bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A previously undescribed variant of cutaneous clear‐cell squamous cell carcinoma with psammomatous calcification and intratumoral giant cell granulomas
Authors: Rongioletti Franco , Ferreli Caterina , Atzori Laura , Smoller Bruce R. , Faa Gavino , Kutzner Heinz , Pilloni Luca
Published: August 2020

Cutaneous clear‐cell squamous cell carcinoma (ccSCC) is a rare variant of SCC composed of clear cells that lack cytoplasmic glycogen or evidence of tricholemmal keratinization. We report a previously undescribed variant of ccSCC with psammomatous calcification and intratumoral giant cell granulomas. The differential diagnosis with trichilemmal carcinoma is outlined according to the criteria of the fourth edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Our findings outline that psammomatous calcification may occur inside the keratinous pearls of the neoplastic lobules triggering an intratumoral giant cell granulomatous reaction. The prognostic significance of this histopathological presentation is unknown but the potential for formation of psammoma bodies in cSCC should be considered to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
943. DENDROBIUM HESPERIS
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Sharma Jyotsna , Isaac‐Williams Mark , Rawat Gopal Singh
Published: August 2020

Dendrobium hesperis (Seidenf.) Schuit. & P.B.Adams (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae), an interesting but lesser‐known orchid, referred to in earlier literature as Flickingeria hesperis Seidenf., was formerly believed to be endemic to the Gori Valley (Uttarakhand), the westernmost orchid hotspot in the Indian Himalayas. Originally described from western Himalayas in 1982, this species was later discovered in Manipur in northeast India in 2014, thereafter reported from Laos in 2020. This note is intended to provide correct nomenclature and updated distribution of this taxon along with diagnostic features and illustration to aid its identification.
947. ROSA MAXIMOWICZIANA
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: August 2020

Rosa maximowicziana Regel is illustrated from specimens growing in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The position of the species in the genus is discussed, and its distribution and habitats are given.
Speed is Significant in Short‐Loop Experimental Learning: Iterating and Debugging in High‐Tech Product Innovation
Authors: Alblas Alex , Notten Miel
Published: August 2020

Digital technology is fundamental to experimentation, learning, and the rate of innovation. Digital technology facilitates the rapid distribution of experimental design and debug information. However, we should consider how this fundamentally changes organizational learning and experimentation when managing the rate of product innovation. We address this issue by investigating what drives experimentation‐based learning in high‐tech product innovation and production. The longitudinal dataset in our study consists of 216 projects over a period of almost 5 years, involving thousands of digitally recorded design iterations and design debugs. Based on a time series linear regression analysis, we demonstrate that learning from an accumulation of completed projects drives learning in experimentation more than failure experience in successfully completed design debugs. Furthermore, we show that processing iterations and debugs rapidly enhances the speed of product innovation learning as this allows for short‐loop experimentation that restricts superstitious learning when conditions change over time. The results also show this can be achieved using digital tools as a source of agility.
Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus: Western perspective of current status and future prospects
Authors: McGoran John J. , Ragunath Krish
Published: August 2020

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma and current practice is to establish endoscopic surveillance once diagnosed, in order to identify early dysplasia and neoplasia that has the potential to undergo endoscopic eradication therapy (EET). Before embarking upon EET the clinical team has a duty to consider all viable options and come to a plan based on recent evidence. The therapeutic approach varies greatly but largely adheres to the mantra of ‘Detect–Resect–Ablate’, in which high‐quality endoscopy identifies BE associated pathology, associated lesions (if present) undergo safe endoscopic resection and remaining intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus is ablated to prevent recurrence of dysplasia. In this review, current practice, pitfalls, complications, and the future perspectives on practice in this field are discussed. The Western perspective is focused on here, with an outline of the differences in clinical practice with Asian nations and attempts to bridge these differences.
Rheumatic heart disease anno 2020: Impacts of gender and migration on epidemiology and management
Authors: Mutagaywa Reuben K. , Wind Anna‐Maria , Kamuhabwa Apolinary , Cramer Maarten J. , Chillo Pilly , Chamuleau Steven
Published: August 2020

Background

The epidemiology and management of diseases can be influenced by social demographic factors. Gender and migration are among these factors.

Methods

We aimed at reviewing the impacts of gender and migration on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) epidemiology and management by a nonsystematic literature review of published studies on RHD worldwide. Our PubMed search terms included RHD pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, management or prevention, combined with words ‘rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS)’, ‘outcomes after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV)’, ‘gender or sex difference’ and ‘migration’. The reporting of this study conforms to SANRA (the Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) guidelines.

Results

We retrieved eight studies about the impact of sex on outcomes after PBMV. All of these studies showed a female predominance for RHD. Two studies showed that there is no impact, three studies showed female sex as a predictor of poor outcomes, and the other three showed male sex a predictor of poor outcomes. Although RHD is reported to be eradicated in the developed countries, 2.1% of refugees recently screened for RHD in Italy were found to have subclinical RHD. This prevalence is similar to those found in India (2.0%), Cambodia (2.2%) and Mozambique (3%).

Conclusions

There are contradicting results for outcomes after PBMV between males and females. It is not clear whether sex difference plays a role in pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of MS. Migration has impacts on epidemiology and management of RHD. Further studies are required in these two fields to explore their relationship to RHD.
Mandible fracture in a child with osteogenesis imperfecta on bisphosphonates. Open versus closed treatment? A case report
Authors: Urquiza‐Fornovi Irene , Redondo‐Alamillos Marta , García‐Recuero Ignacio Ismael , Romance‐García Ana Isabel
Published: August 2020

Fractures in the pediatric population are less common than in adults. Facial fractures represent only 4%–5% of total trauma in infants. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a group of genetic disorders where multiple fractures can occur even in early years of life. Long‐term treatment with bisphosphonates is currently used in these children in order to increase bone strength and to alleviate symptoms. This paper reports a rare case of a traumatic fracture of the mandible in a 4‐year‐old child with osteogenesis imperfecta type I. This is an unusual complication in children, even in this group of patients. Open reduction and rigid fixation are not often described as the best treatment. As there are controversies about the subject, a literature review and discussion are presented.
Determinants for traumatic orofacial injuries in sport: Extrinsic factors in a scoping review
Authors: Fronza Helena Pickler , Stolf Sheila Cristina , Taguchi Carolina Mayumi Cavalcanti , Coto Neide Pena , Padilha Ana Clara Loch
Published: August 2020

Background/Aim

Sports practices carry a risk for orofacial injuries and, to avoid them, preventive measures are necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate a web of extrinsic determinants for orofacial trauma in sports.

Materials and Methods

Through a scoping review, eight extrinsic risk factors for sports‐related orofacial trauma emerged from the thematic analysis. These were sports modality, sports philosophy, competition rules, level of competition, accessory equipment, environmental conditions, acting regimen, pitch conditions, and human resources. The data collection was conducted on seven databases, using terms based on health science descriptors and keywords related to orofacial trauma and sports.

Results

From the 1155 articles found, 157 were selected based on eligibility criteria and classified according to the mentioned factors. After the full reading of the articles, the most cited risk factor was sports modality while acting regimen and environmental factors were the least mentioned. Therefore, a scheme following the web of determinants was constructed with the purpose of establishing a risk profile, which was based on the interactions between the determinants and on the frequency that they were mentioned as contributors to injury. From this, it was observed that each traumatic event is possibly a result of the interrelationships among the eight suggested determinants.

Conclusion

Sports modality was the most cited extrinsic determinant observed in the literature, while environmental conditions and acting regimen were the least cited. In addition, more than establishing the determinants, it is necessary to comprehend how they relate, once preventive strategies should intercede on these relations, to help reduce sports injuries.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics can inhibit or activate twister ribozyme cleavage
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Getong , Sun Wenxia , Chen Dongrong , Murchie Alastair I.H.
Published: August 2020

Interactions between aminoglycoside antibiotics and the twister ribozyme were investigated in this study. An initial screen of 17 RNA‐binding antibiotics showed that a number of aminoglycosides inhibit the ribozyme, while a subset of aminoglycosides enhances twister cleavage. Initial kinetic analysis of the twister ribozyme showed a sevenfold inhibition of ribozyme cleavage by paromomycin and a fivefold enhancement of cleavage by sisomicin. Direct binding between the twister ribozyme RNA and paromomycin or sisomicin was measured by microscale thermophoresis. Selective 2′‐hydroxyl acylation analysed by primer extension shows that both paromomycin and sisomicin induce distinctive tertiary structure changes to the twister ribozyme. Published crystal structures and mechanistic analysis of the twister ribozyme have deduced a nucleobase‐mediated general acid–base catalytic mechanism, in which a conserved guanine plays a key role. Here, we show that paromomycin binding induces a structural transition to the twister ribozyme such that a highly conserved guanine in the active site becomes displaced, leading to inhibition of cleavage. In contrast, sisomicin binding appears to change interactions between P3 and L2, inducing allosteric changes to the active site that enhance twister RNA cleavage. Therefore, we show that small‐molecule binding can modulate twister ribozyme activity. These results suggest that aminoglycosides may be used as molecular tools to study this widely distributed ribozyme.
Defining the combinatorial space of PKC::CARD‐CC signal transduction nodes
Authors: Staal Jens , Driege Yasmine , Haegman Mira , Kreike Marja , Iliaki Styliani , Vanneste Domien , Lork Marie , Afonina Inna S. , Braun Harald , Beyaert Rudi
Published: August 2020

Signal transduction typically displays a so‐called bow‐tie topology: Multiple receptors lead to multiple cellular responses but the signals all pass through a narrow waist of central signaling nodes. One such signaling node for several inflammatory and oncogenic signaling pathways is the CARD‐CC/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) complexes, which get activated by protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated phosphorylation of the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD)‐coiled‐coil domain (CC) component. In humans, there are four CARD‐CC family proteins (CARD9, CARD10, CARD11, and CARD14) and 9 true PKC isozymes (α to ι). At this moment, less than a handful of PKC::CARD‐CC relationships are known. In order to explore the biologically relevant combinatorial space out of all 36 potential permutations in this two‐component signaling event, we made use of CARD10‐deficient human embryonic kidney 293T cells for subsequent pairwise cotransfections of all CARD‐CC family members and all activated PKCs. Upon analysis of NF‐κB‐dependent reporter gene expression, we could define specific PKC::CARD‐CC relationships. Surprisingly, as many as 21 PKC::CARD‐CC functional combinations were identified. CARD10 was responsive to most PKCs, while CARD14 was mainly activated by PKCδ. The CARD11 activation profile was most similar to that of CARD9. We also discovered the existence of mixed protein complexes between different CARD‐CC proteins, which was shown to influence their PKC response profile. Finally, multiple PKCs were found to use a common phosphorylation site to activate CARD9, while additional phosphorylation sites contribute to CARD14 activation. Together, these data reveal the combinatorial space of PKC::CARD‐CC signal transduction nodes, which will be valuable for future studies on the regulation of CBM signaling.
Contribution to the study of the influence of the stress ratio on the high cycle fatigue behaviour of riveted joints
Authors: Sire Stéphane , Toasa Caiza Paul Dario , Espion Bernard , Ragueneau Muriel
Published: August 2020

Old riveted railway bridges are part of the cultural and technological heritage in many countries. The assessment of the actual behaviour and the remaining life of these structures is a key economical factor in the management of these bridges. This evaluation should take into account the evolution of the traffic loads, which have constantly increased since their construction, and a realistic estimation of the fatigue life derived from representative experimental tests.

This study deals with the fatigue behaviour of riveted assemblies with specimens prepared from materials sampled in two old bridges: a railway bridge over the Adour river (France) built in 1862–1864 and the Stahringer bridge (Germany), constructed in 1895. Because all assemblies are not subjected to the same loads, this research concentrates on the influence of the stress ratio R on the fatigue behaviour. In order to quantify this influence, a comparison between the Basquin linear model and the Weibull model is performed. It is shown that a formula proposed in a recent study to determine the fatigue strength for an arbitrary value of R is not suitable in the high‐cycle fatigue regime.
Diversity of diatoms, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish varies in response to different environmental correlates in Arctic rivers across North America
Authors: Lento Jennifer , Laske Sarah M. , Lavoie Isabelle , Bogan Daniel , Brua Robert B , Campeau Stéphane , Chin Krista , Culp Joseph M. , Levenstein Brianna , Power Michael , Saulnier‐Talbot Émilie , Shaftel Rebecca , Swanson Heidi , Whitman Matthew , Zimmerman Christian E.
Published: August 2020

Climate change poses a significant threat to Arctic freshwater biodiversity, but impacts depend upon the strength of organism response to climate‐related drivers. Currently, there is insufficient knowledge about Arctic freshwater biodiversity patterns to guide assessment, prediction, and management of biodiversity change.

As part of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program's first freshwater assessment, we evaluated diversity of diatoms, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish in North American Arctic rivers. Alpha diversity was assessed in relation to temperature, water chemistry, bedrock geology, and glaciation history to identify important environmental correlates. Biotic composition was compared among groups to evaluate response to environmental gradients.

Macroinvertebrate α‐diversity declined strongly with increasing latitude from 48°N to 82°N, whereas diatom and fish diversity peaked around 70°N without a clear latitudinal decline. Macroinvertebrate diversity was significantly positively related to air temperature. Diatom diversity was related to bedrock geology and temperature, whereas fish diversity was related to glaciation history.

Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages differed between sites in western Canada, where invertebrate composition was more variable, and Alaska, where fish composition was more variable. In sites with both diatom and macroinvertebrate data, diatom composition was distinct in Alaska, where richness was highest in former glacial refugia. Macroinvertebrate composition was distinct in lowest‐latitude eastern and high‐latitude western Canadian sites where temperature was highest.

Temperature, precipitation, geology, calcium, and substrate size were important environmental correlates for diatoms and macroinvertebrates, although the relative importance of each correlate differed. Diatom taxa were most strongly associated with water chemistry, whereas benthic invertebrate composition related most strongly to precipitation and temperature.

This large‐scale study provides the most substantial integration and analysis of river diatom, macroinvertebrate, and fish data from the North American Arctic to date. Findings suggest that macroinvertebrates will show the strongest response to climate‐related shifts in temperature, whereas diatoms and fish are more likely to respond to climate‐induced shifts in nutrients and hydraulic connectivity. However, significant gaps in data coverage limited our ability to reliably evaluate spatial patterns and detect change. These gaps could be reduced by improving collaborative efforts between the U.S.A. and Canada to harmonise future monitoring.
Assigning occurrence data to cryptic taxa improves climatic niche assessments: Biodecrypt, a new tool tested on European butterflies
Authors: Platania Leonardo , Menchetti Mattia , Dincă Vlad , Corbella Cecília , Kay‐Lavelle Isaac , Vila Roger , Wiemers Martin , Schweiger Oliver , Dapporto Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Aim

Occurrence data are fundamental to macroecology, but accuracy is often compromised when multiple units are lumped together (e.g., in recently separated cryptic species or in citizen science records). Using amalgamated data leads to inaccuracy in species mapping, to biased beta‐diversity assessments and to potentially erroneously predicted responses to climate change. We provide a set of R functions (biodecrypt) to objectively attribute unidentified occurrences to the most probable taxon based on a subset of identified records.

Innovation

Biodecrypt assumes that unidentified occurrences can only be attributed at certain distances from areas of sympatry. The function draws concave hulls based on the subset of identified records; subsequently, based on hull geometry, it attributes (or not) unidientified records to a given taxon. Concavity can be imposed with an alpha value and sea or land areas can be excluded. A cross‐validation function tests attribution reliability and another function optimises the parameters (alpha, buffer, distance ratio between hulls). We applied the procedure to 16 European butterfly complexes recently separated into 33 cryptic species for which most records were amalgamated. We compared niche similarity and divergence between cryptic taxa, and re‐calculated and contributed updated climatic niche characteristics of the butterflies in Europe (CLIMBER).

Main conclusions

Biodecrypt showed a cross‐validated correct attribution of known records always ≥ 98% and attributed more than 80% of unidientified records to the most likely taxon in parapatric species. The functions determined where records can be assigned even for largely sympatric species, and highlighted areas where further sampling is required. All the cryptic taxa showed significantly diverging climatic niches, reflected in different values of mean temperature and precipitation compared to the values originally provided in the CLIMBER database. The substantial fraction of cryptic taxa existing across different taxonomic groups and their divergence in climatic niches highlight the importance of using reliably assigned occurrence data in macroecology.
The Influence of Photophobia on Postural Control in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Pinheiro Carina F. , Moraes Renato , Carvalho Gabriela F. , Sestari Lais , Will‐Lemos Tenysson , Bigal Marcelo E. , Dach Fabiola , van Emmerik Richard , Bevilaqua‐Grossi Debora
Published: August 2020

Background

People with migraine exhibit postural control impairments. These patients also have an increased light sensitivity due to the disease, and it remains during the headache‐free period. It is currently unknown if increased lighting levels can alter the balance control, especially in individuals with visual hypersensitivity, such as migraineurs. This study aimed to assess the balance and photophobia of women with migraine and non‐headache controls under different light conditions.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of 14 women with migraine (mean ± SD 30.6 ± 8.1 years old) and 14 women without any kind of headache (mean ± SD 27.2 ± 2.8 years old) screened from a tertiary headache clinical hospital and the local community. Quiet standing balance was evaluated during bipodal and unipodal support, under 3 light conditions: ambient (AMB) – 270 lx, visual discomfort threshold (VDT) – 400 lx, and intense visual discomfort (IVD) – 2000 lx. Sway area of the center of pressure was processed and compared between groups. The association of migraine with the risk of presenting a greater imbalance in the discomfort lighting conditions was verified.

Results

Compared to the non‐headache controls, the migraine group presented greater sway area in bipodal stance under the 3 light conditions (mean difference (95% CI)): AMB 0.81 cm2 (0.19 to 1.43), P = .011; VDT 3.17 cm2 (0.74 to 5.60), P = .001; IVD 5.56 cm2 (2.75 to 8.37), P < .0001. Within‐subject analysis showed increased sway area in bipodal stance among all lighting conditions for the migraine group only (mean difference (95% CI)): VDT‐AMB 2.20 cm2 (0.23 to 4.18), P = .024; IVD‐AMB 4.50 cm2 (2.38 to 6.62), P < .0001, IVD‐VDT 2.29 cm2 (0.57 to 4.01), P = .005. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) analysis showed that migraine was associated with the risk of presenting greater imbalance in both bipodal and unipodal standing conditions for both VDT (PR value (95% CI) – bipodal: PR = 4.00 (1.02 to 15.59), P = .045; unipodal: PR = 4.00 (1.43 to 11.15), P = .008), and the IVD (bipodal: PR = 3.33 (1.13 to 9.58), P = .025; unipodal: PR = 5.50 (1.48 to 20.42), P = .010) lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Photophobia might be a disturbing factor that worsens the balance of patients with migraine during the quiet standing posture.
A COVID‐19 human viral challenge model. Learning from experience
Authors: Lambkin‐Williams Rob , DeVincenzo John P.
Published: August 2020

The controlled human infection model and specifically the human viral challenge model are not dissimilar to standard clinical trials while adding another layer of complexity and safety considerations. The models deliberately infect volunteers, with an infectious challenge agent to determine the effect of the infection and the potential benefits of the experimental interventions. The human viral challenge model studies can shorten the time to assess the efficacy of a new vaccine or treatment by combining this with the assessment of safety. The newly emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is highly contagious, and an urgent race is on to develop a new vaccine against this virus in a timeframe never attempted before. The use of the human viral challenge model has been proposed to accelerate the development of the vaccine. In the early 2000s, the authors successfully developed a pathogenic human viral challenge model for another virus for which there was no effective treatment and established it to evaluate potential therapies and vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus. Experience gained in the development of that model can help with the development of a COVID‐19 HVCM and the authors describe it here.
Branch‐and‐cut algorithms for the ‐arborescence star problem
Authors: Pereira Armando Honorio , Mateus Geraldo Robson , Urrutia Sebastián
Published: August 2020

Given a connected digraph, a vertex designated as the root, and an integer , the ‐arborescence star problem is to choose vertices besides the root and define a reverse arborescence spanning them. Each vertex outside the arborescence must be assigned to one vertex inside it. The objective of the problem is to minimize arborescence and assignment costs. We propose two formulations for the problem and prove theoretical results about their strength. Moreover, we develop branch‐and‐cut algorithms based on each one of the formulations and improve an earlier branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the problem with an exact separation method. Additionally, we show that finding a feasible solution for an arbitrary instance is NP‐hard and introduce preprocessing procedures for the problem. The proposed algorithms are evaluated with a set of benchmark instances from the literature. For small and medium‐sized instances, our proposed algorithms provide the best results when compared to the existing algorithm from the literature. For large instances, the proposed algorithms are shown to be competitive with the existing approach.
Cost and performance comparison for tier‐captive and tier‐to‐tier SBS/RS warehouse configurations
Authors: Küçükyaşar Melis , Y. Ekren Banu , Lerher Tone
Published: August 2020

This paper compares two shuttle‐based storage and retrieval system (SBS/RS) configurations developed on travel policy of shuttles in the systems. Specifically, we compare two system configurations of SBS/RS: SBS/RS with tier‐captive shuttles and SBS/RS with tier‐to‐tier shuttles. In a tier‐captive SBS/RS warehouse design, there is a dedicated shuttle in each tier that cannot travel between tiers. Due to a large number of shuttles in such a configuration, lifts are always bottlenecks and the utilizations of shuttles are very low. In this study, we propose an alternative SBS/RS design with tier‐to‐tier shuttles in which shuttles can travel between tiers by using a separate lifting mechanism dedicated for them. The advantage of this design would be reduction in investment cost due to the decreased number as well as higher utilizations of shuttles in the system. The two configurations were compared on the following performance metrics: initial investment costs, throughput rates per hour, and average energy consumption per transaction when there is a regeneration mechanism in the system. In a tier‐to‐tier SBS/RS design, allowing shuttles to travel between tiers increases operational complexity of the system. Thus, we simulate the two system designs and compare their performance metrics by conducting several rack design experiments based on the number of aisles, tiers, and bays. The results of this study suggest that there may be a better configuration in terms of total investment cost and throughput rate in a newly proposed tier‐to‐tier SBS/RS design that could be considered as an alternative to a tier‐captive SBS/RS design.
The Aesthetics of Imperfection Reconceived: Improvisations, Compositions, and Mistakes
Authors: HAMILTON ANDY
Published: August 2020

Ted Gioia associated the “aesthetics of imperfection” with improvised music. In an earlier article, I extended it to all musical performance. This article reconceives my discussion, offering more precise analyses: (1) The aesthetics of imperfection is now argued to involve open, spontaneous response to contingencies of performance or production, reacting positively to idiosyncratic instruments; apparent failings in performance, and so on. Perfectionists, in contrast, prefer a planning model, not readily modified in face of contingencies. (2) Imperfection is not toleration of errors and imperfections, as Gioia assumes, but a positive aesthetic, as in Japanese wabi-sabi. Imperfections can become new styles or kinds of perfection—and so true imperfectionism is a constant striving for new contingencies to respond to. (3) A subtler, more complex relation between composition and improvisation is proposed, in which both have broad and narrow senses. Composition involves (a) works, usually desk produced and notated; or more generally, (b) putting things together in an aesthetically rewarding form. Thus, improvisation is a (broad sense) compositional method. (4) Improvisation and composition are interdependent; both involve structure and spontaneity. (5) Imperfectionism is an aesthetics of performance—of compositions as well as improvisations. Improvisation is no risker, or prone to mistakes, than performance of compositions.
HF‐free molten salt route for synthesis of highly efficient and water‐resistant K2SiF6:Mn4+ for warm white LED
Authors: Wu Qiyun , Liao Chenxing , Pan Jinquan , Ye Xinyu , You Weixiong , Xia Libin
Published: August 2020

It has been one of the hot issues to prepare the red‐emitting Mn4+‐doped fluoride phosphors with highly efficient and waterproofness for warm white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) by the green and environmentally friendly method. Herein, we design a novel green molten salt route to synthesize K2SiF6:Mn4+ red powder using molten NH4HF2 salt instead of HF liquor as the reaction medium. The results show that KMnO4 and MnF2 could produce Mn4+ in NH4HF2 molten salt through a reduction reaction, and the resulting Mn4+‐doped K2SiF6 exhibited a bright red emission peaked at 632 nm under blue light excitation. The luminescence intensity of the as‐obtained product after immersing into water for 24 hours maintain nearly 100% of that before soaking and emission peak shape remains unchanged. The thermal stability of the sample was evaluated by temperature‐dependent luminescence spectral intensity during heating and cooling. Furthermore, a warm white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) with an excellent color rendering index (Ra = 87.1), lower correlated color temperature (CCT = 3536K), and high luminous efficacy (116.99 lm·W−1) was fabricated based on blue chip and K2SiF6:Mn4+ and commercial yellow phosphor (Y3Al5O12:Ce3+).
Role of CARD9 in inflammatory signal pathway of peritoneal macrophages in severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Jing , Tian Jun , He Yang‐huan , Yang Zhi‐wen , Wang Lin , Lai Yue‐xing , Xu Ping
Published: August 2020

Previous studies revealed that caspase recruitment domain protein 9 (CARD9) was involved in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) inflammation and that interfering with its expression in vivo could inhibit inflammation. However, the specific mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to discover the related signal pathways of CARD9 in macrophages. SiRNA interference technology was used in vivo and in vitro to detect CARD9‐related signal pathways in peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and membrane‐associated C‐type lectin‐1 (Dectin‐1) pathways in macrophages were activated specially to looking for the upstream signal path of CARD9. Results showed up‐regulation of CARD9 expression in peritoneal macrophages of SAP rats (P < .05). CARD9 siRNA alleviated inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and p38MAPK in peritoneal macrophages in vivo or in vitro. Meanwhile, CARD9 siRNA reduced the concentration of CARD9 and Bcl10 in peritoneal macrophages, and TLR4 and Dectin‐1 took part in CARD9 signal pathways in macrophages. In conclusion, there is an inflammation signal pathway comprised of TLR4/Dectin‐1‐CARD9‐NF‐κB/p38MAPK activated in macrophages in SAP. Blockade of CARD9 expression in macrophages can effectively alleviate SAP inflammation.
MicroRNA‐130a regulates neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with ischaemic stroke by targeting XIAP
Authors: Deng Wenjing , Fan Chenghe , Zhao Yanan , Mao Yuewei , Li Jiajia , Zhang Yonggan , Teng Junfang
Published: August 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have already been proposed to be implicated in the development of ischaemic stroke. We aim to investigate the role of miR‐130a in the neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with ischaemic stroke by regulating X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were established by suture‐occluded method, and MCAO rats were then treated with miR‐130a mimics/inhibitors or/and altered XIAP for detection of changes of rats’ neurological function, nerve damage and angiogenesis in MCAO rats. The oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) cellular models were established and respectively treated to determine the roles of miR‐130a and XIAP in neuronal viability and apoptosis. The expression levels of miR‐130a and XIAP in brain tissues of MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons were detected. The binding site between miR‐130a and XIAP was verified by luciferase activity assay. MiR‐130a was overexpressed while XIAP was down‐regulated in MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons. In animal models, suppressed miR‐130a improved neurological function, alleviated nerve damage and increased new vessels in brain tissues of rats with MCAO. In cellular models, miR‐130a inhibition promoted neuronal viability and suppressed apoptosis. Inhibited XIAP reversed the effect of inhibited miR‐130a in both MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons. XIAP was identified as a target of miR‐130a. Our study reveals that miR‐130a regulates neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with MCAO by targeting XIAP.
Exploring epidermal mucus protease activity as an indicator of stress in Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrhinchus)
Authors: Murphy Anna E. , Stokesbury Michael J. W. , Easy Russell H.
Published: August 2020

Atlantic sturgeon are anadromous fish that spend much of their life in near‐shore environments. They are designated as “threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and listed by the IUCN as “near threatened.” In Canada, Atlantic sturgeon support small commercial fisheries in the Saint John River, New Brunswick, and the St. Lawrence River, Quebec. While occupying the marine environment, the species is susceptible to various anthropogenic stressors, including by‐catch in trawl fisheries and through interactions with coastal engineering projects such as tidal power development. Atlantic sturgeon are also susceptible to implantation of acoustic tags used by researchers to study their movement ecology. These stressors can cause physiological and behavioural changes in the fish that can negatively impact their viability. Because the species are commercially important, and are also of conservation concern, it is important to understand stress responses of Atlantic sturgeon to better mitigate the effects of increased industrial activity in the coastal zone. This study used proteomics to identify and characterize protease activity and identify putative novel protein biomarkers in the epidermal mucus of Atlantic sturgeon. Changes in protein profiles in Atlantic sturgeon epidermal mucus as a result of by‐catch and surgery stress were investigated using one‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Proteolytic activity was identified and characterized using inhibition zymography, which provided information on the classes of proteases that are associated with stress. Samples were collected from Atlantic sturgeon on the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada, after capture by brush weir and otter trawl, and after surgical implantation of a V16‐69 kHz VEMCO acoustic tag. Significant proteins found in the epidermal mucus include various inflammatory proteins, with calmodulin and complement 9 found ubiquitously, and more rarely lysosome C, identified in a brush weir capture sample. Serum albumin, a blood plasma protein, was another ubiquitous protein and verifies how the sample collection method provides a picture of the internal systems. Protease activity was dominantly exhibited by matrix metalloproteases and serine proteases in all sample collections, with serine proteases more active in otter trawl captures than in brush weir captures. By identifying potential protein biomarkers of stress, this study is an example of a non‐invasive method for measuring stress in Atlantic sturgeon. Understanding the defence mechanism and release of non‐specific biomarkers can be used to improve conservation regulations, as well as to contribute to the limited scientific knowledge on the stress response of Atlantic sturgeon.
SSEL, a selective enrichment broth for simultaneous growth of Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Qu Yang , Bai Yalong , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Changyan , Zhou Xiujuan , Zhang Donglai , Shi Chunlei , Suo Yujuan
Published: August 2020

Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes may contaminate similar types of food and cause foodborne disease. The objective of this study was to develop a selective enrichment broth for simultaneous enrichment of Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes (SSEL) using nalidixic acid, acriflavine, lithium chloride, and sodium cholate as selective agents. Developed SSEL broth not only enriched the target pathogens to 5 log10 CFU/ml after 18 hr incubation at 37°C with 10–100 CFU/mL of inoculation concentration, but also could successfully support the simultaneous enrichment of target pathogens with similar growth rates and inhibit the growth of most nontarget bacteria effectively. The enrichment effect of SSEL was confirmed by artificial contamination test coupled with multiplex PCR. In summary, SSEL has been shown to be a promising multiplex selective enrichment broth for the detection of the four pathogens on a single‐assay platform.
Serum copeptin level is a biomarker associated with ascites retention and the formation of a portosystemic shunt in chronic liver disease
Authors: Shigefuku Ryuta , Iwasa Motoh , Eguchi Akiko , Tamai Yasuyuki , Yoshikawa Kyoko , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Copeptin is a stable cleavage product of the arginine vasopressin precursor and is equimolarly secreted with arginine vasopressin. We aimed to assess whether copeptin is the surrogate marker for complications related chronic liver disease (CLD) such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), portosystemic shunts (PSSs), and all causes of mortality in CLD.

Methods

Serum copeptin was measured in 170 CLD patients upon hospital admission. The association of copeptin levels with liver enzymes, liver functional reserve, and clinical parameters was investigated. Cox proportional hazard regression, logistic regression, and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of copeptin and ascites, HE and PSS formation, and prognostic factors with short‐term (1 year) and long‐term (4 years) mortality.

Results

Serum copeptin levels were significantly correlated with liver and renal function, elevated in parallel with liver disease progression, and also associated with HE. Serum copeptin, albumin–bilirubin score and hepatocellular carcinoma were independent predictors of PSS formation and decreased rate of survival. Serum copeptin and albumin–bilirubin scores were independent predictors of ascites retention. The short‐term and long‐term cumulative mortality rate was significantly decreased in patients with serum copeptin >5.5 or >4.8 pmol/mL compared with patients in whom serum copeptin levels were <5.5 or <4.8 pmol/mL (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Serum copeptin level is a predictor for ascites retention and HE and PSS formation associated with portal hypertension. Moreover, serum copeptin level may be useful in predicting the rate of survival in patients with CLD.
Influence of nutrition education in paediatric coeliac disease: impact of the role of the registered dietitian: a prospective, single‐arm intervention study
Authors: Suárez‐González M. , Bousoño García C. , Jiménez Treviño S. , Iglesias Cabo T. , Díaz Martín J. J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD) involves a change in the diet of the individual, which may influence their quality of life and nutritional status. The present study aimed to determine whether nutrition education by a registered dietitian is able to improve eating habits and body composition in children with CD.

Methods

Dietary, physical activity and body composition changes were analysed, comparing baseline assessments with those 1 year after receiving education on healthy eating. At both time points, a 3‐day dietary survey, a food frequency consumption questionnaire, an adherence to the Mediterranean diet test (Kidmed), duration of activity and an electrical bioimpedance study were conducted. Student's paired t‐test and the McNemar test were also employed.

Results

Seventy‐two subjects (42 girls) with an mean (range) age of 10 (2–16) years were included. Before the intervention, an unbalanced diet was observed, rich in protein and fat, and deficient in complex carbohydrates. Only 14% consumed an adequate Mediterranean diet. After nutrition intervention, a significant increase in the consumption of plant‐based foods and a concomitant decrease in meat, dairy and processed food intake (P < 0.001) were observed. Moreover, 92% of the patients (P < 0.001) managed to consume an adequate Mediterranean diet. Similarly, an increase was observed in the duration of physical activity undertaken [mean (SD) 1.02 (1.79) h, P < 0.001] and improvements in body composition were recorded, with a 17% decrease in fat mass percentage (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Nutrition intervention focused on healthy eating is effective with respect to improving the nutritional status and diet quality in CD patients.
Reunderstanding Cairo through urban metabolism: Formal versus informal districts resource flow performance in fast urbanizing cities
Authors: Khalil Heba Allah Essam E. , Al‐Ahwal Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Urban expansion can be seen as the most pervasive human impact on the environment where its high resource use contributes negatively to climate change and resource scarcity crises. Many experts call for decoupling resource use, economic development, and related urban development especially within cities of the Global South. This paper focuses on investigating resource efficiency through the lens of urban metabolism. It investigates current resource flows, through material flow analysis, from source to sink, in two diverse districts in Cairo: a formal district and an informal one, regarding materials (waste) and mobility. Consequently, the paper discusses locally responsive interventions that address local priorities as opposing to citywide one‐size fits all solution. The paper relies on parcel audits, which are embedded in an Urban Metabolism Information System developed by the Ecocity Builders and their partners, through a joint project with Cairo University. The methodology couples crowd‐sourced data, parcel audits, and experts’ knowledge to better understand resource flows based on a bottom‐up approach, given the unavailability of governmental data on the local level. The paper further correlates the perceived quality of life with the actual resource flows. It utilizes fieldwork investigations to argue against the local misconceptions regarding the inefficiency of informal areas/systems versus the higher efficiency of planned areas/systems. The paper concludes by proposing integrated solutions that respond to local needs and resources. It highlights the challenges and lessons of this tailored bottom‐up approach and its applicability in other cities worldwide.
Anatomical evidence of non‐parasympathetic cardiac nitrergic nerve fibres in rat
Authors: Navickaite Ieva , Pauziene Neringa , Pauza Dainius H.
Published: August 2020

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐derived nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the neural control of circulation and in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanism of how NO regulates these processes is still not fully understood. This study was designed to determine the possible sources of nitrergic nerve fibres supplying the heart attempting to imply their role in the cardiac neural control. Sections of medulla oblongata, vagal nerve, its rootlets and nodose ganglia, vagal cardiac branches, Th1‐Th5 spinal cord segments, dorsal root ganglia of C8‐Th5 spinal nerves, and stellate ganglia from 28 Wistar rats were examined applying double immunohistochemical staining for nNOS combined with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), peripherin, substance P, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, tyrosine hydroxylase or myelin basic protein. Our findings show that the most abundant population of purely nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) neuronal somata (NS) was observed in the nodose ganglia (37.4 ± 1.3%). A high number of nitrergic NFs spread along the vagal nerve and entered its cardiac branches. All nitrergic neuronal somata (NS) in the nucleus ambiguus were simultaneously immunoreactive (IR) to ChAT and composed only a small subset of neurons (6%). In the dorsal nucleus of vagal nerve, biphenotypic nNOS‐IR/ChAT‐IR neurons composed 7.0 ± 1.0%, while small purely nNOS‐IR neurons were scarce. Nitrergic NS were plentifully distributed within the nuclei of solitary tract. In the examined dorsal root and stellate ganglia, a few nitrergic NS were sporadically present. The majority of sympathetic NS in the intermediolateral nucleus were simultaneously immunoreactive for nNOS and ChAT. In conclusion, an abundant population of nitrergic NS in the nodose ganglion implies that neuronal NO is involved in afferent cardiac innervation. Nevertheless, nNOS‐IR neurons identified within vagal nuclei may play a role in the transmission of preganglionic parasympathetic nerve impulses.
Body size miniaturization in a lineage of colubrid snakes: Implications for cranial anatomy
Authors: Rajabizadeh Mahdi , Adriaens Dominique , De Kegel Barbara , Avci Aziz , Ilgaz Çetin , Herrel Anthony
Published: August 2020

As body size strongly determines the biology of an organism at all levels, it can be expected that miniaturization comes with substantial structural and functional constraints. Dwarf snakes of the genus Eirenis are derived from big, surface‐dwelling ancestors, considered to be similar to those of the sister genus Dolichophis. To better understand the structural implications of miniaturization on the feeding apparatus in Eirenis, the morphology of the cranial musculoskeletal system of Dolichophis schmidti was compared with that of the miniature Eirenis punctatolineatus and E. persicus using high‐resolution µCT data. The gape index was compared between D. schmidti and 14 Eirenis species. Our results show a relatively increased neurocranium size and decreased maximal jaw muscle force in E. persicus, compared with the D. schmidti, and an intermediate situation in E. punctatolineatus. A significant negative allometry in gape index relative to body size is observed across the transition from the Dolichophis to Pediophis and Eirenis subgenera. However, the gape index relative to head size showed a significant negative allometry only across the transition from the Dolichophis to Pseudocyclophis subgenus. In Dolichophis–Eirenis dwarfing lineages, different structural patterns are observed through miniaturization, indicating that overcoming the challenge of miniaturization has achieved via different adaptations.