bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exocytosis and endocytosis: coordinating and fine-tuning the polar tip growth domain in pollen tubes
Authors: Guo Jingzhe , Yang Zhenbiao
Published: March 2020

Pollen tubes rapidly elongate, penetrate, and navigate through multiple female tissues to reach ovules for sperm delivery by utilizing a specialized form of polar growth known as tip growth. This process requires a battery of cellular activities differentially occurring at the apical growing region of the plasma membrane (PM), such as the differential cellular signaling involving calcium (Ca2+), phospholipids, and ROP-type Rho GTPases, fluctuation of ions and pH, exocytosis and endocytosis, and cell wall construction and remodeling. There is an emerging understanding of how at least some of these activities are coordinated and/or interconnected. The apical active ROP modulates exocytosis to the cell apex for PM and cell wall expansion differentially occurring at the tip. The differentiation of the cell wall involves at least the preferential distribution of deformable pectin polymers to the apex and non-deformable pectin polymers to the shank of pollen tubes, facilitating the apical cell expansion driven by high internal turgor pressure. Recent studies have generated inroads into how the ROP GTPase-based intracellular signaling is coordinated spatiotemporally with the external wall mechanics to maintain the tubular cell shape and how the apical cell wall mechanics are regulated to allow rapid tip growth while maintaining the cell wall integrity under the turgor pressure. Evidence suggests that exocytosis and endocytosis play crucial but distinct roles in this spatiotemporal coordination. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation and coordination of the differential pectin distribution and the apical domain of active ROP by exocytosis and endocytosis in pollen tubes.
Change in Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Norwegian Cadets During 3 Years of Military Academy Education
Authors: Aandstad Anders , Sandberg Frank , Hageberg Rune , Kolle Elin
Published: March 2020

Introduction

High physical fitness is associated with increased occupational performance, better health, and reduced risk of injuries in military personnel. Thus, the military emphasizes physical training to maintain or develop physical fitness in their soldiers. It is important to monitor the effect of the physical training regime, but such information is lacking for Norwegian military cadets. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in anthropometrics and physical fitness among male and female army, navy and air force cadets during 3 years of military academy education.

Materials and methods

260 male and 29 female Norwegian cadets from the army, navy, and air force academies volunteered to participate. Anthropometrics, muscular power, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake were measured at entry (T0) and end of each year (T1, T2, and T3). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development in anthropometrics and physical fitness. We applied to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics to review the study before start-up, but the study was considered exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services.

Results

Male and female cadets significantly increased their body weight, fat-free mass, body mass index, and percent body fat by 1 to 5% from T0 to T3. Skeletal muscle mass was unchanged. Muscular power (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) and muscular endurance (pull-ups and push-ups) increased by 3 to 20% in male cadets, while female cadets only increased results significantly for the medicine ball throw (10%). Relative maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 4% in both sexes, while absolute maximal oxygen uptake only decreased significantly (by 2%) in male cadets. Most of the observed changes were classified as trivial or small, according to calculated effect sizes. The observed changes were generally of similar magnitude for male and female cadets, and similar among the three academies.

Conclusions

Anthropometrics and physical fitness were relatively stable in Norwegian male and female army, navy, and air force cadets during 3 years of military academy education. Observed changes were typically classified as trivial or small. The initial gap in physical fitness between male and female cadets did not narrow during the education years. Norwegian male and female cadets displayed relatively good physical fitness profiles, compared to sex-matched cadets and soldiers from previously studied military populations.
Prednisolone in early pregnancy inhibits regulatory T cell generation and alters fetal and placental development in mice
Authors: Kieffer Tom EC , Chin Peck Y , Green Ella S , Moldenhauer Lachlan M , Prins Jelmer R , Robertson Sarah A
Published: March 2020

Corticosteroids have been utilised in the assisted reproduction setting with the expectation of suppressing aberrant immune activation and improving fertility in women. However, the effects of corticosteroids on fertility, and on pregnancy and offspring outcomes, are unclear. In this study, mice were administered prednisolone (1 mg/kg) or PBS daily in the pre-implantation phase, and effects on the adaptive immune response, the implantation rate, fetal development and postnatal outcomes were investigated. Prednisolone disrupted the expected expansion of CD4+ T cells in early pregnancy, inhibiting generation of both regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and effector T cells and suppressing IFNG required for T cell functional competence. Prednisolone caused an 8–20% increase in the embryo implantation rate and increased the number of viable pups per litter. In late gestation, fetal and placental weights were reduced in a litter size-dependent manner, and the canonical inverse relationship between litter size and fetal weight was lost. The duration of pregnancy was extended by ~ 0.5 day and birth weight was reduced by ~ 5% after prednisolone treatment. Viability of prednisolone-exposed offspring was comparable to controls, but body weight was altered in adulthood, particularly in male offspring. Thus, while prednisolone given in the pre-implantation phase in mice increases maternal receptivity to implantation and resource investment in fetal growth, there is a trade-off in long-term consequences for fetal development, birth weight and offspring health. These effects are associated with, and likely caused by, prednisolone suppression of the adaptive immune response at the outset of pregnancy.
Spatially regulated editing of genetic information within a neuron
Authors: Vallecillo-Viejo Isabel C , Liscovitch-Brauer Noa , Diaz Quiroz Juan F , Montiel-Gonzalez Maria F , Nemes Sonya E , Rangan Kavita J , Levinson Simon R , Eisenberg Eli , Rosenthal Joshua J C
Published: March 2020

In eukaryotic cells, with the exception of the specialized genomes of mitochondria and plastids, all genetic information is sequestered within the nucleus. This arrangement imposes constraints on how the information can be tailored for different cellular regions, particularly in cells with complex morphologies like neurons. Although messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and the proteins that they encode, can be differentially sorted between cellular regions, the information itself does not change. RNA editing by adenosine deamination can alter the genome’s blueprint by recoding mRNAs; however, this process too is thought to be restricted to the nucleus. In this work, we show that ADAR2 (adenosine deaminase that acts on RNA), an RNA editing enzyme, is expressed outside of the nucleus in squid neurons. Furthermore, purified axoplasm exhibits adenosine-to-inosine activity and can specifically edit adenosines in a known substrate. Finally, a transcriptome-wide analysis of RNA editing reveals that tens of thousands of editing sites (>70% of all sites) are edited more extensively in the squid giant axon than in its cell bodies. These results indicate that within a neuron RNA editing can recode genetic information in a region-specific manner.
STUDY OF INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY IN SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT OF MEGHALAYA, INDIA
Authors: Pyngrope A , Khardewsaw A , Sharma Y , Maibam D , Saxena A , Sahoo B K
Published: March 2020

A survey of indoor radon/thoron and their progeny concentrations was carried out in dwellings in the South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The survey was carried out using solid-state nuclear track detectors based on single-entry pinhole dosimeter and direct radon/thoron progeny sensors. The results are subjected to statistical analysis and discussed in the manuscript. The mean value of annual effective dose of the study region is estimated at 1.8 mSv.y −1. Seasonal variability and role of different indoor parameters are also discussed.
Overlapping Surgery for Ankle Fractures: Is It Safe?
Authors: Baessler Aaron , Mullis Brian , Loder Randall , Corn Karsen , Mavros Charles
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To determine whether the practice of overlapping surgery influenced patient safety after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures.

Design:

Retrospective case–control.

Setting:

Level 1 Academic Midwest trauma center.

Patients:

All patients who underwent ankle fracture ORIF by a single surgeon were eligible for our study, with 478 total patients.

Intervention:

Cases that were overlapping were compared against cases that were not overlapping. Cases were defined as overlapping if there was greater than 30 minutes of overlap between procedural times. Patient complications were recorded up to a year from the index surgery.

Main Outcome Measure:

Unexpected return to surgery.

Results:

There were 478 ankle fracture ORIF patients, 238 with at least 3 months follow-up; 124 (52%) in the overlapping group and 114 (48%) in the nonoverlapping group. There was no difference in the rate of unexpected return to surgery (P = 0.76), infection (P = 0.52), readmission (P = 0.96), painful implant (P = 0.62), malunion (P = 0.27), nonunion (P = 0.52), or arthritis (P = 0.39) between the overlapping and nonoverlapping groups. There were 467 isolated ankle fractures used for time analysis. Average procedure time was 26 minutes longer for the overlapping group than the nonoverlapping group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Overlapping surgery causes increased operative time for ankle ORIF, but there was no apparent increased risk to the patients for short-term complications. The need for graduated resident responsibility required by ACGME guidelines need to be weighed against the decreased efficiency of operating room time.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Management of residual disease after chemotherapy in germ cell tumors
Authors: King Jennifer , Adra Nabil , Einhorn Lawrence H.
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Although testicular cancer remains a highly curable malignancy, challenges and uncertainty still remain in certain aspects of management. Residual disease after chemotherapy in patients with germ cell tumors (GCT) remains one of these challenges. We aim to highlight the recent literature on the management of residual disease after chemotherapy in GCT and the emerging innovations that may provide further guidance into this area.

Recent findings

A subset of patients with GCT will have residual disease after chemotherapy, and management of these patients involves highly skilled multidisciplinary experts including medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. Management options depend on histologic subtype, either seminoma or nonseminoma, and involve size criteria, possible further imaging modalities, and tumor markers. Even with these tools at highly specialized expert centers, uncertainty in management remains, and recent literature has explored the use of newer biomarkers to aid in these cases.

Postchemotherapy residual masses in GCT can prove to be complicated cases to manage. Balancing survival with quality of life outcomes is important and requires a multidisciplinary team experienced in treating GCT.
Advancing Academic Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Professional Development: Adapting a Classical Framework to Address Contemporary Challenges
Authors: Vinas Emily K. , Schroedl Clara J. , Rayburn William F.
Published: March 2020

Lifelong learning is essential for the practicing physician, yet continuing medical education (CME) and continuing professional development (CPD) units at academic medical centers (AMCs) have been historically underappreciated and under-resourced. Their integration into AMC leadership structures continues to vary widely among institutions. Without necessary resources and leadership alignment, many units are less able to focus on advancing CME/CPD to offer and study innovative educational opportunities that may enhance learner and patient outcomes. Using benchmarking data and recommendations from national leaders in the field, a CPD Hierarchy of Needs was created to frame the strategic development of CME/CPD units. This five-level hierarchy includes priorities such as (1) securing investment, (2) building infrastructure, (3) integrating into AMC leadership structures, (4) promoting data-driven interventions, and (5) advancing educational innovation. Recommendations to use the CME/CPD Hierarchy of Needs are described to convey the significance of CME/CPD units to AMCs and to the lifelong learning of practicing physicians.
Dysmenorrhea subtypes exhibit differential quantitative sensory assessment profiles
Authors: Hellman Kevin M. , Roth Genevieve E. , Dillane Katlyn E. , Garrison Ellen F. , Oladosu Folabomi A. , Clauw Daniel J. , Tu Frank F.
Published: March 2020

Women who develop bladder pain syndrome (BPS), irritable bowel syndrome, or dyspareunia frequently have an antecedent history of dysmenorrhea. Despite the high prevalence of menstrual pain, its role in chronic pelvic pain emergence remains understudied. We systematically characterized bladder, body, and vaginal mechanical sensitivity with quantitative sensory testing in women with dysmenorrhea (DYS, n = 147), healthy controls (HCs) (n = 37), and women with BPS (n = 25). Previously, we have shown that a noninvasive, bladder-filling task identified a subset of women with both dysmenorrhea and silent bladder pain hypersensitivity, and we repeated this to subtype dysmenorrhea sufferers in this study (DYSB; n = 49). DYS, DYSB, and BPS participants had lower vaginal mechanical thresholds and reported more pain to a cold stimulus during a conditioned pain modulation task and greater pelvic examination after-pain than HCs (P's < 0.05). DYSB participants also had reduced body mechanical thresholds and less conditioned pain modulation compared to HCs and DYS participants (P's < 0.05). Comparing quantitative sensory testing results among the DYS and HC groups only, provoked bladder pain was the only significant predictor of self-reported menstrual pain (r = 0.26), bladder pain (r = 0.57), dyspareunia (r = 0.39), and bowel pain (r = 0.45). Our findings of widespread sensory sensitivity in women with dysmenorrhea and provoked bladder pain, much like that observed in chronic pain, suggest a need to study the trajectory of altered mechanisms of pain processing in preclinical silent visceral pain phenotypes to understand which features convey inexorable vs modifiable risk.
Learning Gain and Skill Retention Following Unstructured Bronchoscopy Simulation in a Low-fidelity Airway Model
Authors: Feng David B. , Yong Yi Heng , Byrnes Timothy , Gorelik Alex , Colt Henri , Irving Louis B. , Steinfort Daniel
Published: March 2020

Background:

Simulation is invaluable for bronchoscopy training. Studies report improved procedure time, dexterity/technique, and trainee satisfaction supported by low-fidelity and high-fidelity simulators in structured-training programs. We sought to determine (1) Learning-gain in bronchoscopic dexterity after a single 45-minute unstructured exposure using a low-fidelity simulator. (2) Whether acquired skills are maintained 8 weeks later, during which trainees receive no interim exposure to simulation or clinical bronchoscopy.

Methods:

Using a low-fidelity model, medical students were assessed for bronchoscopicdexterity before and after an unstructured, self-directed 45-minute simulation. Bronchoscopic dexterity was assessed according to: (1) Ability to enter a target-bronchus within a specified time. (2) The modified Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool (mBSTAT). Scores were compared at baseline, postsimulation, and 8 weeks postsimulation. Individual domains of the mBSTAT were compared with identify specific skills demonstrating more significant deterioration.

Results:

Twenty-eight medical students completed the initial-simulation session. Fifteen returned at 8 weeks. Statistically significant improvement in bronchoscopic-skills was observed immediately following the simulation session (mBSTAT scores 3.7±1.2 pretest vs. 7.0±0.9 posttest, P<0.001). mBSTAT scores had deteriorated significantly at 8 weeks (5.7±1.8, P=0.03) but remained superior to baseline scores (P=0.002). Of the 4 domains assessed, only Precision did not demonstrate any change between post-test and review assessments (P=0.14). All other domains demonstrated trends towards significant deterioration between posttest and review.

Conclusion:

A single 45-minute unstructured bronchoscopy simulation session resulted in significant improvement in bronchoscopic dexterity. Significant decay in bronchoscopic dexterity is observed, suggesting repeat simulation may be valuable following periods without bronchoscopy exposure.
Indirect health sector actions and supportive strategies to prevent malnutrition
Authors: Keats Emily C. , Jain Reena P. , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review

Malnutrition is a pervasive problem that causes negative acute, long-term, and intergenerational consequences. As we have begun to move from efficacy to effectiveness trials of nutrition interventions, and further still to more holistic case study approaches to understanding how and why nutrition outcomes change over time, it has become clear that more emphasis on the ‘nutrition-sensitive’ interventions is required.

Recent findings

In this article, we propose recategorizing the nutrition-specific and sensitive terminology into a new framework that includes direct and indirect health sector actions and supportive strategies that exist outside the health sector; an adjustment that will improve sector-specific planning and accountability. We outline indirect health sector nutrition interventions, with a focus on family planning and the evidence to support its positive link with nutrition outcomes. In addition, we discuss supportive strategies for nutrition, with emphasis on agriculture and food security, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and poverty alleviation and highlight some of the recent evidence that has contributed to these fields.

Indirect health sector nutrition interventions and supportive strategies for nutrition will be critical, alongside direct health sector nutrition interventions, to reach global targets. Investments should be made both inside and outside the health sector.
Texture Analysis
Authors: Awe Adam M. , Rendell Victoria R. , Lubner Meghan G. , Winslow Emily R.
Published: March 2020

Radiologic characterization of pancreatic lesions is currently limited. Computed tomography is insensitive in detecting and characterizing small pancreatic lesions. Moreover, heterogeneity of many pancreatic lesions makes determination of malignancy challenging. As a result, invasive diagnostic testing is frequently used to characterize pancreatic lesions but often yields indeterminate results. Computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) is an emerging noninvasive computational tool that quantifies gray-scale pixels/voxels and their spatial relationships within a region of interest. In nonpancreatic lesions, CTTA has shown promise in diagnosis, lesion characterization, and risk stratification, and more recently, pancreatic applications of CTTA have been explored. This review outlines the emerging role of CTTA in identifying, characterizing, and risk stratifying pancreatic lesions. Although recent studies show the clinical potential of CTTA of the pancreas, a clear understanding of which specific texture features correlate with high-grade dysplasia and predict survival has not yet been achieved. Further multidisciplinary investigations using strong radiologic-pathologic correlation are needed to establish a role for this noninvasive diagnostic tool.
Use of Lactated Ringers Solution Compared With Normal Saline Is Associated With Shorter Length of Stay in Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Farrell Peter R. , Farrell Leslie M. , Hornung Lindsey , Abu-El-Haija Maisam
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate lactated ringers (LR) versus normal saline (NS) in pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

This retrospective study used Pediatric Health Information System database of primary AP patients, 2013 to 2017.

Results

The study included 1581 first time AP patients with exclusive use of a single fluid (111 LR, 1470 NS) for the first 48 hours. The LR cohort had a significantly shorter length of stay (P < 0.001) compared with NS. A multivariable logistic regression analysis suggests use of NS in the first 48 hours (after controlling for total parenteral nutrition, operation, and infection during the admission) had a significantly increased likelihood of requiring a hospitalization for 4 days or more compared with the LR group (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.95–5.62). The overall cost was significantly less in the LR group. There was no statistical difference observed in risk factors for AP, intensive care transfer, organ dysfunction, or mortality.

Conclusions

This represents the first large data set analysis of LR versus NS in pediatric AP. The use of LR was associated with a shorter length of stay and reduced cost compared with NS. Future randomized trials will help determine the ideal fluid choice for pediatric AP.
The State of Mentorship and Pancreatic Research Among Trainees in Pancreatology
Authors: Tsen Adrianne , Han Samuel , Moreau Christopher , Akshintala Venkata S. , Yazici Cemal , Archibugi Livia , Hopson Puanani , Gougol Amir , Jin David , Paragomi Pedram , Kamal Ayesha , Valverde-López Francisco , Papachristou Georgios I. , Park Walter G. , Lee Peter J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The recent decrease seen in pancreatic research and young investigator involvement may reflect inadequate mentorship. This study aimed to describe the current state of mentorship in pancreatic research and evaluate how mentorship is associated with research productivity.

Methods

In this prospective study, a survey addressing mentorship and research was distributed to trainees worldwide. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression was used to describe the association between mentorship and trainee research productivity.

Results

A total of 137 trainees from 16 countries participated. Although two-thirds of trainees expressed interest in pancreatic research and had identified a mentor in the field, only 34.8% had published a manuscript. Barriers to pancreatic research included lack of research opportunities (58.3%), limited mentorship (23.3%), and inadequate institutional support (15%). Although having a single mentor was not associated with research productivity (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–2.76), having a local mentor was significantly associated with publishing (odds ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.95–10.74).

Conclusions

Although many trainees interested in pancreatology have access to a mentor, barriers including lack of research opportunities, mentorship, and institutional support hinder trainee productivity. Opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and networking are needed.
Landscape of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Macarulla Teresa , Hendifar Andrew E. , Li Chung-Pin , Reni Michele , Riess Hanno , Tempero Margaret A. , Dueck Amylou C. , Botteman Marc F. , Deshpande Chinmay G. , Lucas Eleanor J. , Oh Do-Youn
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Pancreatic resection is associated with postoperative morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL). A systematic literature review was conducted to understand the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) landscape in early-stage pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods

Databases/registries (through January 24, 2019) and conference abstracts (2014–2017) were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale/Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Searches were for general (resectable PC, adjuvant/neoadjuvant, QoL) and supplemental studies (resectable PC, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire [QLQ] – Pancreatic Cancer [PAN26]).

Results

Of 750 studies identified, 39 (general, 22; supplemental, 17) were eligible: 32 used QLQ Core 30 (C30) and/or QLQ-PAN26, and 15 used other PROMs. Baseline QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL scores in early-stage PC were similar to all-stage PC reference values but lower than all-stage–all-cancer values. The QoL declined after surgery, recovered to baseline in 3 to 6 months, and then generally stabilized. A minimally important difference (MID) of 10 was commonly used for QLQ-C30 but was not established for QLQ-PAN26.

Conclusions

In early-stage PC, QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 are the most commonly used PROMs. Baseline QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL scores suggested a high humanistic burden. Immediately after surgery, QoL declined but seemed stable over the longer term. The QLQ-C30 MID may elucidate the clinical impact of treatment on QoL; MID for QLQ-PAN26 needs to be established.
Synthesis of antibacterial gold nanoparticles with different particle sizes using chlorogenic acid
Authors: Zhu Sujuan , Shen Yan , Yu Yongmin , Bai Xuexue
Published: March 2020

This study proposes a strategy for the rapid and simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles (CGA-AuNPs) with different particle sizes using trisodium citrate (TSC) as the first reducing agent and chlorogenic acid (CGA) as the second reducing agent. And the antibacterial activity of CGA-AuNPs with different particle sizes
in vitro
was checked by measuring the growth curves of
Escherichia coli
(
ATCC 25922
) and
Staphylococcus aureus
(
ATCC 25923
). The CGA-AuNPs obtained by the analysis of transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra were mainly spherical, and the average diameters were 18.94 ± 1.81, 30.42 ± 6.32, 37.86 ± 3.80 and 48.72 ± 6.47 nm, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) showed that these nanoparticles were polycrystalline gold structures. Both CGA-AuNPs and CGA have excellent antibacterial activity, and CGA-AuNPs with small particle size has a stronger antibacterial effect than the larger one. UV–Vis absorption spectrum data revealed that the synthesized CGA-AuNPs without adding other stabilizing agent were well maintained even after 26 days. This work provides a special idea to regulate the size of CGA-AuNPs with CGA by chemical synthesis, and the potent antibacterial activity of these CGA-AuNPs may be applied in the field of antibacterial in the future.
Salmon behavioural response to robots in an aquaculture sea cage
Authors: Kruusmaa M. , Gkliva R. , Tuhtan J. A. , Tuvikene A. , Alfredsen J. A.
Published: March 2020

Animal–robot studies can inform us about animal behaviour and inspire advances in agriculture, environmental monitoring and animal health and welfare. Currently, experimental results on how fish are affected by the presence of underwater robots are largely limited to laboratory environments with few individuals and a focus on model species. Laboratory studies provide valuable insight, but their results are not necessarily generalizable to larger scales such as marine aquaculture. This paper examines the effects of underwater robots and a human diver in a large fish aggregation within a Norwegian aquaculture facility, with the explicit purpose to improve the use of underwater robots for fish observations. We observed aquaculture salmon's reaction to the flipper-propelled robot U-CAT in a sea cage with 188 000 individuals. A significant difference in fish behaviour was found using U-CAT when compared to a thruster-driven underwater robot, Argus Mini and a human diver. Specifically, salmon were more likely to swim closer to U-CAT at a lower tailbeat frequency. Fish reactions were not significantly different when considering motor noise or when U-CAT's colour was changed from yellow to silver. No difference was observed in the distance or tailbeat frequency as a response to thruster or flipper motion, when actuated and passively floating robots were compared. These results offer insight into how large aggregations of aquaculture salmon respond to underwater robots. Furthermore, the proposed underwater video processing workflow to assess fish's response to underwater robots is simple and reproducible. This work provides a practical method to study fish–robot interactions, which can lead to improved underwater robot designs to provide more affordable, scalable and effective solutions.
A comparison of approximate versus exact techniques for Bayesian parameter inference in nonlinear ordinary differential equation models
Authors: Alahmadi Amani A. , Flegg Jennifer A. , Cochrane Davis G. , Drovandi Christopher C. , Keith Jonathan M.
Published: March 2020

The behaviour of many processes in science and engineering can be accurately described by dynamical system models consisting of a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Often these models have several unknown parameters that are difficult to estimate from experimental data, in which case Bayesian inference can be a useful tool. In principle, exact Bayesian inference using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques is possible; however, in practice, such methods may suffer from slow convergence and poor mixing. To address this problem, several approaches based on approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) have been introduced, including Markov chain Monte Carlo ABC (MCMC ABC) and sequential Monte Carlo ABC (SMC ABC). While the system of ODEs describes the underlying process that generates the data, the observed measurements invariably include errors. In this paper, we argue that several popular ABC approaches fail to adequately model these errors because the acceptance probability depends on the choice of the discrepancy function and the tolerance without any consideration of the error term. We observe that the so-called posterior distributions derived from such methods do not accurately reflect the epistemic uncertainties in parameter values. Moreover, we demonstrate that these methods provide minimal computational advantages over exact Bayesian methods when applied to two ODE epidemiological models with simulated data and one with real data concerning malaria transmission in Afghanistan.
Paranoia, sensitization and social inference: findings from two large-scale, multi-round behavioural experiments
Authors: Barnby J. M. , Deeley Q. , Robinson O. , Raihani N. , Bell V. , Mehta M. A.
Published: March 2020

The sensitization model suggests that paranoia is explained by over-sensitivity to social threat. However, this has been difficult to test experimentally. We report two preregistered social interaction studies that tested (i) whether paranoia predicted overall attribution and peak attribution of harmful intent and (ii) whether anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity and worry predicted the attribution of harmful intent. In Study 1, we recruited a large general population sample (N= 987) who serially interacted with other participants in multi-round dictator games and matched to fair, partially fair or unfair partners. Participants rated attributions of harmful intent and self-interest after each interaction. In Study 2 (N= 1011), a new sample of participants completed the same procedure and additionally completed measures of anxiety, worry and interpersonal sensitivity. As predicted, prior paranoid ideation was associated with higher and faster overall harmful intent attributions, whereas attributions of self-interest were unaffected, supporting the sensitization model. Contrary to predictions, neither worry, interpersonal sensitivity nor anxiety was associated with harmful intent attributions. In a third exploratory internal meta-analysis, we combined datasets to examine the effect of paranoia on trial-by-trial attributional changes when playing fair and unfair dictators. Paranoia was associated with a greater reduction in harmful intent attributions when playing a fair but not unfair dictator, suggesting that paranoia may also exaggerate the volatility of beliefs about the harmful intent of others.
Corn stalk as starting material to prepare a novel adsorbent via SET-LRP and its adsorption performance for Pb(II) and Cu(II)
Authors: Wang Yazhen , Li Shuang , Ma Liqun , Dong Shaobo , Liu Li
Published: March 2020

Corn stalk was used as the initial material to prepare a corn stalk matrix-g-polyacrylonitrile-based adsorbent. At first, the corn stalk was treated with potassium hydroxide and nitric acid to obtain the corn stalk-based cellulose (CS), and then the CS was modified by 2-bromoisobutyrylbromide (2-BiBBr) to prepare a macroinitiator. After that, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was grafted onto the macroinitiator by single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP). A novel adsorbent AO CS-g-PAN was, therefore, obtained by introducing amidoxime groups onto the CS-g-PAN with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH · HCl). FTIR, SEM and XPS were applied to characterize the structure of AO CS-g-PAN. The adsorbent was then employed to remove Pb(II) and Cu(II), and it exhibited a predominant adsorption performance on Pb(II) and Cu(II). The effect of parameters, such as temperature, adsorption time, pH and the initial concentration of metal ions on adsorption capacity, were examined in detail during its application. Results suggest that the maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) and Cu(II) was 231.84 mg g–1and 94.72 mg g−1, and the corresponding removal efficiency was 72.03% and 63%, respectively. The pseudo-second order model was more suitable to depict the adsorption process. And the adsorption isotherm of Cu(II) accorded with the Langmuir model, while the Pb(II) conformed better to the Freundlich isotherm model.
Bovine viral diarrhoea virus loses quasispecies diversity rapidly in culture
Authors: Russell George C. , Zadoks Ruth N. , Willoughby Kim , Bachofen Claudia
Published: March 2020

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is an important disease of cattle, with significant impacts on animal health and welfare. The wide host range of the causative pestiviruses may lead to formation of virus reservoirs in other ruminant or wildlife species, presenting a concern for the long-term success of BVD eradication campaigns. It is likely that the quasispecies nature of these RNA viruses contributes to their interspecies transmission by providing genetic plasticity. Understanding the spectrum of sequence variants present in persistently infected (PI) animals is, therefore, essential for studies of virus transmission. To analyse quasispecies diversity without amplification bias, we extracted viral RNA from the serum of a PI cow, and from cell culture fluid after three passages of the same virus in culture, to produce cDNA without amplification. Sequencing of this material using Illumina 250 bp paired-read technology produced full-length virus consensus sequences from both sources and demonstrated the quasispecies diversity of this pestivirus A genotype 1a field strain within serum and after culture. We report the distribution and diversity of over 800 SNPs and provide evidence for a loss of diversity after only three passages in cell culture, implying that cultured viruses cannot be used to understand quasispecies diversity and may not provide reliable molecular markers for source tracing or transmission studies. Additionally, both serum and cultured viruses could be sequenced as a set of 25 overlapping PCR amplicons that demonstrated the same consensus sequences and the presence of many of the same quasispecies variants. The observation that aspects of the quasispecies structure revealed by massively parallel sequencing are also detected after PCR and Sanger sequencing suggests that this approach may be useful for small or difficult to analyse samples.
Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection by Detection of Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Diao Bo , Wen Kun , Chen Jian , Liu Yueping , Yuan Zilin , Han Chao , Chen Jiahui , Pan Yuxian , Chen Li , Dan Yunjie , Wang Jing , Chen Yongwen , Deng Guohong , Zhou Hongwei , Wu Yuzhang
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Nucleic acid test and antibody assay have been employed in the diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the use of viral antigen for diagnosis has not been successfully developed. Theoretically, viral antigen is the specific marker of the virus and precedes antibody appearance within the infected population. There is a clear need of detection of viral antigen for rapid and early diagnosis.

METHODS

We included a cohort of 239 participants with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection from 7 centers for the study. We measured nucleocapsid protein in nasopharyngeal swab samples in parallel with the nucleic acid test. Nucleic acid test was taken as the reference standard, and statistical evaluation was taken in blind. We detected nucleocapsid protein in 20 urine samples in another center, employing nasopharyngeal swab nucleic acid test as reference standard.

RESULTS

We developed a fluorescence immunochromatographic assay for detecting nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab sample and urine within 10 minutes. 100% of nucleocapsid protein positive and negative participants accord with nucleic acid test for same samples. Further, earliest participant after 3 days of fever can be identified by the method. In an additional preliminary study, we detected nucleocapsid protein in urine in 73.6% of diagnosed COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Those findings indicate that nucleocapsid protein assay is an accurate, rapid, early and simple method for diagnosis of COVID-19. Appearance of nucleocapsid protein in urine coincides our finding of the SARS-CoV-2 invading kidney and might be of diagnostic value.
Mortality of COVID-19 is Associated with Cellular Immune Function Compared to Immune Function in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Yong-zhe , Huang Gang , Wu Wei , Dong Sheng-yong , Xu Yang
Published: March 2020

In December 2019, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infected pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, China. The number of cases has increased rapidly but information on the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia compared to normal controls in Chinese Han population is limited. Our objective is to describe the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia compared to normal controls in the Chinese Han population. In this case series of 752 patients, the full spectrum of cases is described. Fever was present in 86-90% of the patients. The second most common symptom was cough (49.1-51.0%), fatigue (25.2-27.1%), sputum (20.0-23.1%), and headache (9.8-11.1%). the mortality rate is 4.6% in Wuhan, 1.9% in Beijing, and 0.9% in Shanghai. Our findings showed that the levels of lymphocytes were 0.8(IQR, 0.6-1.1)109/L in Wuhan, 1.0(IQR, 0.7-1.4)109/L in Beijing, and 1.1 (IQR, 0.8-1.5) 109/L in Shanghai before admission to hospitals, respectively, indicating that cellular immune function might relate to the mortality. Based on the reference ranges of normal Chinese Han population and the data of the critically ill patients we have observed, it is recommended that reference ranges of people at high risk of COVID-19 infection are CD3+ lymphocytes below 900 cells/mm3, CD4+ lymphocytes below 500 cells/mm3, and CD8+ lymphocytes below 300 cells/mm3.
CryoSIM: super resolution 3D structured illumination cryogenic fluorescence microscopy for correlated ultra-structural imaging
Authors: Phillips Michael A. , Harkiolaki Maria , Susano Pinto David Miguel , Parton Richard M. , Palanca Ana , Garcia-Moreno Manuel , Kounatidis Ilias , Sedat John W. , Stuart David I. , Castello Alfredo , Booth Martin J. , Davis Ilan , Dobbie Ian M.
Published: March 2020

Rapid cryo-preservation of biological specimens is the gold standard for visualising cellular structures in their true structural context. However, current commercial cryo-fluorescence microscopes are limited to low resolutions. To fill this gap, we have developed cryoSIM, a microscope for 3D super-resolution fluorescence cryo-imaging for correlation with cryo electron microscopy or cryo soft X-ray tomography. We provide the full instructions for replicating the instrument mostly from off-the-shelf components and accessible, user-friendly open source Python control software. Therefore, cryoSIM democratises the ability to detect molecules using super-resolution fluorescence imaging of cryo-preserved specimens for correlation with their cellular ultrastructure.
Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Lungs is Associated with Recruitment of Antigen-Specific Th1 and Th17 cells Co-expressing CXCR3 and CCR6
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Uma , Bucsan Allison N , Ganatra Shashank R. , Ibegbu Chris , Quezada Melanie , Blair Robert V , Alvarez Xavier , Velu Vijayakumar , Kaushal Deepak , Rengarajan Jyothi
Published: March 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)-specific T cell responses associated with immune control during asymptomatic latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remain poorly understood. Using a non-human primate (NHP) aerosol model, we studied the kinetics, phenotypes and functions of Mtb antigen-specific T cells in peripheral and lung compartments of Mtb-infected asymptomatic rhesus macaques by longitudinally sampling blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), for up to 24 weeks post-infection. We found significantly higher frequencies of Mtb-specific effector and memory CD4 and CD8 T cells producing IFN-γ in the airways compared to peripheral blood, which were maintained throughout the study period. Moreover, Mtb-specific IL-17+ and IL-17/IFN-γ double-positive T cells were present in the airways but were largely absent in the periphery, suggesting that balanced mucosal Th1/Th17responses are associated with LTBI. The majority of Mtb-specific CD4 T cells that homed to the airways expressed the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and co-expressed CCR6. Notably, CXCR3+CD4+ cells were found in granulomatous and non-granulomatous regions of the lung and inversely correlated with Mtb burden. Our findings provide novel insights into antigen-specific T cell responses associated with asymptomatic Mtb infection that are relevant for developing better strategies to control TB.
Stiffness of Nanoparticulate Mineralized Collagen Scaffolds Triggers Osteogenesis via Mechanotransduction and Canonical Wnt Signaling
Authors: Zhou Qi , Lyu Shengyu , Bertrand Anthony A. , Hu Allison C. , Chan Candace H. , Ren Xiaoyan , Dewey Marley J. , Tiffany Aleczandria S. , Harley Brendan A.C. , Lee Justine C.
Published: March 2020

The ability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to instruct progenitor cell differentiation has generated excitement for the development of materials-based regenerative solutions. We previously described a nanoparticulate mineralized collagen glycosaminoglycan (MC-GAG) material capable of inducingin vivoskull regeneration approaching 60% of the biomechanical properties of native calvarium without exogenous growth factors orex vivoprogenitor cell-priming, suggesting promise as a first-generation material for skull regeneration. Here, we evaluated the contribution of titrating stiffness to osteogenicity by comparing non-crosslinked (NX-MC) and crosslinked (MC) forms of MC-GAG. While both materials were osteogenic, MC demonstrated an increased expression of osteogenic markers and mineralization compared to NX-MC. Both materials were capable of autogenously activating the canonical bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) signaling pathway with phosphorylation of Smad1/5 (small mothers against decapentaplegic-1/5). However, unlike NX-MC, hMSCs cultured on MC demonstrated significant elevations in the major mechanotransduction mediators YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif) expression coincident with β-catenin activation in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Inhibition of YAP/TAZ activation reduced osteogenic marker expression, mineralization, and β-catenin activation in MC with a much lesser of an effect on NX-MC. YAP/TAZ inhibition also resulted in a reciprocal increase in Smad1/5 phosphorylation as well as BMP2 expression. Our results indicate that increasing MC-GAG stiffness induces osteogenic differentiation via the mechanotransduction mediators YAP/TAZ and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, whereas the canonical BMPR signaling pathway is activated in a manner independent of mechanical cues.
Comprehensive analysis of prognostic immune-related genes in the tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Chao , Luo Huan , Cao Jing
Published: March 2020

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common primary lung cancer, and increasing evidence indicates the clinical importance of the microenvironment in LUAD. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells play an important role in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This study aimed to identify immune-related prognostic genes that were associated with the LUAD microenvironment.

Methods

We used the “estimate” R package to calculate the immune/stromal scores of each sample of GSE72094 based on the ESTIMATE algorithm. Then we looked up relationships between patients’ characteristics and immune/stromal scores. After that, we divided the samples into two groups: high and low scores, identified the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) on the common DEGs. After conducting the overall survival analysis of the common DEGs, prognostic genes were harvested. Then we constructed the protein-protein interaction network and performed the enrichment of GO and KEGG for the prognostic genes. Crucial prognostic genes were obtained after validating in two independent data sources (GSE68465 and TIMER). Finally, we investigated the immune correlates of the crucial prognostic genes based on the TIMER.

Results

Immune scores did not vary with gender, age, smoking history, tumor stage, and EGFR status, but vary with the status of KRAS, STK11, and TP53. For the stromal scores, only the status of STK11 and TP53 mattered. Reduced immune score predicted poor prognosis of LUAD. 357 common DEGs were found, of which 108 were identified as prognostic genes after overall survival analysis. GO and KEGG analysis found that common DEGs and prognostic genes were both mainly involved in immune-related items. After validation in two independent data sources, 12 genes were validated to be crucial prognostic genes linked to prognosis. After investigated the TIMER, all 12 genes were correlated with the main immune cell types.

Conclusion

12 immune-related prognostic genes were discovered relating to the microenvironment in LUAD. These findings suggest that the composition of the tumor microenvironment affects the clinical outcomes of LUAD, and it may provide a basis for the development of novel prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapy for LUAD.