bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of recombinant klotho in cisplatin‐induced ovarian failure in mice
Authors: Biyik Ismail , Ozatik Fikriye Yasemin , Albayrak Mustafa , Ozatik Orhan , Teksen Yasemin , Ari Neziha Senem , Soysal Cenk
Published: February 2021

Aim

To investigate whether recombinant klotho given concomitantly with cisplatin is effective in preventing cisplatin‐induced ovarian damage.

Methods

Thirty‐two adult female mice were divided into four groups. Saline was given to the first group, cisplatin to the second group, recombinant mouse klotho to the third group, and recombinant mouse klotho + cisplatin to the fourth group. The removed ovarian tissues were examined and groups were compared histologically and immunohistochemical examination for antimullerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase expression were done. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured by ELISA.

Results

Ovarian tissue weight, primary and secondary follicle counts were higher in cisplatin + recombinant klotho group compared to cisplatin group in our study (respectively p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.010). Injury scores (stromal congestion, edema and infiltration, follicular degeneration scores and edema in corpus luteum scores) were similar between cisplatin and cisplatin + recombinant klotho groups (all p > 0.05). AMH staining intensities were similar between cisplatin and cisplatin + recombinant klotho groups (p = 0.925). There was no difference between the groups in terms of SOD, GPx, and GR (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The recombinant klotho administered before cisplatin could partially protect the ovarian tissue from cisplatin‐induced ovarian damage considering that there was no difference in histologic injury score parameters, AMH staining intensity and oxidative stress markers between cisplatin and cisplatin plus klotho groups except that klotho preserved follicules to some extent. The antioxidant mechanism of action of klotho may not be the primary protection mechanism in cisplatin induced ovarian injury.
Preschooler liking of meal components: The impact of familiarity, neophobia, and sensory characteristics
Authors: Donadini Gianluca , Spigno Giorgia , Porretta Sebastiano
Published: February 2021

In this study, 60 Italian preschoolers evaluated individual components of five multicourse sit‐down meals on liking on a five‐point scale by actual tasting in the natural setting of the school canteen. Descriptive Analysis quantified sensory characteristics of these items with a panel of trained assessors to illustrate differences among the dishes. Food neophobia and familiarity with the dishes were measured to test whether these traits significantly influenced liking. The results showed that liking varied (p < .001) across individual dishes. The most liked dishes were all the first course dishes, braised loin with vegetable sauce, raw carrots and all the fruit courses except red orange juice. Least liked dishes were red orange juice, stir‐fried spinaches and raw fennels. Liking scores correlated (p < .001) with children's food neophobia (r = −.38), familiarity (r = .94), sweetness (r = .72), odor (r = .70), and flavor intensity (r = .75). Mother's liking (r = .79;p < .001) was more strongly associated with a child liking than father's liking of the same food (r = .38;p < .001). Therefore, controlling for innate taste responses and favoring aromatic and rich‐tasting dishes may improve liking. Additional interventions may focus on lowering children food neophobia by facilitating the exposure to unfamiliar foods.

Practical applications

Food likes help uncover the basis for food preference especially when hedonic responses are acquired in real life eating contexts. Direct inputs from children are essential to understanding preference formation. Understanding sensory drivers of liking helps plan more palatable dishes for school meals. Knowledge of mechanisms underlying food habits may be helpful to favoring the creation of healthy food practices throughout the population of children.
Relationship between locomotor activity rhythm and corticosterone levels during HCC development, progression, and treatment in a mouse model
Authors: Hassan Soha A. , Ali Amira A.H. , Yassine Mona , Sohn Dennis , Pfeffer Martina , Jänicke Reiner U. , Korf Horst‐Werner , von Gall Charlotte
Published: February 2021

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) and stress are common symptoms in cancer patients and represent early side effects of cancer treatment which affect the life quality of the patients. CRF may partly depend on disruption of the circadian rhythm. Locomotor activity and corticosterone rhythms are two important circadian outputs which can be used to analyze possible effects on the circadian function during cancer development and treatment. The present study analyzes the relationship between locomotor activity rhythm, corticosterone levels, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, and radiotherapy treatment in a mouse model. HCC was induced in mice by single injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and chronic treatment of phenobarbital in drinking water. Another group received chronic phenobarbital treatment only. Tumor bearing animals were divided randomly into four groups irradiated at four different Zeitgeber time points. Spontaneous locomotor activity was recorded continuously; serum corticosterone levels and p‐ERK immunoreaction in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were investigated. Phenobarbital treated mice showed damped corticosterone levels and a less stable 24 hours activity rhythm as well as an increase in activity during the light phase, reminiscent of sleep disruption. The tumor mice showed an increase in corticosterone level during the inactive phase and decreased activity during the dark phase, reminiscent of CRF. After irradiation, corticosterone levels were further increased and locomotor activity rhythms were disrupted. Lowest corticosterone levels were observed after irradiation during the early light phase; thus, this time might be the best to apply radiotherapy in order to minimize side effects.
Rigorous quantification of bacterial richness in ticks: A case study
Authors: Holmes Tyson H.
Published: February 2021

Kwan et al. (2017) published an informative study comparing results obtained by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of mean bacterial genera richness among different life stages, male and female adults, and rearing conditions (field vs. laboratory) for Ixodes pacificus. The current paper examines Kwan et al. (2017) as a case study to provide guidance on statistical design and analysis for estimation of richness, derived from next generation sequencing technology, of the bacterial microbiome in field‐collected I. pacificus. Suggestions are provided to further strengthen quantification of microbiome richness in studies in ticks, with focus on sampling design. In‐depth treatment is provided of the relative merits of estimating mean richness versus median richness. Research on microbiome diversity in ticks can be made quantitatively rigorous; although, more research on methods is needed.
Peer learning for students and supervisors: Complexity in the clinical setting
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Wozniak Helen , Philip Robyn L.
Published: February 2021

While clinical workplace learning is complex for both students and supervisors, this commentary offers reflections on how negotiating and exploring roles and relationships can optimise its benefits.
Mathematical synthesis of the cortical circulation for the whole mouse brain—part II: Microcirculatory closure
Authors: Hartung Grant , Badr Shoale , Mihelic Samuel , Dunn Andrew , Cheng Xiaojun , Kura Sreekanth , Boas David A. , Kleinfeld David , Alaraj Ali , Linninger Andreas A.
Published: February 2021

Recent advancements in multiphoton imaging and vascular reconstruction algorithms have increased the amount of data on cerebrovascular circulation for statistical analysis and hemodynamic simulations. Experimental observations offer fundamental insights into capillary network topology but mainly within a narrow field of view typically spanning a small fraction of the cortical surface (less than 2%). In contrast, larger‐resolution imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have whole‐brain coverage but capture only larger blood vessels, overlooking the microscopic capillary bed. To integrate data acquired at multiple length scales with different neuroimaging modalities and to reconcile brain‐wide macroscale information with microscale multiphoton data, we developed a method for synthesizing hemodynamically equivalent vascular networks for the entire cerebral circulation. This computational approach is intended to aid in the quantification of patterns of cerebral blood flow and metabolism for the entire brain. In part I, we described the mathematical framework for image‐guided generation of synthetic vascular networks covering the large cerebral arteries from the circle of Willis through the pial surface network leading back to the venous sinuses. Here in part II, we introduce novel procedures for creating microcirculatory closure that mimics a realistic capillary bed. We demonstrate our capability to synthesize synthetic vascular networks whose morphometrics match empirical network graphs from three independent state‐of‐the‐art imaging laboratories using different image acquisition and reconstruction protocols. We also successfully synthesized twelve vascular networks of a complete mouse brain hemisphere suitable for performing whole‐brain blood flow simulations. Synthetic arterial and venous networks with microvascular closure allow whole‐brain hemodynamic predictions. Simulations across all length scales will potentially illuminate organ‐wide supply and metabolic functions that are inaccessible to models reconstructed from image data with limited spatial coverage.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation changes in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Kundu Paramita , Pant Ila , Jain Ruchi , Rao Somanahalli Girish , Kondaiah Paturu
Published: February 2021

Objective

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a debilitating potentially malignant condition of the buccal cavity characterized by extensive extracellular matrix deposition resulting in stiffness and trismus. As OSF is a progressive disease, we hypothesized that there would be extensive epigenetic changes in OSF tissues.

Materials and Methods

Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip Array, we analyzed gross DNA methylation changes in seven OSF tissues compared to five controls. Comparison with transcriptomic data and pathway analyses was conducted to find commonly regulated genes.

Results

A total of 3,294 differentially methylated regions mapping to 857 genes were identified. Comparison with transcriptome data revealed 38 downregulated‐hypermethylated genes and 55 hypomethylated‐upregulated genes. Using methylation‐specific and qRT‐PCR, aberrant hypomethylation and increased expression of FGF13, RPS6KA3, and ACSL4 genes were confirmed. Pathways involved in insulin signaling, ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis, nicotine addiction, and RAS/MAPK pathways were dysregulated, among others. Intriguingly, numerous genes located on the X chromosome were dysregulated in OSF tissues as the transcript for XIST gene was downregulated due to hypermethylation of the XIST promoter.

Conclusions

This study highlights global epigenetic dysregulation of tissues of the oral cavity in OSF patients and hints at possible X chromosomal dysregulation, previously not implicated in the pathogenesis of OSF.
Increased PD‐L1 Expression in Human Skin Acutely and Chronically Exposed to UV Irradiation
Authors: Dickinson Sally E. , Khawam Maria , Kirschnerova Viktoria , Vaishampayan Prajakta , Centuori Sara M. , Saboda Kathylynn , Calvert Valerie S. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Curiel‐Lewandrowski Clara
Published: February 2021

Overexpression of PD‐L1 (CD274) on tumor cells may represent a hallmark of immune evasion, and overexpression has been documented in several tumors including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). While PD‐L1/PD‐1 activity in the skin has been primarily described in inflammatory models, our goal was to examine PD‐L1 expression in human keratinocytes exposed to UV irradiation. We assessed PD‐L1 expression in human sun‐protected (SP) and sun‐damaged (SD) skin, actinic keratosis (AK), and cSCC using IHC and protein microarray. Both methods found low baseline levels of PD‐L1 in SP and SD skin and significantly increased expression in cSCC. Next, we examined PD‐L1 expression in acute models of UV exposure. In human SP skin exposed to 2‐3 MED of UV (n = 20), epidermal PD‐L1 was induced in 70% of subjects after 24 h (P = 0.0001). SKH‐1 mice exposed to acute UV also showed significant epidermal PD‐L1 induction at 16, 24 and 48 h. A time‐ and dose‐dependent induction of PD‐L1 was confirmed in cultured human keratinocytes after UV, which was markedly reduced in the presence of MEK/ERK, JNK or STAT3 inhibitors. These findings suggest that UV induces upregulation of PD‐L1 through established, pharmacologically targetable stress‐signaling pathways in keratinocytes.
Spot patterns in the 2‐D Schnakenberg model with localized heterogeneities
Authors: Wong Tony , Ward Michael J.
Published: February 2021

A hybrid asymptotic‐numerical theory is developed to analyze the effect of different types of localized heterogeneities on the existence, linear stability, and slow dynamics of localized spot patterns for the two‐component Schnakenberg reaction‐diffusion model in a 2‐D domain. Two distinct types of localized heterogeneities are considered: a strong localized perturbation of a spatially uniform feed rate and the effect of removing a small hole in the domain, through which the chemical species can leak out. Our hybrid theory reveals a wide range of novel phenomena such as saddle‐node bifurcations for quasi‐equilibrium spot patterns that otherwise would not occur for a homogeneous medium, a new type of spot solution pinned at the concentration point of the feed rate, spot self‐replication behavior leading to the creation of more than two new spots, and the existence of a creation‐annihilation attractor with at most three spots. Depending on the type of localized heterogeneity introduced, localized spots are either repelled or attracted toward the localized defect on asymptotically long time scales. Results for slow spot dynamics and detailed predictions of various instabilities of quasi‐equilibrium spot patterns, all based on our hybrid asymptotic‐numerical theory, are illustrated and confirmed through extensive full PDE numerical simulations.
Managing precarity: Food bank use by low‐income women workers in a changing welfare regime
Authors: Beatty Christina , Bennett Cinnamon , Hawkins Anna
Published: February 2021

Employment had risen to historically high levels in Britain before the coronavirus crisis; however, whereas work is traditionally conceptualized as a route out of poverty, this is no longer necessarily the case. Participation in non‐standard or low‐income work such as zero‐hour contracts, involuntary part‐time work and self‐employment is increasingly a feature of the labour market and in‐work benefits which top‐up low incomes have been pared back. This case study undertaken in the period before the coronavirus crisis takes a multi‐disciplinary approach in relation to three key questions: are working women resorting to food bank use in times of financial hardship?; to what extent is this a function of non‐standard working practices?; and is welfare reform a contributing factor? A three‐strand approach is taken: a synthesis of literature, an analysis of national data and in‐depth interviews with stakeholders involved with referrals to or delivery of emergency food provision within northern Britain. The findings highlight a growth in precarious employment models since the 2008/2009 recession and how this intersects with increasing conditionality in welfare policy. We contribute to the debate by arguing that ideological driven policy fails to acknowledge structural deficiencies in labour market demand and misattributes responsibility for managing precarious working patterns onto individuals who are already struggling to get by.
Longitudinal analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in 8000 U.S. first‐time convalescent plasma donations
Authors: Karbiener Michael , Farcet Maria R. , Ilk Reinhard , Schreiner Jessica , Lenart James , Powers Nicholas , Stewart Joseph M. , Tallman Hema , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent individuals carry antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that, through a plasma donation, can be used as a potential therapeutic either in direct transfusion or for the manufacture of hyperimmune globulin (HIG). The success of such interventions depends on the antibody potency in such plasma donations, but little information on the collection of potent units is currently available.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 8749 plasma units, collected from April until September 2020 from first‐time U.S. COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors, were characterized for SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The period between COVID‐19 onset until donation and donor age, ethnicity, sex, and COVID‐19 severity were evaluated against the obtained signal (index S/C).

Results

A marked decrease in mean index S/C was seen over the plasma collection period surveyed, which was significantly correlated to decreases in mean plasma donor age (p < .0001; R2 = .726) and percentage of donations obtained from COVID‐19 convalescent patients who had been hospitalized (p = .001; R2 = .4426). The highest titer plasma units were obtained soon after convalescence from COVID‐19 patients who required hospitalization, from advanced age donors, and from Black/African/Hispanic American versus White/Caucasian ethnicities, whereas there was no effect of donor sex on the values obtained with the Abbott CMIA.

Conclusion

Since the onset of the pandemic, the average SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG values of first‐time U.S. COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donations have significantly dropped, mainly due to donations from progressively younger aged donors who tend to experience less severe COVID‐19.
The effect of central corneal thickness on intraocular pressure values using various tonometers in the dog
Authors: Guresh Andrew M. , Horvath Stephen J. , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne , Miller Eric , Yildiz Vedat , Myers John V. , Newbold Georgina M.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To compare intraocular pressure readings from three different tonometers, the Tono‐Pen AVIA® (TP), TonoVet® (TV) and TonoVet Plus® (TV+) and to determine how measurements from each tonometer are affected by central corneal thickness (CCT).

Animals

Ninety dogs.

Procedures

Normal dogs and dogs with ocular disease were selected for study inclusion. Central corneal thickness measurements were gathered with the Pachette 4 ultrasonic pachymeter, and IOP measurements were gathered with the three tonometers in random order. ANOVA or Wilcoxon tests were utilized for overall group comparisons. Linear regression analyses were utilized to determine the association between IOP and CCT.

Results

When comparing tonometers to each other, for all dogs, readings from the TV+were significantly different compared to the TV (p = <.0001) and TP (p = <.0001); however, there was no significant difference between the TV and the TP (p = .999). Linear regression did not find any significant correlation between corneal thickness and IOP readings with any tonometer when looking at normal dogs or when including dogs with ocular abnormalities.

Discussion

This study did not find a significant correlation between an increase in CCT and increase in IOP reading in any tonometer comparison amongst normal and dogs with ocular abnormalities. The TV+produced consistently and significantly higher readings, but measurements did not exceed the expected IOP range in normal dogs. For consistency, the same tonometer should be used when monitoring IOP over time.
A Low-Cost, Highly Customizable Solution for Position Estimation in Modular Robots
Authors: Liu Chao , Tosun Tarik , Yim Mark
Published: February 2021

Accurate position sensing is important for state estimation and control in robotics. Reliable and accurate position sensors are usually expensive and difficult to customize. Incorporating them into systems that have very tight volume constraints such as modular robots are particularly difficult. PaintPots are low-cost, reliable, and highly customizable position sensors, but their performance is highly dependent on the manufacturing and calibration process. This paper presents a Kalman filter with a simplified observation model developed to deal with the nonlinearity issues that result in the use of low-cost microcontrollers. In addition, a complete solution for the use of PaintPots in a variety of sensing modalities including manufacturing, characterization, and estimation is presented for an example modular robot, SMORES-EP. This solution can be easily adapted to a wide range of applications.
Principal Component Analysis Based Gear Fault Diagnostics in Different Stages of a Multi-Stage Gearbox Subjected to Extensive Fluctuating Speeds
Authors: Inturi Vamsi , Sabareesh G. R. , Supradeepan K. , Penumakala P. K.
Published: February 2021

Multi-stage gearboxes are vulnerable to failures often due to the extreme operating conditions, which may result in long downtimes. The current investigation is intended to examine the fault diagnostic capabilities of the integrated vibro-acoustic condition monitoring scheme while diagnosing the local/lumped defects exist at different speed stages of a multi-stage gearbox subjected to fluctuating/varying speeds. Experiments are performed, and the raw vibration and acoustic signatures are acquired simultaneously from the three-stage spur gearbox. Later, the raw data signatures are processed individually through discrete wavelet transform, and various descriptive statistics are extracted. Further, feature-level fusion is executed to obtain the integrated vibro-acoustic feature vector set for various speed stages of the gearbox. Finally, the obtained integrated feature vector set is classified using principal component analysis (PCA). It is observed that PCA performed using the integrated vibro-acoustic scheme clearly distinguishes among the various damage severity levels of pinion tooth exist at different speed stages of the gearbox.
Comparison of a Thigh-Worn Accelerometer Algorithm With Diary Estimates of Time in Bed and Time Asleep: The 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Inan-Eroglu Elif , Huang Bo-Huei , Shepherd Leah , Pearson Natalie , Koster Annemarie , Palm Peter , Cistulli Peter A. , Hamer Mark , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

Background: Thigh-worn accelerometers have established reliability and validity for measurement of free-living physical activity-related behaviors. However, comparisons of methods for measuring sleep and time in bed using the thigh-worn accelerometer are rare. The authors compared the thigh-worn accelerometer algorithm that estimates time in bed with the output of a sleep diary (time in bed and time asleep). Methods: Participants (N = 5,498), from the 1970 British Cohort Study, wore an activPAL device on their thigh continuously for 7 days and completed a sleep diary. Bland–Altman plots and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine associations between the algorithm derived and diary time in bed and asleep. Results: The algorithm estimated acceptable levels of agreement with time in bed when compared with diary time in bed (mean bias of −11.4 min; limits of agreement −264.6 to 241.8). The algorithm-derived time in bed overestimated diary sleep time (mean bias of 55.2 min; limits of agreement −204.5 to 314.8 min). Algorithm and sleep diary are reasonably correlated (ρ = .48, 95% confidence interval [.45, .52] for women and ρ = .51, 95% confidence interval [.47, .55] for men) and provide broadly comparable estimates of time in bed but not for sleep time. Conclusions: The algorithm showed acceptable estimates of time in bed compared with diary at the group level. However, about half of the participants were outside of the ±30 min difference of a clinically relevant limit at an individual level.
Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women
Authors: Kablan Nilüfer , Alaca Nuray , Tatar Yaşar
Published: February 2021

Context: Fast and adequate recovery after exercise and activity is important for increasing performance and preventing injuries. Inadequate recovery usually causes changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscle.Objective:To compare the immediate effect of petrissage massage (PM) and manual lymph drainage (MLD) following submaximal exercise on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the rectus femoris muscle in healthy women.Design:Cross-sectional, repeated-measures.Setting:Marmara University.Participants:18 healthy female students.Intervention(s):Following the submaximal quadriceps strengthening exercise performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with intensity of 75% of 1 maximum repetition, participants’ right leg received a 5-minute PM (PM group) and the contralateral leg received a 5-minute MLD application (MLD group).Main Outcome Measures:Skin temperature was measured using P45 thermographic thermal camera (Flir System; ThermaCAM, Danderyd, Sweden), and muscle tone, biomechanical, and viscoelastic features were measured with a myometer (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) at baseline, immediately postexercise, post-PM/MLD application, and 10 minutes postexercise.Results:In the PM group, the tonus (P = .002) and stiffness (P < .001) values measured after the massage and at the end of the 10-minute resting period were found to be statistically different than those measured right after the exercise (P < .05). Relaxation time and creep values at all measurement times were significantly different (P < .05). In the MLD group, it was observed the tonus (P < .001), stiffness (P = .025), and relaxation time (P < .01) values decreased significantly after the MLD compared with the values measured after the exercise; however, the creep value was found to be significantly different in all measurements (P < .05).Conclusion:PM and MLD reduce passive tissue stiffness and improve the extent of muscle extensibility over time against the muscle tensile strength. PM and MLD are therapeutic methods that can be used to support tissue recovery after exercise and prevent injuries.
Lessons from applied large-scale pooling of 133,816 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests
Authors: Barak Netta , Ben-Ami Roni , Sido Tal , Perri Amir , Shtoyer Aviad , Rivkin Mila , Licht Tamar , Peretz Ayelet , Magenheim Judith , Fogel Irit , Livneh Ayalah , Daitch Yutti , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Benedek Gil , Dor Yuval , Wolf Dana G. , Yassour Moran ,   The Hebrew University-Hadassah COVID-19 Diagnosis Team, Klochendler A. , Eden A. , Klar A. , Geldman A. , Arbel A. , Shalom B. , Ochana B. L. , Avrahami-Tzfati D. , Neiman D. , Steinberg D. , Ben Zvi D. , Shpigel E. , Atlan G. , Klein H. , Chekroun H. , Shani H. , Hazan I. , Ansari I. , Magenheim I. , Moss J. , Peretz L. , Feigin L. , Saraby M. , Sherman M. , Bentata M. , Avital M. , Kott M. , Peyser M. , Weitz M. , Shacham M. , Grunewald M. , Sasson N. , Wallis N. , Azazmeh N. , Tzarum N. , Fridlich O. , Sher R. , Condiotti R , Refaeli R. , Zaken-Gallili R. , Helman R. , Ofek S. , Tzaban S. , Piyanzin S. , Anzi S. , Dagan S. , Lilenthal S. , Friehmann T. , Kaufman Y. , Saada A. , Dekel A. , Yeffet A. , Shaag A. , Michael-Gayego A. , Shay E. , Arbib E. , Onallah H. , Ben-Meir K. , Levinzon L. , Cohen-Daniel L. , Natan L. , Hamdan M. , Shwieki M. , Vorontsov O. , Barsuk R. , Abramovitch R. , Gutorov R. , Sirhan S. , Abdeen S. , Yachnin Y. , Golan-Berman H. , Amir E. , Fridman T. , Chabube Kripper E. , Miriam Rohrlich T. , Batshon G. , Mendelovitz L.
Published: February 2021

Adaptive sample pooling for SARS-CoV-2 testing based on positivity rates spares 76% of test reactions without compromising specificity or sensitivity.
Biosurfactants Produced by Phyllosphere-Colonizing Pseudomonads Impact Diesel Degradation but Not Colonization of Leaves of Gnotobiotic Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Oso S. , Fuchs F. , Übermuth C. , Zander L. , Daunaraviciute S. , Remus D. M. , Stötzel I. , Wüst M. , Schreiber L. , Remus-Emsermann M. N. P.
Published: February 2021

Many leaf-colonizing bacteria produce surfactants and are able to degrade aliphatic compounds; however, whether surfactant production provides a competitive advantage during leaf colonization is unclear. Furthermore, it is unclear if leaf colonizers take advantage of the aliphatic compounds that constitute the leaf cuticle and cuticular waxes.
Mapping the Human Herpesvirus 6B Transcriptome
Authors: Gravel Annie , Sanders Wes , Fournier Éric , Droit Arnaud , Moorman Nathaniel , Flamand Louis
Published: February 2021

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is an important tool for studying RNA transcripts, particularly during active viral infection. We made use of RNA-seq to study human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection.
Reassortment and Persistence of Influenza A Viruses from Diverse Geographic Origins within Australian Wild Birds: Evidence from a Small, Isolated Population of Ruddy Turnstones
Authors: Hoye Bethany J. , Donato Celeste M. , Lisovski Simeon , Deng Yi-Mo , Warner Simone , Hurt Aeron C. , Klaassen Marcel , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran
Published: February 2021

High prevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) was detected in a small, low-density, isolated population of ruddy turnstones in Australia. Analysis of these viruses revealed relatively recent introductions of viral gene segments from both Eurasia and North America, as well as long-term persistence of introduced gene segments in Australian wild birds.
Microbial Functional Responses Explain Alpine Soil Carbon Fluxes under Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Qi Qi , Haowei Yue , Zhang Zhenhua , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Wu Linwei , Guo Xue , Feng Jiajie , Wang Mengmeng , Yang Sihang , Zhao Jianshu , Gao Qun , Zhang Qiuting , Zhao Mengxin , Xie Changyi , Ma Zhiyuan , He Jin-Sheng , Chu Haiyan , Huang Yi , Zhou Jizhong , Yang Yunfeng
Published: February 2021

The warming pace in the Tibetan Plateau, which is predominantly occupied by grassland ecosystems, has been 0.2°C per decade in recent years, dwarfing the rate of global warming by a factor of 2. Many Earth system models project substantial carbon sequestration in Tibet, which has been observed.
PorZ, an Essential Component of the Type IX Secretion System of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
, Delivers Anionic Lipopolysaccharide to the PorU Sortase for Transpeptidase Processing of T9SS Cargo Proteins
Authors: Madej Mariusz , Nowakowska Zuzanna , Ksiazek Miroslaw , Lasica Anna M. , Mizgalska Danuta , Nowak Magdalena , Jacula Anna , Bzowska Monika , Scavenius Carsten , Enghild Jan J. , Aduse-Opoku Joseph , Curtis Michael A. , Gomis-Rüth F. Xavier , Potempa Jan
Published: February 2021

Bacteria have evolved multiple systems to transport effector proteins to their surface or into the surrounding milieu. These proteins have a wide range of functions, including attachment, motility, nutrient acquisition, and toxicity in the host.
Porphyromonas gingivalis
, the human pathogen responsible for severe gum diseases (periodontitis), uses a recently characterized type IX secretion system (T9SS) to translocate and anchor secreted virulence effectors to the cell surface.
Molecular Basis of the Versatile Regulatory Mechanism of HtrA-Type Protease AlgW from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Tao , Song Yingjie , Luo Liming , Zhao Ninglin , He Lihui , Kang Mei , Li Changcheng , Zhu Yibo , Shen Yalin , Zhao Chang , Yang Jing , Huang Qin , Mou Xingyu , Zong Zhiyong , Yang Jinliang , Tang Hong , He Yongxing , Bao Rui
Published: February 2021

HtrA-family proteases are commonly employed to sense the protein folding stress and activate the regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) cascade in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we reveal the unique dual-signal activation and dynamic regulation properties of AlgW, an HtrA-type protease triggering the AlgU stress-response pathway, which controls alginate production and mucoid conversion in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Enterococcal Physiology and Antimicrobial Resistance: The Streetlight Just Got a Little Brighter
Authors: Rice Louis B.
Published: February 2021

Enterococcus faecalis
differs from many other common human pathogens in its physiology and in its susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Multiresistant
E. faecalis
strains owe their phenotypes to a combination of intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Parameters Affecting Continuous
In Vitro
Culture of Treponema pallidum Strains
Authors: Edmondson Diane G. , DeLay Bridget D. , Kowis Lindsay E. , Norris Steven J.
Published: February 2021

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
. Until recently, this pathogen could only be maintained through infection of rabbits or other animals, making study of this important human pathogen challenging and costly.
T. pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
has now been successfully cultured for over 3 years in a tissue culture system using a medium called TpCM-2.
Cryoelectron Microscopy Structures of AdeB Illuminate Mechanisms of Simultaneous Binding and Exporting of Substrates
Authors: Morgan Christopher E. , Glaza Przemyslaw , Leus Inga V. , Trinh Anhthu , Su Chih-Chia , Cui Meng , Zgurskaya Helen I. , Yu Edward W.
Published: February 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as one of the most highly antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The prevalent AdeB multidrug efflux pump mediates resistance to a broad spectrum of clinically relevant antimicrobial agents.
Recurrent croup in a young child: look beyond airways disease
Authors: Jain Saurav , Yadav Taruna , Kumar Prawin , Goyal Jagdish Prasad
Published: February 2021

We reported here a boy aged 5 years who presented for the evaluation of recurrent croup since infancy. On chest examination, breath sounds were reduced throughout the right lung field with a shifting of the trachea and cardiac apex to the right side. The chest radiograph showed a small right lung with decreased vascularity, hyperinflated left lung and mediastinum shifted towards the right side. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed tracheomalacia with left bronchomalacia due to external pulsatile compression. In CT angiogram, the right pulmonary artery (PA) was absent with dilated left PA. Echocardiography did not show any features of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since the child was growing well, and there was no limitation of activity and evidence of PAH, he was managed conservatively and kept on follow-up. Though unilateral absent PA is a rare condition, it should be suspected in children with unilateral hypoplastic lung.
Leukaemic relapse of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK negative
Authors: Karki Nabin Raj , Badin Kristine , Savage Natasha , Bryan Locke
Published: February 2021

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), ALK negative (ALK−) is an aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder of mature T lymphocytes characterised by hallmark cells, CD30 positivity and lacking ALK protein expression. ALCL, ALK− has to be differentiated from peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified and classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. ALK− anaplastic large cell leukaemia should be considered in a patient with a history of ALCL, ALK− presenting with new leukaemia. We report a rare presentation of relapsed ALCL, ALK− with leukaemia after autologous stem cell transplantation in a 57-year-old male. Leukaemia, either as primary presentation or secondary transformation confers worse prognosis in ALCL, ALK− with very few cases reported so far. Emergency resuscitation with leukapheresis and treatment of tumour lysis syndrome along with supportive care should be followed by combination chemotherapy. Brentuximab vedotin and stem cell transplantation are the backbone of treatment for relapsed/refractory disease.
Large adrenal mass heralding the diagnosis of occult extra-adrenal malignancy in two patients
Authors: Anderton James , Ghobrial Marios , Kosmoliaptsis Vasilis , Casey Ruth
Published: February 2021

We report two cases highlighting the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography (18F FDG PET/CT) in the diagnostic and preoperative workup of indeterminate adrenal masses. Case 1: a 60-year-old man was diagnosed with a large left-sided adrenal mass with indeterminate radiological characteristics on CT. Biochemical investigations ruled out tumour hypersecretion. 18F FDG PET/CT was performed to exclude metastases and identified a pulmonary nodule in the left upper lobe. Histology of the resected adrenal tumour demonstrated a secondary metastasis from an adenocarcinoma of the lung. Case 2: an 88-year-old male was found to have a heterogeneous and vascular left-sided suprarenal mass and a smaller right-sided adrenal nodule. Both adrenal nodules had indeterminate radiological characteristics. Biochemical investigations were negative. PET/CT demonstrated high avidity in the bilateral adrenal nodules but no extra-adrenal FDG avid disease. Histology demonstrated a metastatic carcinoma of pulmonary origin.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 with subarachnoid haemorrhage from the left vertebral arteriovenous fistula: case presentation and literature review
Authors: Nishizawa Toshinori , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Terasawa Yoshihiro , Osugi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) from the left vertebral arteriovenous fistula, along with a review of previous cases. Our patient had a family history of NF1 and presented to the emergency department with a sudden-onset severe headache and neck pain. CT scan showed SAH. CT angiography revealed a left vertebral arteriovenous fistula and an epidural haematoma. She underwent direct surgery and was discharged without neurologic deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first case of SAH caused by perimedullary drainage of a vertebral arteriovenous fistula associated with NF1. In a literature search, we identified 40 cases of vertebral arteriovenous fistula associated with NF1. The majority of vertebral arteriovenous fistulas occurred on the left side and in women. Patients with vertebral arteriovenous fistula typically experience neck pain, radiculopathy, radiculomyelopathy and bruits.
Regular exercise and patterns of response across multiple cardiometabolic traits: the HERITAGE family study
Authors: Barber Jacob L , Ruiz-Ramie Jonathan J , Robbins Jeremy M , Gerszten Robert E , Leon Arthur S , Rao DC , Skinner James S , Bouchard Claude , Sarzynski Mark A
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We investigated whether high responsiveness or low responsiveness to exercise training aggregates in the same individuals across seven cardiometabolic traits.

Methods

A total of 564 adults (29.2% black, 53.7% female) from the HERITAGE family study completed a 20-week endurance training programme (at 55%–75% of participants’ maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)) with VO2max, per cent body fat, visceral adipose tissue, fasting levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, small low-density lipoprotein particles and inflammatory marker GlycA measured before and after training. For each exercise response trait, we created ethnicity-specific, sex-specific and generation-specific quintiles. High responses were defined as those within the 20th percentile representing the favourable end of the response trait distribution, low responses were defined as the 20th percentile from the least favourable end, and the remaining were labelled as average responses.

Results

Only one individual had universally high or low responses for all seven cardiometabolic traits. Almost half (49%) of the cohort had at least one high response and one low response across the seven traits. About 24% had at least one high response but no low responses, 24% had one or more low responses but no high responses, and 2.5% had average responses across all traits.

Conclusions

Interindividual variation in exercise responses was evident in all the traits we investigated, and responsiveness did not aggregate consistently in the same individuals. While adherence to an exercise prescription is known to produce health benefits, targeted risk factors may not improve.
Medical care and first aid: an interassociation consensus framework for organised non-elite sport during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hodgson Lisa , Phillips Gemma , Saggers Robin Terence , Sharma Sanjay , Papadakis Michael , Readhead Clint , Cowie Charlotte M , Massey Andrew , Weiler Richard , Mathema Prabhat , Larkin Jo , Gordon Jonathan , Maclean John , Rossiter Michael , Elliott Niall , Hanson Jonathan , Spencer Simon , Jaques Rod , Patricios Jon
Published: February 2021

The cessation of amateur and recreational sport has had significant implications globally, impacting economic, social and health facets of population well-being. As a result, there is pressure to resume sport at all levels. The ongoing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent ‘second waves’ require urgent best practice guidelines to be developed to return recreational (non-elite) sports as quickly as possible while prioritising the well-being of the participants and support staff.

This guidance document describes the need for such advice and the process of collating available evidence. Expert opinion is integrated into this document to provide uniform and pragmatic recommendations, thereby optimising on-field and field-side safety for all involved persons, including coaches, first responders and participants.

The nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission means that the use of some procedures performed during emergency care and resuscitation could potentially be hazardous, necessitating the need for guidance on the use of personal protective equipment, the allocation of predetermined areas to manage potentially infective cases and the governance and audit of the process.
Weaponised uranium and adverse health outcomes in Iraq: a systematic review
Authors: Surdyk Shelby , Itani Moustapha , Al-Lobaidy Mais , Kahale Lara A , Farha Aida , Dewachi Omar , Akl Elie A , Habib Rima R
Published: February 2021

Background

The US military first deployed depleted uranium (DU) weapons in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1990 and in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Research into the health impacts of DU has been mired in debate and controversy. Research funded by the US government has denied the health risks posed by DU to the Iraqi population, while opponents have claimed that DU is responsible for increased rates of birth defects and cancers in Iraq. Others assert that the public health impacts of DU weapons remain uncertain. This systematic review identified, appraised and synthesised all human observational studies assessing adverse health outcomes associated with DU exposure among the Iraqi population. To our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted on the topic previously.

Methods

We searched 11 electronic databases for human observational studies published between 1990 and 2020 that measured association between exposure to weaponised uranium and health outcomes (including cancer, birth defects, immune system function and mortality) among the Iraqi population. We assessed risk of bias using the Navigation Guide’s risk of bias tool and rated certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach (PROSPERO: CRD42018108225).

Results

Our searches identified 2601 records, of which 28 met our inclusion criteria. We identified five additional eligible reports from other sources. Two articles reported the results of multiple relevant studies; our final set included 33 articles reporting on 36 eligible studies. Most studies (n=30, 83%) reported a positive association between uranium exposure and adverse health outcomes. However, we found that the reviewed body of evidence suffers from a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests possible associations between exposure to depleted uranium and adverse health outcomes among the Iraqi population. More primary research and the release of missing data are needed to design meaningful health and policy interventions in Iraq.
Framework for the evaluation of military health systems
Authors: Leone Ryan , Whitaker J , Homan Z , Bandekow L , Bricknell M
Published: February 2021

The organisation of a military health system (MHS) differs from the civilian system due to the role of the armed forces, the unique nature of the supported population and their occupational health requirements. A previously published review of the Military Medical Corps Worldwide Almanac demonstrated the value of a standardised framework for evaluation and comparison of MHSs. This paper proposes such a framework which highlights the unique features of MHSs not covered by health services research of national health systems. These include: national context and summary; organisational structure; firm base facilities, healthcare beneficiaries and medical research; operational capabilities, overseas deployments, collaborations and alliances; personnel including recruitment, training and education; and history and culture. This common framework can help facilitate international collaboration between military medical services including capability development, training exercises and mutual support during military operations. It can also inform national contributions to future editions of the Almanac.
Long-term effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on glycaemic control in patients with diabetes with periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Ndjidda Bakari William , Diallo Ahmad Moustapha , Danwang Celestin , Nzalie Rolf Nyah Tuku , Benoist Henri Michel
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Non-surgical periodontal therapy consisting of scaling and root planning has been shown to be effective in the improvement of glycaemic control in patients with diabetes with periodontitis for up to 3 months. However, questions remain about this beneficial effect over a longer period of time. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the long-term effect (at least 6 months from the therapy) of non-surgical periodontal therapy with or without adjuvant on glycaemic control of patients with diabetes with periodontitis.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will include randomised control trials with a follow-up period of at least 6 months after initial therapy, with measurement of glycated haemoglobin as the primary endpoint. A literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, and the US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to 30 June 2020. Selection of studies, data extraction and bias assessment will be conducted independently by two reviewers. A DerSimonian-Laird random-effect meta-analysis will be conducted to pool studies deemed to be homogeneous. A subgroup analysis will be conducted in case of substantial heterogeneity. Egger’s test and observation of the funnel plot will be used to assess publication bias. The statistical analysis will be done using R V.4.0.0 software.

Ethics and dissemination

Since primary data are not collected, ethical approval is not required. The final report will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020192635.