bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prey composition impacts lipid and protein digestibility in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)
Authors: Diaz Gomez Mariana , Rosen David A.S. , Forster Ian P. , Trites Andrew W.
Published: September 2020

Pinnipeds have specific macronutrient (protein, lipid) requirements to satisfy physiological functions, yet little is known about how diet characteristics affect macronutrient digestibility. We measured relative and absolute lipid and protein digestibility in six female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus (Linnaeus, 1758)) fed eight experimental diets composed variously of four prey species (Pacific herring, Clupea pallasii Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1847; walleye pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus Pallas, 1814 (formerly Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas, 1814)); capelin, Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776); magister armhook squid, Berryteuthis magister (Berry, 1913)). We quantified how digestibility was affected by proximate composition of the diet (% lipid or % protein), levels of food mass and macronutrient intake, and tested for any potential benefit of multi-species diets. Overall, digestibility of both protein and lipid were high across diets, although macronutrient retention of lipids (96.0%–98.4%) was significantly higher than protein (95.7%–96.7%) for all but the two highest protein diets. Increased levels of protein intake resulted in increased protein retention, but decreased lipid digestibility. There was no evidence that mixed-species diets provide greater macronutrient digestibility over single-species diets. The results suggest that high to moderate lipid diets are more beneficial to northern fur seals because they lead to increased levels of lipid retention without large decreases in protein digestibility. This raises concerns that dietary factors may be contributing to the population declines of northern fur seals in the Bering Sea.
Transcriptome-wide identification, characterization, and phylogenomic analysis of cytochrome P450s from Nothapodytes nimmoniana reveal candidate genes involved in the camptothecin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Godbole Rucha C. , Pable Anupama A. , Barvkar Vitthal T.
Published: September 2020

The plant Nothapodytes nimmoniana is an important source of camptothecin (CPT), an anticancer compound widely used in the treatment of colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancers. CPT is biosynthesized by the combination of the seco-iridoid and indole pathways in plants. The majority of the biosynthetic steps and associated genes still remain unknown. Certain reactions in the seco-iridoid pathway are catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Hence, identifying transcriptionally active cytochrome P450 genes becomes essential in the elucidation of the CPT biosynthetic pathway. Here, we report the identification of 94 cytochrome P450s from the assembled transcriptomic data from leaf and root tissues of N. nimmoniana. The identified cytochrome P450 genes were full length and possessed all four conserved characteristic signature motifs of cytochrome P450 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the protein sequences revealed their evolution and diversification and further categorized them into A-type (52.12%) and non-A-type (47.87%) cytochrome P450s. These 94 sequences represent 38 families and 63 subfamilies of cytochrome P450s. We also compared the transcriptional activity of identified cytochrome P450s with the expression of their homologs in the CPT-producing plant Ophiorrhiza pumila. Based on expression profiles and quantitative PCR validation, we propose NnCYP81CB1 and NnCYP89R1 as candidate cytochrome P450 genes involved in camptothecin biosynthesis in N. nimmoniana.
Temperature diagnostics of Sulfur III plasma using collision-excitation model
Authors: He Jian , Zhen Zhiqiang
Published: September 2020

For accurate electron temperature diagnostics, the collision-excitation model is used for Sulfur plasma. Using the calculated Maxwellian average collision strengths at 1000 K, we calculate the electron temperature using the 3s23p2[Formula: see text]D1–3s23p2[Formula: see text]P3, 3s23p2[Formula: see text]S1–3s23p2[Formula: see text]D1 and 3s23p2[Formula: see text]S1–3s23p2[Formula: see text]P3 transitions of Sulfur III. Results show that when the line ratio of 3s23p2[Formula: see text]S1–3s23p2[Formula: see text]D1 and 3s23p2[Formula: see text]D1–3s23p2[Formula: see text]P3 transitions varies from 0.43 to 1, the electron temperature will vary from 0 to [Formula: see text] K, and the electron temperature will decrease with increasing line ratio. This discussion will be important for electron temperature diagnostics of plasma.
Generating coexisting attractors from a new four-dimensional chaotic system
Authors: Hu Yan-Mei , Lai Bang-Cheng
Published: September 2020

This paper introduces a new four-dimensional chaotic system with a unique unstable equilibrium and multiple coexisting attractors. The dynamic evolution analysis shows that the system concurrently generates two symmetric chaotic attractors for fixed parameter values. Based on this system, an effective method is established to construct an infinite number of coexisting chaotic attractors. It shows that the introduction of some non-linear functions with multiple zeros can increase the equilibria and inspire the generation of coexisting attractor of the system. Numerical simulations verify the availability of the method.
Design and Development of an Innovative Barrier Layer to Mitigate Crossover in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Cecchetti Marco , Ebaugh Thomas Allen , Yu Haoran , Bonville Leonard , Gambaro Chiara , Meda Laura , Maric Radenka , Casalegno Andrea , Zago Matteo
Published: September 2020

Capacity loss induced by the undesired transport of vanadium ions across the ion-exchange membrane (i.e. crossover) is one of the most critical issues associated with vanadium redox flow batteries. This work reports on the manufacturing and testing of an innovative barrier layer to mitigate crossover. The barrier layer conceptual design is described in detail in the patent application WO 2019/197917. The barrier was deposited directly onto Nafion® 212 using the Reactive Spray Deposition Technology, in which carbon-rich particles (∼4–10 nm in diameter) formed in the flame were deposited simultaneously with a mixture of 1100EW Nafion® and Vulcan® XC-72R (∼40 nm diameter) that was sprayed from air-assisted secondary nozzles. During cycles at fixed capacity, the presence of the barrier layer significantly reduced battery self-discharge; the average variation of battery state of charge compared to a reference cell with Nafion® 115 was reduced from 21% to 7%. Moreover, battery energy efficiency was increased by nearly 5%, indicating that the barrier layer does not significantly hinder proton transport. During cycles at 50 mA cm−2 with fixed cut-off voltages, the barrier layer exhibited stable operation, maintaining a coulombic efficiency around 99.4%. Additionally, the use of the barrier layer projects to a 30% reduction of stack-specific cost.
Metallo‐Beta‐Lactamase‐Producing Acinetobacter spp. from Clinical Isolates at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Olu-Taiwo Michael A. , Opintan Japheth A. , Codjoe Francis Samuel , Obeng Forson Akua
Published: September 2020

Metallo‐beta‐lactamase‐producing Acinetobacter spp. is a major challenge for therapeutic treatment of nosocomial infections. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of MBL‐producing Acinetobacter spp. among 87 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, between August 2014 and July 2015. Acinetobacter spp. was identified by standard bacteriological method, and resistance to different antibiotics was assessed with the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Meropenem‐resistant Acinetobacter isolates were screened for enzyme activity using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and combined disc test (CDT). Additionally, multiplex PCR was used to determine MBL genes presence (blaVIM,blaIMP, and blaNDM). All Acinetobacter isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (90.8%), ceftazidime (75.9%), cotrimoxazole (70.1%), ciprofloxacin (64.4%), gentamicin (72.4%), levofloxacin (67.8%), and meropenem (59.8%). A total of 54 (62.1%) of Acinetobacter isolates were multidrug‐resistant. Out of 52 (59.8%) meropenem‐resistant Acinetobacter, 3 (5.8%) were carbapenemase producers by MHT, whilst, 23 (44.2%) were CDT positive. There was no significant difference between the resistance pattern of amikacin, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem amongst CDT‐positive and CDT‐negative isolates (p > 0.05). A total of 7/87 (8.1%) CDT‐positive Acinetobacter isolates harboured blaNDM; of these, 4 (57.1%) were from wound swabs, urine (n = 2) (28.6%), and ear swab (n = 1) (14.3%). The study revealed that less than 9% of Acinetobacter spp. contained blaNDM encoding genes. Strict antibiotics usage plan and infection control measures are required to prevent the spread of these resistance genes.
The Free Radical Scavenging and Anti‐Isolated Human LDL Oxidation Activities of Pluchea indica (L.) Less. Tea Compared to Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Sirichaiwetchakoon Kittipot , Lowe Gordon Matthew , Eumkeb Griangsak
Published: September 2020

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Camellia sinensis tea (CST) or green tea is widely regarded as a potent antioxidant. In Thailand, Pluchea indica (L.) Less. tea (PIT) has been commercially available as a health‐promoting drink. This study focused on free radical scavenging activities of PIT, and its ability to protect isolated human low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) from oxidation by chemical agents. A preliminary study to investigate the antioxidant nature of PIT was undertaken. These included common antioxidant assays involving 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and its potential to scavenge peroxynitrite. In separated experiments, isolated human LDL was challenged with either 2,2 ′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), copper (Cu2+), or 3‐Morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN‐1) to induce LDL oxidation. PIT exhibited antioxidant activity in all test systems and performed significantly better than CST in both DPPH (P < 0.05; IC50PIT = 245.85 ± 15.83 and CST = 315.41 ± 24.18 μg/ml) and peroxynitrite scavenging assays. PIT at 75 μg/ml almost fully prevented the peroxynitrite over a 5 h period. Moreover, it displayed similar properties to CST during the antioxidation of isolated human LDL using AAPH, Cu2+, SIN‐1, and hypochlorous acid scavenging assays. However, it revealed a significantly lower ABTS scavenging activity than CST (P < 0.05; IC50PIT = 30.47 ± 2.20 and CST = 21.59 ± 0.67 μg/ml). The main constituents of the PIT were identified using LC‐MS/MS. It contained 4‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid (4‐CQ), 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid (5‐CQ), 3,4‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4‐CQ), 3,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5‐CQ), and 4,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5‐CQ). In conclusion, caffeoyl derivatives in PIT could play an important role in potent antioxidant properties. So, it may be further developed to be antioxidant beverages for preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Cistanches deserticola PhG‐RE through Inhibiting ERS Apoptosis Mechanism to Protect Myocardial Cell Apoptosis from H2O2‐Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Lan Tianwei , Yu Qian
Published: September 2020

The herb Cistanche deserticola has some myocardial protective effects. This study attempted to explain the mechanism by which PhG‐RE protects myocardial cells and verify if this protection occurs through regulating the apoptosis mechanism associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Rat myocardial cells were exposed to 150 μg·mL−1 PhG‐RE for 24 h and then to 100 μmol·mL−1 H2O2 for 18 h to induce ERS and establish a cell damage model. Thapsigargin (TG), a specific ERS activator, and 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA), an ERS inhibitor, were used to validate the accuracy of the experiment. Our results demonstrated that PhG‐RE significantly improved cell viability, protected cells, and reduced cell damage and apoptosis. PhG‐RE played a role similar to that of the ERS inhibitor 4‐PBA in protecting myocardial cells against apoptosis and damage induced by ER stress. Furthermore, PhG‐RE significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of the ERS‐associated apoptotic factors GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase‐12 and the protein expression of the ERS‐associated apoptotic factors GRP78, CHOP, Caspase‐12, and p‐JNK. Taken together, these findings suggest that PhG‐RE can effectively protect myocardial cells and reduce cell apoptosis and damage, which may be related to the regulation of ERS‐associated apoptosis.
Bond Behavior between BFRP Rebar and Seawater Sea Sand Concrete
Authors: Wu Chao , Meng Bing-Chen , Cheng Xianfeng , Korayem Asghar Habibnejad , Tam Lik-Ho
Published: September 2020

Seawater sea sand concrete (SWSSC) is a promising alternative to ordinary concrete in terms of saving valuable natural resources of freshwater and river sand. Basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebars can be a good solution to corrosion of steel rebars in SWSSC. This paper presents an experimental study on the bond behavior between SWSSC and BFRP rebars through pullout testing. Concrete mixed with freshwater and river sand was also prepared for comparison with SWSSC. BFRP rebars with two different surface configurations were selected, that is, ribbed surface and sand‐coated surface. Fly ash as a replacement of cement was also investigated in terms of its effect on bond behavior. Failure modes, bond‐slip relationships, and bond strengths were reported and discussed in terms of the previously mentioned parameters. It was found that ribbed surface of BFRP rebar could achieve better mechanical interlocking with surrounding concrete. SWSSC could have comparative bond strength with BFRP rebar compared with ordinary concrete. However, using fly ash to replace cement is not recommended because it would significantly reduce concrete strength leading to much lower bond at the interface between SWSSC and BFRP rebar.
Meckel Diverticulum Causing Intestinal Volvulus
Authors: Musteata Liviu , Geraldo Raouf Fayisall , Ndasu Matendo Hugues , Reitz Aurélie , Krasovski Valériu , Nitu Valentin , Gastaud Thierry , Cattan Fabrice
Published: September 2020

Intestinal volvulus is rare and responsible for upper bowel obstruction. They occur more frequently in a patient with abdominal surgery history. We report a case of small intestine volvulus on Meckel diverticulum, which occurred in a 21-year-old patient, with no history of laparotomy. The diagnosis confirmation was intraoperative, and the management consisted in a segmental resection of the small intestine with immediate anastomosis. The postoperative follow-up was good. This case underlines the scarcity and the severity of this presentation which therefore requires appropriate care in order to improve the prognosis.
EZH2-Targeted Therapies in Cancer: Hype or a Reality
Authors: Eich Marie-Lisa , Athar Mohammad , Ferguson James E. , Varambally Sooryanarayana
Published: September 2020

Next-generation genomic sequencing has identified multiple novel molecular alterations in cancer. Since the identification of DNA methylation and histone modification, it has become evident that genes encoding epigenetic modifiers that locally and globally regulate gene expression play a crucial role in normal development and cancer progression. The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the enzymatic catalytic subunit of the polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that can alter gene expression by trimethylating lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27). EZH2 is involved in global transcriptional repression, mainly targeting tumor-suppressor genes. EZH2 is commonly overexpressed in cancer and shows activating mutations in subtypes of lymphoma. Extensive studies have uncovered an important role for EZH2 in cancer progression and have suggested that it may be a useful therapeutic target. In addition, tumors harboring mutations in other epigenetic genes such as ARID1A, KDM6, and BAP1 are highly sensitive to EZH2 inhibition, thus increasing its potential as a therapeutic target. Recent studies also suggest that inhibition of EZH2 enhances the response to tumor immunotherapy. Many small-molecule inhibitors have been developed to target EZH2 or the PRC2 complex, with some of these inhibitors now in early clinical trials reporting clinical responses with acceptable tolerability. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in targeting EZH2, its successes, and potential limitations, and we discuss the future directions of this therapeutic subclass.
Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis in a Patient with Bilateral Scleritis: Medical and Surgical Management
Authors: Artaechevarria Artieda June , Estébanez-Corrales Nuria , Sánchez-Pernaute Olga , Alejandre-Alba Nicolás
Published: September 2020

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a group of corneal disorders that cause peripheral corneal thinning, threatening globe integrity in advance stages. It is usually associated with systemic autoimmune diseases and management is based on local and systemic approaches. We present the case of a 47-year-old man with a previous history of bacterial keratitis in his left eye presenting with 1 month of bilateral ocular pain and redness. At examination, diffuse bilateral globe inflammation with paracentral corneal thinning in his left eye was observed. He was diagnosed with bilateral scleritis and PUK in his left eye. Workup for associated systemic autoimmune disease yielded negative results. The patient was started on pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone failing to achieve sufficient control of the inflammatory syndrome. Subsequently, periodic intravenous cyclophosphamide was administered with a favorable response. A multilayer amniotic membrane graft was applied, but there was rapid melting with reabsorption of the tissue, resulting in extreme corneal thinning at the inferior paracentral cornea. A decentered 8.5-mm superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty (SALK) was then performed obtaining the donor graft with a femtosecond laser but performing manual trepanation in the recipient. At 12 months, visual and biomicroscopic measures do not show deterioration and inflammation remains under control with oral azathioprine as maintenance regime. The management of PUK includes both systemic immunosuppression and tectonic procedures to preserve the globe integrity. Diverse surgical techniques have been attempted, but no definitive guidelines are available. Decentered large SALK is a simple technique that can yield acceptable visual results.
Effects of Cognitive Functioning and Education on Later-Life Health Numeracy
Authors: Zamarian Laura , Lenhart Lukas , Nagele Melanie , Steiger Ruth , Gizewski Elke Ruth , Benke Thomas , Scherfler Christoph , Delazer Margarete
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Previous studies have shown an association between a high health numeracy and good cognitive functioning. Objective: To investigate the moderation effect of education on this relationship and which brain structures support health numeracy. Methods: We examined 70 healthy older persons (66% females; mean ± SD: age, 75.73 ± 4.52 years; education, 12.21 ± 2.94 years). The participants underwent a T1-weighted 3-T MRI and a neuropsychological assessment including a health numeracy task. Statistical parametric mapping was applied to identify focal changes in cortical thickness throughout the entire brain and to correlate image parameters with behavioral measures. Results: Executive functions and mental calculation emerged as predictors of health numeracy (B = 0.22, p < 0.05, and B = 0.38, p < 0.01). An interaction was found between education and executive functions (B = –0.16, p = 0.01) and between education and mental calculation (B = –0.11, p < 0.05). Executive functions and mental calculation had an impact on health numeracy in participants with a low to intermediate edu­cation (≤12 years) but not in those with a higher education (>12 years). Health numeracy scores were associated with cortical thickness in the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the right superior temporal gyrus (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Older people with a higher education perform better in health numeracy tasks than those with a lower education. They have access to previously acquired knowledge about ratio concepts and do not need to rely on executive functions and computational skills. This is highly relevant when decisions about health care have to be made.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Infektion, Autoimmunkrankheit oder beides?
Authors: Makrantonaki Evgenia
Published: September 2020

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) ist eine chronisch entzündliche Hautkrankheit, die vorwiegend an Hautarealen auftritt, die viele apokrine Drüsen aufweisen, unter anderem im axillären, inguinalen, genitalen, und submammären Bereich. Die Prävalenz von HS zeigt eine signifikante Variabilität in epidemiologischen Studien und liegt zwischen 0,03% und 4%. Die Erkrankung tritt häufiger bei Frauen als bei Männern auf, Männer-Frauen Ratio 1:2 bis 1:5. Das durchschnittliche Alter bei Erstmanifestation liegt bei 23 Jahren [1]. Ein Drittel der HS Patienten gibt eine positive Familienanamnese an und die Erkrankung weist einen autosomal-dominanten Erbgang auf. Zu den häufigsten Komorbiditäten der HS gehören unter anderem Morbus Crohn, Colitis ulcerosa, Spondylarthropathie und metabolisches Syndrom [2]. Genetische Prädisposition, endokrinologische Störungen, dysregulierte erworbene Immunität, bakterielle Superinfektion, Rauchen und Adipositas gehören zu den begünstigenden Faktoren [1]. Eine begrenzte Anzahl von Studien hat sich auf die Analyse molekularer Profiländerungen auf Gen- und/oder Proteinebene konzentriert [3, 4]. Die betroffenen Signalwege sind hauptsächlich mit Inflammation assoziiert, einschließlich Zelladhäsion, Diapedese und Extravasation sowie Signal- und Kommunikationswegen für Immunzellen [3]. Im Artikel von Constantinou, Fragoulis und Nikiphorou wird die aktuelle Evidenz zu Verbindungen zwischen HS und Autoimmun- und Infektionskrankheiten mit einem Schwerpunkt auf Epidemiologie und Pathophysiologie untersucht.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals a Crucial Role for CTHRC1 (Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1) Cardiac Fibroblasts After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ruiz-Villalba Adrián , Romero Juan P. , Hernández Silvia C. , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Fortelny Nikolaus , Castro-Labrador Laura , San Martin-Uriz Patxi , Lorenzo-Vivas Erika , García-Olloqui Paula , Palacio Marcel , Gavira Juan José , Bastarrika Gorka , Janssens Stefan , Wu Ming , Iglesias Elena , Abizanda Gloria , de Morentin Xabier Martinez , Lasaga Miren , Planell Nuria , Bock Christoph , Alignani Diego , Medal Gema , Prudovsky Igor , Jin Yong-Ri , Ryzhov Sergey , Yin Haifeng , Pelacho Beatriz , Gomez-Cabrero David , Lindner Volkhard , Lara-Astiaso David , Prósper Felipe
Published: September 2020

Background:

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) have a central role in the ventricular remodeling process associated with different types of fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that fibroblasts do not respond homogeneously to heart injury. Because of the limited set of bona fide fibroblast markers, a proper characterization of fibroblast population heterogeneity in response to cardiac damage is lacking. The purpose of this study was to define CF heterogeneity during ventricular remodeling and the underlying mechanisms that regulate CF function.

Methods:

Collagen1α1–GFP (green fluorescent protein)–positive CFs were characterized after myocardial infarction (MI) by single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and functional assays. Swine and patient samples were studied using bulk RNA sequencing.

Results:

We identified and characterized a unique CF subpopulation that emerges after MI in mice. These activated fibroblasts exhibit a clear profibrotic signature, express high levels of Cthrc1 (collagen triple helix repeat containing 1), and localize into the scar. Noncanonical transforming growth factor–β signaling and different transcription factors including SOX9 are important regulators mediating their response to cardiac injury. Absence of CTHRC1 results in pronounced lethality attributable to ventricular rupture. A population of CFs with a similar transcriptome was identified in a swine model of MI and in heart tissue from patients with MI and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

We report CF heterogeneity and their dynamics during the course of MI and redefine the CFs that respond to cardiac injury and participate in myocardial remodeling. Our study identifies
CTHRC1
as a novel regulator of the healing scar process and a target for future translational studies.
Eicosanoid Inflammatory Mediators Are Robustly Associated With Blood Pressure in the General Population
Authors: Palmu Joonatan , Watrous Jeramie D. , Mercader Kysha , Havulinna Aki S. , Lagerborg Kim A. , Salosensaari Aaro , Inouye Mike , Larson Martin G. , Rong Jian , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Lahti Leo , Andres Allen , Cheng Susan , Jousilahti Pekka , Salomaa Veikko , Jain Mohit , Niiranen Teemu J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Epidemiological and animal studies have associated systemic inflammation with blood pressure (BP). However, the mechanistic factors linking inflammation and BP remain unknown. Fatty acid–derived eicosanoids serve as mediators of inflammation and have been suggested to regulate renal vascular tone, peripheral resistance, renin‐angiotensin system, and endothelial function. We hypothesize that specific proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory eicosanoids are linked with BP.

Methods and Results

We studied a population sample of 8099 FINRISK 2002 participants randomly drawn from the Finnish population register (53% women; mean age, 48±13 years) and, for external validation, a sample of 2859 FHS (Framingham Heart Study) Offspring study participants (55% women; mean age, 66±9 years). Using nontargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we profiled 545 distinct high‐quality eicosanoids and related oxylipin mediators in plasma. Adjusting for conventional hypertension risk factors, we observed 187 (34%) metabolites that were significantly associated with systolic BP (
P
<Bonferroni‐corrected threshold of 0.05/545). We used forward selection linear regression modeling in FINRISK to define a general formula for individual eicosanoid risk score. Individuals of the top risk score quartile in FINRISK had a 9.0 (95% CI, 8.0–10.1) mm Hg higher systolic BP compared with individuals in the lowest quartile in fully adjusted models. Observed metabolite associations were consistent across FINRISK and FHS.

Conclusions

Plasma eicosanoids demonstrate strong associations with BP in the general population. As eicosanoid compounds affect numerous physiological processes that are central to BP regulation, they may offer new insights about the pathogenesis of hypertension, as well as serve as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae After Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Ferro José M. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Jansen Olav , Bendszus Martin , Dentali Francesco , Kobayashi Adam , van der Veen Bas , Miede Corinna , Caria Jorge , Huisman Holger , Diener Hans-Christoph ,   on behalf of the RE-SPECT CVT Study Group
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose:

This analysis examined the frequency of dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF) after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in patients included in a randomized controlled trial comparing dabigatran etexilate with dose-adjusted warfarin (RE-SPECT CVT [A Clinical Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Dabigatran Etexilate With Warfarin in Patients With Cerebral Venous and Dural Sinus Thrombosis]), who had systematic follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods:

RE-SPECT CVT was a Phase 3, prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label, multicenter, exploratory trial with blinded end point adjudication. We allocated patients with acute CVT to dabigatran 150 mg twice daily or dose-adjusted warfarin, for 24 weeks and obtained a standardized MR protocol including time-of-flight MR angiography, 3-dimensional phase-contrast venography, and 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR venography at the end of the treatment period. A blinded adjudication committee assessed the presence of dAVF in a predefined substudy of the trial.

Results:

We analyzed development of dAVF in 112 of 120 randomized patients; 57 allocated to dabigatran and 55 to warfarin. For 3 (2.7%) of these 112 patients, quality of follow-up imaging was insufficient to evaluate dAVF. A dAVF (Borden I) was found in 1 patient (0.9%) allocated to warfarin; however, this dAVF was already present at baseline. The patient did not present with hemorrhage at baseline or during the trial and was asymptomatic at follow-up.

Conclusions:

Despite systematic imaging, we found no new dAVF 6 months after CVT. Routine follow-up cerebral MR angiography aiming to detect new dAVF 6 months after CVT has a very low yield.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02913326.
… If You Can Turn to God, You Can Turn to Anyone!
Authors: Anić Jadranka Rebeka , Šikić-Mićanović Lynette
Published: September 2020

Recent empirical studies demonstrate that faith is a resource that can contribute to personal resilience in difficult life events. Since few studies have focused on how women draw on their faith to cope with homelessness and associated life stressors, this study is an attempt to fill this gap. By examining women’s accounts of experience with homelessness and homeless shelters in Croatia, we explore the role of faith in their lives. Using qualitative methods, to explore the meanings homeless women attribute to their experiences of faith, we discuss whether these experiences buffer stress and facilitate coping with adversity. It is recommended that future studies should further explore homeless people’s expressions of faith to gain insight into the scope, depth and diversity of these resources.
Cardiac Findings in Pediatric Patients With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With COVID-19
Authors: Minocha Prashant K. , Phoon Colin K. L. , Verma Sourabh , Singh Rakesh K.
Published: September 2020

Background

The overall severity of cardiac disease secondary to acute SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) infection in children appears to be much lower when compared with adults. However, the newly described multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with cardiac complications.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical course and cardiac testing results in pediatric patients hospitalized with MIS-C at 2 large hospital systems in the New York City metropolitan area over a 3-month period.

Results

Of the 33 patients (median age 2.8 years) in the study cohort, 24 (73%) had at least one abnormality in cardiac testing: abnormal electrocardiogram (48%), elevated brain natriuretic peptide (43%), abnormal echocardiogram (30%), and/or elevated troponin (21%). Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram abnormalities all resolved by the 2-week outpatient follow-up cardiology visit.

Conclusion

While 73% of pediatric patients with MIS-C had evidence of abnormal cardiac testing on hospital admission in our study, all cardiac testing was normal by outpatient hospital discharge follow-up. Cardiac screening tests should be performed in all patients diagnosed with MIS-C given the high rate of abnormal cardiac findings in our study cohort.
Poly(ether ether ketone)s processed through extrusion-machining and 3D printing: A comparative study on mechanical, thermal and fracture properties at ambient and cryogenic environments
Authors: Karthikeyan Leena , Sudhi Suraj , Bhatt Tushar Shriram , Ganesan Mani , Soumyamol Panthaplackal Bhaskaran , Thankarajan Jayalatha , Cheriyan Suchithra , Mathew Dona
Published: September 2020

Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a very promising engineering thermoplastic material having capability to perform over wide service temperatures from cryogenic to around 300°C. Processing of PEEK is a challenging task, owing to its physical, thermo physical properties and chemical nature. The present paper envisages processing of PEEK by two different techniques viz, 3D printing and extrusion and assessment of properties of respective specimens at 30°C and −196°C. Thermal and mechanical properties and fracture morphological features of PEEK specimen, processed using these techniques are compared. Samples processed by extrusion possessed higher mechanical properties both at 30°C and −196°C. The 3D printed samples, though exhibited inferior strength and modulus, showed significantly higher elongation (150–250%) at 30°C. All samples showed ductile fracture behavior at 30°C. At −196°C, the fracture morphology got transformed in to a pattern typical of brittle materials, as expected. Extruded specimens showed lower thermal expansion coefficient compared to the 3D printed specimens. Thermal expansion characteristics were different in the X, Y and Z directions for 3D printed specimens due to the anisotropy resulting from printing direction which is corroborated by the morphological studies. The results of this investigation enable designing and fabrication of PEEK based structural components of desired geometries for various applications.
Characterization of blood-derived exosomal proteins after exercise
Authors: Xiang Hongkai , Chen Shisheng , Zhou Junhan , Guo Junxiu , Zhou Qingfeng , Zhou Qishuang
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess changes in plasma exosome levels and protein content in mice after long-term exercise.

Methods

We subjected 9-month-old adult C57BL/6J mice to daily treadmill running exercise for 4 weeks prior to the isolation of blood-derived exosomes. Exosomal proteins were identified using mass spectrometry.

Results

Extracellular bodies were successfully isolated from mouse blood. Protein levels were altered in blood-derived exosomes after chronic treadmill exercise. Levels of the secretagogue secretogranin 2 were markedly elevated in exercise-induced exosomes.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that levels of secretogranin 2 were increased in mouse exosomes following chronic treadmill exercise. We conclude that exercise increases exocrine secretion of secretogranin 2.
Geographies of global lifestyle migration: Towards an anticolonial approach
Authors: Emard Kelsey , Nelson Lise
Published: September 2020

This article brings the critiques of anticolonial theorists into conversation with the burgeoning literature on Global North-to-South lifestyle migration – including scholarship employing related terminologies such as residential tourism and amenity migration. Our review synthesizes strengths in this multi-disciplinary literature while also drawing attention to most scholars’ limited engagement with the ways colonial relations of power constitute these flows. We propose an anticolonial approach for conducting global lifestyle migration research and demonstrate both the conceptual and methodological dimensions of such an approach by drawing on research conducted in Talamanca, Costa Rica.
Tourists “stealing” stuff
Authors: Pratt Stephen
Published: September 2020

Hotel guests are sometimes confused as to what they can take from their hotel room. Passengers are sometimes confused as to what they can take from their flight. When passengers take a flight and hotel guests pay for a room, what items are they entitled to? It is not so clear. This research explores this issue. The economic value of these items can be quite prohibitive and represents a direct economic loss to these tourism businesses. The focus of previous research on theft in the tourism and hospitality industry focuses on tourists being robbed or employees stealing from their employers. This research assesses the self-reported incidence of tourists taking items from hotels and airlines and investigates the relationship between tourists taking both free and not-complimentary items and self-reported ethical tourist behavior. Further, we segment and profile the types of tourists who take items from hotels and airlines. We achieve these research objectives by undertaking a quantitative survey through 538 completed questionnaires captured via an in-person intercept method in commonly frequented tourist hot spots in Hong Kong. The incidence of theft is relatively high for some items, but tourists generally know which items they are entitled to and which they are not. There are three segments of tourists in terms of their self-reported behavior of taking items from hotel rooms and off flights: Honest, Impulsive, and Habituals.
Genotype profiles of Helicobacter pylori from gastric biopsies and strains with antimicrobial-induced resistance
Authors: Wang You-hua , Wang Fang-fei , Gong Xiao-ling , Yan Li-li , Zhao Qiao-yun , Song Yan-ping , Zhao Ru-lin , He Ya-jing , Zhou Linfu , Liu Dong-sheng , Xie Yong
Published: September 2020

Background and aims:

The genotypic method could significantly shorten the time needed to obtain antibiotic susceptibility data for Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to explore the profile of H. pylori from gastric biopsies and strains with antibiotic-induced resistance.

Methods:

A total of 124 gastric biopsies were used to perform gene sequencing and to perform bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Seven susceptible strains were selected to develop resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole. Four susceptible strains were selected to transfer candidate mutations. The genotype profiles of these groups were analyzed by sequencing analysis. The antibiotic susceptibility of these strains was detected using the E-test method.

Results:

Phenotypic resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole was observed in 35.5%, 40.0%, and 79.8% strains, respectively. Point mutations in 23 S rRNA, gyrA, and rdxA genes were observed in 39.5%, 38.7%, and 86.3% of gastric biopsies, respectively. The A2143G mutation in the 23S rRNA occurs in most clarithromycin-resistant samples. The A2142C point mutation showed a higher efficacy than A2142G and A2143G for inducing clarithromycin resistance. The D91N and N87K mutations in gyrA occurs in most levofloxacin-resistant samples, and double point mutations showed a higher efficacy than single mutations for inducing levofloxacin resistance. Phenotypic resistance and mutations in rdxA lacked consistency.

Conclusion:

Genotype-based gastric biopsy analysis was reliable for determining clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance. A2143G in 23S rRNA and N87K/D91N in the gyrA gene occurred in most resistant strains. Mutations in the rdxA gene were not good indicators of metronidazole resistance.
Profibrotic function of pulmonary group 2 innate lymphoid cells is controlled by regnase-1
Authors: Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Yaku Ai , Handa Tomohiro , Vandenbon Alexis , Hikichi Yuki , Motomura Yasutaka , Sato Ayuko , Yoshinaga Masanori , Tanizawa Kiminobu , Watanabe Kizuku , Hirai Toyohiro , Chin Kazuo , Suzuki Yutaka , Uehata Takuya , Mino Takashi , Tsujimura Tohru , Moro Kazuyo , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: September 2020

Regnase-1 is an RNase critical for post-transcriptional control of pulmonary immune homeostasis in mice by degrading immune-related mRNAs. However, little is known about the cell types Regnase-1 controls in the lung, and its relevance to human pulmonary diseases.

Regnase-1-dependent changes in lung immune cell types were examined by a competitive bone marrow transfer mouse model, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were identified. Then the associations between Regnase-1 in ILC2s and human diseases were investigated by transcriptome analysis and a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. The clinical significance of Regnase-1 in ILC2s was further assessed using patient-derived cells.

Regnase-1-deficiency resulted in the spontaneous proliferation and activation of ILC2s in the lung. Intriguingly, genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis were highly upregulated inRegnase-1-deficient ILC2s compared with wild-type, and supplementation ofRegnase-1-deficient ILC2s augmented bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Regnase-1 suppresses mRNAs encoding transcription factorsGata3andEgr1, which are potent to regulate fibrosis-associated genes. Clinically, Regnase-1 protein levels in ILC2 negatively correlated with the ILC2 population in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients with ILC2s >1500 cells·mL−1peripheral blood exhibited poorer prognosis than patients with lower numbers, implying the contribution of Regnase-1 in ILC2s for the progression of IPF.

Collectively, Regnase-1 was identified as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of the profibrotic function of ILC2s both in mouse and human, suggesting that Regnase-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for IPF.
Tracing key genes associated with the Pinctada margaritifera albino phenotype from juvenile to cultured pearl harvest stages using multiple whole transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Auffret Pauline , Le Luyer Jérémy , Sham Koua Manaarii , Quillien Virgile , Ky Chin-Long
Published: September 2020

Background

Albino mutations are commonly observed in the animal kingdom, including in bivalves. In the black-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera, albino specimens are characterized by total or partial absence of colouration resulting in typical white shell phenotype expression. The relationship of shell colour with resulting cultured pearl colour is of great economic interest in P. margaritifera, on which a pearl industry is based. Hence, the albino phenotype provides a useful way to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation.

Results

Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing analysis comparing albino and black wild-type phenotypes at three stages over the culture cycle of P. margaritifera revealed a total of 1606, 798 and 187 differentially expressed genes in whole juvenile, adult mantle and pearl sac tissue, respectively. These genes were found to be involved in five main molecular pathways, tightly linked to known pigmentation pathways: melanogenesis, calcium signalling pathway, Notch signalling pathway, pigment transport and biomineralization. Additionally, significant phenotype-associated SNPs were selected (N = 159), including two located in the Pif biomineralization gene, which codes for nacre formation. Interestingly, significantly different transcript splicing was detected between juvenile (N = 1366) and adult mantle tissue (N = 313) in, e.g., the tyrosinase Tyr-1 gene, which showed more complex regulation in mantle, and the Notch1 encoding gene, which was upregulated in albino juveniles.

Conclusion

This multiple RNA-seq approach provided new knowledge about genes associated with the P. margaritifera albino phenotype, highlighting: 1) new molecular pathways, such as the Notch signalling pathway in pigmentation, 2) associated SNP markers with biomineraliszation gene of interest like Pif for marker-assisted selection and prevention of inbreeding, and 3) alternative gene splicing for melanin biosynthesis implicating tyrosinase.
Physician factors associated with increased risk for complaints in primary care emergency services: a case – control study
Authors: Bratland Svein Zander , Baste Valborg , Steen Knut , Diaz Esperanza , Gjelstad Svein , Bondevik Gunnar Tschudi
Published: September 2020

Background

Patient safety incidents defined as any unintended or unexpected incident that could have or were judged to have led to patient harm, are reported as relatively common. In this study patient complaints have been used as an indicator to uncover the occurrence of patient safety incidents in primary care emergency units (PCEUs) in Norway.

Methods

Ten PCEUs in major cities and rural parts of Norway participated. These units cover one third of the Norwegian population. A case-control design was applied. The case was the physician that evoked a complaint. The controls were three randomly chosen physicians from the same PCEU as the physician having evoked the complaint. The following variables regarding the physicians were chosen: gender, citizenship at, and years after authorization as physician, and specialty in general practice. The magnitude of patient contact was defined as the workload at the PCEU. The physicians’ characteristics and workload were extracted from the medical records from the fourteen-day period prior to the consultation that elicited the complaint. The rest of the variables were then obtained from the Norwegian physician position register. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio for complaints both unadjusted and adjusted for the independent variables. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version25) and STATA.

Results

A total of 78 cases and 217 controls were included during 18 months (September 1st 2015 till March 1st 2017). The risk of evoking a complaint was significantly higher for physicians without specialty in general practice, and lower for those with medium low and medium high workload compared to physicians with no duty during the fourteen-day period prior to the index consultation. The limited strength of the study did not make it possible to assess any correlation between workload and the other variables (physician’s gender, seniority and citizenship at time of authorization).

Conclusions

Continuous medical training and achieving the specialty in general practice were decisively associated with a reduced risk for complaints in primary care emergency services. Future research should focus on elements promoting quality of care such as continuing education, duty rosters and other structural and organizational factors.
A high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a poor prognostic factor for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who undergo abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide treatment
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Kato Masashi , Tabata Kenichi , Kojima Ippei , Yamada Hiroshi , Kamihira Osamu , Tsumura Hideyasu , Iwamura Masatsugu , Uemura Hiroji , Miyoshi Yasuhide
Published: September 2020

Background

Inflammatory cytokine markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, play important roles as prognostic markers in several solid malignancies, including prostate cancer. We previously reported the NLR as a poor prognostic marker in bladder cancer, upper-urothelial carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, penile cancer, and prostate cancer. This study examined the importance of the NLR as a prognostic marker for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients who received abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide.

Methods

A total of 805 prostate cancer patients developed in CRPC status were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 449 received abiraterone acetate (ABI; 188 cases) or enzalutamide (ENZ; 261 cases) treatment, and the pre-treatment NLR values of these patients were obtained. We investigated the prognosis in those with higher and lower NLR values.

Results

The median NLR was 2.90, and a receiver operating characteristics analysis suggested a candidate cut-off point of 3.02. The median overall survival (OS) was 17.3 months in the higher NLR group (≥3.02) and 27.3 months in the lower NLR group (< 3.02) (p < 0.0001). This trend was also observed in both the ABI and ENZ groups (ABI: 29.3 vs. 15.1 months; ENZ: NR vs. 19.5 months; p < 0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). A multivariate analysis revealed that a higher NLR was an independent risk factor. The NLR value was thus shown to be correlated with the prostate cancer progression.

Conclusions

A higher NLR was associated with a poorer OS for CRPC patients who received ABI or ENZ. The NLR was positively correlated with prostate cancer progression.