bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel systems biology approach to evaluate mouse models of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors:   the MODEL-AD Consortium, Preuss Christoph , Pandey Ravi , Piazza Erin , Fine Alexander , Uyar Asli , Perumal Thanneer , Garceau Dylan , Kotredes Kevin P. , Williams Harriet , Mangravite Lara M. , Lamb Bruce T. , Oblak Adrian L. , Howell Gareth R. , Sasner Michael , Logsdon Benjamin A. , Carter Gregory W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide. To date, animal models of Alzheimer’s have focused on rare familial mutations, due to a lack of frank neuropathology from models based on common disease genes. Recent multi-cohort studies of postmortem human brain transcriptomes have identified a set of 30 gene co-expression modules associated with LOAD, providing a molecular catalog of relevant endophenotypes.

Results

This resource enables precise gene-based alignment between new animal models and human molecular signatures of disease. Here, we describe a new resource to efficiently screen mouse models for LOAD relevance. A new NanoString nCounter® Mouse AD panel was designed to correlate key human disease processes and pathways with mRNA from mouse brains. Analysis of the 5xFAD mouse, a widely used amyloid pathology model, and three mouse models based on LOAD genetics carrying APOE4 and TREM2*R47H alleles demonstrated overlaps with distinct human AD modules that, in turn, were functionally enriched in key disease-associated pathways. Comprehensive comparison with full transcriptome data from same-sample RNA-Seq showed strong correlation between gene expression changes independent of experimental platform.

Conclusions

Taken together, we show that the nCounter Mouse AD panel offers a rapid, cost-effective and highly reproducible approach to assess disease relevance of potential LOAD mouse models.
Prognostic implication of human papillomavirus types in cervical cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Qiu Yichao , Yuan Shuang , Wang Hongjing
Published: November 2020

Background

To estimate the prognostic relevance of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and HPV 18 in patients with cervical cancer.

Method

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), CNKI, and Wanfang databases to search primary articles illustrating the survival outcomes in cervical cancer patients with or without HPV 16/18 infection. A meta-analysis was conducted to generate a combined hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 13 studies were included. Our meta-analysis revealed that HPV 16 positive did not have any impact on OS (HR, 0.76; 95% CI = 0.37–1.54; P = 0.44). Cervical cancer patiensts infected with HPV 18 had worse OS (HR, 1.66; 95% CI = 1.28–2.17; P = 0.0001), DFS (HR, 2.10; 95% CI = 1.73–2.54; P < 0.0001) and worse PFS (HR, 2.97; 95% CI = 1.69–5.23; P = 0.00012) compared with those not infected with HPV 18. cervical cancer patiensts infected with HPV 18 had worse PFS compared with those infected with HPV 16 ((HR, 1.34; 95% CI = 1.06–1.70; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Cervical cancer patients infected with HPV 18 had worse survival compared with cervical cancer patients with HPV 16 infection.
HMGB1 released from GSDME-mediated pyroptotic epithelial cells participates in the tumorigenesis of colitis-associated colorectal cancer through the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Tan Gao , Huang Chongyang , Chen Jiaye , Zhi Fachao
Published: November 2020

Background

Pyroptosis is a form of proinflammatory gasdermin-mediated programmed cell death. Abnormal mucosal inflammation in the intestine is a critical risk factor for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). However, it is unknown whether pyroptosis participates in the development of CAC.

Methods

To investigate the role of gasdermin E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis in the development of CAC, Gsdme−/− mice and their wild-type (WT) littermate controls were challenged with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce a CAC model. Neutralizing antibodies against high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) were used to determine the role of HMGB1 in CAC. To identify the role of ERK1/2 in HMGB1-induced colon cancer cell proliferation, we performed western blotting and CCK8 assays using the ERK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126 in CT26 colon cancer cells.

Results

In the CAC model, Gsdme−/− mice exhibited reduced weight loss and colon shortening, attenuated rectal prolapse, and reduced tumor numbers and sizes compared to WT littermates. Furthermore, treatment with neutralizing anti-HMGB1 antibodies decreased the numbers and sizes of tumors, ERK1/2 activation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in AOM/DSS-challenged WT mice. In addition, our in vitro experiments demonstrated that HMGB1 induced proliferation and PCNA expression in CT26 colon cancer cells through the ERK1/2 pathway.

Conclusion

GSDME-mediated pyroptosis promotes the development of CAC by releasing HMGB1, which induces tumor cell proliferation and PCNA expression through the ERK1/2 pathway. This finding reveals a previously unrecognized link between pyroptosis and CAC tumorigenesis and offers new insight into CAC pathogenesis.
Corticosteroid therapy for coronavirus disease 2019-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: a cohort study with propensity score analysis
Authors: Wu Chaomin , Hou Dongni , Du Chunling , Cai Yanping , Zheng Junhua , Xu Jie , Chen Xiaoyan , Chen Cuicui , Hu Xianglin , Zhang Yuye , Song Juan , Wang Lu , Chao Yen-cheng , Feng Yun , Xiong Weining , Chen Dechang , Zhong Ming , Hu Jie , Jiang Jinjun , Bai Chunxue , Zhou Xin , Xu Jinfu , Song Yuanlin , Gong Fengyun
Published: November 2020

Background

The impact of corticosteroid therapy on outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly controversial. We aimed to compare the risk of death between COVID-19-related ARDS patients with corticosteroid treatment and those without.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective observational study, patients with ARDS caused by COVID-19 between January 20, 2020, and February 24, 2020, were enrolled. The primary outcome was 60-day in-hospital death. The exposure was prescribed systemic corticosteroids or not. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 60-day in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 382 patients [60.7 ± 14.1 years old (mean ± SD), 61.3% males] were analyzed. The median of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was 2.0 (IQR 2.0–3.0). Of these cases, 94 (24.6%) patients had invasive mechanical ventilation. The number of patients received systemic corticosteroids was 226 (59.2%), and 156 (40.8%) received standard treatment. The maximum dose of corticosteroids was 80.0 (IQR 40.0–80.0) mg equivalent methylprednisolone per day, and duration of corticosteroid treatment was 7.0 (4.0–12.0) days in total. In Cox regression analysis using corticosteroid treatment as a time-varying variable, corticosteroid treatment was associated with a significant reduction in risk of in-hospital death within 60 days after adjusting for age, sex, SOFA score at hospital admission, propensity score of corticosteroid treatment, comorbidities, antiviral treatment, and respiratory supports (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.21, 0.85; p = 0.0160). Corticosteroids were not associated with delayed viral RNA clearance in our cohort.

Conclusion

In this clinical practice setting, low-dose corticosteroid treatment was associated with reduced risk of in-hospital death within 60 days in COVID-19 patients who developed ARDS.
Pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease inflammation and recurrence
Authors: Petagna L. , Antonelli A. , Ganini C. , Bellato V. , Campanelli M. , Divizia A. , Efrati C. , Franceschilli M. , Guida A. M. , Ingallinella S. , Montagnese F. , Sensi B. , Siragusa L. , Sica G. S.
Published: November 2020

Chron’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease, first described at the beginning of the last century. The disease is characterized by the alternation of periods of flares and remissions influenced by a complex pathogenesis in which inflammation plays a key role. Crohn’s disease evolution is mediated by a complex alteration of the inflammatory response which is characterized by alterations of the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa barrier together with a remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the expression of metalloproteins and increased adhesion molecules expression, such as MAcCAM-1. This reshaped microenvironment enhances leucocytes migration in the sites of inflammation, promoting a TH1 response, through the production of cytokines such as IL-12 and TNF-α. IL-12 itself and IL-23 have been targeted for the medical treatment of CD. Giving the limited success of medical therapies, the treatment of the disease is invariably surgical. This review will highlight the role of inflammation in CD and describe the surgical approaches for the prevention of the almost inevitable recurrence.
Precise levels of nectin-3 are required for proper synapse formation in postnatal visual cortex
Authors: Tomorsky Johanna , Parker Philip R. L. , Doe Chris Q. , Niell Cristopher M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Developing cortical neurons express a tightly choreographed sequence of cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins to form and strengthen specific synaptic connections during circuit formation. Nectin-3 is a cell-adhesion molecule with previously described roles in synapse formation and maintenance. This protein and its binding partner, nectin-1, are selectively expressed in upper-layer neurons of mouse visual cortex, but their role in the development of cortical circuits is unknown.

Methods

Here we block nectin-3 expression (via shRNA) or overexpress nectin-3 in developing layer 2/3 visual cortical neurons using in utero electroporation. We then assay dendritic spine densities at three developmental time points: eye opening (postnatal day (P)14), one week following eye opening after a period of heightened synaptogenesis (P21), and at the close of the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity (P35).

Results

Knockdown of nectin-3 beginning at E15.5 or ~ P19 increased dendritic spine densities at P21 or P35, respectively. Conversely, overexpressing full length nectin-3 at E15.5 decreased dendritic spine densities when all ages were considered together. The effects of nectin-3 knockdown and overexpression on dendritic spine densities were most significant on proximal secondary apical dendrites. Interestingly, an even greater decrease in dendritic spine densities, particularly on basal dendrites at P21, was observed when we overexpressed nectin-3 lacking its afadin binding domain.

Conclusion

These data collectively suggest that the proper levels and functioning of nectin-3 facilitate normal synapse formation after eye opening on apical and basal dendrites in layer 2/3 of visual cortex.
Effects of habitat modifications on the movement behavior of animals: the case study of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and tropical tunas
Authors: Pérez Géraldine , Dagorn Laurent , Deneubourg Jean-Louis , Forget Fabien , Filmalter John D. , Holland Kim , Itano David , Adam Shiham , Jauharee Riyaz , Beeharry Sunil P. , Capello Manuela
Published: November 2020

Background

Aggregation sites represent important sources of environmental heterogeneity and can modify the movement behavior of animals. When these sites are artificially established through anthropogenic actions, the consequent alterations to animal movements may impact their ecology with potential implications for their fitness. Floating objects represent important sources of habitat heterogeneity for tropical tunas, beneath which these species naturally aggregate in large numbers. Man-made floating objects, called Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD), are used by fishers on a massive scale to facilitate fishing operations. In addition to the direct impacts that fishing with FADs has on tuna populations, assessing the effects of increasing the numbers of FADs on the ecology of tuna is key for generating sound management and conservation measures.

Methods

This study investigates the effects of increasing numbers of FADs (aggregation sites) on the movements of tunas, through the comparison of electronic tagging data recorded from 146 individuals tunas (yellowfin tuna,Thunnus albacares, and skipjack tuna,Katsuwonus pelamis) tagged in three instrumented anchored FAD arrays (Mauritius, Oahu-Hawaii and Maldives), that differed according to their distances among neighboring FADs. The effect of increasing inter-FAD distances is studied considering a set of indices (residence times at FADs and absence (travel) times between two visits at FADs) and their trends.

Results

When inter-FAD distances decrease, tuna visit more FADs (higher connectivity between FADs), spend less time travelling between FADs and more time associated with them. The trends observed for the absence (travel) times appear to be compatible with a random-search component in the movement behaviour of tunas. Conversely, FAD residence times showed opposite trends, which could be a result of social behavior and/or prey availability.

Conclusion

Our results provide the first evidence of changes in tuna associative behavior for increasing FAD densities. More generally, they highlight the need for comparing animal movements in heterogeneous habitats in order to improve understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic habitat modifications on the ecology of wild animals.
Patterns of foraging activity and fidelity in a southeast Asian flying fox
Authors: Schloesing Elodie , Chambon Rémi , Tran Annelise , Choden Kinley , Ravon Sébastien , Epstein Jonathan H. , Hoem Thavry , Furey Neil , Labadie Morgane , Bourgarel Mathieu , De Nys Hélène M. , Caron Alexandre , Cappelle Julien
Published: November 2020

Background

Improved understanding of the foraging ecology of bats in the face of ongoing habitat loss and modification worldwide is essential to their conservation and maintaining the substantial ecosystem services they provide. It is also fundamental to assessing potential transmission risks of zoonotic pathogens in human-wildlife interfaces. We evaluated the influence of environmental and behavioral variables on the foraging patterns ofPteropus lylei(a reservoir of Nipah virus) in a heterogeneous landscape in Cambodia.

Methods

We employed an approach based on animal-movement modeling, which comprised a path-segmentation method (hidden Markov model) to identify individual foraging-behavior sequences in GPS data generated by eightP. lylei. We characterized foraging localities, foraging activity, and probability of returning to a given foraging locality over consecutive nights. Generalized linear mixed models were also applied to assess the influence of several variables including proxies for energetic costs and quality of foraging areas.

Results

Bats performed few foraging bouts (area-restricted searches) during a given night, mainly in residential areas, and the duration of these decreased during the night. The probability of a bat revisiting a given foraging area within 48 h varied according to the duration previously spent there, its distance to the roost site, and the corresponding habitat type. We interpret these fine-scale patterns in relation to global habitat quality (including food-resource quality and predictability), habitat-familiarity and experience of each individual.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that heterogeneous human-made environments may promote complex patterns of foraging-behavior and short-term re-visitation in fruit bat species that occur in such landscapes. This highlights the need for similarly detailed studies to understand the processes that maintain biodiversity in these environments and assess the potential for pathogen transmission in human-wildlife interfaces.
Trace element distribution in human cortical bone microstructure: the potential for unravelling diet and social status in archaeological bones
Authors: Rasmussen Kaare Lund , Milner George R. , Delbey Thomas , Skytte Lilian , Lynnerup Niels , Thomsen Jørgen Lange , Schiavone Simone , Torino Marielva , Larsen Lars Agersnap , Boldsen Jesper Lier
Published: November 2020

Variation in the trace element chemistry of cortical bone microstructure is delineated for interred and non-interred human femora. This was done to investigate the range of element concentrations that might occur within single bones, specifically the original laminar bone and later osteons, and its potential for investigating chemical life histories. To do so, femora were chosen from individuals who experienced quite different ways of life over the past two millennia. The distributions of Sr, Ba, Cu, and Pb, mostly in partial (early) and complete (late) osteons, in cross-sections of proximal femora were characterized through Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Absolute calibrations of these data were obtained using solution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry on adjacent dissolved bulk samples. Chemical life histories were approximated by classifying bone microstructure into four categories: laminar bone and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation osteons. This four-part sequence, on average, charts the temporal dimension of an individual’s life. Consistent with recent studies of medieval bones, Sr and Ba are thought to be mainly responsive to diet, presumably related to the consumption of mostly locally produced food, while Cu and Pb do the same for heavy metal exposure often attributable to social status or occupation. No systematic differences in these elements were found between interred and non-interred individuals. The effect of diagenesis on interpretations of life histories based on archaeological bone, therefore, are minimized by plotting element concentrations across cortical bone cross-sections.
Two-year consecutive concurrences of positive Indian Ocean Dipole and Central Pacific El Niño preconditioned the 2019/2020 Australian “black summer” bushfires
Authors: Wang Guojian , Cai Wenju
Published: November 2020

The 2019/20 Australian black summer bushfires were particularly severe in many respects, including its early commencement, large spatial coverage, and large number of burning days, preceded by record dry and hot anomalies. Determining whether greenhouse warming has played a role is an important issue. Here, we examine known modes of tropical climate variability that contribute to droughts in Australia to provide a gauge. We find that a two-year consecutive concurrence of the 2018 and 2019 positive Indian Ocean Dipole and the 2018 and 2019 Central Pacific El Niño, with the former affecting Southeast Australia, and the latter influencing eastern and northeastern Australia, may explain many characteristics of the fires. Such consecutive events occurred only once in the observations since 1911. Using two generations of state-of-the-art climate models under historical and a business-as-usual emission scenario, we show that the frequency of such consecutive concurrences increases slightly, but rainfall anomalies during such events are stronger in the future climate, and there are drying trends across Australia. The impact of the stronger rainfall anomalies during such events under drying trends is likely to be exacerbated by greenhouse warming-induced rise in temperatures, making such events in the future even more extreme.
Mechanisms for development in corporate citizenship: a multi-level review
Authors: Ogola Fredrick Onyango , Mària Josep F.
Published: November 2020

Social Responsibility, referred to in this study as Corporate Citizenship (CC) has experienced continued growth in significance among academics and corporate leaders. The absence of a multi-level approach to what would explain the advancement in CC has inhibited a realization of singularly conclusive study. In fact, nearly every scholar in the field of CC has come up with their perspective to explain the mechanisms for development in corporate citizenship, none of them being singularly conclusive. This study takes multi-level review of the current body of knowledge on mechanisms for development in corporate citizenship. This is achieved through a comprehensive synthesis of the literature around the mechanisms for development in CC from a multi-level perspective. The findings show that the majority of scholars still populate disciplinary, specialized micro- (Managerial values), meso- (Business Case) or macro- (Institutional Mechanisms) as a driver for the development of CC. we also found out that previous studies that have explored to explain drivers for CC either falls under the Managerial values, business case, or Institutional mechanisms. The findings also indicate that none of the singular perspectives have explained development in CC with conclusive results. Further the study demonstrates that it is the interaction between the different three levels of mechanisms for CC development (BC, MVs and IMs), but not acting separately is what could be driving CC to another level. Finally this study, recommends a multi-level approach to the study in social responsibility.
Göte Turesson’s research legacy to Hereditas: from the ecotype concept in plants to the analysis of landraces’ diversity in crops
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: November 2020

Hereditas began with articles on plants since its first issue in May 1920 (six out of eight) and continued with more original articles (43% of the total of this journal) on plants (of which 72% of those in plants were on crops) until today. In December 1922, the 140-page article The Genotypical Response of the Plant Species to the Habitat by evolutionary botanist Göte Turesson (Institute of Genetics, Lund University, Åkarp, Sweden) became available. This publication shows that plant phenology has a genetic basis and may ensue from local adaptation. As a result of this research involving various plant species, Turesson elaborated further in this article his term ecotype “as an ecological sub-unit to cover the product arising as a result of the genotypical response of an ecospecies to a particular habitat.” Although plant articles included in Hereditas involved from its beginning, trait inheritance, mutants, linkage analysis, cytology or cytogenetics, and more recently gene mapping and analysis of quantitative trait loci with the aid of DNA markers, among others, since the mid-1980s several publications refer to the population biology of plant landraces, which are locally grown cultivars that evolved over time by adapting to their natural and cultural environment (i.e., agriculture), and that may become isolated from other populations of the same crop. This article provides a briefing about research on plant science in the journal with emphasis on crops, summarizes the legacy to genetics of Göte Turesson, and highlights some landrace diversity research results and their potential for plant breeding.
Horsemeat in the culinary traditions of the Mishär Tatar diaspora in the eastern Baltic Sea region: cultural and historical aspects
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , Ståhlberg Sabira , Bekkin Renat
Published: November 2020

Hippophagy is still unthinkable in many European countries, but in the Mishär Tatar culinary tradition, horsemeat products play an important role. Part of the Mishär Tatars, originally from Nizhny Novgorod province (Russia), migrated to the eastern Baltic Sea region in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. They continued to slaughter horses and eat horseflesh, despite being opposed and stigmatized by the majority in their new surroundings. Today, home slaughtering has disappeared, and the tradition focuses mainly on sausages prepared for domestic consumption or bought in food stores. Horsemeat is today considered a delicacy and an important aspect of commensality among Mishär Tatars. There is a small and persistent market for horseflesh products in the eastern Baltic Sea area, mainly Finland, Saint Petersburg (Russia), Estonia, and Latvia. Hippophagy continues to play an important role for the diaspora Mishär Tatar identity and the preservation of traditional narrative and culture, and so far it has resisted all adaptation attempts in the majority societies, where horsemeat is frowned upon.
CSN5 Promotes Carcinogenesis of Thyroid Carcinoma Cells Through ANGPTL2
Authors: Xie Peiyi , Wang Hui , Fang Jiayu , Du Dongnian , Tian Ze , Zhen Jing , Liu Yue , Ding Yongqi , Fu Bidong , Liu Fanrong , Huang Da , Yu Jichun
Published: November 2020

COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) plays a key role in carcinogenesis of multiple cancers and contributes to the stabilization of target proteins through deubiquitylation. However, the underlying role of CSN5 in thyroid carcinoma has not been reported. In this research, our data showed that CSN5 was overexpressed in thyroid carcinoma tissues compared with paracancerous tissues. Furthermore, a series of gain/loss functional assays were performed to demonstrate the role of CSN5 in facilitating thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis. Additionally, we found there was a positive correlation between CSN5 and angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) protein levels in thyroid carcinoma tissues and that CSN5 promoted thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis through ANGPTL2. We also identified the underlying mechanism that CSN5 elevated ANGPTL2 protein level by directly binding it, decreasing its ubiquitination and degradation. Overall, our results highlight the significance of CSN5 in promoting thyroid carcinoma carcinogenesis and implicate CSN5 as a promising candidate for thyroid carcinoma treatment.
Aurora B and C kinases regulate chromosome desynapsis and segregation during mouse and human spermatogenesis
Authors: Wellard Stephen R. , Schindler Karen , Jordan Philip W.
Published: November 2020

Precise control of chromosome dynamics during meiosis is critical for fertility. A gametocyte undergoing meiosis coordinates formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) to promote efficient homologous chromosome recombination. Subsequent disassembly of the SC occurs prior to segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I. We examined the requirements of the mammalian Aurora kinases (AURKA, AURKB and AURKC) during SC disassembly and chromosome segregation using a combination of chemical inhibition and gene deletion approaches. We find that both mouse and human spermatocytes fail to disassemble SC lateral elements when the kinase activity of AURKB and AURKC are chemically inhibited. Interestingly, both Aurkb conditional knockout and Aurkc knockout mouse spermatocytes successfully progress through meiosis, and the mice are fertile. In contrast, Aurkb, Aurkc double knockout spermatocytes fail to coordinate disassembly of SC lateral elements with chromosome condensation and segregation, resulting in delayed meiotic progression. In addition, deletion of Aurkb and Aurkc leads to an accumulation of metaphase spermatocytes, chromosome missegregation and aberrant cytokinesis. Collectively, our data demonstrate that AURKB and AURKC functionally compensate for one another ensuring successful mammalian spermatogenesis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Preparation of Cellulose Nanocrystal Based Core-Shell Particles with Tunable Component Location
Authors: Zhang Jie , Furushima Hinako , Nakato Teruyuki , Mouri Emiko
Published: November 2020

We report a versatile method for preparing a particulate composite based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) via a self-organized precipitation method. The particulate composite had a core–shell structure, and depending on the molecular weight of the PEG, two types of particulates could form: one with CNCs as the core and the other with CNCs as the shell.
Diversity and abundance of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in a fragment of Amazon Cerrado in Macapá, State of Amapá, Brazil
Authors: Saraiva Jose Ferreira , Maitra Ahana , Souto Raimundo Nonato Picanço
Published: November 2020

The Neotropical region has the highest diversity of species, but despite this diversity, this region presents many sampling gaps. The objective of this study was to study the diversity of the mosquitoes of family Culicidae (Diptera: Culicomorpha) as well as to identify the mosquito vectors, in a fragment of Amazon Cerrado in Macapá, Amapá. Three collection methods (Shannon trap, CDC and active collection) were used, and the samples were collected between January to December 2006. 21 species were identified; 11 of them being vectors of malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and filariasis; and three of them, Toxorhynchites h. haemorrhoidalis (Fabricius), Wyeomyia melanocephala Dyar & Knab and Wyeomyia aporonoma Dyar & Knab were recorded for the first time from Amapá. The present study contributes to the diversity of mosquitoes (Culicidae) that can be used in additional mapping studies to mitigate epidemic outbreaks in the state of Amapá.
Impact of stress on nurses working in the district nursing service
Authors: McKinless Eleanor
Published: November 2020

This literature review aimed to identify the consequences of working in a highly stressful environment within district nursing teams and the implications this has on nursing practice and the welfare of nurses. The review analysed 10 primary research studies, resulting in three emerging themes that formed the foundation of a discussion; burnout and compassion fatigue; reduced job satisfaction and retention; and emotional injury. The results identified that healthy behaviours, emotional intelligence and effective caseload and staffing management can reduce the negative impact that stress can have on nurses. Organisations need to promote healthy behaviours through support and training and need to reassess how caseloads are managed in correlation with staffing levels. Coaching in emotional intelligence skills is vital and should be provided to all nurses within the DN service.
Tunable broadband terahertz absorber based on plasmon hybridization in monolayer graphene ring arrays
Authors: Hu Dan , Meng Tianhua , Wang Hongyan , Ma Yongkang
Published: November 2020

Graphene as a new two-dimensional material can be utilized to design tunable optical devices owing to its exceptional physical properties, such as high mobility and tunable conductivity. In this paper, we present the design and analysis of a tunable broadband terahertz absorber based on periodic graphene ring arrays. Due to plasmon hybridization modes excited in the graphene ring, the proposed structure achieves a broad absorption bandwidth with more than 90% absorption in the frequency range of 0.88–2.10 THz under normal incidence, and its relative absorption bandwidth is about 81.88%. Meanwhile, it exhibits polarization-insensitive behavior and maintains high absorption over 80% when the incident angle is up to 45° for both TE and TM polarizations. Additionally, the peak absorption rate of the absorber can be tuned from 21% to nearly 100% by increasing the graphene’s chemical potential from 0 to 0.9 eV. Such a design can have some potential applications in various terahertz devices, such as modulators, detectors, and spatial filters.
A novel role for kynurenine 3-monooxygenase in mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Maddison Daniel C. , Alfonso-Núñez Mónica , Swaih Aisha M. , Breda Carlo , Campesan Susanna , Allcock Natalie , Straatman-Iwanowska Anna , Kyriacou Charalambos P. , Giorgini Flaviano
Published: November 2020

The enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) operates at a critical branch-point in the kynurenine pathway (KP), the major route of tryptophan metabolism. As the KP has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, KMO and other enzymes that control metabolic flux through the pathway are potential therapeutic targets for these disorders. While KMO is localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic organisms, no mitochondrial role for KMO has been described. In this study, KMO deficientDrosophila melanogasterwere investigated for mitochondrial phenotypesin vitroandin vivo. We find that a loss of function allele or RNAi knockdown of theDrosophilaKMO ortholog (cinnabar) causes a range of morphological and functional alterations to mitochondria, which are independent of changes to levels of KP metabolites. Notably,cinnabargenetically interacts with the Parkinson’s disease associated genesPink1andparkin, as well as the mitochondrial fission geneDrp1, implicating KMO in mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, mechanisms which govern the maintenance of a healthy mitochondrial network. Overexpression of human KMO in mammalian cells finds that KMO plays a role in the post-translational regulation of DRP1. These findings reveal a novel mitochondrial role for KMO, independent from its enzymatic role in the kynurenine pathway.
A clinical score for identifying active tuberculosis while awaiting microbiological results: Development and validation of a multivariable prediction model in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Baik Yeonsoo , Rickman Hannah M. , Hanrahan Colleen F. , Mmolawa Lesego , Kitonsa Peter J. , Sewelana Tsundzukana , Nalutaaya Annet , Kendall Emily A. , Lebina Limakatso , Martinson Neil , Katamba Achilles , Dowdy David W.
Published: November 2020

Background

In highly resource-limited settings, many clinics lack same-day microbiological testing for active tuberculosis (TB). In these contexts, risk of pretreatment loss to follow-up is high, and a simple, easy-to-use clinical risk score could be useful.

Methods and findings

We analyzed data from adults tested for TB with Xpert MTB/RIF across 28 primary health clinics in rural South Africa (between July 2016 and January 2018). We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to identify characteristics associated with Xpert-confirmed TB and converted coefficients into a simple score. We assessed discrimination using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration using Cox linear logistic regression, and clinical utility using decision curves. We validated the score externally in a population of adults tested for TB across 4 primary health clinics in urban Uganda (between May 2018 and December 2019). Model development was repeated de novo with the Ugandan population to compare clinical scores. The South African and Ugandan cohorts included 701 and 106 individuals who tested positive for TB, respectively, and 686 and 281 randomly selected individuals who tested negative. Compared to the Ugandan cohort, the South African cohort was older (41% versus 19% aged 45 years or older), had similar breakdown of biological sex (48% versus 50% female), and had higher HIV prevalence (45% versus 34%). The final prediction model, scored from 0 to 10, included 6 characteristics: age, sex, HIV (2 points), diabetes, number of classical TB symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats; 1 point each), and >14-day symptom duration. Discrimination was moderate in the derivation (c-statistic = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.82) and validation (c-statistic = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.80) populations. A patient with 10% pretest probability of TB would have a posttest probability of 4% with a score of 3/10 versus 43% with a score of 7/10. The de novo Ugandan model contained similar characteristics and performed equally well. Our study may be subject to spectrum bias as we only included a random sample of people without TB from each cohort. This score is only meant to guide management while awaiting microbiological results, not intended as a community-based triage test (i.e., to identify individuals who should receive further testing).

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that a simple clinical risk score reasonably distinguished individuals with and without TB among those submitting sputum for diagnosis. Subject to prospective validation, this score might be useful in settings with constrained diagnostic resources where concern for pretreatment loss to follow-up is high.
Adverse birth outcome and associated factors among diabetic pregnant women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belay Demeke Mesfin , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Alemu Abebaw Yeshambel , Sinshaw Aklilu Endalamaw , Mekonen Demewoz Kefale , Ayele Amare Simegn , Belayneh Wasihun Hailemichael , Tegared Henoke Andualem , Birihane Biniam Minuye
Published: November 2020

Background

The magnitude of adverse birth outcome among diabetic pregnant women is high in low-and-middle income countries, like Ethiopia. Precise epidemiological evidence is necessary to plan, evaluate and improve effective preventive measures. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to estimate the pooled prevalence of adverse birth outcome and associated factors among diabetic pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science and PsycINFO, and article found in University online repository were accessed. Observational studies such as cross-sectional, case-control and prospective cohort reported using English language was involved. I2statistic was used to check heterogeneity. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to measure publication bias. Weighted inverse variance random effects model was also performed.

Results

Seven studies with 1,225 study participants were retrieved to estimate the pooled prevalence of adverse birth outcome and associated factors. The pooled prevalence of adverse birth outcome among diabetic pregnant women was 5.3% [95% CI; 1.61, 17.41]. Fasting blood glucose level above 100 mg/dl [Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) = 10.51; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 5.90, 15.12], two hour post prandial glucose level above 120 mg/dl [AOR = 8.77; 95% CI = 4.51, 13.03], gestational age <37 completed week [AOR = 9.76; 95% CI = 5.29, 14.23], no ANC follow-up [AOR = 10.78; 95% CI = 6.12, 15.44], history of previous adverse outcomes [AOR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.04, 5.90], maternal age < 30 years [AOR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.04, 5.90], and illiteracy [AOR = 2.89; 95% CI = 0.81,4.97)] were associated factors of adverse birth outcome.

Conclusions

The pooled prevalence of adverse birth outcomes among diabetic pregnant women in Ethiopia was high. Child born from mothers who were illiterate, maternal age < 30 years, gestational age < 37 completed weeks, history of previous adverse birth outcomes and no ANC follow-up increased the risk of adverse birth outcome.

Trial registration

It is registered in PROSPERO data base: (PROSPERO 2020:CRD42020167734).
Predicting outcomes for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria after complete radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yeh , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hung Chao-Hung , Wang Jing-Houng , Chen Chien-Hung , Yen Yi-Hao , Kuo Yuan-Hung , Kee Kwong-Ming
Published: November 2020

Background

Intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) is a significant problem for patients who have undergone radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the study was to investigate risk factors and to predict outcomes of recurrent IDR within Milan criteria after complete RFA for primary early-stage HCC.

Method

This retrospective study reviewed 449 patients with intrahepatic distant recurrent HCC after complete RFA for early-stage HCC. After excluding 100 patients who were beyond Milan criteria, with incomplete lab data, or had follow-up less than three months, a total of 349 patient cases were compiled and their baseline characteristics, further treatment modalities after tumor recurrence and survival were analyzed.

Results

After a median follow-up of 36.2 months, 92 patients had expired. The majority of patients were male (59.9%) with a median age of 64.3 years (range:38–88). The cumulative 5-year overall survival (OS) rates after treatment for recurrent HCC was 67.2%. On multivariate analysis, end-stage renal disease(Hazard ratio (H.R.) = 2.33, p = 0.021), m-ALBI grade 2a (H.R. = 2.86, p = 0.003) and m-ALBI grades 2b or 3 (H.R. = 2.30, p = 0.009), APRI greater than 1 (H.R. = 1.92, p = 0.036) and 2nd recurrence occurring within 1 year (H.R. = 2.69, p<0.001) were significantly associated with worse survival. The cumulative 5-year 2nd recurrence rate was 87.4%. On multivariate analysis, male gender (H.R. = 1.47, p = 0.01), age greater than 65 years (H.R. = 1.72, p<0.001), an alpha fetoprotein level greater than 20ng/ml (H.R. = 1.41, p = 0.016), surgical treatment for recurrent HCC (H.R. = 0.25, p = 0.007), tumor number greater than 1 (H.R. = 1.35, p = 0.046), and IDR developing within 2 years (H.R. = 1.67, p = 0.001) were prognostic factors for 2nd recurrence.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that presence of end-stage renal disease, m-ALBI grades 2 and 3, APRI >1 and time to 2nd HCC recurrence were all associated with overall survival while the 2nd HCC recurrence was associated with male gender, age ≥65 years, α-fetoprotein level >20 ng/mL, non-surgical therapy, time to IDR, and tumor number> 1.
3D investigation shows walls and wall-like structures around human germinal centres, probably regulating T- and B-cell entry and exit
Authors: Thomos Miguel , Wurzel Patrick , Scharf Sonja , Koch Ina , Hansmann Martin-Leo
Published: November 2020

This study deals with 3D laser investigation on the border between the human lymph node T-zone and germinal centre. Only a few T-cells specific for antigen selected B-cells are allowed to enter germinal centres. This selection process is guided by sinus structures, chemokine gradients and inherent motility of the lymphoid cells. We measured gaps and wall-like structures manually, using IMARIS, a 3D image software for analysis and interpretation of microscopy datasets. In this paper, we describe alpha-actin positive and semipermeable walls and wall-like structures that may hinder T-cells and other cell types from entering germinal centres. Some clearly defined holes or gaps probably regulate lymphoid traffic between T- and B-cell areas. In lymphadenitis, the morphology of this border structure is clearly defined. However, in case of malignant lymphoma, the wall-like structure is disrupted. This has been demonstrated exemplarily in case of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. We revealed significant differences of lengths of the wall-like structures in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in comparison with wall-like structures in reactive tissue slices. The alterations of morphological structures lead to abnormal and less controlled T- and B-cell distributions probably preventing the immune defence against tumour cells and infectious agents by dysregulating immune homeostasis.
Activism as political action in Uganda: The role of social media
Authors: Selnes Florence Namasinga , Orgeret Kristin Skare
Published: November 2020

The article discusses political activism in Uganda and the role of social media. It focuses on two specific cases, the 2011 ‘Walk-to-Work’ and the 2017 ‘Pads4Girls’ campaigns in order to contribute to better understanding of the ever-evolving dynamic between political activism and the media in such campaigns. A disputed presidential election in 2011 in Uganda prompted opposition politicians to call nationwide protests. The architects of the protests hoped this would eventually lead to the downfall of Museveni’s newly elected government. The ‘Pads4Girls’ campaign on the other hand, was spearheaded by a female academic activist and provoked unprecedented response from politicians across the political divide, activists and unaffiliated individuals who added weight to the campaign. The article’s discussions feed into a broader conversation on the interaction of media and politics in semi-democratic contexts such as Uganda, where attempts to curtail media freedom and freedom of expression are frequent.
Zibererasoetatik babesteko, hacking etikoaren balioa
Authors: Etxeberria Ainhoa , Goirizelaia Iñaki , Uncilla Juan Jose , Astorga Jasone , Uharte Maider
Published: November 2020

2020an, teknologiak bultzatutako gizarte batean bizi gara, eta datuak komunikatzeko sistemak funtsezkoak bihurtu dira gure eguneroko bizitzaren alderdi guztietan. Covid19-k erakutsi digu ezagutzen ez dugunak eszenatoki eta bizimodu berrietara eraman gaitzakeela, duela hilabete batzuk imajinatu ere ezin genituen lekuetara. Gaur egun, pertsonen, enpresen eta erakundeen arteko harremanak inoiz baino gehiago oinarritzen dira telekomunikazio-sareetan, eta, beraz, zibersegurtasun sofistikatuaren beharra oso garrantzitsua bihurtzen ari da gero eta handiagoak diren zibererasoetatik babesteko. Enpresak eta erakundeak diru kopuru handiak inbertitzen ari dira beren segurtasun zibernetikoan. Egoera horretan, hacking etikoa ohiko tresna bihurtu da behar den segurtasun-maila zehazteko. Hacking etikoaren helburua da sare informatikoetan ahuleziak eta kalteberatasunak aurkitzea, hackerrek sareetan sartzeko eta softwarearen ahuleziak azaltzeko erabiltzen dituzten ezagutza eta tresna berberak erabiliz. Dibulgazio-artikulu honek hacking etikoa zer den, zer onura dituen eta zergatik den beharrezkoa azaltzen du. Hacking etikoari buruzko artearen egoera bat aurkezten du, eta erakusten du enpresek eta erakundeek nola inplementa lezaketen hacking etikoa, sarbide-testetan (Penetration Testing Execution Standard, PTES) oinarritutako metodologia erabiliz.
Pater kai poietes. Plutarch’s Theology in the Ludovicus Nogarola’s Translation and Interpretation
Authors: Cacciatore Paola Volpe
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the translation and the commentary of Plutarch’s Quaestiones Platonicae which Ludovico Nogarola dedicated in 1550 to Pope Julius III. The modus vertendi of the humanist (compared with that of Xylander and Cruserius) and his critical ability in commenting on difficult passages are taken into consideration. Attention is particularly focused on the second Quaestio, which concerns the definition of the supreme god as father and maker of all things.
Eficácia do Laser de Baixa Intensidade no Tratamento da Mucosite oral em Pacientes Oncológicos / Efficiency of Low-level Laser in Treatment of Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients
Authors: Moura Lucas Aristides Souza , Nascimento Juliana De Souza do
Published: November 2020

Resumo: A mucosite oral é definida como uma inflamação da cavidade oral que acomete pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia e/ou radioterapia. Dentre as modalidades terapêuticas empregadas no manejo da referida entidade clínica, o laser de baixa intensidade destaca-se pelo seu potencial de promover analgesia, reduzir a inflamação e esti­mular a regeneração tecidual. Nessa perspectiva, mostra-se válido caracterizar a eficácia e os benefícios clínicos da utilização deste método terapêutico em pacientes oncológicos acometidos pela mucosite oral. O presente trabalho utilizou-se das bases de dados: Pubmed; Cohrane Library, Lilacs e Scielo e para reunir publicações pertinentes e realizar uma revisão narrativa da literatura sobre a temática em questão. Constatou-se diminuição da morbimortalidade, gravidade da doença, intensidade dos sintomas e melhora na qualidade de vida na utilização do laser de baixa intensidade nos pacientes oncológicos acometidos por mucosite oral.