bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treponema phagedenis (ex Noguchi 1912) Brumpt 1922 sp. nov., nom. rev., isolated from bovine digital dermatitis
Authors: Kuhnert Peter , Brodard Isabelle , Alsaaod Maher , Steiner Adrian , Stoffel Michael H. , Jores Joerg
Published: January 2020

‘

Treponema phagedenis

’ was originally described in 1912 by Noguchi but the name was not validly published and no type strain was designated. The taxon was not included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names and hence has no standing in nomenclature. Six

Treponema

strains positive in a ‘

T. phagedenis

’ phylogroup-specific PCR test were isolated from digital dermatitis (DD) lesions of cattle and further characterized and compared with the human strain ‘

T. phagedenis

’ ATCC 27087. Results of phenotypic and genotypic analyses including API ZYM, VITEK2, MALDI-TOF and electron microscopy, as well as whole genome sequence data, respectively, showed that they form a cluster of species identity. Moreover, this species identity was shared with ‘

T. phagedenis

’-like strains reported in the literature to be regularly isolated from bovine DD. High average nucleotide identity values between the genomes of bovine and human ‘

T. phagedenis

’ were observed. Slight genomic as well as phenotypic variations allowed us to differentiate bovine from human isolates, indicating host adaptation. Based on the fact that this species is regularly isolated from bovine DD and that the name is well dispersed in the literature, we propose the species

Treponema phagedenis

sp. nov., nom. rev. The species can phenotypically and genetically be identified and is clearly separated from other

Treponema

species. The valid species designation will allow to further explore its role in bovine DD. The type strain for

Treponema phagedenis

sp. nov., nom. rev. is B43.1T (=DSM 110455T=NCTC 14362T) isolated from a bovine DD lesion in Switzerland.
Introduction of PCR testing reveals a previously unrecognized burden of yersiniosis in Hampshire, UK
Authors: Clarke Mattea , Dabke Girija , Strakova Lenka , Jenkins Claire , Saavedra-Campos Maria , McManus Oliver , Paranthaman Karthik
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Current testing practices for yersiniosis mean that its true incidence and epidemiology are not well understood. In mid-2016, the introduction of testing via a multiplex gastrointestinal PCR panel at Portsmouth hospital laboratory in Hampshire, UK, resulted in a marked increase in the number of

Yersinia

cases identified locally.

Aim. Here we describe the epidemiology and microbiology of

Yersinia

cases identified at Portsmouth laboratory following the introduction of PCR testing.

Methodology. A case was defined as a person with a stool specimen in which

Yersinia

was detected by PCR and/or culture at Portsmouth NHS Trust laboratory between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. A case list was created from laboratory data submitted by Portsmouth laboratory to Public Health England (PHE), updated with speciation and serotyping data from the PHE reference laboratory. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results. Over 30 months following introduction of PCR testing, 199 cases were confirmed with

Yersinia

, compared to two cases in the preceding 30 months. This corresponds to a rate of 13.8 and 0.1 per 100 000 population per year respectively (﻿P<0.0001). In total, 85% of tested isolates were

Y. enterocolitica

, belonging to multiple serotypes, and the rest belonged to a range of

Y. enterocolitica

-like species.

Conclusions. Introduction of PCR testing led to the identification of a previously unrecognized burden of yersiniosis in Hampshire. The diversity of species and serotypes suggests heterogeneity in sources and transmission routes. Further research on exposures, risk factors and clinical sequalae is needed to improve our understanding of the clinical and public health impact.
Change of information content due to natural selection in populations with and without recombination
Authors: Tiefenbrunner Wolfgang A.
Published: January 2020

Though evolution undoubtedly operates in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics, the law of disorder, during billions of years organisms of incredible complexity came into being. Natural selection was described by Darwin2as a process of optimization of the adaptation to environment, but optimization doesn’t necessarily lead to higher intricacy. Methods of thermodynamics and thus of information theory could be suited for the examination of the increase of order and information due to evolution.

Here I explain how to quantify the increase of information due to natural selection on the genotype and gene level using the observable change of allele frequencies. In populations with recombination (no linkage), the change of information content can be computed by summing up the contributions of all gene loci and thus gene loci can be treated as independent no matter what the fitness-landscape looks like. Pressure of deleterious mutations decreases information in a linear way, proportional to fitness loss and mutation rate.

The information theoretical view on evolution might open new fields of research.
Multimodal brain-age prediction and cardiovascular risk: The Whitehall II MRI sub-study
Authors: de Lange Ann-Marie G. , Anatürk Melis , Kaufmann Tobias , Cole James H. , Griffanti Ludovica , Zsoldos Enikő , Jensen Daria , Suri Sana , Filippini Nicola , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimäki Mika , Westlye Lars T. , Ebmeier Klaus P.
Published: January 2020

Brain age is becoming a widely applied imaging-based biomarker of neural aging and potential proxy for brain integrity and health. We estimated multimodal and modality-specific brain age in the Whitehall II MRI cohort using machine learning and imaging-derived measures of gray matter morphology, diffusion-based white matter microstructure, and resting state functional connectivity. Ten-fold cross validation yielded multimodal and modality-specific brain age estimates for each participant, and additional predictions based on a separate training sample was included for comparison. The results showed equivalent age prediction accuracy between the multimodal model and the gray and white matter models (R2of 0.34, 0.31, and 0.31, respectively), while the functional connectivity model showed a lower prediction accuracy (R2of 0.01). Cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, alcohol intake, and stroke risk score, were each associated with more apparent brain aging, with consistent associations across modalities.
Modelling and rescue of RP2 Retinitis Pigmentosa using iPSC Derived Retinal Organoids
Authors: Lane Amelia , Jovanovic Katarina , Shortall Ciara , Ottaviani Daniele , Panes Anna Brugulat , Schwarz Nele , Guarascio Rosellina , Hayes Matthew J. , Palfi Arpad , Chadderton Naomi , Farrar G. Jane , Hardcastle Alison J. , Cheetham Michael E.
Published: January 2020

RP2 mutations cause a severe form of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). The mechanism of RP2 associated retinal degeneration in humans is unclear, and animal models of RP2 XLRP do not recapitulate this severe phenotype. Here, we developed gene edited isogenic RP2 knock-out (RP2 KO) induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and RP2 patient derived iPSC to produce 3D retinal organoids as a human retinal disease model. Strikingly, the RP2 KO and RP2 patient derived organoids showed a peak in rod photoreceptor cell death at day 150 (D150) with subsequent thinning of the organoid outer nuclear layer (ONL) by D180 of culture. AAV mediated gene augmentation with human RP2 rescued the degeneration phenotype of the RP2 KO organoids, to prevent ONL thinning and restore rhodopsin expression. Notably, these data show that 3D retinal organoids can be used to model photoreceptor degeneration and test potential therapies to prevent photoreceptor cell death.
A Block-Capable and Module-Extendable 4-Channel Stimulator for Acute Neurophysiology
Authors: Rapeaux Adrien , Constandinou Timothy
Published: January 2020

Objective: This paper describes the design, testing and use of a novel multichannel block-capable stimulator for acute neurophysiology experiments to study highly selective neural interfacing techniques. This paper demonstrates the stimulator's ability to excite and inhibit nerve activity in the rat sciatic nerve model concurrently using monophasic and biphasic nerve stimulation as well as high-frequency alternating current (HFAC). Approach: The proposed stimulator uses a Howland Current Pump circuit as the main analogue stimulator element. 4 current output channels with a common return path were implemented on printed circuit board using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components. Programmable operation is carried out by an ARM Cortex-M4 Microcontroller on the Freescale freedom development platform (K64F). Main Results: This stimulator design achieves +-10 mA of output current with +-15V of compliance and less than 6 uA of resolution using a quad-channel 12-bit external DAC, for four independently driven channels. This allows the stimulator to carry out both excitatory and inhibitory (HFAC block) stimulation. DC Output impedance is above 1 Mohm. Overall cost is less than USD 450 or GBP 350 and device size is approximately 9 cm x 6 cm x 5 cm. Significance: Experimental neurophysiology often requires significant investment in bulky equipment for specific stimulation requirements, especially when using HFAC block. Different stimulators have limited means of communicating with each other, making protocols more complicated. This device provides an effective solution for multi-channel stimulation and block of nerves, enabling studies on selective neural interfacing in acute scenarios with an affordable, portable and space-saving design for the laboratory. The stimulator can be further upgraded with additional modules to extend functionality while maintaining straightforward programming and integration of functions with one controller.
Connecting actin polymer dynamics across multiple scales
Authors: Copos Calina , Bannish Brittany , Gasior Kelsey , Pinals Rebecca L. , Rostami Minghao W. , Dawes Adriana
Published: January 2020

Actin is an intracellular protein that constitutes a primary component of the cellular cytoskeleton and is accordingly crucial for various cell functions. Actin assembles into semi-flexible filaments that cross-link to form higher order structures within the cytoskeleton. In turn, the actin cytoskeketon regulates cell shape, and participates in cell migration and division. A variety of theoretical models have been proposed to investigate actin dynamics across distinct scales, from the stochastic nature of protein and molecular motor dynamics to the deterministic macroscopic behavior of the cytoskeleton. Yet, the relationship between molecular-level actin processes and cellular-level actin network behavior remains understudied, where prior models do not holistically bridge the two scales together.

In this work, we focus on the dynamics of the formation of a branched actin structure as observed at the leading edge of motile eukaryotic cells. We construct a minimal agent-based model for the microscale branching actin dynamics, and a deterministic partial differential equation model for the macroscopic network growth and bulk diffusion. The microscale model is stochastic, as its dynamics are based on molecular level effects. The effective diffusion constant and reaction rates of the deterministic model are calculated from averaged simulations of the microscale model, using the mean displacement of the network front and characteristics of the actin network density. With this method, we design concrete metrics that connect phenomenological parameters in the reaction-diffusion system to the biochemical molecular rates typically measured experimentally. A parameter sensitivity analysis in the stochastic agent-based model shows that the effective diffusion and growth constants vary with branching parameters in a complementary way to ensure that the outward speed of the network remains fixed. These results suggest that perturbations to microscale rates can have significant consequences at the macroscopic level, and these should be taken into account when proposing continuum models of actin network dynamics.
Src/FAK complex phosphorylates cardiac myosin binding protein c (cMyBP-C) in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wang Ling , Jin Yixin , Wang Jian , Liu Yang , Wang Rui , Zhang Shenyuan L. , Muthuchamy Mariappan , Tong Carl W. , Peng Xu
Published: January 2020

Cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is a phosphorylation-dependent force regulator and plays an important role in controlling myosin and actin dynamic interaction. Point-mutations of cMyBP-C that interfere with cMyBP-C threonine/serine phosphorylation resulted in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac failure. However, it remains largely unknown how cMyBP-C tyrosine phosphorylation is regulated during cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Integrins are receptors of extracellular matrix and are the sensors of cardiac mechanical stretch. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an essential role in integrin-initiated signal transduction and regulates multiple cellular functions in various types of cells including cardiomyocytes. To identify the regulatory mechanism of cMyBP-C tyrosine phosphorylation during cardiac hypertrophy, we examined the effect of FAK on phosphorylation of cMyBP-C. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that FAK and cMyBP-C are associated within the intact mouse heart. Results from our mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that the FAK kinase domain was required for FAK to associate with cMyBP-C. Our data also documented that the FAK Y397 site is required for FAK and cMyBP-C association. Importantly, overexpression dominant active Src Y527F with FAK significantly enhanced cMyBP-C phosphorylation. Interestingly, overexpression of cMyBP-C inhibited FAK phosphorylation. Taken together, cMyBP-C is one of effectors of Src/FAK complex in cardiomyocyte.
Effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition on effort-related choice behavior in male mice
Authors: DeBrosse Adrienne , Wheeler Abigail M. , Barrow James C. , Carr Gregory V.
Published: January 2020

Effort-related choice (ERC) tasks allow animals to choose between high-value reinforcers that require high effort to obtain or low-value/low-effort reinforcers. Dopaminergic neuromodulation regulates effort-related choice behavior. The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolizes synaptically-released dopamine. COMT is the predominate regulator of dopamine turnover in regions of the brain with low levels of dopamine transporters, including the prefrontal cortex. Here, we evaluated the effects of the COMT inhibitor tolcapone on ERC performance in a touchscreen-based fixed-ratio/concurrent chow assay in male mice. In this task, mice were given the choice between engaging in a fixed number of instrumental responses to acquire a strawberry milk reward and consuming standard lab chow concurrently available on the chamber floor. We found no significant effects of tolcapone treatment on either strawberry milk earned or chow consumed compared to vehicle treatment. In contrast, we found that haloperidol decreased instrumental responding for strawberry milk and increased chow consumption as seen in previously published studies. These data suggest that COMT inhibition does not significantly affect effort-related decision making in a fixed-ratio/concurrent chow task in male mice.
Decline in respiratory deaths not associated with influenza in Russia: effect of the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), or improvement in care?
Authors: Goldstein Edward
Published: January 2020

Background

Pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13) for children (as well as older adults) in Russia was introduced in 2014, with no prior PCV7 use. While pneumonia hospitalization rates, both in children and adults didn’t decrease in the following years, respiratory mortality rates declined with time. Moreover, there is a strong association between antibiotic, including multidrug resistance and PCV13 vaccine serotypes for S. pneumoniae in children in Russia, and presence of S. pneumoniae among sepsis cases in Russia during the recent years has been very low. Annual variability in influenza circulation may affect some of the changes in respiratory mortality rates, obscuring the trends in respiratory mortality related to pneumococcal vaccination.

Methods

We applied the inference method from our recent study of influenza-associated mortality in Russia to relate monthly respiratory mortality rates between 09/2010 and 08/2019 to monthly indices of influenza circulation and baseline rates of mortality not associated with influenza, allowing for a potential trend in the baseline rates starting 2015.

Results

Baseline rates of respiratory mortality not associated with influenza decreased with time starting from the 2014/15 season (with each season running from September to August), with the 2018/19 baseline rates of respiratory mortality per 100,000 individuals being lower by 12.41 (95% CI (10.6,14.2)) compared to the 2010-2014 period.

Conclusions

While improvement in care might have contributed to the reduction in the rates of respiratory mortality not associated with influenza in Russia, the above temporally consistent reduction is compatible with the gradual replacement of vaccine serotypes in the transmission and carriage of S. pneumoniae following the introduction of PCV13. Further work is needed to better understand the impact of PCV13 on the epidemiology of respiratory infections and related mortality in Russia.
Single and binary protein electroultrafiltration using poly(vinyl-alcohol)-carbon nanotube (PVA-CNT) composite membranes
Authors: Yeung Raymond , Zhu Xiaobo , Gee Terence , Gheen Ben , Jassby David , Rodgers Victor G. J.
Published: January 2020

Electrically conductive composite ultrafiltration membranes composed of carbon nanotubes have exhibited efficient fouling inhibition in wastewater treatment applications. In the current study, poly(vinyl-alcohol)-carbon nanotube membranes were applied to fed batch crossflow electroultrafiltration of dilute (0.1 g/L of each species) single and binary protein solutions of α-lactalbumin and hen egg-white lysozyme at pH 7.4, 4 mM ionic strength, and 1 psi. Electroultrafiltration using the poly(vinyl-alcohol)-carbon nanotube composite membranes yielded temporary enhancements in sieving for single protein filtration and in selectivity for binary protein separation compared to ultrafiltration using the unmodified PS-35 membranes. Assessment of membrane fouling based on permeate flux, zeta potential measurements, and scanning electron microscopy visualization of the conditioned membranes indicated significant resulting protein adsorption and aggregation which limited the duration of improvement during electroultrafiltration with an applied cathodic potential of −4.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). These results imply that appropriate optimization of electroultrafiltration using carbon nanotube-deposited polymeric membranes may provide substantial short-term improvements in binary protein separations.
Analysis and application of a convergent difference scheme to nonlinear transport in a Brinkman flow
Authors: Nwaigwe Chinedu
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and analyse a convergent numerical scheme and apply it to investigate the coupled problem of fluid flow with heat and mass transfer in a porous channel with variable transport properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper derives the model by assuming a fully developed Brinkman flow with temperature-dependent viscosity and incorporating viscous dissipation, variable transport properties and nonlinear heat and mass sources. For the numerical formulation, the nonlinear sources are treated in semi-implicit manner, whereas the non-constant transport properties are treated by lagging in time leading to decoupled diagonally dominant systems. The consistency, stability and convergence results are derived. The method of manufactured solutions is adopted to numerically verify the theoretical results. The scheme is then applied to investigate the impact of relevant parameters, such as the viscosity parameter, on the flow.

Findings

Based on the numerical findings, the proposed scheme was found to be unconditionally stable and convergent with first- and second-order accuracy in time and space, respectively. Physical results showed that the flow parameters have influence on the flow fields, particularly, the flow is enhanced by increasing porosity and viscosity parameters and the concentration decreases with increasing diffusivity, whereas both the temperature and Nusselt number decrease with increasing thermal conductivity.

Practical implications

Numerically, the proposed numerical scheme can be applied without concerns on time steps size restrictions. Non-physical solutions cannot be computed. Physically, the flow can be increased by increasing the viscosity parameters. Pollutants with higher diffusivity will have their concentration decreased faster than those of lower diffusivity. The fluid temperature would decrease faster if its thermal conductivity is higher.

Originality/value

A fully coupled fluid flow with heat and mass transfer problem having nonlinear properties and nonlinear fractional sources and sink terms, presumably, has not been investigated in a general form as done in this study. The detailed numerical analysis of this particular scheme for the identified general model has also not been considered in the past, to the best of the author’s knowledge.
Innovation technology in neurorehabilitation: introducing a hub and spoke model to avoid patient “migration” in Sicily
Authors: Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Manuli Alfredo , De Cola Maria Cristina , Bramanti Placido
Published: January 2020

Purpose

In the Italian National Health Service, hospital planning has been influenced by two aspects: patients' freedom to choose their healthcare provider and the equal distribution of centers spread throughout country. Unfortunately, while every Italian region should be able to meet the health needs of its own inhabitants, consistent migration among regions exists, especially from the southern areas of the country, including Sicily. As it has been demonstrated that a hub-and-spoke model (HSM) can provide medical care to even the most rural areas, the aim of this study is to propose a new Sicilian model to avoid patients' migration.

Design, Methodology, Approach

The IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo” of Messina, together with the Ministry of Health and the Sicilian government, has incorporated an HSM into a Sicilian healthcare program that provides neurological rehabilitation by means of innovative technologies such as robotics.

Findings

The authors expected, thanks to this novel HSM, that patients may benefit from advanced robotic neurorehabilitation even in rural areas, and therefore be properly treated in their own cities, avoiding unnecessary and expensive migrations to other regions and/or countries. Indeed, since the introduction of this model, there has been a reduction in patient migration, especially in the province of Messina, with a reduction of costs for admission outside the region of about 260.000 euros.

Originality/value

The use of innovative technology in the context of the promising HSM will help clinicians increase the intensity of therapies and improve working cost/efficacy, with better functional outcomes in patients.
Building work-related knowledge about examination invigilation through reflective journaling
Authors: Minott Mark
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the self-study is two-fold: first, to aid in redressing the lack of attention given to the professional development i.e., the building of practical or work-related knowledge of examination invigilators and second, to forward the idea that engaging the examination invigilation process reflectively is an effective form of self-directed professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

The report uses reflective journaling based on Minott (2017) reflective approach to teaching practicum debriefing strategy to show the practical or work-related knowledge built by the author.

Findings

The report shows how the author built practical or work-related knowledge about critical aspects of the invigilation process: adaptability/flexibility, leading humanely and “thinking on your feet”/reflection-in-action.

Originality/value

This paper shows (through a critical discussion of the literature, coupled with the author’s personal professional experiences displayed in reflective journal entries) that an attitude of self-directed inquiry combined with reflective journaling can enable professional development i.e. the development of practical or work-related knowledge.
Implementation and evaluation of a laser scan localization scheme for sensor nodes
Authors: Wei Shugong
Published: January 2020

Purpose

In this paper, an experimental apparatus was designed and subsequent theoretical analysis and simulations were conducted on the effectiveness and advantages of a novel laser beam scan localization (BLS) system.

Design/methodology/approach

The system used a moving location assistant (LA) with a laser beam, through which the deployed area was scanned. The laser beam sent identity documents (IDs) to unknown nodes to obtain the sensor locations.

Findings

The results showed that the system yielded significant benefits compared with other localization methods, and a high localization accuracy could be achieved without the aid of expensive hardware on the sensor nodes. Furthermore, four positioning mode features in this localization system were realized and compared.

Originality/value

In this paper, an experimental apparatus was designed and subsequent theoretical analysis and simulations were conducted on the effectiveness and advantages of a novel laser BLS system. The system used a moving LA with a laser beam, through which the deployed area was scanned. The laser beam sent IDs to unknown nodes to obtain the sensor locations.
Still in search of learning organization?
Authors: Hsu Shih-Wei , Lamb Peter
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the inherent problem of Senge’s learning organization, embedded in his seminal work, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. The authors contend that such a problem has an enduring quality that leads to a highly problematic state of learning organization, and a radical shift in the understanding is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a critical review of relevant literature in the areas of learning organization. Some of Senge’s own works will also be reviewed.

Findings

This paper contends that Senge’s project of learning organization is a managerial attempt to remove bureaucracy and, as such, the concept of learning has been displaced from the outset. Hence, the theory of learning organization offers a weak response to the pressing issues such as climate and global warming. While some of Senge’s other works seem to show an awareness of the necessity of new managerial visions, the authors argue that what is required is a scrutiny of the belief that corporations are able to achieve a wider social and ecological goal.

Originality/value

This paper offers a radical account of Senge’s concept of learning organization, including Senge’s dialogue with Nan Huai-Jin, published in Chinese. The authors question the mysterious state of learning in Senge’s learning organization and offer a possible new account of learning organization.
Causes and consequences of facultative sea crossing in a soaring migrant
Authors: Becciu Paolo , Rotics Shay , Horvitz Nir , Kaatz Michael , Fiedler Wolfgang , Zurell Damaris , Flack Andrea , Jeltsch Florian , Wikelski Martin , Nathan Ran , Sapir Nir
Published: January 2020

Studying the causes and consequences of route selection in animal migration is important for understanding the evolution of migratory systems and how they may be affected by environmental factors at various spatial and temporal scales. One key decision during migration is whether to cross ‘high transport cost’ areas or to circumvent them. Soaring birds may face this choice when encountering waterbodies where convective updrafts are weak or scarce. Crossing these waterbodies requires flying using energetically costly flapping flight, while circumventing them over land permits energetically cheap soaring.

We tested how several atmospheric factors (e.g. wind, thermal uplift) and geographic, seasonal and state‐related factors (sex and age) affected route selection in migrating white storks Ciconia ciconia. We used 196 GPS tracks of 70 individuals either crossing or circumventing the north‐easternmost section of the Mediterranean Sea, over Iskenderun Bay in southern Turkey.

We found that westward and southward winds promoted a cross‐bay journey in spring and autumn, respectively, acting as tailwinds. Also, overall weaker winds promoted a sea crossing in spring. Sea crossing was associated with flapping flight and higher values of overall dynamic body acceleration and resulted in higher ground speed than travel over land.

The combined environmental conditions and the effects of route selection on movement‐related energy costs and speed were likely responsible for an increase in the time spent flying and distance travelled of migrating storks that decided to cross the bay during spring. Notably, daily travel distances of spring migrants crossing the bay were 60 km longer than those of land‐detouring birds, allowing them to reach their destination faster but likely incurring a higher energetic flight cost. No such benefit was found during autumn.

Our findings confirm that atmospheric conditions can strongly affect bird route selection. Consequently, migration timing, speed and movement‐related energy expenditure differed considerably between the two migratory seasons and the two route choices, highlighting a time‐energy trade‐off in the migration of white storks.

A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Selenium supplementation during pregnancy and lactation promotes metabolic changes in Wistar rats' offspring
Authors: Laureano‐Melo Roberto , Império Güínever E. , Kluck George E. G. , da Conceição Rodrigo R. , de Souza Janaina S. , Marinho Bruno G. , Giannocco Gisele , Côrtes Wellington S.
Published: January 2020

Epidemiological and animal studies have demonstrated a strong association between selenium (Se) supplementation and metabolic disorders, we aimed to evaluate whether maternal Se supplementation was able to change metabolic parameters in rats' offspring. Moreover, as Se is a deiodinase (DIO) cofactor, we decided to investigate how thyroid hormones (THs) would be involved in such metabolic changes. Thereby, two groups (n = 6, ~250 g) of female Wistar rats underwent isotonic saline or sodium selenite (1 mg/kg, p.o.) treatments. Although there were no significant differences in body weight between groups, the Se treatment during pregnancy and lactation increased milk intake and the visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) in offspring. The rats whose mothers were treated with Se also presented an improvement in the glucose tolerance test and in the glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Regarding the lipid metabolism, the Se group had a reduction of triglycerides in the liver and in WAT. These metabolic changes were accompanied by an increase in serum triiodothyronine (T3) and in DIO 2 expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT). We further demonstrate an increased expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α) and nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF‐1) mRNA in the liver. In adulthood offspring, Se supplementation programs thyroid function, glucose homeostasis, and feeding behaviour. Taken together, there is no indication that Se programming causes insulin resistance. Moreover, we conjecture that these metabolic responses are induced by increased thyroxine (T4) to T3 conversion by DIO2 in BAT and mediated by altered transcription factors expression associated with oxidative metabolism control in the liver.
Dynamic expression of intra‐ and extra‐cellular proteome and the influence of epiphytic bacteria for Nostoc flagelliforme in response to rehydration
Authors: Wang Bing , Yang Jingjing , Xu Chen , Yi Lanxing , Wan Cuihong
Published: January 2020

Nostoc flagelliforme is well known for its strong ecological adaptability in inhabiting desert biological soil crusts. However, the mechanism of its recovery from quiescent to active state after prolonged dormancy remains poorly characterized. Especially how exoproteome be related to the adaptive strategies and participate in the microalgae‐bacteria interaction. In the present work, we analysed the intra‐ and extra‐cellular proteome of N. flagelliforme over a complete rehydration period both in sterilization and in natural condition for the first time. The protein expression profile for N. flagelliforme has more fluctuations during the first 1 h after wetting but been relatively steady after fully hydrated. According to the extracellular proteomic datasets, we found a dynamic secretion of various extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and membrane transport proteins, which were related to peptidoglycan digestion and nutrient exchange respectively. Two‐hundred and thirteen differentially expressed proteins induced by sterilization also reflect variation in nutrient exchange and highlight symbiosis between N. flagelliforme and surrounding bacteria. We also identified 112 phosphopeptides and 217 phosphorylation site of 95 protein of hydrated N. flagelliforme. The time course datasets we present here will be a reference for understanding the molecular processes underlying N. flagelliforme resuscitation and its potential role in microbial community diversification and soil desertification control.
Analysis of interdomain taxonomic patterns in urban street mats
Authors: Hervé Vincent , Lopez Pascal Jean
Published: January 2020

Streets are constantly crossed by billions of vehicles and pedestrians. Their gutters, which convey stormwater and contribute to waste management, and are important for human health and well‐being, probably play a number of ecological roles. Street surfaces may also represent an important part of city surface areas. To better characterize the ecology of this yet poorly explored compartment, we used filtration and DNA metabarcoding to address microbial community composition and assembly across the city of Paris, France. Diverse bacterial and eukaryotic taxonomic groups were identified, including members involved in key biogeochemical processes, along with a number of parasites and putative pathogens of human, animals and plants. We showed that the beta diversity patterns between bacterial and eukaryotic communities were correlated, suggesting interdomain associations. Beta diversity analyses revealed the significance of biotic factors (cohesion metrics) in shaping gutter microbial community assembly and, to a lesser extent, the contribution of abiotic factors (pH and conductivity). Co‐occurrences analysis confirmed contrasting non‐random patterns both within and between domains of life, specifically when comparing diatoms and fungi. Our results highlight microbial coexistence patterns in streets and reinforce the need to further explore biodiversity in urban ground transportation infrastructures.
Parentage of Hydatidiform Moles
Authors: Wenk Robert E. , Baird Michael , Peterson John , Davis Debra , Lieberman Richard , Maly Janice M. , Campbell Lindsey J. , Fox Kathy K. , Schelling Kristin A.
Published: January 2020

We were presented with the STR (short tandem repeat) profiles from two separate paternity trios. Each trio consisted of a mother, an alleged father, and products of conception (POC) that contained a hydatidiform mole but no visible fetus. In both cases, antecedent pregnancies had followed alleged sexual assaults. Mole classification and pathogenesis are described in order to explain the analyses and statistical reasoning used in each case. One mole exhibited several loci with two different paternal alleles, indicating it was a dispermic (heterozygous) mole. Maternal decidua contaminated the POC, preventing the identification of paternal obligate alleles (POAs) at some loci. The other mole exhibited only one paternal allele/locus at all loci and no maternal alleles, indicating it was a diandric and diploid (homozygous) mole. In each case, traditional calculations were used to determine paternity indices (PIs) at loci that exhibited one paternal allele/locus. PIs at mole loci with two different paternal alleles/locus were calculated from formulas first used for child chimeras that are always dispermic. Combined paternity indices in both mole cases strongly supported the paternity of each suspect.
Salvage treatment of NSCLC recurrence after first‐line chemotherapy failure: Iodine‐125 seed brachytherapy or microwave ablation?
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Yongzheng , Tian Shilin , Hertzanu Yancu , Zhao Xiaogang , Li Yuliang
Published: January 2020

Background

Salvage treatments for recurrent NSCLC after first‐line chemotherapy remain challenging. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical value of microwave ablation (MWA) and iodine‐125 brachytherapy, including overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), local control, hospital stay, and health economics.

Methods

The data of 51 and 32 patients who were treated with MWA and brachytherapy was retrospectively analyzed. The number of lesions was limited up to two, with a diameter <4 cm and patients diagnosed with unilateral lung disease. Peripheral tumors were treated with MWA, while lesions close to the hilum were treated with brachytherapy. Contrast‐enhanced CT, blood cell count, coagulation function, liver & kidney function and tumor markers were performed for two years, with complications calculated. OS, DFS, local control rate, toxicity, hospital stay and expense were recorded.

Results

The one and two‐year OS rates were 96.08% and 92.16% versus 96.88% and 90.62% in the MWA and brachytherapy groups, respectively. The one and two‐year DFS rates were 92.16% and 76.47% versus 93.75% and 78.13%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in log‐rank analysis between the groups. Local control rates at six and 12 months were 100% and 96.08% versus 100% and 96.88%, while incidences of pleural effusion were 3.92% and 3.13%, respectively (P < 0.05). Medical cost was 3356.73 ± 206.87 and 6714.28 ± 35.43 U.S. dollars (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

MWA and brachytherapy are effective and safe options for the treatment of NSCLC recurrence after first‐line chemotherapy. Which modality should be considered is dependent upon tumor location, tumor size and experience of specialists.
Human volatilome analysis using eNose to assess uncontrolled asthma in a clinical setting
Authors: Farraia Mariana , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Paciência Inês , Castro Mendes Francisca , Rodolfo Ana , Rama Tiago , Rocha Sílvia M. , Delgado Luís , Brinkman Paul , Moreira André
Published: January 2020

Background

Analyses of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown promising results when distinguishing individuals with asthma. Currently, there are no biomarkers for uncontrolled asthma. Therefore, we aimed to assess, in a real‐life clinical setting, the ability of the exhaled VOC analysis, using an electronic nose (eNose), to identify individuals with uncontrolled asthma.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted, and breath samples from 199 participants (130 females, aged 6‐78, 66% with asthma) were analysed using an eNose. A multivariate unsupervised cluster analysis, using the resistance data from 32 sensors, could distinguish three clusters of VOC patterns in the training and testing groups. Comparisons between the clusters were performed using the one‐way ANOVA, Kruskal‐Wallis and chi‐squared tests.

Results

In the training set (n = 121), three different clusters covering asthma, lung function, symptoms in the previous 4 weeks and age were identified. The pairwise comparisons showed significant differences with respect to chest tightness during exercise, dyspnoea and gender. These findings were confirmed in the testing set (n = 78) where the training model identified three clusters. The participants who reported fewer respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea and night‐time awakenings) were grouped into one cluster, while the others comprised participants who showed similar poor control over symptoms with the distribution of the individuals with asthma being significantly different between them.

Conclusions

In a clinical setting, the analysis of the exhaled VOC profiles using an eNose could be used as a fast and noninvasive complementary assessment tool for the detection of uncontrolled asthma symptoms.
Insufficient referral practices of sick children in Ethiopia shown in a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Beyene Habtamu , Hailu Dejene , Tadele Henok , Persson Lars Åke , Berhanu Della
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study aimed at assessing the referral of sick young infants and children from the community, health posts and health centres to higher levels.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in four of the largest Ethiopian regions from December 2016 to February 2017. Referral practices were assessed at each level in 46 districts of these regions. Interviews were supplemented by reviews of registers at health posts and health centres.

Results

The women's development group leaders, who do not provide health services, referred half of the sick children they visited in the community to the health posts. The health extension workers referred 16% of the sick young infants and 6% of older infants and children to higher levels. From health centres, the health workers referred 6% of sick young infants and 1% of older infants and children to hospital. Many cases of possible severe bacterial infection were not referred to higher levels. A functional ambulance was available for a bit more than a third of the health centres.

Conclusion

Referral practices of sick young infants and children at all levels were weak that may threaten the continued reduction of child mortality in Ethiopia. Referral logistics were insufficient, which partly could explain the missing referrals of severely ill infants and children.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess young patients' experiences with diabetes care and transition
Authors: Hodnekvam Kristin , Iversen Hilde H. , Brunborg Cathrine , Skrivarhaug Torild
Published: January 2020

Aim

To describe the development and validation of a questionnaire in a national Norwegian population‐based cohort study designed to assess the experiences of young people with type 1 diabetes who had made the transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed by the authors based on literature searches, focus group interviews, discussions with experts and cognitive interviews. We included 776 individuals with type 1 diabetes who were last registered in the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry between 2009 and 2012 and had been receiving adult health care for at least 2 years. The data quality was analysed, factor analysis was performed, and the internal reliability, test‐retest reliability and construct validity were determined.

Results

The response rate was 321 patients (41.4%); 57.6% were female, and the average age at recruitment was 22.9 ± 1.2 years. Seven factors were identified. Satisfactory evidence was provided for the internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of the questionnaire. All scales met the criterion of Cronbach's alpha above 0.4. The test‐retest correlations ranged from 0.64 to 0.92.

Conclusion

The thorough validation of the questionnaire proved satisfactory and indicated that it may be of value for further studies measuring patients' experiences with diabetes care and transition.
Efficiency of a radiofrequency sealer (Aquamantys) for parenchymal transection during laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Iida Hiroya , Maehira Hiromitsu , Mori Haruki , Tani Masaji
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The methods of liver parenchymal transection vary across institutions. In this study, we used a radiofrequency (RF) sealer (Aquamantys) as a hemostatic device during laparoscopic liver transection; we also evaluated the usefulness of RF sealers.

Methods

From April 2016 to May 2019, 113 consecutive laparoscopic hepatectomy patients, excluding patients with combined resection of other organs, were examined. Patient characteristics, operative factors, and postoperative complications were compared between the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) + soft coagulation system (VIO) group; (n = 32) and the CUSA + Aquamantys group; (n = 81). The former underwent liver transection by CUSA and VIO from April 2016 to March 2017, while the latter underwent liver transection using CUSA and Aquamantys from April 2017 to May 2019.

Results

The median difficulty score was significantly higher in the CUSA + VIO group (5.5 points vs 5.0 points; P = .04). Blood loss per unit area and the liver parenchymal transection speed were not significantly different between the groups. After propensity score matching, blood loss per unit area was similar between the groups, but the parenchymal transection speed of the CUSA + Aquamantys group was significantly higher (0.92 cm2/min vs 0.64 cm2/min; P = .017). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

In laparoscopic hepatectomy, hemostasis of the transection plane with an RF sealer did not reduce blood loss during parenchymal transection. However, the liver parenchymal transection speed was increased.
Maternal antibodies against paternal class I human leukocyte antigens are not associated with foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sachs Ulrich J. , Wienzek‐Lischka Sandra , Duong Yalin , Qiu Dan , Hinrichs Wilko , Cooper Nina , Santoso Sentot , Bayat Behnaz , Bein Gregor
Published: January 2020

The causative role of maternal, anti‐human leukocyte antigen (anti‐HLA) class I antibodies in foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) remains controversial. Furthermore, in FNAIT cases caused by anti‐human platelet antigen‐1a (anti‐HPA‐1a) antibodies, the possible additive effect of maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies on outcomes is unclear. Among 817 mother–father–neonate trios of suspected FNAIT, we assessed the possible association of maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies with neonatal platelet count, and the incidence of FNAIT caused by anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies. In 144 FNAIT cases caused by anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies, we investigated the possible association of maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies with neonatal platelet count, birth weight, and the incidence of intracranial haemorrhage (n = 16). Maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies were not associated with neonatal platelet count in suspected cases of FNAIT. There was no significant interaction between the presence of anti‐HLA class I antibodies and anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies. In FNAIT cases caused by anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies, there was no association between the presence of anti‐HLA class I antibodies and neonatal platelet count, birth weight, or occurrence of intracranial haemorrhage. This study’s findings do not support the concept that maternal anti‐HLA class I antibodies represent a risk factor of FNAIT or disease severity.