bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modality-specific impairment of learning by a neonicotinoid pesticide
Authors: Muth Felicity , Francis Jacob S. , Leonard Anne S.
Published: July 2019

Neonicotinoid pesticides can impair bees' ability to learn and remember information about flowers, critical for effective foraging. Although these effects on cognition may contribute to broader effects on health and performance, to date they have largely been assayed in simplified protocols that consider learning in a single sensory modality, usually olfaction. Given that real flowers display a variety of potentially useful signals, we assessed the effects of acute neonicotinoid exposure on multimodal learning in free-flying bumblebees. We found that neonicotinoid consumption differentially impacted learning of floral stimuli, impairing scent, but not colour, learning. These findings raise questions about the mechanisms by which pesticides might differentially impair sensory systems, with implications for how neonicotinoids affect multiple aspects of bee ecology.
Fingerpad contact evolution under electrovibration
Authors: Sirin Omer , Barrea Allan , Lefèvre Philippe , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Basdogan Cagatay
Published: July 2019

Displaying tactile feedback through a touchscreen via electrovibration has many potential applications in mobile devices, consumer electronics, home appliances and automotive industry though our knowledge and understanding of the underlying contact mechanics are very limited. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the contact evolution between the human finger and a touch screen under electrovibration using a robotic set-up and an imaging system. The results show that the effect of electrovibration is only present during full slip but not before slip. Hence, the coefficient of friction increases under electrovibration as expected during full slip, but the apparent contact area is significantly smaller during full slip when compared to that of no electrovibration condition. It is suggested that the main cause of the increase in friction during full slip is due to an increase in the real contact area and the reduction in apparent area is due to stiffening of the finger skin in the tangential direction.
Serological inference of past primary and secondary dengue infection: implications for vaccination
Authors: Lam Ha Minh , Phuong Huynh Thi , Thao Vy Nguyen Ha , Le Thanh Nguyen Thi , Dung Pham Ngoc , Ngoc Muon Thai Thi , Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Rodríguez-Barraquer Isabel , Cummings Derek A. T. , Wills Bridget A. , Boni Maciej F. , Rabaa Maia A. , Clapham Hannah E.
Published: July 2019

Owing to the finding that Dengvaxia
®
(the only licensed dengue vaccine to date) increases the risk of severe illness among seronegative recipients, the World Health Organization has recommended screening individuals for their serostatus prior to vaccination. To decide whether and how to carry out screening, it is necessary to estimate the transmission intensity of dengue and to understand the performance of the screening method. In this study, we inferred the annual force of infection (FOI; a measurement of transmission intensity) of dengue virus in three locations in Vietnam: An Giang (FOI = 0.04 for the below 10 years age group and FOI = 0.20 for the above 10 years age group), Ho Chi Minh City (FOI = 0.12) and Quang Ngai (FOI = 0.05). In addition, we show that using a quantitative approach to immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels (measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) can help to distinguish individuals with primary exposures (primary seropositive) from those with secondary exposures (secondary seropositive). We found that primary-seropositive individuals—the main targets of the vaccine—tend to have a lower IgG level, and, thus, they have a higher chance of being misclassified as seronegative than secondary-seropositive cases. However, screening performance can be improved by incorporating patient age and transmission intensity into the interpretation of IgG levels.
Constructing living buildings: a review of relevant technologies for a novel application of biohybrid robotics
Authors: Heinrich Mary Katherine , von Mammen Sebastian , Hofstadler Daniel Nicolas , Wahby Mostafa , Zahadat Payam , Skrzypczak Tomasz , Soorati Mohammad Divband , Krela Rafał , Kwiatkowski Wojciech , Schmickl Thomas , Ayres Phil , Stoy Kasper , Hamann Heiko
Published: July 2019

Biohybrid robotics takes an engineering approach to the expansion and exploitation of biological behaviours for application to automated tasks. Here, we identify the construction of living buildings and infrastructure as a high-potential application domain for biohybrid robotics, and review technological advances relevant to its future development. Construction, civil infrastructure maintenance and building occupancy in the last decades have comprised a major portion of economic production, energy consumption and carbon emissions. Integrating biological organisms into automated construction tasks and permanent building components therefore has high potential for impact. Live materials can provide several advantages over standard synthetic construction materials, including self-repair of damage, increase rather than degradation of structural performance over time, resilience to corrosive environments, support of biodiversity, and mitigation of urban heat islands. Here, we review relevant technologies, which are currently disparate. They span robotics, self-organizing systems, artificial life, construction automation, structural engineering, architecture, bioengineering, biomaterials, and molecular and cellular biology. In these disciplines, developments relevant to biohybrid construction and living buildings are in the early stages, and typically are not exchanged between disciplines. We, therefore, consider this review useful to the future development of biohybrid engineering for this highly interdisciplinary application.
Dynamic instability and migration modes of collective cells in channels
Authors: Lin Shao-Zhen , Bi Dapeng , Li Bo , Feng Xi-Qiao
Published: July 2019

Migrating cells constantly experience geometrical confinements
in vivo
, as exemplified by cancer invasion and embryo development. In this paper, we investigate how intrinsic cellular properties and extrinsic channel confinements jointly regulate the two-dimensional migratory dynamics of collective cells. We find that besides external confinement, active cell motility and cell crowdedness also shape the migration modes of collective cells. Furthermore, the effects of active cell motility, cell crowdedness and confinement size on collective cell migration can be integrated into a unified dimensionless parameter, defined as the cellular motility number (CMN), which mirrors the competition between active motile force and passive elastic restoring force of cells. A low CMN favours laminar-like cell flows, while a high CMN destabilizes cell motions, resulting in a series of mode transitions from a laminar phase to an ordered vortex chain, and further to a mesoscale turbulent phase. These findings not only explain recent experiments but also predict dynamic behaviours of cell collectives, such as the existence of an ordered vortex chain mode and the mode selection under non-straight confinements, which are experimentally testable across different epithelial cell lines.
Planktonic encounter rates with non-spherical encounter zones
Authors: Andersen Anders , Dölger Julia
Published: July 2019

We present general formulae for planktonic predator–prey encounter rates with encounter zones of convex shape and randomly moving point-like prey with ballistic motion. When the predator is not moving, we show that the encounter rate is independent of the shape of the encounter zone around it and proportional to the product of the surface area of the encounter zone and the prey speed. By contrast, the shape of the encounter zone plays a role when both the predator and the prey are moving. Slow predator motion results in only a weak increase of the encounter rate relative to the non-motile predator situation, but it may lead to a significant shift in where prey impact the surface of the encounter zone. By analysing disc-like and rod-like encounter zones with lengthwise and sideways motion, respectively, we show that fast predator motion may significantly influence the encounter rate, depending on the shape and the direction of motion of the encounter zone.
FDA oversight of NSIGHT genomic research: the need for an integrated systems approach to regulation
Authors: Milko Laura V. , Chen Flavia , Chan Kee , Brower Amy M. , Agrawal Pankaj B. , Beggs Alan H. , Berg Jonathan S. , Brenner Steven E. , Holm Ingrid A. , Koenig Barbara A. , Parad Richard B. , Powell Cynthia M. , Kingsmore Stephen F.
Published: July 2019

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded the Newborn Sequencing In Genomic medicine and public HealTh (NSIGHT) Consortium to investigate the implications, challenges and opportunities associated with the possible use of genomic sequence information in the newborn period. Following announcement of the NSIGHT awardees in 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contacted investigators and requested that pre-submissions to investigational device exemptions (IDE) be submitted for the use of genomic sequencing under Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR) part 812. IDE regulation permits clinical investigation of medical devices that have not been approved by the FDA. To our knowledge, this marked the first time the FDA determined that NIH-funded clinical genomic research projects are subject to IDE regulation. Here we review the history of and rationale behind FDA oversight of clinical research and the NSIGHT Consortium’s experiences in navigating the IDE process. Overall, NSIGHT investigators found that FDA’s application of existing IDE regulations and medical device definitions aligned imprecisely with the aims of publicly funded exploratory clinical research protocols. IDE risk assessments by the FDA were similar to, but distinct from, protocol risk assessments conducted by local Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and had the potential to reflect novel oversight of emerging genomic technologies. However, the pre-IDE and IDE process delayed the start of NSIGHT research studies by an average of 10 months, and significantly limited the scope of investigation in two of the four NIH approved projects. Based on the experience of the NSIGHT Consortium, we conclude that policies and practices governing the development and use of novel genomic technologies in clinical research urgently need clarification in order to mitigate potentially conflicting or redundant oversight by IRBs, NIH, FDA, and state authorities.
Association of Kras mutation with tumor deposit status and overall survival of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Meifang , Hu Wenwei , Hu Kun , Lin Yong , Feng Zhaohui , Yun Jing-Ping , Gao Nan , Zhang Lanjing
Published: July 2019

Background

The recent staging manual upstages Node-negative tumor-deposit positive colorectal cancer (CRC) from N0 to N1c category, while the development of tumor-deposit presence is poorly understood. Meanwhile, Kras mutation is associated with progression of CRC, but its link to tumor-deposit status is unclear.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included the patients with incidental CRC diagnosed during 2010-2014 in the National Cancer Database and recorded statuses of Kras and tumor deposit. We conducted multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with tumor-deposit status and overall-survival, respectively.

Results

A total of 48,200 CRC patients with Kras status were included in the study (25,407 [52.7%] men, 25,648[46.8%] <65 years old, 18 381 [38.1%] with Kras mutation). Adjusted for microsatellite instability, age, pathologic stage and tumor grade, Kras mutation (versus wild-type) was associated with tumor-deposit presence (n=15,229, odds ratio=1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20). Kras mutation was also independently linked to a worse overall survival of CRC patients regardless of tumor-deposit status (n=8,110, adjusted Hazard ratio=1.40, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.79 for CRC with tumor deposits, and n=2,618, adjusted HR=1.63, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.28 for CRC without), but a better survival in CRC with no known/applicable tumor-deposit status (n=457, adjusted Hazard ratio =0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.95).

Conclusion

Kras mutation is independently associated with tumor-deposit presence, and a worse overall survival of CRC with or without tumor-deposit. Therefore, it may play a role in the development of tumor deposits and serve as a target for CRC treatment.
HeveaDB: a genetic resource database for rubber tree genomic study
Authors: Cheng Han , Xia Yanhua , Zhou Jiannan , Tang Chaorong , Huang Huasun
Published: July 2019

With the proceedings in the genome study in rubber tree, more and more data were produced. However, these data are still deposited in public databases as raw format, and the utilization of these NGS data is hindered for the researchers in rubber tree community. HeveaDB was therefore constructed and maintained under the organization of International Rubber Research and Development Board. The HeveaDB 1.0 (http://hevea.catas.cn) mainly stores 4 versions of Hevea draft genome, 99 NGS transcriptomes, 18451annotated EST sequences, 12 curated gene families, 30200 gene annotations, 5049 wild germplasm phenotype data, and 18328 Wickham rubber clonal information. Several bioinformatic tools are integrated in the database to facilitate the utilization of the data for the users who are not skilled in bioinformatics. With the periodical update and functional improvement, the HeveaDB will serve as a potential platform for genomic studies and breeding technology in rubber tree.
Unexpected plasticity in the life cycle ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Schuster Sarah , Subota Ines , Lisack Jaime , Zimmermann Henriette , Reuter Christian , Morriswood Brooke , Engstler Markus
Published: July 2019

African trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. These unicellular parasites are transmitted by the bloodsucking tsetse fly. In the mammalian host’s circulation, tissues, and interstitium, at least two main life cycle stages exist: slender and stumpy bloodstream stages. Proliferating slender stage cells differentiate into cell cycle-arrested stumpy stage cells at high population densities. This developmental stage transition occurs in response to the quorum sensing factor SIF (stumpy induction factor), and is thought to fulfil two main functions. First, it auto-regulates the parasite load in the host. Second, the stumpy stage is regarded as pre-adapted for tsetse fly infection and the only stage capable of successful vector transmission. Here, we show that proliferating slender stage trypanosomes are able to complete the complex life cycle in the fly as successfully as the stumpy stage, and that a single parasite is sufficient for productive infection. Our findings not only propose a revision to the traditional rigid view of the trypanosome life cycle, but also suggest a solution to a long-acknowledged paradox in the transmission event: parasitaemia in chronic infections is characteristically low, and so the probability of a tsetse ingesting a stumpy cell during a bloodmeal is also low. The finding that proliferating slender parasites are infective to tsetse flies helps shed light on this enigma.
Optical interrogation of sympathetic neuronal effects on macroscopic cardiac monolayer dynamics
Authors: Burton R.A.B. , Tomek J. , Ambrosi C.M. , Larsen H.E. , Sharkey A.R. , Capel R.A. , Bilton S. , Klimas A. , Stephens G. , Li D. , Gallone G. , Herring N. , Mann E. , Kumar A. , Kramer H. , Entcheva E. , Paterson D.J. , Bub G.
Published: July 2019

Alterations in autonomic function are known to occur in cardiac conditions including sudden cardiac death. Cardiac stimulation via sympathetic neurons can potentially trigger arrhythmias. Dissecting direct neural-cardiac interactions at the cellular level is technically challenging and understudied due to the lack of experimental model systems and methodologies. Here we demonstrate the utility of optical interrogation of sympathetic neurons and their effects on macroscopic cardiac monolayer dynamics to address research targets such as the effects of adrenergic stimulation via the release of neurotransmitters, the effect of neuronal numbers on cardiac wave behaviour and the applicability of optogenetics in mechanisticin vitrostudies. We combine photo-uncaging or optogenetic neural stimulation with imaging of cardiac monolayers to measure electrical activity in an automated fashion, illustrating the power and high throughput capability of such interrogations. The methods described highlight the challenges and benefits of co-cultures as experimental model systems.
Metabolic control of immune-competency by odors inDrosophila
Authors: Madhwal Sukanya , Shin Mingyu , Joshi Manish K , Kapoor Ankita , Ur Rehman Pirzada Mujeeb , Gor Kavan , Shim Jiwon , Mukherjee Tina
Published: July 2019

Drosophilablood-progenitor cells generate an inflammatory cell-type termed lamellocyte, in response to parasitic wasp-infections. In this study we show that olfaction primes lamellocyte potential. Specifically, larval odor-detection mediated release of systemic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from neurosecretory cells, is detected and internalized by blood progenitor-cells. GABA catabolism through the GABA-shunt pathway prevents Sima (HIFα) protein degradation. Sima is necessary and sufficient for lamellocyte induction. However, limited systemic GABA availability during development restricts blood-progenitor Sima levels and consequently their lamellocyte potential. PreconditioningDrosophilalarvae in odor environments mimicking parasitoid-threatened conditions raises systemic GABA and blood-progenitor Sima levels. As a result, infection responses in these animals are rapid and efficient. Overall, this study explores the importance of sensory control of myeloid-immunity and unravels the adaptive influence of environmental odor-experience on myeloid-metabolism and priming innate-immune potential.
Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanomedicine preparations of sildenafil designed for the future treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mohamed Nura A. , Saleh Haissam Abou , Kameno Yu , Marei Isra , de Nucci Gilberto , Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Shala Fisnik , Kirkby Nicholas S. , Jennings Lewis , Davies Robert P. , Lickiss Paul D. , Mitchell Jane A.
Published: July 2019

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis, no available cure, and low survival rates. Currently, there are several classes of vasodilator drugs that are widely used as treatment strategies for PAH. These include (i) endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, (ii) phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, (iii) prostacyclin analogues, and (iv) soluble guanylate cyclase activators. Despite their clinical benefits, these therapies are hindered by their systemic side effects. This limitation could be overcome by controlled drug release, with future modifications for targeted drug delivery, using a nanomedicine approach. In the current study, we have evaluated one particular nanomedicine platform (the highly porous iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF) commonly referred to as MIL-89) as a carrier of the PAH drug sildenafil. We have previously shown that MIL-89 is relatively non-toxic in a range of human cell types and well tolerated in vivo. Here we prepared a nano-formulation of MIL-89 (nanoMIL-89) and then successfully charged it with a payload of sildenafil (sil@nanoMIL-891). sil@nanoMIL-89 was then shown to release sildenafil in a biphasic manner with an initial rapid release over 6 hours followed by a more sustained release over 72 hours. Both nanoMIL-89 and sil@nanoMIL-89 were relatively non-toxic when incubated with human endothelial cells for 24 hours. Finally, the vasodilator effect of sil@nanoMIL-89 was measured over 8 hours using isolated mouse aorta. Consistent with drug release kinetics, sil@nanoMIL-89 induced vasodilation after a lag phase of >4 hours. Thus, in sil@nanoMIL-89, we have produced a nano-formulation of sildenafil displaying delayed drug release corresponding to vasodilator activity. Further pharmacological assessment of sil@nanoMIL-89, including in PAH models, is now required and constitutes the subject of ongoing investigation.
Elevated intracellular cAMP concentration mediates growth suppression in glioma cells
Authors: Safitri Dewi , Potter Harriet , Harris Matthew , Winfield Ian , Kopanitsa Liliya , Yeung Ho Yan , Svensson Fredrik , Rahman Taufiq , Harper Matthew T , Bailey David , Ladds Graham
Published: July 2019

Supressed levels of intracellular cAMP have been associated with malignancy. Thus, elevating cAMP through activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) or by inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) may be therapeutically beneficial. Here, we demonstrate that elevated cAMP levels suppress growth in C6 cells (a model of glioma) through treatment with forskolin, an AC activator, or a range of small molecule PDE inhibitors with differing selectivity profiles. Forskolin suppressed cell growth in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner by inducing a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. In contrast, trequinsin (a non-selective PDE2/3/7 inhibitor), not only inhibited cell growth via PKA, but also stimulated (independent of PKA) caspase-3/-7 and induced an aneuploidy phenotype. Interestingly, a cocktail of individual PDE 2,3,7 inhibitors suppressed cell growth in a manner analogous to forskolin but not trequinsin. Finally, we demonstrate that concomitant targeting of both AC and PDEs synergistically elevated intracellular cAMP levels thereby potentiating their antiproliferative actions.
The functional organization of excitation and inhibition in the dendritic arbors of retinal direction-selective ganglion cells
Authors: Jain Varsha , Murphy-Baum Benjamin L. , deRosenroll Geoff , Sethuramanujam Santhosh , Delsey Mike , Delaney Kerry , Awatramani Gautam B.
Published: July 2019

Recent studies indicate that the precise timing and location of excitation and inhibition (E/I) within active dendritic trees can significantly impact neuronal function. How excitatory and inhibitory inputs are functionally organized at the subcellular level in intact circuits remains unclear. To address this issue, we took advantage of the retinal direction-selective ganglion cell circuit, in which directionally tuned inhibitory GABAergic input arising from starburst amacrine cells shape direction-selective dendritic responses. We combined two-photon Ca2+ imaging with genetic, pharmacological, and single-cell ablation methods to examine local E/I. We demonstrate that when active dendritic conductances are blocked, direction selectivity emerges semi-independently within unusually small dendritic segments (<10 µm). Impressively, the direction encoded by each segment is relatively homogenous throughout the ganglion cell’s dendritic tree. Together the results demonstrate a precise subcellular functional organization of excitatory and inhibitory input, which suggests that the parallel processing scheme proposed for direction encoding could be more fine-grained than previously envisioned.
Coexpression enables multi-study cellular trajectories of development and disease
Authors: Hie Brian , Cho Hyunghoon , Bryson Bryan , Berger Bonnie
Published: July 2019

Single-cell transcriptomic studies of diverse and complex systems are becoming ubiquitous. Algorithms now attempt to integrate patterns across these studies by removing all study-specific information, without distinguishing unwanted technical bias from relevant biological variation. Integration remains difficult when capturing biological variation that is distributed across studies, as when combining disparate temporal snapshots into a panoramic, multi-study trajectory of cellular development. Here, we show that a fundamental analytic shift to gene coexpression within clusters of cells, rather than gene expression within individual cells, balances robustness to bias with preservation of meaningful inter-study differences. We leverage this insight in Trajectorama, an algorithm which we use to unify trajectories of neuronal development and hematopoiesis across studies that each profile separate developmental stages, a highly challenging task for existing methods. Trajectorama also reveals systems-level processes relevant to disease pathogenesis within the microglial response to myelin injury. Trajectorama benefits from efficiency and scalability, processing nearly one million cells in around an hour.
GV1001 prevents ovarian follicle loss triggered by an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody targeting non-small cell lung carcinoma xenografts in mice
Authors: Jang Dongmin , Min Churl K. , Lee Jisun , Jang Young-Ju , Kim Miran , Hwang Kyungjoo
Published: July 2019

Premature ovarian failure (POF) that could result from chemotherapy applied to young female cancer patients is a significant challenge in reproductive biology. It is widely believed that the hyperactivation of dormant primordial follicles following chemotherapy is a leading cause of POF, but it remains unclear how therapeutic cues are generated and transduced into follicular activation. Here, we provide evidence that supports that GV1001, an immunotherapeutic peptide targeting telomerase, plays a role in the deterrence of POF in mice. In vivo non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumor xenografts were produced by inoculating NSCLC cells into the flank of BALB/c female athymic mice and then subjected to cancer chemotherapy with GV1001 and bevacizumab, an anti-cancer antibody drug, humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody. Bevacizumab when administered at the dosage of 5 mg/kg for three weeks was effective in inhibiting growth of NSCLC tumor xenografts, and its anti-cancer efficacy was not interfered by the presence of GV1001. As expected, bevacizumab induced follicular loss by accelerating primordial follicle growth into primary or secondary follicles concomitant with a decline of serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) level and deactivation of Foxo3 signaling as evidenced by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assessment. However, bevacizumab-induced follicle stimulating effects were mitigated by GV1001 co-administration as evidenced by the analysis of follicular count, serum AMH level, and Foxo3a expression. From this study, we propose that a combinatorial administration of GV1001 and bevacizumab could deter POF of young female cancer patients without hampering the anti-cancer effectiveness of bevacizumab.
Electrocutaneous stimulation to the face inhibits motor evoked potentials in the hand: face-hand interactions revealed by afferent inhibition
Authors: Ramalho Bia L. , Moly Julien , Raffin Estelle , Harquel Sylvain , Farnè Alessandro , Reilly Karen T.
Published: July 2019

Reorganization of the sensorimotor cortex following amputation and other interventions has revealed large-scale plastic changes between the hand and face representations. To investigate whether hand-face interactions are also present in the normal state of the system we measured sensorimotor interactions between these two areas using an afferent inhibition transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol in which the TMS motor evoked potential (MEP) is inhibited when it is preceded by an afferent stimulus. We hypothesized that if hand-face interactions exist in the normal state of the system then stimulation of the face would inhibit hand MEPs. In two separate experiments we delivered an electrocutaneous stimulus to either the right upper lip (Experiment 1) or right cheek (Experiment 2) and recorded muscular activity from the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI). Both lip and cheek stimulation inhibited FDI MEPs. To investigate the specificity of this effect we conducted two additional experiments in which cutaneous stimulation was applied to either the right forearm (Experiment 3) or right arm (Experiment 4). Neither forearm nor arm stimulation inhibited FDI MEPs. These data provide the first evidence for face-to-hand afferent inhibition and we suggest that the mechanisms underlying these sensorimotor interactions could contribute to face/hand interactions observed following sensorimotor reorganisation.
Goiter parenchyma, blood vessels and lymphatics contain Staphylococcus epidermidis - saprophyte or pathogen?
Authors: Durowicz Sergiusz , Zaleska Marzanna , Olszewski Waldemar L. , Stelmach Ewa , Piskorska Katarzyna , Swoboda-Kopeć Ewa , Tarnowski Wiesław
Published: July 2019

Background

Goiter in its various clinical and histopathological forms is accompanied by an inflammatory process requiring intensive therapy. The thyroid gland is an organ specifically exposed to the microbial environment due to its close location to the mouth microbiome. A number of bacterial phenotypes has been detected in the inflamed thyroid gland. A question raises as to whether bacteria have not already been present in the thyroid gland before the clinical symptoms of goiter became evident.

Aim

To answer the questions: a) do the goiter tissue structures contain bacteria, b) if so, which bacterial phenotypes can be identified, c) what are the genetic similarities of the thyroid and periodontal bacterial strains.

Material and methods

Studies were carried out in 60 patients with the non-toxic multinodular goiter in 40 cases, toxic multinodular goiter in 10, single adenoma in 3, Hashimoto’s disease with nodular changes in 4 and recurrent thyroid disease in 3. Tissue fragments harvested during surgery were placed on Columbia blood agar base enriched with 5% defibrinated sheep blood. In this method bacteria present in the tissue slowly proliferate in their in vivo transferred to ex-vivo environment, crawl out and form the on-plate colonies. It enables detection of single bacteria usually difficult in a standard planktonic culture.

Results

a) Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were shown growing on culture plates in above 50% of thyroid parenchyma, veins, arteries and adjacent lymphoid tissue specimens, b) tissue-originating colony-forming bacteria appeared on plates on day 3, but in some as late as after 12-21 days, c) all isolates were sensitive to the basic antibiotics, d) bacterial thyroid and oral DNA tests showed similarities indicating possibility of the oral origin, e) the on-plate time-prolonged cultures showed shrinking of the colonies and upon adding liquid medium formed the small variant colonies.

Conclusions

Thyroid gland tissues contained in above 50% of specimens the coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Over 88% similarity of the genetic pattern of Staphylococcus epidermidis strain from tooth, oropharyngeal and thyroid tissues, estimated with PCR MP technique, suggested their periodontium origin.
Capsicum cultivated under adverse conditions in Southern Japan produces higher concentrations of antioxidants and pungent components
Authors: Kajiya Katsuko , Yamanouchi Hiroki , Tanaka Yurika , Hayashi Hiroka , Minami Yuji
Published: July 2019

Growing crops in sabulous soils is often challenging due to their limited oligotrophy and weak water retention. However, some plants adapt to these adverse growth conditions, and in some cases, favorable properties are imparted to the fruit. This study investigated the influence of the cultivation environment on Capsicum by assessing the levels and functions of both pungent components and antioxidants when cultivated in sandy soils in Southern Japan; these parameters were then compared to those in traditional tropical-origin Capsicum. In seven varieties of Capsicum, the distribution of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin differed between the pericarp and seeds within the placenta. The leaves and fruits of Habanero orange and Tabasco, which are the most suitable for cultivation in sandy soil, were collected during the cultivation period and analyzed in terms of their size, color, and pungent component composition. Pungent components were detected in fruits only, and not in leaf or flower samples. In particular, we found that pungent components were generally present within the seeds and placenta. Antioxidant activity and nitric oxide production within human vascular endothelial cells were also evaluated to compare the differences in their functionality. Satsuma-Habanero orange cultivated under adverse conditions possessed the highest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, Satsuma-Capsicum cultivated under adverse conditions exhibited higher levels of antioxidants than traditional tropical-origin peppers, and induced similar levels of nitric oxide production in the vascular endothelial cells. We concluded that Capsicum cultivated in harsh environments produced beneficial effects such as higher levels of antioxidants and capsaicinoids in seeds and placenta. Moreover, the fruits from these plants could be harvested for a significantly longer period and took longer to spoil than traditional Capsicum; thus, they show merit as a viable commercial crop in Japan.
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase (Hipk) is required for nervous system and muscle structure and function
Authors: Wang Simon , Sinclair Donald A.R. , Kim Hae-Yoon , Kinsey Stephen D. , Yoo Byoungjoo , Wong Kenneth Kin-Lam , Krieger Charles , Harden Nicholas , Verheyen Esther M.
Published: July 2019

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinases (Hipk) have been previously associated with cell proliferation and cancer, however, their effects in the nervous system are less well understood. We have used Drosophila melanogaster to evaluate the effects of altered Hipk expression on the nervous system and muscle. Using genetic manipulation of Hipk expression we demonstrate that knockdown and over-expression of Hipk produces early adult lethality, partially due to the effects on the nervous system and muscle involvement. We find that optimal levels of Hipk are critical for the function of dopaminergic neurons and glial cells in the nervous system, as well as muscle. Furthermore, manipulation of Hipk affects the structure of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and increases motor neuron axonal branching. Hipk regulates the phosphorylation of the synapse-associated cytoskeletal protein Hts (adducin) and modulates the expression of two important protein kinases, Calcium-calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) and Partitioning-defective 1 (PAR-1), all of which may alter neuromuscular function and influence lethality. Hipk also modifies the distribution of an important nuclear protein, TBPH, the fly orthologue of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), which may have relevance for understanding motor neuron diseases.
Latent variable modelling and variational inference for scRNA-seq differential expression analysis
Authors: Godinho Joana , Carvalho Alexandra M. , Vinga Susana
Published: July 2019

Disease profiling, treatment development, and the identification of new cell populations are some of the most relevant applications relying on differentially expressed genes (DEG) analysis. In this context, three leading technologies emerged; namely, DNA microarrays, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the main focus of this work. Although scRNA-seq tends to offer more accurate data, it is still limited by many confounding factors. We introduce two novel approaches to assess DEG: extended Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial factorization (ext-ZINBayes) and single-cell differential analysis (SIENA). In addition, we benchmark the proposed methods with known DEG analysis tools for single-cell and bulk RNA data, using two real public datasets. One contains house mouse cells of two different types, while the other gathers human peripheral blood mononuclear cells divided into four types. The results show that the two procedures can be very competitive with existing methods (scVI, SCDE, MAST, and DEseq) in identifying relevant putative biomarkers. In terms of scalability and correctness, SIENA stands out from ext-ZINBayes and some of the existing methods. As single-cell datasets become increasingly larger, SIENA may emerge as a powerful tool to discover functional differences between two conditions. Both methods are publicly available (https://github.com/JoanaGodinho/SIENA, https://github.com/JoanaGodinho/ext-ZINBayes).
Crystal structure of (E)-N′-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide
Authors: Chantrapromma Suchada , Kwong Huey Chong , Prachumrat Patcharawadee , Kobkeatthawin Thawanrat , Chia Tze Shyang , Quah Ching Kheng
Published: July 2019

In the title benzohydrazide derivative, C14H12N2O4, the azomethine C=N double bond has an E configuration. The hydrazide connecting bridge, (C=O)—(NH)—N=(CH), is nearly planar with C—C—N—N and C—N—N=C torsion angles of −177.33 (10) and −174.98 (12)°, respectively. The 4-hydroxyphenyl and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl rings are slightly twisted, making a dihedral angle of 9.18 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network, while further consolidated via π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.6480 (8) and 3.7607 (8) Å]. The conformation is compared to those of related benzylidene-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives.
Biochemical and structural explorations of α-hydroxyacid oxidases reveal a four-electron oxidative decarboxylation reaction
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Wei , Lin Kuan-Hung , Lyu Syue-Yi , Li Yi-Shan , Huang Chun-Man , Wang Yung-Lin , Shih Hao-Wei , Hsu Ning-Shian , Wu Chang-Jer , Li Tsung-Lin
Published: July 2019

p-Hydroxymandelate oxidase (Hmo) is a flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-dependent enzyme that oxidizes mandelate to benzoylformate. How the FMN-dependent oxidation is executed by Hmo remains unclear at the molecular level. A continuum of snapshots from crystal structures of Hmo and its mutants in complex with physiological/nonphysiological substrates, products and inhibitors provides a rationale for its substrate enantioselectivity/promiscuity, its active-site geometry/reactivity and its direct hydride-transfer mechanism. A single mutant, Y128F, that extends the two-electron oxidation reaction to a four-electron oxidative decarboxylation reaction was unexpectedly observed. Biochemical and structural approaches, including biochemistry, kinetics, stable isotope labeling and X-ray crystallography, were exploited to reach these conclusions and provide additional insights.
A new strategy for describing the characteristics of bending line in flexible push bending
Authors: Zhang Zengkun , Wu Jianjun , Shang Qi , Jiang Qiang , Yang Junzhou , Guo Ruichao
Published: July 2019

Purpose

When manufacturing an arc-shaped tube product using push bending process, the transition zone and outfeed zone will inevitably occur. Transition zone and outfeed zone are caused by the kinematical motion of mobile tools. The existence of transition zone and outfeed zone will lead to a big deviation between the forming product and desired shape. To improve the forming quality of arc-shaped products in push bending, the transition zone and outfeed zone are investigated in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A piecewise function is used to describe the bending characteristics along bending line, in which a series of vibration parameters are extracted and considered as control values.

Findings

The new strategy is helpful for finding the relationship between tools motion and curvature distribution and improving the bending lines design procedure in flexible push bending.

Originality/value

The new strategy is helpful for finding the relationship between tools motion and curvature distribution and improving the bending lines design procedure in flexible push bending.
Isogeometric boundary integral formulation for Reissner’s plate problems
Authors: Abdelmoety Ahmed K. , Naga Taha H.A. , Rashed Youssef F.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a new isogeometric boundary element formulation based on non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS) curves for solving Reissner’s shear-deformable plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized displacements and tractions along the problem boundary are approximated as NURBS curves having the same rational B-spline basis functions used to describe the geometrical boundary of the problem. The source points positions are determined over the problem boundary by the well-known Greville abscissae definition. The singular integrals are accurately evaluated using the singularity subtraction technique.

Findings

Numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the validity and the accuracy of the developed formulation.

Originality/value

This formulation is considered to preserve the exact geometry of the problem and to reduce or cancel mesh generation time by using NURBS curves employed in computer aided designs as a tool for isogeometric analysis. The present formulation extends such curves to be implemented as a stress analysis tool.
Proposing a conceptual framework for customer identity and access management
Authors: Rasouli Hatef , Valmohammadi Changiz
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Customer identity and access management (CIAM) is a sub-genre of traditional identity and access management (IAM) that has emerged in the past few years to meet evolving business requirements. CIAM focuses on the connectivity with the customer when accessing any type of systems, on-premises and in the cloud, from registration to track. The purpose of this study is to introduce different dimensions of CIAM toward exploiting them in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a thorough review of the relevant literature and semi-structured interview with six experts in the field of digital IAM the necessary data were gathered. Then through the use of content analysis technique, analytic codes and also categories and sub-categories of the data were generated.

Findings

Results indicate that four categories, namely, customer identity management, customer access management and information technology and business management are the most important factors affecting the identification of CIAM dimensions.

Originality/value

Organizations could avail of the proposed conceptual model toward identification and offering customized products and services solutions to their customers.
Parallel two-step finite element algorithm for the stationary incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Ping Yuan , Su Haiyan , Feng Xinlong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a local parallel finite element algorithm based on fully overlapping domain decomposition technique to solve the incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm uses a lower-order element pair to compute an initial approximation by the Oseen-type iteration and uses a higher-order element pair to solve a linear system in each processor.

Findings

Besides, the convergence analysis of local parallel finite element algorithm is given. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

Originality/value

Compared with the numerical solution of the common two-step method, this method is easy to realize and can produce a more accurate solution. And, this approach is executed in parallel, so it saves a lot of computational time.
Headwinds in sports sponsoring
Authors: Schafraad Pytrik , Verhoeven Joost W.M.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of a crisis situation in a sports team on the credibility of their sponsor and how the sponsor’s use of various crises response strategies may repair the damage done to their credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario experiment was conducted with a 2 (pre-/post-crisis) × 4 (sponsor response strategy: denial/distancing/rebuild/no response) mixed factor design. Respondents (n=191) were recruited from a research panel.

Findings

The results confirmed the existence of a spill-over effect: the sponsor’s credibility dropped as a result of the crisis. More interestingly, the effects of the crisis on sponsor credibility were moderated by the response strategy of the sponsor: the harm that the crisis did to the sponsor credibility was aggravated by a denial strategy, but somewhat weakened by a diminishing strategy. A rebuild response unexpectedly improved the credibility of the sponsor.

Practical implications

While partnerships in sports can be risky, because crises can be contagious, such partners can also help one another to protect their credibility. Therefore, this study advocates an integral approach of crisis communication. Sponsors may improve their credibility when they frame their contribution to the solution to the problems as an authentic effort to do good.

Originality/value

Starting from an issue arena perspective, this contribution shows how crises in sports teams also affect sponsors and how sponsors can contribute to the restoration of the damaged credibility with suitable responses to the crisis situation.
Relationship between work motivation scale and TPACK
Authors: Fernandes Semila , Gupta Pooja , Kumar V.V. Ajith
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the academic motives of faculty in higher education to understand the pattern of relationships between work motivation scale (WMS) and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK).

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts regression analysis to help model the data collected from 63 faculty members from India. The empirical study investigated the relationship of intrinsic motivation (IntrM), integrated motivation (InteM), identified motivation (IdenM), introjected motivation (IntrjM), external regulation motivation (ExtR) and amotivation (Amot) with each of technological knowledge (TK), (pedagogical knowledge (PK), content knowledge (CK) and TPACK.

Findings

Optimal functioning among faculty was due to “InteM” followed by “IntrM” and “IdenM” that yielded most positive consequence (mean values>3.9). “ExtR” and “Amot” were the negative outcomes that would be counterproductive and result in employee dejection (Mean values<3.1). The results proved that all TPACK variables were positively related to “IntrM” – a self-determined motivation. Additionally, “TK” and “PK’ were positively related to “IntrjM” – a behavior that is regulated by self-esteem and self-worth; “TPACK” depicted positive relationship with “IntrjM” and negative correlation with “IdenM.”

Research limitations/implications

The study supported the fact that TPACK and WMS when analyzed together can create better engagement models among the faculty for an enriching learner experience interaction. Furthermore, it would help identify specific strategies on teacher development training programs through the integration of technology.

Originality/value

The study is original and seeks to inspect the relationship between TPACK and WMS among faculty of higher education in Indian business schools.