bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Prediction of Airborne System Based on Grey Prediction
Authors: Wang Jiakun , Zhang Tianwei , Luo Caikun
Published: August 2020

With the development of civil aircraft technology, the scale of civil aviation industry in China is expanding, and the service capacity is gradually improving. Civil aviation industry has become an important industry in China’s economic development. With the increasing complexity, integration and intelligence of aircraft, it is more and more difficult to diagnose and maintain the fault of airborne system. The traditional fault diagnosis and maintenance methods cannot meet the requirements of modern aircraft development. Especially in the field of aircraft maintenance, the thought of aircraft maintenance has gone through the transformation process from “preventive maintenance” to “reliability maintenance”, and the maintenance method of aircraft has gradually changed from the previous scheduled maintenance to the situation-based maintenance.
Research on the Protection of Tort in the Process of Service Data Circulation
Authors: Su Jing , Sun Wenfeng , Si Yaqing , Wang Qinghong , Zheng Jin
Published: August 2020

With the advent of the era of “big data”, service data has released increasingly higher commercial value. Incidents such as personal information leakage and data product infringement that frequently occur in the process of data circulation seriously infringe the rights of data subjects and data controllers. This article takes service data as an example, combines the existing laws and regulations at home and abroad, analyzes the legal attributes of service data products and the definition of the rights of related subjects, and proposes corresponding tort protection suggestions from the two perspectives of personal information protection and data product protection.
A Statistical Analysis of Smartphone Use and Public Eye Health Based on the Survey in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Authors: Shen Qiuxin , Xu Liting , Jiang Yiyan , Zheng Ran , Zhang Yiping
Published: August 2020

In terms of the way of information dissemination, mobile phone has become an essential tool of communication in people’s daily life. In this paper, 382 valid questionnaires were collected and SPSS data analysis was conducted to investigate the situation of smartphone use and eye health of Hangzhou citizens. The results of the survey and analysis showed that most people had very bad habits of using mobile phones, which were harmful to their eyes. Many people more or less had certain eye problems, and there was a long way to go to protect their eyes.
Upper Arm Action Recognition for Self Training with a Smartphone
Authors: Wu Jialing , Song Weixin , Lai Xiaoying , Li Xiao
Published: August 2020

The action recognition for upper arm training, in low-cost and effective way, has great application in both sport training and rehabilitation training. However,they almost require extra and expensive equipments. This paper proposes an approach for real-time recognition of upper arm actions based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM) only one sensor and one smartphoneare needed. Data collected by a sensor and Action Pattern Sets are established with HMM training. Empirical Results with the smartphone, one for self-coaching for badminton technique improvement and another for arm injuries rehabilitation, validating the effectiveness and usability. Some problems found on site show that the next step is to further optimize the Action Pattern Sets to improve the overall accuracy and users’subjective satisfaction.
Mechanical Fault Diagnosis of Circuit Breakers Based on XGBoost and Time-domain Features
Authors: Qi Jiajin , He Qingkui , Jiang Yijun , Xu Yinfei
Published: August 2020

In order to improve the efficiency of feature extraction of mechanical vibration signal of circuit breaker and the reliability of state recognition of circuit breakers, a mechanical fault diagnosis method of high voltage circuit breaker based on XGBoost is adopted. Firstly, 17 time-domain features are extracted from the measured vibration signals of circuit breakers, constructing feature vector and the separability of eigenvectors is analyzed. Then the feature vector is input into XGBoost, the depth and size of the tree are optimized to realize the high reliability discriminant analysis of the mechanical state of circuit breaker. Experiments on vibration data of circuit breakers prove that, this method has high efficiency in feature extraction and the overall recognition accuracy is high.
Molecular Profiling of Pediatric and Adult Glioblastoma
Authors: Gestrich Catherine K , Jajosky Audrey N , Elliott Robin , Stearns Duncan , Sadri Navid , Cohen Mark L , Couce Marta E
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Although glioblastoma (GBM) is rare in the pediatric population, it is the most common cause of death among children with central nervous system neoplasms. Recent molecular profiling of these neoplasms has demonstrated distinct differences in comparison to their adult counterparts. Moreover, many pediatric GBMs occur within the context of cancer predisposition syndromes, such as constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMRD). Children with CMMRD who develop GBM exhibit a high tumor mutational burden and may benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods

We performed next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins in our cohort of pediatric and adult GBMs to further characterize the molecular profiles of these groups.

Results

We examined a total of 11 pediatric and 11 adult GBMs. Pediatric patients had a higher number of alterations compared to their adult counterparts. They also had a higher frequency of alterations in the mismatch repair genes, which can be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also identified one pediatric patient with CMMRD syndrome.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted the distinct molecular differences between pediatric and adult GBM. We also demonstrated that pediatric patients have a higher frequency of alterations in the mismatch repair genes, which may render them susceptible to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These alterations can be detected using routine IHC and should be performed on all pediatric GBM.
Data-Driven Insights on the Effects of COVID-19 on Aesthetics: Part I (Passive Analysis)
Authors: Chandawarkar Akash , Jenny Hillary , Kim Roy
Published: August 2020

Background

Since COVID-19 was declared to be a worldwide pandemic and US national emergency in March (week 11), it has significantly changed aesthetic plastic surgery. As plastic surgeons now move towards reopening practices, understanding public interest in medical aesthetics will be critical to maximize efforts and resource allocation in procedures and treatments that patients want.

Objectives

In this study, the authors sought to passively query public interest in aesthetics utilizing Google Trends search data.

Methods

Google Trends was utilized to quantify relative search volumes over the past 4 years for a variety of categories: patient-related, surgery-related, injectables, breast procedures, face procedures, and body procedures. Data were deseasonalized and represented graphically. Z-scores of each time-point differing from the expected values were determined utilizing least squares regression.

Results

Of the 204 significantly anomalous search term data points in 2020, 172 (84.0%) occurred after week 11 (pandemic/national emergency declaration). Sixty percent of searches in all time-points after week 11 significantly differed, and 25/26 (96.0%) search terms experienced significant changes after week 11. There was decreased interest for 18 terms with variable recovery. Procedural nadirs for decreased search volume troughs occurred between weeks 11 and 14. Six patient-related chief complaints saw increased search interest after COVID-19, with peak interest between weeks 11 and 17.

Conclusions

This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to assess real-time, national data about the impact of COVID-19 on public interest in aesthetics.
Association between Body Mass Index and Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Nationwide Case-control Study in South Korea
Authors: Jung Chan-Young , Park Haeyong , Kim Dong Wook , Lim Hyunsun , Chang Jung Hyun , Choi Yoon Jung , Kim Seong Woo , Chang Tae Ik
Published: August 2020

Background

Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. However, whether obesity is a risk factor for contracting COVID-19 has hardly been investigated so far.

Methods

We examined the association between BMI level and the risk of COVID-19 infection in a nationwide case-control study comprised of 3788 case patients confirmed to have COVID-19 between 24 January and 9 April 2020 and 15 152 controls matched by age and sex, who were aged 20 years or more and underwent National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) health examinations between 2015−2017, using data from the Korean NHIS with linkage to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Our primary exposure of interest was BMI level, categorized into 4 groups: <18.5 (underweight), 18.5–22.9 (normal weight), 23–24.9 (overweight), and ≥25 kg/m2 (obese).

Results

Of the entire 18 940 study participants, 11 755 (62.1%) were women, and the mean age of the study participants was 53.7 years (standard deviation, 13.8). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic, comorbidity, laboratory, and medication data, there was a graded association between higher BMI levels and higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Compared to normal-weight individuals, the adjusted odds ratios in the overweight and obese individuals were 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.25) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.15–1.39), respectively. This association was robust across age and sex subgroups.

Conclusions

Higher BMI levels were associated with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Regional income disparities, monopoly and finance
Authors: Feldman Maryann , Guy Frederick , Iammarino Simona
Published: August 2020

The overall rise in inequality in the USA since 1980 has been matched by a rise in inequality between places; local and regional development policies aimed at reversing this polarisation have seen limited success. We propose an explanation for the spatial polarisation of prosperity and the failure of the policies to remedy it. Our explanation is based on the interaction of monopoly power, agglomeration economies in technology clusters and the power of financial sector actors over non-financial firms—all phenomena characteristic of the post-1980 economy. We review evidence for each of these elements and propose some causal relationships between them, as an outline of an ongoing research programme.
Prognostic Value of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Expression in Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Viral Load in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells for Epstein–Barr Virus–Positive Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Bin , Sun Ming , Wang Zijin , Zheng Yanping , Cai Weifeng , Shi Helen Hsiao-Hsing , Zhuang Yanzhen , Lin Qin
Published: August 2020

Background

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has a role in the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, it is unclear whether EBV load correlates with tumor prognosis or the need for immunotherapy. This study evaluated whether the EBV DNA concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or programmed cell death-ligand1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) could predict the clinical outcomes of patients with NPC.

Methods

Clinicopathological parameters of 198 patients with NPC were analyzed retrospectively from June 2012 to May 2018. Patients’ EBV loads were determined by droplet digital PCR. TIL PD-L1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

A log value of 1.98 log IU/mL for PBMC EBV DNA and a percentage of PD-L1 expression of 15% in TILs marked distinguishing cutoffs in NPC prognosis. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in patients with high vs low log (PBMC EBV DNA) were 68.2% and 93.1%, respectively (P = 0.002). The 5-year PFS rates in patients with high vs low TIL PD-L1 expression were 66.3% and 33.7%, respectively (P = 0.03). The 5-year PFS rates of the high-risk group (high log [PBMC EBV DNA] and low TIL PD-L1), low-risk group (low log [PBMC EBV DNA] and high TIL PD-L1), and those in between (intermediate group) were 0%, 91.9%, and 71.4%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Concentrations of PBMC EBV DNA and TIL PD-L1 expression can be used as prognostic markers in NPC. The combination of both an increased EBV DNA concentration and suppressed TIL PD-L1 expression is associated with metastasis or relapse.
Prognostic Metrics Associated with Inflammation and Atherosclerosis Signaling Evaluate the Burden of Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Guo Daoxia , Zhu Zhengbao , Zhong Chongke , Wang Aili , Xie Xuewei , Xu Tan , Peng Yanbo , Peng Hao , Li Qunwei , Ju Zhong , Geng Deqin , Chen Jing , Liu Liping , Wang Yilong , He Jiang , Zhang Yonghong
Published: August 2020

Background

Conventional prognostic risk factors can only partly explain the adverse clinical outcomes after ischemic stroke. We aimed to establish a set of prognostic metrics and evaluate its public health significance on the burden of adverse clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke.

Methods

All patients were from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS). We established prognostic metrics of ischemic stroke from 20 potential biomarkers in a propensity-score-matched extreme case sample (n = 146). Pathway analysis was conducted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. In the whole CATIS population (n = 3575), we evaluated effectiveness of these prognostic metrics and estimated their population-attributable fractions (PAFs) related to the risk of clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) at 3 months after stroke.

Results

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), S100A8/A9, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) were selected as prognostic metrics for ischemic stroke. Pathway analysis showed significant enrichment in inflammation and atherosclerosis signaling. All 4 prognostic metrics were independently associated with poor prognosis of ischemic stroke. Compared with patients having 1 or 0 high-level prognostic metrics, those with 4 had higher risk of primary outcome (OR: 3.84, 95%CI: 2.67–5.51; PAF: 37.4%, 95%CI: 19.5%–52.9%).

Conclusion

The set of prognostic metrics, enriching in inflammation and atherosclerosis signaling, could effectively predict the prognosis at 3 months after ischemic stroke and would provide additional information for the burden of adverse clinical outcomes among patients with ischemic stroke.
A severe right-to-left intracardiac shunt after NobleStitch failure: when a device is needed
Authors: Trabattoni Daniela , Gili Sebastiano , Teruzzi Giovanni , Tamborini Gloria
Published: August 2020

Background

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been demonstrated to be superior to medical therapy in stroke prevention in selected patients. Beyond traditional permanent metallic devices, NobleStitch EL, a suture-based system, has been developed as a potential alternative.

Case summary

A 50-year-old man underwent transcatheter closure of PFO with mild interatrial septal bulging and tunnel-like morphology with a NobleStitch device. A transthoracic echocardiography performed immediately after PFO closure showed residual shunt (RS), which persisted unchanged at staged controls, due to the inability of the delivery system to capture both the septum primum and the septum secundum. A second procedure was performed with the implantation of a Figulla Flex II 27/30 mm device, with no RS detectable at control echocardiography.

Discussion

The NobleStitch device is interesting in its concept, but several pitfalls may be encountered during its deployment. Opposite to permanent metallic devices, RSs after the procedure are not expected to decrease over time and should be managed with a different approach.
ROTAVI: simultaneous left main rotablation and transcutaneous aortic valve implantation in calcified coronaries and severe aortic stenosis – a case report
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Kaur Navjyot , Sharma Yashpaul , Barwad Parag
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a high incidence of calcified coronary artery disease in patients with severe valvular aortic stenosis (AS). With transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as one of the promising options for severe AS in high and intermediate surgical risk patients; we will encounter more and more patients who will require both complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with rotablation (RA) and TAVR. The timing of PCI in patients undergoing TAVR; however remains indecisive. Due to the complexity of procedures and the risks involved, very few cases of concomitant TAVR and coronary RA have been reported so far.

Case summary

Seventy-five years old high surgical risk female had severe AS with calcified left main (LM) distal and ostial left anterior descending (LAD) artery lesion. Successful PCI with RA to LM-LAD lesion was done followed by uneventful transfemoral TAVR in the same setting.

Discussion

This is probably one of the very few cases reported where PCI to LM with RA and TAVR was done successfully in the same setting. Since the calcified lesion was focal and left ventricular ejection fraction of the patient was normal, we went ahead with PCI without prior balloon dilatation of aortic valve (BAV) which was a deviation from the prior reported cases, where BAV was performed prior to complex PCI to improve the cardiac output. We herein discuss our case and thoughts about concomitant complex PCI and TAVR.
Teacher and student-created videos in English language teaching
Authors: Cowie Neil , Sakui Keiko
Published: August 2020

In this series, we explore technology-related themes and topics. The series aims to discuss and demystify what may be new areas for some readers and to consider their relevance for English language teachers.
Incidence, epidemiology, diagnosis and prognosis of atrio-oesophageal fistula following percutaneous catheter ablation: a French nationwide survey
Authors: Gandjbakhch Estelle , Mandel Franck , Dagher Yann , Hidden-Lucet Francoise , Rollin Anne , Maury Philippe
Published: August 2020

Aims

Rate, incidence, risk factors, and optimal management of atrio-oesophageal fistula (AOF) after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) remain obscure.

Methods and results

All French centres performing AF ablation were identified and surveys were sent concerning the number of procedures, eventual cases of AOF, and characteristics of such cases. Eighty-two of the 103 centres (80%) performing AF ablation in France were included, with a total of 129 286 AF ablations since 2006 (93% of the whole procedures in France). Thirty-three AOF were reported (reported rate 0.026% per procedure) with a stable reported annual incidence despite the increasing number of procedures. Sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) scan for AOF was 81%. Mortality was 60%, significantly lower in case of surgical corrective therapy (31 vs. 93%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The reported rate of AOF after AF ablation in this nationwide survey was 0.026%, with a stable reported annual incidence over time. A normal CT scan does not rule out the diagnosis and should be repeated in case of suspicion. Prognosis remains poor with a mortality of 60% and crucially dependant of immediate surgical correction. No clear protective strategy has been proven effective.
Do social accountability approaches work? A review of the literature from selected low- and middle-income countries in the WHO South-East Asia region
Authors: Naher Nahitun , Balabanova Dina , Hutchinson Eleanor , Marten Robert , Hoque Roksana , Tune Samiun Nazrin Bente Kamal , Islam Bushra Zarin , Ahmed Syed Masud
Published: August 2020

Governance failures undermine efforts to achieve universal health coverage and improve health in low- and middle-income countries by decreasing efficiency and equity. Punitive measures to improve governance are largely ineffective. Social accountability strategies are perceived to enhance transparency and accountability through bottom-up approaches, but their effectiveness has not been explored comprehensively in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries in south and Southeast Asia where these strategies have been promoted. We conducted a narrative literature review to explore innovative social accountability approaches in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar and Nepal spanning the period 2007–August 2017, searching PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. To augment this, we also performed additional PubMed and Google Scholar searches (September 2017–December 2019) to identify recent papers, resulting in 38 documents (24 peer-reviewed articles and 14 grey sources), which we reviewed. Findings were analysed using framework analysis and categorized into three major themes: transparency/governance (eight), accountability (11) and community participation (five) papers. The majority of the reviewed approaches were implemented in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The interventions differed on context (geographical to social), range (boarder reform to specific approaches), actors (public to private) and levels (community-specific to system level). The initiatives were associated with a variety of positive outcomes (e.g. improved monitoring, resource mobilization, service provision plus as a bridge between the engaged community and the health system), yet the evidence is inconclusive as to the extent that these influence health outcomes and access to health care. The review shows that there is no common blueprint which makes accountability mechanisms viable and effective; the effectiveness of these initiatives depended largely on context, capacity, information, spectrum of actor involvement, independence from power agendas and leadership. Major challenges that undermined effective implementation include lack of capacity, poor commitment and design and insufficient community participation.
Community readiness for childhood obesity prevention programs: findings from an urban population in Iran
Authors: Niknam Mahdieh , Omidvar Nasrin , Amiri Parisa , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Kalantari Naser
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to examine the Iranian local communities’ readiness stage to engage with childhood obesity prevention programs for late primary school children in districts 2 and 16 of Tehran as the representatives of high and low socio-economic districts, respectively. First, a Delphi approach was conducted to assess the socio-cultural necessity/appropriateness and adequacy of the community readiness model and its dimensions as a planning basis for childhood obesity prevention program(s) in Iran. Then, the community readiness interview guide’s translation, modification, content and face validity were performed. Finally, 66 interviews with key informants were conducted and scored to assess community readiness. The socio-cultural necessity/appropriateness and adequacy of community readiness model and its dimensions were confirmed by Delphi participants and two questions were added to the interview guide. Content and face validity of the interview guide were at acceptable levels. Assessment of the community readiness based on the key informants’ perspective showed that the overall mean readiness score of targeted local communities was 4.61 ± 0.54 and 4.22 ± 0.26 in high and low socio-economic districts, respectively, corresponded to ‘preplanning stage’. The highest score was 5.00 ± 0.48 correspond to the ‘preparation stage’, which belonged to girls’ schools in district 2. Small differences were found in the readiness stage of local communities by sex and socio-economic status of schools. The results highlight the need to increase community awareness, gain their support to recognize childhood obesity as a priority, address cultural misconceptions and improve the obesity prevention programs to achieve a higher level of readiness.
BK Polyomavirus–Specific CD8 T-Cell Expansion In Vitro Using 27mer Peptide Antigens for Developing Adoptive T-Cell Transfer and Vaccination
Authors: Wilhelm Maud , Kaur Amandeep , Wernli Marion , Hirsch Hans H
Published: August 2020

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant cause of premature kidney transplant failure. In the absence of effective antivirals, current treatments rely on reducing immunosuppression to regain immune control over BKPyV replication. Increasing BKPyV-specific CD8 T cells correlate with clearance of BKPyV DNAemia in kidney transplant patients. We characterized a novel approach for expanding BKPyV-specific CD8 T cells in vitro using 27mer-long synthetic BKPyV peptides, different types of antigen-presenting cells, and CD4 T cells.

Methods

Langerhans cells and immature or mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy blood donors, pulsed with synthetic peptide pools consisting of 36 overlapping 27mers (27mP) or 180 15mers (15mP). BKPyV-specific CD8 T-cell responses were assessed by cytokine release assays using 15mP or immunodominant 9mers.

Results

BKPyV-specific CD8 T cells expanded using 27mP and required mature Mo-DCs (P = .0312) and CD4 T cells (P = .0156) for highest responses. The resulting BKPyV-specific CD8 T cells proliferated, secreted multiple cytokines including interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α, and were functional (CD107a+/PD1–) and cytotoxic.

Conclusions

Synthetic 27mP permit expanding BKPyV-specific CD8 T-cell responses when pulsing mature Mo-DCs in presence of CD4 T cells, suggesting novel and safe approaches to vaccination and adoptive T-cell therapies for patients before and after kidney transplantation.
Administering an appeasing substance to beef calves at weaning to optimize productive and health responses during a 42-d preconditioning program
Authors: Schubach Kelsey M , Cooke Reinaldo F , Daigle Courtney L , Brandão Alice P , Rett Bruna , Ferreira Vitor S M , Scatolin Giovanna N , Colombo Eduardo A , D’Souza Genevieve M , Pohler Ky G , Cappellozza Bruno I
Published: August 2020

This experiment evaluated the impacts of administering a bovine appeasing substance (BAS) to beef calves at weaning on their performance, physiological responses, and behavior during a 42-d preconditioning program. Eighty calves (40 heifers and 40 steers; 90% British × 10% Nellore) were weaned at 233 ± 2 d of age (day 0); ranked by sex, weaning age, and body weight (BW); and assigned to receive BAS (IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 40) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 40). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal following dam separation. Within treatment, calves were allocated to one of eight drylot pens (four pens per treatment; pen being the experimental unit) and received a free-choice total mixed ration (TMR) from day 0 to 42, intake of which was assessed daily. Live behavior observations were conducted on days 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32. Temperament was assessed and blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on days −21, 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42. Hair samples were collected from the tail switch on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. Calves were vaccinated against bovine respiratory disease viruses on days −21 and 0. Average daily gain from day 0 to 42 did not differ between treatments (P = 0.57) but was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves from day 0 to 28. Intake of TMR was greater (P = 0.05) during the first week for BAS vs. CON calves (treatment × week; P = 0.08). The mean proportion of calves feeding simultaneously and performance of social and play behaviors were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for BAS vs. CON calves. Escape attempts were greater (P < 0.01) for BAS vs. CON calves on day 1 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Exit velocity was greater (P = 0.04) for CON vs. BAS calves on day 14 and tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CON vs. BAS calves on day 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Mean plasma concentrations of haptoglobin were greater (P = 0.02) in CON vs. BAS calves. Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) in CON vs. BAS calves on day 14 (treatment × day; P = 0.03). Mean serum concentrations of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus were greater (P = 0.02) in BAS vs. CON calves. Collectively, BAS administration to beef calves at weaning alleviated stress-induced physiological reactions, improved temperament evaluated via chute exit velocity, enhanced humoral immunity acquired from vaccination, and appeared to have accelerated adaptation to novel management scheme and environment.
Interplay of isoform 1N4R tau protein and amyloid-β peptide fragment 25–35 in reducing and non-reducing conditions
Authors: Mohammadi Fatemeh , Takalloo Zeinab , Rahmani Hossein , Nasiri Khalili Mohammad Ali , Khajeh Khosro , Riazi Gholamhossein , H. Sajedi Reza
Published: August 2020

Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and tau protein are two hallmark proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the parameters, which mediate the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and tau, have not been fully discovered. Here, we have provided an optimum method to purify tau protein isoform 1N4R by using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose chromatography under denaturing condition. The biochemical and biophysical properties of the purified protein were further characterized using in vitro tau filament assembly, tubulin polymerization assay, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Afterwards, we investigated the effect of tau protein on aggregation of Aβ (25–35) peptide using microscopic imaging and cell viability assay. Incubation of tau at physiologic and supra-physiologic concentrations with Aβ25–35 for 40 days under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed formation of two types of aggregates with distinct morphologies and dimensions. In non-reducing condition, the co-incubated sample showed granular aggregates, while in reducing condition, they formed annular protofibrils. Results from cell viability assay revealed the increased cell viability for the co-incubated sample. Therefore, the disassembling action shown by tau protein on Aβ25–35 suggests the possibility that tau may have a protective role in preventing Aβ peptide from acquiring the cytotoxic, aggregated form against oxidative stress damages.
Developmental Biology of Forensically Important Beetle, Necrophila (Calosilpha) brunnicollis (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Jakubec Pavel , Qubaiová Jarin , Novák Martin , Růžička Jan
Published: August 2020

The postmortem interval (PMI) estimation, in cases where the body was discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition, is predominantly based on entomological evidence. However, very few forensically important species are sufficiently known in detail to allow a practical application. One of them is the carrion beetle, Necrophila (Calosilpha) brunnicollis (Kraatz, 1877). Its development from egg to adulthood was studied under a range of ecologically relevant constant temperatures to find parameters of thermal summation models. Developmental sexual dimorphism and the presence of developmental rate isomorphy were investigated. Herein we present the lower developmental thresholds and sum of effective temperatures for all developmental stages of N. brunnicollis (egg, first–third larval instar, postfeeding stage, and pupae). We did not find any evidence of developmental sexual dimorphism nor was the presence of developmental rate isomorphy confirmed. Our results present the first thermal summation model of the East Asian carrion beetle that can be used for the PMI estimation.
Cobblestone Malformation in LAMA2 Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (MDC1A)
Authors: Jayakody Himali , Zarei Sanam , Nguyen Huy , Dalton Joline , Chen Kelly , Hudgins Louanne , Day John , Withrow Kara , Pandya Arti , Teasley Jean , Dobyns William B , Mathews Katherine D , Moore Steven A
Published: August 2020

Congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is caused by recessive variants in laminin α2 (LAMA2). Patients have been found to have white matter signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but rarely structural brain abnormalities. We describe the autopsy neuropathology in a 17-year-old with white matter signal abnormalities on brain MRI. Dystrophic pathology was observed in skeletal muscle, and the sural nerve manifested a mild degree of segmental demyelination and remyelination. A diffuse, bilateral cobblestone appearance, and numerous points of fusion between adjacent gyri were apparent on gross examination of the cerebrum. Brain histopathology included focal disruptions of the glia limitans associated with abnormal cerebral cortical lamination or arrested cerebellar granule cell migration. Subcortical nodular heterotopia was present within the cerebellar hemispheres. Sampling of the centrum semiovale revealed no light microscopic evidence of leukoencephalopathy. Three additional MDC1A patients were diagnosed with cobblestone malformation on brain MRI. Unlike the autopsied patient whose brain had a symmetric distribution of cobblestone pathology, the latter patients had asymmetric involvement, most severe in the occipital lobes. These cases demonstrate that cobblestone malformation may be an important manifestation of the brain pathology in MDC1A and can be present even when patients have a structurally normal brain MRI.
NOTCH2NLC CGG Repeats Are Not Expanded and Skin Biopsy Was Negative in an Infantile Patient With Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease
Authors: Jedlickova Ivana , Pristoupilova Anna , Hulkova Helena , Vrbacka Alena , Stranecky Viktor , Hruba Eva , Jesina Pavel , Honzik Tomas , Hrdlicka Ivan , Fremuth Jiri , Pivovarcikova Kristyna , Bitar Ibrahim , Matej Radoslav , Kmoch Stanislav , Sikora Jakub
Published: August 2020

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder categorized into 3 phenotypic variants: infantile, juvenile, and adult. Four recent reports have linked NIID to CGG expansions in the NOTCH2NLC gene in adult NIID (aNIID) and several juvenile patients. Infantile NIID (iNIID) is an extremely rare neuropediatric condition. We present a 7-year-old male patient with severe progressive neurodegenerative disease that included cerebellar symptoms with cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI, psychomotor developmental regression, pseudobulbar syndrome, and polyneuropathy. The diagnosis of iNIID was established through a postmortem neuropathology work-up. We performed long-read sequencing of the critical NOTCH2NLC repeat motif and found no expansion in the patient. We also re-evaluated an antemortem skin biopsy that was collected when the patient was 2 years and 8 months old and did not identify the intranuclear inclusions. In our report, we highlight that the 2 methods (skin biopsy and CGG expansion testing in NOTCH2NLC) used to identify aNIID patients may provide negative results in iNIID patients.
Cellular and molecular insights on the regulation of innate immune responses to experimental aspergillosis in chicken and turkey poults
Authors: Vahsen Tobias , Zapata Laura , Guabiraba Rodrigo , Melloul Elise , Cordonnier Nathalie , Botterel Françoise , Guillot Jacques , Arné Pascal , Risco-Castillo Veronica
Published: August 2020

Across the world, many commercial poultry flocks and captive birds are threatened by infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. Susceptibility to aspergillosis varies among birds; among galliform birds specifically, morbidity and mortality rates seem to be greater in turkeys than in chickens. Little is known regarding the features of avian immune responses after inhalation of Aspergillus conidia, and to date, scarce information on inflammatory responses during aspergillosis exists. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to improve our understanding of the interactions between A. fumigatus and economically relevant galliform birds in terms of local innate immune responses. Intra-tracheal aerosolization of A. fumigatus conidia in turkey and chicken poults led to more severe clinical signs and lung lesions in turkeys, but leukocyte recovery from lung lavages was higher in chickens at 1dpi only. Interestingly, only chicken CD8+ T lymphocyte proportions increased after infection. Furthermore, the lungs of infected chickens showed an early upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-6, whereas in turkeys, most of these cytokines showed a downregulation or a delayed upregulation. These results confirmed the importance of an early pro-inflammatory response to ensure the development of an appropriate anti-fungal immunity to avoid Aspergillus dissemination in the respiratory tract. In conclusion, we show for the first time that differences in local innate immune responses between chickens and turkeys during aspergillosis may determine the outcome of the disease.
Returning radiation in strong gravity around black holes: reverberation from the accretion disc
Authors: Wilkins D R , García J A , Dauser T , Fabian A C
Published: August 2020

We study reflected X-ray emission that returns to the accretion disc in the strong gravitational fields around black holes using General Relativistic ray-tracing and radiative transfer calculations. Reflected X-rays that are produced when the inner regions of the disc are illuminated by the corona are subject to strong gravitational light bending, causing up to 47 per cent of the reflected emission to be returned to the disc around a rapidly spinning black hole, depending upon the scale height of the corona. The iron Kα line is enhanced relative to the continuum by 25 per cent, and the Compton hump by up to a factor of 3. Additional light traveltime between primary and secondary reflections increases the reverberation time lag measured in the iron K band by 49 per cent, while the soft X-ray lag is increased by 25 per cent and the Compton hump response time is increased by 60 per cent. Measured samples of X-ray reverberation lags are shown to be consistent with X-rays returning to the accretion disc in strong gravity. Understanding the effects of returning radiation is important in interpreting reverberation observations to probe black holes. Reflected X-rays returning to the disc can be uniquely identified by blueshifted returning iron K line photons that are Compton scattered from the inner disc, producing excess, delayed emission in the 3.5–4.5 keV energy range that will be detectable with forthcoming X-ray observatories, representing a unique test of General Relativity in the strong field limit.
Genomic Consequences of Long-Term Population Decline in Brown Eared Pheasant
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Burley John T , Liu Yang , Chang Jiang , Chen De , Lu Qi , Li Shou-Hsien , Zhou Xuming , Edwards Scott , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: August 2020

Population genetic theory and empirical evidence indicate that deleterious alleles can be purged in small populations. However, this viewpoint remains controversial. It is unclear whether natural selection is powerful enough to purge deleterious mutations when wild populations continue to decline. Pheasants are terrestrial birds facing a long-term risk of extinction as a result of anthropogenic perturbations and exploitation. Nevertheless, there are scant genomics resources available for conservation management and planning. Here, we analyzed comparative population genomic data for the three extant isolated populations of Brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in China. We showed that C. mantchuricum has low genome-wide diversity and a contracting effective population size because of persistent declines over the past 100,000 years. We compared genome-wide variation in C. mantchuricum with that of its closely related sister species, the Blue eared pheasant (C. auritum) for which the conservation concern is low. There were detrimental genetic consequences across all C. mantchuricum genomes including extended runs of homozygous sequences, slow rates of linkage disequilibrium decay, excessive loss-of-function mutations, and loss of adaptive genetic diversity at the major histocompatibility complex region. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to perform a comprehensive conservation genomic analysis on this threatened pheasant species. Moreover, we demonstrated that natural selection may not suffice to purge deleterious mutations in wild populations undergoing long-term decline. The findings of this study could facilitate conservation planning for threatened species and help recover their population size.
Decorin production by the human decidua: role in decidual cell maturation
Authors: Halari C D , Nandi P , Jeyarajah M J , Renaud S J , Lala P K
Published: August 2020

Decidualization involves the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblast-like endometrial stromal cells into epithelioid-shaped and secretory ‘decidual’ cells in response to steroid hormones. Human decidual cells produce insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and prolactin (PRL), two well-recognized markers of decidual cell maturation and a proteoglycan decorin (DCN). We reported that DCN restrains the human trophoblast renewal, migration, invasion and endovascular differentiation needed for uterine arterial remodeling during normal pregnancy. DCN overproduction by the decidua is associated with a hypo-invasive placenta and a serious pregnancy disorder, pre-eclampsia (PE). Furthermore, elevated maternal plasma DCN levels during the second trimester is a predictive biomarker of PE. While these paracrine roles of decidua-derived DCN on trophoblast physiology and pathology have been well-defined, it remains unknown whether DCN plays any autocrine role in decidual cell development. The objectives of this study were to examine: the kinetics of DCN production during decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells; gestational age-related changes in DCN production by the first trimester decidua; and a possible autocrine role of DCN on decidual cell maturation. We found that DCN production is enhanced during decidualization of both primary and immortalized human endometrial stromal cells in vitro and during early gestation in decidual samples tested ex vivo, and that it is important for endometrial stromal cell maturation into a decidual phenotype. Decorin-depleted human endometrial stromal cells exposed to decidualizing stimuli failed to mature fully, as evidenced by fibroblastoid morphology, reduced insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and PRL expression, and reduction in cellular ploidy. We identified heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2, and progesterone receptor as potential downstream mediators of DCN effects.
eIF4G-driven translation initiation of downstream ORFs in mammalian cells
Authors: Nobuta Risa , Machida Kodai , Sato Misaki , Hashimoto Satoshi , Toriumi Yasuhito , Nakajima Shizuka , Suto Daiki , Imataka Hiroaki , Inada Toshifumi
Published: August 2020

Comprehensive genome-wide analysis has revealed the presence of translational elements in the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of human transcripts. However, the mechanisms by which translation is initiated in 3′ UTRs and the physiological function of their products remain unclear. This study showed that eIF4G drives the translation of various downstream open reading frames (dORFs) in 3′ UTRs. The 3′ UTR of GCH1, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase 1, contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that initiates the translation of dORFs. An in vitro reconstituted translation system showed that the IRES in the 3′ UTR of GCH1 required eIF4G and conventional translation initiation factors, except eIF4E, for AUG-initiated translation of dORFs. The 3′ UTR of GCH1-mediated translation was resistant to the mTOR inhibitor Torin 1, which inhibits cap-dependent initiation by increasing eIF4E-unbound eIF4G. eIF4G was also required for the activity of various elements, including polyU and poliovirus type 2, a short element thought to recruit ribosomes by base-pairing with 18S rRNA. These findings indicate that eIF4G mediates translation initiation of various ORFs in mammalian cells, suggesting that the 3′ UTRs of mRNAs may encode various products.
Isotopic evidence for size-based dietary shifts in the jellyfish Cyanea nozakii in the northern East China Sea
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Zhang Fang , Liu Mengtan , Sun Song , Xian Haochen
Published: August 2020

Cyanea nozakii is a common bloom-forming Scyphomedusa in coastal waters of China. To understand the diet of this jellyfish and its trophic relationship with other zooplankton groups, stable isotope δ13C and δ15N values of C. nozakii in the bloom area within the northern East China Sea (ECS) in August 2017 were analyzed. We examined: first, the size-based variation in C. nozakii stable isotope values, second, the contributions of different food sources to the C. nozakii diet, and possible size-based dietary shifts in individual C. nozakii and, third, the contribution of gelatinous prey to the C. nozakii diet. Isotope values of differently sized C. nozakii ranged from −18.81 to −16.88‰ for δ13C and from 8.23 to 10.46‰ for δ15N. A significant change in δ15N values implies that the trophic position and the diet of C. nozakii changed as body size increased. The MixSIAR model indicated that C. nozakii underwent a dietary shift during growth, from a seston-dominant diet in smaller medusae to a zooplankton-dominant diet in larger medusae. Copepods were an important food source for C. nozakii, irrespective of size. The mean proportions of gelatinous zooplankton increased significantly in the C. nozakii diet with increasing C. nozakii diameter, suggesting that larger C. nozakii consumed more gelatinous prey. The diet of larger C. nozakii included 9.54% Nemopilema nomurai and 9.53% small medusae. The results suggest that intraguild predation among these jellyfish exist in the northern ECS.
Utility of direct 3D co-culture model for chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on hyaluronan scaffold (Hyaff-11)
Authors: Deszcz Iwona , Lis-Nawara Anna , Grelewski Piotr , Dragan Szymon , Bar Julia
Published: August 2020

This study presents direct 2D and 3D co-culture model of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) line with chondrocytes isolated from patients with osteoarthritis (unaffected area). MSCs differentiation into chondrocytes after 14, 17 days was checked by estimation of collagen I, II, X, aggrecan expression using immunohistochemistry. Visualization, localization of cells on Hyaff-11 was performed using enzymatic technique and THUNDER Imaging Systems. Results showed, that MSCs/chondrocytes 3D co-culture induced suitable conditions for chondrocytes grow and MSCs differentiation than 2D monoculture. Despite that differentiated cells on Hyaff-11 expressed collagen X, they showed high collagen II (80%) and aggrecan (60%) expression with simultaneous decrease of collagen I expression (10%). The high concentration of differentiated cells on Hyaff-11, indicate that this structure has an impact on cells cooperation and communication. In conclusion, we suggest that high expression of collagen II and aggrecan in 3D co-culture model, indicate that cooperation between different subpopulations may have synergistic impact on MSCs chondrogenic potential. Revealed the high concentration and localization of cells growing in deeper layers of membrane in 3D co-culture, indicate that induced microenvironmental enhance cell migration within scaffold. Additionally, we suggest that co-culture model might be useful for construction a bioactive structure for cartilage tissue regeneration.