bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequences of Bacteria Associated with the Diatom
Cyclotella cryptica
Strain CCMP332
Authors: Gargas Cory B. , Roberts Wade R. , Alverson Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

We report draft genomes of two bacterial strains in the genera
Hyphobacterium
and
Reichenbachiella
, which are associated with the diatom
Cyclotella cryptica
strain CCMP332. Genomes from these strains were 2,691,501 bp and 3,325,829 bp in size, respectively, and will be useful for understanding interactions between diatoms and bacteria.
Supplemental Material: Climate forcing of terrestrial carbon sink during the Middle Jurassic greenhouse climate: Chronostratigraphic analysis of the Yan’an Formation, Ordos Basin, North China
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Wang Tiantian , al. et
Published: November 2020

Figures S1–S5, and Tables S1–S4.
Clinical management of sickle cell liver disease in children and young adults
Authors: Kyrana Eirini , Rees David , Lacaille Florence , Fitzpatrick Emer , Davenport Mark , Heaton Nigel , Height Sue , Samyn Marianne , Mavilio Fulvio , Brousse Valentine , Suddle Abid , Chakravorty Subarna , Verma Anita , Gupte Girish , Velangi Marki , Inusa Baba , Drasar Emma , Hadzic Nedim , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Hind Jonathan , Deheragoda Maesha , Sellars Maria , Dhawan Anil
Published: November 2020

Liver involvement in sickle cell disease (SCD) is often referred to as sickle cell hepatopathy (SCH) and is a complication of SCD which may be associated with significant mortality. This review is based on a round-table workshop between paediatric and adult hepatologists and haematologists and review of the literature. The discussion was prompted by the lack of substantial data and guidance in managing these sometimes very challenging cases. This review provides a structured approach for the diagnosis and management of SCH in children and young adults. The term SCH describes any hepatobiliary dysfunction in the context of SCD. Diagnosis and management of biliary complications, acute hepatic crisis, acute hepatic sequestration and other manifestations of SCH are discussed, as well as the role of liver transplantation and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in the management of SCH.
Implementation, mechanisms of impact and key contextual factors involved in outcomes of the Modification of Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle (MODEL) randomised controlled trial in Australian adults: protocol for a mixed-method process evaluation
Authors: Anokye Reindolf , Radavelli-Bagatini Simone , Bondonno Catherine P , Sim Marc , Blekkenhorst Lauren C , Connolly Emma , Bondonno Nicola P , Schousboe John T , Woodman Richard , Zhu Kun , Szulc Pawel , Jackson Ben , Dimmock James , Schlaich Markus P , Cox Kay L , Kiel Douglas P , Lim Wai H , Devine Amanda , Thompson Peter L , Gianoudis Jenny , De Ross Belinda , Daly Robin M , Hodgson Jonathan M , Lewis Joshua R , Stanley Mandy
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The Modification of Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle (MODEL) study aims to examine the impact of providing visualisation and pictorial representation of advanced structural vascular disease (abdominal aortic calcification), on ‘healthful’ improvements to diet and lifestyle. This paper reports the protocol for the process evaluation for the MODEL study.

Methods and analysis

The overall aim of the process evaluation is to understand the processes that took place during participation in the MODEL study trial and which elements were effective or ineffective for influencing ‘healthful’ behavioural change, and possible ways of improvement to inform wider implementation strategies. A mixed-method approach will be employed with the use of structured questionnaires and semistructured in-depth interviews. All 200 participants enrolled in the trial will undertake the quantitative component of the study and maximum variation sampling will be used to select a subsample for the qualitative component. The sample size for the qualitative component will be determined based on analytical saturation. Interviews will be digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The MODEL study process evaluation has received approval from Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project Number: 20513 HODGSON). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before they are included in the study. The study results will be shared with the individuals and institutions associated with this study as well as academic audiences through peer-reviewed publication and probable presentation at conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001087246.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry China study (PORTRAY): protocol for a prospective, multicentre registry study
Authors: Xie Bingbing , Ren Yanhong , Geng Jing , He Xuan , Ban Chengjun , Wang Shiyao , Jiang Dingyuan , Luo Sa , Chen Qihang , Liu Min , Feng Ruie , Zhao Ling , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal lung disease characterised by a fibrotic histological pattern found in usual interstitial pneumonia. Its causes, pathogenesis, clinical phenotype and molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. Large-scale, multicentre studies are warranted to better understand IPF as a disease in China, its associated risk factors, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, disease progression and treatment.

Methods and analysis

The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry China Study (PORTRAY) is a prospective, multicentre registry study of patients with IPF in China. Eight hundred patients will be enrolled over a 36-month period and followed for at least 3 years to generate a comprehensive database on baseline characteristics and various follow-up parameters including patient-reported outcomes. Biological specimens will also be collected from patients to develop a library of blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung biopsy samples, to support future research. As of 15 December 2019, 204 patients from 19 large medical centres with relatively high IPF diagnosis and treatment rates had been enrolled. Patient characteristics will be presented using descriptive statistics. The Kaplan-Meier method will be used for survival analyses. Repeated measures will be used to compare longitudinal changes in lung function, imaging and laboratory tests. Results following analysis have been projected to be available by July 2025.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board from all the study sites currently recruiting patients. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03666234.
Effects of Creative Expressive Arts-based Storytelling (CrEAS) programme on older adults with mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomised, controlled three-arm trial
Authors: Lin Rong , Yan Yuan-Jiao , Zhou Yi , Luo Yu-Ting , Cai Zhen-Zhen , Zhu Kai-Yan , Li Hong
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Early non-pharmacological interventions can prevent cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Creative expression (CrExp) can potentially mitigate cognitive decline and enhance the physical and mental health of older people. However, it is unclear whether activities involving CrExp can improve cognitive function and other health-related outcomes in older adults with MCI. The aim of the present study is to develop a Creative Expressive Arts-based Storytelling (CrEAS) programme that integrates verbal and non-verbal expressive activities and evaluate its effectiveness in improving cognitive function and other outcome indicators so as to explore its possible mechanism from the perspective of neuroimaging.

Methods and analysis

This parallel randomised controlled trial with three arms (one intervention and two control arms) will be conducted over a 24-week period. A total of 111 participants will be enrolled and randomised to the CrEAS, recreation and usual activity groups. The CrEAS programme combines visual arts therapy and storytelling (TimeSlips) under the Expressive Therapy Continuum theoretical framework and provides an opportunity for people with MCI to actively engage in activities to improve cognitive function through verbal and nonverbal CrExp. Global cognitive function, specific domains of cognition (memory, executive function, language and attention) and other health-related outcomes (anxiety, depression and quality of life) will be measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at the 24-week follow-up. Structural/functional brain MRI data will be collected at baseline and immediately after the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Fujian Provincial Hospital (K2018-03-061). The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900021526.
Investigating a new tablet-based telerehabilitation app in patients with aphasia: a randomised, controlled, evaluator-blinded, multicentre trial protocol
Authors: Uslu Arif Sinan , Gerber Stephan M , Schmidt Nadine , Röthlisberger Carina , Wyss Patric , Vanbellingen Tim , Schaller Sandra , Wyss Corina , Koenig-Bruhin Monica , Berger Thomas , Nyffeler Thomas , Müri René , Nef Tobias , Urwyler Prabitha
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Aphasia is a common language disorder acquired after stroke that reduces the quality of life of affected patients. The impairment is frequently accompanied by a deficit in cognitive functions. The state-of-the-art therapy is speech and language therapy but recent findings highlight positive effects of high-frequency therapy. Telerehabilitation has the potential to enable high-frequency therapy for patients at home. This study investigates the effects of high-frequency telerehabilitation speech and language therapy (teleSLT) on language functions in outpatients with aphasia compared with telerehabilitative cognitive training. We hypothesise that patients training with high-frequency teleSLT will show higher improvement in language functions and quality of life compared with patients with high-frequency tele-rehabilitative cognitive training (teleCT).

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised controlled, evaluator-blinded multicentre superiority trial comparing the outcomes following either high-frequency teleSLT or teleCT. A total of 100 outpatients with aphasia will be recruited and assigned in a 1:1 ratio stratified by trial site and severity of impairment to one of two parallel groups. Both groups will train over a period of 4 weeks for 2 hours per day. Patients in the experimental condition will devote 80% of their training time to teleSLT and the remaining 20% (24 min/day) to teleCT, vice versa for patients in the control condition. The primary outcome measure is the understandability of verbal communication on the Amsterdam Nijmegen Everyday Language Test and secondary outcome measures are intelligibility of the verbal communication, impairment of receptive and expressive language functions, confrontation naming. Other outcomes measures are quality of life and acceptance (usability and subjective experience) of the teleSLT system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Ethics Committee Bern (ID 2016-01577). Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03228264.
Development of a risk prediction model of potentially avoidable readmission for patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia: study protocol and population
Authors: Mounayar Anne-Laure , Francois Patrice , Pavese Patricia , Sellier Elodie , Gaillat Jacques , Camara Boubou , Degano Bruno , Maillet Mylène , Bouisse Magali , Courtois Xavier , Labarère José , Seigneurin Arnaud
Published: November 2020

Introduction

30-day readmission rate is considered an adverse outcome reflecting suboptimal quality of care during index hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, potentially avoidable readmission would be a more relevant metric than all-cause readmission for tracking quality of hospital care for CAP. The objectives of this study are (1) to estimate potentially avoidable 30-day readmission rate and (2) to develop a risk prediction model intended to identify potentially avoidable readmissions for CAP.

Methods and analysis

The study population consists of consecutive patients admitted in two hospitals from the community or nursing home setting with pneumonia. To qualify for inclusion, patients must have a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis code of pneumonia. Data sources include routinely collected administrative claims data as part of diagnosis-related group prospective payment system and structured chart reviews. The main outcome measure is potentially avoidable readmission within 30 days of discharge from index hospitalisation. The likelihood that a readmission is potentially avoidable will be quantified using latent class analysis based on independent structured reviews performed by four panellists. We will use a two-stage approach to develop a claims data-based model intended to identify potentially avoidable readmissions. The first stage implies deriving a clinical model based on data collected through retrospective chart review only. In the second stage, the predictors comprising the medical record model will be translated into International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision discharge diagnosis codes in order to obtain a claim data-based risk model.

The study sample consists of 1150 hospital stays with a diagnosis of CAP. 30-day index hospital readmission rate is 17.5%.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was reviewed by the Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Est V (IRB#6705). Efforts will be made to release the primary study results within 6 months of data collection completion.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02833259).
Impact of early surveillance on safety signal identification in the CathPCI DELTA study
Authors: Majithia Arjun , Matheny Michael E , Dani Sourbha S , Paulus Jessica K , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Robbins Susan , Ssemaganda Henry , Hewitt Kathleen , Ponirakis Angelo , Loyo-Berrios Nilsa , Moussa Issam , Drozda Joseph , Normand Sharon-Lise , Resnic Frederic S
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The CathPCI Data Extraction and Longitudinal Trend Analysis study was designed to determine the feasibility of conducting prospective surveillance of a large national registry to perform comparative safety analyses of medical devices. We sought to determine whether the complementary use of retrospective case data could improve safety signal detection time.

Design

We performed a simulated surveillance study of the comparative safety of the Mynx vascular closure device (VCD) with propensity score matched alternate VCD recipients, using both retrospective and prospective cohort data.

Setting

Centers within the USA using the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI Registry.

Participants

Percutaneous coronary intervention cases captured within the NCDR CathPCI Registry from July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2013 were included in the analysis.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Absolute and relative risk (RR) of any vascular complication (a composite of bleeding at access site, hematoma at access site, retroperitoneal bleeding, and other vascular complications requiring treatment); time to signal detection.

Results

A safety alert was detected for the primary outcome of “any vascular complication” after 15 months of surveillance and was sustained for the study duration (absolute risk of any vascular complication, 1.20% vs 0.73%, RR, 1.63; 95% CI 1.50 to 1.79; p<0.001). The safety signal was identified 12 months earlier with the use of retrospective case data than during the initial study.

Conclusions

Prospective, active surveillance of cardiovascular registries is feasible to perform comparative analyses of medical devices. Retrospective data may complement prospective surveillance to improve time to signal detection, indicating the need for earlier prospective application of safety surveillance for devices new to the market.
Occurrence and outcomes of type 3 endoleaks in endovascular aortic repair within the Vascular Quality Initiative database
Authors: Blakeslee-Carter Juliet , Beck Adam , Spangler Emily
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Type 3 endoleaks (T3ELs) represent a lack of aneurysm protection from systemic pressure. Previous studies have found a ~2% incidence of T3EL after standard infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR); however, no prior studies with new-generation devices have been able to determine an association between T3EL and clinical outcomes. Here we examine T3EL within the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) to define rates of occurrence, rates and modes of reintervention, and clinical consequences of these endoleaks.

Design and setting

Participants receiving infrarenal EVAR in the VQI from January 2003 to September 2018 were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study.

Participants

Of 42 246 entries in the EVAR procedural registry, 41 604 had complete procedural information and were included in analysis. Of these, 36 082 had long-term follow-up, and 26 422 had follow-up (9–21 months per VQI reporting standards) with complete endoleak data recorded.

Interventions

All patients included in this study underwent an infrarenal EVAR.

Results

Within the VQI database, the rate of T3EL in infrarenal EVAR during index hospitalization was 0.37% (n=157/41 604), of which 85% were due to midgraft separation and 15% were due to fabric disruptions. Out of the 157 index hospitalization T3ELs, 4.5% (n=7) received procedural reintervention during that hospitalization, which accounted for 1% of all index hospitalization reinterventions. During the 21-month follow-up, the rate of incident T3EL was 0.7% (n=205/26 422), which accounted for 5% of all endoleaks seen during follow-up. Reinterventions for incident T3EL at follow-up were done in 30 patients (rate 0.1%), which accounted for 9% of endoleak reinterventions and 3.3% of all reinterventions. The presence of incident T3EL found during follow-up was associated with a significant decrease in 5-year survival (74% vs 80%, respectively; p=0.041) in Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Conclusion

T3ELs rates at placement and follow-up remain low; however, the majority reported in long-term follow-up are incident and these incident endoleaks are associated with decreased survival in EVAR.
Association betweenBrachyspiraand irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea
Authors: Jabbar Karolina S , Dolan Brendan , Eklund Lisbeth , Wising Catharina , Ermund Anna , Johansson Åsa , Törnblom Hans , Simren Magnus , Hansson Gunnar C
Published: November 2020

Objective

The incidence of IBS increases following enteric infections, suggesting a causative role for microbial imbalance. However, analyses of faecal microbiota have not demonstrated consistent alterations. Here, we used metaproteomics to investigate potential associations between mucus-resident microbiota and IBS symptoms.

Design

Mucus samples were prospectively collected from sigmoid colon biopsies from patients with IBS and healthy volunteers, and their microbial protein composition analysed by mass spectrometry. Observations were verified by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and real-time PCR, further confirmed in a second cohort, and correlated with comprehensive profiling of clinical characteristics and mucosal immune responses.

Results

Metaproteomic analysis of colon mucus samples identified peptides from potentially pathogenicBrachyspiraspecies in a subset of patients with IBS. Using multiple diagnostic methods, mucosalBrachyspiracolonisation was detected in a total of 19/62 (31%) patients with IBS from two prospective cohorts, versus 0/31 healthy volunteers (p<0.001). The prevalence ofBrachyspiracolonisation in IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) was 40% in both cohorts (p=0.02 and p=0.006 vs controls).Brachyspiraattachment to the colonocyte apical membrane was observed in 20% of patients with IBS and associated with accelerated oro-anal transit, mild mucosal inflammation, mast cell activation and alterations of molecular pathways linked to bacterial uptake and ion–fluid homeostasis. Metronidazole treatment paradoxically promotedBrachyspirarelocation into goblet cell secretory granules—possibly representing a novel bacterial strategy to evade antibiotics.

Conclusion

MucosalBrachyspiracolonisation was significantly more common in IBS and associated with distinctive clinical, histological and molecular characteristics. Our observations suggest a role forBrachyspirain the pathogenesis of IBS, particularly IBS-D.
Circular Rna Hipk3 Plays a Carcinogenic Role in Cervical Cancer Progression via Regulating Mir-485-3P/Fgf2 Axis
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Liu Shimei , Song Huaihua , Xia Jiayu
Published: November 2020

Circular RNA (circRNA) is an endogenous RNA molecule with a stable closed-loop structure. The circular RNA HIPK3 (circHIPK3) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and facilitates tumor growth. However, its role in cervical cancer (CC) and its regulatory mechanisms are not well-studied. This study aimed for investigating the function of circHIPK3 on proliferation and metastasis of CC cells. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR assay was adopted to delve into the circHIPK3 expression in CC cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate the influence of overexpression and knockdown of circHIPK3 on CC cell proliferation. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to probe into the binding of miR-485-3p to circHIPK3 and miR-485-3p to the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), respectively. FGF2 protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. This study confirmed that circHIPK3 was highly expressed in CC tissues. Overexpressed circHIPK3 could remarkably expedite the proliferation, migration and invasion of SiHa cells, and knocking down circHIPK3 could significantly impede the proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells. MiR-485-3p can directly bind to circHIPK3 and the 3'UTR of FGF2. Overexpression of circHIPK3 triggered the upregulation of FGF2 expression while knockdown of circHIPK3 reduced FGF2 expression in CC cells, and the transfection of miR-485-3p mimics reversed the upregulation of FGF2 expression and enhanced malignant phenotypes in CC cells with overexpressed circHIPK3.
Association of asthma severity and educational attainment at age 6–7 years in a birth cohort: population-based record-linkage study
Authors: Evans Annette , Farewell Daniel , Demmler Joanne , Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Powell Colin Victor Eric , Paranjothy Shantini
Published: November 2020

Background

There is conflicting research about the association between asthma and poor educational attainment that may be due to asthma definitions. Our study creates seven categories of current chronic and acute asthma to investigate if there is an association for poorer educational attainment at age 6–7 years, and the role of respiratory infections and school absence.

Methods

This study used a population-based electronic cross-sectional birth cohort 1998–2005, in Wales, UK, using health and education administrative datasets. Current asthma or wheeze categories were developed using clinical management guidelines in general practice (GP) data, acute asthma was inpatient hospital admissions and respiratory infections were the count of GP visits, from birth to age 6–7 years. We used multilevel logistic regression grouped by schools to ascertain if asthma or wheeze was associated with not attaining the expected level in teacher assessment at Key Stage 1 (KS1) adjusting for sociodemographics, perinatal, other respiratory illness and school characteristics. We tested if absence from school was a mediator in this relationship using the difference method.

Results

There were 85 906 children in this population representative cohort with 7-year follow-up. In adjusted multilevel logistic regression, only asthma inpatient hospital admission was associated with increased risk for not attaining the expected level at KS1 (adjusted OR 1.14 95% CI (1.02 to 1.27)). Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) GP contacts remained an independent predictor for not attaining the expected level of education. Absence from school was a potential mediator of the association between hospital admission and educational attainment.

Conclusions

Clinicians and educators need to be aware that children who have inpatient hospital admissions for asthma or wheeze, or repeated LRTI, may require additional educational support for their educational outcomes.
To drain or not to drain? Abscess or empyema?
Authors: McDill Helen , Hassan Maged , Dack Graham , Taylor Lindsey , Waine David , Corcoran John P , Daneshvar Cyrus
Published: November 2020

We present a case posing the clinical dilemma of differentiating a large peripheral lung abscess from an empyema, discussing the imaging and management and the clinical issues posed.
Towards a more intelligent model of providing pediatric trauma care: identifying temporal variations in trauma team activations
Authors: Johnson Arianne , Sharma Rohit , Anis John , Kaminski Stephen , Kanard Robert
Published: November 2020

Background

Trauma centers are resource-intensive environments, and pediatric-specific personnel are often limited resources. Identifying the temporal patterns of pediatric traumas can help guide resource allocation strategies to optimize patient care.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single-institution analysis of 575 injured patients less than 18 years old that triggered a trauma team activation (TTA). TTA volume according to time of day and day of the week was analyzed using a mixed Poisson regression model and monthly patterns were analyzed using an analysis of variance. Subset analyses were conducted for children and teenagers.

Results

Across all days, the 6-hour time frame between 15:00 and 21:00 had significantly more activations than average, encompassing nearly half (47.2%) of all pediatric TTAs (p=0.01). Saturdays had significantly more activations than the daily average (Saturdays: 26.0/year, Other: 14.8/year, p<0.01). A pediatric TTA was 3.6 times more likely to occur between 15:00 and 21:00 on a Saturday than any other time. Volume of activation did not significantly differ by month (p=0.880).

Conclusion

The volume of pediatric trauma activations varies significantly according to time of day and day of the week. These findings can direct or validate resource allocation strategies such as staffing physicians, nurses, and ancillary personnel according to TTA volume.

Type of study

Retrospective cohort study.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Nutritional composition of saskatoon berries: a review
Authors: Fang Jim
Published: November 2020

Saskatoon berry [Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt., Rosaceae], also known as serviceberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the northern prairies and plains of North America. Saskatoon berries are an excellent source of typical health-promoting nutrients such as fibers, minerals (manganese, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron), and vitamins (tocopherol, pyridoxine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid). Saskatoon berries are rich in health-promoting phytochemical compounds, mainly anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, and cyanidin-3-xyloside), flavonols (quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-arabinoglucoside, quercetin-3-arabinoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, and quercetin-3-xyloside), proanthocyanidins (A- and B-type procyanidins with different degrees of polymerization), phenolic acids, and volatile components. The total fat content of saskatoon berry seed oil is 99 g/100 g of oil, of which 9.8 g/100 g is saturated fat, 31 g/100 g is monounsaturated fat, and 58 g/100 g is cis–cis polyunsaturated fat. Saskatoon berry seed oil contains approximately 10 g of phytosterols per kilogram of oil (β-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol). In mature (purple) saskatoon berries, the content of cyanogenic compounds amygdalin and prunasin were found to be 42–118 mg/kg and 5–17 mg/kg of fresh weight, respectively. These compounds are confined to the seeds, which greatly slows down their absorption when saskatoon berry fruit are consumed. In summary, saskatoon berries are emerging as a functional food because they are an excellent source of minerals, fiber, and phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
Ectopic expression of LhMYC2 increases susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cui Qi , Gao Xue , Wang Lian-juan , Jia Gui-xia
Published: November 2020

Gray mold disease, mainly caused by Botrytis elliptica (Berk.) Cooke and Botrytis cinerea Pers., leads to severe losses in lily cut flower and bulb production. MYC2 is a critical regulator of the activation of jasmonate-mediated defense responses in plants; however, information about the lily MYC2 gene is limited. Therefore, functional characterization of MYC2 in lily, especially its role in plant immune responses, should be performed. Here, significant differences between the Botrytis-resistant Lilium hybrid ‘Sorbonne’ and the Botrytis-susceptible ‘Tresor’ were found following B. cinerea inoculation, as indicated by jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) accumulation and related gene expression. More JA and JA-Ile were detected in ‘Sorbonne’ than in ‘Tresor’ following fungal inoculation, and higher transcript levels of JA biosynthesis genes (LhAOS, LhAOC, and LhOPR3) and a signaling gene (LhCOI1) were detected in ‘Sorbonne’ than in ‘Tresor’. In contrast, expression of the critical signaling regulator LhMYC2 was higher in ‘Tresor’ than in ‘Sorbonne’. LhMYC2 was then isolated from ‘Sorbonne’ and found to be similar to several plant MYC2 homologs that have pivotal roles in JA signaling. The expression of LhMYC2 increased significantly in response to JA and salicylic acid (SA) in ‘Sorbonne’. Ectopic expression of LhMYC2 in Arabidopsis resulted in greater susceptibility to B. cinerea than that observed in wild-type plants. This susceptibility was coupled with the transcriptional changes in SA- and JA-responsive genes. Overall, our findings indicate that LhMYC2 plays a negative role in Arabidopsis resistance to B. cinerea.
Spectral action in matrix form
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Iliopoulos John , van Suijlekom Walter D.
Published: November 2020

Quantization of the noncommutative geometric spectral action has so far been performed on the final component form of the action where all traces over the Dirac matrices and symmetry algebra are carried out. In this work, in order to preserve the noncommutative geometric structure of the formalism, we derive the quantization rules for propagators and vertices in matrix form. We show that the results in the case of a product of a four-dimensional Euclidean manifold by a finite space, could be cast in the form of that of a Yang–Mills theory. We illustrate the procedure for the toy electroweak model.
Clebsch confinement and instantons in turbulence
Authors: Migdal Alexander
Published: November 2020

The turbulence in incompressible fluid is represented as a field theory in 3 dimensions. There is no time involved, so this is intended to describe stationary limit of the Hopf functional. The basic fields are Clebsch variables defined modulo gauge transformations (symplectomorphisms). Explicit formulas for gauge invariant Clebsch measure in space of generalized Beltrami flow compatible with steady energy flow are presented. We introduce a concept of Clebsch confinement related to unbroken gauge invariance and study Clebsch instantons: singular vorticity sheets with nontrivial helicity. This is realization of the “instantons and intermittency” program we started back in the 1990s.1 These singular solutions are involved in enhancing infinitesimal random forces at remote boundary leading to critical phenomena. In the Euler equation vorticity is concentrated along the random self-avoiding surface, with tangent components proportional to the delta function of normal distance. Viscosity in Navier–Stokes equation smears this delta function to the Gaussian with width [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] with fixed energy flow. These instantons dominate the enstrophy in dissipation as well as the PDF for velocity circulation [Formula: see text] around fixed loop [Formula: see text] in space. At large loops, the resulting symmetric exponential distribution perfectly fits the numerical simulations2 including pre-exponential factor [Formula: see text]. At small loops, we advocate relation of resulting random self-avoiding surface theory with multi-fractal scaling laws observed in numerical simulations. These laws are explained as a result of fluctuating internal metric (Liouville field). The curve of anomalous dimensions [Formula: see text] can be fitted at small [Formula: see text] to the parabola, coming from the Liouville theory with two parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. At large [Formula: see text] the ratios of the subsequent moments in our theory grow linearly with the size of the loop, which corresponds to finite value of [Formula: see text] in agreement with DNS.
Constructions of f(R,G,𝒯) gravity from some expansions of the Universe
Authors: Debnath Ujjal
Published: November 2020

Here we propose the extended modified gravity theory named [Formula: see text] gravity where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar, [Formula: see text] is the Gauss–Bonnet invariant, and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the stress-energy tensor. We derive the gravitational field equations in [Formula: see text] gravity by taking the least action principle. Next we construct the [Formula: see text] in terms of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in de Sitter as well as power-law expansion. We also construct [Formula: see text] if the expansion follows the finite-time future singularity (big rip singularity). We investigate the energy conditions in this modified theory of gravity and examine the validity of all energy conditions.
Electromagnetic counterpart to gravitational waves from coalescence of binary black hole with magnetic monopole charge
Authors: Win Aung Naing , Chu Yu-Ming , Shah Hasrat Hussain , Abbas Syed Zaheer , Shah Munawar
Published: November 2020

A Satellite Fermi GBM detected recent putative short Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) in coincident with the gravitational wave signal GW 150914 produced by the merger of binary black hole (BH). If at least one BH possess magnetic monopole charge in the binary BH system then the short-duration GRBs may produce during the final phase of a binary BH merger. The detection of gravitational waves GW 150914, GW 151226 and LVT 151012 by LIGO gave the evidence that merging of the compact object like binary BH often happens in our universe. In this paper, we report the qualitative model to discuss the generation of electromagnetic radiation from the merging of two BHs with equal masses and at least one BH carrying the magnetic monopole charge in the binary system. In this model, BH possess a magnetic monopole charge that may not be neutralized before the coalescence. During the inspiralling process, the magnetic monopole charge on the BH would produced the electric dipole moment. Short duration GRB would produce by the rapidly evolution of the electric dipole moment which may detectable on Earth. We predict that this model would be beneficial in the future to explain the generation of gravitational wave (GW) plus a electromagnetic signal of multi-wavelength from mergers of magnetically charged BHs.
The influence of pressure on the structural transformation and diffusion mechanism in lithium-silicate melt: Molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ha Nguyen Thi Thanh
Published: November 2020

The structural transformation and diffusion mechanism of lithium-silicate melt is carried by molecular dynamics method. In order to investigate the nature of the pressure-induced structural transformations, the pair radial distribution function (PRDF), distribution of SiO[Formula: see text], OSi[Formula: see text] and LiO[Formula: see text] coordination units, bond angle distribution (BAD) and bond distance distribution (BDD) are analyzed. The investigation reveals that there is a structural transformation in the structure of lithium-silicate. The addition of alkali oxides results in the formation of nonbridging oxygens (NBOs) by disruption of the Si–O network and it has a slight effect on the topology of SiO[Formula: see text] and OSi[Formula: see text] units. Furthermore, we show that the diffusion of network-former atom in lithium-silicate melt is anomaly and Li atoms have significantly faster diffusion rate than those of oxygen or silicon atoms. Therefore, there is an existence of two diffusion mechanisms in lithium-silicate.
3D Printable Vapochromic Sensing Materials
Authors: Stevens David M. , Gray Bonnie L. , Leznoff Daniel B. , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Khosla Ajit
Published: November 2020

Vapochromic Coordination Polymers (VCPs) are highly stable sensing compounds that can be used for chemical sensors but require immobilization to be effective. We present a novel immobilization method for VCPs that results in a new class of Vapochromic Sensing Materials (VSMs) for chemical sensors. These VSMs can further be used as base materials for 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes to create geometrically complex sensor surfaces, or for integration with other 3D printed structures. The ammonia-sensitive VCP compound Zn[Au(CN)2]2 is used together with polylactic acid (PLA) to create the first type of this new class of VSM. The VSM synthesis method is simple, robust, and employs the use of the inexpensive and sustainable 3D printing polymer PLA. Early results suggest that, compared to previous methods used for the immobilization of the Zn[Au(CN)2]2 VCP, the VSM: 1) provides long term and stable immobilization of VCPs; 2) can detect target analytes (e.g., ammonia) at low concentrations (e.g., 5 ppm); and 3) is effective as a sensing material even when comprised of low VCP concentrations of 2% wt. or less in the PLA matrix.
Dual-Modal Biosensor for the Determination of Femtomolar miRNA-126 Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Electrochemiluminescence with Hybridization Chain Reaction Amplification
Authors: Zheng Yanjie , Xu Yichun , Chen Li , Yin Xinyang , Lin Fei , Weng Shaohuang , Lin Xinhua
Published: November 2020

In this study, a novel dual-modal electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for sensitive detection of femtomolar miRNA-126 was developed based on hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The capture unit was Fe3O4@SiO2@AuNPs-cDNA, being Fe3O4@SiO2@AuNPs nanoparticles coated by hairpin cDNA which could capture miRNA-126 specifically. The signal unit was HCR-Ru(phen)3
2+, which was a long double-stranded DNA obtained through HCR with a great number of ECL signal labels Ru(phen)3
2+ embedded. In presence of target miRNA-126, stem-loop structure of cDNA in the capture unit was opened and a partial dsDNA was formed, the residue bases of which hybridized with the signal unit to form a capture unit/miRNA-126/signal unit complex on the electrode surface. In this case, dual-modal biosensor was prepared easily by the help of magnet, and EIS and ECL detection was both acquired. In addition, a miRNA-126 molecule corresponded to a long double-stranded DNA and a large amount of Ru(phen)3
2+ ions embedded, so the electrochemical impedance and the ECL intensity were greatly increased, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2 fM. And, EIS and ECL results could be checked mutually, improving the detection accuracy and reliability. It offers a simple, fast, sensitive, selective and accurate approach for versatile analysis of microRNAs.
Application of Cyclic Thermal-Oxidized IrOx Electrode in pH Detection of Zn/Steel Galvanic Process in 3.5 wt.% NaCl Solution
Authors: Huang Feifei , Wang Qingrui , Bi Peng , Yu Zhigang , Wang Weipeng , Wang Shuqiang , Wen Lei , Jin Ying
Published: November 2020

The IrOx electrodes fabricated by cyclic heating and quenching process show excellent comprehensive properties including wide E-pH range, near Nernst pH sensitivity, fast response rate, and long term stability etc. The IrOx electrodes are applied in the detection of surface pH changes during galvanic corrosion process of zinc/steel couple in 1 mm 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte layer and 3.5 wt.% NaCl bulk solution, respectively. This detection is realized by integrating the self-fabricated IrOx pH sensor and self-assembled moving platform together. Before the application of the IrOx electrode, the appropriate way of scanning the surface of the zinc/steel galvanic couple is discussed. Comparing with the case in bulk solution, the zinc/steel couple corrodes faster in 1 mm electrolyte layer, the surface pH of which increases to a high value after corrosion begins for 20∼40 min, and the low pH region exists on the zinc surface and the region adjacent to border area of the steel surface, whereas the pH value of the steel surface away from the border area is relatively high. It is demonstrated that the IrOx electrode could detect the pH distribution effectively in surface region during metal corrosion, which could help the understanding of corrosion process under different situations.
The mechanobiome: a goldmine for cancer therapeutics
Authors: Parajón Eleana , Surcel Alexandra , Robinson Douglas N.
Published: November 2020

Cancer progression is dependent on heightened mechanical adaptation, both for the cells’ ability to change shape and to interact with varying mechanical environments. This type of adaptation is dependent on mechanoresponsive proteins that sense and respond to mechanical stress, as well as their regulators. Mechanoresponsive proteins are part of the mechanobiome, which is the larger network that constitutes the cell’s mechanical systems that are also highly integrated with many other cellular systems, such as gene expression, metabolism, and signaling. Despite the altered expression patterns of key mechanobiome proteins across many different cancer types, pharmaceutical targeting of these proteins has been overlooked. Here, we review the biochemistry of key mechanoresponsive proteins, specifically nonmuscle myosin II, α-actinins, and filamins, as well as the partnering proteins 14-3-3 and CLP36. We also examined a wide range of data sets to assess how gene and protein expression levels of these proteins are altered across many different cancer types. Finally, we determined the potential of targeting these proteins to mitigate invasion or metastasis and suggest that the mechanobiome is a goldmine of opportunity for anticancer drug discovery and development.
Eosinophil-associated microinflammation in the gastroduodenal tract contributes to gastric hypersensitivity in a rat model of early-life adversity
Authors: Duan Shaoqi , Kondo Takashi , Miwa Hiroto , Yang Yanjing , Wang Shenglan , Kanda Hirosato , Kogure Yoko , Imamura Nobuko , Fujimura Tadahiro , Kono Tomoaki , Fukushima Masashi , Tozawa Katsuyuki , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Noguchi Koichi , Dai Yi
Published: November 2020

We showed for the first time that neonatal MS stress-induced FD rats undergo gastroduodenal eosinophil-associated microinflammation in adulthood. Suppression of microinflammation attenuated gastric hypersensitivity in MS rats. These findings established a functional link between microinflammation and gastric hypersensitivity, which may provide a potential clue for the clinical treatment of FD.
Stabilizing mast cells improves acute lung injury after orthotopic liver transplantation via promotion of apoptosis in polymorphonuclear neutrophils
Authors: Chen Chaojin , Zhang Zheng , Tan Fang , Meng Fanbing , Lai Lifei , Chi Xinjin , Zhu Qianqian
Published: November 2020

Postoperative pulmonary complications including acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome have contributed to mortality and morbidity of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with unclear mechanisms. Mast cells (MCs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the main inflammatory cells and participants in the process of ALI. The present study was designed to investigate the role of MCs and PMNs and their potential relation to ALI following OLT. Rat orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) model was designed to determine lung injury at different time points after liver reperfusion. We also evaluated the function of MCs and the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tryptase on ALI and PMN apoptosis in rats subjected to OALT. Histological scores and inflammatory factor levels as well as PMN apoptosis were measured. Rats suffered from ALI after OALT, which was demonstrated by a collapse of the pulmonary architecture, pulmonary edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in alveolar and interstitial spaces, as well as increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. ALI maximized at 8 h after OALT. However, PMN apoptosis lagged behind the pulmonary injury and maximized at 16 h after OALT, when the acute inflammation resolution initiated. MC stabilization, and tryptase and TNF-α inhibitors could significantly decrease the lung pathophysiologic scores accompanied by an increase in PMN apoptosis. ALI after OALT was associated with MC activation and PMN apoptosis. ALI progression might be affected by delayed PMN apoptosis, which was related to MC activation. Induction of PMN apoptosis might alleviate ALI after OALT.
The tubular striatum and nucleus accumbens distinctly represent reward-taking and reward-seeking
Authors: Wright Katherine N. , Wesson Daniel W.
Published: November 2020

The ventral striatum, considered the reward circuitry “hub,” is composed of two regions: the NAc, which is well established for its role in reward processing, and the TuS, which has been largely excluded from such studies. This study provides a first step in directly contextualizing the TuS’s activity in relation to that in the NAc and, by doing so, establishes a critical framework for future research seeking to better understand the brain basis for drug addiction.