bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumol attenuates liver sinusoidal endothelial cell angiogenesis via regulating Glis‐PROX1‐HIF‐1α in liver fibrosis
Authors: Yang Xiang , Wang Zhimin , Kai Jun , Wang Feixia , Jia Yan , Wang Shijun , Tan Shanzhong , Shen Xikun , Chen Anping , Shao Jiangjuan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zili , Zheng Shizhong
Published: March 2020

Objective

Hepatic sinusoidal angiogenesis owing to dysfunctional liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) accompanied by an abnormal angioarchitecture is a symbol related to liver fibrogenesis, which indicates a potential target for therapeutic interventions. However, there are few researches connecting angiogenesis with liver fibrosis, and the deeper mechanism remains to be explored.

Materials and Methods

Cell angiogenesis and angiogenic protein were examined in primary LSECs of rats, and multifarious cellular and molecular assays revealed the efficiency of curcumol intervention in fibrotic mice.

Results

We found that curcumol inhibited angiogenic properties through regulating their upstream mediator hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). The transcription activation of HIF‐1α was regulated by hedgehog signalling on the one hand, and the protein stabilization of HIF‐1α was under the control of Prospero‐related homeobox 1 (PROX1) on the other. A deubiquitinase called USP19 could be recruited by PROX1 and involved in ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of HIF‐1α. Furthermore, our researches revealed that hedgehog signalling participated in the activation of PROX1 transcription probably in vitro. Besides, curcumol was found to ameliorate liver fibrosis and sinusoid angiogenesis via hedgehog pathway in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrotic mice. The protein expression of key regulatory factors, PROX1 and HIF‐1α, was consistent with the Smo, the marker protein of Hh signalling pathway.

Conclusions

In this article, we evidenced that curcumol controlling LSEC‐mediated angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
A survey of precision diagnosis and management capacity of pulmonary embolism in 90 hospitals of China
Authors: Wang Dingyi , Shao Xiang , Lei Jieping , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: March 2020

Objective

To conduct a survey of diagnostic facility and therapeutic capability of Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) in 90 hospitals throughout China.

Method

It was a cross‐sectional study among the participating hospitals of the National Key Research & Development Program of China—the Precision Research of Standardized Management and Application of Pulmonary Thromboembolism to obtain the equipment and application of radiological facility to diagnose PE, laboratory tests for thrombophilia, coagulation function and the availability of anticoagulants and thrombolysis agents.

Results

CT pulmonary arteriography is capable in all 90 hospitals, 71.11% of the hospitals could perform ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, 24.44% of the hospitals do not routinely perform right heart evaluation by echocardiography. Protein C and protein S activity can be detected in half of the hospitals and warfarin pharmacogenomics tests can be conducted in 40 hospitals. Immune turbidimetry was used as the detection method of D‐dimer in 72.37% hospitals. About 81.11% of participating hospitals were equipped with new novel oral anticoagulants, all of which were equipped with Rivaroxaban.

Conclusion

The hospitals are capable for standardized diagnosis and management PE, while the capability of precise stratification, coagulation function tests, thrombophilia screening and pharmacogenomics requires further improvement.
Can the cardiovascular risk reductions observed with empagliflozin in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial be explained by concomitant changes seen in conventional cardiovascular risk factor levels?
Authors: Coleman Ruth L. , Gray Alastair M. , Broedl MD Uli C. , Fitchett David , George Jyothis T. , Woerle Hans J. , Zinman Bernard , Holman Rury R.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To performpost‐hocanalyses of the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial examining the degree to which empagliflozin‐induced changes in conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors might explain the observed CV benefits.

Materials and methods

We estimated 3‐year EMPA‐REG OUTCOME CV event rates using a type 2 diabetes‐specific clinical outcomes simulation model applied to annual patient‐level data. Variables included were atrial fibrillation, smoking, albuminuria, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, heart rate, white cell count, haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and histories of ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, amputation, blindness, renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction or diabetic ulcer. Multiple simulations were performed for each participant to minimize uncertainty and optimize confidence interval precision around CV risk point estimates. Observed and simulated cardiovascular relative risk reductions were compared.

Results

Model‐predicted relative risk reductions were smaller than those observed in the trial, with empagliflozin‐associated changes in conventional CV risk factor values appearing to explain only 12% of the observed relative risk reduction for all‐cause death (4% of 32%), 7% for CV death (3% of 39%) and 15% for heart failure (4% of 29%).

Conclusions

Empagliflozin‐associated changes in conventional CV risk factors in EMPA‐REG OUTCOME appear to explain only a small proportion of the CV and all‐cause death reductions observed. Alternative risk‐reduction mechanisms need to be explored to determine if the observed CV risk changes can be explained by other factors, or possibly by a direct drug‐specific effect.
Evaluating the probability of CRISPR‐based gene drive contaminating another species
Authors: Courtier‐Orgogozo Virginie , Danchin Antoine , Gouyon Pierre‐Henri , Boëte Christophe
Published: March 2020

The probability D that a given clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based gene drive element contaminates another, nontarget species can be estimated by the following Drive Risk Assessment Quantitative Estimate (DRAQUE) Equation: with hyb = probability of hybridization between the target species and a nontarget species; transf = probability of horizontal transfer of a piece of DNA containing the gene drive cassette from the target species to a nontarget species (with no hybridization); express = probability that the Cas9 and guide RNA genes are expressed; cut = probability that the CRISPR‐guide RNA recognizes and cuts at a DNA site in the new host; flank = probability that the gene drive cassette inserts at the cut site; immune = probability that the immune system does not reject Cas9‐expressing cells; nonextinct = probability of invasion of the drive within the population. We discuss and estimate each of the seven parameters of the equation, with particular emphasis on possible transfers within insects, and between rodents and humans. We conclude from current data that the probability of a gene drive cassette to contaminate another species is not insignificant. We propose strategies to reduce this risk and call for more work on estimating all the parameters of the formula.
Modelling patterns of coexistence of three congeneric headwater fishes
Authors: Hubbell Joshua P. , Schaefer Jacob F. , Warren Melvin L. , Sterling Kenneth A.
Published: March 2020

Mechanisms driving patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence among North American freshwater fishes are poorly understood. In particular, the influence of biotic interactions on coexistence among stream reaches and their effects on regional species distribution patterns is not well understood for congeneric headwater fishes.

Occupancy models provide a useful framework for examining patterns of co‐occurrence while also accounting for imperfect detection. Occupancy models may be extended to test for evidence that a dominant species influences the occurrence of a subordinate species and thus evaluate support for the hypothesis that species interactions drive patterns of coexistence.

We examined patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence at the stream‐reach scale among three species of darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) that occupy headwater streams within a Gulf Coastal Plain drainage in the south‐eastern U.S.A. We assessed species occurrences at 97 sites in first‐ to third‐order streams on one occasion each and used data from four sub‐reaches sampled with equal effort at each site to estimate species‐specific detection probabilities. Following sampling, a suite of habitat variables was collected at three equidistant points along each of the three transects established within a sub‐reach. Coarse (stream‐segment, catchment, network) scale variables were also incorporated using geospatial data. Single‐species and two‐species occupancy models were used to examine patterns of occupancy and coexistence.

The occupancy of each species was influenced by distinct habitat variables. Goldstripe darters (Etheostoma parvipinne) were constrained by a stream size gradient, groundwater input appeared to influence the occurrence of Yazoo darters (Etheostoma raneyi), and local habitat heterogeneity (e.g. variation in depth and current velocity) appeared to influence the occupancy of redspot darters (Etheostoma artesiae).

We found no evidence that the presence of one species influenced the occurrence of another within a stream‐reach based on two‐species occupancy models. Rather, species co‐occurrences were best explained as independent occurrences within a stream‐reach according to species‐specific habitat associations.

Occupancy modelling may provide a suitable framework for evaluating the influence of biotic interactions among congeneric stream fishes along species‐specific habitat gradients at the stream reach scale. Our study offers insight into how habitat variation can influence coexistence of potential competitors across a large river system.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of pristine and cerium‐doped WO3 nanoparticles for photodegradation of methylene blue via solar irradiation
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Nawaz Ahmad , Islam Bilal , Hussain Iftikhar
Published: March 2020

In this study, an effective photodegrading properties of WO3 nanoparticles has been enhanced by doping with cerium. To achieve our goal pristine and Ce‐doped WO3 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple and cost effective co‐precipitation route. Characterization of all the specimens were conducted which showed that there were no noticeable structural changes. WO3 retained its monoclinic structure even after doping with (3%, 5%, 8%, 10%) cerium which was also confirmed with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, XRD and Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy also confirm that no new phases were formed in doped specimens. XRD also depicts that minimum crystallite size is achieved at 3% cerium doping. Scanning electron microscope images show decrease in particle size initially at 3% cerium doping, that is, ~80 ± 2.5 nm. In contrast, further increase in doping percentage increases crystallite and particle sizes. Additionally, defect generation increased at lower doping percentage ~3%. In contrast, further increase in dopant (5%, 8%, 10%) caused defect annihilation process to dominate over defect generation. C/Co ratio and rate constant (KMB) values suggest that maximum degradation of methylene blue will occur at 3% cerium doping due to increase in crystalline defects. Ultraviolet visible Spectroscopy further validates C/Co ratio and degradation rate constant values by showing drastic decline in peak intensity at 3% cerium doping. Therefore, 3% cerium‐doped WO3 is more effective photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue in comparison to most of the previously used photocatalysts. The prepared cerium‐doped WO3 nanoparticles as a sun light driven photocatalyst, may be utilized for industrial wastewater purification.
Evaluation of innovative technological approaches to replace palm fat with physically modified Swiss rapeseed oil in bakery products
Authors: Schmid Tamara , Baumer Beatrice , Rüegg Ramona , Näf Patrick , Kinner Mathias , Müller Nadina
Published: March 2020

Palm fat is often used in baked goods because of its relatively low cost, and its positive impact on texture and shelf life. Demand for alternatives has risen in recent years due to concerns about the ecological and social sustainability. This is a challenge for the bakery industry since palm fat possesses unique properties. In this study, unhydrogenated rapeseed oil was processed using novel physical technologies, such as wax crystallisation, stabilised foaming and Pickering emulsions, in order to simulate palm fat properties. Analysis showed that while the initial viscosity of the fat substitute products was low compared to palm fat, the fat replacement products behaved very similarly to palm fat in the baking experiments. The resulting biscuits baked with emulsified rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil complemented with wax crystals were judged to be suitable replacements for palm fat in terms of processability, as well as analytical and sensory assessment.
The association between nutritional status and dental caries in low‐income children: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Rego Iana Nogueira , Cohen‐Carneiro Flávia , Vettore Mario Vianna , Herkrath Fernando José , Herkrath Ana Paula Corrêa de Queiroz , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa
Published: March 2020

Background

The possible association between obesity, underweight, and dental caries remains in debate. In addition, the role of sugar consumption on the abovementioned relationship was little explored.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and dental caries in 12‐year‐old low‐income children.

Design

This cross‐sectional school‐based study involved 406 12‐year‐old children living with limited economic resources. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed component of DMFT and PUFA/pufa index. Children were weighed and measured to assess nutritional status according toz‐score/body mass index. Data on socio‐economic and demographic characteristics, sugar consumption, sedentary behaviour, and psychosocial factors were collected through validated questionnaires. Multivariable multilevel Poisson regression was performed.

Results

Underweight children had 60% (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.13‐2.57) higher mean of decayed teeth and had mean PUFA/pufa 2.8 times higher than children with normal nutritional status. Underweight children with high annual sugar intake had a greater mean of decayed teeth (RR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.46‐5.06) than underweight children with low sugar intake.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that malnutrition is associated with dental caries among children from low‐income families.
Unmanned aerial vehicles/drones in vehicle routing problems: a literature review
Authors: Rojas Viloria Daniela , Solano‐Charris Elyn L. , Muñoz‐Villamizar Andrés , Montoya‐Torres Jairo R.
Published: March 2020

During recent years, advances in drone technologies have made them applicable in various fields of industry, and their popularity continues to grow. In this paper, the academic contributions on drones routing problems are analyzed between 2005 and 2019 to identify the main characteristics of these types of problems, as well as the research trends and recent improvements. The literature is classified according to the objectives optimized, solution methods, applications, constraints, and whether they use a complementary vehicle or not. Finally, a discussion for trends and future research is presented.
Impact of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation on mortality, stroke, and heart failure hospitalizations: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , De Ponti Roberto , Di Biase Luigi , Matta Mario , Gaita Fiorenzo , Romero Jorge , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Anselmino Matteo
Published: March 2020

Background

The impact of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) on hard clinical endpoints remains controversial.

Objective

Our aim was to conduct a random‐effect model meta‐analysis on efficacy data from high‐quality large matched database/registry studies and randomized clinical trials. We compared long‐term all‐cause mortality, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure in patients undergoing AFCA vs patients treated with medical therapy alone (rhythm and/or rate control medications) in a general AF population.

Methods and Results

PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases were screened and a total of nine studies were selected (one randomized clinical trial—CABANA—and eight large matched population studies). A total of 241 372 patients (27 711 in the ablation group, 213 661 in the nonablation group) were included. After a median follow‐up of 3.5 years, AFCA decreased the risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54‐0.72; I2 = 54%; number needed to treat [NNT] = 28), stroke (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.70; I2 = 23%; NNT = 59) and hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.80; I2 = 28%; NNT = 33) compared with AF patients treated with medical therapy alone.

Conclusion

Based on the currently available efficacy and effectiveness evidence, AFCA significantly reduces the risk of death, stroke, and hospitalization compared with medical therapy alone.
C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 aggravates renal fibrosis through activating JAK/STAT/GSK3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Yahong , Feng Qijian , Miao Jinhua , Wu Qinyu , Zhou Shan , Shen Weiwei , Feng Yanqiu , Hou Fan Fan , Liu Youhua , Zhou Lili
Published: March 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence worldwide. Renal fibrosis is the common pathological feature in various types of CKD. However, the underlying mechanisms are not determined. Here, we adopted different CKD mouse models and cultured human proximal tubular cell line (HKC‐8) to examine the expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and β‐catenin signalling, as well as their relationship in renal fibrosis. In CKD mice and humans with a variety of nephropathies, CXCR4 was dramatically up‐regulated in tubules, with a concomitant activation of β‐catenin. CXCR4 expression level was positively correlated with the expression of β‐catenin target MMP‐7. AMD3100, a CXCR4 receptor blocker, and gene knockdown of CXCR4 significantly inhibited the activation of JAK/STAT and β‐catenin signalling, protected against tubular injury and renal fibrosis. CXCR4‐induced renal fibrosis was inhibited by treatment with ICG‐001, an inhibitor of β‐catenin signalling. In HKC‐8 cells, overexpression of CXCR4 induced activation of β‐catenin and deteriorated cell injury. These effects were inhibited by ICG‐001. Stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)‐1α, the ligand of CXCR4, stimulated the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and JAK3/STAT6 signalling in HKC‐8 cells. Overexpression of STAT3 or STAT6 decreased the abundance of GSK3β mRNA. Silencing of STAT3 or STAT6 significantly blocked SDF‐1α‐induced activation of β‐catenin and fibrotic lesions. These results uncover a novel mechanistic linkage between CXCR4 and β‐catenin activation in renal fibrosis in association with JAK/STAT/GSK3β pathway. Our studies also suggest that targeted inhibition of CXCR4 may provide better therapeutic effects on renal fibrosis by inhibiting multiple downstream signalling cascades.
The mysterious life of the plant trans‐Golgi network: advances and tools to understand it better
Authors: RENNA L. , BRANDIZZI F.
Published: March 2020

By being at the interface of the exocytic and endocytic pathways, the plant trans‐Golgi network (TGN) is a multitasking and highly diversified organelle. Despite governing vital cellular processes, the TGN remains one of the most uncharacterized organelle of plant cells. In this review, we highlight recent studies that have contributed new insights and to the generation of markers needed to answer several important questions on the plant TGN. Several drugs specifically affecting proteins critical for the TGN functions have been extremely useful for the identification of mutants of the TGN in the pursuit to understand how the morphology and the function of this organelle are controlled. In addition to these chemical tools, we review emerging microscopy techniques that help visualize the TGN at an unpreceded resolution and appreciate the heterogeneity and dynamics of this organelle in plant cells.
Impact of community-based educational intervention on antibiotic use and resistance awareness among the people living in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Rabbani Syed Arman , Sridhar Sathvik B , Abazer Dania , Ahmed Halima Shuaibu , Usman Hauwa Aminu , Mahtab Asiya , El-Dahiyat Faris
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health concern today. We explored the usefulness of an educational intervention in increasing antibiotic-related awareness of the public.

Methods

This community-based interventional study was conducted among 100 people living in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Preintervention awareness regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was assessed using the World Health Organization antibiotic resistance: multicountry public awareness survey. After the baseline assessment of the knowledge, educational intervention was given to the study participants. The same questionnaire was used to assess the impact of this intervention after 4 weeks.

Key findings

The study participants had low baseline knowledge of antibiotics and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. A high proportion of study participants (54%) took antibiotics in the past 6 months. Our intervention significantly improved antibiotic-related knowledge and behaviours. Postintervention majority of study participants realized that full course of antibiotics should be taken (% change: 50.0, P < 0.001), leftover antibiotics from family and friends should not be used (% change: 40.0%, P = 0.004), antibiotics are of no use in viral infections (% change: 72.0%, P < 0.001), infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics (% change: 37%, P < 0.001), bacteria resistant to antibiotics can be spread from person to person (% change: 73%, P < 0.001) and infections from resistant bacteria are difficult to treat (% change: 38%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Following the intervention, antibiotic-related awareness was significantly improved among study participants. Further efforts should be made to ensure that this improved awareness is converted to necessary health behaviour changes in the long term.
Ultrastructure and Systematics of Two New Species of Dinoflagellate, Paragymnodinium Asymmetricum sp. nov. and Paragymnodinium Inerme sp. nov. (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae)1
Authors: Yokouchi Koh , Takahashi Kazuya , Nguyen Van Nguyen , Iwataki Mitsunori , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: March 2020

The genus Paragymnodinium currently includes two species, P. shiwhaense and P. stigmaticum, that are characterized by mixotrophic nutrition and the possession of nematocysts. In this study, two new dinoflagellates belonging to this genus were described based on observations using LM, SEM, and TEM together with a molecular analysis. Cells of P. asymmetricum sp. nov., isolated from Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam, were 7.9–12.6 μm long and 4.7–9.0 μm wide. The species showed no evidence of feeding behavior and was able to sustain itself phototrophically. Paragymnodinium asymmetricum shared many features with P. shiwhaense, including presence of nematocysts, absence of an eyespot, and a planktonic lifestyle, but was clearly distinguished by the asymmetric shape of the hyposome, possession of a single chloroplast, and its nutritional mode. Cells of P. inerme sp. nov., isolated from Jogashima, Kanagawa Pref, Japan, were 15.3–23.7 μm long and 10.9–19.6 μm wide. This species also showed no evidence of feeding behavior. Paragymnodinium inerme was similar to cells of P. shiwhaense in shape and planktonic lifestyle, but its nutritional mode was different. The presence of incomplete nematocysts was also a unique feature. A phylogenetic analysis inferred from concatenated SSU and LSU rDNA sequences recovered the two dinoflagellates in a robust clade with Paragymnodinium spp., within the clade of Gymnodinium sensu stricto. This evidence, together with their morphological similarities, made it reasonable to conclude that these two dinoflagellates are new species of Paragymnodinium.
Elucidating system‐level interdependence in electronic health record data: What are the ramifications for trainee assessment?
Authors: Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S. , Pack Rachael , Shepherd Lisa , McConnell Allison , Dukelow Adam M. , Sedran Robert , Lingard Lorelei
Published: March 2020

Context

The electronic health record (EHR) has been identified as a potential site for gathering data about trainees' clinical performance, but these data are not collected or organised for this purpose. Therefore, a careful and rigorous approach is required to explore how EHR data could be meaningfully used for assessment purposes. The purpose of this study was to identify EHR performance metrics that represent both the independent and interdependent clinical performance of emergency medicine (EM) trainees and explore how they might be meaningfully used for assessment and feedback.

Methods

Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted 21 semi‐structured interviews with EM faculty members and residents. Participants were asked to identify the clinical actions of trainees that would be valuable for assessment and feedback and describe how those activities are represented in the EHR. Data collection and analysis, which consisted of three stages of coding, occurred iteratively.

Results

When faculty members and trainees in EM were asked to reflect on the usefulness of using EHR performance metrics for resident assessment and feedback they expressed both widespread support for the idea in principle and hesitation that aspects of clinical performance captured in the data would not be representative of residents’ individual performance, but would rather reflect their interdependence with other team members and the systems in which they work. We highlight three categorisations of system‐level interdependence ‐ medical directives, technological systems and organisational systems ‐ identified by our participants, and discuss strategies participants employed to navigate these forms of interdependence within the health care system.

Conclusions

System‐level interdependence shapes physicians’ performances, and yet, this impact is rarely corrected for or noted within clinical performance data. Educators have a responsibility to recognise system‐level interdependence when teaching and consider system‐level interdependence when assessing the performance of trainees in order to most effectively and fairly utilise the EHR as a source of assessment data.
Association of nurses' level of knowledge and attitudes to ageism toward older adults: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rababa Mohammad , Hammouri Ammar M. , Hweidi Issa M. , Ellis Julie L.
Published: March 2020

This study aims to examine how the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of nurses in Jordan correlate with their levels of knowledge, attitudes, and ageism toward older adults. Ageism has not been studied in Jordan as it pertains to nurses, so a descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design, with a convenience sample of 317 Jordanian nurses, using the Fact on Aging Quiz 1, Fraboni Scale of Ageism, and Relating to Older People Evaluation was conducted in January to February 2019. Significant ageism was found, and differences in knowledge, attitudes, and negative ageism vary among nurses by sociodemographic/professional characteristics. Knowledge and attitudes toward older adults significantly correlate with negative ageism which is associated with poor health outcomes for older adults. Our findings reveal that even in a country with high religious observance and close family ties, ageism exists in healthcare settings because of nurses' poor knowledge and attitudes toward older adults. These findings have implications for nursing education, clinical practice, and health policy. Changes across these sectors based on the findings may contribute to reducing ageist practices and improving older adult health outcomes.
Nursing students' motivation regulation strategies in blended learning: A qualitative study
Authors: Mäenpää Kati , Järvenoja Hanna , Peltonen Jouni , Pyhältö Kirsi
Published: March 2020

Although there is a strong body of evidence showing that motivational factors are critical components of self‐regulated professional learning and commitment to work, little is known about nursing students' motivation regulation during their studies. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of nursing students' motivation regulation (MR) strategies and factors contributing to their reported use along their 3‐year study path in a blended learning environment. A purposeful sampling was used to select 12 undergraduate nursing students, who exhibited different MR profiles and had completed almost 3 years of study in a BL degree program. A qualitative, deductive, content analysis was used to depict students' experiences from their retrospective recollection in the interview situation. Seven motivation strategies were identified: environmental structuring, self‐consequating, goal‐oriented self‐talk, efficacy management, emotion regulation, regulation of value, and interest enhancement. Individual and situational factors were found to enhance and to sustain the use of appropriate MR strategies. The students exhibited versatility in their use of MR strategies, which were related to the study phase. These findings regarding nursing students' MR strategies should be considered in the development of nursing education programs and the implementation of improvements that contribute to professional and self‐regulated learning in BL programs.
A VIT‐like transporter facilitates iron transport into nodule symbiosomes for nitrogen fixation in soybean
Authors: Liu Sheng , Liao Li Li , Nie Miao Miao , Peng Wen Ting , Zhang Meng Shi , Lei Jia Ning , Zhong Yong Jia , Liao Hong , Chen Zhi Chang
Published: March 2020

Effective legume–rhizobia symbiosis depends on efficient nutrient exchange. Rhizobia need to synthesize iron‐containing proteins for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in nodules, which depends on host plant‐mediated iron uptake into the symbiosome.

We functionally investigated a pair of vacuolar iron transporter like (VTL) genes, GmVTL1a/b, in soybean (Glycine max) and evaluated their contributions to SNF, including investigations of gene expression patterns, subcellular localization, and mutant phenotypes.

Though both GmVTL1a/b genes were specifically expressed in the fixation zone of the nodule, GmVTL1a was the lone member to be localized at the tonoplast of tobacco protoplasts, and shown to facilitate ferrous iron transport in yeast. GmVTL1a targets the symbiosome in infected cells, as verified by in situ immunostaining. Two vtl1 knockout mutants had lower iron concentrations in nodule cell sap and peribacteroid units than in wild‐type plants, suggesting that GmVTL1 knockout inhibited iron import into symbiosomes. Furthermore, GmVTL1 knockout minimally affected soybean growth under nonsymbiotic conditions, but dramatically impaired nodule development and SNF activity under nitrogen‐limited and rhizobia‐inoculation conditions, which eventually led to growth retardation.

Taken together, these results demonstrate that GmVTL1a is indispensable for SNF in nodules as a transporter of ferrous iron from the infected root cell cytosol to the symbiosome.
Cooling and immunomodulation for treating hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury
Authors: Cho Kenta HT , Davidson Joanne O , Dean Justin M , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J
Published: March 2020

Therapeutic hypothermia is now well established to partially reduce disability in term and near‐term infants with moderate‐severe hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Preclinical and clinical studies have confirmed that current protocols for therapeutic hypothermia are near optimal. The challenge is now to identify complementary therapies that can further improve outcomes, in combination with therapeutic hypothermia. Overall, anti‐excitatory and anti‐apoptotic agents have shown variable or even no benefit in combination with hypothermia, suggesting overlapping mechanisms of neuroprotection. Inflammation appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of injury in the neonatal brain, and thus, there is potential for drugs with immunomodulatory properties that target inflammation to be used as a therapy in neonates. In this review, we examine the evidence for neuroprotection with immunomodulation after hypoxia‐ischemia. For example, stem cell therapy can reduce inflammation, increase cell survival, and promote cell maturation and repair. There are also encouraging preclinical data from small animals suggesting that stem cell therapy can augment hypothermic neuroprotection. However, there is conflicting evidence, and rigorous testing in translational animal models is now needed.
Deciphering UV‐induced DNA Damage Responses to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
Authors: Lee Jihoon W. , Ratnakumar Kajan , Hung Kai‐Feng , Rokunohe Daiki , Kawasumi Masaoki
Published: March 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is among the most prevalent environmental factors that influence human health and disease. Even 1 h of UV irradiation extensively damages the genome. To cope with resulting deleterious DNA lesions, cells activate a multitude of DNA damage response pathways, including DNA repair. Strikingly, UV‐induced DNA damage formation and repair are affected by chromatin state. When cells enter S phase with these lesions, a distinct mutation signature is created via error‐prone translesion synthesis. Chronic UV exposure leads to high mutation burden in skin and consequently the development of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. Intriguingly, UV‐induced oxidative stress has opposing effects on carcinogenesis. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of UV‐induced DNA damage responses will be useful for preventing and treating skin cancer with greater precision. Excitingly, recent studies have uncovered substantial depth of novel findings regarding the molecular and cellular consequences of UV irradiation. In this review, we will discuss updated mechanisms of UV‐induced DNA damage responses including the ATR pathway, which maintains genome integrity following UV irradiation. We will also present current strategies for preventing and treating nonmelanoma skin cancer, including ATR pathway inhibition for prevention and photodynamic therapy for treatment.
Effects of Photobiomodulation on Daphnia magna Straus and their Sensitivity to Toxicant
Authors: Vorobyeva Olga V. , Samoylova Tatyana A. , Yusupov Vladimir I.
Published: March 2020

This paper deals with the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on Daphnia magna S. and their sensitivity to cadmium sulfate, a known high toxic pollutant. In a first series of experiments, the effect of different He‐Ne laser fluences irradiation (range 0.9‐4300 mJ cm−2) on the fertility of both parent and filial generations (F1–F3) of the crustacean was studied. It was found that PBM in some cases significantly influenced the fertility of both irradiated crustaceans and their nonirradiated offspring. By selecting two fluences (9 ± 2 mJ cm−2 reducing fertility and 4.3 ± 0.9 J cm−2 increasing it), the effect of these on toxicity of cadmium sulfate was evaluated. These experiments have shown that prior irradiation with low‐intensity light of a helium–neon laser with 632.8 nm wavelength can change the sensitivity of aquatic organisms to toxin cadmium sulfate. The degree and direction of changes depend on the toxicant concentration and the irradiation dose.
Living donor liver transplantation for congenital hepatic fibrosis in children
Authors: Irie Rie , Nakazawa Atsuko , Sakamoto Seisuke , Takeda Masahiro , Yanagi Yusuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Uchida Hajime , Fukuda Akinari , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Syunsuke , Kasahara Mureo
Published: March 2020

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) often accompanies autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), which stems from a PKHD1 gene mutation. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognosis of children with CHF who received living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) from donors who might be heterozygous carriers of a hepatorenal fibrocystic disease. Fourteen children with CHF who underwent LDLT at our center were enrolled. Eight and two patients had ARPKD and nephronophthisis, respectively. Eight of the donors were the recipients’ fathers, and six donors were their mothers. We examined the histological and radiological findings of the donor livers and complications in the recipients following the liver transplantation. Seven of the donor livers presented morphological abnormalities of the bile ducts. Abdominal computed tomography revealed liver cysts in eight donors. One recipient underwent re‐LT for graft failure due to rejection. Three patients presented with rejection, and one presented with sepsis. The overall survival rate was 100% and the original graft survival rate was 93%. In conclusion, the prognosis of recipients who received a LDLT from their parents for CHF was excellent. However, the morphology of half the donor livers was abnormal. Careful follow‐up is needed to ensure long‐term graft survival.
Public Stigma Toward Persons with Suicidal Thoughts—Do Age, Sex, and Medical Condition of Affected Persons Matter?
Authors: Ludwig Julia , Liebherz Sarah , Dreier Mareike , Härter Martin , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: March 2020

Objective

Suicidal persons often face public stigmatization which affects help‐seeking behavior and may lead to an additional suicide risk. There is not much known about differences in stigmatizing attitudes concerning characteristics of affected persons. The present study investigates public stigma toward suicidal persons in Germany by focussing on differences concerning sex, age, and medical condition of the affected person.

Method

A national telephone survey (N = 2,002) was conducted using case vignettes presenting a person with suicidal thoughts. Vignettes systematically varied in sex, age, and medical condition (depressive symptoms vs. cancer). Several components of stigma were assessed (“weakness of will” as a cause, separation, negative emotional reactions, and desire for social distance).

Results

About 44% of the respondents agreed that a cause of suicidal thoughts is “weakness of will,” and two thirds disagreed that they would feel and think the same as the described person. In terms of emotional reactions, fear was more pronounced than anger. Stigmatizing attitudes were particularly pronounced when the described person was female and depressive symptoms were presented.

Conclusions

Magnitude of public suicide stigma varies depending on the characteristics of the described person. Groups that are at special risk of being stigmatized should be considered in antistigma programs.
Optimal control analysis of combined chemotherapy-immunotherapy treatment regimens in a PKPD cancer evolution model
Authors: Bukkuri Anuraag
Published: March 2020

The author constructs a mathematical model capturing tumor-immune dynamics, incorporating the evolution of drug resistance, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of administered drugs, and immunotherapy possibilities. Numerical simulations are performed to analyze the model under a variety of treatment possibilities. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the parameters contributing the most to the variance in effector cell, resistant, and sensitive tumor cell populations. Then, a detailed optimal control analysis is performed, along with a numerical simulation of optimal treatment profiles for a hypothetical patient.
2.5D multizone reproduction using weighted mode matching: Performance analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Zhang Junqing , Zhang Wen , Abhayapala Thushara D. , Zhang Lijun
Published: March 2020

Mode-matching based multizone reproduction has been mainly focused on a purely two-dimensional (2D) theory, where infinite-long 2D secondary sources are assumed for 2D multizone reproduction. Its extension to the three-dimensional (3D) case requires more secondary sources and a higher computational complexity. This work investigates a more practical setup to use 3D sound sources as secondary sources for multizone reproduction in a 2D horizontal plane, i.e., 2.5D multizone reproduction. A weighted mode-matching approach is proposed to solve the dimensionality mismatch between the 2D desired sound field and 3D reproduced sound field. The weighting is based on an integral of Bessel-spherical harmonic modes over the entire control region. A detailed analysis of the weighting function is provided to show that the proposed method controls all the reproduction modes present on the 2D plane to minimize the reproduction error. The method is validated in both simulation-based and hardware-based experiments. The results demonstrate that in comparison with the conventional sectorial mode-matching method, the proposed approach can achieve more accurate reproduction over a wide frequency range and a large control region.
Ultrasonic backscattering and microstructure in sheared concentrated suspensions
Authors: Lombard Olivier , Rouyer Julien , Debieu Eric , Blanc Frédéric , Franceschini Emilie
Published: March 2020

Quantitative ultrasound techniques based on the parametrization of the backscatter coefficient (BSC) are used to characterize concentrated particle suspensions. Specifically, a scattering model is fit to the measured BSC and the fit parameters can provide local suspension properties. The scattering models generally assume an isotropic microstructure (i.e., spatial organization) of the scatterers, whereas the sheared concentrated suspensions can develop an anisotropic microstructure. This paper studied the influence of the shear-induced anisotropic microstructure of concentrated suspensions on the ultrasonic backscattering. Experiments were conducted on suspensions of polymethylmetacrylate spheres (5.8 μm in radius) sheared in a Couette flow device to obtain anisotropic microstructure and then mixed by hand to obtain isotropic microstructure. Experimental structure factors that are related to the spatial distribution of sphere positions were obtained by comparing the BSCs of one concentrated and one diluted suspension. Finally, Stokesian dynamics numerical simulations of sheared concentrated suspensions are used to determine the pair correlation function, which is linked to the Fourier transform of the structure factor. The experimental structure factors are found to be in good agreement with numerical simulations. The numerical simulation demonstrates that the angular-dependent BSCs and structure factors are caused by the shear-induced anisotropic microstructure within the suspension.
Posterior corneal features in patients with Down syndrome and their relation with keratoconus
Authors: Vega-Estrada Alfredo , Fariselli Chiara , Alio Jorge L
Published: March 2020

Aims

To characterise posterior corneal surface features in patients with Down syndrome (DS) and to compare them with healthy and mild keratoconus corneas.

Methods

This restrospective, comparative, non-randomised, clinical study included 123 eyes, divided into three groups (37 eyes of patients with DS, 46 with mild keratoconus and 40 controls), and took place at Vissum Alicante. Only patients with no previous ocular surgery, no corneal scars and no active ocular disease other than keratoconus were included. The Sirius System topographer (CSO, Firenze, Italy) was used in order to analyse posterior corneal surface keratometry, shape and keratoconus screening indices, posterior corneal aberrations, corneal volume and pachymetry.

Results

Patients with DS, when compared with healthy controls, have a steeper (mean keratometry 7 mm (KM): −6.30±0.44 vs −6.15±0.22; p<0.05) and more irregular (root mean square per unit of area: 4.5 mm 0.22±0.22 vs 0.09±0.03, p<0.001; posterior vertex of the ectatic area: 33.22±44.29 vs 10.63±2.88, p<0.001) posterior corneal surface, with higher aberrations (high-order aberrations (HOAs): 1.07±1.43 vs 0.15±0.06, p<0.001; coma-like: 0.88±1.09 vs 0.13±0.07, p<0.001) and thinnest pachymetry (497.68±26.88 vs 538.95±31.67, p<0.001). At the same time, no statistically significant difference was found between patients with DS and patients with mild keratoconus (p>0.05) in KM (−6.38±0.34), HOA (0.56±0.36), coma-like (0.51±0.34) and pachymetry (500.56±36.83).

Conclusions

Posterior corneal surface of patients with DS is steeper, more irregular and shows more higher order aberrations, as well as reduced volume and thinner pachymetry than patients with healthy corneas. Additionally, posterior corneal surface in patients with DS shows similar characteristics to those found in mild keratoconus.
Ocular complications of cat scratch disease
Authors: Johnson Alan
Published: March 2020

Cat scratch disease (CSD) in humans is caused by infection withBartonella henselaeor otherBartonellaspp. The name of the disease reflects the fact that patients frequently have a history of contact (often involving bites or scratches) with infected cats. Patients with CSD typically develop lesions at the site where the skin is broken together with regional lymphadenopathy but may go on to exhibit systemic symptoms and with deep-seated infections at a range of sites including the eye. Patients with CSD may present with a range of inflammatory eye conditions, including Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome, neuroretinitis, multifocal retinitis, uveitis and retinal artery occlusion.Bartonellaspp. are fastidious bacteria that are difficult to culture from clinical specimens so microbiological diagnosis is frequently made on the basis of positive serology for anti-Bartonellaantibodies or detection of bacterial DNA by PCR. Due to the lack of clinical trials, the evidence base for optimal management of patients with CSD-associated eye infections (including the role of antibiotics) is weak, being derived from single reports or small, uncontrolled case series.