2% and 59.4%, respectively. The susceptibility rates of Gram-positive cocci to cephalosporins were nearly 90%. For Gram-negative bacilli, susceptibility to neomycin was 91.3%.

Conclusion

Trauma was the main etiology for pediatric endophthalmitis. Although Streptococcus was the most prevalent organism in general, the dominant pathogen varied with age, which merits clinical attention. Fluoroquinolones showed the highest antibiotic efficacy; however, commonly used antibiotics tobramycin and cefazolin showed relatively low antibiotic susceptibility. Thus, antibiotic resistance in pediatric populations merits clinical attention.
Distribution of plasma copeptin levels and influence of obesity in children and adolescents
Authors: Tuli Gerdi , Munarin Jessica , Tessaris Daniele , Einaudi Silvia , Matarazzo Patrizia , de Sanctis Luisa
Published: August 2020

In recent years, a more stable AVP surrogate, called copeptin, has been used as an adjuvant diagnostic tool for dysnatremia in adults and appears to be promising even in the pediatric age. The aim of this study is to present the distribution of plasma copeptin in a large pediatric cohort and to observe the influence of fluid consumption and obesity on its values. A cohort of 128 children and adolescents was divided into two groups on the basis of nocturnal deprivation (group A) or free access to oral fluids in the 6–8 h before blood collection (group B). At all distribution percentiles, copeptin levels were higher (p < 0.0001) in group A, as were plasma sodium levels and osmolality (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008, respectively). The influence of BMI on copeptin levels was investigated by dividing the cohort into nonobese (group C) and obese children and adolescents (group D). Copeptin levels were higher in group D (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: The measurement of copeptin could represent a useful tool for the diagnostic pathway of dysnatremic conditions, but its interpretation should take into consideration the state of hydration. Furthermore, it could also be a promising marker for obesity and metabolic syndrome, although this hypothesis needs further studies to be confirmed.

What is Known:• Copeptin use as a diagnostic tool in AVP-related disorders, such as diabetes insipidus or syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, is well established in adults• In pediatric age, few studies are available, but the preliminary data, including our previous study, seems to be promising.

What is New:• In this study, we represent the distribution of copeptin levels in a pediatric cohort and show the significant influence of fluid ingestion on its plasma levels.• Also BMI seems to be a significant variable on copeptin levels and may be used as an obesity marker in pediatric age
Rational surgical neck management in total laryngectomy for advanced stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Böttcher Arne , Betz Christian S. , Bartels Stefan , Schoennagel Bjoern , Münscher Adrian , Bußmann Lara , Busch Chia-Jung , Knopke Steffen , Bibiza Eric , Möckelmann Nikolaus
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Controversies exist in regard to surgical neck management in total laryngectomies (TL). International guidelines do not sufficiently discriminate neck sides and sublevels, or minimal neck-dissection nodal yield (NY).

Methods

Thirty-seven consecutive primary TL cases from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of local tumor growth using a previously established imaging scheme, metastatic neck involvement, and NY impact on survival.

Results

There was no case of level IIB involvement on any side. For type A and B tumor midline involvement, no positive contralateral lymph nodes were found. Craniocaudal tumor extension correlated with contralateral neck involvement (OR: 1.098, p = 0.0493) and showed increased involvement when extending 33 mm (p = 0.0134). Using a bilateral NY of ≥ 24 for 5-year overall survival (OS) and ≥ 26 for 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) gave significantly increased rate advantages of 64 and 56%, respectively (both p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This work sheds light on regional metastatic distribution pattern and its influence on TL cases. An NY of n ≥ 26 can be considered a desirable benchmark for bilateral selective neck dissections as it leads to improved OS and DFS. Therefore, an omission of distinct neck levels cannot be promoted at this time.
The Combinatorial Geometry of Stresses in Frameworks
Authors: Karpenkov Oleg
Published: August 2020

Consider a realization of a graph in the space with straight segments representing edges. Let us assign a stress for every its edge. In case if at every vertex of the graph the stresses sum up to zero, we say that the realization is a tensegrity. Some realizations possess non-zero tensegrities while the others do not. In this paper we study necessary and sufficient existence conditions for tensegrities in the plane. For an arbitrary graph we write down these conditions in terms of projective “meet-join” operations.
Prevalence and predictors of fatigue after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Western Elin , Sorteberg Angelika , Brunborg Cathrine , Nordenmark Tonje Haug
Published: August 2020

Background

Fatigue is a common and disabling sequel after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). At present, prevalence estimates of post-aSAH fatigue in the chronic phase are scarce and vary greatly. Factors from the acute phase of aSAH have hitherto barely been associated with post-aSAH fatigue in the chronic phase.

Methods

Prospective study assessing prevalence of fatigue using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in patients who were living independently 1 to 7 years after aSAH. We compared demographic, medical, and radiological variables from the acute phase of aSAH between patients with and without fatigue (FSS ≥ 4 versus < 4) and searched for predictors of fatigue among these variables applying univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

Results

Of 726 patients treated for aSAH in the period between January 2012 and December 2017, 356 patients completed the assessment. The mean FSS score was 4.7 ± 1.7, and fatigue was present in 69.7%. The frequency of patients with fatigue did not decline significantly over time. Univariable analysis identified nicotine use, loss of consciousness at ictus (LOCi), rebleed prior to aneurysm repair, reduced consciousness to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 14, large amounts of subarachnoid blood, the presence of acute hydrocephalus, and severe vasospasm as factors that were significantly associated with fatigue. In multivariable analysis, nicotine use, reduced GCS, and severe vasospasm were independent predictors that all more than doubled the risk to develop post-aSAH fatigue.

Conclusions

Fatigue is a frequent sequel persisting several years after aSAH. Nicotine use, reduced consciousness at admission, and severe vasospasm are independent predictors of fatigue from the acute phase of aSAH. We propose inflammatory cytokines causing dopamine imbalance to be a common denominator for post-aSAH fatigue and the presently identified predictors.
Highly variable rate of orthodontic tooth movement measured by a novel 3D method correlates with gingival inflammation
Authors: de Gouyon Matignon de Pontouraude Marc A. , Von den Hoff Johannes W. , Baan Frank , Bruggink Robin , Bloemen Marjon , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Ongkosuwito Edwin M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Individual orthodontic treatment duration is hard to predict. Individual biological factors are amongst factors influencing individual rate of orthodontically induced tooth movement (OTM). The study aim is to determine the rate of OTM by a novel 3D method and investigate parameters that may predict the rate of tooth movement.

Materials and methods

In this prospective cohort study, rate of OTM was determined from 90 three-dimensional intra-oral scans in 15 patients (aged 12–15) undergoing orthodontic treatment. For each patient, intra-oral scans were taken every week for up to 6 weeks (T0–T5). The teeth were segmented from the scans and the scans were superimposed on the palatal rugae. The rate of OTM was calculated for each tooth. Other parameters were gingival inflammation, contact-point displacement and the biological markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP-9 and MMP-2 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Results

Our study showed a high variation in the rate of OTM, varying from 0.15 to 1.24 mm/week. Teeth in the anterior segment tended to move more compared with the posterior segment. The contact point displacement and gingival inflammation varied greatly amongst the patients. The MMPs measured did not correlate with tooth movement. However, the gingival inflammation index showed a significant correlation with OTM. Future studies should include other biological markers related to bone-remodeling.

Conclusion

This novel and efficient 3D method is suitable for measuring OTM and showed large individual variation in rate of OTM.

Clinical relevance

Patients show different rates of OTM. The rate of OTM in an individual patient can provide guidance in timing of follow-up appointments.
The Simpson grading: defining the optimal threshold for gross total resection in meningioma surgery
Authors: Brokinkel Benjamin , Spille Dorothee Cäcilia , Brokinkel Caroline , Hess Katharina , Paulus Werner , Bormann Eike , Stummer Walter
Published: August 2020

Classification of the extent of resection into gross and subtotal resection (GTR and STR) after meningioma surgery is derived from the Simpson grading. Although utilized to indicate adjuvant treatment or study inclusion, conflicting definitions of STR in terms of designation of Simpson grade III resections exist. Correlations of Simpson grading and dichotomized scales (Simpson grades I–II vs ≥ III and grade I–III vs ≥ IV) with postoperative recurrence/progression were compared using Cox regression models. Predictive values were further compared by time-dependent receiver operating curve (tdROC) analyses. In 939 patients (28% males, 72% females) harboring WHO grade I (88%) and II/III (12%) meningiomas, Simpson grade I, II, III, IV, and V resections were achieved in 29%, 48%, 11%, 11%, and < .5%, respectively. Recurrence/progression was observed in 112 individuals (12%) and correlated with Simpson grading (p = .003). The risk of recurrence/progression was increased after STR in both dichotomized scales but higher when subsuming Simpson grade ≥ IV than grade ≥ III resections (HR: 2.49, 95%CI 1.50–4.12; p < .001 vs HR: 1.67, 95%CI 1.12–2.50; p = .012). tdROC analyses showed moderate predictive values for the Simpson grading and significantly (p < .05) lower values for both dichotomized scales. AUC values differed less between the Simpson grading and the dichotomization into grade I–III vs ≥ IV than grade I–II vs ≥ III resections. Dichotomization of the extent of resection is associated with a loss of the prognostic value. The value for the prediction of progression/recurrence is higher when dichotomizing into Simpson grade I–III vs ≥ IV than into grade I–II vs ≥ III resections.
Examining the Boundaries of Ethical Leadership: The Harmful Effect of Co-worker Social Undermining on Disengagement and Employee Attitudes
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed , Farley Sam , Zaharie Monica
Published: August 2020

In recent years, scholars have sought to investigate the impact that ethical leaders can have within organisations. Yet, only a few theoretical perspectives have been adopted to explain how ethical leaders influence subordinate outcomes. This study therefore draws on social rules theory (SRT) to extend our understanding of the mechanisms linking ethical leadership to employee attitudes. We argue that ethical leaders reduce disengagement, which in turn promotes higher levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment, as well as lower turnover intentions. Co-worker social undermining is examined as a moderator of the relationship between ethical leadership and disengagement, as we suggest that it is difficult for ethical leaders to be effective when co-worker undermining prevails. To test the proposed model, questionnaires were administered to 460 nurses in Romanian hospital settings over three time points separated by two-week intervals and the hypotheses were tested using generalised multilevel structural equation modeling (GSEM) with STATA. The findings revealed that ethical leadership has a beneficial effect on employee attitudes by reducing disengagement. However, the relationship between ethical leadership and disengagement was moderated by co-worker social undermining, such that when undermining was higher, the significance of the mediated relationships disappeared. These results suggest that while ethical leaders can promote positive employee attitudes, their effectiveness is reduced in situations where co-worker undermining exists.
The main contributions of robust statistics to statistical science and a new challenge
Authors: Ronchetti Elvezio
Published: August 2020

In the first part of the paper, we trace the development of robust statistics through its main contributions which have penetrated mainstream statistics. The goal of this paper is neither to provide a full overview of robust statistics, nor to make a complete list of its tools and methods, but to focus on basic concepts that have become standard ideas and tools in modern statistics. In the second part we focus on the particular challenge provided by high-dimensional statistics and discuss how robustness ideas can be used and adapted to this situation.
Measurement and refactoring for package structure based on complex network
Authors: Zhou Yangxi , Mi Yanran , Zhu Yan , Chen Liangyu
Published: August 2020

Software structure is the backbone for software systems. During the long time of software evolution, it is gradually weakened by continuous code modification and expansion driven by new requirements. Therefore, measuring software and refactoring codes are necessary to keep software structure stable and clean. In this paper, we propose two metrics of cohesion and coupling to characterize package structure. We consider not only the dependencies of intra-package and inter-package, but also the backward dependencies of inter-package. The two metrics are proved theoretically that they are satisfied with Briand’s four properties. Based on these metrics, a refactoring algorithm is presented to improve the quality of package structure. Through tests on ten open source software systems, the experiment result shows our metrics can measure software structure correctly and improve codes to fit for the rule of high cohesion and low coupling.
Adsorptive Removal Of Ni2+ Ions From Aqueous Solutions by Nodular Sepiolite (Meerschaum) and Industrial Sepiolite Samples From Eskişehir, Turkey
Authors: Kıpçak İlker , Kurtaran Ersal Emel , Özdemir Mine
Published: August 2020

Heavy metals in the environment are a problem due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation. Adsorptive removal of heavy metals by clay minerals has garnered increasing attention due to the abundance, low cost, and exceptional physicochemical properties of the clays. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the utilization of two Turkish sepiolite samples, nodular sepiolite (NS) and industrial sepiolite (IS), as adsorbents in removing Ni2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The specific surface areas of NS and IS are 182.19 m2 g–1 and 63.78 m2 g–1, respectively. The effects of adsorbent dosage, initial pH, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the adsorption of Ni2+ ions onto the sepiolite samples were investigated using a batch method. The optimum adsorbent dosage was determined as 0.6 g/50 mL of adsorbent and the optimum pH value was 6.0, for both sepiolite samples. The adsorption process obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model (KF: 4.89–9.73 mg1–1/n L1/n g–1 for NS and 4.27–6.42 mg1–1/n L1/n g–1 for IS) and the pseudo-second order kinetics model (k2: 0.0049–0.0397 g mg–1 min–1 for NS and 0.0688–0.1195 g mg–1 min–1 for IS). The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic, and the randomness increased. The samples exhibited large adsorption capacities through three cycles of adsorption-desorption tests. The results revealed that the sepiolite samples are promising as cost-effective adsorbents for the removal of Ni2+ ions from aqueous solutions.
Pelvic Floor Biometric Changes Assessed by 4D Translabial Ultrassound in Women with Vulvodynia Submitted to Physical Therapy: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bardin Marcela Grigol , Giraldo Paulo César , Martinho Natalia
Published: August 2020

Background

Vulvodynia is a disabling condition in which pelvic floor muscles' (PFM) hypertonicity plays an important role.

Aim

To evaluate biometric changes in PFM in women with vulvodynia undergoing kinesiotherapy treatment protocol (KTP).

Methods

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial of 57 women with vulvodynia randomly assigned to either KTP + amitriptyline or amitriptyline alone (controls) for treatment. Four-dimensional translabial ultrasound assessed PFM regarding symphysis-levator distance at rest, anorectal angle at rest, excursion of the levator plate angle, and levator hiatal narrowing. Volunteers underwent a vaginal examination for a cotton swab test (CST), fulfillment of Friedrich criteria score and PFM power of contraction, and completed a diary of sexual pain and frequency of vaginal intercourse. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes were differences in biometric parameters assessed by four-dimensional translabial ultrasound after treatment, between groups. Secondary outcomes were changes in clinical variables (CST, Friedrich criteria, PFM power of contraction, frequency of intercourse, and intensity of sexual pain) between groups and correlation analysis between biometric parameters and clinical variables.

Results

Only the KTP group had statistically significant changes in biometric parameters after treatment (symphysis-levator distance: 0.22 ± 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.4, P = .008; levator hiatal narrowing: −0.33 ± 0.2, 95% CI = −1 to −0.2, P = .04). Comparisons between groups showed that symphysis-levator distance (0.3, 95% CI = 0.2–0.6, P = .005) and excursion of levator plate angle (4.9, 95% CI = −0.4 to 10.1, P = .02) improved significantly after KTP treatment. Clinical variables showed greater improvement in the group treated with KTP for CST (difference of −3.7, 95% CI = −7 to −0.4, P = .01), Friedrich criteria (difference of −1.9, 95% CI = −3.2 to −0.6, P = .003), PFM power of contraction (0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–0.6, P = .05) and intensity of sexual pain (reduction of 1.7, 95% CI = −3.1 to −0.2, P = .01). Some clinical and biometric variables correlated positively, for example, frequency of vaginal intercourse and anorectal angle (P = .04; r = 0.25), or inversely, for example, pain intensity at CST and anorectal angle (P = .004, r = −0.31).

Clinical Implications

This study provides evidence on efficiency of a physical therapy protocol for improvement of symptoms of vulvodynia and hypertonicity changes.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that KTP for women with vulvodynia promoted significant changes in PFM biometric measures, consistent with alterations in hypertonicity and clinical improvement.
Home working and cyber security – an outbreak of unpreparedness?
Authors: Furnell Steven , Shah Jayesh Navin
Published: August 2020

Home working has been one of the long-promised freedoms of information technology. But until recently it was something that relatively few people had routinely experienced in practice (aside, perhaps, from taking work home to do in the evenings and at weekends). This situation abruptly changed in early 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing organisations to shut their doors and send staff home. Across the globe, home working wherever possible became the standard advice, and technology was the fundamental enabler of the change.

That has changed. With the Covid-19 pandemic, home working became the standard advice, and technology was the fundamental enabler. Steven Furnell of the University of Nottingham and Jayesh Navin Shah of Ipsos MORI examine the extent to which organisations and their staff were prepared for the unplanned outbreak of home working, along with the increased cyberthreats that came with it.
Ferrofluid thin films for aerofoil lift enhancement and delaying flow separation
Authors: Arias F.J.
Published: August 2020

In this work, consideration is given to a novel concept for aerofoil lift enhancement and delaying flow separation. Here, lift enhancement is attained by preventing the growth of the boundary layer through the elimination of the zero-slip condition between the wing surface and the air stream. The concept would simulate all the effects of a moving wall, leading to the appearance of a slip velocity at the gas–fluid interface, including the injection of momentum into the air boundary layer, but with one exception: here there is no moving wall but instead a ferrofluid thin film pumped parallel and attached to the wall by a magnetic field. Utilising a simplified physical model for the velocity profile of the ferrofluid film and based on ferrohydrodynamic stability considerations, an analytical expression for the interfacial velocity is derived. Finally, from the available experimental data on moving walls, the expected lift and angle-of-attack enhancement are found as well as the weight penalty per unit surface area of the wing is estimated. Additional research and development is required to explore the possibilities of using ferrofluid thin films.
Attached and Apart: Attachment Styles and Self-Disclosure in Long-Distance Romantic Relationships
Authors: Hammonds Joshua R. , Ribarsky Elizabeth , Soares Guilherme
Published: August 2020

The primary goal of this study was to examine attachment style effects on self-disclosure, trust, satisfaction, and uncertainty levels of individuals in long-distance romantic relationships (LDRRs) who utilise technologically mediated communication channels as a primary means of daily interaction with their romantic partners. Participants (N= 211) from 27 countries who maintained committed romantic relationships (M= 3 years) with geographical separation (M= 1042 miles,Mdn= 160 miles) were surveyed. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), 7 of the 8 hypotheses were supported, showing that attachment style and self-disclosure predict relational uncertainty, trust, and relational satisfaction. In examining the distinctions between attachment styles (i.e., secure, preoccupied, fearful-avoidant, and dismissive) three models were developed and confirmed with good fit. The implications of the study suggest how both attachment style and self-disclosure influence the overall success of LDRRs.
Role of nutritional composition in the development and survival of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on artificial diet and natural hosts
Authors: da Silva Ivana F. , Baldin Edson Luiz L. , Specht Alexandre , Roque-Specht Vânia F. , Morando Rafaela , Malaquias Juaci V. , Paula-Moraes Silvana V.
Published: August 2020

Helicoverpa armigera is a pest of several crops causing significant economic impact. We evaluated the insect development on different vegetative and reproductive structures of cotton, maize, and soybean compared to artificial diet. One hundred individuals were evaluated per structure (cotton leaves and bolls; maize leaves, grains, and silk; soybean leaves and pods) and artificial diet. Centesimal analyses were performed on quantifiable nutrient contents in diets. The viability of immatures (eggs, larvae, and pupae) ranged from 30% on maize leaf to 74% on cotton bolls, while on the artificial diet, it was 70%. Maize, cotton, and soybean leaves provided viability of 30, 37, and 42%, respectively, revealing these leaves tissues are less favorable to the development of H. armigera immatures compared to ‘reproductive tissues’. Centesimal composition of diets compared 14 common components in all diets, which correlated significantly with larval and pupal stages and/or pupal weight. Of the 12 dietary components that significantly affected larval development time, half were negatively correlated, indicating a decrease in developmental time from their increments. In general, when insects were confined separately to substrates, the artificial diet was the most suitable for H. armigera development compared to the evaluated natural diets. However, in natural conditions, the variability of available hosts must be considered. In addition, it is acceptable for moths to select more suitable hosts for oviposition, while their larvae move to other more suitable tissues of the same plant or even migrate to other plants.
Increasing molecular diagnostic capacity and COVID-19 incidence in Brazil
Authors: Grotto Rejane Maria Tommasini , Santos Lima Rodrigo , de Almeida Gabriel Berg , Ferreira Claudia Pio , Guimarães Raul Borges , Pronunciate Micheli , Azevedo Edmur , Catão Rafael de Castro , Fortaleza Carlos Magno Castelo Branco
Published: August 2020

Different countries have adopted strategies for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 since the declaration of community transmission by the World Health Organization (WHO) and timely diagnosis has been considered one of the major obstacles for surveillance and healthcare. Here, we report the increase of the number of laboratories to COVID-19 diagnosis in Brazil. Our results demonstrate an increase and decentralisation of certified laboratories, which does not match the much higher increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Also, it becomes clear that laboratories are irregularly distributed over the country, with a concentration in the most developed state, São Paulo.
Keynes, inflation and the public debt: How to Pay for the War as a policy prescription for financial repression?
Authors: Teupe Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Recent contributions on ‘financial repression’ and ‘money illusion’ have referred to Maynard Keynes's How to Pay for the War as a supporting document. This article discusses whether Keynes prescribed policies of ‘financial repression’ that were implemented in the United Kingdom, and other countries, following World War II. It seems reasonable that Keynes's writings were instrumental in translating British monetary experiences of the 1920s and 1930s into expectations of policymakers during and after World War II, including a belief in ‘money illusion’ that suggested the use of inflation for driving down real interest rates of public bonds. If this was the case, How to Pay for the War could indeed provide an important explanation for the why and when of ‘financial repression’. This article argues that How to Pay for the War only partly provided support for a policy of ‘financial repression’, and none for using inflation as a ‘tax gatherer’ to the detriment of domestic savers in general. Crediting Keynes as a source for widespread ‘money illusion’ is also out of line with the historical record.
Am I Pretty? 10 Tips to Designing Visually Appealing Slideware Presentations
Authors: Pole Antoinette , Parashar Sangeeta
Published: August 2020

The importance of slideware presentations at conferences remains underestimated. Although several articles in the profession focus on this topic, emphasis on aspects of design and aesthetics appears scant. Changing trends and advances in software, instructional design, and human–computer interactions demand political scientists adapt and pay greater attention to balance and harmony, learning to distinguish between design and decoration. Building on Salmond and Smith’s (2011) work, this article offers 10 tips for creating cleaner, more visually appealing, minimalist slideware presentations. In a world of smartphones and social media, audiences are accustomed to visual aids; therefore, clearly and succinctly conveying a presenter’s core argument and/or results is not only crucial but also paramount.
Comparison of 2,4-D, dicamba and halauxifen-methyl alone or in combination with glyphosate for preplant weed control
Authors: Askew M. Carter , Cahoon Charles W. , York Alan C. , Flessner Michael L. , Langston David B. , Ferebee J. Harrison
Published: August 2020

A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to determine foliar efficacy of halauxifen-methyl, 2,4-D, or dicamba applied alone and in combination with glyphosate at preplant burndown timing. Experiments were conducted near Painter, VA; Rocky Mount, NC; Jackson, NC; and Gates, NC. Control of horseweed, henbit, purple deadnettle, cutleaf evening primrose, curly dock, purple cudweed, and common chickweed were evaluated. Halauxifen-methyl applied at 5 g ae ha−1 controlled small and large horseweed 89% and 79%, respectively, and was similar to control by dicamba applied at 280 g ae ha−1. Both rates of 2,4-D—533 g ae ha−1(low rate [LR]) or 1,066 g ae ha−1 (high rate [HR])—were less effective than halauxifen-methyl and dicamba for controlling horseweed. Halauxifen-methyl was the only auxin herbicide to control henbit (90%) and purple deadnettle (99%). Cutleaf evening primrose was controlled 74% to 85%, 51%, and 4% by 2,4-D, dicamba, and halauxifen-methyl, respectively. Dicamba and 2,4-D controlled curly dock 59% to 70% and were more effective than halauxifen-methyl (5%). Auxin herbicides applied alone controlled purple cudweed and common chickweed 21% or less. With the exception of cutleaf evening primrose (35%) and curly dock (37%), glyphosate alone provided 95% or greater control of all weeds evaluated. These experiments demonstrate halauxifen-methyl effectively (≥79%) controls horseweed, henbit, and purple deadnettle, whereas common chickweed, curly dock, cutleaf evening primrose, and purple cudweed control by the herbicide is inadequate (≤7%).
Influence of glyphosate on corn hybrid tolerance to tolpyralate + atrazine
Authors: Langdon Nicole M. , Soltani Nader , Raeder Alan J. , Hooker David C. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: August 2020

This study consisting of six field experiments was conducted in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the tolerance of four corn hybrids (P9998AM, P9840AM, DKC42-60RIB, and DKC43-47RIB) to the tank mix of tolpyralate + atrazine with a commercial glyphosate formulation. At 1 wk after application (WAA), two corn hybrids (P9998AM and P9840AM) exhibited more injury from tolpyralate + atrazine (2× rate) applied alone and in combination with glyphosate than DKC42-60RIB and DKC43-47RIB; however, all corn hybrids responded similarly with respect to visible injury 2, 4, and 8 WAA, stand loss, and yield. Application of tolpyralate + atrazine or glyphosate + tolpyralate + atrazine at the 2× rate caused greater corn injury (up to 27%) than tolpyralate + atrazine or glyphosate + tolpyralate + atrazine at the 1× rate (up to 8%) at 1 WAA. The addition of commercial glyphosate with tolpyralate + atrazine did not enhance injury symptoms. Results of this study show that there is a wide margin of corn safety with tolpyralate + atrazine applied alone and in combination with a commercial formulation of glyphosate.
Management of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in 2,4-D–, glufosinate-, and glyphosate-resistant soybean
Authors: Shyam Chandrima , Chahal Parminder S. , Jhala Amit J. , Jugulam Mithila
Published: August 2020

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth is a problematic, annual broadleaf weed in soybean production fields in Nebraska and many other states in the United States. Soybean resistant to 2,4-D, glyphosate, and glufosinate (Enlist E3TM) has been developed and was first grown commercially in 2019. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of herbicide programs applied PRE, PRE followed by (fb) late-POST (LPOST), and early-POST (EPOST) fb LPOST on GR Palmer amaranth control, density, and biomass reduction, soybean injury, and yield. Field experiments were conducted near Carleton, NE, in 2018, and 2019 in a grower’s field infested with GR Palmer amaranth in 2,4-D–, glyphosate-, and glufosinate-resistant soybean. Sulfentrazone + cloransulam-methyl, imazethapyr + saflufenacil + pyroxasulfone, and chlorimuron ethyl + flumioxazin + metribuzin applied PRE provided 84% to 97% control of GR Palmer amaranth compared with the nontreated control 14 d after PRE. Averaged across herbicide programs, PRE fb 2,4-D and/or glufosinate, and sequential application of 2,4-D or glufosinate applied EPOST fb LPOST resulted in 92% and 88% control of GR Palmer amaranth, respectively, compared with 62% control with PRE-only programs 14 d after LPOST. Reductions in Palmer amaranth biomass followed the same trend; however, Palmer amaranth density was reduced 98% in EPOST fb LPOST programs compared with 91% reduction in PRE fb LPOST and 76% reduction in PRE-only programs. PRE fb LPOST and EPOST fb LPOST programs resulted in an average soybean yield of 4,478 and 4,706 kg ha−1, respectively, compared with 3,043 kg ha−1in PRE-only programs. Herbicide programs evaluated in this study resulted in no soybean injury. The results of this research illustrate that herbicide programs are available for the management of GR Palmer amaranth in 2,4-D–, glyphosate-, and glufosinate-resistant soybean.
LncRNA SNHG14 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via H3K27 acetylation activated PABPC1 by PTEN signaling
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Hong-Bo , Kurban Erxat , Luo Hong-Wu
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) functions as an oncogene in a variety of cancers. However, the role of SNHG14 in HCC remains elusive. The aim of this study is to unravel the functional role and regulatory mechanism of SNHG14 in HCC. A cohort of 40 HCC tumor tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were collected. Histopathological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the levels of SNHG14, PABPC1, and PTEN signaling molecules. CCK-8, immunofluorescence, and colony formation assays were conducted to monitor cell proliferation. Wound healing and tube formation assays were employed to determine cell migration and angiogenesis. ChIP assay was performed to investigate the enrichment of H3K27 acetylation in PABPC1 promoter. Xenograft mice model was constructed to further verify the SNHG14/PABPC1 axis in vivo. SNHG14 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, which promoted cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in Hep3B and HepG2 cells. PABPC1 functioned as a downstream effector of SNHG14. SNHG14 dramatically induced upregulation of PABPC1 via H3K27 acetylation. In addition, SNHG14/PABPC1 promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis via PTEN signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. SNHG14 promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis via upregulating PABPC1 through H3K27 acetylation and modulating PTEN signaling in the tumorigenesis of HCC.
FYN is required for ARHGEF16 to promote proliferation and migration in colon cancer cells
Authors: Yu Bei , Xu Linlin , Chen Limin , Wang Yao , Jiang Hongying , Wang Yiting , Yan Yehong , Luo Shiwen , Zhai Zhenyu
Published: August 2020

ARHGEF16 is a recently identified Rho-family guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that has been implicated in the activation of Rho-family GTPases such as Rho G, Rac, and Cdc42. However, its functions in colon cancer cell proliferation and migration are not well understood. In this study, we showed that ARHGEF16 was highly expressed in clinical specimens of colon cancer. In colon cancer cells, ARHGEF16-stimulated proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, FYN, as a novel partner of ARHGEF16. Knocking down FYN expression decreased ARHGEF16 protein level in colon cancer cells. We further demonstrated that ARHGEF16-induced colon cancer cell proliferation and migration were dependent on FYN since knockdown FYN abolished the ARHGEF16-induced proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. The FYN-ARHGEF16 axis mediates colon cancer progression and is a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer treatment.
Computational repositioning of dimethyl fumarate for treating alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhao Shuang , Fu Ying , Yan Lu , Feng Yilu , Chen Yaqi , Wu Yijia , Deng Yalan , Zhang Guiying , Chen Zhuchu , Chen Yongheng , Liu Ting
Published: August 2020

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a chronic alcohol-induced disorder of the liver for which there are few effective therapies for severe forms of ALD and for those who do not achieve alcohol abstinence. In this study, we used a systematic drug-repositioning bioinformatics approach querying a large compendium of gene-expression profiles to identify candidate U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved drugs to treat ALD. One of the top compounds predicted to be therapeutic for ALD by our approach was dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) inducer. We experimentally validated DMF in liver cells and in vivo. Our work demonstrates that DMF is able to significantly upregulate the NRF2 protein level, increase NRF2 phosphorylation, and promote NRF2 nuclear localization in liver cells. DMF also reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, DMF treatment could prevent ethanol-induced liver injury in ALD mice. Our results provide evidence that DMF might serve as a therapeutic option for ALD in humans, and support the use of computational repositioning to discover therapeutic options for ALD.
Proteomic analysis links alterations of bioenergetics, mitochondria-ER interactions and proteostasis in hippocampal astrocytes from 3xTg-AD mice
Authors: Dematteis Giulia , Vydmantaitė Gabrielė , Ruffinatti Federico Alessandro , Chahin Malak , Farruggio Serena , Barberis Elettra , Ferrari Eleonora , Marengo Emilio , Distasi Carla , Morkūnienė Ramunė , Genazzani Armando A. , Grilli Mariagrazia , Grossini Elena , Corazzari Marco , Manfredi Marcello , Lim Dmitry , Jekabsone Aistė , Tapella Laura
Published: August 2020

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a slowly-developing age-related neurodegenerative disorder, is a result of the action of multiple factors including deregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysproteostasis. Interaction of these factors in astrocytes, principal homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, is still poorly understood. Here we report that in immortalized hippocampal astrocytes from 3xTg-AD mice (3Tg-iAstro cells) bioenergetics is impaired, including reduced glycolysis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and increased production of reactive oxygen species. Shotgun proteomics analysis of mitochondria-ER-enriched fraction showed no alterations in the expression of mitochondrial and OxPhos proteins, while those related to the ER functions and protein synthesis were deregulated. Using ER- and mitochondria-targeted aequorin-based Ca2+ probe we show that, in 3Tg-iAstro cells, ER was overloaded with Ca2+ while Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria upon ATP stimulation was reduced. This was accompanied by the increase in short distance (≈8–10 nm) contact area between mitochondria and ER, upregulation of ER-stress/unfolded protein response genes Atf4, Atf6 and Herp, and reduction of global protein synthesis rate. We suggest that familial AD mutations in 3Tg-iAstro cells induce mitochondria-ER interaction changes that deregulate astrocytic bioenergetics, Ca2+ homeostasis and proteostasis. These factors may interact, creating a pathogenic loop compromising homeostatic and defensive functions of astroglial cells predisposing neurons to dysfunction.
Key role of quinone in the mechanism of respiratory complex I
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fernández Javier , Kaszuba Karol , Minhas Gurdeep S. , Baradaran Rozbeh , Tambalo Margherita , Gallagher David T. , Sazanov Leonid A.
Published: August 2020

Complex I is the first and the largest enzyme of respiratory chains in bacteria and mitochondria. The mechanism which couples spatially separated transfer of electrons to proton translocation in complex I is not known. Here we report five crystal structures of T. thermophilus enzyme in complex with NADH or quinone-like compounds. We also determined cryo-EM structures of major and minor native states of the complex, differing in the position of the peripheral arm. Crystal structures show that binding of quinone-like compounds (but not of NADH) leads to a related global conformational change, accompanied by local re-arrangements propagating from the quinone site to the nearest proton channel. Normal mode and molecular dynamics analyses indicate that these are likely to represent the first steps in the proton translocation mechanism. Our results suggest that quinone binding and chemistry play a key role in the coupling mechanism of complex I.
Interaction of the pioneer transcription factor GATA3 with nucleosomes
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Takaku Motoki , Kato Daiki , Kumagawa Yusuke , Grimm Sara A. , Wade Paul A. , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: August 2020

During cellular reprogramming, the pioneer transcription factor GATA3 binds chromatin, and in a context-dependent manner directs local chromatin remodeling and enhancer formation. Here, we use high-resolution nucleosome mapping in human cells to explore the impact of the position of GATA motifs on the surface of nucleosomes on productive enhancer formation, finding productivity correlates with binding sites located near the nucleosomal dyad axis. Biochemical experiments with model nucleosomes demonstrate sufficiently stable transcription factor-nucleosome interaction to empower cryo-electron microscopy structure determination of the complex at 3.15 Å resolution. The GATA3 zinc fingers efficiently bind their target 5′-GAT-3′ sequences in the nucleosome when they are located in solvent accessible, consecutive major grooves without significant changes in nucleosome structure. Analysis of genomic loci bound by GATA3 during reprogramming suggests a correlation of recognition motif sequence and spacing that may distinguish productivity of new enhancer formation.
Chemical synthesis of glycans up to a 128-mer relevant to the O-antigen of Bacteroides vulgatus
Authors: Zhu Qian , Shen Zhengnan , Chiodo Fabrizio , Nicolardi Simone , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba , Yu Biao
Published: August 2020

Glycans are involved in various life processes and represent critical targets of biomedical developments. Nevertheless, the accessibility to long glycans with precise structures remains challenging. Here we report on the synthesis of glycans consisting of [→4)-α-Rha-(1 → 3)-β-Man-(1 → ] repeating unit, which are relevant to the O-antigen of Bacteroides vulgatus, a common component of gut microbiota. The optimal combination of assembly strategy, protecting group arrangement, and glycosylation reaction has enabled us to synthesize up to a 128-mer glycan. The synthetic glycans are accurately characterized by advanced NMR and MS approaches, the 3D structures are defined, and their potent binding activity with human DC-SIGN, a receptor associated with the gut lymphoid tissue, is disclosed.
Lipoarabinomannan antigenic epitope differences in tuberculosis disease subtypes
Authors: Magni Ruben , Rruga Fatlum , Alsaab Fahad M. , Sharif Sara , Howard Marissa , Espina Virginia , Kim Brianna , Lepene Benjamin , Lee Gwenyth , Alayouni Mohamad A. , Steinberg Hannah , Araujo Robyn , Kashanchi Fatah , Riccardi Fabio , Morreira Sargento , Araujo Antonia , Poli Fernando , Jaganath Devan , Semitala Fred C. , Worodria William , Andama Alfred , Choudhary Alok , Honnen William J. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Cattamanchi Adithya , Colombatti Raffaella , de Waard Jacobus H. , Oberhelman Richard , Pinter Abraham , Gilman Robert H. , Liotta Lance A. , Luchini Alessandra
Published: August 2020

An accurate urine test for diverse populations with active tuberculosis could be transformative for preventing TB deaths. Urinary liporabinomannan (LAM) testing has been previously restricted to HIV co-infected TB patients. In this study we evaluate urinary LAM in HIV negative, pediatric and adult, pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients. We measured 430 microbiologically confirmed pretreatment tuberculosis patients and controls from Peru, Guinea Bissau, Venezuela, Uganda and the United States using three monoclonal antibodies, MoAb1, CS35, and A194, which recognize distinct LAM epitopes, a one-sided immunoassay, and blinded cohorts. We evaluated sources of assay variability and comorbidities (HIV and diabetes). All antibodies successfully discriminated TB positive from TB negative patients. ROAUC from the average of three antibodies’ responses was 0.90; 95% CI 0.87–0.93, 90% sensitivity, 73.5% specificity (80 pg/mL). MoAb1, recognizing the 5-methylthio-d-xylofuranose(MTX)-mannose(Man) cap epitope, performed the best, was less influenced by glycosuria and identified culture positive pediatric (N = 19) and extrapulmonary (N = 24) patients with high accuracy (ROAUC 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98, 0.90 sensitivity 0.80 specificity at 80 pg/mL; ROAUC = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99, 96% sensitivity, 80% specificity at 82 pg/mL, respectively). The MoAb1 antibody, recognizing the MTX-Man cap epitope, is a novel analyte for active TB detection in pediatric and extrapulmonary disease.
Coupling of electrochemical–temperature–mechanical processes in marine clay during electro-osmotic consolidation
Authors: Xue Zhi-Jia , Yan Chang-Gen , Li Wu-Gang
Published: August 2020

Electro-osmotic consolidation has been applied in several geotechnical engineering applications that contain a series of complex processes, including electrochemical processes, temperature changes, and mechanical evolution. To explore the combination of electrochemical–temperature–mechanical processes in marine clay, electro-osmotic consolidation experiments were conducted using a self-made electro-osmotic consolidation system under various durations and voltages. The following findings was obtained: (1) the change in the pH value increased during electro-osmotic consolidation and as the voltage rise; (2) the temperature increased with a rise in voltage in the initial stage of the experiments, which was induced by Joule heating; (3) the temperature rise promoted the electro-osmotic consolidation process, which included a rise in the coefficient of consolidation and a reduction in water content; (4) horizontal shrinkage occurred when the horizontal stress increment was greater than the critical stress condition. In addition, the volume difference reached a constant value, and was proportional to the voltage rise. After the discussion, a coupling analysis was conducted, which can help to better understand the mechanism of electro-osmotic consolidation and can provide reference for engineering applications.