bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Hylan G-F 20 Versus Intra-Articular Corticosteroids in People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chevalier Xavier , Sheehan Brendan , Whittington Craig , Pourrahmat Mir-Masoud , Duarte Lionel , Ngai Wilson , de Campos Gustavo Constantino
Published: November 2020

Background:

Direct injection of corticosteroids into the joint is a standard treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the treatment is somewhat controversial with regard to the benefit of both single and repeated injections; evidence that they are beneficial comes from small studies that show only modest improvements. The aim of this study was to estimate the short- and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of hylan G-F 20 versus intra-articular corticosteroids (IACS) for the treatment of pain in knee OA using Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Methods:

Based on a pre-specified protocol, MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to June 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the included studies. Hylan G-F 20 and IACS were compared using Bayesian network meta-analysis. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months, and at the final follow-up for safety outcomes. A pain hierarchy was used to select 1 pain outcome per study.

Results:

Forty-two trials were included for analysis. The network meta-analysis of pain showed that hylan G-F 20 may be equivalent to IACS in the short-term, but by 6 months the benefit relative to IACS was statistically significant, standardized mean difference (95% credible interval): –0.13 (–0.26, –0.01). There were no statistical differences in adverse events.

Conclusions:

Hylan G-F 20 may perform better in relieving pain at 6 months post-injection compared to IACS. Both agents were relatively well tolerated, with no clear differences in safety.
Experimental measurements of the thermo elastic behavior of a dry gas seal operating with logarithmic spiral grooves of 11° and 15°
Authors: Chávez Alfredo , De Santiago Oscar
Published: November 2020

This work shows the experimental thermo elastic behavior of the stationary ring of a dry gas seal with logarithmic spiral grooves of 15° (common commercial configuration) and 11° spiral (configuration evaluated to confirm analytical predictions developed on previous works), as well as the hydrodynamic pressure of the fluid film. The stationary ring temperature is obtained through an array of sensors embedded in the ring and the ring deformation, resulting from the thermal and mechanical load, is collected by two strain gages. The hydrodynamic pressure produced in the fluid film is measured using dynamic pressure sensors. Two novel instrumentation methods are defined to collect the ring deformation and the dynamic pressure of the seal. The results show that the seal with spiral grooves of 11° at low speed presents a temperature increment induced by the contact between the rings; this contact may induce the premature fault of the rings, so that the 11° spiral seal needs more speed than the spiral of 15° to enter a hydrodynamic lubrication regime. The experiments show that the stationary ring distortion is induced by the temperature gradient and by the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure; however, the thermal distortion of the ring is dominant for the current experimental conditions. The ring’s axial distortion also affects the seal static and dynamic performance due to the modification of the hydrodynamic regime.
Impact of telemedicine on visit attendance for paediatric patients receiving endocrinology specialty care
Authors: Haynes Sarah C , Marcin James P , Dayal Parul , Tancredi Daniel J , Crossen Stephanie
Published: November 2020

Background

Children in rural communities often lack access to subspecialty medical care. Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to these services but its effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated for paediatric patients with endocrine conditions besides diabetes.

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between telemedicine and visit attendance among patients who received care from paediatric endocrinologists at an academic medical centre in northern California between 2009–2017.

Methods

We abstracted demographic data, encounter information and medical diagnoses from the electronic health record for patients ≤18 years of age who attended at least one in-person or telemedicine encounter with a paediatric endocrinologist during the study period. We used a mixed effects logistic regression model – adjusted for age, diagnosis and distance from subspecialty care – to explore the association between telemedicine and visit attendance.

Results

A total of 40,941 encounters from 5083 unique patients were included in the analysis. Patients who scheduled telemedicine visits were predominantly publicly insured (97%) and lived a mean distance of 161 miles from the children’s hospital. Telemedicine was associated with a significantly higher odds of visit attendance (odds ratio 2.55, 95% confidence interval 2.15–3.02, p < 0.001) compared to in-person care.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that telemedicine is associated with higher odds of visit attendance for paediatric endocrinology patients and supports the conclusion that use of telemedicine may improve access to subspecialty care for rural and publicly insured paediatric populations.
The great white bite: A critique of the Western Australian government’s shark hazard mitigation drum line program
Authors: Couper Amy , Walters Reece
Published: November 2020

The fatal shark bite of a scuba diver off the coast of Esperance in Western Australia in January 2020, followed in recent months by a further four fatalities in New South Wales and Queensland, has once again sparked debate about government policies to protect humans from potentially dangerous marine life. This debate is not new; during 2010–13 Western Australia experienced an unusually high level of human fatalities from shark bites. These events precipitated the introduction of the Western Australian Shark Hazard Mitigation Drum Line Program, a controversial and costly pre-emptive state government initiative that cost approximately $13.6 million for shark repellent responses, and the implementation of a Shark Response Unit. This research utilises official documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (Cth), together with interviews with relevant stakeholders, media reports, and public submissions to critically examine the political antecedents of a costly and flawed shark hazard mitigation program. It also provides lessons for how governments construct problems and manage marine environments and protected species. It concludes, utilising the theory of claims-making, that shark bite increases in Western Australia was a media constructed social problem, used to convince the government that a catch-and-kill policy of an internationally protected species was necessary to avert a perceived economic downturn in tourism revenue and to appease an invented public outcry.
‘Not in my name’: Empathy and intimacy in volunteer refugee hosting
Authors: Gunaratnam Yasmin
Published: November 2020

This article draws on narrative interviews with volunteers in an English charity, providing temporary accommodation to destitute migrants and refugees. The aim is to investigate the ethical and emotional complexities and ambivalence of the tensions between hospitality and hostility, and conditional and unconditional hospitality, with a focus on stories of empathy. The article engages Ken Plummer’s concept of ‘intimate citizenship’ within the context of what William Walters calls the assent of ‘domopolitics’. The latter refers to how immigration is narrativised as a threat to the domestic order of the nation. Hosting, in this regard, has the potential to invert the logic of domopolitics, where the aspiration to govern the state like a home is one that can encounter contingent socialities of care, generosity and hospitality.
In Epilepsy Surgery, Pathology Matters, and Lesions Need to Go
Authors: Englot Dario J.
Published: November 2020

[Box: see text]
Iterative learning control for path tracking of service robot in perspective dynamic system with uncertainties
Authors: Yugang Wang , Fengyu Zhou , Yang Zhao , Ming Li , Lei Yin
Published: November 2020

A novel iterative learning control (ILC) for perspective dynamic system (PDS) is designed and illustrated in detail in this article to overcome the uncertainties in path tracking of mobile service robots. PDS, which transmits the motion information of mobile service robots to image planes (such as a camera), provides a good control theoretical framework to estimate the robot motion problem. The proposed ILC algorithm is applied in accordance with the observed motion information to increase the robustness of the system in path tracking. The convergence of the presented learning algorithm is derived as the number of iterations tends to infinity under a specified condition. Simulation results show that the designed framework performs efficiently and satisfies the requirements of trajectory precision for path tracking of mobile service robots.
Chemical Fingerprinting and Quantitative Analysis of Cortex Moutan From Different Tree Peony Cultivars Using HPLC-ESI/MS
Authors: Yang Guodong , Zhang Chunhui , Li Peng , Qiu Yan , Dong Faming
Published: November 2020

To evaluate the relationship between tree peony cultivars and the quality consistency of Cortex Moutan, a sensitive, reliable, and validated method based on high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry was developed for the quantitative analysis of paeonol and chemical fingerprinting of Cortex Moutan. Results from quantitative analysis showed that the content of paeonol in Paeonia ostii “Feng Dan” was the highest (24.51 ± 0.83 mg/g), followed by Paeonia suffruticosa “Luoyang Hong” (14.29 ± 0.76 mg/g), P. suffruticosa “Taiping Hong” (13.99±1.13 mg/g), and P. suffruticosa “Zhaofen” (13.08±0.85 mg/g). Paeonia ostii “Luoyang Feng Dan” was found to have the lowest content (8.76±0.46 mg/g) of paeonol. In qualitative analysis, 5 tree peony cultivars collected from different plantations in China were used to establish the fingerprint. For the fingerprint analysis, 17 characteristic peaks were used to evaluate similarities among tree peony cultivars, and they were found to show similarities. In short, the results of quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested that there was no significant difference in the chemical composition of Cortex Moutan from different tree peony varieties; however, there were significant differences in the levels of chemical components. The method developed in this study provides an important reference to establish a quality control method for other related traditional Chinese medicinal preparations.
“The Revolution Will Be Televised (With Apologies to Gil Scott-Heron)”
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: November 2020

I use the iconic spoken word poem, “The Revolution Will Not be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron to chart a series of reflections on my childhood engagement of the piece for high speech tournaments. Then ground the reflection in current day commentary on the nature of revolution, protest, civil rights protest, the Black Lives Matter movements, issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and the notion of antiracism.
The Association Between Hospital Length of Stay and Treatment With IV Magnesium in Patients With Status Migrainosus
Authors: Hoffman William , Aden James , Bossler Randall , Luster Joshua , Jordan Morgan
Published: November 2020

Status migrainosus (SM) is a subtype of migraine defined by migraine lasting >72 hours and is difficult to treat in clinical practice. Magnesium is commonly used in the treatment of migraine. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine if length of admission was associated with IV magnesium therapy in patients with SM. We reviewed the charts of all patients admitted to a large military treatment facility from October 2013 to December 2018 with the admission diagnosis of migraine. There were 333 patients that were reviewed and 141 met the inclusion criteria. Nearly half of patients received IV magnesium therapy with routine care (46.8%, n = 66). IV magnesium therapy was not associated with length of admission (58 hours (IQR 25.5, 86) compared to 42 hours (IQR 25.5, 80.5) respectively, p = 0.47). Of the cases without Neurology consultation, patients who received magnesium therapy (n = 5) had numerically shorter admission but this difference did not meet statistical significance (n = 12) (17 hours (IQR 13.75, 31.25) versus 24.5 hours (IQR 15.25, 58.75), p = 0.0534). This study contributes to the limited pool of available data on the treatment of SM. Prospective research is needed to study magnesium therapy in patients with prolonged migraine.
Evaluation of Olfactory Function in Children With Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Elsürer Çağdaş , Bozkurt Banu , Aksoy, MD Ceren , Bozkurt Mete K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, severe allergic disease of the conjunctiva, which mostly affects young males in early to mid-childhood. There is a high incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and eczema among patients with VKC. It is unknown if VKC patients have abnormal olfactory dysfunction, and if so, whether this is related to AR.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate olfactory function in children with VKC, with and without comorbid AR, in comparison to healthy children without VKC.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-nine VKC patients and 32 healthy children were included in the study. After eye and ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, acoustic rhinometry and modified Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) tests were performed and the test results were compared between VKC and control groups and between VKC children with or without AR. A p value <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results

The VKC group included 25 males (64.1%) with a mean age of 11.13 ± 3.22 years, while the control group included 26 males (81.3%) with a mean age of 12.50 ± 2.13 years (p > 0.05 for both age and gender). Fourteen VKC patients (35.9%) had either positive prick test or elevated serum specific IgE levels against house dust mites and pollens. Mean odor thresholds did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.084), while mean odor identification and CCCRC score were statistically significantly lower in VKC group (6.00 ± 1.02 and 6.81 ± 0.75, respectively) compared to control group (7.06 ± 0.77 and 7.5 ± 0.41, respectively) (p < 0.05, both). Thirteen VKC patients had co-associated AR (33.3%). In VKC patients with AR, mean odor threshold and identification scores were even lower (5.31 ± 0.95 and 6.23 ± 0.78, respectively) (p < 0.05, both).

Conclusion

Olfactory function was found to be mildly impaired in children with VKC, especially when co-associated with AR. Therefore, loss of smell should be asked as an extraocular symptom.
Regenerative Endodontic Procedures, Disinfectants and Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kharchi Adam S. , Tagiyeva-Milne Nara , Kanagasingam Shalini
Published: November 2020

Aims:

This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise available evidence to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of REP involving any disinfection irrigant together with a non-antibiotic intracanal medicament.

Methods:

Experimental and observational studies evaluating the outcomes of REP in immature non-vital permanent teeth in 6-16 year olds, where the protocol used any type of disinfectant irrigant together with a non-antibiotic intracanal medicament (non-setting calcium hydroxide) were included. Data was narratively synthesised and presented in respect to the primary outcome (elimination of symptoms and infection) and secondary outcomes (increase in root length/width; positive response to vitality testing; patient-reported outcomes; adverse effects).

Main findings:

1628 studies were identified, of which five met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. Studies included one randomised control trial and four observational studies. All five studies showed an absence of clinical signs and symptoms for all teeth postoperatively with radiographic resolution or absence of pathology following the disinfection stages of the REP used. Choice of secondary outcomes were inconsistent but included further root development, coronal discolouration and root canal calcifications postoperatively. There was a high risk of bias in all five studies and subsequently the quality of the evidence base was judged to be low.

Principle conclusions:

REP using a non-antibiotic disinfectant approach appears capable of providing satisfactory outcomes for a non-vital immature permanent tooth. Further high-quality research is required before solid recommendations towards clinical practice guidelines for the disinfection portion of REP can be implemented.
Sodium Hypochlorite Extrusion Accidents: Management and Medico-Legal Considerations
Authors: Kanagasingam Shalini , Blum Igor R.
Published: November 2020

Sodium hypochlorite is considered the most widely used irrigant in endodontics as it exhibits effective antimicrobial activity and has potent tissue-dissolving ability. Whilst it is considered safe when used within the confines of the root canal system, it can cause serious complications when inadvertent periradicular extrusion occurs. This article outlines the complications of sodium hypochlorite extrusion and reviews the appropriate management based on the contemporary evidence. Preventive measures are suggested and the relevant medico-legal considerations are outlined.
Kinetics and computational analysis of cholinesterase inhibition by REVERC3, a bisdemethoxycurcumin-rich Curcuma longa extract: Relevance to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: HV Sudeep , Raj Amritha , K Gouthamchandra , S Chandrappa , K Shyamprasad
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Cholinesterase inhibition is a common strategy to treat Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we have investigated the cholinesterase inhibitory effects of a first-of-its-kind turmeric extract (REVERC3) having enriched content of bisdemethoxycurcumin as major active curcuminoid. Methods: The inhibition studies were performed using Ellman’s colorimetric assay. The kinetics of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase was determined in the presence of REVERC3 using the Lineweaver–Burk double reciprocal plots. Furthermore, we used AutoDock tools to predict the binding of bisdemethoxycurcumin with the active sites of cholinesterases. Results: REVERC3 showed 4.8- and 5.39-fold higher inhibitory potential of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 29.08 and 33.59 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the regular turmeric extract. The mode of binding of REVERC3 was competitive in the case of acetylcholinesterase while it was uncompetitive for the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase. Docking analysis revealed that bisdemethoxycurcumin, the major constituent of REVERC3, has different preferences of binding in the active sites of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. However, the best binding pose predictions are in line with the experimental binding mode of the cholinesterases. Conclusion: These results indicate that bisdemethoxycurcumin-enriched turmeric extract could improve the cholinergic functions via dual inhibition of cholinesterases. However, the predominant role of bisdemethoxycurcumin in REVERC3 must be further validated using preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Does using high-tensile strength tape improve the fixation strength in tendon graft fixation with needleless suture wrapping techniques compared to a suture?
Authors: Hong Chih-Kai , Kuan Fa-Chuan , Hsu Kai-Lan , Chen Yueh , Chuang Hao-Chun , Chiang Chen-Hao , Su Wei-Ren
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To compare the biomechanical properties of a high-tensile strength suture and high-tensile strength tape in tendon graft fixation using two needleless suture wrapping techniques, the modified Prusik knot and modified rolling hitch.

Methods:

Two needleless suture wrapping techniques, the modified rolling hitch (MR) and modified Prusik knot (MP), were utilized. Meanwhile, two kinds of suture materials, a No. 2 braided nonabsorbable high-strength suture (S) and a 1.3 mm high-tensile strength tape (T), were used. A total of 40 porcine tendons were used, which were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was assigned to one of the following groups: MRS, MRT, MPS, and MPT. Each specimen was pretensioned to 100 N for three cycles, cyclically loaded from 50 to 200 N for 200 cycles, and finally loaded to failure.

Results:

The MRT group (34.1 ± 3.5%) had a significantly higher value compared with the MRS (29.7 ± 2.3%), MPS (27.1 ± 3.6%) and MPT (29.5 ± 4.0%) groups in term of elongation after cyclic loadings ( p = 0.002). In terms of ultimate failure load, there were no significant differences in the MRS (401 ± 27 N), MRT (380 ± 27 N), MPS (398 ± 44 N) and MPT (406 ± 49 N) values ( p = 0.539). All specimens failed due to suture breakage at the knots.

Conclusion:

Compared with the high-tensile strength suture, using the high-tensile strength tape lead to greater elongation after cyclic loading when the modified rolling hitch was used. No differences in terms of elongation after cyclic loading and load to failure were found between the high-tensile strength suture and tape using the modified Prusik knot.
Onconephrology, an extra year of training: Where do we stand?
Authors: Jhaveri Kenar D , Agarwal Sonalika
Published: November 2020

Onconephrology is a new subspecialty of nephrology that recognizes the important intersections of kidney disease with cancer. As novel anti cancers are being used to treat patients, we are beginning to see even more kidney-related complications that require close collaboration with hematology and oncology colleagues. Secondary to the increased number and complexity of onconephrology consultations spanning nephrology and oncology, there is a need to expand and focus clinical training in this area. Some authors propose an extra year of fellowship in onconephrology and others propose against extra year of fellowship. An “area of concentration” during the second year of fellowship with 6–9 months of dedicated time might be a solution for a trainee interested in onconephrology. To train the next generation of fellows, all centers should consider at least a local expert in onconephrology and specialty clinics to teach the necessary skills. The large stand-alone cancer centers can then enhance those skills for a specific group of fellows interested by offering an extra year of fellowship. In this editorial, we discuss the pros and cons of having an extra year of training in onconephrology.
Biomechanical Evaluation of a New Suture Button Technique for Reduction and Stabilization of the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis
Authors: O’Daly Andres Eduardo , Kreulen R. Timothy , Thamyongkit Sorawut , Pisano Alfred , Luksameearunothai Kitchai , Hasenboehler Erik A. , Helgeson Melvin D. , Shafiq Babar
Published: November 2020

Background:

Stabilization methods for distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries present risk of malreduction. We compared reduction accuracy and biomechanical properties of a new syndesmotic reduction and stabilization technique using 2 suture buttons placed through a sagittal tunnel in the fibula and across the tibia just proximal to the incisura with those of the conventional method.

Methods:

Syndesmotic injury was created in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric lower leg specimens. Nine ankles were repaired with the conventional method and 9 with the new technique. Reduction for the conventional method was performed using thumb pressure under direct visualization and for the new method by tightening both suture buttons passed through the fibular and tibial tunnels. Computed tomography was used to assess reduction accuracy. Torsional resistance, fibular rotation, and fibular translation were evaluated during biomechanical testing.

Results:

The new technique showed less lateral translation of the fibula on CT measurements after reduction (0.06 ± 0.06 mm) than the conventional method (0.26 ± 0.31 mm), P = .02. The new technique produced less fibular rotation during internal rotation after 0 cycles (new –2.4 ± 1.4 degrees; conventional –5.0 ± 1.2 degrees, P = .001), 100 cycles (new –2.1 ± 1.9 degrees; conventional –4.6 ± 1.4 degrees, P = .01), and 500 cycles (new –2.2 ± 1.6 degrees; conventional –5.3 ± 2.5 degrees, P = .01) and during external rotation after 100 cycles (new 3.9 ± 3.3 degrees; conventional 5.9 ± 3.5 degrees, P = .02) and 500 cycles (new 3.3 ± 3.2 degrees; conventional 6.3 ± 2.6 degrees, P = .03). Fixation failed in 3 specimens.

Conclusion:

The new syndesmotic reduction and fixation technique resulted in more accurate reduction of the fibula in the tibial incisura in the coronal plane and better rotational stability compared with the conventional method.

Clinical Relevance:

This new technique of syndesmosis reduction and stabilization may be a reliable alternative to current methods.
Seismic performance improvement of ±800 kV UHV DC wall busing using friction ring spring dampers
Authors: Xie Qiang , Liang Huangbin , Wang Xiaoyou
Published: November 2020

Wall bushings that connect converter valves within hall buildings and other electric facilities in a direct current (DC) field are indispensable in substations but vulnerable to earthquakes. A finite element model was developed to evaluate the seismic performance of a real ultra-high-voltage (UHV) DC wall bushing. The numerical results show that the maximum stress of the wall bushing during seismic activity does not satisfy the strength safety factor provisions within Chinese regulations. To improve the seismic performance of the wall bushing, an energy dissipation device composed of eight friction ring spring dampers (FRSDs) was proposed to be installed between the connection plate on which the bushing is mounted and a steel wall frame. In addition, optimum parameters of the FRSDs were researched and determined, then the seismic responses of the wall bushing with and without the FRSDs were compared to evaluate the energy dissipation effects. Full-scale shaking table tests were conducted on a wall bushing with the designed energy dissipation device. The validity of the numerical simulations and effectiveness of the proposed energy dissipation device of the wall bushing were verified by the experimental results in terms of seismic response mitigation.
Contrast-Enhanced Echocardiography Imaging With a Noncontrast MRI Technique Used in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease to Diagnose Loeffler Endocarditis
Authors: Medepalli Lalitha C. , Braum Paul F. , Fleming Kenzie F.
Published: November 2020

Loeffler endocarditis is rare and can initially be a clinically silent cardiac disorder. Given its natural history with evolving stages and its vague initial cardiac presentation, it is important to keep this as a differential diagnosis. Without treatment, this disorder is progressive and may lead to a possible restrictive cardiomyopathy-related heart failure. Here, a rare case who presented with nonspecific chest pain is reported, which was recognized early by a routine noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) imaging study. This was followed by the addition of contrast enhancement techniques, which made it possible to solidify the diagnosis of the mass to a right ventricular thrombus (possibly secondary to the hypereosinophilia syndrome), with isolated right ventricular involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, without contrast, was performed to further analyze the anatomic location of this entity. A high index of suspicion for Loeffler endocarditis helped identify this condition.
SRP54mutations induce congenital neutropenia via dominant-negative effects onXBP1splicing
Authors: Schürch Christoph , Schaefer Thorsten , Müller Joëlle S. , Hanns Pauline , Arnone Marlon , Dumlin Alain , Schärer Jonas , Sinning Irmgard , Wild Klemens , Skokowa Julia , Welte Karl , Carapito Raphael , Bahram Seiamak , Konantz Martina , Lengerke Claudia
Published: November 2020

Heterozygous de novo missense variants of SRP54 were recently identified in patients with congenital neutropenia (CN) who display symptoms that overlap with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). Here, we investigate srp54 knockout zebrafish as the first in vivo model of SRP54 deficiency. srp54−/− zebrafish experience embryonic lethality and display multisystemic developmental defects along with severe neutropenia. In contrast, srp54+/− zebrafish are viable, fertile, and show only mild neutropenia. Interestingly, injection of human SRP54 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that carry mutations observed in patients (T115A, T117Δ, and G226E) aggravated neutropenia and induced pancreatic defects in srp54+/− fish, mimicking the corresponding human clinical phenotypes. These data suggest that the various phenotypes observed in patients may be a result of mutation-specific dominant-negative effects on the functionality of the residual wild-type SRP54 protein. Overexpression of mutated SRP54 also consistently induced neutropenia in wild-type fish and impaired the granulocytic maturation of human promyelocytic HL-60 cells and healthy cord blood–derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Mechanistically, srp54-mutant fish and human cells show impaired unconventional splicing of the transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1). Moreover, xbp1 morphants recapitulate phenotypes observed in srp54 deficiency and, importantly, injection of spliced, but not unspliced, xbp1 mRNA rescues neutropenia in srp54+/− zebrafish. Together, these data indicate that SRP54 is critical for the development of various tissues, with neutrophils reacting most sensitively to the loss of SRP54. The heterogenic phenotypes observed in patients that range from mild CN to SDS-like disease may be the result of different dominant-negative effects of mutated SRP54 proteins on downstream XBP1 splicing, which represents a potential therapeutic target.
Mild traumatic brain injury is associated with effect of inflammation on structural changes of default mode network in those developing chronic pain
Authors: Niu Xuan , Bai Lijun , Sun Yingxiang , Wang Yuan , Bai Guanghui , Yin Bo , Wang Shan , Gan Shuoqiu , Jia Xiaoyan , Liu Hongjuan
Published: November 2020

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has a higher prevalence (more than 50%) of developing chronic posttraumatic headache (CPTH) compared with moderate or severe TBI. However, the underlying neural mechanism for CPTH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the inflammation level and cortical volume changes in patients with acute PTH (APTH) and further examine their potential in identifying patients who finally developed CPTH at follow-up.

Methods

Seventy-seven mTBI patients initially underwent neuropsychological measurements, 9-plex panel of serum cytokines and MRI scans within 7 days post-injury (T-1) and 54 (70.1%) of patients completed the same protocol at a 3-month follow-up (T-2). Forty-two matched healthy controls completed the same protocol at T-1 once.

Results

At baseline, mTBI patients with APTH presented significantly increased GM volume mainly in the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC), of which the dPCC volume can predict much worse impact of headache on patients’ lives by HIT-6 (β = 0.389, P = 0.007) in acute stage. Serum levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) were also elevated in these patients, and its effect on the impact of headache on quality of life was partially mediated by the dPCC volume (mean [SE] indirect effect, 0.088 [0.0462], 95% CI, 0.01–0.164). Longitudinal analysis showed that the dACC and dPCC volumes as well as CCL2 levels had persistently increased in patients developing CPTH 3 months postinjury.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that structural remodelling of DMN brain regions were involved in the progression from acute to chronic PTH following mTBI, which also mediated the effect of inflammation processes on pain modulation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT02868684; registered 16 August 2016.
Correction to: Evolution of emergency medical services in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Abuzeyad Feras H. , Al Qasim Ghada , Alqasem Leena , Al Farras Mudhaffar I.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Scrotal leiomyoma: a rare cause of scrotal swelling
Authors: Egharevba P. A. , Omoseebi O. , Okunlola A. I. , Omisanjo O. A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumours predominantly found in the uterus. Rarely, they may be located in the ovaries, scrotum, bladder, lungs, vascular structures and spermatic cord.

Case presentation

We managed a 39-year-old man who presented with a year history of progressive right-sided hemiscrotal swelling. The right scrotal mass was excised, and histology showed scrotal leiomyoma.

Conclusion

Scrotal leiomyoma is very rare and challenging to diagnose pre-operatively as a cause of scrotal swelling, but it is amenable to surgical excision.
Bivalves are NO different: nitric oxide as negative regulator of metamorphosis in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Vogeler Susanne , Carboni Stefano , Li Xiaoxu , Nevejan Nancy , Monaghan Sean J. , Ireland Jacqueline H. , Joyce Alyssa
Published: November 2020

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) is presumed to be a regulator of metamorphosis in many invertebrate species, and although NO pathways have been comparatively well-investigated in gastropods, annelids and crustaceans, there has been very limited research on the effects of NO on metamorphosis in bivalve shellfish.

Results

In this paper, we investigate the effects of NO pathway inhibitors and NO donors on metamorphosis induction in larvae of the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas.The nitric oxides synthase (NOS) inhibitors s-methylisothiourea hemisulfate salt (SMIS), aminoguanidine hemisulfate salt (AGH) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) induced metamorphosis at 75, 76 and 83% respectively, and operating in a concentration-dependent manner. Additional induction of up to 54% resulted from exposures to 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, with which NO interacts to catalyse the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Conversely, high concentrations of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside dihydrate in combination with metamorphosis inducers epinephrine, MK-801 or SMIS, significantly decreased metamorphosis, although a potential harmful effect of excessive NO unrelated to metamorphosis pathway cannot be excluded. Expression ofCgNOSalso decreased in larvae after metamorphosis regardless of the inducers used, but intensified again post-metamorphosis in spat. Fluorescent detection of NO in competent larvae with DAF-FM diacetate and localisation of the oyster nitric oxide synthaseCgNOSexpression by in-situ hybridisation showed that NO occurs primarily in two key larval structures, the velum and foot. cGMP was also detected in the foot using immunofluorescent assays, and is potentially involved in the foot’s smooth muscle relaxation.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggest that the NO pathway acts as a negative regulator of metamorphosis in Pacific oyster larvae, and that NO reduction induces metamorphosis by inhibiting swimming or crawling behaviour, in conjunction with a cascade of additional neuroendocrine downstream responses.
Comprehensive phylogenomic analyses re-write the evolution of parasitism within cynipoid wasps
Authors: Blaimer Bonnie B. , Gotzek Dietrich , Brady Seán G. , Buffington Matthew L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Parasitoidism, a specialized life strategy in which a parasite eventually kills its host, is frequently found within the insect order Hymenoptera (wasps, ants and bees). A parasitoid lifestyle is one of two dominant life strategies within the hymenopteran superfamily Cynipoidea, with the other being an unusual plant-feeding behavior known as galling. Less commonly, cynipoid wasps exhibit inquilinism, a strategy where some species have adapted to usurp other species’ galls instead of inducing their own. Using a phylogenomic data set of ultraconserved elements from nearly all lineages of Cynipoidea, we here generate a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale to understand cynipoid systematics and the evolution of these life histories.

Results

Our reconstructed evolutionary history for Cynipoidea differs considerably from previous hypotheses. Rooting our analyses with non-cynipoid outgroups, the Paraulacini, a group of inquilines, emerged as sister-group to the rest of Cynipoidea, rendering the gall wasp family Cynipidae paraphyletic. The families Ibaliidae and Liopteridae, long considered archaic and early-branching parasitoid lineages, were found nested well within the Cynipoidea as sister-group to the parasitoid Figitidae. Cynipoidea originated in the early Jurassic around 190 Ma. Either inquilinism or parasitoidism is suggested as the ancestral and dominant strategy throughout the early evolution of cynipoids, depending on whether a simple (three states: parasitoidism, inquilinism and galling) or more complex (seven states: parasitoidism, inquilinism and galling split by host use) model is employed.

Conclusions

Our study has significant impact on understanding cynipoid evolution and highlights the importance of adequate outgroup sampling. We discuss the evolutionary timescale of the superfamily in relation to their insect hosts and host plants, and outline how phytophagous galling behavior may have evolved from entomophagous, parasitoid cynipoids. Our study has established the framework for further physiological and comparative genomic work between gall-making, inquiline and parasitoid lineages, which could also have significant implications for the evolution of diverse life histories in other Hymenoptera.
Near-chromosome level genome assembly reveals ploidy diversity and plasticity in the intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Kawano-Sugaya Tetsuro , Izumiyama Shinji , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Saito-Nakano Yumiko , Watanabe Koji , Kobayashi Seiki , Nakada-Tsukui Kumiko , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: November 2020

Background

Amoebozoa is a eukaryotic supergroup composed of unicellular and multicellular amoebic protozoa (e.g. Acanthamoeba, Dictyostelium, and Entamoeba). They are model organisms for studies in cellular and evolutionary biology and are of medical and veterinary importance. Despite their importance, Amoebozoan genome organization and genetic diversity remain poorly studied due to a lack of high-quality reference genomes. The slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is the only Amoebozoan species whose genome is available at the chromosome-level.

Results

Here, we provide a near-chromosome-level assembly of the Entamoeba histolytica genome, the second semi-completed Amoebozoan genome. The availability of this improved genome allowed us to discover inter-strain heterogeneity in ploidy at the near-chromosome or sub-chromosome level among 11 clinical isolates and the reference strain. Furthermore, we observed ploidy-independent regulation of gene expression, contrary to what is observed in other organisms, where RNA levels are affected by ploidy.

Conclusions

Our findings offer new insights into Entamoeba chromosome organization, ploidy, transcriptional regulation, and inter-strain variation, which will help to further decipher observed spectrums of virulence, disease symptoms, and drug sensitivity of E. histolytica isolates.
Genome-wide identification of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 small RNAs responsive to nitrogen starvation and likely involvement in plant-microbe interactions
Authors: Koul Vatsala , Srivastava Divya , Singh Pushplata Prasad , Kochar Mandira
Published: November 2020

Background

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are non-coding RNAs known to regulate various biological functions such as stress adaptation, metabolism, virulence as well as pathogenicity across a wide range of bacteria, mainly by controlling mRNA stabilization or regulating translation. Identification and functional characterization of sRNAs has been carried out in various plant growth-promoting bacteria and they have been shown to help the cells cope up with environmental stress. No study has been carried out to uncover these regulatory molecules in the diazotrophic alpha-proteobacteriumAzospirillum brasilenseSp245 to date.

Results

Expression-based sRNA identification (RNA-seq) revealed the first list of ~ 468 sRNA candidate genes inA. brasilenseSp245 that were differentially expressed in nitrogen starvation versus non-starved conditions. In parallel, in silico tools also identified 2 of the above as candidate sRNAs. Altogether, putative candidates were stringently curated from RNA-seq data based on known sRNA parameters (size, location, secondary structure, and abundance). In total, ~ 59 significantly expressed sRNAs were identified in this study of which 53 are potentially novel sRNAs as they have no Rfam and BSRD homologs. Sixteen sRNAs were randomly selected and validated for differential expression, which largely was found to be in congruence with the RNA-seq data.

Conclusions

Differential expression of 468A. brasilensesRNAs was indicated by RNA-seq data, a subset of which was confirmed by expression analysis. Four of the significantly expressed sRNAs were not observed in nitrogen starvation while 16 sRNAs were found to be exclusively expressed in nitrogen depletion. Putative candidate sRNAs identified have potential mRNA targets primarily involved in stress (abiotic and biotic) adaptability; regulation of bacterial cellular, biological and molecular pathways such as nitrogen fixation, polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis, chemotaxis, biofilm formation and transcriptional regulation. In addition to directly influencing bacteria, some of these sRNAs also have targets influencing plant-microbe interactions through adhesion of bacteria to plant roots directly, suppressing host response, inducing plant defence and signalling.
Variation under domestication in animal models: the case of the Mexican axolotl
Authors: Torres-Sánchez María
Published: November 2020

Background

Species adaptation to laboratory conditions is a special case of domestication that has modified model organisms phenotypically and genetically. The characterisation of these changes is crucial to understand how this variation can affect the outcome of biological experiments. Yet despite the wide use of laboratory animals in biological research, knowledge of the genetic diversity within and between different strains and populations of some animal models is still scarce. This is particularly the case of the Mexican axolotl, which has been bred in captivity since 1864.

Results

Using gene expression data from nine different projects, nucleotide sequence variants were characterised, and distinctive genetic background of the experimental specimens was uncovered. This study provides a catalogue of thousands of nucleotide variants along predicted protein-coding genes, while identifying genome-wide differences between pigment phenotypes in laboratory populations.

Conclusions

Awareness of the genetic variation could guide a better experimental design while helping to develop molecular tools for monitoring genetic diversity and studying gene functions in laboratory axolotls. Overall, this study highlights the cross-taxa utility that transcriptomic data might have to assess the genetic variation of the experimental specimens, which might help to shorten the journey towards reproducible research.
Deficiencies in the formation and regulation of anther cuticle and tryphine contribute to male sterility in cotton PGMS line
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Ji , Ma Qiang , Qin Yuan , Wang Hantao , Chen Pengyun , Ma Liang , Fu Xiaokang , Zhu Longfu , Wei Hengling , Yu Shuxun
Published: November 2020

Background

Male sterility is a simple and efficient pollination control system that is widely exploited in hybrid breeding. In upland cotton, CCRI9106, a photosensitive genetic male sterile (PGMS) mutant isolated from CCRI040029, was reported of great advantages to cotton heterosis. However, little information concerning the male sterility of CCRI9106 is known. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis of CCRI9106 (the mutant, MT) and CCRI040029 (the wild type, WT) anthers in Anyang (long-day, male sterile condition to CCRI9106) was performed to reveal the potential male sterile mechanism of CCRI9106.

Results

Light and electron microscopy revealed that the male sterility phenotype of MT was mainly attributed to irregularly exine, lacking tryphine and immature anther cuticle. Based on the cytological characteristics of MT anthers, anther RNA libraries (18 in total) of tetrad (TTP), late uninucleate (lUNP) and binucleate (BNP) stages in MT and WT were constructed for transcriptomic analysis, therefore revealing a total of 870,4 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By performing gene expression pattern analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks construction, we found down-regulation of DEGs, which enriched by the lipid biosynthetic process and the synthesis pathways of several types of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids, may crucial to the male sterility phenotype of MT, and resulting in the defects of anther cuticle and tryphine, even the irregularly exine. Furthermore, several lipid-related genes together with ABA-related genes and MYB transcription factors were identified as hub genes via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Additionally, the ABA content of MT anthers was reduced across all stages when compared with WT anthers. At last, genes related to the formation of anther cuticle and tryphine could activated in MT under short-day condition.

Conclusions

We propose that the down-regulation of genes related to the assembly of anther cuticle and tryphine may lead to the male sterile phenotype of MT, and MYB transcription factors together with ABA played key regulatory roles in these processes. The conversion of fertility in different photoperiods may closely relate to the functional expression of these genes. These findings contribute to elucidate the mechanism of male sterility in upland cotton.