bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation for treating patients with ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Hai Lan , Chen Shu Zhen , Xu Hao Ming , Zhou You Lian , He Jie , Huang Hong Li , Xu Jing , Nie Yu Qiang
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To assess the effect of donor selection, stool procedures and pretreatment with antibiotics on the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)‐treated ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted including studies on UC treated with FMT as the primary therapeutic agent published up to June 30, 2020. Primary end‐point data included clinical remission (CR) or CR combined with endoscopic remission.

Results

A total of 37 studies (seven random controlled trials [RCTs], five controlled and 25 uncontrolled cohort studies) and 959 patients with UC were enrolled. In controlled cohort studies and RCTs, FMT had a significantly greater benefit than placebo (pooled odds ratio [P‐OR] 3.392, 95% CI 2.196‐5.240, P < 0.001), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Furthermore, administration of FMT via the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract was more effective in achieving CR than via the upper GI tract (44.3% vs 31.7%). The remission rate was also higher when the total stool dosage was over 275 g compared with less than 275 g (51.9% vs 29.5%). Overall, the incidence of serious adverse events of FMT was 5.9%. There was no significant difference between single and multiple donors, fresh and frozen stool sample used, and whether or not antibiotic pretreatment was administered before FMT.

Conclusion

FMT administration via the lower GI tract and using higher dosage appear to be effective and safe in inducing remission of active UC.
Geographic pattern of antibiotic resistance genes in the metagenomes of the giant panda
Authors: Hu Ting , Dai Qinlong , Chen Hua , Zhang Zheng , Dai Qiang , Gu Xiaodong , Yang Xuyu , Yang Zhisong , Zhu Lifeng
Published: August 2020

The rise in infections by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria poses a serious public health problem worldwide. The gut microbiome of animals is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the correlation between the gut microbiome of wild animals and ARGs remains controversial. Here, based on the metagenomes of giant pandas (including three wild populations from the Qinling, Qionglai and Xiaoxiangling Mountains, and two major captive populations from Yaan and Chengdu), we investigated the potential correlation between the constitution of the gut microbiome and the composition of ARGs across the different geographic locations and living environments. We found that the types of ARGs were correlated with gut microbiome composition. The NMDS cluster analysis using Jaccard distance of the ARGs composition of the gut microbiome of wild giant pandas displayed a difference based on geographic location. Captivity also had an effect on the differences in ARGs composition. Furthermore, we found that the Qinling population exhibited profound dissimilarities of both gut microbiome composition and ARGs (the highest proportion of Clostridium and vancomycin resistance genes) when compared to the other wild and captive populations studies, which was supported by previous giant panda whole‐genome sequencing analysis. In this study, we provide an example of a potential consensus pattern regarding host population genetics, symbiotic gut microbiome and ARGs. We revealed that habitat isolation impacts the ARG structure in the gut microbiome of mammals. Therefore, the difference in ARG composition between giant panda populations will provide some basic information for their conservation and management, especially for captive populations.
Detecting selected haplotype blocks in evolve and resequence experiments
Authors: Otte Kathrin A. , Schlötterer Christian
Published: August 2020

Shifting from the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms to the reconstruction of selected haplotypes greatly facilitates the interpretation of evolve and resequence (E&R) experiments. Merging highly correlated hitchhiker SNPs into haplotype blocks reduces thousands of candidates to few selected regions. Current methods of haplotype reconstruction from Pool‐seq data need a variety of data‐specific parameters that are typically defined ad hoc and require haplotype sequences for validation. Here, we introduce haplovalidate, a tool which detects selected haplotypes in Pool‐seq time series data without the need for sequenced haplotypes. Haplovalidate makes data‐driven choices of two key parameters for the clustering procedure, the minimum correlation between SNPs constituting a cluster and the window size. Applying haplovalidate to simulated E&R data reliably detects selected haplotype blocks with low false discovery rates. Importantly, our analyses identified a restriction of the haplotype block‐based approach to describe the genomic architecture of adaptation. We detected a substantial fraction of haplotypes containing multiple selection targets. These blocks were considered as one region of selection and therefore led to underestimation of the number of selection targets. We demonstrate that the separate analysis of earlier time points can significantly increase the separation of selection targets into individual haplotype blocks. We conclude that the analysis of selected haplotype blocks has great potential for the characterization of the adaptive architecture with E&R experiments.
Current status of PSMA PET imaging in prostate cancer
Authors: Ho Chi Lai , Wu Kwan Kit , Chen Sirong
Published: August 2020

The past decade has witnessed the rising popularity and acceptance of molecular definitions on disease management. Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA), in light of its molecular nature and cytokinetic properties, has rapidly become the target for development of a variety of functional tracers for PET/CT evaluation of prostate cancer. The most commonly used PSMA‐binding analog is 68Ga‐labeled PSMA‐11, which is now widely applied in both research and clinical settings. Literature data in the recent years have been enriched by a number of meta‐analyses and systemic reviews on the evolving role of PSMA PET in primary diagnosis, staging, detection of biochemical recurrence after primary cancer treatment, identification, and significance of oligometastasis, as well as in restaging and treatment monitoring. Being a highly sensitive and reasonably specific molecular tracer, PSMA‐binding analogs have a high potential to possess the majority of imaging characteristics required for a variety of management decisions in prostate malignancy.
The evolution of IgE‐mediated type I hypersensitivity and its immunological value
Authors: Pritchard David I. , Falcone Franco H. , Mitchell Piers D.
Published: August 2020

The allergic phenotype manifests itself in a spectrum of troublesome to life‐threatening diseases, from seasonal hay fever, through the food allergies, atopic eczema, asthma, to anaphylaxis. Allergy, that is an overreaction to allergen in hypersensitive individuals, results from the production of IgE, mast cell and basophil sensitisation and degranulation, requiring a range of medications to manage the conditions. Yet it is highly likely that allergy evolved for a purpose and that allergic diseases are accidental consequences of an insufficiently regulated immune response. This article presents a viewpoint from which to restore the immunological reputation of the allergic phenotype. We consider the evolutionary origins of potential allergens, toxins and parasites, and how they might have influenced early‐mammal species in existence when IgE first developed. We conclude that the allergic phenotype has likely saved the lives of many more mammals than have ever died from allergy, so justifying the positive role of IgE in our evolution.
Repeating noninvasive risk stratification improves prediction of outcome in ICD patients
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Floré Vincent , Röver Christian , Vos Mark A. , Dunnink Albert , Leftheriotis Dionyssios , Friede Tim , Flevari Panagiota , Zabel Markus , Willems Rik
Published: August 2020

Background

Noninvasive risk stratification aims to detect abnormalities in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ventricular arrhythmias. We studied the predictive value of repeating risk stratification in patients with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

The EUTrigTreat clinical study was a prospective multicenter trial including ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and arrhythmogenic heart disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (LVEF), premature ventricular complexes >400/24 hr (PVC), non‐negative microvolt T‐wave alternans (MTWA), and abnormal heart rate turbulence (HRT) were considered high risk. Tests were repeated within 12 months after inclusion. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was performed for mortality and appropriate ICD shocks.

Results

In total, 635 patients had analyzable baseline data with a median follow‐up of 4.4 years. Worsening of LVEF was associated with increased mortality (HR 3.59, 95% CI 1.17–11.04), as was consistent abnormal HRT (HR 8.34, 95%CI 1.06–65.54). HRT improvement was associated with improved survival when compared to consistent abnormal HRT (HR 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.82). For appropriate ICD shocks, a non‐negative MTWA test or high PVC count at any moment was associated with increased arrhythmic risk independent of the evolution of test results (worsening: HR 3.76 (95%CI 1.43–9.88) and HR 2.50 (95%CI 1.15–5.46); improvement: HR 2.80 (95%CI 1.03–7.61) and HR 2.45 (95%CI 1.07–5.62); consistent: HR 2.47 (95%CI 0.95–6.45) and HR 2.40 (95%CI 1.33–4.33), respectively). LVEF improvement was associated with a lower arrhythmic risk (HR 0.34, 95%CI 0.12–0.94).

Conclusions

Repeating LVEF and HRT improved the prediction of mortality, whereas stratification of ventricular arrhythmias may be improved by repeating LVEF measurements, MTWA and ECG Holter monitoring.
Risk of anal sphincter injury in trial of labor post cesarean section
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Tsur Abraham , Shai Daniel , Alcalay Menachem , Ram Edward , Meyer Raanan
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We wanted to evaluate whether secundiparas who achieved vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) were at an increased risk for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) compared to primiparas who delivered vaginally, with a stratification by the mode of delivery—spontaneous or operative vaginal delivery.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of primiparous women who delivered by vacuum‐assisted delivery between March 2011 and June 2019. Primiparas delivering vaginally and secundiparas undergoing VBAC were compared. The cohort was further stratified into two categories: spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.

Results

Overall, 23 822 primiparas who delivered vaginally and 1596 secundiparas who underwent VBAC were analyzed. Operative vaginal delivery was performed in 4561 deliveries. OASI rate did not differ between the VBAC and primipara groups (1.3% vs 1.8%,P = .142). A total of 20 857 women delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery, among them 1180 (5.7%) women were secundiparas and 19 677 (94.3%) were primiparas. OASI rate was comparable between the secundiparas undergoing VBAC and primiparas delivering vaginally (17 [1.4%] vs 338 [1.7%],P = .436). A total of 4561 women delivered by operative vaginal delivery, among them 416 (9.1%) were secundiparas and 4145 (90.9%) were primiparas. The rate of operative vaginal deliveries was higher among the VBAC group compared with the primipara group (6.1% vs 17.4%,P < .001). However, women undergoing successful VBAC had lower rates of OASI compared with primiparas (3 [0.7%] vs 96 [2.3%]; odds ratio [OR] 0.30, 95% CI 0.09‐0.97,P = .032). After multivariate logistic regression including all statistically significant factors, OASI was not associated with VBAC in spontaneous or operative vaginal deliveries (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51‐1.40 and 0.39, 95% CI 0.12‐1.28, respectively).

Conclusions

Secundiparas undergoing VBAC were not at a higher risk of OASI when compared with primiparas delivering vaginally, either in spontaneous or operative vaginal deliveries. This information might aid when counseling women contemplating a trial of labor after cesarean––to address their concerns regarding the risks and benefits of VBAC.
Long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer: A single institutional matched case‐control study
Authors: Miguchi Masashi , Yoshimitsu Masanori , Shimomura Manabu , Kohashi Toshihiko , Egi Hiroyuki , Ohdan Hideki , Hirabayashi Naoki
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The number of elderly patients with colorectal cancer has gradually increased. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is widely used to approach colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcomes in octogenarians who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This study included 158 patients aged 80 or over who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between 2010 and 2015. We compared long‐term outcomes of a laparoscopic colorectal surgery group with those of an open colorectal surgery group by propensity score matching equalizing factors that could affect prognosis such as prognostic nutritional index and Charlson comorbidity index score.

Results

Forty‐eight pairs were selected after propensity score matching. The cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate was 97.1% in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery group and 87.6% in the open colorectal surgery group (P = .17). The overall 5‐year survival rate was 77.3% in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery group and 73.9% in the open colorectal surgery group (P = .32). The 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate was 95.1% in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery group and 85.4% in the open colorectal surgery group (P = .14).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for octogenarians with colorectal cancer achieves similar oncological outcomes to open colorectal surgery and should be considered as a treatment option.
Disease surveillance of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bower Deborah S. , Jennings Charlotte K. , Webb Rebecca J. , Amepou Yolarnie , Schwarzkopf Lin , Berger Lee , Alford Ross A. , Georges Arthur , McKnight Donald T. , Carr Leah , Nason Dillian , Clulow Simon
Published: August 2020

Emerging infectious diseases threaten the persistence of biodiversity globally. The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is one of the most widespread and damaging pathogens to biodiversity. New Guinea hosts 6% of the world's frogs and is the largest landmass where B. dendrobatidis remains undetected despite being largely climatically suitable for its persistence. We surveyed for B. dendrobatidis in Papua New Guinea, by swabbing live frogs in the Gulf Province and Eastern Highlands Province and by examining museum specimens from a range of sites and elevations. Here, we show that over a large geographical range, all 442 samples were negative for B. dendrobatidis. The spread of B. dendrobatidis to Papua New Guinea may have been thus far prevented by the remoteness of New Guinea and the hotter climate in its lowlands, which surrounds a more climatically suitable zone for B. dendrobatidis in the highlands. Alternatively, B. dendrobatidis may be present in isolated patches or at low levels and remain undetected, to date. Papua New Guinea remains at risk and would benefit from a national disease surveillance program for chytrid fungi and pre‐emptive actions, designed to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Measures should include improved biosecurity protocols for trade and travel and continued disease surveillance in areas of probable entry and spread.
24‐hour activity for children with cerebral palsy: a clinical practice guide
Authors: Verschuren Olaf , Hulst Raquel Y , Voorman Jeanine , Pillen Sigrid , Luitwieler Nicole , Dudink Jeroen , Gorter Jan Willem
Published: August 2020

The association between physical activity and health has been clearly established, and the promotion of physical activity should be viewed as a cost‐effective approach that is universally prescribed as a first‐line treatment for nearly every chronic disease. Health care providers involved in the care for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) are encouraged to take an active role in promoting their health and well‐being. Balancing activity behaviours across the whole day, with improved physical activity, reduced sedentary time, and healthy sleep behaviours, can set up infants, preschool‐, and school‐aged children with CP for a healthy trajectory across their lifetime. However, most clinicians do not apply a systematic surveillance, assessment, and management approach to detect problems with physical activity or sleep in children with CP. Consequently, many children with CP miss out on an important first line of treatment. This article presents an evidence‐informed clinical practice guide with practical pointers to help practitioners in detecting 24‐hour activity problems as a critical step towards adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours for children with CP that provide long‐term health benefits.
Assessing year‐round habitat use by migratory sea ducks in a multi‐species context reveals seasonal variation in habitat selection and partitioning
Authors: Lamb Juliet S. , Paton Peter W. C. , Osenkowski Jason E. , Badzinski Shannon S. , Berlin Alicia M. , Bowman Tim , Dwyer Chris , Fara Luke J. , Gilliland Scott G. , Kenow Kevin , Lepage Christine , Mallory Mark L. , Olsen Glenn H. , Perry Matthew C. , Petrie Scott A. , Savard Jean‐Pierre L. , Savoy Lucas , Schummer Michael , Spiegel Caleb S. , McWilliams Scott R.
Published: August 2020

Long‐distance migration presents complex conservation challenges, and migratory species often experience shortfalls in conservation due to the difficulty of identifying important locations and resources throughout the annual cycle. In order to prioritize habitats for conservation of migratory wildlife, it is necessary to understand how habitat needs change throughout the annual cycle, as well as to identify key habitat sites and features that concentrate large numbers of individuals and species. Among long‐distance migrants, sea ducks have particularly complex migratory patterns, which often include distinct post‐breeding molt sites as well as breeding, staging and wintering locations. Using a large set of individual tracking data (n = 476 individuals) from five species of sea ducks in eastern North America, we evaluated multi‐species habitat suitability and partitioning across the breeding, post‐breeding migration and molt, wintering and pre‐breeding migration seasons. During breeding, species generally occupied distinct habitat areas, with the highest levels of multi‐species overlap occurring in the Barrenlands west of Hudson Bay. Species generally preferred flatter areas closer to lakes with lower maximum temperatures relative to average conditions, but varied in distance to shore, elevation and precipitation. During non‐breeding, species overlapped extensively during winter but diverged during migration. All species preferred shallow‐water, nearshore habitats with high productivity, but varied in their relationships to salinity, temperature and bottom slope. Sea ducks selected most strongly for preferred habitats during post‐breeding migration, with high partitioning among species; however, both selection and partitioning were weaker during pre‐breeding migration. The addition of tidal current velocity, aquatic vegetation presence and bottom substrate improved non‐breeding habitat models where available. Our results highlight the utility of multi‐species, annual‐cycle habitat assessments in identifying key habitat features and periods of vulnerability in order to optimize conservation strategies for migratory wildlife.
Novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease targeting brain cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Samant Nikita Patil , Gupta Girdhari Lal
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Aβ plaques and tauopathy are two major concerns associated with AD. Moreover, excessive Aβ accumulation can lead to other nonspecific metabolic brain abnormalities. There are various genetic, environmental, and other risk factors associated with AD. Identification of risk factors and its mechanisms by which these factors impart role in AD pathology would be helpful for the prevention of AD progression. Altered cholesterol homeostasis could be considered as a risk factor for AD progression. Brain cholesterol dysmetabolism is recognized as one of the crucial attributes for AD that affect major hallmarks of AD including neurodegeneration. To fill the gap between altered cholesterol levels in the brain and AD, the researchers started focusing on statins as re‐purposing drugs for AD treatment. The various other hypothesis has been suggested due to a lack of beneficial results of statins in clinical trials, such as reduced brain cholesterol could underlie poor cognition. Unfortunately, it is still unclear, whether an increase or decrease in brain cholesterol levels responsible for Alzheimer's disease or not. Presently, scientists believed that managing the level of cholesterol in the brain may help as an alternative treatment strategy for AD. In this review, we focused on the therapeutic strategies for AD by targeting brain cholesterol levels.
Familial Influences on Treatment and Substance Use Among Mothers Engaged in Prostitution
Authors: Murnan Aaron , Ferber Megan Ferriby
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study explores how the family system, which includes family members, romantic partners, and children, influences substance use treatment decisions and behaviors among women engaged in street‐level prostitution.

Background

Women engaged in street‐level prostitution can be involved in and benefit from substance use treatment; however, these women report worse treatment outcomes compared with other treatment‐seeking women. Little is known about systemic influences on women's substance use treatment, which may contribute to poor treatment outcomes.

Methods

Women (n = 15) between the ages of 20 and 53 years participated in qualitative interviews exploring their perceptions of how their family system influenced substance use treatment decisions and behaviors. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze data and identify themes within participant responses.

Results

Women reported on multiple shared experiences of how family members, romantic partners, and children directly and indirectly influenced their substance use treatment decisions and behaviors.

Conclusions

Intervention efforts that engage supportive family members and children in women's treatment or support women's positive interactions with family are likely to provide unique advantages compared with individual treatment.

Implications

Providers serving these uniquely vulnerable women should consider their family systems' influence when conceptualizing and intervening, in an effort to promote better long‐term treatment outcomes.
Exploring flash flood risk perception using PCA analysis: The case of Mindelo, S. Vicente (Cape Verde)
Authors: Martins Bruno , Nunes Adélia
Published: August 2020

São Vicente Island is in the Republic of Cape Verde. It lies within the Sahelian zone and faces several natural risks, one of which is flash flooding. Based on a questionnaire entitled Flash Flood Risk Perception in Cape Verde, applied to 203 subjects, influence the behavioural decision making adopted by people when confronted with this natural hazard. A multivariate technique was conducted on the main dimensions (categorical principal components analysis, CATPCA) to identify the primary factors associated with the perception of flash flood risk. Results of this analysis suggest that education level and gender explain more than 50% of the observed variance. Respondents with higher education show greater knowledge about this type of natural risk, although they ascribe its occurrence to divine punishment. Men and women have different perceptions about flash flooding, its causal attributions, and support from public entities regarding planning policies. Prior experience mainly influences the perception of the personal consequences of flash flood events. The results show the relevance of introducing risk education into schools to raise awareness about the causes and consequences of flash floods and improve readiness and responses to this risk manifestation.
Citizen political knowledge and accountability: Survey evidence on devolution in Kenya
Authors: Opalo Ken Ochieng'
Published: August 2020

Devolution complicates citizens’ ability to assign responsibility for the provision of public goods and services to different tiers of government. Misattribution of responsibility limits the effectiveness of electoral accountability in the nested principal–agent relationships comprising voters, politicians, and bureaucrats. This raises two important questions. First, how do citizens learn about the functions of different tiers of government under devolution? Second, how do levels of political knowledge condition citizens’ evaluations of subnational governments? Using cross‐sectional and panel survey data from Kenya (2014–2018), this article shows that voters accumulate knowledge through exposure to government services, and that gender and partisanship mediate knowledge accumulation. In addition, exposed citizens are more likely to give positive evaluations of subnational politicians, despite the fact that such exposure may reveal subnational governments’ low capacity, ineffectiveness, and governance gaps. These findings advance our understanding of the dynamics of political accountability under devolution.
Net primary productivity‐based factors of China's carbon intensity: A regional perspective
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Xu Chong , Xie Qianjiao , Song Malin
Published: August 2020

Reducing carbon intensity (CI) is one of the core steps of climate change mitigation. This study emphasized the roles of ecological services and regional heterogeneity in determining CI. We considered heterogeneities based on geography and income and explored the roles of net primary productivity (NPP)‐based carbon footprint and CI in the changes in China's CI over 2001−2015 using an extended production‐theoretical decomposition analysis and matching the socio‐economic data sets with NPP data from a remote sensing satellite. We found that group technological change, reflecting the effect of shrinkage or expansion of the group best practice frontier, and the potential NPP‐based carbon footprint, reflecting the impact of energy‐related CO2 emissions on ecological carbon absorption, are the most significant factors accounting for the increase and decrease in CI, respectively, while NPP‐based CI generally accounts for the decline in CI. We further showed that the technology gap change exhibited by an invert U‐shaped curve contributed to the increase in CI under geography‐based heterogeneity. We advise that China's policies should be more focused on ecological factors and regional heterogeneity in regions with abundant NPP (e.g., Yunnan and Sichuan) to further reduce CI.
Effects and mechanisms of rural E‐commerce clusters on households' entrepreneurship behavior in China
Authors: Mei Yan , Mao Danling , Lu Yuhui , Chu Wei
Published: August 2020

The vigorous development of rural E‐commerce reveals a powerful pattern of economic clustering. Recently, many Taobao Villages have formed in more than 80% of the provinces in rural China, and increasingly households are using E‐commerce for entrepreneurial innovation in Taobao Villages. However, the effect and mechanism of the Taobao Village model on households' entrepreneurship behavior remain unclear. Using survey data and structural equation modeling, we analyzed the factors of households' entrepreneurship behavior and investigated the mechanism of rural E‐commerce clustering on the households' entrepreneurship behavior in Taobao Villages. The results show that: (1) rural E‐commerce clusters stimulated entrepreneurial enthusiasm and increased entrepreneurial behavior; (2) local resource endowment, entrepreneurial atmosphere and culture, threshold for entrepreneurship, and demonstrative leadership had significant positive effects on households' entrepreneurship behavior; (3) external environmental support, including government, and external business environment support had significant positive effects on E‐commerce development. All these results indicate that rural E‐commerce clusters promote households' entrepreneurship behavior.
A method to obtain reproducible Ki‐67 indices in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Okudela Koji , Woo Tetsukan , Saigusa Yusuke , Arai Hiromasa , Matsumura Mai , Mitsui Hideaki , Sugiyama Misaki , Sekiya Motoki , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Oshiro Hisashi , Kameda Yoichi , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: August 2020

Aims

Proliferative activity, evaluated from the Ki‐67 index, is a strong prognostic factor in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Here, we optimised a procedure to measure the Ki‐67 index and establish the best cut‐off value.

Methods and results

We examined 342 stage I LADCs for the immunohistochemical expression of Ki‐67 using different antibodies, MIB1 and SP6. The results revealed the superior specificity of SP6; therefore, SP6 was used in subsequent analyses. Slides were scanned with a virtual slide system. Using software, tumour cells were counted in a whole tumour. Thereafter, the tumour was evenly subdivided into 0.25‐mm2 tiles. The frequency of positive cells was counted in each tile of an invasive area or the whole tumour. We calculated the number of tumour cells required to produce a 95% confidence interval (CI) <0.05. Additionally, we calculated coverage probabilities (CP) using two different methods, counting any number or 200 cells per tile. The results showed that we could meet our goal by counting 2000 cells from 10 random tiles (200 cells each) in invasive areas.

Conclusions

We successfully developed an optimal procedure for determination of the Ki‐67 labelling index using an SP6 antibody, which provided CP > 70% and CI of <0.05 in more than 90% of cases. Furthermore, we identified an optimal cut‐off value of 0.12 with an alternative of 0.15, based on disease recurrence. This procedure and the cut‐off values may be used in the routine pathological diagnosis of LADC.
Structural, optical, and magnetic properties of KBiFe2O5 synthesized by a sol‐gel method using PVP as additive
Authors: Melo Guilherme H. F. , Gualdi Alexandre J. , Bretas Rosario E. S.
Published: August 2020

KBiFe2O5 (KBFO) is a perovskite‐like inorganic material that has great potential as an absorber material for active layers of photovoltaic devices; however, the synthesis conditions reported until now (pressure and temperature) are inappropriate for its direct deposition on the usual substrates of solar cells. Being able to synthesize these materials directly on the substrate avoids a second stage of deposition of this material, besides improving joining properties and consequently improving energy conversion efficiency. To decrease the synthesis temperature of KBFO, the sol‐gel method was used at different times and temperatures with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as an accelerating agent for the kinetics of formation of the phase. Thus, the formation of the KBFO phase as powder at temperatures below 550°C and atmospheric pressure with the use of PVP as a synthesis additive is reported for the first time; however, the phase was obtained with impurities and the lower the synthesis temperature the greater the presence of impurities, but the smaller the crystallite size. Two band gaps were found for the samples: one around 2.41 and 2.07 eV and the other one around 1.76 eV. Samples synthesized at higher temperatures had a paramagnetic behavior, while samples synthesized at lower temperatures had weak ferromagnetic behavior.
TLR5 activation in hepatocytes alleviates the functional suppression of intrahepatic CD8+ T cells
Authors: Yan Hu , Zhong Maohua , Yang Jingyi , Guo Jiabao , Yu Jie , Yang Yi , Ma Zhiyong , Zhao Bali , Zhang Yue , Wang Junzhong , Wu Chunchen , Dittmer Ulf , Yang Dongliang , Lu Mengji , Zhang Ejuan , Yan Huimin
Published: August 2020

The liver is an immune‐privileged organ with a tolerogenic environment for maintaining liver homeostasis. This hepatic tolerance limits the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response for eliminating infections. The tolerant microenvironment in the liver is orchestrated by liver‐specific immunoregulatory cells that can be functionally regulated by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Here, we report that flagellin, a key PAMP of gut bacteria, modulates the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response by activating the TLR5 signalling pathway of hepatocytes. We found that mice treated with Salmonella‐derived recombinant flagellin (SF) by hydrodynamic injection had a significantly elevated IFN‐γ production by the intrahepatic lymphocytes in 7 days after injection. This was correlated with a reduced immune suppressive effect of primary mouse hepatocytes (PMHs) in comparison with that of PMHs from mock‐injected control mice. In vitro co‐culture of SF‐treated PMHs with splenocytes revealed that hepatocyte‐induced immune suppression is alleviated through activation of the TLR5 but not the NLRC4 signalling pathway, leading to improved activation and function of CD8+ T cells during anti‐CD3 stimulation or antigen‐specific activation. In an acute HBV replication mouse model established by co‐administration of SF together with an HBV‐replicating plasmid by hydrodynamic injection, SF significantly enhanced the intrahepatic HBV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell response against HBV surface antigen. Our results clearly showed that flagellin plays a role in modulating the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response by activating the TLR5 pathway in PMHs, which suggests a potential role for gut bacteria in regulating liver immunity.
Cochlear Potentials of the Pigeon Inner Ear Recorded with Microelectrodes
Authors: J⊘rgensen Finn Ove
Published: August 2020

J⊘rgensen, F. O. Cochlear potentials of the pigeon inner ear recorded with microelectrodes. Acta physiol. scand. 1977. 100. 393‐403.

The CM‐intensity function (i.e. the relation between the amplitude of the cochlear potential (CM) and the sound pressure level) of the avian ear has previously been shown to deviate from the mammalian ear with respect to the slope of the linear part of the function. The lower slope values found in the perilymphatic space of the avian ear have been interpreted to indicate a damping influence of the tegmentum vasculosum on the mechanical vibration of the basilar membrane. In this study the CM‐intensity function has been examined on either side of the tegmentum vasculosum of the pigeon ear using microelectrode technique. The slope of the linear part of the CM‐intensity function in scala vestibuli was found to be a function of the sound frequency approaching unity at higher frequencies. In ductus cochlearis the slope of the linear part of the CM‐intensity function was close to unity at most frequencies except the best frequency for the electrode position. At this frequency (3‐4 kHz) the slope value was low. These findings from the ductus cochlearis are similar to findings in scala media of the mammalian ear. Thus the influence of tegmentum vasculosum on CM in scala vestibuli may be due to passive electrical properties of the tissue and not to the mechanical vibration of the basilar membrane.
SHORTER INTERVAL BETWEEN CYCLES OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, DOXORUBICIN, CISPLATIN USING RECOMBINANT HUMAN GRANULOCYTE COLONY‐STIMULATING FACTOR FOR UROTHELIAL CANCER — PHASE I/II STUDY
Authors: Yoshida Osamu , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Arai Yoichi , Tomoyoshi Tadao , Okada Yusaku , Matsuda Tadashi , Mikami Osamu , Fukuyama Takuo , Hida Shuichi , Okabe Tatsushiro
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite improvement in the response rate and protraction of the progression‐free period of urothelial cancer produced by chemotherapy, severe bone marrow suppression often results in delays in the initiation of treatment cycles and/or decreases in drug dosages. Reduction of leukopenia during chemotherapy has been demonstrated by the combined administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in various malignancies.

Methods

A phase I/II study was conducted to assess whether the interval between cycles of CISCA (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, cisplatin) chemotherapy could be shortened under support of recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) for urothelial cancer. Three or more patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract were allocated to each of four different treatment intervals (step 1: 28 days, step 2: 21 days, step 3: 17 days, and step 4: 14 days) by reducing the interval in a step‐wise manner. Two mg/kg/day of a rhG‐CSF, lenograstim, was injected subcutaneously on days 3 to 16 (until day 14 for the 14‐day interval group).

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled, four patients were treated with the step 1 protocol, five with step 2, four with step 3, and three with step 4. Leukopenia/neutropenia was the most severe toxic reaction, but none of the patients at any step manifested neutropenia of WHO grade 4 for more than four days. There were no significant differences in the hematological and nonhematological toxicities among the 4 steps. Seven of eight patients with measurable diseases were treated with CISCA on shortened schedules (steps 2–4), and one complete remission (CR) and four partial responses (PR) were demonstrated.

Conclusions

CISCA chemotherapy supported by rhG‐CSF was safely shortened to a 14‐day interval in the pilot study. The potential role of rhG‐CSF in shortening the interval of CISCA, as well as the benefit of the intensified schedule, remains to be clarified.
URACHAL ADENOCARCINOMA ACCOMPANIED BY A LARGE SPHERICAL CALCIFIED MASS
Authors: Ando Masao , Toyoshima Toyoaki , Arisawa Chizuni , Ikegami Shigeru , Okano Tadao
Published: August 2020

We report a case of urachal adenocarcinoma, accompanied by a large spherical calcified mass adherent to the bladder dome of a 63‐year‐old man. The patient underwent partial cystectomy including en bloc resection of the urachus, and remains free from the disease after a 32‐month followup period.
Characterization of group specific antibodies in primates: Studies with SIV envelope in macaques
Authors: Haigwood Nancy L. , Misher Lynda , Chin S. Michael , Blair Margaret , Planelles Vicente , Scandella Carl J. , Steimer Kathelyn S. , Gardner Murray B. , Yilma Tilahun , Hirsch Vanessa M. , Johnson Philip R.
Published: August 2020

Sera from SIV‐infected macaques were found to contain antibodies that reacted with conformation‐dependent, group‐specific determinants on the SIV envelope protein gp130. These conformation‐dependent antibodies exhibited virus neutralizing activity; their presence was associated with protection in vaccine studies. The properties of these antibodies are quite similar to those that have been identified in sera from HIV‐infected human subjects. These data suggest that the SIV envelope gp130 remains a candidate for subunit vaccine studies.
Is preoperative fasting necessary?
Authors: Popilskis Sulli , Danilo Peter , Acosta Harry , Kohn Dennis
Published: August 2020

The effects of fasting and of histamine (H2) antagonists on gastric volume and acidity were studied in 56 baboons undergoing various surgical procedures under general anesthesia and randomly allocated into 4 groups; group A—fasted for 14 hours; group B—given 100‐120 ml of water 3 hours before surgery; groups C and D—also given 100‐120 ml of water 3 hours before surgery; in addition, the former received cimetidine 10 mg/kg IM and the latter ranitidine 1.5 mg/kg IM 30‐40 minutes before anesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups A and B with respect to the gastric volume and pH. Both ranitidine and cimetidine significantly (P < 0.02) reduced gastric volume and increased gastric pH. Thus, prolonged withholding of oral fluids does not reduce the gastric volume or increase gastric pH. H2‐antagonists are effective in reducing both gastric residual volume and pH.
A jejunal pouch technique in the rhesus monkey and related clinical observations
Authors: Miller Reginald W. , Kurlan Roger , Wyatt Jeffrey D. , Gash Don M.
Published: August 2020

A simple, well‐tolerated surgical technique is described for development of a jejunal pouch in Macaca mukitta as a model for the delivery of antiparkinsonian drugs at a site distal to the stomach.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma in capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Report of two cases
Authors: Grana Daniel , Mareso Eduardo , Gomez Elena
Published: August 2020

Two neoplasms were observed in two feral male Cebus apella monkeys of approximately 12 and 14 years of age. Histologically, the tumors were well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, one affecting the soft and hard palates reaching the nasal cavity and the other involving the oral cavity floor and the inferior maxillar.
Pasteurella haemolytica infection in a Goeldie's monkey
Authors: Gozalo Alfonso , Montoya Enrique , Revolledo Liliana
Published: August 2020

An adult male Callimico goeldii died spontaneously. At necropsy, small whitish foci were found randomly distributed on the liver surface. Histologically, the foci were composed of mixed inflammatory cells with predominant polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and central areas of necrosis. Microbiological cultures revealed a Gram‐negative coccoid‐bacilli with bipolar staining. Biochemical analysis revealed that the microorganism was Pasteurella haemolytica.
Multifactorial etiology of anemia in SIV‐infected rhesus macaques: Decreased BFU‐E formation, serologic evidence of autoimmune hemolysis, and an exuberant erythropoietin response
Authors: Hillyer Christopher D. , Klumpp Sherry A. , Hall Jacquelynn M. , III Dixon A. Lackey , Ansari Aftab A. , McClure Harold M.
Published: August 2020

We attempted to define the etiology of anemia in SIV‐infected rhesus macaques. Bone marrow culture showed significantly decreased (75% reduction) burst forming unit‐erythroid (BFU‐E) growth in end‐stage SIV+ “sick” animals. Direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) were positive in nine of 35 SIV+ “well” and 14 of 14 SIV+ “sick” monkeys (0 of 25 control animals had positive DATs). In animals with a positive DAT, moderate to severe anemia was observed, as was increased LDH and spherocytosis. Erythropoietin was measured in four control, eight SIV+ “well” and five SIV+ “sick” animals with mean levels of 4.0, 15.4, and 1176 mU/mL (r = .94) in the three groups. These data suggest that the cause of anemia in the SIV‐infected rhesus macaque is multifactorial, that there may be a defect in erythropoiesis, and that, serologically, an IgG mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia is also present.
Stillbirth of twins in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis peruviensis)
Authors: Biben Maxeen
Published: August 2020

This is the first published report of twinning in a squirrel monkey (genus Saimiri). The mother survived but the twins, both male and close to full term, were stillborn
Interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Puertas Lorena , Márquez‐Hernández Verónica V. , Gutiérrez‐Puertas Vanesa , Granados‐Gámez Genoveva , Aguilera‐Manrique Gabriel
Published: August 2020

Aim

The objective of this study was to explore interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was performed.

Methods

A convenience sample of 135 nursing students. For data collection, the following instruments were used: The WhatsApp Negative Impact Scale, The Perceived Stress Scale, The Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory, and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data collection took place in February 2020.

Results

A negative correlation was found between the WhatsApp Negative Impact and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = −0.204; p = .019). Conversely, a positive correlation was also observed between the Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = 0.212; p = .014).

Conclusion

Nursing students’ use of new technology could be problematic and interfere with their therapeutic communication skills.

Impact

This study addresses the problem of social network use in the clinical setting and how this can influence nursing students’ therapeutic communication skills with patients. The results of this study have showed that, among nursing students, social network use has a negative impact, showing decreased empathy. Likewise, students who show a greater level of empathy have better interpersonal communication skills. However, significant results were not found between psychological distress and problematic social network use. Therefore, it is necessary to perform additional studies that would further explore this aspect. This study allows us to explore the negative impact of social networks on therapeutic communication, with the aim of developing prevention strategies at university institutions.
Ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes and isolated elevation of office central or brachial blood pressure
Authors: Feitosa Audes D. M. , Paiva Annelise M. G. , Mota‐Gomes Marco A. , Brandão Andréa A. , Sposito Andrei C. , Nadruz Wilson
Published: August 2020

Disagreements in office brachial and central blood pressure (BP) have resulted in the identification of novel hypertension phenotypes, namely isolated central hypertension (ICH) and isolated brachial hypertension (IBH). This study investigated the relationship of ICH and IBH with ambulatory BP phenotypes among 753 individuals (mean age = 47.6 ± 15.2 years, 48% males) who underwent office and 24‐hours brachial and central BP measures using a Mobil‐O‐Graph PWA monitor. Thresholds for elevated office central and brachial BP were 130/90 and 140/90 mm Hg. Results of multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that ICH (n = 25) had 3.71‐fold (95% CI 1.48‐9.32; P = .005) greater risk of masked hypertension than normal brachial/central BP (n = 362), while IBH (n = 20) had 4.65‐fold (95% CI 1.76‐12.25; P = .002) greater risk of white coat hypertension compared with combined brachial/central hypertension (n = 346). These findings suggest that the diagnosis of ICH and IBH might be useful in identifying individuals at higher risk of presenting discordant office and ambulatory BP phenotypes.
Toll‐like receptor involvement in adolescent scoliotic facet joint degeneration
Authors: Bisson Daniel G. , Sheng Kai , Kocabas Semsi , Krock Emerson , Teles Alisson , Saran Neil , Ouellet Jean A. , Haglund Lisbet
Published: August 2020

Facet joint osteoarthritis is prevalent in young patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and might contribute to back pain. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) have been linked to cartilaginous tissue degeneration but their involvement in facet joint osteoarthritis in AIS patients is still unknown. We compared baseline gene expression levels of TLRs ‐1, ‐2, ‐4, and ‐6 in scoliotic and non‐scoliotic chondrocytes and found higher expression levels in scoliotic chondrocytes with significantly higher TLR2 levels. Furthermore, TLR expression correlated strongly and significantly with inflammatory and catabolic markers in scoliotic but not in non‐scoliotic chondrocytes. TLR activation with a synthetic TLR2/6 agonist resulted in a robust induction and release of pro‐inflammatory and catabolic factors which exacerbated proteoglycan loss in scoliotic but not in non‐scoliotic cartilage. We also detected a higher abundance of alarmins including S100A8/9 and biglycan in scoliotic cartilage. Finally, the small‐molecule antagonists Sparstolonin B and o‐Vanillin reduced catabolism following induction with naturally occurring alarmins and the synthetic TLR2/6 agonist. The high baseline expression, robust responsiveness and strong and significant correlation with proteases and pro‐inflammatory cytokines suggest that TLRs are key regulators of facet joint degeneration in AIS. Blocking their activity could therefore potentially modify disease progression.