bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Flow Characterization with Low‐Noise Spontaneous Potential Logging
Authors: Kowalski André C.G. , Mendonça Carlos A. , Ofterdinger Ulrich S.
Published: April 2020

Geophysical well logging has been applied for fracture characterization in crystalline terrains by physical properties measurements and borehole wall imaging. Some of these methods can be applied to monitor pumping tests to identify fractures contributing to groundwater flow and, with this, determine hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity along the well. We present a procedure to identify fractures contributing to groundwater flow using spontaneous potential measurements generated by electrokinetic processes when the borehole water head is lowered and then monitored while recovering. The electrokinetic model for flow through a tabular gap is used to interpret the measured data and determine the water head difference that drives the flow through the fracture. We present preliminary results at a test site in crystalline rocks on the campus of the University of São Paulo.
Dye degradation and bacterial disinfection using multicatalytic BaZr0.02Ti0.98O3 ceramics
Authors: Sharma Moolchand , Singh Gurpreet , Vaish Rahul
Published: April 2020

The piezocatalytic, photocatalytic, and piezo‐photocatalytic properties of BaZr0.02Ti0.98O3 (BZT) were examined for degradation of organic dyes and killing of bacteria present in the wastewater. Poled and unpoled powder samples were investigated using rhodamine‐B (RB), methyl orange (MO) dyes, and gram‐negative Escherichia coli in simulated water. The poled BZT sample demonstrated significant degradation of RB and MO dyes as compared to the unpoled BZT sample during piezocatalytic, photocatalytic, and piezo‐photocatalytic experiments. Moreover, ultrasonication‐induced piezocatalysis was found to be more effective than stirring in dye degradation using the poled BZT sample. Also, the piezo‐photocatalysis through poled BZT sample (using ultrasonication and ultraviolet (UV) light) was found to be more effective in dye degradation than that of only piezocatalysis and only photocatalysis. During antibacterial testing, the poled BZT sample showed nearly 90% and 100% bacterial killing under UV light and ultrasonication, respectively,, whereas the unpoled BZT sample showed only ~5% and ~35% bacterial killing. The significant enhancement in dye degradation and bacterial killing using the poled sample explicitly indicated the role of internal electric field in multicatalytic activities.
Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) oviposition can be released by decapitation
Authors: Spencer Joseph L. , Orellana Luis R.
Published: April 2020

Nervous system control of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, WCR) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) oviposition was studied using decapitation. Gravid females (n = 364) were decapitated with scissors and floated in water‐filled Petri dishes. Oviposition by individuals was observed at 30 min intervals for 4 hr after decapitation; cumulative oviposition was tallied at 48 hr post‐treatment. Overall, 82.7% of females laid eggs within 48 hr. Oviposition commenced quickly; 78.4% of females laid eggs during the observation period, 81.8% of these began egg laying within 30 min of decapitation. Egg‐laying females deposited a total of 66.8 ± 2.1 eggs (mean ± SEM); this was 85.1% of the total mature egg load. Dissection revealed that 31.9% of n = 301 laying females and 14.3% of 63 non‐laying females had a rupture of the common oviduct, manifest as an egg‐filled hernia containing a mean of 8.17 ± 1.3 eggs (range: 1–83). Among n = 237 females that laid eggs during observations, females with hernias laid significantly fewer eggs (35.8 ± 4.2) than intact females (48.0 ± 2.7) during the 4‐hr interval. There was no difference in the mean proportion of hatch for eggs collected from the same n = 10 females before (0.88 ± 0.03) or after decapitation (0.84 ± 0.04). Rapid oviposition following decapitation suggests that WCR egg laying is under constant descending neural inhibition; the motor programme controlling egg laying must reside posterior to the head. Decapitation can be used to quickly collect mature, fertilized WCR eggs.
Jaw‐neck motor function in the acute stage after whiplash trauma
Authors: Eklund Anton , Wiesinger Birgitta , Lampa Ewa , Österlund Catharina , Wänman Anders , Häggman‐Henrikson Birgitta
Published: April 2020

Background

Jaw‐neck motor function is affected in the chronic stage following whiplash trauma. It is not known whether motor function is affected also in the early stage after neck trauma.

Objectives

To determine how jaw and head movement amplitudes and movement cycle times correlate with jaw and neck pain, and neck disability in the acute stage after whiplash trauma.

Methods

Jaw and head movements during jaw opening‐closing were recorded with an optoelectronic system in 23 cases (4 men, 19 women, 18‐66 years) within 1 month after whiplash trauma and compared with 27 controls without neck trauma (15 men, 12 women, 20‐66 years). Jaw and head movement amplitudes, head/jaw ratio (quotient of head and jaw movement amplitude) and movement cycle times were evaluated in relation to jaw and neck pain (Numeric Rating Scale) and neck disability (Neck Disability Index). Analyses were performed with Mann‐Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation.

Results

Compared with controls, cases showed smaller jaw movement amplitudes (P = .006) but no difference in head movement amplitudes, head/jaw ratios or movement cycle times. There were no significant correlations between movement amplitudes or cycle times and jaw and neck pain, and neck disability. Cases with high neck pain intensity had smaller jaw movement amplitudes compared to cases with low neck pain intensity (P = .024).

Conclusion

The results suggest that jaw‐neck motor function may be affected in the acute stage after whiplash trauma and more so in cases with higher neck pain intensity.
RCOR1 directly binds to MED28 and weakens its inducing effect on cancer stem cell‐like activity of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Xiang Zhao , Zhou Shijie , Liang Shuang , Zhang Gang , Tan Yinghui
Published: April 2020

Background

Mediator is a multiprotein complex that acts as an essential transcriptional coactivator in eukaryotic cells for successful transcription. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression profile of 33 mediator subunit genes in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and the functional role of MED28 in cellular behaviors of OCSCC cells.

Methods

Single‐cell (sc)RNA‐seq data from OCSCC cells (Puram 2017's dataset) and bulk‐seq data of the OCSCC subgroup of TCGA‐head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) were used for bioinformatic analysis. SCC9 cells were used in in‐vitro and in‐vivo analysis.

Results

Among the 33 genes subjected to screening, MED28 showed the best prognostic value and its upregulation might independently predict shorter OS (HR: 3.699, 95% CI: 1.383‐9.892, P = .009) and PFS (HR: 2.769, 95% CI: 1.462‐5.244, P = .002). MED28 expression was positively correlated with cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like properties of SCC9 cells, including colony/sphere formation, and the expression of CSC markers (CD44, KLF4, NANOG, and OCT4). RCOR1 could suppress the CSC‐like properties of SCC9 cells and had direct interaction with MED28. Its overexpression partly abrogated MED28‐induced expression of CSC markers. RCOR1 expression was associated with promoter hypermethylation, while MED28 expression was positively correlated with its MED28 copy number (Pearson's r = .44) in OCSCC tissues.

Conclusion

Among the mediator complex subunits, MED28 might serve as a potential biomarker of unfavorable survival. Its overexpression increased CSC‐like activity of OCSCC cells, the effect of which could be abrogated by RCOR1 via direct interaction.
An autoinhibitory mechanism controls RNA‐binding activity of the nitrate‐sensing protein NasR
Authors: Goodson Jonathan R. , Zhang Christopher , Trettel Daniel , Ailinger Heather E. , Lee Priscilla E. , Spirito Catherine M. , Winkler Wade C.
Published: April 2020

The ANTAR domain harnesses RNA‐binding activity to promote transcription attenuation. Although several ANTAR proteins have been analyzed by high‐resolution structural analyses, the residues involved in RNA‐recognition and transcription attenuation have not been identified. Nor is it clear how signal‐responsive domains are allosterically coupled with ANTAR domains for control of gene expression. Herein, we examined the sequence conservation of ANTAR domains to find residues that may associate with RNA. We subjected the corresponding positions of Klebsiella oxytoca NasR to site‐directed alanine substitutions and measured RNA‐binding activity. This revealed a functionally important patch of residues that forms amino acid pairing interactions with residues from NasR’s nitrate‐sensing NIT domain. We hypothesize these amino acid pairing interactions are part of an autoinhibitory mechanism that holds the structure in an “off” state in the absence of nitrate signal. Indeed, mutational disruption of these interactions resulted in constitutively active proteins, freed from autoinhibition and no longer influenced by nitrate. Moreover, sequence analyses suggested the autoinhibitory mechanism has been evolutionarily maintained by NasR proteins. These data reveal a molecular mechanism for how NasR couples its nitrate signal to RNA‐binding activity, and generally show how signal‐responsive domains of one‐component regulatory proteins have evolved to exert control over RNA‐binding ANTAR domains.
Functional morphology of the taste buds of Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris
Authors: Barboza Meghan L. B. , Larkin Iskande V.
Published: April 2020

The Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, is a fully aquatic, threatened marine mammal for which increased understanding of their physiology, reproduction, and nutrition supports management decisions. Manatees may use taste to distinguish saltwater gradients, toxin detection, food assessment, and social interactions. This study sought to locate and characterize manatee taste buds comparing location, structure, number, and size to other species.

Entire heads from manatees (6 males, 4 females) of various ages were obtained. The muzzle, tissue surrounding the nares, oral cavity, and epiglottis were examined grossly for pits and papillae. Tissues were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. Within the predominant taste bud location, the tongue root, taste bud number was estimated using samples from four animals.

The average number of taste buds within the tongue root was 11,534 (range 2,711–23,237) with sparse taste buds located on the soft palate and epiglottis. The location along the lateral surface of the tongue root and bordered by grooves, through which tastants could be easily transported, has functional significance. Large numbers of taste buds within the tongue root suggest that taste is an important component of manatee sensory systems and behavioral research would clarify this.
Rooting depth as a key woody functional trait in savannas
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wigley Benjamin J. , Case Madelon F. , Coetsee Corli , Staver Ann Carla
Published: April 2020

Dimensions of tree root systems in savannas are poorly understood, despite being essential in resource acquisition and post‐disturbance recovery. We studied tree rooting patterns in Southern African savannas to ask: how tree rooting strategies affected species responses to severe drought; and how potential rooting depths varied across gradients in soil texture and rainfall.

First, detailed excavations of eight species in Kruger National Park suggest that the ratio of deep to shallow taproot diameters provides a reasonable proxy for potential rooting depth, facilitating extensive interspecific comparison. Detailed excavations also suggest that allocation to deep roots traded off with shallow lateral root investment, and that drought‐sensitive species rooted more shallowly than drought‐resistant ones.

More broadly across 57 species in Southern Africa, potential rooting depths were phylogenetically constrained, with investment to deep roots evident among miombo Detarioids, consistent with results suggesting they green up before onset of seasonal rains. Soil substrate explained variation, with deeper roots on sandy, nutrient‐poor soils relative to clayey, nutrient‐rich ones. Although potential rooting depth decreased with increasing wet season length, mean annual rainfall had no systematic effect on rooting depth.

Overall, our results suggest that rooting depth systematically structures the ecology of savanna trees. Further work examining other anatomical and physiological root traits should be a priority for understanding savanna responses to changing climate and disturbances.
Molecular detection of sugarcane striate virus and sugarcane white streak virus and their prevalence in the Miami World Collection of sugarcane and related grasses
Authors: Boukari Wardatou , Filloux Denis , Daugrois Jean Heinrich , Fernandez Emmanuel , Mollov Dimitre , Kaye Claudia , Hincapie Martha , Sanchez Alexander , Wang Jianping , Roumagnac Philippe , Rott Philippe
Published: April 2020

Viruses in the genusMastrevirus(familyGeminiviridae), including those infecting sugarcane, have natural geographical ranges almost exclusively restricted to Africa and the Indian Ocean islands off the African coast. Only sugarcane white streak virus (SWSV) in Barbados and sugarcane striate virus (SStrV) in Florida and Guadeloupe are known to infect a few sugarcane varieties in the Western Hemisphere. In this study, PCR assays were developed to detect these two viruses in sugarcane. Five hundred and seventy‐one DNA samples fromSaccharumspecies and interspecific hybrids from the Miami World Collection of sugarcane and related grasses were tested for the presence of SStrV and SWSV by PCR. No variety was found infected by SWSV but SStrV was detected in 19 varieties. PCR data were confirmed by sequencing amplified fragments (248 bp). These fragments shared 93%–100% nucleotide identity with SStrV sequences from the GenBank database. SStrV isolates were distributed in six phylogenetic groups, including the four strains of the virus. Most varieties infected by SStrV originated from Asia, thus confirming a previous hypothesis stating that this virus originated from this continent. Absence of SStrV in commercial sugarcane in Florida also suggested that this virus has not been spread in this location, while infected plants have been present for several decades.
Sources of resistance in wild Solanum germplasm (section Lycopersicon) to parietaria mottle virus, an emerging virus in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Parrella Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Parietaria mottle virus (PMoV) is considered an emerging virus in many countries of the Mediterranean basin. Outbreaks of tomato necrotic disease caused by the tomato strain PMoV‐T have been recorded in Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. No resistant or tolerant tomato cultivars are available and no cases of resistance have been reported in the section Lycopersicon of the Solanum genus so far. Therefore, wild relatives of tomato were evaluated to identify potential sources of resistance to PMoV infection. In all, 16 germplasm accessions from six wild Solanum spp. of the section Lycopersicon, along with susceptible near‐isogenic tomato lines (Monalbo, Momor, and Mospomorist), were evaluated for resistance against two different PMoV‐T strains, TI1 (from Italy) and FR1 (from France), under greenhouse conditions using mechanical inoculations. Local and systemic virus infections were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 15 and 30 days after mechanical inoculation and confirmed by dot‐blot hybridization of viral RNA with a PMoV‐specific digoxigenin‐labelled riboprobe. No local or systemic symptoms were observed in three accessions of S. peruvianum and one accession of S. corneliomuelleri. Moreover, the virus was never detected in the inoculated and upper noninoculated leaves of these accessions, either with ELISA or the specific riboprobe. The accession of S. lycopersicum var. cerasiformae was resistant only to the TI1 strain. This is the first description of sources of extreme resistance to PMoV in the section Lycopersicon of the Solanum genus.
Effects of coral restoration on fish communities: snapshots of long‐term, multiregional responses and implications for practice
Authors: Hein Margaux Y. , Beeden Roger , Birtles R. Alastair , Chase Tory J. , Couture Fanny , Haskin Elouise , Marshall Nadine , Ripple Kayla , Terry Lisa , Willis Bette L. , Willis Reanna , Gardiner Naomi M.
Published: April 2020

Coral restoration is widely used around the world to address dramatic declines in coral cover; however, very few studies have looked specifically at the temporal response of fish assemblages (i.e. abundance and diversity) to coral restoration. Several critical reef functions and processes are driven by fishes, thereby making their recovery and responses around restoration structures key indicators of success. This study evaluates fish abundance and community composition on restoration plots following 8–12 years of restoration activity, in four locations (two Caribbean and two Indo‐Pacific). Responses were very complex with region‐, site‐, and body size‐specific patterns. Overall, fish abundance only increased in Indo‐Pacific sites where damselfish responded positively to increased coral cover and topographic complexity. Restoration effects on other fish families and particularly on larger bodied reef fish were negative or neutral at all locations. If restoration initiatives are going to substantively improve the condition and recovery of degraded reef fish communities, restoration efforts need to be planned, designed, and monitored based on fish‐specific habitat requirements and locally specific community dynamics.
The role of organic amendments in wetland restorations
Authors: Scott Brian , Baldwin Andrew H. , Ballantine Kate , Palmer Margaret , Yarwood Stephanie
Published: April 2020

At the present rate of loss (since 1990), half of the remaining wetlands worldwide will be developed within ~140 years, underscoring the importance of improving the creation and restoration of wetlands. Organic amendments are sometimes used during wetland creation. To evaluate the effectiveness of adding organic amendments we used a combined numerical method to assign “scores” on five categories of evaluation metrics: plant growth, soil properties, carbon accrual, denitrification, and anaerobic processes (e.g. redox potential). We found that amendments identified as “topsoil” scored measurably higher and had consistently more positive values with fewer negative results compared to amendments identified as “allochthonous organic matter” (alOM). Organic amendments had about the same effect on soils with low soil organic carbon (<2.5%) compared to soils richer in organic carbon. Organic amendments are not uniformly effective, and in some cases may have negative side effects. For example, alOM often resulted in a loss of plant diversity. These outcomes along with site conditions should be evaluated before using organic amendments.
Acute effects of long‐distance running on mechanical and morphological properties of the human plantar fascia
Authors: Shiotani Hiroto , Mizokuchi Tomohiro , Yamashita Ryo , Naito Munekazu , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: April 2020

Long‐distance running (LDR) can induce transient lowering of the foot arch, which may be associated with mechanical fatigue of the plantar fascia (PF). However, this has not been experimentally tested in vivo. The purpose of this study was to test our hypothesis that LDR induces transient and site‐specific changes in PF stiffness and morphology and that those changes are related to the lowering of the foot arch. Ten male recreational long‐distance runners and 10 untrained men were requested to run overground for 10 km. Before and after running, shear wave velocity (SWV: an index of soft tissue stiffness) and thickness of PF at three different sites from its proximal to distal end were measured using supersonic shear imaging and B‐mode ultrasonography. Foot dimensions including the navicular height were measured using a three‐dimensional foot scanner. SWV at the proximal site of PF and navicular height was significantly decreased in both groups after running, with a higher degree in untrained men (−21.9% and −14.1%, respectively) than in runners (−4.0% and −6.3%, respectively). The relative change (%Δ) in SWV was positively correlated with %Δnavicular height in both groups (r = .69 and r = .65, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed that %ΔSWV at the proximal site solely explained 72.7% of the total variance in %Δnavicular height. It is concluded that LDR induces transient and site‐specific decreases in PF stiffness. These results suggest that the majority of running‐induced lowering of the foot arch is attributable to the reduction of PF stiffness at the proximal site.
HLA‐DPB1*526:01 detected in two Singaporean Indian individuals
Authors: Cho Louise , Kaur Ashminder , Cereb Nezih , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: April 2020

One nucleotide substitution in codon 84 of HLA‐DPB1*02:01:02:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DPB1*526:01.
Characterization of two novel HLA alleles, C*03:03:58 and DQB1*06:288, in a French hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Dard Céline , Senoussi Ornella , Elsermans Vincent , Bardy Béatrice , Masson Dominique
Published: April 2020

Two novel HLA alleles were detected using two next generation sequencing technologies.
Ehrlichiosis in a recent kidney transplant recipient: The repellent that did not repel! A case report and literature review of ehrlichiosis in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Masterson Emily M. , Gupta Siddhi , Jakharia Niyati , Peacock James E.
Published: April 2020

Ehrlichiosis has been infrequently reported in immunosuppressed patients such as solid organ transplants (SOT). We report a case of Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in an immunosuppressed woman four months after deceased donor kidney transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing in serum, and the patient responded promptly to treatment with doxycycline. To supplement our Case Report, a literature review encompassing 1995 to present was also performed using PubMed as the search vehicle. Search terms that were utilized include: ehrlichiosis, HME, E chaffeensis, kidney transplant(ation), renal transplant(ation), solid organ transplant(ation), and immunosuppression. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis can be challenging in SOT patients since ehrlichiosis is not a classic opportunistic infection in SOT. Transplant physicians must have a high clinical suspicion for the diagnosis in patients with an acute febrile illness accompanied by headache, worsening cytopenias, and transaminitis who live in endemic areas, especially if they have tick exposure.
Effectiveness of vaginal microbicides in preventing HIV transmission
Authors: Musekiwa Alfred , Fernando Nimasha B. , Abariga Samuel A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of vaginal microbicides in preventing HIV transmission in women.

Methods

Systematic review through a comprehensive search of relevant electronic databases for eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published through June 2019. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts according to eligibility criteria, then extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis of risk ratios (RR) of HIV infection and assessed heterogeneity using chi‐squared and I2 tests. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated through subgroup analysis, publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, and certainty of evidence was graded using GRADEPro software.

Results

We included 18 RCTs which enrolled 40,048 sexually active, HIV‐negative, non‐pregnant women, aged 16 years and older, mainly from sub‐Saharan Africa. The intravaginal ring containing dapivirine significantly reduced HIV risk by 29% (RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.89; 2 RCTs, 4,564 women, moderate certainty of evidence). Estimates of effect of tenofovir 1% (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.65–1.06), nonoxynol‐9 (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.93–1.42), cellulose sulphate (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.61–2.21), SAVVY (RR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.69–2.59), Carraguard (RR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.71–1.10), BufferGel (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.71–1.46), 0.5% PRO2000 (RR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.60–1.28) and 2% PRO2000 (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.58–1.12) failed to reach statistical significance; each had low certainty of evidence.

Conclusion

The long‐acting intravaginal ring containing dapivirine significantly reduced risk of HIV transmission in women by 29%. The remaining microbicides had no evident effect.
Cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in Brazil
Authors: Boettiger David C. , Escuder Maria Mercedes , Law Matthew G. , Veloso Valdiléa , Souza Rosa A. , Ikeda Maria L. R. , de Alencastro Paulo R. , Tupinambás Unai , Brites Carlos , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Ggomes Jackeline O. , Ribeiro Sayonara , McGowan Catherine C. , Jayathilake Karu , Castilho Jessica L. , Grangeiro Alexandre
Published: April 2020

Objectives

There is a paucity of data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource‐limited countries. We assessed factors associated with CVD and the impact of prevalent CVD on all‐cause mortality in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy in Brazil.

Methods

Competing risk regression to assess factors associated with CVD and all‐cause mortality in the HIV‐Brazil Cohort Study between 2003 and 2014.

Results

Among 5614 patients, the rate of CVD was 3.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9–4.3) per 1000 person‐years. CVD was associated with older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 6.4 for ≥55 years vs. <35 years, 95% CI: 2.5–16.3, P < 0.01), black race (aHR 1.8 vs. white race, 95% CI: 1.0–3.1, P = 0.04), past CVD (aHR 3.0 vs. no past CVD, 95% CI: 1.4–6.2, P < 0.01), hypertension (aHR 1.8 vs. no hypertension, 95% CI: 1.0–3.1, P = 0.04), high‐grade dyslipidemia (aHR 9.3 vs. no high‐grade dyslipidemia, 95% CI: 6.0–14.6, P < 0.01), ever smoking (aHR 2.4 vs. never, 95% CI: 1.2–5.0, P = 0.02) and low nadir CD4 cell count (aHR 1.8 for 100–250 cells/mm3 vs. >250 cells/mm3, 95% CI: 1.0–3.2, P = 0.05). The rate of death was 16.6 (95% CI: 15.1–18.3) per 1000 person‐years. Death was strongly associated with having had a past CVD event (aHR 1.7 vs. no past CVD event, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Traditional and HIV‐specific factors associated with CVD among PLHIV in Brazil are similar to those identified among PLHIV in high‐income countries. PLHIV in Brazil with a history of CVD have a high risk of death. CVD care and treatment remain priorities for PLHIV in Brazil as this population ages and antiretroviral therapy use expands.
Palatable food access impacts expression of amylin receptor components in the mesocorticolimbic system
Authors: Nashawi Houda , Gustafson Tyler J. , Mietlicki‐Baase Elizabeth G.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We tested whether intra‐nucleus accumbens core amylin receptor (AmyR) activation suppresses feeding and evaluated whether intake of palatable food influences mesocorticolimbic AmyR expression.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Intra‐nucleus accumbens core AmyR activation reduces food intake in some dietary conditions. We showed that all components of the AmyR are expressed in the prefrontal cortex and central nucleus of the amygdala and demonstrated that access to fat impacts AmyR expression in these and other mesocorticolimbic nuclei. These results suggest that the intake of palatable food might alter amylin signalling in the brain and shed further light onto potential sites of action for amylin.

Amylin is a pancreas‐ and brain‐derived peptide that acts within the CNS to promote negative energy balance. However, our understanding of the CNS sites of action for amylin remains incomplete. Here, we investigate the effect of amylin receptor (AmyR) activation in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC) on the intake of bland and palatable foods. Intra‐NAcC injection of the AmyR agonist salmon calcitonin or amylin itself in male chow‐fed rats had no effect on food intake, meal size or number of meals. However, in chow‐fed rats with access to fat solution, although fat intake was not affected by intra‐NAcC AmyR activation, subsequent chow intake was suppressed. Given that mesolimbic AmyR activation suppresses energy intake in rats with access to fat solution, we tested whether fat access changes AmyR expression in key mesocorticolimbic nuclei. Fat exposure did not affect NAcC AmyR expression, whereas in the accumbens shell, expression of receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 3 was significantly reduced in fat‐consuming rats. We show that all components of AmyRs are expressed in the medial prefrontal cortex and central nucleus of the amygdala; fat access significantly reduced expression of calcitonin receptor‐A in the central nucleus of the amygdala and RAMP2 in the medial prefrontal cortex. Taken together, these results indicate that intra‐NAcC AmyR activation can suppress energy intake and, furthermore, suggest that AmyR signalling in a broader range of mesocorticolimbic sites might have a role in mediating the effects of amylin on food intake and body weight.
Muscle BDNF improves synaptic and contractile muscle strength in Kennedy's disease mice in a muscle‐type specific manner
Authors: Halievski Katherine , Xu Youfen , Haddad Yazeed W. , Tang Yu Ping , Yamada Shinichiro , Katsuno Masahisa , Adachi Hiroaki , Sobue Gen , Breedlove S. Marc , Jordan Cynthia L.
Published: April 2020

Key points

Muscle‐derived neurotrophic factors may offer therapeutic promise for treating neuromuscular diseases.

We report that a muscle‐derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, rescues synaptic and muscle function in a muscle‐type specific manner in mice modelling Kennedy's disease (KD).

We also find that BDNF rescues select molecular mechanisms in slow and fast muscle that may underlie the improved cellular function.

We also report for the first time that expression of BDNF, but not other members of the neurotrophin family, is perturbed in muscle from patients with KD.

Given that muscle BDNF had divergent therapeutic effects that depended on muscle type, a combination of neurotrophic factors may optimally rescue neuromuscular function via effects on both pre‐ and postsynaptic function, in the face of disease.

Deficits in muscle brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) correlate with neuromuscular deficits in mouse models of Kennedy's disease (KD), suggesting that restoring muscle BDNF might restore function. To test this possibility, transgenic mice expressing human BDNF in skeletal muscle were crossed with ‘97Q’ KD mice. We found that muscle BDNF slowed disease, doubling the time between symptom onset and endstage. BDNF also improved expression of genes in muscle known to play key roles in neuromuscular function, including counteracting the expression of neonatal isoforms induced by disease. Intriguingly, BDNF's ameliorative effects differed between muscle types: synaptic strength was rescued only in slow‐twitch muscle, while contractile strength was improved only in fast‐twitch muscle. In sum, muscle BDNF slows disease progression, rescuing select cellular and molecular mechanisms that depend on fibre type. Muscle BDNF expression was also affected in KD patients, reinforcing its translational and therapeutic potential for treating this disorder.
Augmentation of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory signalling improves functional sympatholysis in contracting muscle of older adults
Authors: Hearon Christopher M. , Richards Jennifer C. , Racine Mathew L. , Luckasen Gary J. , Larson Dennis G. , Dinenno Frank A.
Published: April 2020

Key points

The ability of contracting skeletal muscle to attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction (functional sympatholysis) is critical for maintaining blood flow during exercise‐mediated sympathoexcitation.

Functional sympatholysis and endothelial function are impaired with ageing, resulting in compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscle during exercise.

In the present study, intra‐arterial infusion of ACh or ATP to augment endothelium‐dependent signalling during exercise attenuated α1‐adrenergic vasoconstriction in the contracting muscle of older adults.

The vascular signalling mechanisms capable of functional sympatholysis are preserved in healthy ageing, and thus the age‐related impairment in functional sympatholysis probably results from the loss of a functional signal (e.g. plasma [ATP]) as opposed to an intrinsic endothelial dysfunction.

The ability of contracting skeletal muscle to attenuate sympathetic α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction (‘functional sympatholysis’) is impaired with age. In young adults, increasing endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory signalling during mild exercise augments sympatholysis. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that increasing endothelium‐dependent signalling during exercise in older adults can improve sympatholysis. In 16 older individuals (Protocol 1, n = 8; Protocol 2, n = 8), we measured forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and calculated changes in vascular conductance (FVC) to local intra‐arterial infusion of phenylephrine (PE; α1‐agonist) during (i) infusion of an endothelium‐dependent vasodilator alone (Protocol 1: ACh or Protocol 2: low dose ATP); (ii) mild handgrip exercise (5% maximum voluntary contraction; MVC); (iii) moderate handgrip exercise (15% MVC); and (iv) mild or moderate handgrip exercise + infusion of ACh or ATP to augment endothelium‐dependent signalling. PE caused robust vasoconstriction in resting skeletal muscle during control vasodilator infusions (ΔFVC: ACh: −31 ± 3 and ATP: −30 ± 4%). PE‐mediated vasoconstriction was not attenuated by mild or moderate intensity exercise (ΔFVC: 5% MVC: −30 ± 9; 15% MVC: −33 ± 8%; P > 0.05 vs. control ACh and ATP), indicative of impaired sympatholysis, and ACh or ATP infusion during mild exercise did not impact this response. However, augmentation of endothelium‐dependent signalling via infusion of ACh or ATP during moderate intensity exercise attenuated PE‐mediated vasoconstriction (ΔFVC: −13 ± 1 and −19 ± 5%, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. all conditions). Our findings demonstrate that, given a sufficient stimulus, endothelium‐dependent sympatholysis remains intact in older adults. Strategies aimed at activating such pathways represent a viable approach for improving sympatholysis and thus tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery in older adults.
‘I had no control over my body’: Women’s experiences of reproductive coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Burry Kate , Thorburn Natalie , Jury Ang
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive coercion broadly describes behaviour intended to undermine the reproductive autonomy of a victim through pregnancy coercion, contraceptive sabotage, and controlling pregnancy outcomes. This research sought to understand the experiences of victims of reproductive coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand.METHODS: Participants shared their experiences of reproductive coercion from an intimate partner through an online survey that was distributed via social media and posters that were put up primarily in Family Planning clinics across the country. Five participants subsequently participated in in-depth interviews.FINDINGS: Participants (mostly women) in this research experienced high rates of controlled access to contraceptives (83.8%), contraceptive sabotage (58.6%), and pregnancy coercion (64%) by an intimate partner. Furthermore, 40.5% of participants who had ever been pregnant had experienced a partner attempting to prevent them from accessing an abortion, and over 30% were subjected to a partner’s attempts to force an induced abortion or miscarriage. Many also expanded on their partners’ coercion regarding reproductive decisions, and abuse during, and after, labour and birth. However, they were rarely asked about reproductive coercion and abuse by health care or social service practitioners.CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive coercion is a phenomenon that is globally under-researched. Emerging evidence suggests this is a highly gendered issue, and that there needs to be greater focus on promoting how we can improve and protect women’s reproductive autonomy. Findings from this research indicate the need to incorporate discussions about reproductive autonomy and coercion in screening for intimate partner violence.
Heard but not seen: Exploring youth counsellors’ experiences of telephone counselling
Authors: Davidson Danielle , Harrison Gai
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: Human service practitioners who work over the telephone are physically invisible to their clients and this invisibility shapes their work. Existing literature suggests that physical invisibility, coupled with anonymity and the immediacy of service provision are defining features of telephone counselling. However, little research has explored how telephone counsellors experience these features in any real depth.METHODOLOGY: This article reports on a case study conducted at a youth helpline in Aotearoa New Zealand. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 practitioners on their experiences of telephone counselling work. One key finding from this case study is discussed: the impact of invisibility and anonymity.FINDINGS: Findings indicate that practitioners’ experiences of delivering telephone counselling are more divergent than those presented in extant literature. While telephone counsellors face challenges delivering non-face-to-face counselling support, the physical invisibility of this medium, coupled with a supportive work environment can also provide potential benefits to counsellors.CONCLUSIONS: Counsellors’ experiences of telephone counselling work appear to be more nuanced than traditionally understood. While practitioners may experience a range of possible challenges in delivering telephone counselling, such as responding to hoax and abusive callers, they also experience benefits such feeling relaxed, and supported by colleagues and supervisors. Management practices, such as flexible rules and accessible supervision, can help practitioners manage the impact working non-face-to-face with clients. Given the ongoing popularity of telephone counselling, further research is needed on the working conditions that promote practitioner wellbeing and job satisfaction.
“Mike Trout When I’m Battin’ Boy”: Unpacking Baseball’s Translation Through Rap Lyrics
Authors: Bell Travis R. , Kidd Victor D.
Published: April 2020

Baseball and rap music are often not considered culturally or historically synonymous, but a shift appears underway. This research examines how 239 rap lyrics reach across the formerly confined (mostly racialized) boundaries of baseball to engage the sport through its reference to 128 baseball players. A thematic analysis explores how the languages of baseball and rap culture intersect through linguistic translation. The authors develop a broad understanding of the positive and negative “baller” references, and how it could affect the future growth of baseball role models for Black youth athletes. Thus, baseball “text” as a source language translates to rap “text” as a target language to form a commonly constructed language at an intersection of music, sports, and masculinity.
Phenotypic Effects of Substitutions within the Receptor Binding Site of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus Observed during Human Infection
Authors: Eggink Dirk , Spronken Monique , van der Woude Roosmarijn , Buzink Jocynthe , Broszeit Frederik , McBride Ryan , Pawestri Hana A. , Setiawaty Vivi , Paulson James C. , Boons Geert-Jan , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Russell Colin A. , de Jong Menno D. , de Vries Robert P.
Published: April 2020

H5 viruses continue to be a threat for public health. Because these viruses are immunologically novel to humans, they could spark a pandemic when adapted to transmit between humans. Avian influenza viruses need several adaptive mutations to bind to human-type receptors, increase hemagglutinin (HA) stability, and replicate in human cells. However, knowledge on adaptive mutations during human infections is limited. A previous study showed substantial diversity within the receptor binding site of H5N1 during human infection. We therefore analyzed the observed amino acid changes phenotypically in a diverse set of assays, including virus replication, stability, and receptor specificity. None of the tested substitutions resulted in a clear step toward a human-adapted virus capable of aerosol transmission. It is notable that acquiring human-type receptor specificity needs multiple amino acid mutations, and that variability at key position 226 is not tolerated, reducing the risk of them being acquired naturally.
A Zinc Cluster Transcription Factor Contributes to the Intrinsic Fluconazole Resistance of Candida auris
Authors: Mayr Eva-Maria , Ramírez-Zavala Bernardo , Krüger Ines , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: April 2020

Candida auris
is a recently emerged pathogenic yeast that within a few years after its initial description has spread all over the globe.
C. auris
is a major concern for human health, because it can cause life-threatening systemic infections, is easily transmissible, and is difficult to eradicate from hospital environments. Furthermore,
C. auris
is highly drug resistant, especially against the widely used antifungal drug fluconazole. Mutations in the drug target and high activity of efflux pumps are associated with azole resistance, but it is not known how drug resistance genes are regulated in
C. auris
. We have investigated the potential role of several candidate transcriptional regulators in the intrinsic fluconazole resistance of
C. auris
and identified a transcription factor that contributes to the high resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole of two
C. auris
strains from different genetic clades, thereby providing insight into the molecular basis of drug resistance of this medically important yeast.
New symmetry for the imperfect fluid
Authors: Garat Alcides
Published: April 2020

We will address the existence of a new symmetry for an imperfect fluid by introducing local four-velocity gauge-like transformations for the case when there is vorticity. A similar tetrad formulation as to the Einstein–Maxwell spacetimes formalism presented in previous manuscripts will be developed in this manuscript for the imperfect fluids. The four-velocity curl and the metric tensor will be invariant under these kind of four-velocity gauge-like local transformations. While the Einstein–Maxwell stress-energy tensor is locally gauge invariant under electromagnetic gauge transformations, the perfect fluid stress-energy tensor will not be invariant under four-velocity gauge-like local transformations. We will dedicate our analysis to the imperfect fluid stress-energy tensor that will be invariant under local four-velocity gauge-like transformations when additional transformations are introduced for several variables included in the stress-energy tensor itself. We will also pay special attention to the construction of a vorticity stress-energy tensor invariant under local four-velocity gauge-like transformations. An application on neutron stars will be developed in order to show the simplifications brought about by these new tetrads.
Pin Insertion to the Interosseous Hood Minimize the Finger Motion Restriction for the Proximal Phalangeal Percutaneous Fixation: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Tanaka Toshikazu , Matsuura Yusuke , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Suzuki Takane , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal pin insertion point to minimize finger motion restriction for proximal phalangeal fixation in cadaver models.

Methods: We used 16 fingers from three fresh-frozen cadavers (age, 82–86 years). Each finger was dissected at the level of the carpometacarpal joint and fixated to a custom-built range of motion (ROM)-measuring apparatus after skin removal. The pin was inserted into the bone through four gliding soft tissues: the interosseous hood, dorsal capsule, lateral band, and sagittal band. Then, each tendon was pulled by a prescribed weight in three finger positions (flexion, extension, and intrinsic plus position). Changes in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) angles were measured before and after pinning. We compared the differences between the insertion points using the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test.

Results: Placement of pins into the sagittal band significantly restricted MCP joint flexion, while placement into the dorsal capsule and lateral band significantly restricted PIP joint flexion. Only placement into the interosseous hood showed no significant difference in joint angles between the three finger positions compared to pre-pin insertion. There were no significant effects on MCP, PIP, and DIP joint extension.

Conclusions: The ROM of the MCP joint was obstructed due to pinning in most areas of insertion. However, pin insertion to the interosseous hood did not obstruct the finger flexion ROM compared to that of other gliding soft tissues; therefore, we believe that the interosseous hood may be a suitable pin insertion point for proximal phalangeal fixation.
Midterm Clinical Impacts of Biodegradable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents Compared with Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents: A 3-Year Propensity-Matched Study
Authors: Matsuda Hiroaki , Kagase Ai , Tokuda Takahiro , Ochiumi Yusuke , Murata Akira , Suzuki Yoriyasu , Ito Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Objectives. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of biodegradable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (BP-EES) compared with durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) in midterm. Background. There are few data about midterm clinical outcomes of BP-EES compared with DP-EES. Methods and Results. Between January 2016 and December 2017, 395 consecutive patients were treated with BP-EES and 391 consecutive patients were treated with DP-EES in Nagoya Heart Center. The primary endpoint was a 3-year cumulative incidence of target lesion failure (TLF) defined as cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and clinical indicated target lesion revascularization (TLR). Moreover, clinical indicated target vessel revascularization (TVR) and definite stent thrombosis (ST) were also evaluated as the secondary endpoints. After propensity score matching, 327 patients were selected in each group. At 3 years, the cumulative incidence of TLF was 4.5% in the BP-EES group versus 6.5% in DP-EES (adjusted HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.33–1.30), log-rank P=0.23). Regarding the individual components of the TLF at 3 years, the cumulative incidence of target vessel MI was significantly lower in BP-EES than in DP-EES (0% versus 1.9%: adjusted HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.71–0.97), log-rank P=0.01), but there was no difference between BP-EES and DP-EES in the incidence of cardiac death and clinically indicated TLR. The cumulative 3-year incidence of definite ST was significantly lower in BP-EES than in DP-EES (0% versus 1.6%, log-rank P=0.02). Conclusions. There were no significant differences of TLF between BP-EES and DP-EES within 3 years. In this study, BP-EES seems to prevent definite ST and be safer than DP-EES in midterm.