bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility to Oral Antiseptics and Virulence Factors Ex Vivo Associated with Candida spp. Isolated from Dental Prostheses
Authors: Barbosa Amir Horiquini , Damasceno Jaqueline Lopes , Casemiro Luciana Assirati , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Pires Regina Helena , Candido Regina Célia
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To isolate Candida spp. from dental prosthesis users’ saliva and to evaluate the isolates for the presence of several virulence factors. This research also aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of 3 commercial mouthwashes/oral antiseptic formulations containing 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.07% cetylpyridinium, or 0.075% cetylpyridinium against planktonic and sessile (biofilm mode) yeast cells.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐three Candida yeasts were isolated from 32 of 70 selected patients, and the virulence factors of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis species were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and proteinase in plates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and in vitro biofilm assay evaluated the antifungal activity of antiseptics.

Results

C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis were detected in mono and mixed cultures. Only C. albicans displayed genes related to adhesion and proteinases (ALS2, ALS3, SAP1, and SAP3). The aspartate proteinase activity was found in 60.46% of isolates. The tested antiseptic formulations exhibited a MIC less than 1.25% toward yeasts in the planktonic mode. According to XTT ((2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxanilide) assay results, most Candida isolates and all mixed cultures formed biofilms within 24 hours. The evaluated antiseptic formulations were also active against biofilms.

Conclusion

Most virulence factors investigated here (ALS2, ALS3, SAP1, and SAP3) occurred in the majority of the Candida spp. isolates, especially in C. albicans. The tested mouthwash formulations were effective against all the yeast isolates in both the planktonic and sessile growth modes. Developing alternative therapies that can avoid or control biofilm formation is necessary to prevent oral candidiasis and other Candida spp. infections.
Frequency of bacteriuria in dogs with chronic kidney disease: A retrospective study of 201 cases
Authors: Lamoureux Anaïs , Da Riz Fiona , Cappelle Julien , Boulouis Henri‐Jean , Benchekroun Ghita , Cadoré Jean‐Luc , Krafft Emilie , Maurey Christelle
Published: February 2019

Background

Studies have shown an increased prevalence of positive urine culture (PUC) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD); no information is available in dogs.

Objectives

To document the PUC frequency in a cohort of dogs with CKD, determine risk factors for PUC, and identify associations between clinicopathologic data and PUC.

Animals

Two hundred one client‐owned dogs with CKD.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study. Dogs recruited from 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were included if they were diagnosed with CKD and had a culture performed on urine collected by cystocentesis. The PUC frequency was calculated, multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors, and associations with clinicopathologic data were investigated.

Results

Sixty‐five dogs (32%) with CKD had PUC, including 8 (28%) in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1; only 8% showed signs of a urinary tract infection.Escherichia coliwas the most common isolate (67%). A PUC was more likely in females (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67‐6.37;P< .001) than males and in dogs with isosthenuria (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.24‐5.03;P= .01) than in dogs with urine‐specific gravity 1.013‐1.024. A positive leukocyte esterase test and microorganisms found by urine sediment analysis were significantly associated with PUC (bothP< .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with CKD, even IRIS stage 1, have a high frequency of PUC and most cases are asymptomatic. A urine culture could be considered in the routine evaluation of dogs with CKD, but the clinical relevance of a PUC remains unknown and needs further evaluation.
Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes
Authors: Crowe‐Riddell Jenna M. , Simões Bruno F. , Partridge Julian C. , Hunt David M. , Delean Steven , Schwerdt Julian G. , Breen James , Ludington Alastair , Gower David J. , Sanders Kate L.
Published: February 2019

Dermal phototaxis has been reported in a few aquatic vertebrate lineages spanning fish, amphibians and reptiles. These taxa respond to light on the skin of their elongate hind‐bodies and tails by withdrawing under cover to avoid detection by predators. Here, we investigated tail phototaxis in sea snakes (Hydrophiinae), the only reptiles reported to exhibit this sensory behaviour. We conducted behavioural tests in 17 wild‐caught sea snakes of eight species by illuminating the dorsal surface of the tail and midbody skin using cold white, violet, blue, green and red light. Our results confirmed phototactic tail withdrawal in the previously studiedAipysurus laevis, revealed this trait for the first time inA. duboisiiandA. tenuis, and suggested that tail photoreceptors have peak spectral sensitivities between blue and green light (457–514 nm). Based on these results, and an absence of photoresponses in fiveAipysurusandHydrophisspecies, we tentatively infer that tail phototaxis evolved in the ancestor of a clade of sixAipysurusspecies (comprising 10% of all sea snakes). Quantifying tail damage, we found that the probability of sustaining tail injuries was not influenced by tail phototactic ability in snakes. Gene profiling showed that transcriptomes of both tail skin and body skin lacked visual opsins but contained melanopsin (opn4x) in addition to key genes of the retinal regeneration and phototransduction cascades. This work suggests that a nonvisual photoreceptor (e.g., Gq rhabdomeric) signalling pathway underlies tail phototaxis, and provides candidate gene targets for future studies of this unusual sensory innovation in reptiles.
Deep segregation in the open ocean: Macaronesia as an evolutionary hotspot for low dispersal marine invertebrates
Authors: Vieira Pedro E. , Desiderato Andrea , Holdich David M. , Soares Pedro , Creer Simon , Carvalho Gary R. , Costa Filipe O. , Queiroga Henrique
Published: February 2019

Diversification and speciation of terrestrial organisms are anticipated in oceanic islands such as Macaronesia, a group of Atlantic islands that have remained unconnected to continental landmasses. Hitherto, the diversification of marine organisms in oceanic islands, especially those with low vagility, has received little direct empirical analysis using molecular markers. Here, we focus on such a case study, through applying a multilocus molecular approach to investigate the diversity and evolution of a group that lacks a planktonic larval stage, the isopod genus Dynamene, in Macaronesia and Northeast Atlantic. Sequences of two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) loci were obtained from specimens of Dynamene edwardsi (Lucas, 1849), Dynamene magnitorata Holdich, 1968 and Dynamene bidentata (Adams, 1800) collected along the Northeast Atlantic and Macaronesia. Although no major phylogeographic structure was detected in D. bidentata and D. magnitorata, from five to nine deeply divergent lineages were evident within D. edwardsi. The divergent lineages displayed genetic distances comparable to those found among established species of peracarids. D. edwardsi exhibits a long, rich and complex phylogeographic history in Macaronesia, where the geodynamics of the islands possibly associated with founder effects and subsequent lack of gene flow among populations confounds patterns based on geographic proximity of targeted populations. Our findings collectively suggest a much larger role of oceanic islands in the diversification of marine invertebrates than previously anticipated. The work provides insights into the origins and dynamics of ongoing geographic segregation and associated deep divergence among sister evolutionary lineages in Macaronesia.
A Roma Nation? Constructing Romani identity in the context of extreme displacement
Authors: Webb Emily
Published: February 2019

The process of displacement has affected the articulation of collective identity among the Romani diaspora. The nation state persists as the main vehicle through which diasporic identities are formulated. A challenge to this is when a diaspora has lost its homeland as its territorial reference point. This article reflects on the way in which the Romanies – a 1,000‐year‐old diaspora – confront traditional understandings of diasporic identity as combining the ideas of a loss and longing for a homeland. It explores the limits and possibilities of building a collective Romani identity in the context of extreme displacement, with reference to narratives of identity and belonging articulated by the Romani diaspora in Britain.
Lipid droplet biogenesis regulated by the FgNem1/Spo7‐FgPah1 phosphatase cascade plays critical roles in fungal development and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Na , Yun Yingzi , Yin Yanni , Hahn Matthias , Ma Zhonghua , Chen Yun
Published: February 2019

Lipid droplets (LDs) control lipid metabolism in eukaryotic cells in general. However, the biogenesis regulation and biological functions of LDs are largely unknown in pathogenic fungi.

Rapamycin treatment results in a significant increase of LD biogenesis in Fusarium graminearum. Molecular mechanisms of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway in regulating LD biogenesis and the functions of LD in virulence of F. graminearum were investigated in depth by combining genetic, cytological and phenotypic strategies.

TOR in Fusarium graminearum (FgTOR) inhibition by rapamycin induces LD biogenesis through the FgPpg1/Sit4 signaling branch. FgPpg1 promotes phosphorylation of protein phosphatase FgNem1 by the protein kinase FgCak1. The phosphorylated FgNem1 dephosphorylates the phosphatidate phosphatase FgPah1. Dephosphorylated FgPah1 is active and stimulates LD biogenesis. Moreover, deletion of FgNem1/Spo7 or FgPah1 leads to serious defects in vegetative growth, sexual development and virulence.

The results of this study provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanism and biological functions of the LDs in the devastating pathogenic fungus F. graminearum.
Terrestrial biosphere models may overestimate Arctic CO2 assimilation if they do not account for decreased quantum yield and convexity at low temperature
Authors: Rogers Alistair , Serbin Shawn P. , Ely Kim S. , Wullschleger Stan D.
Published: February 2019

How terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) represent leaf photosynthesis and its sensitivity to temperature are two critical components of understanding and predicting the response of the Arctic carbon cycle to global change.

We measured the effect of temperature on the response of photosynthesis to irradiance in six Arctic plant species and determined the quantum yield of CO2 fixation () and the convexity factor (θ). We also determined leaf absorptance (α) from measured reflectance to calculate on an absorbed light basis () and enabled comparison with nine TBMs.

The mean was 0.045 mol CO2 mol−1 absorbed quanta at 25°C and closely agreed with the mean TBM parameterisation (0.044), but as temperature decreased measured diverged from TBMs. At 5°C measured was markedly reduced (0.025) and 60% lower than TBM estimates. The θ also showed a significant reduction between 25°C and 5°C. At 5°C θ was 38% lower than the common model parameterisation of 0.7.

These data show that TBMs are not accounting for observed reductions in and θ that can occur at low temperature. Ignoring these reductions in and θ could lead to a marked (45%) overestimation of CO2 assimilation at subsaturating irradiance and low temperature.
Semaglutide as a promising antiobesity drug
Authors: Christou Georgios A. , Katsiki Niki , Blundell John , Fruhbeck Gema , Kiortsis Dimitrios N.
Published: February 2019

Semaglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) with a long elimination half‐life, allowing subcutaneous (sc) administration once per week. Both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved once‐weekly sc semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The weight loss efficacy of once‐weekly sc semaglutide appears to be superior compared with the other once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs in patients with T2DM. Semaglutide was recently evaluated as an antiobesity drug in a phase II dose‐finding trial, which demonstrated superior weight loss efficacy of once daily sc semaglutide compared with both placebo and once daily 3.0 mg liraglutide in patients with obesity but without T2DM. The magnitude of semaglutide‐induced weight loss in this study exceeded the criteria of both the EMA and FDA for antiobesity drugs, and there were no safety concerns, indicating the eligibility of once daily sc semaglutide as a future antiobesity drug.
Comprehensive dynamic transcriptome analysis at two seed germination stages in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Han Zanping , Wang Bin , Tian Lei , Wang Shunxi , Zhang Jun , Guo ShuLei , Zhang Hengchao , Xu Lengrui , Chen Yanhui
Published: February 2019

Seed germination, as an integral stage of crop production, directly affects Zea mays (maize) yield and grain quality. However, the molecular mechanisms of seed germination remain unclear in maize. We performed comparative transcriptome analysis of two maize inbred lines, Yu82 and Yu537A, at two stages of seed germination. Expression profile analysis during seed germination revealed that a total of 3381 and 4560 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Yu82 and Yu537A at the two stages. Transcription factors were detected from several families, such as the bZIP, ERF, WRKY, MYB and bHLH families, which indicated that these transcription factor families might be involved in driving seed germination in maize. Prominent DEGs were submitted for KEGG enrichment analysis, which included plant hormones, amino acid mechanism, nutrient reservoir, metabolic pathways and ribosome. Of these pathways, genes associated with plant hormones, especially gibberellins, abscisic acid and auxin may be important for early germination in Yu82. In addition, DEGs involved in amino acid mechanism showed significantly higher expression levels in Yu82 than in Yu537A, which indicated that energy supply from soluble sugars and amino acid metabolism may contribute to early germination in Yu82. This results provide novel insights into transcriptional changes and gene interactions in maize during seed germination.
The Ecology of Games as a Theory of Polycentricity: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Berardo Ramiro , Lubell Mark
Published: February 2019

The Ecology of Games approach to examining complex governance systems in democratic societies has been recently refurbished to infuse renewed vitality in the analysis of institutions and collective action in polycentric governance systems. This opening article to the special issue on the Ecology of Games Theory (EGT) will discuss the main component elements of the theory, as well as recently produced empirical advances that test and extend it. The article is structured in three sections. The first section describes the EGT as a theory of polycentricity and explains why it is critical to study both the structure and function of polycentric governance systems, including collaboration among policy stakeholders, learning about problems, and equitably distributing the resources generated by policy interactions. The second section reviews empirical evidence that examine structure and function in polycentric systems, including their coevolution. Finally, the third section will provide insights on future research needs to strengthen this newly developed theory of polycentricity.
A Global Pact for the Environment: Conceptual foundations
Authors: Aguila Yann , Viñuales Jorge E.
Published: February 2019

This article introduces the conceptual foundations of the initiative towards the adoption of a Global Pact for the Environment. It first situates the search for a global framework instrument on environmental protection in a long‐term perspective and then discusses the main reasons why it is needed. Against this background, the article presents the current expression of this much broader trend, in the form of the initiative for a Global Pact for the Environment and the momentum it has generated in policy circles, first and foremost at the level of the United Nations General Assembly.
Explaining subnational variations in early childhood education and care. A fuzzy‐set analysis of the Italian case
Authors: Da Roit Barbara , Sabatinelli Stefania , Arlotti Marco
Published: February 2019

Although cross‐country differences in the development of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services have been widely researched, the pronounced subnational variation that characterizes many countries is little researched. This article aims to contribute filling this gap by investigating the factors underlying ECEC development in Italian regions, where take‐up rates of public and subsidized daycare centers, behind a national average of 12%, range from 2% in some Southern regions to 25% in Emilia Romagna (North‐East). The article explores the configurations of economic, socio‐demographic, political, institutional, and cultural factors possibly responsible for high and low ECEC development through Fuzzy‐set/Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Results show that economic development and female employment are necessary but not sufficient conditions for ECEC development; similarly, familistic values, the lack of early ECEC development and of social capital are necessary but not sufficient conditions for limited expansion. The analysis identifies multifaceted patterns of (non)expansion, thus demonstrating the complexity of social policy development processes and preventing determinism based on need, cultural, or economic factors.
Are the Most Competitive Men More Resilient to Failures than the Most Competitive Women? Evidence from Professional Golf Tournaments*
Authors: Rosenqvist Olof
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Women are underrepresented in top positions and experimental evidence suggests that one explanation is gender differences in preferences for competition, that is, fewer women than men enter competition‐intensive careers. Less is known about whether there are remaining gender differences in competitiveness within the subpopulation of men and women that choose to pursue such careers, which creates further female underrepresentation in top positions. Studying a subcomponent of competitiveness, namely resilience to failures, this article provides quasi experimental evidence from the field on this issue.

Methods

I study professional golfers’ resilience to failures by estimating the causal effect of a failure in one tournament on the performance in the next.

Results

The results show that both male and female golfers respond negatively to failures, and that their responses are virtually identical.

Conclusion

Thus, in this particular subpopulation of competitive men and women there seems to be no gender difference in resilience to failures.
The Impact of International Financial Reporting Stanadard (IFRS) Adoption on Accounting Quality in Nigerian Listed Money Deposit Banks
Authors: Jibril Rabiu Saminu
Published: February 2019

This study was aimed to empirically evaluate the impact of adoption of IFRS on accounting quality in Nigeria using the money deposit banks. The study utilized the annual reports and accounts of 15 banks listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period of 2011 to 2014 (that is two years before and two years after adoption); using liner regression analysis was employed in analyzing the data generated for the study. Based on the data analyses, the study found that large loss recognitions have increased in the post adoption period. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that developing nations should adopt IFRS as their financial reporting standard as it is capable of increasing their accounting quality. The researcher also recommends that research should be conducted to analyze why IFRS improves the accounting quality based on standard by standard, not the whole package.
The Examination of Competencies in Master’s Degree Programs in the Context of Lifelong Learning Key Competencies
Authors: Tuncel İbrahim
Published: February 2019

The importance and support of higher education in implementing the lifelong learning has been emphasized in Bologna Process, which is really effective in devising higher education programs. In the present study, it is aimed to find out the competencies of the higher education programs which support lifelong learning by examining the program competencies of the master’s degree programs under the Graduate School of Educational Sciences within the framework of the key competencies of lifelong learning. In the study, a multiple case holistic design has been used as one of the case study designs. The unit of analysis consists of the key competencies of lifelong learning. The master’s degree programs examined in 12 different fields constitute multiple cases. Document analysis has been used as the method in the study. Content analysis has been conducted on the documents by taking the lifelong learning key competencies into account. The data has been encoded by two different encoders having researches in the field of lifelong learning, and the consistency between the encoders has been examined. As a result of the analysis of the data, it has been concluded that the content of the program competencies in the graduate fields examined within the scope of the study is insufficient to include all the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are covered by the key competencies of lifelong learning and the results of the study indicate that in particular, social competency and cultural awareness and expression competency have not been included in the content of the program competencies examined.
Fitting Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Model to Diffusion MR Signals of the Human Breast Tissue using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Ertas Gokhan
Published: February 2019

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) modeling offers the parameters f, D and D* as biomarkers for different lesion types and cancer stages from diffusion MR signals. Challenges with the available optimization algorithms in fitting the model to the signals motive new studies for improved parameter estimations. In this study, one thousand value sets of f, D, D* for human breast are assembled and used to generate five thousand diffusion MR signals considering noise-free and noisy situations exhibiting signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of 20, 40, 60 and 80. The estimates of f, D, D* are obtained using Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), trust-region (TR) and particle swarm (PS) algorithms. On average, the algorithms provide the highest fitting performance for the noise-free signals (R2adj=1.000) and great fitting performances on the noisy signals with SNR>20 (R2adj>0.988). TR algorithm performs slightly better for SNR=20 (R2adj=0.947). TR and PS algorithms achieve the highest parameter estimation performance for all the parameters while LM algorithm reveals the highest performance for f and D only on the noise-free signals (r=1.00). For the noisy signals, performances increase while SNR increases. All algorithms accomplish poor performances for D* (r=0.01-0.20) while TR and PS algorithms perform same for f (r=0.48-0.97) and D (r=0.85-0.99) but remarkably better than LM algorithm for f (r=0.08-0.97) and D (r=0.53-0.99). Overall, TR and PS algorithms demonstrate better but indistinguishable performances. Without requiring any user-given initial value, PS algorithm may facilitate improved estimation of IVIM parameters of the human breast tissue. Further studies are needed to determine its benefit in clinical practice.
Chemically reversible isomerization of inorganic clusters
Authors: Williamson Curtis B. , Nevers Douglas R. , Nelson Andrew , Hadar Ido , Banin Uri , Hanrath Tobias , Robinson Richard D.
Published: February 2019

Cluster isomerization

Structural rearrangements at the atomic scale can range from isomerization of small molecules to solid-solid phase transformations of crystals. Williamson
et al.
show that magic-size cadmium sulfide (CdS) crystalline clusters, which are about 2 nanometers in diameter and expose a large fraction of surface atoms capped by bidentate oleate ligands, undergo a reversible isomerization. The initial α-Cd
37
S
20
phase, which has a wurtzite-like crystal structure, isomerizes to β-Cd
37
S
20
, which has a zinc blende–like structure upon exposure to methanol, and then transforms back under vacuum. This transition is driven by distortion of the ligand shell and shifts the excitonic energy gap of the clusters.

Science
, this issue p.
731
Two-dimensional magnetic crystals and emergent heterostructure devices
Authors: Gong Cheng , Zhang Xiang
Published: February 2019

The ultimate in thin-film magnetism

The alignment of the magnetic properties of atoms gives rise to a wealth of simple and exotic properties that can be exploited. As the dimension of the material is reduced, such that the atoms are in a single monolayer, it was widely believed that thermal fluctuations overwhelm and prevent magnetic ordering. Gong and Zhang review the developments that have followed the recent discovery of magnetism in two-dimensional materials. Recognizing that magnetic anisotropy can be used to induce stable magnetism in atomic monolayers, they provide an overview of the materials available and the physical understanding of the effects and then discuss how these effects could be exploited for widespread practical applications.

Science
, this issue p.
eaav4450
Printed subthreshold organic transistors operating at high gain and ultralow power
Authors: Jiang Chen , Choi Hyung Woo , Cheng Xiang , Ma Hanbin , Hasko David , Nathan Arokia
Published: February 2019

Low-power organic transistors

For internet-of-things applications, transistors that deliver high signal amplification (high gain) at low power will help conserve power and extend battery life. Jiang
et al.
used inkjet printing to fabricate an organic transistor in which silver metal contacts form a low Schottky barrier (less than 0.2 electron volt) with an organic semiconductor. The transistor delivered gain near the theoretical limit at a power below 1 nanowatt and detected electrophysiological signals from the skin with a wearable device.

Science
, this issue p.
719
Structural insight into substrate and inhibitor discrimination by human P-glycoprotein
Authors: Alam Amer , Kowal Julia , Broude Eugenia , Roninson Igor , Locher Kaspar P.
Published: February 2019

To transport or not to transport

Therapeutic drug delivery into cells is complicated by membrane proteins like ABCB1 (also termed P-glycoprotein) that shuttle diverse compounds out of cells. Alam
et al.
determined high-resolution cryo–electron microscopy structures of ABCB1 bound either to a substrate, the cancer drug Taxol, or to the ABCB1 inhibitor zosuquidar. The conformational changes that facilitate drug transport are caused by hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The structures show that, although Taxol and zosquidar bind to the same site, subtle structural differences lead to altered conformations of the nucleotide binding domains that are responsible for ATP hydrolysis.

Science
, this issue p.
753
Cryptosporidium parvum
Subtilisin-Like Serine Protease (SUB1) Is Crucial for Parasite Egress from Host Cells
Authors: Nava Samantha , White A. Clinton , Castellanos-González Alejandro
Published: February 2019

Despite the severity and global burden of
Cryptosporidium
infection, treatments are less than optimal, and there is no effective vaccine. Egress from host cells is a key process for the completion of the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites.
Outcomes of small-gauge vitreoretinal surgery without scleral-depressed shaving of the vitreous base in the era of wide-angle viewing systems
Authors: Tabandeh Homayoun , London Nikolas J S , Boyer David S , Flynn Jr Harry W
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) without scleral-depressed shaving of the vitreous base.

Methods

Retrospective, consecutive case series. Surgical technique included small-gauge PPV (25G, 23G, 25G+ or 27G) and wide-angle vitrectomy viewing system in all cases. No cases were excluded based on the level of complexity of RD. Outcome measures were retinal reattachment rates and Snellen visual acuity (best-corrected visual activity [BCVA]).

Results

312 eyes of 301 patients, mean age 60.8 years, and mean follow-up 23.1 months. Baseline characteristics included macula-off RD in 207 (66%) eyes, psudophakia in 124 (40%) eyes, high myopia in 74 (24%) eyes and giant retinal tear in 14 (5%) eyes. The retina was reattached with one procedure in 296 (95%) eyes. Final retinal reattachment was achieved in 310 (99%) eyes. The BCVA at baseline was >20/40 in 76 (24%) eyes, 20/50–20/100 in 48 (15%) eyes, 20/200–20/400 in 46 (15%) eyes and <20/400 in 142 (46%) eyes. At the last follow-up, the BCVA was >20/40 in 168 (54%) eyes, 20/50–20/100 in 60 (19%) eyes, 20/200–20/400 in 49 (16%) eyes and <20/400 in 35 (11%) eyes. The mean change in logMAR equivalent was −0.12 for the macula-on group and −1.13 for the macula-off group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Small-gauge PPV without scleral-depressed vitreous base shaving can be associated with good anatomical and visual outcomes. Case selection based on the complexity of RD may not be required when considering small-gauge PPV.
Is interval training the magic bullet for fat loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing moderate-intensity continuous training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Authors: Viana Ricardo Borges , Naves João Pedro Araújo , Coswig Victor Silveira , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa , Steele James , Fisher James Peter , Gentil Paulo
Published: February 2019

This article has been retracted
Intensive upper limb neurorehabilitation in chronic stroke: outcomes from the Queen Square programme
Authors: Ward Nick S , Brander Fran , Kelly Kate
Published: February 2019

Objective

Persistent difficulty in using the upper limb remains a major contributor to physical disability post-stroke. There is a nihilistic view about what clinically relevant changes are possible after the early post-stroke phase. The Queen Square Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation programme delivers high-quality, high-dose, high-intensity upper limb neurorehabilitation during a 3-week (90 hours) programme. Here, we report clinical changes made by the chronic stroke patients treated on the programme, factors that might predict responsiveness to therapy and the relationship between changes in impairment and activity.

Methods

Upper limb impairment and activity were assessed on admission, discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment, with modified upper limb Fugl-Meyer (FM-UL, max-54), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT, max-57) and Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI, max-91). Patient-reported outcome measures were recorded with the Arm Activity Measure (ArmA) parts A (0–32) and B (0–52), where lower scores are better.

Results

224 patients (median time post-stroke 18 months) completed the 6-month programme. Median scores on admission were as follows: FM-UL = 26 (IQR 16–37), ARAT=18 (IQR 7–33), CAHAI=40 (28-55), ArmA-A=8 (IQR 4.5–12) and ArmA-B=38 (IQR 24–46). The median scores 6 months after the programme were as follows: FM-UL=37 (IQR 24–48), ARAT=27 (IQR 12–45), CAHAI=52 (IQR 35–77), ArmA-A=3 (IQR 1–6.5) and ArmA-B=19 (IQR 8.5–32). We found no predictors of treatment response beyond admission scores.

Conclusion

With intensive upper limb rehabilitation, chronic stroke patients can change by clinically important differences in measures of impairment and activity. Crucially, clinical gains continued during the 6-month follow-up period.
Potential impact of a modest reduction in salt intake on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease burden and premature mortality: a modelling study
Authors: Aminde Leopold Ndemnge , Cobiac Linda J , Veerman J Lennert
Published: February 2019

Objective

To assess the potential impact of reduction in salt intake on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality in Cameroon.

Methods

Using a multicohort proportional multistate life table model with Markov process, we modelled the impact of WHO’s recommended 30% relative reduction in population-wide sodium intake on the CVD burden for Cameroonian adults alive in 2016. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted and used to quantify uncertainty.

Results

Over the lifetime, incidence is predicted to decrease by 5.2% (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 4.6 to 5.7) for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), 6.6% (95% UI 5.9 to 7.4) for haemorrhagic strokes, 4.8% (95% UI 4.2 to 5.4) for ischaemic strokes and 12.9% (95% UI 12.4 to 13.5) for hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Mortality over the lifetime is projected to reduce by 5.1% (95% UI 4.5 to 5.6) for IHD, by 6.9% (95% UI 6.1 to 7.7) for haemorrhagic stroke, by 4.5% (95% UI 4.0 to 5.1) for ischaemic stroke and by 13.3% (95% UI 12.9 to 13.7) for HHD. About 776 400 (95% UI 712 600 to 841 200) health-adjusted life years could be gained, and life expectancy might increase by 0.23 years and 0.20 years for men and women, respectively. A projected 16.8% change (reduction) between 2016 and 2030 in probability of premature mortality due to CVD would occur if population salt reduction recommended by WHO is attained.

Conclusion

Achieving the 30% reduction in sodium intake recommended by WHO could considerably decrease the burden of CVD. Targeting blood pressure via decreasing population salt intake could translate in significant reductions in premature CVD mortality in Cameroon by 2030.
Does historic construction suffer or benefit from the urban heat island effect in Ghent and global warming across Europe?
Authors: Vandemeulebroucke Isabeau , Calle Klaas , Caluwaerts Steven , De Kock Tim , Van Den Bossche Nathan
Published: February 2019

Renovating historical buildings with valuable facades often includes interior retrofitting, perhaps entailing an increased durability risk. However, the urban heat island effect and the ongoing climate change might mitigate the severity of frost action and mould growth. By means of heat air moisture (HAM) simulations in Delphin, this study evaluates interior retrofitting of solid masonry on three scales. First, the sensitivity to the intra-urban climatic differences of the freeze–thaw cycles in Ghent is analysed. Secondly, the spatial pattern of freeze–thaw behaviour across Europe is assessed. Finally, the influence of observed climate change on the European freeze–thaw pattern is investigated. A decreasing number of critical freeze–thaw cycles is found when comparing the rural area with the city centre of Ghent. Furthermore, due to climate change, the number of freeze–thaw cycles across Europe generally decreases as well, except at northern latitudes exposed to increased wind-driven rain loads.
DNN-PPI: A LARGE-SCALE PREDICTION OF PROTEIN–PROTEIN INTERACTIONS BASED ON DEEP NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: GUI YUANMIAO , WANG RUJING , WEI YUANYUAN , WANG XUE
Published: February 2019

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) is very important for various biological processes and has given rise to a series of prediction-computing methods. In spite of different computing methods in relation to PPI prediction, PPI network projects fail to perform on a large scale. Aiming at ensuring that PPI can be predicted effectively, we used a deep neural network (DNN) for the study of PPI prediction that is based on an amino acid sequence. We present a novel DNN-PPI model with an auto covariance (AC) descriptor and a conjoint triad (CT) descriptor for the prediction of PPI that is based only on the protein sequence information. The 10-fold cross-validation indicated that the best DNN-PPI model with CT achieved 97.65% accuracy, 98.96% recall and a 98.51% area under the curve (AUC). The model exhibits a prediction accuracy of 94.20–97.10% for other external datasets. All of these suggest the high validity of the proposed algorithm in relation to various species.
The effect of organic solvents on the optical and morphological properties of metallophthalocyanines containing 3,5-bis(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluorobenzyloxy)benzyloxy groups
Authors: Özçeşmeci Mukaddes , Sorar İdris , Hamuryudan Esin
Published: February 2019

Thin films of metal phthalocyanines (M: Co, Zn, Ni) substituted with four 3,5-bis(2[Formula: see text],3[Formula: see text],4[Formula: see text],5[Formula: see text],6[Formula: see text]-pentafluorobenzyloxy)benzyloxy groups have been prepared by the spin-coating technique. Optical properties and surface morphology of the thin films of metallophthalocyanines have been investigated as a function of organic solvents of acetone, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide. Results show that optical properties and surface morphology of the prepared films depend on the type of organic solvent used.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Nano-Disks Based on Nonlocal Elasticity Theory Using Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Shishesaz Mohammad , Shariati Mojtaba , Yaghootian Amin , Alizadeh Ali
Published: February 2019

This paper introduces a novel approach for small-scale effects on nonlinear free-field vibration of a nano-disk using nonlocal elasticity theory. The formulation of a nano-disk is based on the nonlinear model of von Kármán strain in polar coordinates and classical plate theory. To analyze the nonlinear geometric and small-scale effects, the differential equation based on nonlocal elasticity theory was extracted from Hamilton principle, while the inertial and shear-stress effects were neglected. The equation of motion was discretized using the Galerkin method on selecting an appropriate function based on the boundary condition used for the nano-disk. Due to presence of nonlinear terms, the homotopy method was used in conjunction with the perturbation method (HPM) to ease up the solution and completely solve the problem. For further comparison, the nonlinear equations were solved by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, the solution of which was compared with that of HPM. Excellent agreements in results were observed between the two methods, indicating that the latter method can simplify the solution, and hence, can be applied to nonlinear nano-disk problems to seek their solution with a high accuracy.
Analysis of In-Plane Vibration and Critical Speeds of the Functionally Graded Rotating Disks
Authors: Bagheri Emadoddin , Jahangiri Mostafa
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the in-plane free vibration analysis of the functionally graded rotating disks with variable thickness is presented utilizing DQM. It is assumed that the rotational velocity of the disk is constant and the thickness and material properties including modulus of elasticity and density vary along the radial coordinate. The distribution of the forward and backward traveling waves versus the angular velocity is demonstrated for several modal circles and nodal diameters with respect to the fixed and rotating coordinate systems. After presenting the accuracy and convergence of the numerical method, the derived formulation and the solution method are validated by comparing the results with those obtained in the literature for simple rotating disks. Furthermore, the critical speed of the rotating disk is introduced and obtained for different modes. Finally, the effects of the functionally graded index (describes the distribution of material properties) and geometric shape of the disks (thickness profile and radius ratio) on the natural frequencies and critical speed of the disk are presented. It is observed that as the number of nodal diameter increases, the critical speed of the disk consequently decreases and reaches to an asymptotic value. This value is independent of the geometric characteristics of the disk.
Phase I Study of the Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Inhibitor Navoximod (GDC-0919) Administered with PD-L1 Inhibitor (Atezolizumab) in Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Jung Kyung Hae , LoRusso Patricia , Burris Howard , Gordon Michael , Bang Yung-Jue , Hellmann Matthew D. , Cervantes Andrés , Ochoa de Olza Maria , Marabelle Aurelien , Hodi F. Stephen , Ahn Myung-Ju , Emens Leisha A. , Barlesi Fabrice , Hamid Omid , Calvo Emiliano , McDermott David , Soliman Hatem , Rhee Ina , Lin Ray , Pourmohamad Tony , Suchomel Julia , Tsuhako Amy , Morrissey Kari , Mahrus Sami , Morley Roland , Pirzkall Andrea , Davis S. Lindsey
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

IDO1 induces immune suppression in T cells through l-tryptophan (Trp) depletion and kynurenine (Kyn) accumulation in the local tumor microenvironment, suppressing effector T cells and hyperactivating regulatory T cells (Treg). Navoximod is an investigational small-molecule inhibitor of IDO1. This phase I study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of navoximod in combination with atezolizumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and Methods:

The study consisted of a 3+3 dose-escalation stage (n = 66) and a tumor-specific expansion stage (n = 92). Navoximod was given orally every 12 hours continuously for 21 consecutive days of each cycle with the exception of cycle 1, where navoximod administration started on day −1 to characterize pharmacokinetics. Atezolizumab was administered by intravenous infusion 1,200 mg every 3 weeks on day 1 of each cycle.

Results:

Patients (n = 157) received navoximod at 6 dose levels (50–1,000 mg) in combination with atezolizumab. The maximum administered dose was 1,000 mg twice daily; the MTD was not reached. Navoximod demonstrated a linear pharmacokinetic profile, and plasma Kyn generally decreased with increasing doses of navoximod. The most common treatment-related AEs were fatigue (22%), rash (22%), and chromaturia (20%). Activity was observed at all dose levels in various tumor types (melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, cervical, neural sheath, non–small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial bladder cancer): 6 (9%) dose-escalation patients achieved partial response, and 10 (11%) expansion patients achieved partial response or complete response.

Conclusions:

The combination of navoximod and atezolizumab demonstrated acceptable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics for patients with advanced cancer. Although activity was observed, there was no clear evidence of benefit from adding navoximod to atezolizumab.
Liquid Biopsy beyond Circulating Tumor Cells and Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Junqueira-Neto Susana , Batista Inês A. , Costa José Luís , Melo Sónia A.
Published: February 2019

Liquid biopsy represents the analysis of tumor-derived material in the blood and other body fluids of cancer patients. This portrays a minimally invasive detection tool for molecular biomarkers. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a complementary or alternative method to surgical biopsy. This non-invasive detection tool overcomes the recurrent problems in the clinical assessment of tumors that stem from the lack of accessibility to the tumor tissue and its clonal heterogeneity. Moreover, body fluid-derived components have shown to reflect the genetic profile of both primary and metastatic lesions and provide a real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics, representing a great promise for personalized medicine. This review will highlight the latest breakthroughs and the current applications of several tumor-derived biomarkers that can be found in body fluids. The authors will focus on tumor-derived exosomes, tumor-educated platelets, and circulating tumor miRNAs and mRNAs, and how these can be used for tumor detection.
Orientações de manejo perioperatório e no sangramento nos pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes orais diretos (AOD)
Authors: Steffenello-Durigon Giovanna , Arruda Camila Caycedo , Luz Francielle Floriano da , Burigo Ana Cristina Grumann
Published: February 2019

Os anticoagulantes orais diretos (AOD) surgiram como uma nova opção para pacientes que necessitam de anticoagulação para eventos tromboembólicos tanto profiláticos quanto terapêuticos. Inúmeras vantagens os AODs possuem em relação aos anticoagulantes convencionais, nas quais incluem o uso de uma terapia alvo, sem necessidade de controle com exames laboratoriais e sem interferência com o alimento. Também mostraram ser tão ou mais eficazes quando comparados aos anticoagulantes convencionais. Porém, alguns pacientes podem apresentar intercorrência de sangramento, especialmente em subpopulações especiais, como idosos, pacientes com insuficiência renal e/ou hepática e com o uso de certas medicações. Este sangramento, na maioria dos casos, é manejado com medidas de suporte. Entretanto, alguns pacientes podem desenvolver sangramento em algum órgão vital e se tornar uma urgência no diagnóstico e conduta. Sugerimos, de forma simplificada, uma orientação de manejo em pacientes com sangramento em uso de AOD, tanto espontâneo, quanto ao manejo dos pacientes em uso de AOD no perioperatório, a fim de evitar sangramento.
A relevância da reticulocitose na classificação da esferocitose hereditária
Authors: Sousa Mariana Lacorte Vaz de , Trindade Sarah Lorrany Ferreira , Gondim Halynne Maria Marques , Santos Amanda da Silva , Brito Josué da Silva , Souza Nicolli Belotti de , Caputo Lucélia Rita Gaudino
Published: February 2019

A Esferocitose Hereditária é uma doença hemolítica de origem genética polissômica, podendo ser autossômica dominante ou recessiva. Seu quando clínico é representado por anemia, reticulocitose, hiperbilirrubinemia indireta e presença de numerosos esferócitos na corrente sanguínea, os quais se mostram alterados no teste de fragilidade osmótica, revelando uma menor resistência à lise. Os exames laboratoriais são de grande importância na tomada de condutas, todavia, devem ser interpretados juntamente com a história clínica, posto que esta ainda revela-se soberana. Apesar do quadro de reticulocitose ser um critério para classificar o paciente portador de esferocitose como grave, este deve ser avaliado com cautela juntamente com outros parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais. É de grande importância o olhar holístico do médico sobre o paciente, bem como a análise crítica do uso de protocolos clínicos.