bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deletion of arcA, iclR, and tdcC in Escherichia coli to improve l‐threonine production
Authors: Ding Zhixiang , Fang Yu , Zhu Lifei , Wang Jianli , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2019

l‐Threonine is an important amino acid supplemented in food, medicine, or feed. Starting from glucose, l‐threonine production in Escherichia coli involves the glycolysis, TCA cycle, and the l‐threonine biosynthetic pathway. In this study, how the l‐threonine production in an l‐threonine producing E. coli TWF001 is controlled by the three regulators ArcA, Cra, and IclR, which control the expression of genes involved in the glycolysis and TCA cycle, has been investigated. Ten mutant strains were constructed from TWF001 by different combinations of deletion or overexpression of arcA, cra, iclR, and tdcC. l‐Threonine production was increased in the mutants TWF015 (ΔarcAΔcra), TWF016 (ΔarcAPcra::Ptrc), TWF017 (ΔarcAΔiclR), TWF018 (ΔarcAΔiclRΔtdcC), and TWF019 (ΔarcAΔcraΔiclRΔtdcC). Among these mutant strains, the highest l‐threonine production (26.0 g/L) was obtained in TWF018, which was a 109.7% increase compared with the control TWF001. In addition, TWF018 could consume glucose more efficiently than TWF001 and produce less acetate. The results suggest that deletion of arcA, iclR, and tdcC could efficiently increase l‐threonine production in E. coli.
Sustainable individualized instruction of biochemistry: A framework for recruiting, training, and utilizing undergraduate teaching assistants
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed M. , Blankenship Jim
Published: June 2019

Individualized instruction of biochemistry has been a promising alternative to large lecture format classes at our institution. The challenge, however, is that individualized instruction courses have larger staff requirements, which can be infeasible under the current scope of educational budget and human resource constraints. In this article, we highlight how we have met those larger staff requirements in a sustainable way by utilizing undergraduate teaching assistants. We also provide an effective framework for recruiting, training, and utilizing undergraduate teaching assistants, which can be replicated in other contexts. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):560–564, 2019.
UPLC–QTOF/MS‐based metabolomics reveals the mechanism of chronic unpredictable mild stress‐induced hypertension in rats
Authors: Wu Qiong , Xia De‐Meng , Lan Fen , Wang Yang‐Kai , Tan Xing , Sun Jia‐Cen , Wang Wei‐Zhong , Wang Rui , Peng Xiao‐Dong , Liu Min
Published: June 2019

Hypertension is a common chronic disease, and it is the strongest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recently, the number of patients with hypertension‐related complications has increased significantly, adding a heavy burden to the public health system. It is known that chronic stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke. However, the impact of hypertension on the dysfunctions induced by chronic stress remains poorly understood. In this study, using LC–MS‐based metabolomics, we established a chronic stress model to demonstrate the mechanisms of stress‐induced hypertension. We found that 30 metabolites in chronically stressed rats were changed; of these metabolites, seven had been upregulated, and 23 had been downregulated, including amino acids, phospholipids, carnitines and fatty acids, many of which are involved in amino acid metabolism, cell membrane injury, ATP supply and inflammation. These metabolites are engaged in dysregulated pathways and will provide a targeted approach to study the mechanism of stress‐induced hypertension.
Shoulder measurements on MRI: Statistical analysis of patients without and with rotator cuff tears and predictive modeling
Authors: Matcuk George R. , Moin Paymann , Cen Steven
Published: June 2019

This study aims to determine significant differences between various measurements of shoulder structures and relationships in patients with and without rotator cuff tears and identify a subset of these measurements that may merit further investigation. Shoulder MRIs of 120 patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT group) and 80 patients with normal examinations (No RCT group) were retrospectively identified. Numerous measurements of shoulder anatomy and relationships and pathology characterization were performed for each study. The mean and ranges of measurements for each group were identified, and P‐values were calculated to assess differences between the two groups. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) identified prediction models for separating the two groups based on these shoulder MRI measurements. Statistically significant differences were observed for 9 of 18 of the shoulder measurements between the two groups (P < 0.05). Using long head of biceps tendon tear, tendinosis, and subacromial–subdeltoid bursal fluid, the prediction model from CART demonstrated 99.5% accuracy in separating the two groups. Subacromial distance, subacromial spur size, and acromioclavicular osteophyte could also separate the two groups with 97.5% accuracy. Other measures less commonly associated with impingement and rotator cuff tears could also be used to separate the two groups with up to 81.5% accuracy. This study introduces new measures and clarifies ranges for existing measurements on shoulder MRI. Abnormalities of some of these measurements may be associated with subacromial impingement, and combinations of these parameters may be useful for separating patients with or without rotator cuff tears. Clin. Anat. 33:173–186, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lessons from a Minimal Genome: What Are the Essential Organizing Principles of a Cell Built from Scratch?
Authors: Tarnopol Rebecca L. , Bowden Sierra , Hinkle Kevin , Balakrishnan Krithika , Nishii Akira , Kaczmarek Caleb J. , Pawloski Tara , Vecchiarelli Anthony G.
Published: June 2019

One of the primary challenges facing synthetic biology is reconstituting a living system from its component parts. A particularly difficult landmark is reconstituting a self‐organizing system that can undergo autonomous chromosome compaction, segregation, and cell division. Here, we discuss how the syn3.0 minimal genome can inform us of the core self‐organizing principles of a living cell and how these self‐organizing processes can be built from the bottom up. The review underscores the importance of fundamental biology in rebuilding life from its molecular constituents.
Survival of glioblastoma cells in response to endogenous and exogenous oxidative challenges: possible implication of NMDA receptor‐mediated regulation of redox homeostasis
Authors: Dalavaikodihalli Nanjaiah Nandakumar , Ramaswamy Palaniswamy , Goswami Kalyan , Fathima K Hurmath , Borkotokey Monjuri
Published: June 2019

Cancer cells are highly metabolically active and produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Drug resistance in cancer cells is closely related to their redox status. The role of ROS and its impact on cancer cell survival seems far from elucidation. The mechanisms through which glioblastoma cells overcome aberrant ROS and oxidative stress in a milieu of hypermetabolic state is still elusive. We hypothesize that the formidable growth potential of glioma cells is through manipulation of tumor microenvironment for its survival and growth, which can be attributed to an astute redox regulation through a nexus between activation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and glutathione (GSH)‐based antioxidant prowess. Hence, we examined the NMDAR activation on intracellular ROS level, and cell viability on exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and antioxidants in glutamate‐rich microenvironment of glioblastoma. The activation of NMDAR attenuated the intracellular ROS production in LN18 and U251MG glioma cells. MK‐801 significantly reversed this effect. On evaluation of GSH redox cycle in these cells, the level of reduced GSH and glutathione reductase (GR) activity were significantly increased. NMDAR significantly enhanced the cell viability in LN18 and U251MG glioblastoma cells, by attenuating exogenous H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, and significantly increased catalase activity, the key antioxidant that detoxifies H2O2. We hereby report an unexplored role of NMDAR activation induced protection of the rapidly multiplying glioblastoma cells against both endogenous ROS as well as exogenous oxidative challenges. We propose potentiation of reduced GSH, GR, and catalase in glioblastoma cells through NMDAR as a novel rationale of chemoresistance in glioblastoma.
Monolithiation of 5,5′‐Dibromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene Using Flow Microreactors: Mechanistic Implications and Synthetic Applications
Authors: Nagaki Aiichiro , Jiang Yiyuan , Yamashita Hiroki , Takabayashi Naoshi , Takahashi Yusuke , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: June 2019

The lithiation of 5,5′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene with one equivalent of an alkyllithium such as n‐BuLi or s‐BuLi was studied by varying the residence time in flow microreactors. With a short residence time, the product 2,2′‐bithiophene (3) derived from dilithiation was obtained preferentially and a significant amount of the starting material 5,5′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene remained unchanged. An increase in the residence time caused a higher yield of the product 5‐bromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene derived from monolithiation with expense in the yields of 2,2′‐bithiophene and 5,5′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene. The lithiation using MeLi gave the product 5‐bromo‐2,2′‐bithiophene preferentially even with a very short residence time.
Modular Manufacturing Platform for Continuous Synthesis and Analysis of Versatile Nanomaterials
Authors: von Bomhard Sibylle , Schramm Jonas , Bleul Regina , Thiermann Raphael , Höbel Peter , Krtschil Ulrich , Löb Patrick , Maskos Michael
Published: June 2019

Nanoparticular materials have a great potential in various fields including technical and biomedical applications; to meet the specific requirements, a good control over the particle characteristics is mandatory. Addressing this, a modular system for the automated and continuous synthesis, workup, and analysis of a broad range of nanoparticles was developed. Application examples of inorganic (silica) and organic (polymersomes, niosomes) nanoparticles demonstrate the versatility of the production platform. Modules for downstream processing via a falling‐film microreactor or tangential flow filtration are presented. The hydrodynamic size as a key parameter is acquired in real time, with an inline dynamic light scattering device. All modules are controlled and operated by a process control system.
CO2 Methanation in Microstructured Reactors – Catalyst Development and Process Design
Authors: Neuberg Stefan , Pennemann Helmut , Shanmugam Vetrivel , Thiermann Raphael , Zapf Ralf , Gac Wojciech , Greluk Magdalena , Zawadzki Witold , Kolb Gunther
Published: June 2019

The sulfur tolerance of mono‐ and bimetallic ruthenium catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation was investigated in microchannel reactors. H2S was selected as a model compound. It was found that a Ru/CeO2 catalyst deactivates rapidly. Ni was a much better additive to improve the catalyst stability compared to Rh and serves as a sulfur trap. The influence of the support was evaluated showing that a SiO2‐supported catalyst has a higher stability and better selectivity compared to CeO2 and TiO2. A plant concept was developed comprising two‐step methanation with a first adiabatic reactor stage followed by a plate heat‐exchanger reactor with integrated cooling which allows more than 97 % CO2 conversion. A pilot plant will be put into operation in connection with a biogas plant and an electrolyser of 50 kW power consumption.
Aktiv im Ruhestand
Authors: Gerhartz Wolfgang , Jäckel Klaus‐Peter
Published: June 2019

Pensionierte Chemiker sind Couch Potatoes, Fernsehglotzer, Langeweiler und desinteressiert an Politik und Kultur. Wirklich?

Wir – die Seniorexperten Chemie (Senior Expert Chemists; SEC) – sind zum größten Teil aus dem aktiven Berufsleben ausgeschieden. Aber: Wir sind aktiv, weltoffen und noch immer in die Naturwissenschaften, speziell in die Chemie und die Pharmazie, verliebt.
Schubtragfähigkeit von Ziegelmauerwerk mit teilweise aufliegender Deckenplatte
Authors: Pfetzing Thomas , Fehling Ekkehard , Meyer Udo Joachim
Published: June 2019

In order to investigate the influence of a partially supported slab on the in‐plane shear resistance of masonry walls, six shear tests on full scale walls were performed at the Chair of Structural Concrete of the University of Kassel in cooperation with ”Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mauerziegel“. The walls were made of large chamber clay masonry units and the depths of the partially supported slabs were different. The large chamber units are typically used for thermally insulated exterior walls, with the slabs only being partially supported. The influence of this constellation is not taken into account in shear capacity assessment according to the current version of Eurocode 6 for Germany. This article describes the test results and provides a comparison with Eurocode 6. In addition, the results of older shear tests on masonry walls made of vertically perforated units with eccentric load application were used.
Comparative phylogeography of five widespread tree species: Insights into the history of western Amazonia
Authors: Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Dexter Kyle G. , Hart Michelle L. , Phillips Oliver L. , Pennington R. Toby
Published: June 2019

Various historical processes have been put forth as drivers of patterns in the spatial distribution of Amazonian trees and their population genetic variation. We tested whether five widespread tree species show congruent phylogeographic breaks and similar patterns of demographic expansion, which could be related to proposed Pleistocene refugia or the presence of geological arches in western Amazonia. We sampled Otoba parvifolia/glycycarpa (Myristicaceae), Clarisia biflora, Poulsenia armata, Ficus insipida (all Moraceae), and Jacaratia digitata (Caricaceae) across the western Amazon Basin. Plastid DNA (trnH–psbA; 674 individuals from 34 populations) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS; 214 individuals from 30 populations) were sequenced to assess genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, population genetic structure, and demographic patterns. Overall genetic diversity for both markers varied among species, with higher values in populations of shade‐tolerant species than in pioneer species. Spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) identified three genetically differentiated groups for the plastid marker for each species, but the areas of genetic differentiation were not concordant among species. Fewer SAMOVA groups were found for ITS, with no detectable genetic differentiation among populations in pioneers. The lack of spatially congruent phylogeographic breaks across species suggests no common biogeographic history of these Amazonian tree species. The idiosyncratic phylogeographic patterns of species could be due instead to species‐specific responses to geological and climatic changes. Population genetic patterns were similar among species with similar biological features, indicating that the ecological characteristics of species impact large‐scale phylogeography.
Mammalian tolerance to humans is predicted by body mass: evidence from long‐term archives
Authors: Crees Jennifer J. , Turvey Samuel T. , Freeman Robin , Carbone Chris
Published: June 2019

Humans are implicated as a major driver of species extinctions from the Late Pleistocene to the present. However, our predictive understanding of human‐caused extinction remains poor due to the restricted temporal and spatial scales at which this process is typically assessed, and the risks of bias due to “extinction filters” resulting from a poor understanding of past species declines. We develop a novel continent‐wide data set containing country‐level last‐occurrence records for 31 European terrestrial mammals across the Holocene (c.11,500 yr BP to present), an epoch of relative climatic stability that captures major transitions in human demography. We analyze regional extirpations against a high‐resolution database of human population density (HPD) estimates to identify species‐specific tolerances to changing HPD through the Holocene. Mammalian thresholds to HPD scale strongly with body mass, with larger‐bodied mammals experiencing regional population losses at lower HPDs than smaller‐bodied mammals. Our analysis enables us to identify levels of tolerance to HPD for different species, and therefore has wide applicability for determining biotic vulnerability to human impacts. This ecological pattern is confirmed across wide spatiotemporal scales, providing insights into the dynamics of prehistoric extinctions and the modern biodiversity crisis, and emphasizing the role of long‐term archives in understanding human‐caused biodiversity loss.
Disease avoidance, and breeding group age and size condition the dispersal patterns of western lowland gorilla females
Authors: Baudouin Alice , Gatti Sylvain , Levréro Florence , Genton Céline , Cristescu Romane H. , Billy Vincent , Motsch Peggy , Pierre Jean‐Sébastien , Le Gouar Pascaline , Ménard Nelly
Published: June 2019

Social dispersal is an important feature of population dynamics. When female mammals occur in polygynous groups, their dispersal decisions are conditioned by various female‐, male‐, and group‐related factors. Among them, the influence of disease often remains difficult to assess. To address this challenge, we used long‐term monitoring data from two gorilla populations (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) affected by infectious skin disease lesions. After controlling for other potentially influential factors, we investigated to which extent disease avoidance drives the dispersal decisions of gorilla females. We showed that the infection of a silverback of a breeding group by the skin disease increased the probability of adult females to emigrate. Moreover, adult females avoided breeding groups with a high prevalence of skin disease by emigrating from them and immigrating into healthier ones. Age of the breeding group was also an important factor. Adult females left older groups, near the end of a male tenure, to join younger ones led by younger fully grown silverbacks that could be of high reproductive and protective value. Our study highlights that, although females select for high‐quality males, disease avoidance is a critical driver of their dispersion decision.
Multifunctional cytokine production reveals functional superiority of memory CD4 T cells
Authors: Westerhof Lotus M , McGuire Kris , MacLellan Lindsay , Flynn Ashley , Gray Joshua I , Thomas Matthew , Goodyear Carl S , MacLeod Megan KL
Published: June 2019

T cell protective immunity is associated with multifunctional memory cells that produce several different cytokines. Currently, our understanding of when and how these cells are generated is limited. We have used an influenza virus mouse infection model to investigate whether the cytokine profile of memory T cells is reflective of primary responding cells or skewed toward a distinct profile. We found that, in comparison to primary cells, memory T cells tended to make multiple cytokines simultaneously. Analysis of the timings of release of cytokine by influenza virus‐specific T cells, demonstrated that primary responding CD4 T cells from lymphoid organs were unable to produce a sustained cytokine response. In contrast CD8 T cells, memory CD4 T cells, and primary responding CD4 T cells from the lung produced a sustained cytokine response throughout the restimulation period. Moreover, memory CD4 T cells were more resistant than primary responding CD4 T cells to inhibitors that suppress T cell receptor signaling. Together, these data suggest that memory CD4 T cells display superior cytokine responses compared to primary responding cells. These data are key to our ability to identify the cues that drive the generation of protective memory CD4 T cells following infection.
Tissue‐specific production of MicroRNA‐155 inhibits melanocortin 5 receptor‐dependent suppressor macrophages to promote experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Muhammad Fauziyya , Trivett Anna , Wang Dawei , Lee Darren J.
Published: June 2019

Tissue‐specific immune regulation is an important component of the immune response relevant to many areas of immunology. The focus of this study is on tissue‐specific mechanisms that contribute to autoimmune uveitis. Precise gene regulation is necessary for the proper expression of an inflammatory or regulatory response. This precision gene regulation can be accomplished by microRNA at the level of the mRNA transcript. miR‐155, in particular, has a complicated role in the immune response with positive and negative inflammatory effects. In this work, we identify a decrease in miR‐155 in suppressor macrophages and further examine how tissue‐specific production of miR‐155 impacts experimental autoimmune uveitis. Importantly, we show that eliminating miR‐155 expression by the target tissue before initiation reduces disease severity, but elimination of miR‐155 after the onset of inflammation does not alter the course of disease. Additionally, expression of miR‐155 by the target tissue before initiation is necessary for the induction of regulatory immunity that protects from further autoimmune disease, but not after the onset of inflammation. In summary, we find a MC5r‐dependent decrease in miR‐155 in postexperimental autoimmune uveitis APC, miR‐155 production by the target tissue is necessary for the initiation of autoimmune uveitis, and may have a role in establishing protective regulatory immunity.
A new droplet breakup phenomenon in electrokinetic flow through a microchannel constriction
Authors: Ji Xiang , Zhou Teng , Deng Yongbo , Shi Liuyong , Zhang Xianman , Woo Joo Sang
Published: June 2019

A completely new droplet breakup phenomenon is reported for droplets passing through a constriction in an electrokinetic flow. The breakup occurs during the droplet shape recovery process past the constriction throat by the interplay of the dielectrophoretic stress release and the interface energy for droplets with smaller permittivity than that of the ambient fluid. There are conditions for constriction ratios and droplet size that the droplet breakup occurs. The numerical predictions provided here require experimental verification, and then can give rise to a novel microfluidic device design with novel droplet manipulations.
Continuous flow microfluidic cell inactivation with the use of insulating micropillars for multiple electroporation zones
Authors: Pudasaini Sanam , Perera A T K , Das Dhiman , Ng Sum Huan , Yang Chun
Published: June 2019

Electroporation is a powerful tool for inactivating cells and transfecting biological cells and has applications in biology, genetic engineering, medicine, environment, and many others. We report a new continuous flow device embedded with insulating micropillars to achieve better performance of cell inactivation. The use of micropillars creates multiple electroporation zones with enhanced local electric field strengths. Using a model solution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we examined the inactivation performance of the device under various applied electric voltages and flow rates. Results from the numerical simulations and experiments showed that even with an induced transmembrane potential of 0.58 V, close to 63% of cell inactivation was achieved at a flow rate of 2.5 mL/h. This was higher than the 24% cell inactivation observed for a reference device without micropillars that was subjected to the same conditions.
Quantifying the dynamics of microtopography during a snowmelt event
Authors: Barneveld Robert J. , van der Zee Sjoerd E. A. T. M. , Stolte Jannes
Published: June 2019

Knowledge of soil microtopography and its changes in space and over time is important to the understanding of how tillage influences infiltration, runoff generation and erosion. In this study, the use of a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) is assessed for its ability to quantify small changes in the soil surface at high spatial resolutions for a relatively large surface area (100 m2). Changes in soil surface morphology during snow cover and melt are driven by frost heave, slaking, pressure exertion by the snowpack and overland flow (erosion and deposition). An attempt is undertaken to link these processes to observed changes at the soil surface. A new algorithm for soil surface roughness is introduced to make optimal use of the raw point cloud. This algorithm is less scale dependent than several commonly used roughness calculations. The results of this study show that TLSs can be used for multitemporal scanning of large surfaces and that small changes in surface elevation and roughness can be detected. Statistical analysis of the observed changes against terrain indices did not yield significant evidence for process differentiation. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Capturing the problems
Authors: Cozier Muriel
Published: June 2019

An audit is not always something that an organisation looks forward to. Having procedures or expenditures critiqued by an independent body has the potential to be nerve‐wracking. But the scrutiny can often lead to better decisions for the future. In this article, GHGS&T's Muriel Cozier looks at the findings from the audit of the past 10 years of European Union's climate action. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Escherichia coli Modulator of Drug Activity B (MdaB) Has Different Enzymological Properties to Eukaryote Quinone Oxidoreductases
Authors: Megarity Clare F. , Timson David J.
Published: June 2019

Some quinone oxidoreductases exhibit negative cooperativity towards inhibitors. In human NQO1, this is mediated by flexibility around glycine‐150. Here we investigated the eubacterial orthologue, Modulator of Drug Activity B (MdaB) to determine if it shows cooperativity towards substrates or inhibitors and to investigate molecular recognition of the inhibitor, dicoumarol. Like human NQO1, MdaB did not show cooperativity towards substrates. However, unlike NQO1, it was only weakly inhibited by dicoumarol. Alanine‐127 in MdaB is the structurally equivalent residue to Gly‐150 in human NQO1. With the intention of increasing protein flexibility in MdaB, this alanine was altered to glycine. This change did not increase cooperativity towards inhibitors or NADPH. Based on structural alignment to NQO1 in complex with dicoumarol, an asparagine in the active site was changed to alanine to reduce steric hindrance. This change resulted in enhanced inhibition by dicoumarol, but the inhibition was not cooperative. Both changes were then introduced simultaneously. However, the additional increase in flexibility afforded by the change to glycine did not enable negative cooperativity towards dicoumarol. These results have implications for the evolution of quinone oxidoreductases and their potential use as biocatalysts.
“A content analysis of news media coverage of drowning events in Western Australia over two summers, 2014‐2016”
Authors: Leavy Justine E. , Jancey Jonine , Hall Carmen , Nimmo Lauren , Crawford Gemma
Published: June 2019

Issue addressed

Drowning is a leading cause of death globally. Opportunities to promote drowning prevention in news media may be overlooked for attention‐grabbing headlines, imagery and narrative. This study examines news media coverage of fatal drowning events in Western Australia (WA).

Methods

Coronial fatal drowning data in WA were extracted for two summer time periods (2014‐2016) by date, age, gender, location and description. Corresponding print and online news articles were captured using: (i) Media Alert; (ii) Google News; (iii) Factiva. A content and frame analysis protocol was developed. A qualitative approach was taken to analyse the news angle. A subgroup analysis was undertaken for drowning focused articles.

Results

The final sample (n = 50) news articles matched 17 individual drowning events (T1, n = 9; T2, n = 8). Drowning stories rarely appeared on page 1 (n = 2), but were located in the first 2‐10 pages (n = 20) (66.6%). In the subanalysis, one‐fifth (22%) of the articles employed a news angle relating to community spirit and celebration of life. There were 32 mentions of “who was responsible for the drowning event.” Environmental factors were most cited for “what was responsible” (20.4%). Experts were cited in 66.7% of articles and drowning prevention strategies were mentioned in nine of the 50 articles.

Conclusion

Drowning was considered newsworthy; however, not the front page news. Reporting infrequently prioritised drowning prevention or discussed prevention strategies.

So what?

Working closely with news outlets to embed drowning prevention messages in news stories during high‐risk periods such as summer is an imperative.
Characterization of total suspended solid dynamics in a large shallow lake using long‐term daily satellite images
Authors: Hoshikawa Keisuke , Fujihara Yoichi , Siev Sokly , Arai Seiya , Nakamura Takashi , Fujii Hideto , Sok Ty , Yoshimura Chihiro
Published: June 2019

Large, shallow‐water lakes located on floodplains play an important role in creating highly productive ecosystems and are prone to high concentrations of suspended solids due to sediment resuspension. In this study, the aim was to determine the dominant processes governing the total suspended solid (TSS) concentration at the water surface in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, which is a large, shallow‐water lake. Satellite remotely sensed daily reflectance data from 2003 to 2017 were used. Seasonal changes in TSS concentration indicated that bottom sediment resuspension during dry seasons was mostly caused by wind and the TSS concentration was closely correlated with the water depth of the lake. The TSS concentration during flood periods was controlled by both wind and inflow currents from the Tonle Sap River. Additionally, we confirmed that surface/subsurface flow with a low TSS concentration from forests on the floodplain lowered the TSS concentration year round, except during August and September. This fact implied that the floodplain forest area decrease may increase the lake TSS concentration. An analysis of the long‐term changes in TSS indicated that a decrease in the water level during flood periods resulted in the high TSS concentrations observed during the subsequent dry periods. Therefore, climate change and water resource development, which are likely to cause water level reductions in the Mekong River during flood periods, may increase the TSS concentration in Tonle Sap Lake, particularly during the dry season.
A nonstationary runoff frequency analysis for future climate change and its uncertainties
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Ting , Feng Ping
Published: June 2019

With the intensification of climate change, its impact on runoff variations cannot be ignored. The main purpose of this study is to analyse the nonstationarity of runoff frequency adjusted for future climate change in the Luanhe River basin, China, and quantify the different sources of uncertainties in nonstationary runoff frequency analysis. The advantage of our method is the combination of generalized additive models in location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) and downscaling models. The nonstationary GAMLSS models were established for the nonstationary frequency analysis of runoff (1961–2010) by using the observed precipitation as a covariate, which is closely related to runoff and contributes significantly to its nonstationarity. To consider the nonstationary effects of future climate change on future runoff variations, the downscaled precipitation series in the future (2011–2080) from the general circulation models (GCMs) were substituted into the selected nonstationary model to calculate the statistical parameters and runoff frequency in the future. A variance decomposition method was applied to quantify the impacts of different sources of uncertainty on the nonstationary runoff frequency analysis. The results show that the impacts of uncertainty in the GCMs, scenarios, and statistical parameters of the GAMLSS model increase with increasing runoff magnitude. In addition, GCMs and GAMLSS model parameters have the main impacts on runoff uncertainty, accounting for 14% and 83% of the total uncertainty sources, respectively. Conversely, the interactions and scenarios make limited contributions, accounting for 2% and 1%, respectively. Further analysis shows that the sources of uncertainty in the statistical parameters of the nonstationary model mainly result from the fluctuations in the precipitation sequence. This result indicates the necessity of considering the precipitation sequence as a covariate for runoff frequency analysis in the future.
Multiparameter wide‐field integrated optical imaging system‐based spatially modulated illumination and laser speckles in model of tissue injuries
Authors: Bloygrund Hadas , Franjy‐Tal Yarden , Rosenzweig Tovit , Abookasis David
Published: June 2019

In this report, an integrated optical platform based on spatial illumination together with laser speckle contrast technique was utilized to measure multiple parameters in live tissue including absorption, scattering, saturation, composition, metabolism, and blood flow. Measurements in three models of tissue injury including drug toxicity, artery occlusion, and acute hyperglycemia were used to test the efficacy of this system. With this hybrid apparatus, a series of structured light patterns at low and high spatial frequencies are projected onto the tissue surface and diffuse reflected light is captured by a CCD camera. A six position filter wheel, equipped with four bandpass filters centered at wavelengths of 650, 690, 800 and 880 nm is placed in front of the camera. Then, light patterns are blocked and a laser source at 650 nm illuminates the tissue while the diffusely reflected light is captured by the camera through the two remaining open holes in the wheel. In this manner, near‐infrared (NIR) and laser speckle images are captured and stored together in the computer for off‐line processing to reconstruct the tissue's properties. Spatial patterns are used to differentiate the effects of tissue scattering from those of absorption, allowing accurate quantification of tissue hemodynamics and morphology, while a coherent light source is used to study blood flow changes, a feature which cannot be measured with the NIR structured light. This combined configuration utilizes the strengths of each system in a complementary way, thus collecting a larger range of sample properties. In addition, once the flow and hemodynamics are measured, tissue oxygen metabolism can be calculated, a property which cannot be measured independently. Therefore, this merged platform can be considered a multiparameter wide‐field imaging and spectroscopy modality. Overall, experiments demonstrate the capability of this spatially coregistered imaging setup to provide complementary, useful information of various tissue metrics in a simple and noncontact manner, making it attractive for use in a variety of biomedical applications.
Molecular functions and biological roles of long non‐coding RNAs in human physiology and disease
Authors: Kopp Florian
Published: June 2019

The human genome has been demonstrated to be pervasively transcribed, with a large fraction of the transcriptome representing non‐protein‐coding RNA species. A relatively novel class of non‐coding RNAs, referred to as long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has attracted increasing attention over recent years. Long non‐coding RNAs comprise a very heterogenous class of transcripts that exert various functions in mammalian cells. Although the number of identified and annotated lncRNAs has been increasing steadily, our understanding of the biological roles for the vast majority of these transcripts remains limited. In this review, a broad concept of the currently known lncRNA modes of action is provided. Examples of mammalian lncRNAs with well‐established biological roles are highlighted and their molecular functions and mechanisms are discussed in detail.
Management of bone disease in cystinosis: Statement from an international conference
Authors: Hohenfellner Katharina , Rauch Frank , Ariceta Gema , Awan Atif , Bacchetta Justine , Bergmann Carsten , Bechtold Susanne , Cassidy Noelle , Deschenes Geroges , Elenberg Ewa , Gahl William A. , Greil Oliver , Harms Erik , Herzig Nadine , Hoppe Bernd , Koeppl Christian , Lewis Malcolm A. , Levtchenko Elena , Nesterova Galina , Santos Fernando , Schlingmann Karl P. , Servais Aude , Soliman Neveen A. , Steidle Guenther , Sweeney Clodagh , Treikauskas Ulrike , Topaloglu Rezan , Tsygin Alexey , Veys Koenraad , v. Vigier Rodo , Zustin Jozef , Haffner Dieter
Published: June 2019

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive storage disease due to impaired transport of cystine out of lysosomes. Since the accumulation of intracellular cystine affects all organs and tissues, the management of cystinosis requires a specialized multidisciplinary team consisting of pediatricians, nephrologists, nutritionists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, neurologists' geneticists, and orthopedic surgeons. Treatment with cysteamine can delay or prevent most clinical manifestations of cystinosis, except the renal Fanconi syndrome. Virtually all individuals with classical, nephropathic cystinosis suffer from cystinosis metabolic bone disease (CMBD), related to the renal Fanconi syndrome in infancy and progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in life. Manifestations of CMBD include hypophosphatemic rickets in infancy, and renal osteodystrophy associated with CKD resulting in bone deformities, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, fractures, and short stature. Assessment of CMBD involves monitoring growth, leg deformities, blood levels of phosphate, electrolytes, bicarbonate, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase, periodically obtaining bone radiographs, determining levels of critical hormones and vitamins, such as thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone, 25(OH) vitamin D, and testosterone in males, and surveillance for nonrenal complications of cystinosis such as myopathy. Treatment includes replacement of urinary losses, cystine depletion with oral cysteamine, vitamin D, hormone replacement, physical therapy, and corrective orthopedic surgery. The recommendations in this article came from an expert meeting on CMBD that took place in Salzburg, Austria, in December 2016.
Molecular level comparison of water extractives of maple and oak with negative and positive ion ESI FT‐ICR mass spectrometry
Authors: He Zhongqi , Sleighter Rachel L. , Hatcher Patrick G. , Liu Shasha , Wu Fengchang , Zou Haixuan , Olanya O. Modesto
Published: June 2019

Soluble extractives in wood function to protect living trees from destructive agents and also contribute to wood color and fragrance. Some extractive components have biological activities with medical applications. They also play important roles in wood processing and related applications. To increase the knowledge of wood chemistry, maple and oak were extracted by water. Ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectroscopy indicated the presence of a phenolic compound, resorcinol, in maple extractives having higher molecular mass and more aromatic components than oak extractives. Negative and positive electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT‐ICR‐MS) identified thousands of formulas in the two samples in the m/z range of 200 to 800. They mainly fall into the lignin‐like, carbohydrate‐like, and tannin‐like compound categories. The top 25 peaks (ie, formulas) with the highest relative magnitude in negative ESI represented nearly 50% of the summed total spectral magnitude of all formulas assigned in the maple and oak extractives. Furthermore, the base peak (ie, most abundant peak) accounted for about 14% of the total abundance in each wood sample. Literature comparisons identified 17 of 20 formulas in the top five peaks of the four spectra as specific bioactive compounds in trees and other plants, implying the potential to explore utilization of maple and oak extractives for functional and medicinal applications. The various profiling of the top 25 peaks from the two samples also suggested the possible application of FT‐ICR‐MS for detecting chemical markers useful in profiling and identification of wood types and sources.
Endocardial biventricular pacing for chronic heart failure patients: Effect on transmural dispersion of repolarization
Authors: Yamin Muhammad , Yuniadi Yoga , Alwi Idrus , Setiati Siti , Munawar Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Conventional epicardial cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can cause fatal arrhythmia associated with increased transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR). It is unknown whether endocardial biventricular pacing in various locations will decrease TDR and hence the occurrence of fatal arrhythmia. This study aimed to find out the most effective location of endocardial biventricular pacing resulting in the shortest homogenous TDR.

Methods

A before‐and‐after study on adult chronic heart failure (CHF) patients undergoing endocardial biventricular pacing in several defined locations. The changes in TDR from baseline were compared among various pacing locations.

Results

Fourteen subjects were included with age ranged 36‐74 years old, of which 10 were males. Location revealed the highest post biventricular pacing TDR (113.4 (SD 13.8) ms) was the outlet septum of right ventricle in combination with lateral wall of left ventricle (RVOTseptum‐LVlateral) while the lowest one (106.1 (SD 11.6) ms) was of the right ventricular apex and posterolateral left ventricle (RVapex‐LVposterolateral). Two CRT locations resulted in the most homogenous TDR, that is the right ventricular apex ‐ left ventricular lateral wall (RVapex‐LVlateral, mean difference −9.43; 95% CI (−19.72;0.87) ms, P = 0.07) and right ventricular apex ‐ left ventricle posterolateral wall (RVapex‐LVposterolateral, mean difference −6.85; 95% CI (−13.93;0.22) ms, P = 0.056).

Conclusion

Endocardial biventricular pacing on right ventricular apex and left ventricular lateral/posterolateral walls results in the most homogenous TDR.
Incidence and severity of postoperative complications following oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries: A retrospective study
Authors: Askar Houssam , Di Gianfilippo Riccardo , Ravida Andrea , Tattan Mustafa , Majzoub Jad , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: June 2019

Background: Incidence and severity of postoperative complications are key elements in determining the risk‐benefit relationship of any surgical procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess and categorize the postoperative complications that occur following, and are associated with, oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries.

Methods: A total of 3,900 patients who underwent surgical procedures including, but not limited to, sinus floor elevation, guided tissue regeneration, crown lengthening, implant placement, soft tissue graft, open flap debridement or surgical removal of impacted teeth were included. Postoperative complications were recorded and graded based on impedance to routine daily activity and favorable surgical outcomes. Regression models were generated to evaluate correlations between complication types, as well as between patient/surgical characteristics and the incidence of complications.

Results: Surgical removal of impacted teeth and lateral sinus floor elevation had the highest incidence and severity of complications. Postoperative dentinal hypersensitivity (5.7%) was the most frequent complication, followed by excessive pain (4.1%), and moderate postoperative bleeding (3.5%). Based on the devised grading system described in this paper, the complications were 11.1% of Grade I, 3.3% of Grade II, 8.3% of Grade III, 0.1% of Grade IV, and no complications recorded under Grades V or VI.

Conclusions: Surgical removal of impacted teeth and lateral sinus floor elevation are more prone to more severe complications compared with other procedures. Additionally, complications that do not impede favorable surgical outcomes and/or routine daily activity are the most likely to occur. Smoking and diabetes are generally associated with postoperative complications.
Changes in milk yield and composition of colostrum and regular milk from four buffalo breeds in China during lactation
Authors: Wang Jingxuan , He Yutong , Pang Kun , Zeng Qingkun , Zhang Xiaoying , Ren Fazheng , Guo Huiyuan
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Chinese local buffalos are mainly used as draft animals because of their low productivity but their crossbreeding with Murrah and Nili‐Ravi breeds can produce offspring with a greatly improved milk yield. However, no studies have reported the characteristics of milk produced during lactation by these crossbred buffalo.

RESULTS

This study investigated changes in yield, and the physicochemical composition of milk of Murrah, Nili‐Ravi, Murrah×local, Murrah×Nili‐Ravi×local buffalos with milk yields of 1022.49 ± 90.26 kg, 1193.02 ± 97.65 kg, 805.46 ± 76.57 kg and 1499.35 ± 105.32 kg respectively over a 210‐day period. The protein, fat, ash and total solids contents of milk from the hybrids decreased, but the yield of these nutritional components increased because of the greater improvement in milk yield. As lactation progressed, lactose content increased, but this change was not significant after the 15th day postpartum; the protein content decreased whereas fat content increased significantly during the first three days; ash content changed significantly during the first 24 h postpartum but further changes were not significant. Gel electrophoresis was used to identify the protein profile with no difference found between the four breeds.

CONCLUSION

After crossbreeding, the milk production of triple‐crossbred buffalo was higher than Murrah, Nili‐Ravi and the local Chinese buffalo, making it a potential resource for the Chinese dairy market. The results of this experiment will provide basic data for making better use of buffalo milk, planning crossbreeding programs, and establishing standards for buffalo milk. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary supplement with nucleotides in the form of uridine monophosphate or uridine stimulate intestinal development and promote nucleotide transport in weaned piglets
Authors: Xie Chun‐yan , Wang Qinhua , Li Guanya , Fan Zhiyong , Wang Hong , Wu Xin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Nucleotides are key constituents of milk, where they are utilized in cell replication, although there are limited studies for weaned piglets. This study evaluated the effects of uridine monophosphate (UMP) with uridine (UR) feed supplementation on the intestinal development and nucleotide transport in weaned piglets.

RESULTS

Supplementation with UMP significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma glucose, and UR supplementation significantly reduced (0.05 < P < 0.10) the plasma total cholesterol (TC) of piglets when compared with that of the control group, although non‐significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth performance was observed among three groups. Piglets fed supplementary UR exhibited greater (P < 0.05) crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum when compared with those in the supplementary UMP and control groups. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) results revealed that UR supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the relative mRNA levels of genes encoding the transmembrane proteins ZO‐1 and occludin in the duodenum mucosa, and ZO‐1 in the jejunum mucosa (P < 0.05). Similarly, UR supplementation increased (P < 0.05) expression of solute carriers SLC28A1 and SLC29A1 in the duodenum mucosa. Conversely, claudin‐1 expression in the duodenum mucosa was inhibited (P < 0.05) by dietary supplementation with UMP or UR.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our data indicated that dietary supplementation with UMP or UR was conducive to stimulating intestinal development and promoting nucleotide transport in weaned piglets. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry