bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular Single-Stranded DNA Virus (
Microviridae
:
Gokushovirinae
:
Jodiemicrovirus
) Associated with the Pathobiome of the Flat-Back Mud Crab,
Eurypanopeus depressus
Authors: Bojko Jamie , McCoy Krista A. , Behringer Donald C. , Blakeslee April M. H.
Published: November 2019

A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus is presented from a metagenomic data set derived from
Alphaproteobacteria
-infected hepatopancreatic tissues of the crab
Eurypanopeus depressus
. The circular virus genome (4,768 bp) encodes 14 hypothetical proteins, some similar to other bacteriophages (
Microviridae
). Based on its relatedness to other
Microviridae
, this virus represents a member of a novel genus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Listeria innocua Strain UAM003-1A, Isolated from a Wild Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Authors: Parsons Cameron , Chen Yi , Niedermeyer Jeffrey , Hernandez Kevin , Kathariou Sophia
Published: November 2019

There is currently limited knowledge of the genome sequences of nonpathogenic
Listeria
species, especially strains from wildlife. Here, we report the draft genome sequence and associated genome information of an antibiotic-resistant
Listeria innocua
strain, UAM003-1A, isolated from the feces of a black bear in California, USA.
Draft Genome Sequences of Type Strains of
Adlercreutzia muris
and
Ellagibacter urolithinifaciens
, Belonging to the Family
Eggerthellaceae
Authors: Danylec Nicolas , Stoll Dominic A. , Huch Melanie
Published: November 2019

Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequences of two type strains belonging to the family
Eggerthellaceae
within the class
Coriobacteriia
(phylum
Actinobacteria
),
Adlercreutzia muris
WCA-131-CoC-2 (= DSM 29508 = KCTC 15543) and
Ellagibacter urolithinifaciens
CEBAS 4A (= CCUG 70284 = DSM 104140).
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Podophage Portland
Authors: Bonasera Rachele M. , Korn Abby , Newkirk Heather , O’Leary Chandler , Gill Jason , Liu Mei
Published: November 2019

Staphylococcus aureusbacteria, especially the multidrug resistance strains, are responsible for a wide range of clinical infections. Here, we announce the genome sequence ofS. aureuspodophage Portland, which is closely related to a group of phi29‐likeS. aureuspodophages, including phages phi44AHJD and phiP68. The exact genome sequence ends of phage Portland were not determined and may be obscured by terminal proteins.
Protein losing gastroenteropathy due toHelicobacter pyloriinfection without giant rugal folds, erosion or polyposis
Authors: Yoshioka Katsunobu , Kishibuchi Masanori , Takada Ko
Published: November 2019

An 85-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of progressive hypoproteinemia and generalised oedema. Technetium-99m human albumin scintigraphy revealed protein leakage in the gastrointestinal tract. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed small whitish nodules from the gastric body up to the duodenal bulb. The urease test forHelicobacterpyloriinfection was positive. We diagnosed her as having protein-losing gastroenteropathy (PLGE) caused byH. pyloriinfection. The patient’s hypoproteinemia and clinical symptoms promptly resolved afterH. pylorieradication. Our results suggest that a trial ofH. pylorieradication is warranted in patients with PLGE, even if endoscopy reveals neither giant rugal folds, erosion of the mucosa, nor polyposis, which are previously reported characteristic endoscopic findings of PLGE.
Chryseobacteriumspp-associated bacteraemia in a haemodialysis patient: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Ahmad Soban , Latif Azka , Reddy Joseph Thilumala
Published: November 2019

Chryseobacteriumspecies are Gram-negative bacillus widely distributed in nature. It is a rare human pathogen that has been isolated from water systems and humid surfaces of the hospital environment. We report a rare case ofChryseobacteriumbacteremia in an end-stage renal disease nursing home resident, that was diagnosed using multiplex PCR and was successfully treated with intravenous piperacillin–tazobactam combination.
Anaesthesia mumps: much to do about nothing
Authors: Abraham Reena , Nagaraj Chetana , Yoong Wai
Published: November 2019

Anaesthesia mumps is an uncommon postoperative complication resulting in unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid glands following surgical and endoscopic procedures. Our case illustrates the benign course of anaesthesia mumps in a postoperative vaginal hysterectomy patient with no underlying illness and also discusses previous cases in the literature and management strategies.
The D-score: a metric for interpreting the early development of infants and toddlers across global settings
Authors: Weber Ann M , Rubio-Codina Marta , Walker Susan P , van Buuren Stef , Eekhout Iris , Grantham-McGregor Sally M , Araujo Maria Caridad , Chang Susan M , Fernald Lia CH , Hamadani Jena Derakhshani , Hanlon Charlotte , Karam Simone M , Lozoff Betsy , Ratsifandrihamanana Lisy , Richter Linda , Black Maureen M
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Early childhood development can be described by an underlying latent construct. Global comparisons of children’s development are hindered by the lack of a validated metric that is comparable across cultures and contexts, especially for children under age 3 years. We constructed and validated a new metric, the Developmental Score (D-score), using existing data from 16 longitudinal studies.

Methods

Studies had item-level developmental assessment data for children 0–48 months and longitudinal outcomes at ages >4–18 years, including measures of IQ and receptive vocabulary. Existing data from 11 low-income, middle-income and high-income countries were merged for >36 000 children. Item mapping produced 95 ‘equate groups’ of same-skill items across 12 different assessment instruments. A statistical model was built using the Rasch model with item difficulties constrained to be equal in a subset of equate groups, linking instruments to a common scale, the D-score, a continuous metric with interval-scale properties. D-score-for-age z-scores (DAZ) were evaluated for discriminant, concurrent and predictive validity to outcomes in middle childhood to adolescence.

Results

Concurrent validity of DAZ with original instruments was strong (averager=0.71), with few exceptions. In approximately 70% of data rounds collected across studies, DAZ discriminated between children above/below cut-points for low birth weight (<2500 g) and stunting (−2 SD below median height-for-age). DAZ increased significantly with maternal education in 55% of data rounds. Predictive correlations of DAZ with outcomes obtained 2–16 years later were generally between 0.20 and 0.40. Correlations equalled or exceeded those obtained with original instruments despite using an average of 55% fewer items to estimate the D-score.

Conclusion

The D-score metric enables quantitative comparisons of early childhood development across ages and sets the stage for creating simple, low-cost, global-use instruments to facilitate valid cross-national comparisons of early childhood development.
Sleeping sound with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for an efficacy randomised controlled trial of a tailored brief behavioural sleep intervention for ASD
Authors: Papadopoulos Nicole , Sciberras Emma , Hiscock Harriet , Williams Katrina , McGillivray Jane , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Engel Lidia , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Bellows Susannah T , Marks Deborah , Howlin Patricia , Rinehart Nicole
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Sleep problems are a characteristic feature of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 40% to 80% of children experiencing sleep difficulties. Sleep problems have been found to have a pervasive impact on a child’s socio-emotional functioning, as well as on parents’ psychological functioning. TheSleeping Sound ASDproject aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief behavioural sleep intervention in reducing ASD children’s sleep problems in a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT). Intervention impact on child and family functioning is also assessed.

Methods and analysis

The RCT aims to recruit 234 children with a diagnosis of ASD, aged 5–13 years, who experience moderate to severe sleep problems. Participants are recruited from paediatrician clinics in Victoria, Australia, and via social media. Families interested in the study are screened for eligibility via phone, and then asked to complete a baseline survey online, assessing child sleep problems, and child and family functioning. Participants are then randomised to the intervention group or treatment as usual comparator group. Families in the intervention group attend two face-to-face sessions and a follow-up phone call with a trained clinician, where families are provided with individually tailored behavioural sleep strategies to help manage the child’s sleep problems. Teacher reports of sleep, behavioural and social functioning are collected, and cognitive ability assessed to provide measures blind to treatment group. The primary outcome is children’s sleep problems as measured by the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire at 3 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include parent and child quality of life; child social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive functioning; and parenting stress and parent mental health. Cost-effectiveness of the intervention is also evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences, local networks and online.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14077107(ISRCTN registry dated on 3 March 2017).
Feeling the pressure: a cross-sectional study exploring feasibility of a healthcare Pop-Up for intraocular pressure measurements in shopping centres in England
Authors: Edwards Laura A , Taylor Deanna J , Campbell Peter , Shah Rakhee , Edgar David F , Crabb David P
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that a shopping centre Pop-Up health check combining an intraocular pressure (IOP) check with a general health check (blood pressure (BP)) is more readily accepted by the general public than an IOP check only. We investigate public awareness of IOP compared with BP and the feasibility of measuring IOP in large numbers in a Pop-Up.

Design

A cross-sectional study using a tailor-made healthcare Pop-Up.

Setting

The ‘Feeling the Pressure’ Pop-Up was sited in eight regionally-different shopping centres in England.

Participants

Adult members of the public in shopping centres.

Methods

On one day we measured IOP only and on another measured BP and IOP. IOP was measured by Icare IC100 tonometer (Helsinki, Finland). Potential participants were asked about their awareness of IOP and BP and when they last visited their optometrist.

Results

More people attended the combined BP + IOP days (461; 60%; 95% CI 56% to 64%) than IOP-only days (307; 40%, 95% CI 37% to 43%) over 16 days of testing. We recorded IOP in 652 participants (median (IQR) age and IOP of 54 (42 to 68) years and 13 (11 to 15) mm Hg, respectively). Fewer people reported awareness about IOP (19%, 95% CI 16% to 23%) compared with BP (71%, 95% CI 66% to 75%). Of 768 participants, 60 (8%) reported no previous optometric eye examination and 185 (24%) reported >2 years since their most recent examination.

Conclusions

Measuring IOP in large numbers of the public via a shopping centre Pop-Up is feasible. Public engagement was greater when a BP check was offered alongside an IOP check, suggesting unfamiliar health checks can be promoted by aligning them with a more familiar check. Our findings hint at strategies for public health schemes that engage the public with their eye health.
Adaptation of potentially preventable medication-related hospitalisation indicators for Indigenous populations in Australia using a modified Delphi technique
Authors: Spinks Jean Marie , Kalisch Ellett Lisa M , Spurling Geoffrey , Theodoros Theo , Williamson Daniel , Wheeler Amanda J
Published: November 2019

Objectives

One of the outcomes of a medication review service is to identify and manage medication-related problems (MRPs). The most serious MRPs may result in hospitalisation, which could be preventable if appropriate processes of care were adopted. The aim of this study was to update and adapt a previously published set of clinical indicators for use in assessing the effectiveness of a medication review service tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, who experience some of the worst health outcomes of all Australians.i

Design

A modified Delphi technique was used to: (i) identify additional indicators for consideration, (ii) assess whether the original indicators were relevant in the context of Indigenous health and (iii) reach consensus on a final set of indicators. Three rounds of rating were used via an anonymous online survey, with 70% agreement required for indicator inclusion.

Setting

The indicators were designed for use in Indigenous primary care in Australia.

Participants

Thirteen panellists participated including medical specialists, general practice doctors, pharmacists and epidemiologists experienced in working with Indigenous patients.

Results

Panellists rated 101 indicators (45 from the original set and 57 newly identified). Of these, 41 were accepted unchanged, seven were rejected and the remainder were either modified before acceptance or merged with other indicators. A final set of 81 indicators was agreed.

Conclusions

This study provides a set of clinical indicators to be used as a primary outcome measure for medication review services for Indigenous people in Australia and as a prompt for pharmacists and doctors conducting medication reviews.

Trial registration number

The trial registration for the Indigenous Medication Review Service feasibility study is ACTRN12618000188235.
Kinetic visual acuity is correlated with functional visual acuity at higher speeds
Authors: Iehisa Ikko , Negishi Kazuno , Ayaki Masahiko , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: November 2019

Objective

To measure the kinetic visual acuity (KVA) which is the ability to identify approaching objects and the functional visual acuity (FVA) which is continuous VA during 1 min under binocular and monocular condition (non-dominant eye shielding) for healthy subjects, and related ocular parameters to explore their correlation and implication in aspect of integrated visual function.

Methods

The mean age of the 28 participants was 38.6±8.9 years (range, 23–57 years; 6 women). A KVA metre (AS-4Fα) and FVA metre (AS-28) were used to measure KVA and FVA, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore correlations among the measured visual function and related parameters, including age, binocularity, best-corrected visual acuity, refraction and tear break-up time.

Results

The results of binocular KVA were better than monocular KVA at all speeds. A strong correlation was found between monocular and binocular KVA. The results of binocular FVA were better than monocular FVA (p<0.001) and there was a correlation between monocular and binocular FVA (R=0.638, p<0.001), as well as the maintenance rate for FVA (R=0.228, p=0.003). A linear mixed-effects model revealed that binocularity for KVA prediction was significant at all speeds and FVA was also significant at 60 km/h (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The current results suggest that both binocularity and FVA may contribute to KVA.

Trial registration number

UMIN00032385
Quality improvement in cardiovascular surgery: results of a surgical quality improvement programme using a nationwide clinical database and database-driven site visits in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Tanemoto Kazuo , Saiki Yoshikatsu , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Fukuchi Eriko , Motomura Noboru , Ueda Yuichi , Takamoto Shinichi
Published: November 2019

Background

In 2015, an academic-led surgical quality improvement (QI) programme was initiated in Japan to use database information entered from 2013 to 2014 to identify institutions needing improvement, to which cardiovascular surgery experts were sent for site visits. Here, posthoc analyses were used to estimate the effectiveness of the QI programme in reducing surgical mortality (30-day and in-hospital mortality).

Methods

Patients were selected from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database, which includes almost all cardiovascular surgeries in Japan, if they underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve or thoracic aortic surgery from 2013 to 2016. Difference-in-difference methods based on a generalised estimating equation logistic regression model were used for pre-post comparison after adjustment for patient-level expected surgical mortality.

Results

In total, 238 778 patients (10 172 deaths) from 590 hospitals, including 3556 patients seen at 10 hospitals with site visits, were included from January 2013 to December 2016. Preprogramme, the crude surgical mortality for site visit and non-site visit institutions was 9.0% and 2.7%, respectively, for CABG surgery, 10.7% and 4.0%, respectively, for valve surgery and 20.7% and 7.5%, respectively, for aortic surgery. Postprogramme, moderate improvement was observed at site visit hospitals (3.6%, 9.6% and 18.8%, respectively). A difference-in-difference estimator showed significant improvement in CABG (0.29 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.54), p<0.001) and valve surgery (0.74 (0.55 to 1.00); p=0.047). Improvement was observed within 1 year for CABG surgery but was delayed for valve and aortic surgery. During the programme, institutions did not refrain from surgery.

Conclusions

Combining traditional site visits with modern database methodologies effectively improved surgical mortality in Japan. These universal methods could be applied via a similar approach to contribute to achieving QI in surgery for many other procedures worldwide.
Rheological, mechanical, and abrasion characteristics of polymer-modified cement mortar and concrete
Authors: Zhou Changjun , Chen Liangliang , Zheng Shaopeng , Xu Yunxi , Feng Decheng
Published: November 2019

The settlement of fresh concrete or improper operation during construction usually makes the water to cement (w/c) ratio of the cement mortar on the concrete pavement surface higher than designed, which may influence the abrasion resistance of concrete pavement. This study firstly tried to establish relationships between abrasion of hardened cement mortar and rheological characteristics of fresh cement mortar in the laboratory. Secondly, a polymer-modified cement mortar was developed with carboxyl styrene butadiene rubber latex added to the cement mortar. Its rheological properties in mixing, mechanical properties, and abrasion were investigated. It is found that the polymer-modified cement mortar has a much better abrasion resistance and flexural strength while lower compressive strength than cement mortar. A stronger correlation was observed between flexural strength rather than compressive strength and abrasion resistance of cement mortar. The proposed polymer-modified concrete also exhibited good abrasion resistance.
Effects of quantum corrections on the criticality and efficiency of black holes surrounded by a perfect fluid
Authors: Bezerra V. B. , Lobo I. P. , Graça J. P. Morais , Santos Luis C. N.
Published: November 2019

We study some properties of the extended phase space of a quantum-corrected Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by a perfect fluid. In particular we demonstrate that, due to the quantum correction, there exist first and second order phase transitions for a certain range of the state parameter of the perfect fluid, and we explicitly analyze some cases. Besides that, we describe the efficiency of this system as a heat engine and the effect of quantum corrections for different surrounding fluids.
Integrated Process Control by Combining Controllers and Monitoring Charts
Authors: Park Minjae , Lee Mi Lim , Lee Jinpyo
Published: November 2019

Integrated processes between automatic process control (APC) and statistical process control (SPC) have been of interest to researchers in the process control area as both are complementary to each other and share the common objective of reduction of process variation. In this paper, a control system with damping property functions is designed as an integral controller and is combined with SPC charts in order to reduce process variability. The proposed controller is compared with other existing and widely-used controllers including minimum mean square error controllers and proportional, integral and derivative controllers under the integration of APC and SPC. The results show that indeed a damping controller with optimum parameters results in a more significant reduction in process variation than the widely-used ones. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed controller.
Analysis of a Delayed Eco-Epidemiological Pest–Plant Model with Infected Pest
Authors: Mondal Ashok , Pal A. K. , Samanta G. P.
Published: November 2019

This work describes a delayed pest–plant ecological model with infection in the pest population. The interactions between plant and susceptible pest and also between susceptible and infected pest are taken as Holling type II responses. Well-posedness of the system has been discussed. Stability analysis of all equilibria has been performed. The effect of time-delay has been studied, where the delay may be regarded as the incubation period of the infected pest. Existence of a Hopf-bifurcation around interior equilibrium has been established by considering the amount of delay as bifurcation parameter. The length of delay is estimated for which the stability continues to hold. Numerical simulation with a hypothetical set of data has been presented to validate analytical findings.
Preparation and Properties of Graphene Oxide-Modified Anti-UV Waterborne Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Xingyuan , Zhang Mingrui
Published: November 2019

In this present study, graphene oxide (GO) was used as a secondary chain extender and a functional modification assistant to fabricate a three-dimensional nanocomposite (GO-WPU) with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) through the prepolymer dispersion. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of GO-WPU with 0.2[Formula: see text]wt.% GO content, compared with those of pure WPU, increase by 170.38% and 50.9%, respectively. Even with a small amount of GO content added, the ultraviolet absorption rate significantly increased, whereas the ultraviolet transmittance decreased significantly. Other properties such as thermal stability and so on were also much enhanced. These results suggested that the functional nanocomposite GO-WPU prepared through the prepolymer dispersion will be an effective fabrication approach and have a wider scope of applications in functional coating materials and film materials.
Some convergence results of M iterative process in Banach spaces
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Ayaz Faiza , Ahmad Junaid
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we prove some weak and strong convergence results for generalized [Formula: see text]-nonexpansive mappings using [Formula: see text] iteration process in the framework of Banach spaces. This generalizes former results proved by Ullah and Arshad [Numerical reckoning fixed points for Suzuki’s generalized nonexpansive mappings via new iteration process, Filomat 32(1) (2018) 187–196].
On continuous linear generalized derivation in rings and Banach algebras
Authors: Rehman Nadeem ur
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we investigate the commutativity of a prime Banach algebra [Formula: see text] which admits a nonzero continuous linear generalized derivation [Formula: see text] associated with continuous linear derivation [Formula: see text] such that either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for intergers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and sufficiently many [Formula: see text]. Further, similar results are also obtained for unital prime Banach algebra [Formula: see text] which admits a nonzero continuous linear generalized derivations [Formula: see text] satisfying either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for an integer [Formula: see text] and sufficiently many [Formula: see text].
Lactate and Acidity in the Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Parks Scott K. , Mueller-Klieser Wolfgang , Pouysségur Jacques
Published: November 2019

Fermentative glycolysis, an ancient evolved metabolic pathway, is exploited by rapidly growing tissues and tumors but also occurs in response to the nutritional and energetic demands of differentiated tissues. The lactic acid it produces is transported across cell membranes through reversible H+/lactate−symporters (MCT1 and MCT4) and is recycled in organs as a major metabolic precursor of gluconeogenesis and an energy source. Concentrations of lactate in the tumor environment, investigated utilizing an induced metabolic bioluminescence imaging (imBI) technique, appear to be dominant biomarkers of tumor response to irradiation and resistance to treatment. Suppression of lactic acid formation by genetic disruption of lactate dehydrogenases A and B in aggressive tumors reactivated OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation) to maintain xenograft tumor growth at a halved rate. In contrast, disruption of the lactic acid transporters MCT1/4 suppressed glycolysis, mTORC1, and tumor growth as a result of intracellular acidosis. Furthermore, the global reduction of tumor acidity contributes to activation of the antitumor immune responses, offering hope for future clinical applications.
Ablation Therapy for Refractory Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Santangeli Pasquale , Marchlinski Francis E.
Published: November 2019

Recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the last three decades, important advancements have occurred in the understanding of the mechanisms of recurrent VAs, their prognostic implications in different clinical contexts, and their treatment options. VAs occur in structurally normal hearts as well as in patients with underlying heart disease, but the latter group has a particularly high risk of recurrent VAs. Catheter ablation offers the possibility of cure for a substantial proportion of patients. Research has focused on identifying optimal targets for ablation, correlating the underlying structural abnormalities with the site of origin of VAs, and determining the optimal procedural approach. Ablation therapy can be life-saving in select patients with high burden of repetitive VAs or advanced heart failure syndromes. This article focuses on clinical aspects of catheter ablation of VAs, particularly the selection and clinical management of patients undergoing catheter ablation procedures and expected outcomes.
DNA Mixtures in Forensic Investigations: The Statistical State of the Art
Authors: Mortera Julia
Published: November 2019

Forensic science has experienced a period of rapid change because of the tremendous evolution in DNA profiling. Problems of forensic identification from DNA evidence can become extremely challenging, both logically and computationally, in the presence of complicating features, such as in mixed DNA trace evidence. Additional complicating aspects are possible, such as missing data on individuals, heterogeneous populations, and kinship. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty involved in determining whether or not the DNA of a given individual is actually present in the sample. We begin by giving a brief introduction to the genetic background needed for understanding forensic DNA mixtures, including the artifacts that commonly occur in the DNA amplification process. We then review different methods and software based on qualitative and quantitative information and give details on a quantitative method that uses Bayesian networks as a computational device for efficiently computing likelihoods. This method allows for the possibility of combining evidence from multiple samples to make inference about relationships from DNA mixtures and other more complex scenarios.
Making cell culture more physiological: a call for a more comprehensive assessment of racial disparities in endothelial cell culture studies
Authors: Robinson Austin T. , Cook Marc D. , Lane-Cordova Abbi D.
Published: November 2019

In the United States, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disproportionately affect ethnic and racial minority populations. Black individuals are more likely to develop advanced CVD and microvascular complications resulting in end-organ damage. Endothelial cell dysfunction leads to microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction and is predictive of the development of CVD. Black versus white racial disparities in in vivo and in vitro studies of endothelial cell function are well documented. However, race-related disparities in maternal environment and lifestyle may be a major unconsidered factor in racial differences in endothelial cell culture studies. Further, rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are higher in black versus white women. These pregnancy complications may result in placental dysfunction, including excess production of inflammatory and antiangiogenic molecules that impair endothelial function. Therefore, studies that include other ethnic and racial minorities are needed, in addition to a more thorough characterization of endothelial cell donors and targeted cell culture studies (e.g., genotyping) to generate information that can be translated into effective preventive or treatment strategies for ethnic/racial disparities in CVD.
Cigarette smoke extract modulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial load via USP25/HDAC11 axis in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Long Chen , Lai Yandong , Li Tiao , Nyunoya Toru , Zou Chunbin
Published: November 2019

Cigarette smoking increases susceptibility for microbial infection in respiratory system. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) is not fully elucidated. Here we report that cigarette smoking extract (CSE) increases bacterial load in lung epithelial cells via downregulation of the ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25)/histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) axis. CSE treatment decreases HDAC11 at protein level in lung epithelial cells without significant changes of its transcription. Concomitantly, CSE treatment accelerates a ubiquitin-specific protease USP25 ubiquitination and degradation. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that USP25 associated with HDAC11. USP25 catalyzes deubiquitination of HDAC11, which regulates HDAC11 protein stability. CSE-mediated degradation of USP25 thereafter reduces HDAC11 at the protein level. Interestingly, CSE-downregulated USP25/HDAC11 axis increases the bacterial load of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in lung epithelial cells. These findings suggest that CSE-downregulated USP25 and HDAC11 may contribute to high susceptibility of bacterial infection in the cigarette smoking population.
Hypoxic acclimation negatively impacts the contractility of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spongy myocardium
Authors: Carnevale C. , Roberts J. C. , Syme D. A. , Gamperl A. K.
Published: November 2019

Cardiac stroke volume (SV) is compromised in Atlantic cod and rainbow trout following acclimation to hypoxia (i.e., 40% air saturation; ~8 kPa O2) at 10–12°C, and this is not due to changes in heart morphometrics or maximum achievable in vitro end-diastolic volume. To examine if this diminished SVmay be related to compromised myocardial contractility, we used the work-loop method to measure work and power in spongy myocardial strips from normoxic- and hypoxic-acclimated steelhead trout when exposed to decreasing Po2levels (21 to 1.5 kPa) at several frequencies (30–90 contractions/min) at 14°C (their acclimation temperature). Work required to lengthen the muscle, as during filling of the heart, was strongly frequency dependent (i.e., increased with contraction rate) but was not affected by hypoxic acclimation or test Po2. In contrast, although shortening work was less frequency dependent, this parameter and network (and power) 1) were consistently lower (by ~30–50 and ~15%, respectively) in strips from hypoxic-acclimated fish and 2) fell by ~40–50% in both groups from 20 to 1.5 kPa Po2, despite the already-reduced myocardial performance in the hypoxic-acclimated group. In addition, strips from hypoxic-acclimated trout showed a poorer recovery of net power (by ~15%) when returned to normoxia. These results strongly suggest that hypoxic acclimation reduces myocardial contractility, and in turn, may limit SV(possibly by increasing end-systolic volume), but that this diminished performance does not improve the capacity to maintain myocardial performance under oxygen limiting conditions.
Slow-paced inspiration regularizes alpha phase dynamics in the human brain
Authors: Hsu Shen-Mou , Tseng Chih-Hsin , Hsieh Chao-Hsien , Hsieh Chang-Wei
Published: November 2019

The phase of low-frequency, rhythmic cortical activity is essential for organizing brain processes because it provides a recurrent temporal frame for information coding. However, the low-frequency cortical phase exhibits great flexibility in response to external influences. Given that brain rhythms have been found to track respiratory inputs, we hypothesized that slow breathing, commonly associated with mental regulation, could reorganize the relationship between these two rhythmic systems through the adjustment of the cortical phase to such a slow train of inputs. Based on simultaneous magnetoencephalography and respiratory measurements, we report that while participants performed paced breathing, slow relative to normal breathing modulated cortical phase activity in the alpha range across widespread brain areas. Such modulation effects were specifically locked to the middle of the inspiration stage and exhibited a well-structured pattern. At the single-subject level, the phase angles underlying the effects became more likely to be diametrically opposed across breaths, indicating unique and consistent phase adjustment to slow inspiratory inputs. Neither cardiac fluctuations nor breathing-unrelated task effects could account for the findings. We suggest that slow-paced inspiration could organize the cortical phase in a regularized phase pattern, revealing a rhythmic but dynamic neural network integrated with different neurophysiological systems through volitional control.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Breathing is more complicated than a simple gas exchange, as it is integrated with numerous cognitive and emotional functions. Controlled slow breathing has often been used to regulate mental processes. This magnetoencephalography study demonstrates that slow-paced relative to normal-paced inspiration could organize the timing of alpha rhythmic activities across breathing cycles in a structured manner over widespread brain areas. Our results reveal how a volitionally controlled change in respiratory behavior could systematically modulate cortical activity.
Epidermoid Cysts in a Wandering Spleen: An Unusual Enigma
Authors: Algino Sarah E. , Sorrentino Siena , Luyimbazi David T. , Grider Douglas J.
Published: November 2019

Epidermoid splenic cysts are rare lesions in the spleen. These cysts are characterized by a stratified squamous epithelial lining, internal septations, and calcification. Congenital in origin, epidermoid splenic cysts are postulated to arise from misfolding and mesothelial cell incorporation into the splenic parenchyma. This report presents a unique case of an 18-year-old woman with an epidermoid splenic cyst in a congenital wandering spleen. Computed tomography and transabdominal ultrasound imaging along with immunochemistry staining confirmed the diagnosis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of an epidermoid cyst in a wandering spleen.
Complex Dynamical Behaviors of a Fractional‐Order System Based on a Locally Active Memristor
Authors: Yu Yajuan , Bao Han , Shi Min , Bao Bocheng , Chen Yangquan , Chen Mo
Published: November 2019

A fractional‐order locally active memristor is proposed in this paper. When driven by a bipolar periodic signal, the generated hysteresis loop with two intersections is pinched at the origin. The area of the hysteresis loop changes with the fractional order. Based on the fractional‐order locally active memristor, a fractional‐order memristive system is constructed. The stability analysis is carried out and the stability conditions for three equilibria are listed. The expression of the fractional order related to Hopf bifurcation is given. The complex dynamical behaviors of Hopf bifurcation, period‐doubling bifurcation, bistability and chaos are shown numerically. Furthermore, the bistability behaviors of the different fractional order are validated by the attraction basins in the initial value plane. As an alternative to validating our results, the fractional‐order memristive system is implemented by utilizing Simulink of MATLAB. The research results clarify that the complex dynamical behaviors are attributed to two facts: one is the fractional order that affects the stability of the equilibria, and the other is the local activeness of the fractional‐order memristor.
Numerical and Experimental Studies on Inclined Incidence Parametric Sound Propagation
Authors: Li Haisen , Ma Jingxin , Zhu Jianjun , Chen Baowei
Published: November 2019

The Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov (KZK) equation has been widely used in the simulation and calculation of nonlinear sound fields. However, the accuracy of KZK equation reduced due to the deflection of the direction of the sound beam when the sound beam is inclined incidence. In this paper, an equivalent sound source model is proposed to make the calculation direction of KZK calculation model consistent with the sound propagation direction after acoustic refraction, so as to improve the accuracy of sound field calculation under the inclined incident conditions. The theoretical research and pool experiment verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sensitivity of Dynamical Downscaling Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts to Convection and Land Surface Parameterization in a High-Resolution Regional Climate Model
Authors: Li Yuan , Lu Guihua , He Hai , Wu Zhiyong
Published: November 2019

Both convection and land surface parameterization influence seasonal precipitation forecasts. In this study, the sensitivity of dynamical downscaling seasonal precipitation forecasts to convection and land surface parameterization was investigated by nesting the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model into the NCEP’s Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) retrospective forecasts with four convective schemes: Kain–Fritsch (KF), Betts–Miller–Janjic (BMJ), Grell–Freitas (GF), and new simplified Arakawa–Schubert (NSAS) schemes, and two land surface schemes: Noah and simplified Simple Biosphere (SSiB) schemes over the Han River basin. The CFSv2 model biases are reduced when the KF convective scheme is used in the wet summer season. However, negative biases still exist especially when the combination of BMJ and SSiB schemes is used. Compared with CFSv2 reforecasts and other combinations of schemes, the forecast skills of spatial patterns of precipitation anomalies are highest when the combination of KF and Noah schemes is used in summer. In contrast, the combination of BMJ and SSiB schemes shows lowest forecast skills in summer. To understand the causes of the differences in precipitation forecasts using different parameterization schemes, the simulated moisture flux convergence, thermodynamic parameters at different pressure levels, convective available potential energy (CAPE), convective inhibition (CIN), and heat fluxes are compared with the data in the ERA-5 reanalysis dataset. The WRF model-simulated moisture flux convergence is closer to that of the ERA-5 reanalysis compared with that of the CFSv2 reforecasts in summer. The vertical thermodynamic profiles also suggest that the combination of the KF and Noah schemes has caused a more unstable atmosphere, which is crucial for precipitation. In contrast, the combination of BMJ and SSiB schemes shows a less unstable atmospheric environment in summer, which explains the lower forecast skills compared with other schemes. The spatial patterns of CAPE are also improved when using the WRF model, which further enhances the precipitation forecast skills over the Han River basin.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum following Pacemaker Implantation: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Ayoubi Noura , Javeed Zaydi , Cutro Raymond , Baldwin Brooke T.
Published: November 2019

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by noninfectious, inflammatory, ulcerating lesions. Pathergy can be seen in these patients, whereby minor trauma or surgery can result in the development of PG ulcerations. Here, we present a case of PG following pacemaker implantation. A 76-year-old male with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented to the cardiology team with symptomatic bradycardia. Indications for implantation were met, and the procedure was performed in a routine fashion. The patient returned to clinic for follow-up four days later, complaining of pain at the incision site, coupled with erythema and purulent drainage. Consultations with an infectious disease specialist and a dermatologist were requested, and the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was considered. The patient underwent device removal and received systemic corticosteroids at a dose of 1 mg/kg prednisone with complete lesion healing in 3 weeks. While being maintained on steroids, the patient underwent reimplantation of a new pacemaker on the contralateral side without complication and had a normal postoperative course. We present this case report, along with the review of literature, in order to highlight the multidisciplinary approach to management, which requires dermatologic treatment in order to achieve pacemaker success.
AK4 Promotes the Progression of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer by Facilitating Cell Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yin Yan-Tao , Wu Chi-Hua , Qiu Rong-Lin , Jiang Wen-Jun , Deng Xiao-Geng , Li Zhi-Xi
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is a type of malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the mammary gland, and about 20% of breast cancers are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+), which is a subtype with more aggression. Recently, HER2-positive breast cancer is often accompanied by poor prognosis of patients, and targeted therapy showed a promising prospect. To combat this disease, novel therapeutic targets are still needed. Adenylate kinase 4 (AK4) is a member of the adenylate kinase family and is expressed in the mitochondrial matrix. AK4 is involved in multiple cellular functions such as energy metabolism homeostasis. Interestingly, AK4 was observed highly expressed in several tumor tissues, and the involvement of AK4 in cancer development was generally revealed. However, the possible role of AK4 on the growth and development of breast cancer is still unclear. Here, we investigated the possible functions of AK4 on the progression of HER2-positive breast cancer. We found the high expression of AK4 in HER2-positive breast cancer tissues from patients who received surgical treatment. Additionally, AK4 expression levels were obviously correlated with clinical-pathological features, including pTNM stage (P=0.017) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.046). We mechanically confirmed that AK4 depletion showed the obvious impairment of cell proliferation and invasion in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. AK4 also facilitates tumor growth and metastasis of HER2-positive breast cancer in vivo. In conclusion, we identified and mechanically confirmed that AK4 is a novel therapeutic target of HER2-positive breast cancer.
Analysis of Vascular Mechanical Characteristics after Coronary Degradable Stent Implantation
Authors: Ding Hao , Zhang Ying , Liu Yujia , Shi Chunxun , Nie Zhichao , Liu Haoyu , Gu Yuling
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To explore the effect of vascular stress changes on endothelial function recovery and vascular restenosis inhibition, under the condition of dynamic degradation process of the degradable stent. Methods. Fitting the material parameters of the hyperelastic vascular constitutive relationship, the stress distribution of the intima of the blood vessel before the stent was implanted and during the dynamic degradation was calculated by numerical simulation. In vitro culture experiments were carried out, and the stretch ratios of the silicone chamber were set to 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, to simulate the effects of different degradation stages on the growth state of endothelial cells. Results. After the stent was completely degraded, the circumferential intimal stress (strain) of the vessel was recovered to 0.137 MPa, 5.5%, which was close to the physiological parameters (0.122 MPa, 4.8%) before stent implantation. In vitro experiments showed that the endothelial cell survival rate was the highest under the condition of circumferential stress (strain) of 0.1 MPa, 5%, and all adhesion growth could be achieved. Conclusions. With the occurrence of degradation process of the stent, the circumferential stress (strain) of the intima was recovered to a range close to physiological parameters, which promotes the growth of endothelial cells. The recovery of intimal function can effectively inhibit the process of vascular restenosis. The results can provide a theoretical basis and experimental platform for the study of coronary intervention for the treatment of vascular restenosis.
Efficiency of motivational tools and social media use in the control of canine obesity
Authors: Stafoche Bruna Rodrigues , Jericó Márcia Marques
Published: November 2019

The increasing number of obese dogs in veterinary practice has been a warning to veterinarians about the need to develop new tools to approach the obese patient, aiming to attain satisfactory results in weight loss programs. A total of 18 obese or overweight dogs with no evidence of endocrine disorders were selected for this study. These animals were randomly divided into two groups with 9 animals each. In one of the groups, strategic tools were used by their tutors, aimed at behavioral and environmental modification, and this group was assisted daily through communication using a digital instant messaging app (WhatsApp(R)). In the other group, these tools were not used, and the animals were followed only during the monthly consultation. The analyzed variable was the percentage of weight loss of each animal in one month of the method used. The animals of the daily assisted group had a mean weight loss of 5.17%, while the animalsof the non-assisted group had a mean weight loss of 3.31%. Considering the results, one can state that the animals in the assisted group lost approximately 1.6 times more weight than the unassisted animals, when comparing the mean and the median weight loss percentage in the two groups. Although the results are encouraging, there was no statistical difference with a significance level of 0.05, and this is probably due to the small sample size, consisting of 18 animals.