bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed evolution of an α1,3-fucosyltransferase using a single-cell ultrahigh-throughput screening method
Authors: Tan Yumeng , Zhang Yong , Han Yunbin , Liu Hao , Chen Haifeng , Ma Fuqiang , Withers Stephen G. , Feng Yan , Yang Guangyu
Published: October 2019

We report an efficient tool for engineering enzymes to economically produce fucosylated drugs and prebiotic supplements.
Epigenetic initiation of the T
H
17 differentiation program is promoted by Cxxc finger protein 1
Authors: Lin Feng , Meng Xiaoyu , Guo Yixin , Cao Wenqiang , Liu Wanlu , Xia Qiming , Hui Zhaoyuan , Chen Jian , Hong Shenghui , Zhang Xuliang , Wu Chuan , Wang Di , Wang Jianli , Lu Linrong , Qian Wenbin , Wei Lai , Wang Lie
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic initiation of the Th17 differentiation program is promoted by Cxxc1 via influence IL-6/STAT3 signaling.
LPA
1/3
overactivation induces neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through ependymal loss and ciliary dysfunction
Authors: Lummis Nicole C. , Sánchez-Pavón Paloma , Kennedy Grace , Frantz Aaron J. , Kihara Yasuyuki , Blaho Victoria A. , Chun Jerold
Published: October 2019

LPA, a blood-borne signaling lipid, induces neonatal hydrocephalus by damaging ependymal cells through LPA
1/3
overactivation.
Structure-based mechanism of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor inhibition by antiasthmatic drugs
Authors: Luginina Aleksandra , Gusach Anastasiia , Marin Egor , Mishin Alexey , Brouillette Rebecca , Popov Petr , Shiriaeva Anna , Besserer-Offroy Élie , Longpré Jean-Michel , Lyapina Elizaveta , Ishchenko Andrii , Patel Nilkanth , Polovinkin Vitaly , Safronova Nadezhda , Bogorodskiy Andrey , Edelweiss Evelina , Hu Hao , Weierstall Uwe , Liu Wei , Batyuk Alexander , Gordeliy Valentin , Han Gye Won , Sarret Philippe , Katritch Vsevolod , Borshchevskiy Valentin , Cherezov Vadim
Published: October 2019

Two distinct antagonist-bound structures of CysLT
1
R reveal unique ligand-binding modes and signaling mechanisms.
Living evidence of a fossil survival strategy raises hope for warming-affected corals
Authors: Kersting Diego K. , Linares Cristina
Published: October 2019

The discovery of a fossil survival strategy in modern corals explains unexpected recoveries after warming-induced mortalities.
MIBI-TOF: A multiplexed imaging platform relates cellular phenotypes and tissue structure
Authors: Keren Leeat , Bosse Marc , Thompson Steve , Risom Tyler , Vijayaragavan Kausalia , McCaffrey Erin , Marquez Diana , Angoshtari Roshan , Greenwald Noah F. , Fienberg Harris , Wang Jennifer , Kambham Neeraja , Kirkwood David , Nolan Garry , Montine Thomas J. , Galli Stephen J. , West Robert , Bendall Sean C. , Angelo Michael
Published: October 2019

Multiplexed, high resolution analysis with MIBI-TOF reveals surprising features of the immune environment across tumor regions.
Nuclear receptors regulate alternative lengthening of telomeres through a novel noncanonical FANCD2 pathway
Authors: Xu Mafei , Qin Jun , Wang Leiming , Lee Hui-Ju , Kao Chung-Yang , Liu Dan , Songyang Zhou , Chen Junjie , Tsai Ming-Jer , Tsai Sophia Y.
Published: October 2019

We report a novel pathway where FANCD2 binds to nuclear receptors, COUP-TFII/TR4, to promote alternative lengthening of telomeres.
Synchronization of stochastic expressions drives the clustering of functionally related genes
Authors: Xu Haiqing , Liu Jing-Jing , Liu Zhen , Li Ying , Jin Yong-Su , Zhang Jianzhi
Published: October 2019

Merely changing the linkage of yeast
GAL
genes without altering the expression level of any gene toxifies the cell.
Managed retreat through voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties
Authors: Mach Katharine J. , Kraan Caroline M. , Hino Miyuki , Siders A. R. , Johnston Erica M. , Field Christopher B.
Published: October 2019

Experiences with voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties provide lessons for managed retreat under climate change.
Phototherapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation facilitate removal of carbon monoxide in rats
Authors: Zazzeron Luca , Fischbach Anna , Franco Walfre , Farinelli William A. , Ichinose Fumito , Bloch Donald B. , Anderson R. Rox , Zapol Warren M.
Published: October 2019

Extracorporeal blood phototherapy increases carbon monoxide elimination in rats and improves survival in animals with associated lung injury.
Succession of Microbial Decomposers Is Determined by Litter Type, but Site Conditions Drive Decomposition Rates
Authors: Buresova A. , Kopecky J. , Hrdinkova V. , Kamenik Z. , Omelka M. , Sagova-Mareckova M.
Published: October 2019

Anthropogenic disturbance may cause shifts in vegetation and alter the litter input. We studied the decomposition of different litter types under soil conditions of a nutrient-rich grassland and nutrient-poor forest to identify factors responsible for changes in the community structure and succession of microbial decomposers. This will help to predict the consequences of induced changes on the abundance and activity of microbial decomposers and recognize if the decomposition process and resulting quality and quantity of soil organic matter will be affected at various sites.
Isolation of Yasminevirus, the First Member of Klosneuvirinae Isolated in Coculture with Vermamoeba vermiformis, Demonstrates an Extended Arsenal of Translational Apparatus Components
Authors: Bajrai Leena Hussein , Mougari Saïd , Andreani Julien , Baptiste Emeline , Delerce Jeremy , Raoult Didier , Azhar Esam Ibraheem , La Scola Bernard , Levasseur Anthony
Published: October 2019

Yasminevirus is an icosahedral double-stranded DNA virus isolated from sewage water by amoeba coculture. Here its structure and replicative cycle in the amoeba
Vermamoeba vermiformis
are described and genomic and evolutionary studies are reported. This virus belongs to the Klosneuvirinae group of giant viruses, representing the second isolated and cultivated giant virus in this group, and is the first isolated using a coculture procedure. Extended translational machinery pointed to Yasminevirus among the quasiautonomous giant viruses with the most complete translational apparatus of the known virosphere.
A New Escherichia coli Entry Vector Series (pIIS18) for Seamless Gene Cloning Using Type IIS Restriction Enzymes
Authors: Altaib Hend , Ozaki Yuka , Kozakai Tomoya , Badr Yassien , Nomura Izumi , Suzuki Tohru
Published: October 2019

A series of new
Escherichia coli
entry vectors (pIIS18-SapI, pIIS18-BsmBI, pIIS18-BsaI, pIIS18-BfuAI-1, and pIIS18-BfuAI-2) was constructed based on a modified pUC18 backbone, which carried newly designed multiple cloning sites, consisting of two facing type IIS enzyme cleavage sites and one blunt-end enzyme cleavage site. These vectors are useful for seamless gene cloning.
Complete Genome Sequence of Micrococcus luteus Strain SGAir0127, Isolated from Indoor Air Samples from Singapore
Authors: Kutmutia Shruti Ketan , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Wong Anthony , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Putra Alexander , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: October 2019

Micrococcus luteus
strain SGAir0127 was isolated from indoor air samples collected in Singapore. The assembly, based on single-molecule real-time sequencing reads, resulted in two contigs, one chromosomal contig with a length of 2.57 Mbp and one nonchromosomal contig of 8.68 kbp. The genome has a total of 2,564 genes.
Chitosan Biosynthesis and Virulence in the Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Lam Woei C. , Upadhya Rajendra , Specht Charles A. , Ragsdale Abigail E. , Hole Camaron R. , Levitz Stuart M. , Lodge Jennifer K.
Published: October 2019

The fungal cell wall is an essential organelle whose components provide the first line of defense against host-induced antifungal activity. Chitosan is one of the carbohydrate polymers in the cell wall that significantly affects the outcome of host-pathogen interaction. Chitosan-deficient strains are avirulent, implicating chitosan as a critical virulence factor.
C. gattii
R265 is an important fungal pathogen of concern due to its ability to cause infections in individuals with no apparent immune dysfunction and an increasing geographical distribution. Characterization of the fungal cell wall and understanding the contribution of individual molecules of the cell wall matrix to fungal pathogenesis offer new therapeutic avenues for intervention. In this report, we show that the
C. gattii
R265 strain has evolved alternate regulation of chitosan biosynthesis under both laboratory growth conditions and during mammalian infection compared to that of
C. neoformans
.
Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 Evaluation and Antibiotic Impact in a Transgenic Model of Staphylococcal Soft Tissue Infection
Authors: Sharma Hema , Turner Claire E. , Siggins Matthew K. , El-Bahrawy Mona , Pichon Bruno , Kearns Angela , Sriskandan Shiranee
Published: October 2019

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening illness causing fever, rash, and shock, attributed to toxins produced by the bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus, mainly toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1). TSS was in the past commonly linked with menstruation and high-absorbency tampons; now, TSS is more frequently triggered by other staphylococcal infections, particularly of skin and soft tissue. Investigating the progress and treatment of TSS in patients is challenging, as TSS is rare; animal models do not mimic TSS adequately, as toxins interact best with human immune cells. We developed a new model of staphylococcal soft tissue infection in mice producing human immune cell proteins, rendering them TSST-1 sensitive, to investigate TSS. The significance of our research was that TSST-1 was found in soft tissues and immune organs of mice and that early treatment of mice with the antibiotic clindamycin altered TSST-1 production. Therefore, the early treatment of patients suspected of having TSS with clindamycin may influence their response to treatment.
Diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of disease during a national awareness campaign: a 2-year observational study in children aged 0–18 years
Authors: Rabbone Ivana , Maltoni Giulio , Tinti Davide , Zucchini Stefano , Cherubini Valentino , Bonfanti Riccardo , Scaramuzza Andrea
Published: October 2019

Objective

After a previous survey on the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset of type 1 diabetes in children in 2013–2014 in Italy, we aimed to verify a possible decline in the incidence of DKA at onset during a national prevention campaign.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Multicentre study throughout Italy.

Intervention

National awareness campaign started in November 2015 and held until December 2017.

Patients

During 2016 and 2017 we collected data on all patients aged 0–18 years with new-onset diabetes.

Main outcome measures

DKA (pH <7.30), severe DKA (pH <7.1), DKA in children below 6 years and DKA treatment according to the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (ISPED) protocol were evaluated.

Results

Records (n=2361) of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were collected from 58 out of 68 (85.3%) centres of the original survey participants and 100% of the previously surveyed tertiary centres. Overall, DKA was observed in 1124 patients, with an increased rate when compared with the previous survey (47.6% vs 38.5%, p=0.002), and severe DKA in 15.3%. In children below 6 years, DKA was observed in 323 out of 617 (52.5%) and severe DKA in 16.7%; in this age group, occurrence of DKA reduced by 21.3% (p=0.009). DKA treatment according to the ISPED guidelines was adopted in 95% of the centres, with a 27% improvement (p=0.025).

Conclusions

During a 2-year awareness campaign, DKA at onset of diabetes in children and adolescents 0–18 years is still common and increased when compared with the 2013–2014 survey.
Milk and resistance exercise intervention to improve muscle function in community-dwelling older adults at risk of sarcopenia (MIlkMAN): protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Granic Antoneta , Hurst Christopher , Dismore Lorelle , Davies Karen , Stevenson Emma , Sayer Avan A , Aspray Terry
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a progressive muscle disorder characterised by decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function leading to adverse health outcomes, including falls, frailty, poor quality of life and death. It occurs more commonly in older people and can be accelerated by poor diet and low physical activity. Intervention studies incorporating higher dietary protein intakes or protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise (RE) have been shown to limit muscle function decline. However, less is known about the role of whole foods in reducing the risk of sarcopenia. Milk is a source of high-quality nutrients, which may be beneficial for skeletal muscle. This pilot study examines the feasibility and acceptability of milk consumption with RE to improve muscle function in community-dwelling older adults at risk of sarcopenia.

Methods and analysis

30 older adults aged ≥65 years will be randomly allocated to three groups: ‘whole milk+RE’, ‘skimmed milk+RE’ or ‘control drink+RE’. Assessments will take place in participants’ homes, including screening (milk allergies, grip strength, walking speed), baseline and postintervention health and function. All participants will undertake a structured RE intervention twice a week for 6 weeks at a local gym, followed by the consumption of 500 mL of whole or skimmed milk (each ~20 g of protein) or an isocaloric control drink and another 500 mL at home. Participants’ views about the study will be assessed using standardised open-ended questions. The primary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability of the intervention with recruitment, retention and intervention response rates. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, exploration of qualitative themes and intervention fidelity.

Ethics and dissemination

Outputs include pilot data to support funding applications; public involvement events; presentation at conferences and peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13398279; Pre-results.
Percutaneous venting gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy for malignant bowel obstruction: a qualitative study
Authors: Singh Curry Rebecca , Evans Elizabeth , Raftery Anne-Marie , Hiscock Julia , Poolman Marlise
Published: October 2019

Objective

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a complication of advanced malignancy and is associated with a short prognosis. MBO can infrequently be reversed by surgery or stenting. The focus of treatment is usually symptomatic management, of which percutaneous venting gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (PVG) is one consideration. There is little data considering the impact of PVG on quality of life; we therefore aimed to explore this.

Methods

We identified patients with a PVG inserted for MBO and those who consented to participate were interviewed. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using Framework. Alongside patient interviews, a data collection tool was designed and used to record patient demographics and medical information, enabling us to contextualise individual patients’ experiences.

Results

11 patients were interviewed and 10 patients’ data were analysed (1 patient withdrew). No patients regretted having a PVG and many benefitted symptomatically and psychosocially. Challenges encountered included practical issues, pain and PVG tube complications.

Conclusions

The analysis provided a detailed insight into the impact of PVG insertion and demonstrated that each patient’s experience is shaped by a complex interplay of individual factors, thereby highlighting the need to improve referral criteria and individualise patient selection. Other service improvements include enhancing information provision for patients and training for healthcare professionals, thus aiming to mitigate the challenges experienced. Our study is the first in-depth exploration of patients’ experiences of PVG at a tertiary cancer centre. Ensuring that the insights from this study are fed back to guide future service provision is critical in enhancing future patient experiences.
Accuracy of automated identification of delayed diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis and sepsis in the ED
Authors: Michelson Kenneth A , Buchhalter Lillian C , Bachur Richard G , Mahajan Prashant , Monuteaux Michael C , Finkelstein Jonathan A
Published: October 2019

Background

Delayed diagnoses of serious emergency conditions can lead to morbidity in children, but are challenging to identify and measure. We developed and piloted an automated tool for identifying delayed diagnosis of two serious conditions commonly seen in the ED using administrative data.

Methods

We identified cases with a final diagnosis of appendicitis or sepsis in a freestanding children’s hospital from 2008 to 2018, with any hospital ED encounter within the preceding 7 days. Two investigators reviewed a subset of these cases using the electronic health records (EHR) to determine if there was a delayed diagnosis and interrater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). An automated tool was applied to the same cases to assess its positive predictive value (PPV) to identify those with a delayed diagnosis, using the manual chart review as the gold standard. The tool used number of days since visit, presence of a related diagnosis on the initial visit, and whether or not the patient was discharged.

Results

Previous ED encounters preceded 91/3703 (2.5%) appendicitis cases and 159/1754 (9.1%) sepsis cases; 78 cases of each were sampled for review. In manual review, 73.4% and 22.8% were thought to have delayed diagnoses; reviewer agreement was excellent (appendicitis ICC 0.77, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.86 and sepsis ICC 0.77, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.89). The PPVs of the automated tool for determination of delayed diagnosis for appendicitis within 1, 3 or 7 days were 96.2%, 95.1% and 93.6%, respectively. For sepsis, the PPVs were 71.4%, 63.6% and 41.2% within 1, 3 or 7 days, respectively.

Conclusions

This automated tool performed well compared with expert EHR review. Performance was stronger for appendicitis. Further tool refinement could improve performance.
Caesarean section delivery and childhood obesity: evidence from the growing up in New Zealand cohort
Authors: Masukume Gwinyai , McCarthy Fergus P , Russell Jin , Baker Philip N , Kenny Louise C , Morton Susan MB , Khashan Ali S
Published: October 2019

Background

Epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results in the association between Caesarean section (CS) birth and childhood obesity. Many of these studies had small sample sizes, were unable to distinguish between elective/planned and emergency CS, and did not adjust for the key confounder maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). We investigated the association between CS delivery, particularly elective/planned and childhood obesity, using the Growing Up in New Zealand prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

Pregnant women planning to deliver their babies on the New Zealand upper North Island were invited to participate. Mode of delivery was categorised into spontaneous vaginal delivery (VD) (reference), assisted VD, planned CS and emergency CS. The main outcome was childhood obesity defined according to the International Obesity Taskforce criteria at age 24 and 54 months. Multinomial logistic regression and mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted with associations adjusted for several potential confounders.

Results

Of the 6599 infants, 1532 (23.2%) were delivered by CS. At age 24 months, 478 (9.3%) children were obese. There was a statistically significant association between planned CS adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR=1.59; (95% CI 1.09 to 2.33)) and obesity but not for emergency CS (aRRR=1.27; (95% CI 0.89 to 1.82)). At age 54 months there was no association between planned CS (aRRR=0.89; (95% CI 0.54 to 1.45)) and obesity as well as for emergency CS (aRRR=1.19; (95% CI 0.80 to 1.77)). At all-time points those born by planned CS had a higher mean BMI (adjusted mean difference=0.16; (95% CI 0.00 to 0.31), p=0.046).

Conclusions

Planned CS was an independent predictor of obesity in early childhood. This suggests that birth mode influences growth, at least in the short term. This association occurred during a critical phase of human development, the first 2 years of life, and if causal might result in long-term detrimental cardiometabolic changes.
Hypersensitive adverse drug reactions to glucosamine and chondroitin preparations in Australia between 2000 and 2011
Authors: Hoban Claire , Byard Roger , Musgrave Ian
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the study

This study investigates spontaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to glucosamine and chondroitin in the Australian population between 2000 and 2011, with a primary focus on hypersensitivity reactions.

Study design

Case reports of ADR to glucosamine and chondroitin sent to the Therapeutic Goods Administration between 2000 and 2011 were obtained and analysed. The demographic information and severity of the ADR were recorded for individual ADR cases. These reactions were classified according to the Brown et al grading system for generalised hypersensitivity reactions. This included mild hypersensitivity reactions (generalised erythema, urticaria and angioedema) through to moderate hypersensitivity reactions (wheeze, nausea, vomiting, dizziness (presyncope), diaphoresis, chest or throat tightness and abdominal pain), and more severe reactions (hypotension, confusion and collapse).

Results

In this study of 366 ADRs to glucosamine and chondroitin preparations, 71.85% of cases (n=263) were found to have hypersensitivity reactions. Of these 263 cases, 92 cases were classified as mild (eg, pruritus, urticaria and lip oedema), 128 cases classified as moderate (such as dyspnoea, nausea and abdominal pain), and 43 cases classified as severe (including amnesia, gait disturbance, somnolence and hypotension). It is not clear whether the patients involved had a known shellfish allergy or underlying atopy.

Conclusion

Results of this investigation support the need for clear labelling on glucosamine and chondroitin preparations to raise awareness of possible adverse events for those predisposed to allergy or atopy in response to shellfish.
Ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis in sheep: the farmer's perspective
Authors: Williams Helen J , Duncan Jennifer S , Fisher Sarah Nichol , Coates Amy , Stokes Jessica Eleanor , Gillespie Amy
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to gather current, farmer‐reported data on the frequency of occurrence, risk factors and treatment practices for the sheep eye disease, ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis (OIKC).

A questionnaire regarding eye disease in sheep was completed by 135 farmers from four livestock markets. Most farmers (87%) had observed OIKC in their flock, 88% of these within the last 2 years.

Farmers reported observing most cases in the winter months (51%) and fewest in the summer (10%). They proposed housing and forage feeding from racks as factors associated with OIKC.

A variety of treatment protocols were used by farmers. The three most popular treatments used were: cloxacillin eye ointment, intramuscular oxytetracycline injection and topical tetracycline spray applied to the eye. Only 62% of treatments were considered very effective by the farmers, with no difference in farmer perceived efficacy between these three most commonly used treatments (p=0.6).

Farmers used 15 different terms to describe a photograph of a sheep with OIKC, including many colloquial terms. We hypothesise that this could result in communication problems between veterinary surgeons and farmers.
Equine uveitis in the UK: a retrospective study (2008–2018)
Authors: Malalana Fernando , Ireland Jo L , Pinchbeck Gina , McGowan Cathy M
Published: October 2019

Background

Uveitis appears to be less prevalent in the UK compared with other parts of the world and studies characterising the disease in the UK are lacking. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe acute and recurrent cases presenting for management of uveitis in a referral hospital on the North West of England and compare the signalment of horses presenting with uveitis with the equine hospital population during the same period.

Methods

Medical records of horses presented to the referral Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool with signs of uveitis between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed and clinical details extracted.

Results

Seventy horses presented with uveitis; 33 were classified as acute and 37 as recurrent cases. Sixteen of the horses were affected bilaterally. More bilateral cases were classified as recurrent than acute (P=0.04). No differences in age or sex were noted between acute and recurrent cases, or between cases and the general hospital population. Warmbloods and Appaloosas were over‐represented when compared with the general hospital population (P<0.001). Twenty‐one horses (30 per cent, 95 per cent CI 20.5 to 41.4) underwent surgery for the control of the uveitis. Fourteen of the 70 horses (20.0 per cent, 95 per cent CI 12.3 to 30.8) underwent enucleation.

Conclusion

While relatively uncommon in the UK, uveitis can affect horses from a relatively young age. The disease appears to have a relatively higher frequency than expected in Warmbloods and Appaloosas. It is more likely that a recurrent case will have both eyes affected.
Excellent ambipolar gas sensing response of Eu[Pc(OC4H9)8]2/acidified multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid at room temperature
Authors: Abdullah Kiran , Kong Xia , Imran Muhammad , Mustafa Ghulam , Chen Yanli
Published: October 2019

A new hybrid material has been developed by mixing a sandwich-type double-decker, Eu[Pc(OC4H9)8]2 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutoxyphthalocyaninate] with acidified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (aMWCNTs) through non-covalent interactions. The UV-vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope have been employed to reveal the [Formula: see text]-aggregate mode and optimized morphology of Eu[Pc(OC4H9)8]2 molecules in the Eu[Pc(OC4H9)8]2/aMWCNTs hybrid material. The gas-sensing devices based on this hybrid material are fabricated by a simple solvent-processing quasi-Langmuir–Shäfer (QLS) progress. The [Formula: see text]-type and [Formula: see text]-type response is shown by the Eu[Pc(OC4H9)8]2/aMWCNTs hybrid film at room temperature. The detection limit of the hybrid for ammonia and nitrogen dioxide gas is 0.5 ppm and 0.3 ppm, respectively.
Hybrid Marked Point Processes: Characterization, Existence and Uniqueness
Authors: Morariu-Patrichi Maxime , Pakkanen Mikko S.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we introduce a class of hybrid marked point processes, which encompasses and extends continuous-time Markov chains and Hawkes processes. While this flexible class amalgamates such existing processes, it also contains novel processes with complex dynamics. These processes are defined implicitly via their intensity and are endowed with a state process that interacts with past-dependent events. The key example we entertain is an extension of a Hawkes process, a state-dependent Hawkes process interacting with its state process. We show the existence and uniqueness of hybrid marked point processes under general assumptions, extending the results of Massoulié (1998) on interacting point processes.
The Global Expansion of Dengue: How Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Enabled the First Pandemic Arbovirus
Authors: Brady Oliver J. , Hay Simon I.
Published: October 2019

Dengue is an emerging viral disease principally transmitted by the Aedes ( Stegomyia) aegypti mosquito. It is one of the fastest-growing global infectious diseases, with 100–400 million new infections a year, and is now entrenched in a growing number of tropical megacities. Behind this rapid rise is the simple adaptation of Ae. aegypti to a new entomological niche carved out by human habitation. This review describes the expansion of dengue and explores how key changes in the ecology of Ae. aegypti allowed it to become a successful invasive species and highly efficient disease vector. We argue that characterizing geographic heterogeneity in mosquito bionomics will be a key research priority that will enable us to better understand future dengue risk and design control strategies to reverse its global spread.
Insect-Resistant Genetically Engineered Crops in China: Development, Application, and Prospects for Use
Authors: Li Yunhe , Hallerman Eric M. , Wu Kongming , Peng Yufa
Published: October 2019

With 20% of the world's population but just 7% of the arable land, China has invested heavily in crop biotechnology to increase agricultural productivity. We examine research on insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) crops in China, including strategies to promote their sustainable use. IRGE cotton, rice, and corn lines have been developed and proven efficacious for controlling lepidopteran crop pests. Ecological impact studies have demonstrated conservation of natural enemies of crop pests and halo suppression of crop-pest populations on a local scale. Economic, social, and human health effects are largely positive and, in the case of Bt cotton, have proven sustainable over 20 years of commercial production. Wider adoption of IRGE crops in China is constrained by relatively limited innovation capacity, public misperception, and regulatory inaction, suggesting the need for further financial investment in innovation and greater scientific engagement with the public. The Chinese experience with Bt cotton might inform adoption of other Bt crops in China and other developing countries.
Autophagy Defects in Skeletal Myopathies
Authors: Margeta Marta
Published: October 2019

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that targets different types of cytoplasmic cargo (such as bulk cytoplasm, damaged cellular organelles, and misfolded protein aggregates) for lysosomal degradation. Autophagy is activated in response to biological stress and also plays a critical role in the maintenance of normal cellular homeostasis; the latter function is particularly important for the integrity of postmitotic, metabolically active tissues, such as skeletal muscle. Through impairment of muscle homeostasis, autophagy dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of many different skeletal myopathies; the observed autophagy defects differ from disease to disease but have been shown to involve all steps of the autophagic cascade (from induction to lysosomal cargo degradation) and to impair both bulk and selective autophagy. To highlight the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are shared among different myopathies with deficient autophagy, these disorders are discussed based on the nature of the underlying autophagic defect rather than etiology or clinical presentation.
Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E is dispensable for skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Figueiredo Vandre C. , Englund Davis A. , Vechetti Ivan J. , Alimov Alexander , Peterson Charlotte A. , McCarthy John J.
Published: October 2019

The eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a major mRNA cap-binding protein that has a central role in translation initiation. Ser209 is the single phosphorylation site within eIF4E and modulates its activity in response to MAPK pathway activation. It has been reported that phosphorylation of eIF4E at Ser209 promotes translation of key mRNAs, such as cyclin D1, that regulate ribosome biogenesis. We hypothesized that phosphorylation at Ser209 is required for skeletal muscle growth in response to a hypertrophic stimulus by promoting ribosome biogenesis. To test this hypothesis, wild-type (WT) and eIF4E knocked-in (KI) mice were subjected to synergist ablation to induce muscle hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle as the result of mechanical overload; in the KI mouse, Ser209 of eIF4E was replaced with a nonphosphorylatable alanine. Contrary to our hypothesis, we observed no difference in the magnitude of hypertrophy between WT and KI groups in response to 14 days of mechanical overload induced by synergist ablation. Similarly, the increases in cyclin D1 protein levels, ribosome biogenesis, and translational capacity did not differ between WT and KI groups. Based on these findings, we conclude that phosphorylation of eIF4E at Ser209 is dispensable for skeletal muscle hypertrophy in response to mechanical overload.
Lung genotoxicity of benzo(a)pyrene in vivo involves reactivation of LINE-1 retrotransposon and early reprogramming of oncogenic regulatory networks
Authors: Hassanin A. A. I. , Tavera-Garcia M. , Moorthy B. , Zhou G. D. , Ramos K. S.
Published: October 2019

Several lines of evidence have implicated long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) retroelement in the onset and progression of lung cancer. Retrotransposition-dependent mechanisms leading to DNA mobilization give rise to insertion mutations and DNA deletions, whereas retrotransposition-independent mechanisms disrupt epithelial programming and differentiation. Previous work by our group established that tobacco carcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) reactivate LINE-1 in bronchial epithelial cells through displacement of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) corepressor complexes and interference with retinoblastoma-regulated epigenetic signaling. Whether LINE-1 in coordination with other genes within its regulatory network contributes to the in vivo genotoxic response to BaP remains largely unknown. Evidence is presented here that intratracheal instillation of ORFeusLSL mice with BaP alone or in combination with adenovirus (adeno)-CRE recombinase is genotoxic to the lung and associated with activation of the human LINE-1 transgene present in these mice. LINE-1 reactivation modulated the expression of genes involved in oncogenic signaling, and these responses were most pronounced in female mice compared with males and synergized by adeno-CRE recombinase. This is the first report linking LINE-1 and genes within its oncogenic regulatory network with early sexually dimorphic responses of the lung in vivo.
Skin blood flow measurements during heat stress: technical and analytical considerations
Authors: Chaseling Georgia K. , Crandall Craig G. , Gagnon Daniel
Published: October 2019

During heat stress, the skin vasculature can greatly increase conductance secondary to vasodilation. The subsequent increase in skin blood flow allows for convective heat transfer from the core to the skin and between the skin surface and the surrounding environment. Measurement of skin blood flow, therefore, provides valuable information regarding heat exchange between the body and the environment. In addition, assessment of skin blood flow can be used to study vascular control mechanisms. Most often, skin blood flow is measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, Doppler ultrasound, laser-Doppler flowmetry, and, more recently, optical coherence tomography. However, important delimitations to each of these methods, which may be dependent on the research question, must be considered when responses from these approaches are interpreted. In this brief review, we discuss these methods of skin blood flow measurement and highlight potential sources of error and limitations. We also provide recommendations to guide the interpretation of skin blood flow data.
Rats are unable to discriminate quinine from diverse bitter stimuli
Authors: Martin Laura E. , Kay Kristen E. , Torregrossa Ann-Marie
Published: October 2019

Compounds described by humans as “bitter” are sensed by a family of type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs). Previous work suggested that diverse bitter stimuli activate distinct receptors, which might allow for perceptually distinct tastes. Alternatively, it has been shown that multiple T2Rs are expressed on the same taste cell, leading to the contrary suggestion that these stimuli produce a unitary perception. Behavioral work done to address this in rodent models is limited to Spector and Kopka (Spector AC, Kopka SL. J Neurosci 22: 1937–1941, 2002), who demonstrated that rats cannot discriminate quinine from denatonium. Supporting this finding, it has been shown that quinine and denatonium activate overlapping T2Rs and neurons in both the mouse and rat nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). However, cycloheximide and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) do not appear to overlap with quinine in the NTS, suggesting that these stimuli may be discriminable from quinine and the denatonium/quinine comparison is not generalizable. Using the same procedure as Spector and Kopka, we tasked animals with discriminating a range of stimuli (denatonium, cycloheximide, PROP, and sucrose octaacetate) from quinine. We replicated and expanded the findings of Spector and Kopka; rats could not discriminate quinine from denatonium, cycloheximide, or PROP. Rats showed a very weak ability to discriminate between quinine and sucrose octaacetate. All animals succeeded in discriminating quinine from KCl, demonstrating they were capable of the task. These data suggest that rats cannot discriminate this suite of stimuli, although they appear distinct by physiological measures.
GABAA receptor currents in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in females: influence of ovarian cycle and 5α-reductase inhibition
Authors: Littlejohn Erica L. , Espinoza Liliana , Lopez Monica M. , Smith Bret N. , Boychuk Carie R.
Published: October 2019

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) contains the preganglionic motor neurons important in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and gastrointestinal function. Despite the role of sex in the regulation of these processes, few studies examine the role of sex and/or ovarian cycle in the regulation of synaptic neurotransmission to the DMV. Since GABAergic neurotransmission is critical to normal DMV function, the present study used in vitro whole cell patch-clamping to investigate whether sex differences exist in GABAergic neurotransmission to DMV neurons. It additionally investigated whether the ovarian cycle plays a role in those sex differences. The frequency of phasic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in DMV neurons from females was lower compared with males, and this effect was TTX sensitive and abolished by ovariectomy (OVX). Amplitudes of GABAergic currents (both phasic and tonic) were not different. However, females demonstrated significantly more variability in the amplitude of both phasic and tonic GABAA receptor currents. This difference was eliminated by OVX in females, suggesting that these differences were related to reproductive hormone levels. This was confirmed for GABAergic tonic currents by comparing females in two ovarian stages, estrus versus diestrus. Female mice in diestrus had larger tonic current amplitudes compared with those in estrus, and this increase was abolished after administration of a 5α-reductase inhibitor but not modulation of estrogen. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that DMV neurons undergo GABAA receptor activity plasticity as a function of sex and/or sex steroids.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Results show that GABAergic signaling in dorsal vagal motor neurons (DMV) demonstrates sex differences and fluctuates across the ovarian cycle in females. These findings are the first to demonstrate that female GABAA receptor activity in this brain region is modulated by 5α-reductase-dependent hormones. Since DMV activity is critical to both glucose and gastrointestinal homeostasis, these results suggest that sex hormones, including those synthesized by 5α-reductase, contribute to visceral, autonomic function related to these physiological processes.
Spontaneous action potentials in retinal horizontal cells of goldfish (Carassius auratus) are dependent upon L-type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors
Authors: Country Michael W. , Campbell Benjamin F. N. , Jonz Michael G.
Published: October 2019

Horizontal cells (HCs) are interneurons of the outer retina that undergo graded changes in membrane potential during the light response and provide feedback to photoreceptors. We characterized spontaneous Ca2+-based action potentials (APs) in isolated goldfish ( Carassius auratus) HCs with electrophysiological and intracellular imaging techniques. Transient changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were observed with fura-2 and were abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or by inhibition of Ca2+ channels by 50 µM Cd2+ or 100 µM nifedipine. Inhibition of Ca2+ release from stores with 20 µM ryanodine or 50 µM dantrolene abolished Ca2+ transients and increased baseline [Ca2+]i. This increased baseline was prevented by blocking L-type Ca2+ channels with nifedipine, suggesting that Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from stores may be needed to inactivate membrane Ca2+ channels. Caffeine (3 mM) increased the frequency of Ca2+ transients, and the store-operated channel antagonist 2-aminoethyldiphenylborinate (100 μM) counteracted this effect. APs were detected with voltage-sensitive dye imaging (FluoVolt) and current-clamp electrophysiology. In current-clamp recordings, regenerative APs were abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of 5 mM Co2+ or 100 µM nifedipine, and APs were amplified with 15 mM Ba2+. Collectively, our data suggest that during APs Ca2+ enters through L-type Ca2+ channels and that Ca2+ stores (gated by ryanodine receptors) contribute to the rise in [Ca2+]i. This work may lead to further understanding of the possible role APs have in vision, such as transitioning from light to darkness or modulating feedback from HCs to photoreceptors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Horizontal cells (HCs) are interneurons of the outer retina that provide inhibitory feedback onto photoreceptors. HCs respond to light via graded changes in membrane potential. We characterized spontaneous action potentials in HCs from goldfish and linked action potential generation to a rise in intracellular Ca2+ via plasma membrane channels and ryanodine receptors. Action potentials may play a role in vision, such as transitioning from light to darkness, or in modulating feedback from HCs to photoreceptors.
Mutual information analysis of neural representations of speech in noise in the aging midbrain
Authors: Zan Peng , Presacco Alessandro , Anderson Samira , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: October 2019

Younger adults with normal hearing can typically understand speech in the presence of a competing speaker without much effort, but this ability to understand speech in challenging conditions deteriorates with age. Older adults, even with clinically normal hearing, often have problems understanding speech in noise. Earlier auditory studies using the frequency-following response (FFR), primarily believed to be generated by the midbrain, demonstrated age-related neural deficits when analyzed with traditional measures. Here we use a mutual information paradigm to analyze the FFR to speech (masked by a competing speech signal) by estimating the amount of stimulus information contained in the FFR. Our results show, first, a broadband informational loss associated with aging for both FFR amplitude and phase. Second, this age-related loss of information is more severe in higher-frequency FFR bands (several hundred hertz). Third, the mutual information between the FFR and the stimulus decreases as noise level increases for both age groups. Fourth, older adults benefit neurally, i.e., show a reduction in loss of information, when the speech masker is changed from meaningful (talker speaking a language that they can comprehend, such as English) to meaningless (talker speaking a language that they cannot comprehend, such as Dutch). This benefit is not seen in younger listeners, which suggests that age-related informational loss may be more severe when the speech masker is meaningful than when it is meaningless. In summary, as a method, mutual information analysis can unveil new results that traditional measures may not have enough statistical power to assess.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Older adults, even with clinically normal hearing, often have problems understanding speech in noise. Auditory studies using the frequency-following response (FFR) have demonstrated age-related neural deficits with traditional methods. Here we use a mutual information paradigm to analyze the FFR to speech masked by competing speech. Results confirm those from traditional analysis but additionally show that older adults benefit neurally when the masker changes from a language that they comprehend to a language they cannot.
Quality Characteristics and Functional and Antioxidant Capacities of Algae-Fortified Fish Burgers Prepared from Common Barbel (Barbus barbus)
Authors: Hentati Faiez , Barkallah Mohamed , Ben Atitallah Ali , Dammak Mouna , Louati Ibtihel , Pierre Guillaume , Fendri Imen , Attia Hamadi , Michaud Philippe , Abdelkafi Slim
Published: October 2019

Introduction. Algae have been used as natural ingredients to produce new canned fish burgers prepared from minced flesh of common barbel. In this research, the impact of the addition ofCystoseira compressaandJania adhaerensat concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% w/v on the texture and sensory characteristics of fish burgers were investigated.Results. Compared to controls, fish burgers containing 1% algae had better texture and sensory properties (P< 0.05). Also, these burger formulations had higher water and oil holding capacities as well as swelling ability, due to the important polysaccharides and dietary fibers contents of algae. In addition, algae-supplemented burgers were characterized as having lowL⁎,a⁎, andb⁎values, which made the color appear to be paler. Thanks to their high richness in pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) and polysaccharides, algae considerably enhance the antioxidant activities of the new ready-to-eat fish burgers. So,Cystoseira compressaandJania adhaerenscould be used as nutritious additives to produce new fish-based products.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Male Inmates in the Largest Prison of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Gambhir , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Gautam Rabin , Mulmi Rashmi , Baral Dharanidhar , Pokharel Paras Kumar
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is much higher in the prison population than in the general population. This study aims to find out the prevalence of PTB and its associated factors among inmates in eastern Nepal. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jhumka Regional Prison, the largest male prison of Eastern Nepal from September 2014 to August 2015. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to identify individuals with a cough more than one-week duration among 434 randomly selected inmates. Screening of PTB was done by sputum smear test and/or GeneXpert test. Prevalence of TB was defined as the number of cases detected during the study period divided by the total number of inmates screened during that period. Fisher’s exact test was used to find out the association of PTB with related variables. Results. A total of 434 inmates were screened for PTB with mean age 35.7 years and body mass index 22.7 kg/m2. A total of 68 inmates had a productive cough of more than a week and two patients were already on anti-tuberculosis therapy at the time of screening. Sixty sputum samples were considered for sputum smear/GeneXpert test and 6 of them (10%) had positive results. The prevalence of TB in the Prison was 1843/100,000 population. Chest pain and abnormal chest auscultation findings were found to be significantly associated with PTB. Conclusions. This study showed that there was a high rate of PTB among inmates in Nepal. The results suggest a need for effective screening of PTB and strategies to improve management including reduction of PTB transmission in the prison.