bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wild boar behaviour during live-trap capture in a corral-style trap: implications for animal welfare
Authors: Fahlman Åsa , Lindsjö Johan , Norling Therese Arvén , Kjellander Petter , Ågren Erik Olof , Bergvall Ulrika Alm
Published: November 2020

Background

Wildlife traps are used in many countries without evaluation of their effect on animal welfare. Trap-capture of wild animals should minimise negative effects on animal welfare, irrespective of whether the animals are trapped for hunting, research, or management purposes. Live-trap capture of wild boar (Sus scrofa) followed by killing inside the trap by gunshot is a recently introduced but disputed hunting method in Sweden. Approval of trap constructions is based on gross necropsy findings of 20 trapped and shot wild boars. For improved animal welfare evaluation, our aim was to study wild boar behaviour during live-trapping in a 16 m2square corral-style trap. Behavioural assessments were conducted after filming 12 capture events of in total 38 wild boars (five adults, 20 subadults, 13 piglets). Selected behavioural traits were compared with pathological changes (trap-related lesions) found at necropsy of the 20 subadults, to determine if these variables were useful proxies of capture-induced stress in wild boar.

Results

The wild boars spent less time resting in the evening than in the night and morning. Using Friedman’s ANOVA, there was an overall difference in the time spent foraging. However, we only found a difference between the evening and morning in the Wilcoxon matched pairs test after the Sequential Bonferroni correction, where the wild boars spent more time foraging in the evening than in the morning. Single captured individuals showed more escape behaviours and reacted more strongly to external stimuli than individuals captured in a group. It was more common for animals to charge against the mesh walls of the trap upon human approach compared to upon initial capture when the trap door closed. Trap-related pathological findings due to trauma were documented in 13 of the 20 subadults that were necropsied. Behavioural alterations indicative of capture-induced stress (e.g. charging into the trap walls) were documented in trapped wild boars with no or minor physical injuries (e.g. skin abrasions, subcutaneous haemorrhage).

Conclusions

Behavioural assessment provided valuable information for determination of capture-induced stress in wild boar when evaluating live-trapping in a corral-style trap, whereas pathological evaluation through necropsy did not fully reflect the animal welfare aspects of live-trapping. We emphasize the inclusion of species-specific behavioural data assessment for evaluation of capture-related stress during live-trapping and for testing of new trap constructions before approval.
Mindfulness for psychosis groups; description and preliminary evaluation of a novel routine care pathway in Hong Kong
Authors: Ting K. T. , Tam Wendy , Jacobsen Pamela
Published: November 2020

Background

There is no current guidance on where Mindfulness for Psychosis groups should best be situated within care pathways. The objectives of this paper are to (1) describe a novel care pathway tested out in a psychiatric outpatient service in Hong Kong, and (2) to present feasibility outcomes on attendance and drop-out, and routine clinical outcomes.

Methods

A new mindfulness pathway was set up, for service users with psychosis who had first completed a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp). After attending an orientation ‘taster’ session, service users could then attended a 4-session weekly Mindfulness for Psychosis group, followed by optional monthly follow-up sessions.

Results

A high proportion of service users referred into the pathway (19/22; 86%) went on to attend a Mindfulness for Psychosis group after attending an orientation ‘taster’ session. Attendance at group sessions was high, with all participants attending at least 2/4 group sessions, and no drop-outs. Attendance at monthly follow-up groups was also high, with 84% (16/19) attending at least one monthly follow-up. Routine clinical outcome data showed a reduction in negative symptoms of psychosis, and an increase in mindfulness and mindful responding in daily life, from pre- to post group.

Conclusions

Offering service users with psychosis the opportunity to attend a mindfulness for psychosis group after completing a course of CBTp was highly acceptable, as evidenced by high attendance, and low drop-out. Possible benefits in terms of improving negative symptoms may be particularly important in promoting recovery through improved everyday functioning.
Selective role of the translin/trax RNase complex in hippocampal synaptic plasticity
Authors: Park Alan Jung , Shetty Mahesh Shivarama , Baraban Jay M. , Abel Ted
Published: November 2020

Activity-dependent local protein synthesis is critical for synapse-specific, persistent plasticity. Abnormalities in local protein synthesis have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. We have recently identified the translin/trax microRNA-degrading enzyme as a novel mediator of protein synthesis at activated synapses. Additionally, translin knockout (KO) mice, which lack translin/trax, exhibit some of the behavioral abnormalities found in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (fragile X mental retardation protein-FMRP-KO mice). Therefore, identifying signaling pathways interacting with translin/trax to support persistent synaptic plasticity is a translationally relevant goal. Here, as a first step to achieve this goal, we have assessed the requirement of translin/trax for multiple hippocampal synaptic plasticity paradigms that rely on distinct molecular mechanisms. We found that mice lacking translin/trax exhibited selective impairment in a form of persistent hippocampal plasticity, which requires postsynaptic protein kinase A (PKA) activity. In contrast, enduring forms of plasticity that are dependent on presynaptic PKA were unaffected. Furthermore, these mice did not display exaggerated metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated long-term synaptic depression (mGluR-LTD), a hallmark of the FMRP KO mice. On the contrary, translin KO mice exhibited deficits in N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dependent LTD, a phenotype not observed in the FMRP knockouts. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that translin/trax mediates long-term synaptic plasticity that is dependent on postsynaptic PKA signaling and suggest that translin/trax and FMRP play distinct roles in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Protrudin-deficient mice manifest depression-like behavior with abnormalities in activity, attention, and cued fear-conditioning
Authors: Shirane Michiko , Shoji Hirotaka , Hashimoto Yutaka , Katagiri Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shizuka , Manabe Toshiya , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: November 2020

Protrudin is a protein that resides in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum and is highly expressed in the nervous system. Although mutations in the human protrudin gene (ZFYVE27, also known as SPG33) give rise to hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), the physiological role of the encoded protein has been largely unclear. We therefore generated mice deficient in protrudin and subjected them to a battery of behavioral tests designed to examine their intermediate phenotypes. The protrudin-deficient mice were found to have a reduced body size and to manifest pleiotropic behavioral abnormalities, including hyperactivity, depression-like behavior, and deficits in attention and fear-conditioning memory. They exhibited no signs of HSP, however, consistent with the notion that HSP-associated mutations of protrudin may elicit neural degeneration, not as a result of a loss of function, but rather as a result of a gain of toxic function. Overall, our results suggest that protrudin might play an indispensable role in normal neuronal development and behavior.
Immunosenescence: a key player in cancer development
Authors: Lian Jingyao , Yue Ying , Yu Weina , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2020

Immunosenescence is a process of immune dysfunction that occurs with age and includes remodeling of lymphoid organs, leading to changes in the immune function of the elderly, which is closely related to the development of infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignant tumors. T cell–output decline is an important feature of immunosenescence as well as the production of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, increased glycolysis, and reactive oxygen species. Senescent T cells exhibit abnormal phenotypes, including downregulation of CD27, CD28, and upregulation of CD57, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G, Tim-3, Tight, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, which are tightly related to malignant tumors. The role of immunosenescence in tumors is sophisticated: the many factors involved include cAMP, glucose competition, and oncogenic stress in the tumor microenvironment, which can induce the senescence of T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Accordingly, these senescent immune cells could also affect tumor progression. In addition, the effect of immunosenescence on the response to immune checkpoint blocking antibody therapy so far is ambiguous due to the low participation of elderly cancer patients in clinical trials. Furthermore, many other senescence-related interventions could be possible with genetic and pharmacological methods, including mTOR inhibition, interleukin-7 recombination, and NAD+activation. Overall, this review aims to highlight the characteristics of immunosenescence and its impact on malignant tumors and immunotherapy, especially the future directions of tumor treatment through senescence-focused strategies.
Clinical significance of family accommodation and parental psychological distress in a sample of children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder aged 8-17 years old
Authors: Pontillo Maria , Demaria Francesco , Tata Maria Cristina , Averna Roberto , Gargiullo Prisca , Pucciarini Maria Laura , Santonastaso Ornella , Boldrini Tommaso , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , Vicari Stefano
Published: November 2020

Background

Family Accommodation (FA) refers to the involvement of family members (especially parents) in the compulsive behaviors of children and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (e.g. modifying family routines or facilitating avoidance of obsessive-compulsive triggers). Many studies have examined the high prevalence of FA in this clinical population; however, less is known about its clinical significance and relationship to the individual psychological distress of parents. In our study, we investigated the clinical significance of FA examining its relationship with obsessive-compulsive symptomatology, functioning, anxiety and depressive symptoms in a clinical sample (n = 51) of children and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aged 8–17 years old and their parents, included to examine their individual psychological distress.

Methods

The sample was divided into two groups: the High Accommodation group (n = 36) and the Low Accommodation group (n = 15).

Results

Results demonstrated that children and adolescents in the OCD High Accommodation group reported major functional impairment in global (p = .001313), social (p = .000334) and role (p = .000334) domains, and higher depressive symptoms than the Low Accommodation group. Both fathers and mothers from the High Accommodation group reported a higher level of individual psychological distress compared to mothers and fathers from the Low Accommodation group (p = .040365).

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that FA is common in children and adolescents with OCD and it could cause not only an impairment of the patient’s global, social and role functioning but also a high level of individual psychological distress in the single parent. The presence of FA should therefore be carefully investigated and considered in planning assessment and treatment of OCD in children and adolescents.
Phylogenetics-based identification and characterization of a superior 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase for Zymomonas mobilis expression
Authors: Subramanian Venkataramanan , Lunin Vladimir V. , Farmer Samuel J. , Alahuhta Markus , Moore Kyle T. , Ho Angela , Chaudhari Yogesh B. , Zhang Min , Himmel Michael E. , Decker Stephen R.
Published: November 2020

Background

Zymomonas mobilishas recently been shown to be capable of producing the valuable platform biochemical, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO). Despite this capability, the production of high titers of 2,3-BDO is restricted by several physiological parameters. One such bottleneck involves the conversion of acetoin to 2,3-BDO, a step catalyzed by 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase (Bdh). Several Bdh enzymes have been successfully expressed inZ. mobilis,although a highly active enzyme is yet to be identified for expression in this host. Here, we report the application of a phylogenetic approach to identify and characterize a superior Bdh, followed by validation of its structural attributes using a mutagenesis approach.

Results

Of the 11 distinctbdhgenes that were expressed inZ. mobilis,crude extracts expressingSerratia marcescensBdh (SmBdh) were found to have the highest activity (8.89 µmol/min/mg), when compared to other Bdh enzymes (0.34–2.87 µmol/min/mg). TheSmBdh crystal structure was determined through crystallization with cofactor (NAD+) and substrate (acetoin) molecules bound in the active site. ActiveSmBdh was shown to be a tetramer with the active site populated by a Gln247 residue contributed by the diagonally opposite subunit.SmBdh showed a more extensive supporting hydrogen-bond network in comparison to the other well-studied Bdh enzymes, which enables improved substrate positioning and substrate specificity. This protein also contains a short α6 helix, which provides more efficient entry and exit of molecules from the active site, thereby contributing to enhanced substrate turnover. Extending the α6 helix to mimic the lower activityEnterobacter cloacae(EcBdh) enzyme resulted in reduction ofSmBdh function to nearly 3% of the total activity. In great contrast, reduction of the corresponding α6 helix of theEcBdh to mimic theSmBdh structure resulted in ~ 70% increase in its activity.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated thatSmBdh is superior to other Bdhs for expression inZ. mobilisfor 2,3-BDO production.SmBdh possesses unique structural features that confer biochemical advantage to this protein. While coordinated active site formation is a unique structural characteristic of this tetrameric complex, the smaller α6 helix and extended hydrogen network contribute towards improved activity and substrate promiscuity of the enzyme.
Molecular signatures of the rediae, cercariae and adult stages in the complex life cycles of parasitic flatworms (Digenea: Psilostomatidae)
Authors: Nesterenko Maksim A. , Starunov Viktor V. , Shchenkov Sergei V. , Maslova Anna R. , Denisova Sofia A. , Granovich Andrey I. , Dobrovolskij Andrey A. , Khalturin Konstantin V.
Published: November 2020

Background

Parasitic flatworms (Trematoda: Digenea) represent one of the most remarkable examples of drastic morphological diversity among the stages within a life cycle. Which genes are responsible for extreme differences in anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology among the stages? Here we report a comparative transcriptomic analysis of parthenogenetic and amphimictic generations in two evolutionary informative species of Digenea belonging to the family Psilostomatidae.

Methods

In this study the transcriptomes of rediae, cercariae and adult worm stages ofPsilotrema simillimumandSphaeridiotrema pseudoglobulus, were sequenced and analyzed. High-quality transcriptomes were generated, and the reference sets of protein-coding genes were used for differential expression analysis in order to identify stage-specific genes. Comparative analysis of gene sets, their expression dynamics and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis were performed for three life stages within each species and between the two species.

Results

Reference transcriptomes forP. simillimumandS. pseudoglobulusinclude 21,433 and 46,424 sequences, respectively. Among 14,051 orthologous groups (OGs), 1354 are common and specific for two analyzed psilostomatid species, whereas 13 and 43 OGs were unique forP. simillimumandS. pseudoglobulus, respectively. In contrast toP. simillimum, where more than 60% of analyzed genes were active in the redia, cercaria and adult worm stages, inS. pseudoglobulusless than 40% of genes had such a ubiquitous expression pattern. In general, 7805 (36.41%) and 30,622 (65.96%) of genes were preferentially expressed in one of the analyzed stages ofP. simillimumandS. pseudoglobulus, respectively. In both species 12 clusters of co-expressed genes were identified, and more than a half of the genes belonging to the reference sets were included into these clusters. Functional specialization of the life cycle stages was clearly supported by Gene Ontology enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

During the life cycles of the two species studied, most of the genes change their expression levels considerably, consequently the molecular signature of a stage is not only a unique set of expressed genes, but also the specific levels of their expression. Our results indicate unexpectedly high level of plasticity in gene regulation between closely related species. Transcriptomes ofP. simillimumandS. pseudoglobulusprovide high quality reference resource for future evolutionary studies and comparative analyses.
Molecular basis of resistance to organophosphate insecticides in the New World screw-worm fly
Authors: Tandonnet Sophie , Cardoso Gisele Antoniazzi , Mariano-Martins Pedro , Monfardini Raquel Dietsche , Cunha Vanessa A. S. , de Carvalho Renato Assis , Torres Tatiana Teixeira
Published: November 2020

Background

The emergence of insecticide resistance is a fast-paced example of the evolutionary process of natural selection. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of resistance in the myiasis-causing fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to dimethyl-organophosphate (OP) insecticides.

Methods

By sequencing the RNA from surviving larvae treated with dimethyl-OP (resistant condition) and non-treated larvae (control condition), we identified genes displaying condition-specific polymorphisms, as well as those differentially expressed.

Results

Both analyses revealed that resistant individuals have altered expression and allele-specific expression of genes involved in proteolysis (specifically serine-endopeptidase), olfactory perception and cuticle metabolism, among others. We also confirmed that resistant individuals carry almost invariably the Trp251Ser mutation in the esterase E3, known to confer OP and Pyrethroid resistance. Interestingly, genes involved in metabolic and detoxifying processes (notably cytochrome P450s) were found under-expressed in resistant individuals. An exception to this were esterases, which were found up-regulated.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that reduced penetration and aversion to dimethyl-OP contaminated food may be important complementary strategies of resistant individuals. The specific genes and processes found are an important starting point for future functional studies. Their role in insecticide resistance merits consideration to better the current pest management strategies.
Phyllodistomum kupermani n. sp. from the European perch, Perca fluviatilis L. (Perciformes: Percidae), and redescription of Phyllodistomum macrocotyle (Lühe, 1909) with notes on the species diversity and host specificity in the European Phyllodistomum spp. (Trematoda: Gorgoderidae)
Authors: Petkevičiūtė Romualda , Zhokhov Alexander E. , Stunžėnas Virmantas , Poddubnaya Larisa G. , Stanevičiūtė Gražina
Published: November 2020

Background

European species of the large genus Phyllodistomum Braun, 1899 had historically been erected based solely on morphological characters. Unfortunately, many of them are still poorly known and inadequately described. Molecular approaches are critical to delineate species which were impossible to differentiate based on morphology alone.

Methods

New samples of adult Phyllodistomum spp. were collected from the urinary bladder and/or ureters of European freshwater fishes and fixed to conduct a light and scanning electron microscopy study, and to obtain sequences of nuclear (ITS2 spacer and 28S rRNA gene), to be analysed in the context of a molecular phylogeny.

Results

Based on new findings, a new species of Phyllodistomum from the urinary bladder of the European perch, Perca fluviatilis, in Volga River basin, Russia, is described. Additionally, new data on the morphology and tegumental surface topography of P. macrocotyle (Lühe, 1909) Odhner, 1911 from ureters of the common rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, is presented. The host range of P. folium, confirmed by DNA analysis, is extended to other cyprinid fish species.

Conclusions

The present study has again shown that species of the genus Phyllodistomum are in dire need of revision based on both molecular analysis and detailed morphological redescriptions of the forms attributed to the genus. Morphologically, P. kupermani n. sp. most closely resembles P. pseudofolium, a highly host-specific parasite of Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.), but molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequences showed that these species are distantly related. Phyllodistomum kupermani n. sp. was found to be phylogenetically most closely related to the type-species of Phyllodistomum, P. folium. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Phyllodistomum kupermani n. sp. and P. folium formed a clade with other freshwater species for which cystocercous cercariae develop in bivalves of the family Sphaeriidae. The micromorphology and tegumental surface topography of P. macrocotyle revealed in the present study provide a valuable taxonomic criterion for congeneric species differentiation.
Bacterial etiology of sputum from tuberculosis suspected patients and antibiogram of the isolates
Authors: Regmi Ramesh Sharma , Khadka Sujan , Sapkota Sanjeep , Adhikari Sanjib , Dhakal Khuma Kumari , Dhakal Bishnu , Lamsal Bandana , Kafle Sarad Chandra
Published: November 2020

Objective

The current study aims to explore the bacteriology of sputum of tuberculosis (TB) suspected patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the sputum samples of 150 TB suspected patients visiting District Public Health Office, Bharatpur, Nepal. The samples were subjected to cultural, microscopic and biochemical analyses for the identification of the isolates. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out with a special focus on ESBL and MBL production following Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.

Results

Bacterial growth was recovered in 47% (71/150) of the TB suspected patients of which 12.66% (19/150) had pulmonary TB infection.Streptococcusspp. (9%) andPseudomonas aeruginosa(9%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 35% of the total isolates. Occurrence of bacterial pathogens was more in males (69%) than in females (31%).The incidence of bacterial pathogen was seen associated with gender of the patients and with the TB infection (p < 0.05) but independent with age of the patients and HIV infection (p > 0.05). Tetracycline was effective againstStreptococcusspp. whereas gentamicin was effective againstBacillusspecies. Imipenem and co-trimoxazole were effective drugs for Gram-negative isolates. Among 83 isolates, 35 were multi-drug resistant, 9 were ESBL producers and 4 were MBL producers.
FINET: Fast Inferring NETwork
Authors: Wang Anyou , Hai Rong
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Numerous software has been developed to infer the gene regulatory network, a long-standing key topic in biology and computational biology. Yet the slowness and inaccuracy inherited in current software hamper their applications to the increasing massive data. Here, we develop a software, FINET (FastInferringNETwork), to infer a network with high accuracy and rapidity from big data.

Results

The high accuracy results from integrating algorithms with stability-selection, elastic-net, and parameter optimization. Tested by a known biological network, FINET infers interactions with over 94% precision. The high speed comes from partnering parallel computations implemented with Julia, a new compiled language that runs much faster than existing languages used in the current software, such as R, Python, and MATLAB. Regardless of FINET’s implementations with Julia, users with no background in the language or computer science can easily operate it, with only a user-friendly single command line. In addition, FINET can infer other networks such as chemical networks and social networks. Overall, FINET provides a confident way to efficiently and accurately infer any type of network for any scale of data.
Association between asthma and invasive pneumococcal disease risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Lingling , Cheng Yusheng , Tu Xiongwen , Yang Jie , Wang Chenghui , Zhang Min , Lu Zhiwei
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Asthma has been shown to be related to an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), although the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to determine whether asthma increases the risk of IPD. This meta-analysis was performed to validate and strengthen the association between asthma and IPD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the reference lists of all relevant articles and books were screened until May 2019. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and study quality and extracted data. A common odds ratio was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model of aggregated published data.

Results

A total of eight studies with 8877 IPD cases and 78,366 controls were included. Our meta-analysis showed that asthma was significantly associated with the increased risk of IPD (OR 2.44 [95% CI, 2.02–2.96]). The children with asthma (0–17 years old) (OR 2.86 [95% CI 1.80–4.55]) had a higher risk of IPD susceptibility compared with the adult patients (≥ 18 years old) (OR 2.45 [95% CI 1.98–3.03]).

Conclusions

Results of this meta-analysis indicated that the patients with asthma had a higher risk of IPD susceptibility, especially among the children with asthma.
The value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in identifying non-metastatic high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Hong Jun-jie , Liu Bo-le , Wang Zhi-qiang , Tang Kun , Ji Xiao-wei , Yin Wei-wei , Lin Jie , Zheng Xiang-wu
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical management decisions on prostate cancer (PCa) are often based on a determination of risk. 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11-positron emission tomography (PET)/computer tomography (CT) is an attractive modality to assess biochemical recurrence of PCa, detect metastatic disease and stage of primary PCa, making it a promising strategy for risk stratification. However, due to some limitation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 the development of alternative tracers is of high interest. In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of 18F-PSMA-1007 in identifying non-metastatic high-risk PCa.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with primary non-metastatic PCa who underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. According to the European Association of Urology guidelines on PCa, patients were classified into intermediate-risk (IR) group or high-risk (HR) group. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary prostate tumor were measured on PET/CT images. The diagnostic performance of PET/CT for IR and HR PCa was calculated, and the relationship between the SUVmax of primary prostate tumor, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason score (GS) was analyzed.

Results

Of all 101 patients, 49 patients were classified into IR group and 52 patients were classified into HR group. There was a significant positive correlation between PSA level/GS and SUVmax (r = 0.561, r = 0.496, P < 0.001, respectively). Tumors with GS 6 and 7a showed significantly lower 18F-PSMA-1007 uptake compared to patients with GS 8 and 9 (P < 0.01). SUVmax in patients of HR was significantly higher than those of IR (median SUVmax: 16.85 vs 7.80; P < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of the SUVmax for identifying high-risk PCa was set as 9.05 (area under the curve: 0.829; sensitivity: 90.4%; specificity: 65.3%).

Conclusion

18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed the powerful diagnosis efficacy for high-risk PCa, which can be used as an objective imaging reference index for clinical reference.
HPLC phenolic profile and induction of apoptosis by Linum usitatissimum extract in LNCaP cells by caspase3 and Bax pathways
Authors: Zhou Xin , Huang Ningou , Chen Wenxin , Xiaoling Tang , Mahdavi Behnam , Raoofi Amir , Mahdian Davood , Atabati Hadi
Published: November 2020

Linum usitatissimum is a candidate as a remedy to treat prostate problems in some folklore medicines. In this study, we have reported the phenolic and flavonoid constituents, antioxidant activity, and potential of the plant extract against prostate cancer cells. The phenolic and flavonoid compound profile of the extract were established using HPLC analysis. While the total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) were analyzed using classic methods. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated. MTT assay and flow cytometry technique was used to evaluate antiproliferation activity and induction apoptosis of the plant extract on prostate cancer cells of LNCaP. We also evaluated the gene expression of Bax and caspase-3 using the real-time qPCR assay. HPLC result revealed that L. usitatissimum extract (LUE) was rich in phenolic acids such as gallic, ferulic, and vanillic acid with the amount of 3.56, 2.12, 1.24 μg/g extract respectively. 383.4 mg GAE/g and 47.1 mgRuE/g were calculated for total phenolic and flavonoid content. LUE exhibited radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 19.3 ± 1.1 µg/mL. LUE chelated ferrous ions with IC50 = 121.1 ± 1.3 µg/mL. LUE showed anti-proliferative activity on LNCaP cells with the IC50 values of 8.3, 6.3, and 5.4 μg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h treatment. LUE also increased cell mortality by inducing apoptosis (15.3–29.8%). The real-time qPCR results exhibited an increase in gene expression of Bax and caspase-3. Our in vitro study demonstrates that L. usitatissimum can be considered as an effective agent to inhibit the growth and invasion the human prostate cancer cells.
DNA methylation modification is associated with gonadal differentiation in Monopterus albus
Authors: Wang Xin , Lai Fengling , Xiong Jun , Zhu Wang , Yuan Bifeng , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: November 2020

Background

Both testis and ovary can be produced sequentially in an individual with the same genome when sex reversal occurs in the teleost Monopterus albus, and epigenetic modification is supposed to be involved in gonadal differentiation. However, DNA methylation regulation mechanism underlying the gonadal differentiation remains unclear.

Results

Here, we used liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) to simultaneously determine endogenous levels of both 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (m5dC) and 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (hm5dC) during gonadal differentiation. Overall DNA methylation level was upregulated from ovary to testis via ovotestis. As a de novo methylase, dnmt3aa expression was also upregulated in the process. Notably, we determined transcription factor Foxa1 for dnmt3aa gene expression. Site-specific mutations and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Foxa1 can bind to and activate the dnmt3aa promoter. Furthermore, DNA methylation levels of key genes foxl2 (forkhead box L2) and cyp19a1a (cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a) in regulation of female hormone synthesis were consistently upregulated during gonadal differentiation.

Conclusions

These data suggested that dynamic change of DNA methylation modification is associated with gonadal differentiation.
Positive solutions of a nonlinear algebraic system with sign-changing coefficient matrix
Authors: Jia Yanping , Gao Ying , Feng Wenying , Zhang Guang
Published: November 2020

Existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear algebraic system$x=\lambda GF ( x ) $x=λGF(x)has been extensively studied when the$n\times n$n×ncoefficient matrixGis positive or nonnegative. However, to the best of our knowledge, few results have been obtained when the coefficient matrix changes sign. In this case, some commonly applied analysis methods such as the cone theory, the Krein–Rutman theorem, the monotone iterative techniques, and so on cannot be directly applied. In this note, we prove the existence of positive solutions for the above nonlinear algebraic system with sign-changing coefficient matrix taking the advantages of the classical Brouwer fixed point theorem combined with a decomposition condition on the coefficient matrix. We provide an example in solving a second-order difference equation with periodic boundary conditions to illustrate the applications of the results.
Decision-making inflexibility in a reversal learning task is associated with severity of problem gambling symptoms but not with a diagnosis of substance use disorder
Authors: Jara-Rizzo María F. , Navas Juan F. , Rodas Jose A. , Perales José C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Decisions made by individuals with disordered gambling are markedly inflexible. However, whether anomalies in learning from feedback are gambling-specific, or extend beyond gambling contexts, remains an open question. More generally, addictive disorders—including gambling disorder—have been proposed to be facilitated by individual differences in feedback-driven decision-making inflexibility, which has been studied in the lab with the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task (PRLT). In this task, participants are first asked to learn which of two choice options is more advantageous, on the basis of trial-by-trial feedback, but, once preferences are established, reward contingencies are reversed, so that the advantageous option becomes disadvantageous and vice versa. Inflexibility is revealed by a less effective reacquisition of preferences after reversal, which can be distinguished from more generalized learning deficits.

Methods

In the present study, we compared PRLT performance across two groups of 25 treatment-seeking patients diagnosed with an addictive disorder and who reported gambling problems, and 25 matched controls [18 Males/7 Females in both groups, Mage(SDage) = 25.24 (8.42) and 24.96 (7.90), for patients and controls, respectively]. Beyond testing for differences in the shape of PRLT learning curves across groups, the specific effect of problematic gambling symptoms’ severity was also assessed independently of group assignment. In order to surpass previous methodological problems, full acquisition and reacquisition curves were fitted using generalized mixed-effect models.

Results

Results showed that (1) controls did not significantly differ from patients in global PRLT performance nor showed specific signs of decision-making inflexibility; and (2) regardless of whether group affiliation was controlled for or not, gambling severity was specifically associated with more inefficient learning in phases with reversed contingencies.

Conclusion

Decision-making inflexibility, as revealed by difficulty to reacquire decisional preferences based on feedback after contingency reversals, seems to be associated with gambling problems, but not necessarily with a substance-use disorder diagnosis. This result aligns with gambling disorder models in which domain-general compulsivity is linked to vulnerability to develop gambling-specific problems with exposure to gambling opportunities.
Assessing data quality from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink: a methodological approach applied to the full blood count blood test
Authors: Virdee Pradeep S. , Fuller Alice , Jacobs Michael , Holt Tim , Birks Jacqueline
Published: November 2020

A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a common blood test including 20 parameters, such as haemoglobin and platelets. FBCs from Electronic Health Record (EHR) databases provide a large sample of anonymised individual patient data and are increasingly used in research. We describe the quality of the FBC data in one EHR. The Test dataset from the Clinical Research Practice Datalink (CPRD) was accessed, which contains results of tests performed in primary care, such as FBC blood tests. Medical codes and entity codes, two coding systems used within CPRD to identify FBC records, were compared, with levels of mismatched coding, and number that could be rectified reported. The reliability of units of measurement are also described and missing data discussed. There were 14 entity codes and 138 medical codes for the FBC in the data. Medical and entity codes consistently corresponded to the same FBC parameter in 95.2% (n = 217,752,448) of parameters. In the 4.8% (n = 10,955,006) mismatches, the most common parameter rectified was mean platelet volume (n = 2,041,360) and 1,191,540 could not be rectified and were removed. Units of measurement were often either missing, partially entered, or did not appear to correspond to the blood value. The final dataset contained 16,537,017 FBC tests. Applying mathematical equations to derive some missing parameters in these FBCs resulted in 15 of 20 parameters available per FBC on average, with 0.3% of FBCs having all 20 parameters. Performing data quality checks can help to understand the extent of any issues in the dataset. We emphasise balancing large sample sizes with reliability of the data.
Dioxin impacts on lipid metabolism of soil microbes: towards effective detection and bioassessment strategies
Authors: Mahfouz Sabrin , Mansour Ghaytha , Murphy Denis J. , Hanano Abdulsamie
Published: November 2020

Dioxins are the most toxic known environmental pollutants and are mainly formed by human activities. Due to their structural stability, dioxins persist for extended periods and can be transported over long distances from their emission sources. Thus, dioxins can be accumulated to considerable levels in both human and animal food chains. Along with sediments, soils are considered the most important reservoirs of dioxins. Soil microorganisms are therefore highly exposed to dioxins, leading to a range of biological responses that can impact the diversity, genetics and functional of such microbial communities. Dioxins are very hydrophobic with a high affinity to lipidic macromolecules in exposed organisms, including microbes. This review summarizes the genetic, molecular and biochemical impacts of dioxins on the lipid metabolism of soil microbial communities and especially examines modifications in the composition and architecture of cell membranes. This will provide a useful scientific benchmark for future attempts at soil ecological risk assessment, as well as in identifying potential dioxin-specific-responsive lipid biomarkers. Finally, potential uses of lipid-sequestering microorganisms as a part of biotechnological approaches to the bio-management of environmental contamination with dioxins are discussed.
In situ occurrence of Muong Nong-type Australasian tektite fragments from the Quaternary deposits near Huai Om, northeastern Thailand
Authors: Tada Toshihiro , Tada Ryuji , Chansom Praphas , Songtham Wickanet , Carling Paul A. , Tajika Eiichi
Published: November 2020

There are several reports of Australasian tektites found within a stratum called “laterite” layer widely distributed in Indochina. However, it has been debated whether these tektites are in situ or reworked. This uncertainty is because a detailed description of their field occurrence is lacking. Here, we describe the detailed occurrence of a cluster of tektite fragments recovered from the “laterite” layer near Huai Om, northeastern Thailand, and demonstrate the evidence of in situ occurrence of the tektites. At least 331 tektite fragments with a total weight of 713 g were found from a 40 × 30 cm area with 10 cm thickness in the uppermost part of the “laterite” layer. The very angular shapes and very poorly sorted nature of the fragments, restoration of larger tektite fragments into one ellipsoidal Muong Nong-type (MN) tektite mass, and the similar chemical composition of the fragments suggest that these MN tektite fragments represent a tektite mass that fragmented in situ. The fact that the fragments were found within the “laterite” layer is inconsistent with a previous interpretation that the upper surface of the “laterite” layer is a paleo-erosional surface, on which the tektites are reworked. The size distribution of the fragments is bi-fractal following two power laws in the range from 10 to 26 mm and from 26 to 37 mm, respectively, with fractal dimensions (Ds) of 2.2 and 7.5. The Ds for the coarse fraction of the tektite fragments is larger than the Ds for rock fragments generated by rockfalls and rock avalanches and similar to the Ds for the coarser fraction fragments generated by high-speed impact experiments, suggesting that the tektite fragments were formed through intense fragmentation by a relatively high energetic process. The occurrence of the fragments forming a cluster indicates that the fragments were not moved apart significantly after fragmentation and burial. Based on these results, we concluded that the mass of a tektite was fragmented at the time of the landing on the ground after traveling a ballistic trajectory and has not been disturbed further.
Mapping forest age using National Forest Inventory, airborne laser scanning, and Sentinel-2 data
Authors: Schumacher Johannes , Hauglin Marius , Astrup Rasmus , Breidenbach Johannes
Published: November 2020

Background

The age of forest stands is critical information for forest management and conservation, for example for growth modelling, timing of management activities and harvesting, or decisions about protection areas. However, area-wide information about forest stand age often does not exist. In this study, we developed regression models for large-scale area-wide prediction of age in Norwegian forests. For model development we used more than 4800 plots of the Norwegian National Forest Inventory (NFI) distributed over Norway between latitudes 58° and 65° N in an 18.2 Mha study area. Predictor variables were based on airborne laser scanning (ALS), Sentinel-2, and existing public map data. We performed model validation on an independent data set consisting of 63 spruce stands with known age.

Results

The best modelling strategy was to fit independent linear regression models to each observed site index (SI) level and using a SI prediction map in the application of the models. The most important predictor variable was an upper percentile of the ALS heights, and root mean squared errors (RMSEs) ranged between 3 and 31 years (6% to 26%) for SI-specific models, and 21 years (25%) on average. Mean deviance (MD) ranged between − 1 and 3 years. The models improved with increasing SI and the RMSEs were largest for low SI stands older than 100 years. Using a mapped SI, which is required for practical applications, RMSE and MD on plot level ranged from 19 to 56 years (29% to 53%), and 5 to 37 years (5% to 31%), respectively. For the validation stands, the RMSE and MD were 12 (22%) and 2 years (3%), respectively.

Conclusions

Tree height estimated from airborne laser scanning and predicted site index were the most important variables in the models describing age. Overall, we obtained good results, especially for stands with high SI. The models could be considered for practical applications, although we see considerable potential for improvements if better SI maps were available.
Neuropsychopharmacological effects of midazolam on the human brain
Authors: Wang Junkai , Sun Pei , Liang Peipeng
Published: November 2020

As a commonly used anesthetic agent, midazolam has the properties of water-soluble, rapid onset, and short duration of action. With the rapid development in the field of neuroimaging, numerous studies have investigated how midazolam acts on the human brain to induce the alteration of consciousness. However, the neural bases of midazolam-induced sedation or anesthesia remain beginning to be understood in detail. In this review, we summarize findings from neuroimaging studies that have used midazolam to study altered consciousness at different levels and content. We also compare the results to those of neuroimaging studies using diverse anesthetic agents and describe the common neural correlates of anesthetic-induced alteration of consciousness.
A novel Killian–Jamieson diverticulectomy using a thyroid gland flap: a case report
Authors: Saito Takuya , Ogawa Tetsuya , Kurahashi Shintaro , Okamoto Hiroki , Gonda Hirotake , Matsumura Tatsuki , Osawa Takaaki , Fukami Yasuyuki , Komatsu Shunichiro , Kaneko Kenitiro , Sano Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2020

Background

A Killian–Jamieson diverticulum is a rare pharyngoesophageal diverticulum that is radically treated by diverticulectomy. However, there is no consensus on whether cricopharyngeal myotomy is necessary, and the optimal surgical methods that prevent postoperative complications such as leakage are undetermined.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old man was referred to our hospital with oropharyngeal dysphagia while eating. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with a Killian–Jamieson diverticulum based on radiographic and clinical findings and underwent a transcervical diverticulectomy. The recurrent laryngeal nerves were preserved using an intraoperative nerve monitoring system, and the diverticulum was identified without difficulty. A partial cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed to expose the base of the diverticulum. The diverticulum was transected transversally using a linear stapler under the guidance of intraoperative upper intestinal endoscopy. A thyroid gland flap supplied by the superior thyroid artery was harvested and placed overlapping the area of the partial cricopharyngeal myotomy. Due to the proximity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve course to the diverticulum stump, the staple line was not buried with sutures. The thyroid gland flap with its rich vascular supply was fixed to completely cover the staple line on the cut surface of the thyroid gland. The postoperative course was uneventful, without vocal cord paralysis. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. He developed no clinical signs suggesting leakage, recurrence, or adverse events.

Conclusion

Killian–Jamieson diverticulectomy using a thyroid gland flap and partial cricopharyngeal myotomy is a valid treatment option that may prevent complications and recurrence. Precise evaluation of the diverticulum using an intraoperative nerve monitoring system is crucial for the repair.