bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transiton through regulation of the lncRNA MIR4435‐2HG/miR‐296‐5p/Akt2/SNAI1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Li Chen , Liu Junchao , Geng Fengxue , Shi Xiaoting , Li Qian , Lu Ze , Pan Yaping
Published: January 2020

Fusobacterium nucleatum, an anaerobic oral opportunistic pathogen associated with periodontitis, has been considered to be associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the initial host molecular alterations induced by F. nucleatum infection which may promote predisposition to malignant transformation through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) have not yet been clarified. In the present study, we monitored the ability of F. nucleatum to induce EMT‐associated features, and our results showed that F. nucleatum infection promoted cell migration in either noncancerous human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) or the two OSCC cell lines SCC‐9 and HSC‐4, but did not accelerate cell proliferation or cell cycle progression. Mesenchymal markers, including N‐cadherin, Vimentin, and SNAI1, were upregulated, while E‐cadherin was decreased and was observed to translocate to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, FadA adhesin and heat‐inactivated F. nucleatum were found to cause a similar effect as the viable bacterial cells. The upregulated lncRNA MIR4435‐2HG identified by the high‐throughput sequencing was demonstrated to negatively regulate the expression of miR‐296‐5p, which was downregulated in F. nucleatum‐infected HIOECs and SCC‐9 cells. The binding of MIR4435‐2HG and miR‐296‐5p was validated via a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, knockdown of MIR4435‐2HG with siRNA leads to a decrease in SNAI1 expression, while miR‐296‐5p could further negatively and indirectly regulate SNAI1 expression via Akt2. Therefore, our study demonstrated that F. nucleatum infection could trigger EMT via lncRNA MIR4435‐2HG/miR‐296‐5p/Akt2/SNAI1 signaling pathway, and EMT process may be a probable link between F. nucleatum infection and initiation of oral epithelial carcinomas.
Effectiveness of the Non‐Medical Surgical Assistant measured by patient outcome assessment
Authors: Hains Toni , Rowell David , Strand Haakan
Published: January 2020

Aims

To investigate effectiveness of the nurse clinician as a Non‐Medical Surgical Assistant compared with the Medical Surgical Assistant.

Background

Non‐Medical Surgical Assistants are clinicians who are not medical practitioners. The surgical assistant works directly with the primary surgeon intraoperatively.

Design

A pragmatic, retrospective, observational study on patients undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair or Primary Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Each patient received intraoperative care from a consultant surgeon and a Medical Surgical Assistant or Non‐Medical Surgical Assistant. All surgical assistants were registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Methods

Data were collected between 01/07/2014 and 30/06/2017. The effect that surgical assistant choice had on patient outcomes was estimated using regression statistical models. Six dependent variables, including length of stay, for clinical outcome assessment were specified.

Results/Findings

The groups were equivalent in age, gender, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists scores. There were more emergency procedures in the Medical Surgical Assistant group and more hip surgery in the Non‐Medical Surgical Assistant group. Patient outcome assessment showed no statistically significant differences for surgical assistant types.

Conclusion

The nurse clinician in the role of Non‐Medical Surgical Assistant was shown to be effective with equivalent patient outcomes compared with the Medical Surgical Assistant.
Toward hard and highly crack resistant magnesium aluminosilicate glasses and transparent glass‐ceramics
Authors: Ke Xuefei , Shan Zhitao , Li Zihuang , Tao Yunhang , Yue Yuanzheng , Tao Haizheng
Published: January 2020

High hardness and high crack resistance are usually mutually exclusive in glass materials. Through the aerodynamic levitation and laser melting technique, we prepared a series of magnesium aluminosilicate glasses with a constant MgO content, and found a striking enhancement of both hardness and crack resistance with increasing Al2O3. The crack resistance of the magnesium aluminosilicate glass is about five times higher than that of the binary alumina‐silica glass for the similar [Al]/([Al] + [Si]) molar ratio (around 0.6). For the selected magnesium aluminosilicate glass with R = 0.32, when subjected to isothermal treatment at 1283K, we observed a further drastic enhancement of both hardness and crack resistance by extending the heating time. Based on the structural analyses, we propose an atomic‐scale model to explain the mechanism of synergetic enhancement in hardness and crack resistance for the magnesium aluminosilicate glasses and glass‐ceramics.
Elevated serum glycated albumin and glycated albumin : hemoglobin A1c ratio were associated with hippocampal atrophy in a general elderly population of Japanese: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Ohara Tomoyuki , Furuta Yoshihiko , Hirabayashi Naoki , Hata Jun , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Honda Takanori , Yoshida Daigo , Shibata Mao , Kitazono Takanari , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the association of alternative glycemic measures – namely, serum glycated albumin (GA), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the GA : HbA1c ratio – with global brain and hippocampal atrophy in a general elderly Japanese population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,278 Japanese individuals aged ≥65 years in a community participated in brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning and screening examination of health status in 2012. We measured total brain volume (TBV), hippocampal volume (HV) and intracranial volume (ICV) using the data from the magnetic resonance imaging examination. The association of each glycemic measure with the ratios of TBV : ICV (an indicator of global brain atrophy) and HV : ICV (an indicator of hippocampal atrophy) was examined by analysis of covariance.

Results

The mean values of the TBV : ICV and HV : ICV ratios decreased significantly with elevating serum GA levels and GA : HbA1c ratio levels (all P for trend < 0.05), but not with higher HbA1c levels, after adjusting for age, sex, low education, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, diabetes mellitus, serum total cholesterol, electrocardiogram abnormalities, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol drinking habits and regular exercise. These significant associations were still observed in the sensitivity analysis after excluding individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. In addition, increased serum GA levels and the GA : HbA1c ratio levels, but not HbA1c, were closely associated with lower mean values of the TBV : ICV and HV : ICV ratios, irrespective of the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that higher serum GA and higher GA : HbA1c ratio are significantly associated with global brain and hippocampal atrophy.
Defensive Medicine and Obstetric Practices: Evidence from the Military Health System
Authors: Frakes Michael , Gruber Jonathan
Published: January 2020

We estimate the extent of defensive medicine by physicians during labor and delivery, drawing on a novel and significant source of variation in liability pressure. In particular, we embrace the no‐liability counterfactual made possible by the structure of liability rules in the Military Heath System. Active‐duty patients seeking treatment from military facilities cannot sue for harms resulting from negligent care, while protections are provided to dependents treated at military facilities and to all patients—active‐duty or not—who receive care from civilian facilities. Drawing on this variation and addressing endogeneity in the choice of treatment location by estimating mother fixed effects specifications and by exploiting exogenous shocks to care location choices stemming from base‐hospital closures, we find suggestive evidence that liability immunity increases cesarean utilization and treatment intensity during childbirth, with no measurable negative effect on patient outcomes.
The Roles of Chinese CEOs in Managing Individualistic Cultures in Cross‐border Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Zhu Hong , Zhu Qi , Ding Zhiwen
Published: January 2020

The individualism‐collectivism culture represents an important and well‐researched distinction across cultures. Yet research is less clear about how the different levels of individualistic cultures in host countries affect the success of an increasingly important firm strategy – cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs). This study addresses this key research question in the context of Chinese firms’ CBMAs, as Chinese firms are increasingly acquiring targets outside of China in the New Normal global business landscape. This study further theorizes and tests how the Chinese acquirer CEOs’ characteristics moderate the wealth creation relationship. In an analysis of 404 Chinese firms’ CBMAs, we found that an individualistic culture in the host country is negatively associated with Chinese acquirers’ CBMA wealth creation. We also demonstrate that Chinese CEOs’ exposure to foreign culture and female gender weaken that negative relationship, while CEO duality strengthens this negative relationship. Our research thus suggests that culture in host countries can negatively affect acquirers’ CBMA performance, but CEOs may be able to manage the effects of the culture to increase their CBMA performance.
Negative mood as a mediator of the association between insomnia severity and marijuana problems in college students
Authors: Yurasek Ali M. , Miller Mary Beth , Pritschmann Ricarda K. , Curtis Ashley F. , McCrae Christina S.
Published: January 2020

Insomnia symptoms have been linked to problematic marijuana use among young adults, but the mechanism underlying this association and whether sex differences exist, remains unclear. Using cross‐sectional data, this study examined negative mood as a mediator of the association between insomnia and marijuana problems among male and female college students. Undergraduate students (n = 267; 61% female) reporting marijuana use in the past month completed an online survey assessing insomnia symptoms, negative mood and marijuana problems. Controlling for relevant covariates, negative mood was examined as a mediator of the association between insomnia and marijuana problems using bootstrapped significance tests for indirect effects (n‐boot = 1,000). Results indicated that higher levels of insomnia were associated with greater levels of negative mood (regardless of sex), which in turn were associated with greater marijuana‐related problems. In conclusion, insomnia symptoms are associated with more negative mood among college students who use marijuana, and this effect on negative mood accounts for a large part of the association of insomnia symptoms with marijuana‐related problems. Research is needed to determine if these associations are maintained prospectively.
A Phytophthora capsici effector suppresses plant immunity via interaction with EDS1
Authors: Li Qi , Wang Ji , Bai Tian , Zhang Ming , Jia Yuling , Shen Danyu , Zhang Meixiang , Dou Daolong
Published: January 2020

EDS1 (Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1) plays a crucial role in both effector‐triggered immunity activation and plant basal defence. However, whether pathogen effectors can target EDS1 or an EDS1‐related pathway to manipulate immunity is rarely reported. In this study, we identified a Phytophthora capsici Avirulence Homolog (Avh) RxLR (Arg‐any amino acid‐Leu‐Arg) effector PcAvh103 that interacts with EDS1. We demonstrated that PcAvh103 can facilitate P. capsici infection and is required for pathogen virulence. Furthermore, genetic evidence showed that PcAvh103 contributes to virulence through targeting EDS1. Finally, PcAvh103 specifically interacts with the lipase domain of EDS1 and can promote the disassociation of EDS1–PAD4 (Phytoalexin Deficient 4) complex in planta. Together, our results revealed that the P. capsici RxLR effector PcAvh103 targets host EDS1 to suppress plant immunity, probably through disrupting the EDS1–PAD4 immune signalling pathway.
An endophytic Fusarium–legume association is partially dependent on the common symbiotic signalling pathway
Authors: Skiada Vasiliki , Avramidou Marianna , Bonfante Paola , Genre Andrea , Papadopoulou Kalliope K.
Published: January 2020

Legumes interact with a wide range of microbes in their root systems, ranging from beneficial symbionts to pathogens. Symbiotic rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal glomeromycetes trigger a so‐called common symbiotic signalling pathway (CSSP), including the induction of nuclear calcium spiking in the root epidermis.

By combining gene expression analysis, mutant phenotypic screening and analysis of nuclear calcium elevations, we demonstrate that recognition of an endophytic Fusarium solani strain K (FsK) in model legumes is initiated via perception of chitooligosaccharidic molecules and is, at least partially, CSSP‐dependent.

FsK induced the expression of Lysin‐motif receptors for chitin‐based molecules, CSSP members and CSSP‐dependent genes in Lotus japonicus. In LysM and CSSP mutant/RNAi lines, root penetration and fungal intraradical progression was either stimulated or limited, whereas FsK exudates triggered CSSP‐dependent nuclear calcium spiking, in epidermal cells of Medicago truncatula root organ cultures.

Our results corroborate CSSP being involved in the perception of signals from other microbes beyond the restricted group of symbiotic interactions sensu stricto.
Probability distributions of nonstructural carbon ages and transit times provide insights into carbon allocation dynamics of mature trees
Authors: Herrera‐Ramírez David , Muhr Jan , Hartmann Henrik , Römermann Christine , Trumbore Susan , Sierra Carlos A.
Published: January 2020

In trees, the use of nonstructural carbon (NSC) under limiting conditions impacts the age structure of the NSC pools. We compared model predictions of NSC ages and transit times for Pinus halepensis, Acer rubrum and Pinus taeda, to understand differences in carbon (C) storage dynamics in species with different leaf phenology and growth environments.

We used two C allocation models from the literature to estimate the NSC age and transit time distributions, to simulate C limitation, and to evaluate the sensitivity of the mean ages to changes in allocation fluxes.

Differences in allocation resulted in different NSC age and transit time distributions. The simulated starvation flattened the NSC age distribution and increased the mean NSC transit time, which can be used to estimate the age of the NSC available and the time it would take to exhaust the reserves. Mean NSC ages and transit times were sensitive to C fluxes in roots and allocation of C from wood storage.

Our results demonstrate how trees with different storage traits are expected to react differently to starvation. They also provide a probabilistic explanation for the ‘last‐in, first‐out’ pattern of NSC mobilization from well‐mixed C pools.
When does science persuade (or not persuade) in high‐conflict policy contexts?
Authors: Heikkila Tanya , Weible Christopher M. , Gerlak Andrea K.
Published: January 2020

Researchers struggle to understand the relationship between science and policy positions, especially the complicated interplay among the various factors that might affect the acceptance or rejection of scientific information. This article presents a typology that simplifies and guides research linking scientific information to policy positions. We use the typology to examine how characteristics of both scientific information and policy actors' existing policy positions affect the likelihood of changing, maintaining or reinforcing those policy positions. We analyse data from surveys conducted in 2015 and 2017 of policy actors engaged in contested policy debates over shale oil and gas development in Colorado, US. Our findings confirm expectations that policy actors will most likely maintain and reinforce their policy positions in response to scientific information. Our data also show that changes in policy positions depend on policy actors' risk perceptions, perceived issue contentiousness, networks and experience with science.
Recent debates on victims' duties to resist their oppression
Authors: Vasanthakumar Ashwini
Published: January 2020

This article reviews recent arguments in contemporary political philosophy on victims' duties to resist their oppression. It begins by presenting two approaches to these duties. First, that victims' duties are self‐regarding duties that victims owe to their self‐respect or to their well‐being, and second, that victims' duties are other‐regarding duties that arise from victims' duties of justice or of assistance. The second part elaborates on what resistance consists in. The article then considers and responds to two prominent objections to arguments for victims' duties: that they are too demanding, and that they are unfair and exploitative. It concludes by gesturing towards future areas of engagement, in particular, theorising the agents and mechanisms of oppression, and more explicitly engaging with methodological debates about non‐ideal theory.
Sphagnumgrowth under N saturation: interactive effects of water level and P or K fertilization
Authors: Gaudig G. , Krebs M. , Joosten H.
Published: January 2020

Sphagnumbiomass is a promising material that could be used as a substitute for peat in growing media and can be sustainably produced by converting existing drainage‐based peatland agriculture into wet, climate‐friendly agriculture (paludiculture). Our study focuses on yield maximization ofSphagnumas a crop.

We tested the effects of three water level regimes and of phosphorus or potassium fertilization on the growth of fourSphagnumspecies (S. papillosum, S. palustre,S. fimbriatum,S. fallax). To simulate field conditions in Central and Western Europe we carried out a glasshouse experiment under nitrogen‐saturated conditions.

A constant high water table (remaining at 2 cm below capitulum during growth) led to highest productivity for all tested species. Water table fluctuations between 2 and 9 cm below capitulum during growth and a water level 2 cm below capitulum at the start but falling relatively during plant growth led to significantly lower productivity. Fertilization had no effect onSphagnumgrowth under conditions with high atmospheric deposition such as in NW Germany (38 kg N, 0.3 kg P, 7.6 kg K·ha−1·year−1).

Large‐scale maximization ofSphagnumyields requires precise water management, with water tables just below the capitula and rising withSphagnumgrowth. The nutrient load in large areas of Central and Western Europe from atmospheric deposition and irrigation water is high but, with an optimal water supply, does not hamperSphagnumgrowth, at least not of regional provenances ofSphagnum.
Gut microbiota metagenomics in aquaculture: factors influencing gut microbiome and its physiological role in fish
Authors: Yukgehnaish Kumarasan , Kumar Praveen , Sivachandran Parimannan , Marimuthu Kasi , Arshad Aziz , Paray Bilal Ahmad , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: January 2020

Fish gut microbiome confers various effects to the host fish; this includes overall size, metabolism, feeding behaviour and immune response in the fish. The emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria and hard to cure fish diseases warrant the possible utilization of gut microbes that exhibits a positive effect on the fish and thus lead to the usage of these microbes as probiotics. The widespread and systematic use of antibiotics has led to severe biological and ecological problems, especially the development of antibiotic resistance that affects the gut microbiota of aquatic organisms. Probiotics are proposed as an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics, known as beneficial microbes. At the same time, prebiotics are considered beneficial to the host's health and growth by decreasing the prevalence of intestinal pathogens and/or changing the development of bacterial metabolites related to health. Uprise of sequencing technology and the development of intricate bioinformatics tools has provided a way to study these gut microbes through metagenomic analysis. From various metagenomic studies, ample of information was obtained; such information includes the effect of the gut microbiome on the physiology of fish, gut microbe composition of different fish, factors affecting the gut microbial composition of the fish and the immunological effect of gut microbes in fish; such this information related to the fish gut microbiome, their function and their importance in aquaculture is discussed in this review.
Treatment and outcomes of Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Mercuro Nicholas J. , Gill Christian M. , Kenney Rachel M. , Alangaden George J. , Davis Susan L.
Published: January 2020

Optimal antimicrobial therapy for Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infection (EFBSI) in the solid organ transplant (SOT) population is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to describe the pharmacotherapy and outcomes of EFBSI in SOT patients. This was a single‐center retrospective cohort of SOT patients with EFBSI from 2013 to 2019. Susceptibility testing was performed with Vitek® 2 or Etest. Estimates of optimal DAP pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic exposures (dose <10 mg/kg, fAUC/MIC >27.4) were made from previously established literature and equations. Fifty‐one unique cases were included in the analysis. The median age was 61 years and liver (64%), intestinal (19%), and kidney (12%) were the most common organs transplanted. Most patients had indwelling central lines (75%) at the time of bacteremia; intra‐abdominal abscesses/fluid collections were present in 44% of patients and 8% had endocarditis. Nineteen (37%) patients had polymicrobial infections. The most common definitive antimicrobial regimens were as follows: DAP plus beta‐lactam (46%), DAP monotherapy (18%), and LZD (25%). Of the 33 patients that received DAP, 21% of E faecium isolates developed DAP resistance. 30‐day mortality was 25% overall but higher in patients who received an initial DAP dose <10 mg/kg (43% vs 13%). Vancomycin‐resistance, severity of illness, neutropenia, and source control were also associated with mortality. Inadequate DAP dosing for EFBSI may be associated with mortality in the SOT population. Larger, controlled analyses are necessary to determine the impact of optimized pharmacodynamics in this population.
Recurrent gene mutations detected in canine mast cell tumours by next generation sequencing
Authors: Vozdova Miluse , Kubickova Svatava , Pal Karol , Fröhlich Jan , Fictum Petr , Rubes Jiri
Published: January 2020

Genetic causes of canine mast cell tumours (MCTs), except for mutations in the KIT gene detected in some MCTs, are generally unknown. We used whole exome sequencing to reveal mutation spectra in canine MCTs. We detected somatic mutations in 87 genes including 10 genes recognized as human cancer drivers. Besides KIT, 14 other genes were recurrently mutated. Subsequently, we performed next generation sequencing of a panel of 50 selected genes in additional MCT samples. In this group, the most frequently altered gene was GNB1 showing a recurrent dinucleotide substitution at position of Gly116 in 30% of the MCT samples (n = 6/20) and Ile80 substitution accompanied by a splice region mutation in one case. We extended the study by analysis of the above mentioned GNB1 regions in additional MCT samples by Sanger sequencing, and assessed the overall prevalence of GNB1 mutations to 17.3% (n = 14/81), which is similar to the prevalence of KIT alterations. Our results indicate that GNB1 mutations are probably involved in canine MCT pathogenesis in both cutaneous and subcutaneous MCT cases. As opposed to KIT alterations, the presence of GNB1 mutations did not negatively affect survival times, and our data even showed a trend towards positive prognosis. If our results are confirmed in a larger number of MCTs, an extension of molecular testing of canine MCTs by GNB1 analysis would help to refine the molecular stratification of MCTs, and become useful for targeted treatment strategies.
Mechanical Characterization of Embedded Serpentine Conductors in Wearable Electronics
Authors: Ye Chong , Ume Charles I. , Sitaraman Suresh K.
Published: January 2020

Wearable electronics undergo stretching, flexing, bending, and twisting during the process of being put on and while being worn. In addition, wearable textile electronics also need to survive under cyclic washing. During such processes, it is necessary to ensure that the electronics as well as the conductors and various other supporting materials remain reliable. In this work, mechanical characterization of various materials in a commercially available smart shirt is presented. The serpentine conductor used in the smart shirt has been carefully examined to understand the strain distribution at various locations under stretching. Both analytical formulations and numerical simulations have been carried out to determine the strain distribution in the serpentine structure, and the results from the simulations have been compared against experimental data obtained through two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC). Various design configurations of the semicircular serpentine structure have been studied in this work, and a relationship between width and the neutral line radius of the semicircular serpentine structure has been obtained to reduce maximum strains in the serpentine structure under stretching.
The Role of Turbomachinery Performance in the Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Systems
Authors: Romei Alessandro , Gaetani Paolo , Giostri Andrea , Persico Giacomo
Published: January 2020

The successful penetration of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power systems in the energy market largely depends on the achievable turbomachinery efficiencies. The present study illustrates a systematic framework where both the compressor and the turbine are designed via validated (within ±2% pts against experiments) mean-line tools, and the subsequent impact on cycle performance estimates is quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. A significant effort is devoted to the analysis of centrifugal compressors that operate close to the thermodynamic critical point, where sharp variations in the thermodynamic properties may make the compression process critical. The analysis is performed for different compressor sizes and pressure ratios, showing a comparatively small contribution of the compressor-intake fluid conditions to the machine efficiency, which may achieve competitive values (82–85%) for representative full-scale sizes. Two polynomial correlations for both the turbomachinery efficiencies are devised as a function of proper similarity parameters accounting for machine sizes and loading. Such correlations can be easily embedded in power cycle optimizations, which are usually carried out assuming constant turbomachinery efficiencies, thus ignoring the effects of plant size and cycle operating parameters. Efficiency correlations are finally exploited to perform several optimizations of a representative recompression sCO2 cycle, by varying multiple cycle parameters, namely maximum and minimum temperature, pressure ratio, and net power output. The results highlight that the replacement of the constant-efficiency assumption with the proposed correlations leads to more accurate performance predictions (e.g., cycle efficiency can differ by more than 4% pts), besides demonstrating that an optimal pressure ratio exists in the range 2–5 for all the investigated configurations.
Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions
Authors: Ichim Vlad Andrei , Chira Romeo Ioan , Mircea Petru Adrian , Nagy Georgiana Anca , Crisan Doinita , Socaciu Mihai Adrian
Published: January 2020

Aim: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an indispensable method for diagnosis in gastroenterology and new indications for EUS continue to emerge. However, there are limited data regarding the accuracy of EUS-guided biopsy of hepatic focal lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of focal liver lesions.Material and methods: We conducted a prospective study in which patients with focal liver lesions, detected by transabdominal ultrasound and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, underwent EUS-guided FNA to determine the diagnostic yield of the procedure.Results: In 47/48 of patients, the results of EUS-FNA were positive for malignancy, while in one case the acquired fragment was insufficient for appropriate histological analysis. Diagnostic yield was 0.98. In 83% of the cases biopsies were taken from the left lobe and in 17% from the right lobe with the same technical success rate. The most common diagnosis was metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (26% cases) followed by cholangiocarcinoma (17% cases). Concurrent sampling of other sites in addition to the liver and/or primary tumor was realized in 35% of the cases, with results that correlated with the liver biopsy and with the primary tumor biopsy. We reported no immediate or long-term complications in any of the patients.Conclusions: EUS guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy of focal liver lesions is safe, provides a very high diagnostic accuracy and should not be considered only as a rescue method after failure of percutaneous guided biopsies.
On the functional relationship between biodiversity and economic value
Authors: Paul Carola , Hanley Nick , Meyer Sebastian T. , Fürst Christine , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Knoke Thomas
Published: January 2020

This study reviews the conditions under which a positive link between biodiversity and economic value may hold.
Aneuploidy and a deregulated DNA damage response suggest haploinsufficiency in breast tissues of
BRCA2
mutation carriers
Authors: Karaayvaz-Yildirim Mihriban , Silberman Rebecca E. , Langenbucher Adam , Saladi Srinivas Vinod , Ross Kenneth N. , Zarcaro Elena , Desmond Andrea , Yildirim Murat , Vivekanandan Varunika , Ravichandran Hiranmayi , Mylavagnanam Ravindra , Specht Michelle C. , Ramaswamy Sridhar , Lawrence Michael , Amon Angelika , Ellisen Leif W.
Published: January 2020

Normal breast epithelia from
BRCA2
mutation carriers display DNA damage and attenuated checkpoint responses.
Ferrous-Iron-Activated Transcriptional Factor AdhR Regulates Redox Homeostasis in
Clostridium beijerinckii
Authors: Yang Bin , Nie Xiaoqun , Xiao Youli , Gu Yang , Jiang Weihong , Yang Chen
Published: January 2020

Solventogenic clostridia are anaerobic bacteria that can produce butanol, ethanol, and acetone, which can be used as biofuels or building block chemicals. Here, we show that AdhR, a σ
54
-dependent transcriptional activator, senses the intracellular redox status and controls alcohol synthesis in
Clostridium beijerinckii
. AdhR provides a new example of a GAF domain coordinating a mononuclear non-heme iron to sense and transduce the redox signal. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized functional role of σ
54
in control of cellular redox balance and provides new insights into redox signaling and regulation in clostridia. Our results reveal AdhR as a novel engineering target for improving solvent production by
C. beijerinckii
and other solventogenic clostridia.
Use of tracking technology to examine life-space mobility among people with depression: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chung Man Hon , Leung Sau Fong , Välimäki Maritta
Published: January 2020

Introduction

People with depression often experience disabilities that limit their social and physical capacity, daily function, and quality of life. Depressive symptoms and their implications on daily activities are often measured retrospectively using subjective measurement tools. Recently, more objective and accurate electronic data collection methods have been used to describe the daily life of people with depressive disorders. The results, however, have not yet been systematically reviewed. We aim to provide a knowledge basis for the use of tracking technologies in examining life-space mobility among adults with depression and those with anxiety as a comorbidity.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review with a narrative approach for different types of study design will be conducted. The following databases will be used to gather data from 1994 to the present: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Health Technology Assessment Database and IEEE Xplore. The study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Methodological appraisal of studies will be performed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool as well as the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomised controlled trials. A narrative synthesis of all included studies will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Because there will be no human involvement in the actual systematic review, no ethical approval will be required. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and in a conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019127102.
Nocturnal enuresis: an update on management
Authors: Prince Elizabeth , Heys Michelle
Published: January 2020

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Increased antitumor efficacy of PD-1-deficient melanoma-specific human lymphocytes
Authors: Marotte Lucine , Simon Sylvain , Vignard Virginie , Dupre Emilie , Gantier Malika , Cruard Jonathan , Alberge Jean-Baptiste , Hussong Melanie , Deleine Cecile , Heslan Jean-Marie , Shaffer Jonathan , Beauvais Tiffany , Gaschet Joelle , Scotet Emmanuel , Fradin Delphine , Jarry Anne , Nguyen Tuan , Labarriere Nathalie
Published: January 2020

Background

Genome editing offers unique perspectives for optimizing the functional properties of T cells for adoptive cell transfer purposes. So far,PDCD1editing has been successfully tested mainly in chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and human primary T cells. Nonetheless, for patients with solid tumors, the adoptive transfer of effector memory T cells specific for tumor antigens remains a relevant option, and the use of high avidity T cells deficient for programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression is susceptible to improve the therapeutic benefit of these treatments.

Methods

Here we used the transfection of CAS9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes to editPDCD1gene in human effector memory CD8+T cells specific for the melanoma antigen Melan-A. We cloned edited T cell populations and validatedPDCD1editing through sequencing and cytometry in each T cell clone, together with T-cell receptor (TCR) chain’s sequencing. We also performed whole transcriptomic analyses on wild-type (WT) and edited T cell clones. Finally, we documented in vitro and in vivo through adoptive transfer in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice, the antitumor properties of WT and PD-1KO T cell clones, expressing the same TCR.

Results

Here we demonstrated the feasibility to editPDCD1gene in human effector memory melanoma-specific T lymphocytes. We showed that PD-1 expression was dramatically reduced or totally absent onPDCD1-edited T cell clones. Extensive characterization of a panel of T cell clones expressing the same TCR and exhibiting similar functional avidity demonstrated superior antitumor reactivity against a PD-L1 expressing melanoma cell line. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a downregulation of genes involved in proliferation and DNA replication in PD-1-deficient T cell clones, whereas genes involved in metabolism and cell signaling were upregulated. Finally, we documented the superior ability of PD-1-deficient T cells to significantly delay the growth of a PD-L1 expressing human melanoma tumor in an NSG mouse model.

Conclusion

The use of such lymphocytes for adoptive cell transfer purposes, associated with other approaches modulating the tumor microenvironment, would be a promising alternative to improve immunotherapy efficacy in solid tumors.
Association between dietary flavonoid intake and obesity among adults in Korea
Authors: Kim Seong-Ah , Kim Jiyoon , Jun Shinyoung , Wie Gyung-Ah , Shin Sangah , Joung Hyojee
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary flavonoid intake and the prevalence of obesity using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and percent body fat (%BF) according to sex among Korean adults. Based on the Korean Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011, 23 118 adults in Korea were included. Dietary intakes were obtained using 24-h dietary recall data. A higher total intake of flavonoid was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in women, based on %BF (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.82 [0.71–0.94]), and abdominal obesity (0.81 [0.71–0.92]). The intake of flavonols (0.88 [0.78–0.99]), flavanones (0.81 [0.72–0.92]), flavanols (0.85 [0.74–0.97]), isoflavones (0.85 [0.75–0.96]), and proanthocyanidins (0.81 [0.71–0.92]) was inversely associated with abdominal obesity, and a higher intake of flavanones (0.87 [0.76–0.99]) and proanthocyanidins (0.85 [0.75–0.98]) was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity, with respect to %BF in women. In contrast, the intake of flavonols (1.16 [1.02–1.33]), flavanones (1.18 [1.04–1.35]), and anthocyanidins (1.27 [1.11–1.46]) was positively associated with obesity based on BMI in men. In conclusion, high intake of dietary flavonoids may be associated with a decreased prevalence of abdominal obesity and obesity, based on %BF, among women.

Novelty Higher flavonoid intake was associated with decreased prevalence of abdominal obesity and obesity based on %BF in Korean women. However, in men, the intake of flavonols, flavanones, and anthocyanidins was positively associated with obesity as given by BMI.
Heterozygosity of the Celtic polled locus in Canadian scurred beef cattle
Authors: Ketel Crystal , Asai-Coakwell Mika
Published: January 2020

Polled cattle are preferable to horned or scurred animals because they are safer for handling and cause less bruising. Although DNA testing can determine horned/polled genotype, scurs may appear in polled animals. The inheritance of scurs is complex because it is a sex-influenced trait that interacts with the polled locus. We demonstrate that in 685 purebred and crossbred Canadian beef cattle, all 153 scurred animals were heterozygous polled at the Celtic variant. In addition, male obligate carriers of scurs were smooth polled when homozygous for the polled mutation. Scurred and non-scurred males were sequenced for five genes (CTDNEP1, SHBG, SOX15, FGF11, and DHRS7C) within the scur candidate region on BTA19 that are functionally related to bone development and hormone regulation. Multipoint linkage analysis was conducted using 18 microsatellite markers and two informative variants (DHRS7C g.29594018G>C and CTDNEP1 c.462G>A) in the scurred families and further supported mapping on BTA19 between BMS2142 (logarithm of the odds (LOD) = 5.42) and IDVGA46 (LOD = 3.47). These data indicate epistatic interactions between the scurred and polled loci and emphasise the necessity for a scurred DNA test to assist purebred beef producers in eradicating the scur trait.
Stress analysis of a pre-stretched orthotropic plate with finite dimensions
Authors: Eröz Mustafa
Published: January 2020

In this study, we analyze the influence of initial stress and some other parameters in a system comprising a pre-stretched anisotropic plate with finite length which is on a rigid foundation. We assume that the plate-strip is made up of an orthotropic material. We develop finite element modelling for the given problem. We present some numerical results concerning the influence of initial stress, finiteness of the length of the plate, and parameters of the orthotropic material. Furthermore, we establish that the stress on the interface plane between the foundation and the plate decrease with the initial stretching of the plate.
Novelty and influence of creative works, and quantifying patterns of advances based on probabilistic references networks
Authors: Park Doheum , Nam Juhan , Park Juyong
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in the quantitative, computational methodology for the modeling and analysis of heterogeneous large-scale data are leading to new opportunities for understanding human behaviors and faculties, including creativity that drives creative enterprises such as science. While innovation is crucial for novel and influential achievements, quantifying these qualities in creative works remains a challenge. Here we present an information-theoretic framework for computing the novelty and influence of creative works based on their generation probabilities reflecting the degree of uniqueness of their elements in comparison with other works. Applying the formalism to a high-quality, large-scale data set of classical piano compositions–works of significant scientific and intellectual value–spanning several centuries of musical history, represented as symbolic progressions of chords, we find that the enterprise’s developmental history can be characterised as a dynamic process composed of the emergence of dominant, paradigmatic creative styles that define distinct historical periods. These findings can offer a new understanding of the evolution of creative enterprises based on principled measures of novelty and influence.
The algebra of Wick polynomials of a scalar field on a Riemannian manifold
Authors: Dappiaggi Claudio , Drago Nicolò , Rinaldi Paolo
Published: January 2020

On a connected, oriented, smooth Riemannian manifold without boundary we consider a real scalar field whose dynamics is ruled by [Formula: see text], a second-order elliptic partial differential operator of Laplace type. Using the functional formalism and working within the framework of algebraic quantum field theory and of the principle of general local covariance, first we construct the algebra of locally covariant observables in terms of equivariant sections of a bundle of smooth, regular polynomial functionals over the affine space of the parametrices associated to [Formula: see text]. Subsequently, adapting to the case in hand a strategy first introduced by Hollands and Wald in a Lorentzian setting, we prove the existence of Wick powers of the underlying field, extending the procedure to smooth, local and polynomial functionals and discussing in the process the regularization ambiguities of such procedure. Subsequently we endow the space of Wick powers with an algebra structure, dubbed E-product, which plays in a Riemannian setting the same role of the time-ordered product for field theories on globally hyperbolic spacetimes. In particular, we prove the existence of the E-product and we discuss both its properties and the renormalization ambiguities in the underlying procedure. As the last step, we extend the whole analysis to observables admitting derivatives of the field configurations and we discuss the quantum Møller operator which is used to investigate interacting models at a perturbative level.
Nonnegative Sparse Probabilistic Estimation for Single Sample Face Recognition
Authors: Zhao Shuhuan
Published: January 2020

Face recognition (FR) is a hotspot in pattern recognition and image processing for its wide applications in real life. One of the most challenging problems in FR is single sample face recognition (SSFR). In this paper, we proposed a novel algorithm based on nonnegative sparse representation, collaborative presentation, and probabilistic graph estimation to address SSFR. The proposed algorithm is named as Nonnegative Sparse Probabilistic Estimation (NNSPE). To extract the variation information from the generic training set, we first select some neighbor samples from the generic training set for each sample in the gallery set and the generic training set can be partitioned into some reference subsets. To make more meaningful reconstruction, the proposed method adopts nonnegative sparse representation to reconstruct training samples, and according to the reconstruction coefficients, NNSPE computes the probabilistic label estimation for the samples of the generic training set. Then, for a given test sample, collaborative representation (CR) is used to acquire an adaptive variation subset. Finally, the NNSPE classifies the test sample with the adaptive variation subset and probabilistic label estimation. The experiments on the AR and PIE verify the effectiveness of the proposed method both in recognition rates and time cost.
Heterogeneous Connection and Process Anomaly Detection of Industrial Robot in Intelligent Factory
Authors: Wen Xianhe , Chen Heping
Published: January 2020

Since the concept of industry 4.0 was proposed in 2011, the trend of industry 4.0 has been surging around the world. Intelligent factory is one of the main research points in the industry 4.0 era. In order to improve the intelligent level of the factory, the connection-and-cognition ability has to be established for the factory and its equipment. Connection builds data pipes among equipment and systems while cognition automatically turns the data into knowledge. In an intelligent factory, industrial robot plays a leading role. Hence, the aim of this paper is to synthetically study connection and cognition of industrial robots in intelligent factories. To be specific, open platform communications unified architecture (OPC UA) is applied to establish heterogeneous connection of industrial robots with factory management software. A long short-term memory (LSTM) joint auto encoder method is proposed to establish the unsupervised anomaly detection cognition ability for industrial robot process (e.g. grinding, welding and assembling). In summary, this study puts OPC UA and LSTM auto encoder technology together to study heterogeneous connection and process anomaly detection of industrial robots in intelligent factory. The experimental results showed that the proposed method successfully realized heterogeneous connection of an industrial robot and detected process anomaly from the robot built-in sensors’ data.
Optimizing Routing Path Selection Method Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Guo Kai , Lv Yang
Published: January 2020

In view of the two shortcomings of the AODV routing protocol, they do not consider the bandwidth, delay and cost in the actual network, and the routing table has only one path from the basic node to the target node. This paper attempts to improve the AODV protocol by using particle swarm optimization. Through simulation experiments, this paper compares four improved particle swarm optimization algorithms, inertia weight, linear decline, shrinkage factor and chaos, and finds that ACPSO can find the optimal path faster and transmit data quickly. So, this paper uses chaotic particle swarm optimization (CACPSO) to improve AODV protocol. Finally, based on NS2 simulation platform, the improved AODV protocol is simulated and experimented. Different network environments are set up to test packet delivery rate, network delay and routing discovery frequency. The experimental results show that in the process of data transmission, the improved protocol has higher routing performance than AODV protocol, and can transmit data faster and more stably.