bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the bacterium isolate from Mackerel Fish (Rastrelliger sp.) using 16S rRNA Gene
Authors: Ismail Y S , Febriani  , Yulvizar C , Ramadhani R
Published: July 2019

The use of probiotics in aquaculture can improve the quality and quantity of the fishes. One of potential probiotic bacterium from gastrointestine of mackerel fish (Rastrelliger sp.) isolated in this research were LUI-04. This study aimed to determine the species of bacterium isolate using nucleotide sequence homology compared to other microorganisms in GenBank. The 16S rRNA genes of LUI-04 isolate were analyzed. The results of electrophoresis showed the DNA band had a size of 1 500 bp for amplification using Bact-27F and Uni-1492R primers, and about 250 bp to 500 bp with the Com-IF and Com-2R primers. The sequence of nucleotides was determined by Sanger method. The 16S rRNA sequence of the isolate and other bacteria in GenBank were compared with the Basic Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to know the homology. Then, all of the sequences were aligned by ClustalW, and the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed with Neighbor Joining method using bootstrap analysis of 1 000 replicates. The results showed that LUI-04 had a homology of 99 % and the bootstrap value percentage of 86 % with Bacillus aryabhattai B8W22 and four strains of Bacillus megaterium (strain QM B1551, NBRC15308, strain IAM 13418 and ATCC 14581). Therefore, the LUI-04 isolate belongs to Bacillus megaterium species.
The shuffle conjecture
Authors: van Willigenburg Stephanie
Published: July 2019

Walks in the plane taking unit-length steps north and east from

(
0
,
0
)

(0,0)

to

(
n
,
n
)

(n,n)

never dropping below

y
=
x

y=x

and parking cars subject to preferences are two intriguing ingredients in a formula conjectured in 2005, now famously known as the shuffle conjecture.

Here we describe the combinatorial tools needed to state the conjecture. We also give key parts and people in its history, including its eventual algebraic solution by Carlsson and Mellit, which was published in the Journal of the American Mathematical Society in 2018. Finally, we conclude with some remaining open problems.
Socioeconomic Status Moderates the Effects of Health Cognitions on Health Behaviors within Participants: Two Multibehavior Studies
Authors: Schüz Benjamin , Brick Cameron , Wilding Sarah , Conner Mark
Published: July 2019

Background

Socioeconomic differences in health-related behaviors are a major cause of health inequalities. However, the mechanisms (mediation/moderation) by which socioeconomic status (SES) affects health behavior are a topic of ongoing debate.

Purpose

Current research on SES as moderator of the health cognitions–health behavior relation is inconsistent. Previous studies are limited by diverse operationalizations of SES and health behaviors, demographically narrow samples, and between-person designs addressing within-person processes. This paper presents two studies addressing these shortcomings in a within-person multibehavior framework using hierarchical linear models.

Methods

Two online studies, one cross-sectional and one 4 week longitudinal, assessed 1,005 (Study 1; Amazon MTurk; USA only) and 1,273 participants (Study 2; Prolific; international). Self-reports of multiple SES indicators (education, income, occupation status; ZIP code in Study 1), health cognitions (from the theory of planned behavior), and measures of six health behaviors were taken. Multilevel models with cross-level interactions tested whether the within-person relationships between health cognitions and behaviors differed by between-person SES.

Results

Education significantly moderated intention-behavior and attitude-behavior relationships in both studies, with more educated individuals showing stronger positive relationships. In addition, ZIP-level SES (Study 1) moderated attitude-behavior effects such that these relationships were stronger in participants living in areas with higher SES.

Conclusions

Education appears to be an important resource for the translation of intentions and attitudes into behavior. Other SES indicators showed less consistent effects. This has implications for interventions aiming at increasing intentions to change health behaviors, as some interventions might inadvertently increase health inequalities.
Progesterone promotes embryo adhesion by upregulating c-Fos/c-Jun transcription factor-mediated poFUT1 expression†
Authors: Cui Xinyuan , Sun Jiaqi , Liang Caixia , Zheng Qin , Yang Xuesong , Liu Shuai , Yan Qiu
Published: July 2019

The proliferation and adhesion abilities of placental trophoblasts are critical for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. Protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (poFUT1) and the transcription factor c-Fos/c-Jun have been found to promote trophoblastic cell invade into the endometrium. Progesterone is critical to the regulation of embryonic implantation. However, the exact role of poFUT1 in embryo proliferation and adhesion to the endometrium, and the relationship between progesterone, c-Fos/c-Jun, and poFUT1 has not been studied in detail. In the current study, we found that the serum levels of poFUT1 and progesterone significantly was decreased in miscarriage patients compared with those in normal pregnancy women, and there is a positive correlation between the changes in progesterone and poFUT1. Employing a human embryo trophoblastic cell line (JAR), we showed that progesterone facilitated the activation of c-Fos/c-Jun. Using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we confirmed that the specific transcription factor c-Fos/c-Jun regulated the poFUT1 promoter, which could enhance poFUT1 transcriptional activity, thus further increasing trophoblast cell proliferation and adhesion potential. Taking these findings together, progesterone upregulates poFUT1 expression via the specific transcription factor c-Fos/c-Jun, and then increase trophoblast cell proliferation and adhesion potential. poFUT1 and progesterone may be used together as potential markers of miscarriage, and they may be diagnostic and therapeutic targets for miscarriage.
‘All Knowledge Begins with the Senses’1: Towards a Sensory Criminology
Authors: McClanahan Bill , South Nigel
Published: July 2019

Visual criminology has established itself as a site of criminological innovation. Its ascendance, though, highlights ways in which the ‘ocularcentrism’ of the social sciences is reproduced in criminology. We respond, arguing for attention to the totality of sensorial modalities. Outlining the possible contours of a criminology concerned with smell, taste, sound and touch—along with the visual—the paper describes moments in which the sensory intersects with various phenomena of crime, harm, justice and power. Noting the primacy of the sensorial in understanding environmental harm, we describe an explicitly sensory green criminology while also suggesting the ways that heightened criminological attention to the non-visual senses might uncover new sites and modes of knowledge and a more richly affective criminology.
N-cadherin (Cdh2) Maintains Migration and Postmitotic Survival of Cortical Interneuron Precursors in a Cell-Type-Specific Manner
Authors: László Zsófia I , Bercsényi Kinga , Mayer Mátyás , Lefkovics Kornél , Szabó Gábor , Katona István , Lele Zsolt
Published: July 2019

The multiplex role of cadherin-based adhesion complexes during development of pallial excitatory neurons has been thoroughly characterized. In contrast, much less is known about their function during interneuron development. Here, we report that conditional removal of N-cadherin (Cdh2) from postmitotic neuroblasts of the subpallium results in a decreased number of Gad65-GFP-positive interneurons in the adult cortex. We also found that interneuron precursor migration into the pallium was already delayed at E14. Using immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay in the embryonic subpallium, we excluded decreased mitosis and elevated cell death as possible sources of this defect. Moreover, by analyzing the interneuron composition of the adult somatosensory cortex, we uncovered an unexpected interneuron-type-specific defect caused by Cdh2-loss. This was not due to a fate-switch between interneuron populations or altered target selection during migration. Instead, potentially due to the migration delay, part of the precursors failed to enter the cortical plate and consequently got eliminated at early postnatal stages. In summary, our results indicate that Cdh2-mediated interactions are necessary for migration and survival during the postmitotic phase of interneuron development. Furthermore, we also propose that unlike in pallial glutamatergic cells, Cdh2 is not universal, rather a cell type-specific factor during this process.
Post-treatment cephalometric changes in adolescent patients with Class II malocclusion treated using two different functional appliance systems for an extended time period: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: DiBiase Andrew T , Lucchesi Luisa , Qureshi Usman , Lee Robert T
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To assess the post-treatment changes in Class II adolescent patients treated with two different functional appliances for an extended time period.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

One university and one district general hospital in the UK.

Participants

Caucasian adolescent patients with a Class II malocclusion.

Methods

Pairs of patients of similar age and gender were randomly allocated to one of two functional appliance systems, the Twin Block or Dynamax appliance. The appliances were used for 15 months full time. Changes were measured from lateral cephalograms taken at the start (T1) and at the end of treatment at 15 months (T2) and 30 months (T3).

Results

Hundred patients completed the trial, 52 Twin Block and 48 Dynamax. Mandibular forward movement was 3.5 mm (±2.5) in the Twin Block group and 1.7 mm (±2.1) in the Dynamax group (P < 0.01; T1–T2) and, subsequently, by 0.3 mm (±2.6) and 0.9 mm (±2.5), respectively (P = 0.3; T2–T3). Mandibular length increased by 6.3 mm (±2.7) in the Twin Block group and 4.0 mm (±2.5) in the Dynamax group (P < 0.01; T1–T2) with treatment and, subsequently, by 0.5 mm (±2.3) and 1.5 mm (±3.1; P = 0.05). Anterior face height increased in both groups.

Conclusions

Treatment resulted in greater mandibular growth with the Twin Block than the Dynamax. In the follow-up period, there was less growth in the Twin Block group compared to the Dynamax

Trial Registration

This trial was not registered on any major database of clinical trial.

Protocol

The protocol was not published before the commencement of the trial but can be given on request.
Nutritional and economic impact of five alternative front-of-pack nutritional labels: experimental evidence
Authors: Crosetto Paolo , Lacroix Anne , Muller Laurent , Ruffieux Bernard
Published: July 2019

An incentivised laboratory framed field experiment with 691 subjects examined the impact of five front-of-pack labels (Multiple Traffic Lights; Reference Intakes; HealthStarRating; NutriScore and Système d’Etiquetage Nutritionnel Simplifié) on food shopping within a catalogue of 290 products. Using difference-in-difference, we estimate the between-label variability of within-subject changes in the shopping’s Food and Standards Agency aggregated nutritional score. All labels improve the nutritional quality (−1.56 FSA points on average). NutriScore is the most effective (−2.65), followed by HealthStarRating (−1.86). Behaviourally, subjects react mostly to the extreme values of the labels and not to intermediate values. Nutritional gains are not correlated with higher expenditure.
Cellulosomes localise on the surface of membrane vesicles from the cellulolytic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Ichikawa Shunsuke , Ogawa Satoru , Nishida Ayami , Kobayashi Yuzuki , Kurosawa Toshihito , Karita Shuichi
Published: July 2019

Membrane vesicles released from bacteria contribute to cell–cell communication by carrying various cargos such as proteins, nucleic acids and signaling molecules. Cellulolytic bacteria have been isolated from many environments, yet the function of membrane vesicles for cellulolytic ability has been rarely described. Here, we show that a Gram-positive cellulolytic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum released membrane vesicles, each approximately 50–300 nm in diameter, into the broth. The observations with immunoelectron microscopy also revealed that cellulosomes, which are carbohydrate-active enzyme complexes that give C. thermocellum high cellulolytic activity, localized on the surface of the membrane vesicles. The membrane vesicles collected by ultracentrifugation maintained the cellulolytic activity. Supplementation with the biosurfactant surfactin or sonication treatment disrupted the membrane vesicles in the exoproteome of C. thermocellum and significantly decreased the degradation activity of the exoproteome for microcrystalline cellulose. However, these did not affect the degradation activity for soluble carboxymethyl cellulose. These results suggest a novel function of membrane vesicles: C. thermocellum releases cellulolytic enzymes on the surface of membrane vesicles to enhance the cellulolytic activity of C. thermocellum for crystalline cellulose.
EPPO perspective on Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer) and Agrilus anxius (Bronze Birch Borer)
Authors: Petter F , Orlinski A , Suffert M , Roy A S , Ward M
Published: July 2019

One of the main aims of EPPO is to help its member countries to prevent entry or spread of dangerous pests (plant quarantine). The Organization has therefore been given the task of identifying pests which may present a risk (early warning/horizon scanning), evaluating their risk for the region and making proposals on the phytosanitary measures which can be taken against them (Pest Risk Analysis). Standards are also developed, including standards on how to eradicate and control pests. In addition to the development of Standards, activities on communication and citizen science (development of guidelines on raising public awareness and the production of toolkits to use in raising awareness campaigns) have also recently been started. The EPPO Secretariat was alerted by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Sweden in 2003, and Norway in 2010, to two potential new pests, Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire) and Bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius (Gory) respectively. Because of the importance of these two pests for forest species in the EPPO region, member countries agreed that EPPO recommendations should be prepared. The different EPPO activities relevant to A. planipennis and A. anxius are presented, highlighting the challenges they currently pose to the region.
Box, stalked, and upside-down? Draft genomes from diverse jellyfish (Cnidaria, Acraspeda) lineages: Alatina alata (Cubozoa), Calvadosia cruxmelitensis (Staurozoa), and Cassiopea xamachana (Scyphozoa)
Authors: Ohdera Aki , Ames Cheryl L , Dikow Rebecca B , Kayal Ehsan , Chiodin Marta , Busby Ben , La Sean , Pirro Stacy , Collins Allen G , Medina Mónica , Ryan Joseph F
Published: July 2019

Background

Anthozoa, Endocnidozoa, and Medusozoa are the 3 major clades of Cnidaria. Medusozoa is further divided into 4 clades, Hydrozoa, Staurozoa, Cubozoa, and Scyphozoa—the latter 3 lineages make up the clade Acraspeda. Acraspeda encompasses extraordinary diversity in terms of life history, numerous nuisance species, taxa with complex eyes rivaling other animals, and some of the most venomous organisms on the planet. Genomes have recently become available within Scyphozoa and Cubozoa, but there are currently no published genomes within Staurozoa and Cubozoa.

Findings

Here we present 3 new draft genomes of Calvadosia cruxmelitensis (Staurozoa), Alatina alata (Cubozoa), and Cassiopea xamachana (Scyphozoa) for which we provide a preliminary orthology analysis that includes an inventory of their respective venom-related genes. Additionally, we identify synteny between POU and Hox genes that had previously been reported in a hydrozoan, suggesting this linkage is highly conserved, possibly dating back to at least the last common ancestor of Medusozoa, yet likely independent of vertebrate POU-Hox linkages.

Conclusions

These draft genomes provide a valuable resource for studying the evolutionary history and biology of these extraordinary animals, and for identifying genomic features underlying venom, vision, and life history traits in Acraspeda.
Incidence and characteristics of left atrial appendage stumps after device-enabled epicardial closure
Authors: Caliskan Etem , Eberhard Matthias , Falk Volkmar , Alkadhi Hatem , Emmert Maximilian Y
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVES

High success rates for left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion with the AtriClip (Atricure, USA) device have been reported in the literature. This study evaluated the presence and characteristics of residual LAA stumps after AtriClip LAA exclusion using postoperative short- and long-term computed tomography angiography (CTA).

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, 43 of 291 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with concomitant LAA occlusion using the AtriClip device were identified with available postoperative short- and long-term follow-up by CTA. LAA patency and the absence or the size of a present residual LAA stump were assessed on 2-dimensional multiplanar reconstructions, on maximum intensity projection images and on volume-rendered 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions. Based on current recommendations, the threshold for a significant LAA stump length was defined <10 mm.

RESULTS

The LAA was successfully occluded in all 43 patients (100%) as confirmed by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography and CTA imaging with a mean follow-up duration of 7.1 ± 0.8 years post-implant. The absence of blood flow in the excluded LAA was confirmed in all cases. In 31 of 43 patients (72%), no residual stump (0 mm) was observed creating a smooth endocardial surface, CTA revealed residual LAA stumps in 11/43 patients (26%) with a length <10 mm and a significant residual stump with a depth of >10 mm (12 mm) in 1 patient (2%). The mean length, width and depth of the residual stumps were 5.8 ± 2.1, 4.4 ± 1.2 and 7.3 ± 2.3 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the incidence of residual stump formation (>10 mm) after LAA closure with the AtriClip device based on CTA imaging data obtained during short- and long-term follow-up. While no LAA stump was detectable in the majority of patients, a non-significant LAA stump (<10 mm) was present in 26% of cases, indicating a favourable LAA occlusion profile for the AtriClip device. However, although a LAA stump length <10 mm is currently considered clinically safe, this definition needs further attention in future studies with regards to its potential clinical implications.
Fast Poisson solvers for spectral methods
Authors: Fortunato Daniel , Townsend Alex
Published: July 2019

Poisson’s equation is the canonical elliptic partial differential equation. While there exist fast Poisson solvers for finite difference (FD) and finite element methods, fast Poisson solvers for spectral methods have remained elusive. Here we derive spectral methods for solving Poisson’s equation on a square, cylinder, solid sphere and cube that have optimal complexity (up to polylogarithmic terms) in terms of the degrees of freedom used to represent the solution. Whereas FFT-based fast Poisson solvers exploit structured eigenvectors of FD matrices, our solver exploits a separated spectra property that holds for our carefully designed spectral discretizations. Without parallelization we can solve Poisson’s equation on a square with 100 million degrees of freedom in under 2 min on a standard laptop.
Candidalysin Is Required for Neutrophil Recruitment and Virulence During Systemic Candida albicans Infection
Authors: Swidergall Marc , Khalaji Mina , Solis Norma V , Moyes David L , Drummond Rebecca A , Hube Bernhard , Lionakis Michail S , Murdoch Craig , Filler Scott G , Naglik Julian R
Published: July 2019

Background

Candidalysin is a cytolytic peptide toxin secreted by Candida albicans hyphae and has significantly advanced our understanding of fungal pathogenesis. Candidalysin is critical for mucosal C albicans infections and is known to activate epithelial cells to induce downstream innate immune responses that are associated with protection or immunopathology during oral or vaginal infections. Furthermore, candidalysin activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and causes cytolysis in mononuclear phagocytes. However, the role of candidalysin in driving systemic infections is unknown.

Methods

In this study, using candidalysin-producing and candidalysin-deficient C albicans strains, we show that candidalysin activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and chemokine secretion in endothelial cells in vitro.

Results

Candidalysin induces immune activation and neutrophil recruitment in vivo, and it promotes mortality in zebrafish and murine models of systemic fungal infection.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate a key role for candidalysin in neutrophil recruitment and fungal virulence during disseminated systemic C albicans infections.
Legionnaires’ Disease Mortality in Guinea Pigs Involves the p45 Mobile Genomic Element
Authors: Christensen Lanette M , Sule Preeti , Cirillo Suat L G , Strain Madison , Plumlee Quinci , Adams L Garry , Cirillo Jeffrey D
Published: July 2019

Background

Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that occurs as sporadic epidemics. Not all strains display the same propensity to cause disease in humans. Because Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 is responsible for >85% of infections, the majority of studies have examined this serogroup, but there are 3 commonly used laboratory strains: L pneumophila serogroup 1 Philadelphia (Phil-1)-derived strains JR32 and Lp01 and 130b-derived strain AA100.

Methods

We evaluated the ability of Phil-1, JR32, Lp01, and AA100 to cause disease in guinea pigs.

Results

We found that, although Phil-1, JR32, and AA100 cause an acute pneumonia and death by 4 days postinfection (100%), strain Lp01 does not cause mortality (0%). We also noted that Lp01 lacks a mobile element, designated p45, whose presence correlates with virulence. Transfer of p45 into Lp01 results in recovery of the ability of this strain to cause mortality, leads to more pronounced disease, and correlates with increased interferon-γ levels in the lungs and spleens before death.

Conclusions

These observations suggest a mechanism of Legionnaires’ disease pathogenesis due to the presence of type IVA secretion systems that cause higher mortality due to overinduction of a proinflammatory response in the host.
In vitro unfermented fiber is a good predictor of the digestible and metabolizable energy content of corn distillers dried grains with solubles in growing pigs1
Authors: Zeng Zhikai , Jang Jae Cheol , Kerr Brian J , Shurson Gerald C , Urriola Pedro E
Published: July 2019

Characterizing fiber into fermentable and unfermentable fractions may enhance the accuracy of estimating DE and ME energy content in fiber-rich ingredients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of NDF, representing both the fermentable (fNDFom) and unfermentable (uNDFom) portions among sources of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and determine their relative contributions to DE and ME content. The concentrations of DE and ME, as well as apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, were measured in a previous experiment. Samples of DDGS (0.5 g) were mixed with fecal inoculum and incubated for 8, 12, and 72 h. The ash corrected NDF (NDFom) content of DDGS residues at each time point was determined. The fNDFom increased with fermentation time of 8 h (21.6%), 12 h (29.0%), and 72 h (68.6%). The ATTD of GE increased as the uNDFom decreased at 8 h (uNDFom8; R2 = 0.83; P < 0.01) and 72 h (uNDFom72; R2 = 0.83; P < 0.01). Likewise, ME content of DDGS increased as uNDFom72 decreased (R2 = 0.59; P < 0.01). The best-fit DE equation was DE (kcal/kg DM) = 2,175 – 3.07 × uNDFom8 (g/kg, DM) – 1.50 × uNDFom72 (g/kg, DM) + 0.55 × GE (kcal/kg DM) (R2 = 0.94, SE = 36.21). The best-fit ME equation was ME (kcal/kg DM) = 1,643 – 2.31 × uNDFom8 (g/kg, DM) – 2.54 × uNDFom72 (g/kg, DM) + 0.65 × GE (kcal/kg DM) – 1.42 × crude protein (g/kg DM) (R2 = 0.94, SE = 39.21). These results indicate that in vitro unfermented fiber is negatively associated with GE and NDF digestibility, and therefore, is a good predictor of DE and ME content in corn-DDGS.
Effect of supplemental threonine above requirement on growth performance of Salmonella typhimurium challenged pigs fed high-fiber diets1
Authors: Wellington Michael O , Agyekum Atta K , Hamonic Kimberley , Htoo John K , Van Kessel Andrew G , Columbus Daniel A
Published: July 2019

It was shown previously that high dietary fiber (DF) and immune system stimulation (ISS) with systemic Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide independently increased the threonine (Thr) requirement to maximize growth performance and protein deposition (PD). However, no additive effects on the Thr requirement were observed when both DF and ISS were present. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether supplementing Thr to meet previously estimated requirements for high DF and systemic immune challenge would maintain performance of pigs exposed to an enteric immune challenge when fed high DF. A total of 128 pigs (22.6 ± SD = 1.6 kg initial BW) were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (n = 8 pens/treatment and 4 pigs/pen) for 28 d. Treatments were a low-fiber (LF; 13% total DF) or high-fiber (HF; 20% total DF) diet with either a standard (STD; 0.65% SID) or supplemental (SUP; 0.78% SID) Thr level. After a 7-d adaptation, pigs were orally inoculated with 2 mL (2.3 × 109 CFU/mL) of Salmonella typhimurium (ST). Blood samples and rectal swabs were obtained and rectal temperature recorded to determine clinical responses and ST shedding. On day 7 postinoculation, 1 pig/pen was euthanized and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and digesta (ileum, cecum, and colon) were sampled to assess ST colonization and translocation. Body weight and feed intake were recorded on day 0, 7, and 21 postinoculation to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Rectal temperature increased (P < 0.05) 24 h postinoculation and remained elevated at day 6. Serum albumin concentration decreased (P < 0.05), whereas haptoglobin concentration increased (P < 0.05) postinoculation. There was no fiber or Thr effect (P > 0.05) on ST counts in the ileum and cecum, but a fiber × Thr interaction (P < 0.05) was observed in the colon. Supplemental Thr improved (P < 0.05) growth performance in LF- and HF-fed challenged pigs. However, performance of supplemented HF challenged pigs was less than (P < 0.05) supplemented LF challenged pigs. These results suggest that Thr supplemented to meet requirements for high DF and systemic immune challenge was not sufficient to maintain growth performance of pigs fed HF diets and challenged with an enteric pathogen.
A Review of Adjunctive Therapies for Burn Injury Pain During the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Kim Daniel E , Pruskowski Kaitlin A , Ainsworth Craig R , Linsenbardt Hans R , Rizzo Julie A , Cancio Leopoldo C
Published: July 2019

Opioids are the mainstay of pain management after burn injury. The United States currently faces an epidemic of opioid overuse and abuse, while simultaneously experiencing a nationwide shortage of intravenous narcotics. Adjunctive pain management therapies must be sought and utilized to reduce the use of opioids in burn care to prevent the long-term negative effects of these medications and to minimize the dependence on opioids for analgesia. The purpose of this review was to identify literature on adjunctive pain management therapies that have been demonstrated to reduce pain severity or opioid consumption in adult burn patients. Three databases were searched for prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews that evaluated adjunctive pain management strategies published between 2008 and 2019 in adult burn patients. Forty-six studies were analyzed, including 24 randomized controlled trials, six crossover trials, and 10 systematic reviews. Various adjunctive pain management therapies showed statistically significant reduction in pain severity. Only one randomized controlled trial on music therapy for acute background pain showed a reduction in opioid use. One cohort study on hypnosis demonstrated reduced opioid use compared with historical controls. We recommend the development of individualized analgesic regimens with the incorporation of adjunctive therapies in order to improve burn pain management in the midst of an abuse crisis and concomitant national opioid shortage.
Artificial Corn-Based Diet for Rearing Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Pinto José Ricardo Lima , Torres Aline Finotti , Truzi Caio Cesar , Vieira Natalia Fernanda , Vacari Alessandra Marieli , De Bortoli Sergio Antonio
Published: July 2019

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) is considered a key pest of maize. However, the artificial diets used for rearing this insect in the laboratory do not contain corn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biology and to compare the food consumption by S. frugiperda, as well as the food preference of the larvae in the standard diet and the corn-based diet. Three of the following diets were evaluated: a standard diet based on beans (D1), a diet with corn flour as substitute for wheat germ (D2), and a diet replacing beans with green corn (D3). The biological parameters evaluated were period and survival of larvae and pupae; weight of male and female pupae; sex ratio; fecundity; egg incubation period; and adult longevity. The nutritional indices were determined and the biological data obtained were used to determine the parameters of fertility life tables; we also performed a multiple-choice test (feeding test). Larval development of S. frugiperda occurred in all three diets, although without oviposition by females developed from larval fed on D2. There was no difference among the diets in relation to the fertility life table parameters. The diet D2 resulted in better ingestion, digestion, assimilation, and conversion of food, but was associated with a metabolic cost to assimilate the food. Using a multiple-choice test, we observed that the larvae preferred diet D2. Based on our results, the most adequate diets for rearing S. frugiperda in the laboratory are D1 and D3.
Prognostic value of the expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecules in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated by definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Murakami Naoya , Mori Taisuke , Nakamura Satoshi , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Honma Yoshitaka , Ueno Takao , Kobayashi Kenya , Kashihara Tairo , Takahashi Kana , Inaba Koji , Okuma Kae , Igaki Hiroshi , Nakayama Yuko , Itami Jun
Published: July 2019

A reliable biomarker can contribute to appropriate treatment selection in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recently, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) was shown to have prognostic features in several malignancies. However, it remains to be elucidated whether EpCAM predicts prognosis of HNSCC after radiotherapy. Therefore, the prognostic potential of EpCAM in HNSCC patients treated by radiotherapy was investigated in this study. All HNSCCs patients examined between January 2013 and December 2015 were analyzed for the expression of EpCAM. One hundred HNSCC patients were identified who were treated by primary radiotherapy. Intense expression of EpCAM was found in 29 HNSCC patients. Two-year overall survival (OS) for patients with intense EpCAM expression was 62.2%, whereas it was 87.9% for those without (P = 0.011). In multivariate analysis, intense EpCAM expression was found to be an independent prognostic factors for OS (P = 0.036). Overall, EpCAM was found to be an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC.
Quantum mechanical study of the high-temperature H+ + HD → D+ + H2 reaction for the primordial universe chemistry
Authors: Lepers Maxence , Guillon Grégoire , Honvault Pascal
Published: July 2019

We use the time-independent quantum-mechanical formulation of reactive collisions in order to investigate the state-to-state H+ + HD → D+ + H2 chemical reaction. We compute cross-sections for collision energies up to 1.8 eV and rate coefficients for temperatures up to 10 000 K. We consider HD in the lowest vibrational level v = 0 and rotational levels j = 0–6, and H2 in vibrational levels v′ = 0–3 and rotational levels j′ = 0–9. For temperatures below 4000 K, the rate coefficients strongly vary with the initial rotational level j, depending on whether the reaction is endothermic (j ≤ 2) or exothermic (j ≥ 3). The reaction is also found less and less probable as the final vibrational quantum number v′ increases. Our results illustrate the importance of studying state-to-state reactions, in the context of the chemistry of the primordial universe.
Correlated timing noise and high-precision pulsar timing: measuring frequency second derivatives as an example
Authors: Liu X J , Keith M J , Bassa C G , Stappers B W
Published: July 2019

We investigate the impact of noise processes on high-precision pulsar timing. Our analysis focuses on the measurability of the second spin frequency derivative $\ddot{\nu }$. This $\ddot{\nu }$ can be induced by several factors including the radial velocity of a pulsar. We use Bayesian methods to model the pulsar times-of-arrival in the presence of red timing noise and dispersion measure variations, modelling the noise processes as power laws. Using simulated times-of-arrival that both include red noise, dispersion measure variations, and non-zero $\ddot{\nu }$ values, we find that we are able to recover the injected $\ddot{\nu }$, even when the noise model used to inject and recover the input parameters are different. Using simulations, we show that the measurement uncertainty on $\ddot{\nu }$ decreases with the timing baseline T as Tγ, where γ = −7/2 + α/2 for power-law noise models with shallow power-law indices α (0 < α < 4). For steep power-law indices (α > 8), the measurement uncertainty reduces with T−1/2. We applied this method to times-of-arrival from the European Pulsar Timing Array and the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array and determined $\ddot{\nu }$ probability density functions for 49  millisecond pulsars. We find a statistically significant $\ddot{\nu }$ value for PSR B1937+21 and consider possible options for its origin. Significant (95 per cent C.L.) values for $\ddot{\nu }$ are also measured for PSRs J0621+1002 and J1022+1001, thus future studies should consider including it in their ephemerides. For binary pulsars with small orbital eccentricities, such as PSR J1909−3744, extended ELL1 models should be used to overcome computational issues. The impacts of our results on the detection of gravitational waves are also discussed.
Formation of hydrogen in the early universe: quasi-molecular mechanism of recombination
Authors: Kereselidze Tamaz , Noselidze Irakli , Ogilvie John F
Published: July 2019

The recombination of an electron and a proton is assumed to occur in the presence of another proton, which participates in the process. The system of colliding particles is considered as a quasi-molecule temporarily formed during a collision. This model is employed to treat the formation of atomic hydrogen in the pre-recombination period of evolution of the early universe. According to a quasi-molecular mechanism of recombination, two processes are responsible for the formation of hydrogen in the early universe – a radiative transition of an electron to an excited repulsive state of $\mathrm{ H}_2^ + $ with a subsequent dissociation into a hydrogen atom and a proton, and a radiative transition of an electron to an excited attractive state of $\mathrm{ H}_2^ + $ with a subsequent cascade downward to a low-lying repulsive state. The participation of the nearest neighbouring proton in the process is shown to decrease the probability of recombination on an isolated proton.
Radio emission from accreting isolated black holes in our galaxy
Authors: Tsuna Daichi , Kawanaka Norita
Published: July 2019

Apart from the few tens of stellar-mass black holes discovered in binary systems, an order of 108 isolated black holes (IBHs) are believed to be lurking in our Galaxy. Although some IBHs are able to accrete matter from the interstellar medium, the accretion flow is usually weak and thus radiatively inefficient, which results in significant material outflow. We study electron acceleration generated by the shock formed between this outflow and the surrounding material, and the subsequent radio synchrotron emission from accelerated electrons. By numerically calculating orbits of IBHs to obtain their spatial and velocity distributions, we estimate the number of IBHs detectable by surveys using SKA1-mid (SKA2) as ∼30 (∼700) for the most optimistic case. The SKA’s parallax measurements may accurately give their distances, possibly shedding light on the properties of the black holes in our Galaxy.
Are stellar-mass black-hole binaries too quiet for LISA?
Authors: Moore Christopher J , Gerosa Davide , Klein Antoine
Published: July 2019

The progenitors of the high-mass black-hole mergers observed by LIGO and Virgo are potential LISA sources and promising candidates for multiband GW observations. In this letter, we consider the minimum signal-to-noise ratio these sources must have to be detected by LISA bearing in mind the long duration and complexity of the signals. Our revised threshold of ρthr ∼ 15 is higher than previous estimates, which significantly reduces the expected number of events. We also point out the importance of the detector performance at high frequencies and the duration of the LISA mission, which both influence the event rate substantially.
Functional interplay between DEAD-box RNA helicases Ded1 and Dbp1 in preinitiation complex attachment and scanning on structured mRNAs in vivo
Authors: Sen Neelam Dabas , Gupta Neha , K. Archer Stuart , Preiss Thomas , Lorsch Jon R , Hinnebusch Alan G
Published: July 2019

RNA structures that impede ribosome binding or subsequent scanning of the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) for the AUG initiation codon reduce translation efficiency. Yeast DEAD-box RNA helicase Ded1 appears to promote translation by resolving 5′-UTR structures, but whether its paralog, Dbp1, performs similar functions is unknown. Furthermore, direct in vivo evidence was lacking that Ded1 or Dbp1 resolves 5′-UTR structures that impede attachment of the 43S preinitiation complex (PIC) or scanning. Here, profiling of translating 80S ribosomes reveals that the translational efficiencies of many more mRNAs are reduced in a ded1-ts dbp1Δ double mutant versus either single mutant, becoming highly dependent on Dbp1 or Ded1 only when the other helicase is impaired. Such ‘conditionally hyperdependent’ mRNAs contain unusually long 5′-UTRs with heightened propensity for secondary structure and longer transcript lengths. Consistently, overexpressing Dbp1 in ded1 cells improves the translation of many such Ded1-hyperdependent mRNAs. Importantly, Dbp1 mimics Ded1 in conferring greater acceleration of 48S PIC assembly in a purified system on mRNAs harboring structured 5′-UTRs. Profiling 40S initiation complexes in ded1 and dbp1 mutants provides direct evidence that Ded1 and Dbp1 cooperate to stimulate both PIC attachment and scanning on many Ded1/Dbp1-hyperdependent mRNAs in vivo.
Single-Cell Signature Explorer for comprehensive visualization of single cell signatures across scRNA-seq datasets
Authors: Pont Frédéric , Tosolini Marie , Fournié Jean J
Published: July 2019

The momentum of scRNA-seq datasets prompts for simple and powerful tools exploring their meaningful signatures. Here we present Single-Cell_Signature_Explorer (https://sites.google.com/site/fredsoftwares/products/single-cell-signature-explorer), the first method for qualitative and high-throughput scoring of any gene set-based signature at the single cell level and its visualization using t-SNE or UMAP. By scanning datasets for single or combined signatures, it rapidly maps any multi-gene feature, exemplified here with signatures of cell lineages, biological hallmarks and metabolic pathways in large scRNAseq datasets of human PBMC, melanoma, lung cancer and adult testis.
Initiation of sodium polystyrene sulphonate and the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events in advanced chronic kidney disease: a nationwide study
Authors: Laureati Paola , Xu Yang , Trevisan Marco , Schalin Lovisa , Mariani Illaria , Bellocco Rino , Sood Manish M , Barany Peter , Sjölander Arvid , Evans Marie , Carrero Juan J
Published: July 2019

Background

Despite long-standing clinical use of sodium polystyrene sulphonate (SPS) for hyperkalaemia management in chronic kidney disease (CKD), its safety profile remains poorly investigated.

Methods

We undertook an observational analysis of nephrology-referred adults with incident CKD Stage 4+ in Sweden during 2006–16 and with no previous SPS use. We studied patterns of use and adverse events associated to SPS initiation during follow-up. Patterns of SPS use were defined by chronicity of treatment and by prescribed dose. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with SPS initiation (time-varying exposure) for the risk of severe (intestinal ischaemia, thrombosis or ulceration/perforation) and minor (de novo dispensation of laxatives or anti-diarrheal drugs) gastrointestinal (GI) events.

Results

Of 19 530 SPS-naïve patients with CKD, 3690 initiated SPS during follow-up. A total of 59% took SPS chronically, with an average of three dispensations/year. The majority (85%) were prescribed lower dosages than specified on the product label. During follow-up, 202 severe and 1149 minor GI events were recorded. SPS initiation was associated with a higher incidence of severe adverse events [adjusted HR 1.25 95% CI 1.05–1.49)], particularly in those receiving per label doses [1.54 (1.09–2.17)] and mainly attributed to ulcers and perforations. SPS initiation was also associated with higher incidence of minor GI events [adjusted HR 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.19)], regardless of dose, and mainly accounted for by de novo dispensation of laxatives.

Conclusions

Initiation of SPS in patients with advanced CKD is associated with a higher risk of severe GI complications as well as the initiation of GI-related medications, particularly when prescribed at per label doses.
Are banks using leverage to target return on equity? Evidence from the US and the EU
Authors: Pagratis Spyros , Karakatsani Eleni , Louri Helen
Published: July 2019

We find evidence that banks actively use leverage to attain RoE targets and that leverage adjustments are primarily driven by capital distributions to shareholders. Using a large group of publicly-traded commercial banks from the US and the EU for the period 2001–2013, we demonstrate that this effect particularly holds for large banks before the crisis. Such behaviour may have led banks to enter the crisis with insufficient capital buffers to absorb losses, requiring unprecedented support by the public sector to maintain their solvency. Therefore, recent policies restricting the use of RoE as a metric in remuneration schemes and introducing constraints to capital distributions unless banks maintain certain buffers above the regulatory minimum, are in the right direction.
A rare case of an isolated aneurysmal supravalvar mitral ring in a young Nigerian adult: a cor-triatriatum mimic
Authors: Kushimo Oyewole A , Sokunbi Ogochukwu , Akinkunmi Michael , Akinbolagbe Yeside O
Published: July 2019

Supravalvar mitral ring is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by a ridge of connective tissue located above the mitral valve. It is a cause of congenital mitral stenosis typically presenting in childhood and usually associated with other cardiac abnormalities. We report the rare case of a 24-year-old male presenting with an isolated aneurysmal supravalvar mitral ring. He presented at the emergency room with a 2-week history of worsening heart failure symptoms and antecedent effort intolerance of 4 years duration. He was referred from a primary care facility with an echo diagnosis of cor-triatriatum. Echocardiography done at our centre revealed an isolated aneurysmal supravalvar mitral ring of the intramitral variant. This report highlights the unusual isolated presentation of a supravalvar mitral ring in a young adult and the need to carefully differentiate it from cor-triatriatum, a possible close mimic.
Metachronous pleuropulmonary blastoma in an adult patient with endometrial cancer: a case report
Authors: Bhalerao Sagar , Adhav Aditya , Gandhe Sucheta , Nagarkar Rajnish
Published: July 2019

Pulmonary blastoma is a rare form of lung cancer with a reported incidence of 0.25–0.55 of primary pulmonary cancers. Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a common finding in children while it is rarely found in adults. In the past few years, the incidence of a second primary tumour has increased to 3.5% followed by third primary tumour at 0.5% and fourth tumour at 0.3%. The clinical significance of diagnosing and distinguishing a secondary primary tumour is often challenging. As per our knowledge, this is the first case of metachronous PPB in an adult patient previously diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Iron oxide nanoparticles promote vascular endothelial cells survival from oxidative stress by enhancement of autophagy
Authors: Duan Jimei , Du Jiuju , Jin Rongrong , Zhu Wencheng , Liu Li , Yang Li , Li Mengye , Gong Qiyong , Song Bin , Anderson James M , Ai Hua
Published: July 2019

Dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Dex-SPIONs) are excellent magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for disease diagnosis and therapy. They can be delivered to target tissues mainly though vascular endothelium cells, which are major targets of oxidative stress. In cardiovascular cells, autophagy serves primarily on a pro-survival approach that protects the cells from oxidative stress even some autophagy inducers have been developed for adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular disorders. Our study demonstrated that the nanoparticles could be taken up by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) without causing obvious cytotoxicity but triggering autophagy. Furthermore, our results revealed that Dex-SPIONs could enhance HUVECs survival and reverse the reduction of nitric oxide secretion under the condition of H2O2 damage. However, these effects could be diminished by the autophagy inhibitor. In particular, we discovered that Dex-SPIONs evoked autophagy in HUVECs by reducing the phosphorylation of PRAS40, an upstream regulator of autophagy initiation. These results suggested that Dex-SPIONs functions as an autophagic-related antioxidant in HUVECs which may be utilized as an adjuvant therapy to cardiovascular disease associated with oxidative stress.